SATURDAY 23TH JANUARY 2021

Makinde Orders Arrest of Masterminds of Eviction Notice to Herders Youth leader defies Governor, insists nomads must leave Oyo community

Festus Akanbi in Lagos and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has directed the state police command to immediately arrest

masterminds of the call for the eviction of Fulani herders from the state as police yesterday took position in the troubled Igangan community, in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Sunday Adeyemo, a Yoruba youth leader better known as Sunday Igboho, had given a seven-day ultimatum to herders to vacate Igangan for their alleged role in the rising cases of kidnaping and

banditry in the community.

When the ultimatum expired yesterday, Igboho visited Igangan, where he addressed a crowd of youth and insisted that the herders must vacate the town.

In his reaction to the threat, Governor Makinde declared that his administration would not allow anyone to threaten the peace of the state by acting unlawfully and saying things alien to the Nigerian

Constitution, noting that acts capable of causing chaos in the state will not be accepted.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Continued on page 5

Finance Minister: Only Moribund State Assets will Be Sold to Fund Budget… Page 5 Saturday 23 January, 2021 Vol 25. No 9421

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Jega Attributes Rising Tension to Concentration of Power, Resources at Centre We should begin to deconcentrate powers assigned to the federal government and reallocate them to states Festus Akanbi Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), Prof.

Attahiru Jega, yesterday

attempted a prognosis of the rising tension in the country, saying the current system of government which assigned too much power and resources to the federal

government should be blamed for widespread discontent in the Nigeria.

Speaking on a live television programme, The Morning Show on Arise TV yesterday,

the former INEC chief who blamed the military era for the absurdity, said there are urgent reasons to address the imbalance.

He said: “Nobody can

doubt the fact that the federal legislative list is unwieldy and concentrate too much power and authority and therefore commensurate resources to the federal government.

“There are so many reasons that brought this about; obviously the legacy of military rule and its own Continued on page 5

COVID-19: Osinbajo Laments, Says Nigeria Facing Critical Situation 1483 new cases recorded in last 24 hours 120 laboratories now activated for tests Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has raised the alarm about COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, saying the country currently has a critical situation on its hands with the rising number of cases recorded daily.

On the same day, Nigeria recorded 1483 new cases of COVID-19, taking the number of confirmed cases to 118,138 nationwide, with 94,150 discharged and 1490 deaths.

Osinbajo spoke yesterday at the Reference Laboratory of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in Gaduwa, Abuja, where he underwent a facility tour, accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora; and the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.

The vice president however said a lot of progress had been Continued on page 5

TACKLING COVID-19...

L-R: Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora; Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Director, Public Health Laboratory Services, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Nwando Mba; and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the VP’s tour of NCDC’s National Reference Laboratory in Gudu, Abuja... yesterday tolani alli

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ˜ ͺͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹

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Finance Minister: Only Moribund State Assets will Be Sold to Fund Budget We are looking at assets lying down and in some cases, even completely rundown The Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, yesterday said only moribund state assets would be sold to fund the 2021 federal budget.

Following the disclosure by Ahmed on January 12 that the federal government’s plan to sell some of its assets and use the money generated to fund the deficit in the 2021 budget, some

concerned Nigerians warned that selling such public assets would hurt Nigeria in the future.

But Ahmed, who spoke on a television programme yesterday, said only non-performing public assets would be sold to the private sector and that it would be to the benefit of Nigerians, including boosting the economy.

Though, the minister did not

list the assets to be sold, she noted that they are properties that could not be managed by the government and “are not providing any benefit to Nigerians in their current state.”

Ahmed said: “A lot of government assets are currently moribund and provide little or no value to Nigerians in their current state. There are some government

assets that are dead that can be sold to the private sector to be reactivated and put to use for the benefit of Nigerians.

“Yes, the privatisation process is an ongoing process. Every year in our annual budget, we have a provision for privatisation proceeds – from the sale of the government’s assets. There are some assets that have been

scheduled for sale for years.

“So we are looking at different – and I am a member of the National Council on Privatisation – we are looking at different categories of government assets that government has not been able to manage, that are lying down and in some cases even completely rundown, to cede them off to the private sector.

“The intention is not just funding the budget, it is to reactivate these assets and hand it over and have them bring contributions to the growth in the economy.”

She said the Bureau of Public Enterprises would in the first quarter of this year begin to coordinate with other arms of government on the asset sales.

that she has resumed fully.

She vowed that the Oyo State Police Command would secure the lives and property of the people and ensure that the people go to bed with two eyes closed.

She said: “We are here to formally tell you that we have resumed duty. As you can see, some of us are here. So, we came with the promise that we want to make the lives and property of the people of Oyo State safe and secure. We want the people to go to bed with their eyes closed.”

She equally noted that the police officers had started “visibility policing” in all the nooks and crannies of the state and have returned to their duty posts and are poised to reduce crimes to the barest minimum level in the state.

Earlier, the Oyo State Police Command had warned residents

of the state against engaging in any act of lawlessness and violence in any part of the state.

Onadeko, gave this warning in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Olugbenga Fadeyi.

The new CP in in reference to the quit notice said the police aligned themselves with the position of the governor and said the police were ready to ensure the adequate security of every law-abiding resident of the state.

The statement read, “This is to inform the good people of Oyo State that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police Command, CP. Ngozi Onadeko, has keenly followed development and statement, emanating from different individuals, regarding security situation in the “state.

MAKINDE ORDERS ARREST OF MASTERMINDS OF EVICTION NOTICE TO HERDERS Mr. Taiwo Adisa said Governor Makinde called for the immediate arrests of those stoking tension in the state, saying such people should be treated as criminals.

Speaking while receiving the newly posted Commissioner of Police in the state, Mrs. Ngozi Onadeko, the governor said: “For people stoking ethnic tension, they are criminals and once you get them, they should be arrested and treated like common criminals.

“For this administration, the major pillar for us is security, because we know that all the good economic plans we have won’t be possible in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity.

“So, when people say things that are neither lawful nor within the spirit of Nigeria’s Constitution, it is not acceptable here. And they cannot hide under

the guise of protecting Yoruba's interest to perpetuate chaos in the state.

“I am sure that since you came in, you must have heard about some things happening at Ibarapa axis of the state. I will still say it here that we are not after Hausa-Fulani. We are after criminals.

“We are after hoodlums and bandits irrespective of their tribe, religion, or creed. Those are the people we are after. If you look into the records, when we had the armed robbery incident at Okeho in Kajola Local Government Area of the state, some people were killed, some were arrested and we found out that they were from Ebira, from Kogi State. So, we want to go after the criminals – whether they are Yoruba, Hausa, Fulani or whoever they are.”

The governor equally said

that his administration would continue to synergise with all security agencies in the state to fight criminal elements, adding that his government will continue to place priority on the welfare of the officers and men of the Police Force in the state.

Governor Makinde, who stated that his government would ensure that all security agencies work together to ensure a secure and peaceful Oyo State, also pointed out that the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Operation Amotekun, like federal security agencies, is working towards the same objective of securing the state.

“Amotekun here in Oyo State is working with us towards the same objective. We need intelligence to know about criminals before they even strike.

It is one of the major reasons why we set up Amotekun; to

be able to gather intelligence in all the wards in Oyo State.

“But the same people that demonised Amotekun are the ones now telling us that a certain ethnic nationality should leave this place.

“For us, we will ensure that all the security agencies work together. I will encourage interaction with all other agencies and once we have that synergy, we will ensure that the objective of the people going about their businesses with no fear of being molested will be attained.

Makinde had earlier on Wednesday in a state broadcast condemned the threat to evict the Fulani, while warning those behind the threat to desist or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

The new Commissioner of Police said that the visit was to formally inform the governor

Continued on page 16

JEGA ATTRIBUTES RISING TENSION TO CONCENTRATION OF POWER, RESOURCES AT CENTRE continuous impacts in the period to transition to democracy in 1999 but that is not the issue.

“The issue is anybody who compares the Nigeria’s federal legislative list with the federal legislature in any federal country of the world will clearly see the imbalance. We should address that and begin to deconcentrate the power assigned to the federal government and reallocate it to the state governments.”

Jega believed that the current clamour for resource control will subside once more power and more resources are deployed to the state level, which is closer to the Nigerian people.

According to him, “Doing so will also means taking those resources associated with those responsibilities from the federal government to the state level.

If we do that, you will see the main reason why there is a lot of clamour for who controls the federal government. Those who

control our federal resources vandalise them and privatise them.”

Jega, who is also a chieftain of the People Redemption Party, explained that once more responsibilities are given to the state government, the challenge is to ensure there is a good governance framework at the state level so that resources assigned to that tier of government are not commandeered by reckless governors or reckless chairmen of local governments who may want to divert them to personal use through corruption.

“Once there are a lot of resources at the state level, the attention of local elite will now focus on how such resources are managed and utilised and how they become beneficial to our citizens,”Jega submitted.

The former INEC chief believed there are crucial steps that could be taken to bring

peace to the country before the 2023 general elections.

Jega, who disagreed with the federal government’s position that aggrieved individuals could approach the national assembly, said there are some quick fixes available to the federal government if there is political will.

One of such, according to him, is to revisit the report of the two most recent constitutional conferences.

“It is possible to push for restructuring and focus on the low hanging fruits between now and 2023 and consolidate with other reforms and we ensure that post 2023, we have better elected leaders whether at the federal or the state levels, people who respect democracy and those who will be selfless in the way they serve the people, people that manage resources and satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the people. We

will be able to avoid all those crises and conflicts we had in the First Republic. The problem was not limited to authoritarian and selfish disposition of leaders to the people but also to the issue of lack of respect to different opinions.

Consequently, he pointed out: “One low hanging fruit before the 2023 election is a quick constitutional amendment. I think it is possible for the federal government between now and 2023 to set up a very small technical committee but which is very broadly inclusive to be able to study the recommendations of the 2005 political reform conference and the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and should be able to bring this out in terms of priorities and then to be able to identify them in terms of what should be addressed in the short and medium terms. I think it is possible to do this given the

intellectual resources we have in this country. We should be able to get competent people from across the country that should be able to do this dispassionately within the shortest possible time.”

Warning against any action that could raise tensions further, Jega said: “I insist there must be justice and fairness in the way we distribute resources that are generated from each of the component units of the federation.

“What will upset the present arrangement is the mobilisation of ethnic, religious and other irredentist tendencies. This is why I said that the challenge of improving the federal arrangement through some forms of restructuring is the challenge of ensuring that all these variables which are being mobilised in the politics of restructuring do not end up creating so much divisions so much that Nigeria, which is like

the apple cart, is destroyed and the whole objective is lost. That was what I meant and the best way to do this is not through revolution in the destructive sense but which I have argued should be incremental positive changes.

“Things have been so bad, I keep saying this. In fact, this is what applies to many sectors of our country. Things have been so bad for so long, particularly on the issue of imbalance and inequality in our federal arrangement that it will require careful planning, systematic planning and a time frame within when to address this.

“A revolutionary, destructive approach, in the sense that we have to do everything at the same time, will be counter-productive and the little history we have trying to fix constitutional amendment showed that it can’t work .”

of public sector that we all want.

“So, to all staff of the NCDC and Public Health Teams across the states, thank you for the excellent work that you do. I want you all to know that your country is extremely proud of you. Incredible as it may sound, you are indeed making history every single day.”

The Vice President also spoke on the ground-breaking research of several Nigerians towards creating a cure for the COVID-19 virus.

He said: “Last week I was in briefing meetings, listening to the landmark research of a team of Professors from LUTH who are investigating the efficacy of some of the drugs in the therapeutic management of Covid-19 and are researching its prophylactic use.

“A few days later, I was listening to Professor Christian Happi and his team who have produced a ground-breaking COVID-19 rapid test, but more remarkably, are developing a

Nigerian anti Covid-19 vaccine.”

The Vice-President further urged Nigerians to continue to comply with COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical measures, urging all Nigerians to comply with the advice of “our scientists and healthcare professionals and to continue to take every measure to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.”

Osinbajo assured: “We will come through this period of our history as we have come through all previous seasons of adversity – by working together, protecting each other, believing in each other and committing to seeing better days ahead for our nation.”

The Vice President was taken round the laboratories

by Ihekweazu and he also interacted with a select group of staff.

Osinbajo paid tribute to the memory of the late NCDC staff, Uche Njoku, who died in the course of service.

COVID-19: OSINBAJO LAMENTS, SAYS NIGERIA FACING CRITICAL SITUATION made since Nigeria’s first case was reported in February 2020.

For example, he disclosed that 120 laboratories nationwide – 70 of them public laboratories – had been activated for COVID-19 testing, resulting in significant ramping up of Nigeria’s testing and case management capacity.

He said due to the diligent work of Nigeria’s health workers and experts across the nation, the country had expanded its public health response capabilities and now making progress in the public health sector after the nation’s first COVID-19 case last year.

Osinbajo said: “We have expanded the footprint of our sovereign public health response capabilities especially at the subnational level and in areas where previously such capabilities did not exist. Not so long ago, test samples had to be flown out of the country for examination. This is no longer the case as we now have the

capacity to process samples internally.”

The vice president observed that such an achievement should not be taken for granted, and “it is one that we are determined to consolidate on.”

He said: “This very facility is a testament to the strides that we have made during a short period. While we are not yet where we want to be as a nation, we are most certainly not where we were at the onset of the pandemic.”

The Vice President then applauded Nigeria’s public and private healthcare specialists and workers in the line of duty for ensuring the safety, cure and prevention of majority of Nigerians from the COVID-19 virus, sometimes under extremely challenging circumstances.

Osinbajo said: “Thousands of health professionals have been working tirelessly on Nigeria’s COVID-19 public health response. From the people

across sample collection sites and laboratories ensuring testing, and our dedicated physicians, nurses and other health workers in treatment centres providing care to the sick, to our medical scientists that are conducting research on various aspects of this plague. We also have State Public Health Teams working hard to ensure data reporting and analysis, contact tracing, risk communications and so much more.

“Within this period, you have all worked extremely hard to activate testing in all states of our country, you have increased our knowledge of this disease, grown our capacity to swiftly identify those infected by the plague and render aid to them.

“I know that the work you do can often seem thankless and the long hours you put in unnoticed and unappreciated. Often, it happens in the background and in the shadows, away from public attention and it will not

often grab the headlines. But it only seems this way. In truth, this is the sort of work that builds nations and saves lives.

“When the record of our response to this unprecedented threat to our public health is written, the efforts of our healthcare professionals will occupy a significant place with the thanks of a grateful nation.”

The Vice-President also gave special commendation to NCDC: “The excellent work I have witnessed today at the NCDC Reference Laboratory is one of the best examples of how this pandemic has produced at least one silver lining, a showcasing of the remarkable skills and talents of our public health experts, here at NCDC and across the health sector.

“Fair to say that the staff of the NCDC and all those engaged in Nigeria’s COVID-19 public health response, represent public service at its very best in Nigeria, and are an example of the type

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

ÏáÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ý×Ý ÙØÖã̚ ×ËÓÖ ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Appeal Court Unseals Seplat Petroleum’s Offices Tobi Soniyi

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the interim order issued by a Federal High Court sealing the corporate offices of Seplat Petroleum Development Company over loan which Cardinal Drilling Services Limited allegedly owed Access Bank Plc. Justice Joseph Ikyegh while delivering a ruling on an application by the petroleum company for an order of the court suspending the interim order of the Federal High Court pending the determination of

the appeal filed by Seplat, held that the balance of convenience favoured the petroleum company.

He held that Access Bank had nothing to lose if Seplat continued to discharge its obligation to its numerous clients.

Two other justices of the court - Umaru Abubakar and Bayero Abdullahi Mahmoud agreed with the lead ruling. The appellate court also lifted the order stopping banks from fulfilling their obligations to Seplat under banks-customers relationship.

Justice Ikyegh, however, ordered the company to issue a bond of $20 million in the name

Again, S’Court Rejects Abacha Family’s Request to Access Foreign Accounts Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Supreme Court for the second time dashed the hope of members of the late General Sani Abacha family, following the dismissal of another of their appeals seeking access to seized funds in foreign bank accounts of the late Head of State and some members of the family.

The first appeal filed by Abba Sani, was dismissed by the apex court on February 7, 2020 for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

The Supreme Court had in the judgment held that the suit was statute barred and as such liable for dismissal.

The Abacha family had since 2004 filed different suits challenging the legality of a request by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration for the seizure and subsequent transfer of funds found in foreign accounts belonging to the late General and some members of his family.

The request was based on a mutual legal assistance between Nigeria and the UK, Switzerland, U.S. amongst others.

The agreement has yielded several fruitful results with the return of over $300 million from the United States and Island of New Jersey to Nigeria last year.

But efforts by the Abacha family to get access to the seized funds once again proved abortive as the apex court in a judgment on Friday held that the appeal this time by Ali Abacha, was also

incompetent and lacking in merit.

The five member panel led by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta held that the appeal by Ali was not different from that of Abba the court dismissed last year.

In the unanimous judgment prepared by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, although read

by Justice Ejembi Eko, the apex court noted that the same facts and issues which were decided recently by it in SC. 68/2010 Alhaji Abba Mohammed Sani Vs the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation are the same canvassed by the Ali in his own case.

“Although the appellants are different, the facts and issues in contention are the same. Both had their bank accounts in Switzerland and other countries frozen as result of the authorisation given to the Swiss law firm by the respondents.

“In the earlier case, the contention was also that the respondents acted outside the scope of their duties under a repealed law and were therefore not entitled to seek refuge under section 2(a) of the Public Officer Protection Act,” the apex court held.

The Supreme Court further stated that just like Abba’s case, Ali’s own has also become statute-barred and incompetent on the grounds that it was not filed at the trial court within three months of the occurrence of the action complained about, thereby flouting section 2(a) of the Public Officer Protection Act.

NIMC Begins Enrolment of Diplomats Emma Okonji The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced the enrolment of diplomats in Nigeria.

Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, Mr. Kayode Adegoke, who made the disclosure in a statement yesterday, said the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in his bid to ensure seamless enrolment of all diplomats in the country for the purpose of the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage and other needs, directed the setting up

of the enrolment Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, adding that the enrolment of the diplomats started on Monday 18th January, 2021.

According to him, “NIMC wishes to assure members of the general public that all hands are on deck to ensure the enrolment of all Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database.”

The federal government had last week, reactivated additional registration centres at some strategic areas in Abuja to speed up enrolment for National Identification Number (NIN).

of the court’s Chief Registrar, an order the company’s counsel Etigwe Uwa, SAN said had been complied with.

In suspending the order, the court noted that Seplat supplied gas to three power plants that generate almost 40 per cent of power supply in Nigeria and that it would not be able to deliver this service if the order was not suspended.

The court rejected Access Bank’s argument that suspending the interim order would amount to dabbling into the substantive issues that ought to be determined while hearing the main appeal.

Justice Ikyegh held: “The

fear and anxiety expressed by the 1st Respondent (Access Bank) appeared unfounded.

It would also not amount to hearing the substantive suit.”

He further held that the Supreme Court had established the principle that in appropriate cases, the discretion of the court should be exercised in favour of the party that would suffer if the interim order was not lifted.

His Lordship held: “The Supreme Court has held that where machines and workers would be rendered useless, the court would intervene.

“Disruption of business should be considered in the

issue of balance of convenience.

The court will exercise its discretion in suspending the injunction.

“Practical approach should be adopted and not do injustice to any of the parties. “Where considerable hardship will be done to a party, the court will intervene by suspending the injunction or stay it.

“I found substance in the argument. The injunction restraining the appellant from operating is hereby suspended.

“Order on its accounts are also lifted pending the determination of the appeal.”

In an affidavit deposed to in support of the application,

Seplat maintained that it had no connection whatsoever with the loan in issue or the debenture with which it was secured and that the High Court was wrong to have issued the order sealing its premises.

The company explained that the loan agreements evidenced by letters of offer of credit facility were all between Diamond Bank Plc. (now Access Bank Plc.) and Cardinal Drilling Services Limited, while the three Deeds of Debenture to the loan were over specific and fixed assets of Cardinal Drilling viz four Drilling Rigs set out in the schedules of the three Deeds of Debenture.

TOUR OF DUTY… L-R: Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the first female Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Ngozi Vivian Onadeko, during her first official visit to the governor at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, yesterday.

Truck Owners to Use NPA’s E-Call to Access Apapa Ports from Feb. 27 Bennett Oghifo

As from February 27, all trucks doing business at the ports in Apapa, Lagos, will be required to park at the approved truck parks until they are called up into the port through an electronic call up system (Eto app) of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The Eto application will be responsible for the scheduling, entry and exit of all trucks into the ports with effect from 27th February 2021, according to a statement yesterday that was signed by the Assistant General

Manager Corporate & Strategic Communications of NPA, Ibrahim S. Nasiru, on behalf of the General Manager Corporate & Strategic Communications.

The statement said empty containers would also be returned by the shipping companies from their holding bays using the same app platform, explaining that the system was part of efforts aimed at finding a permanent solution to the problem of truck congestion at Apapa and its environs.

The statement said, “The Authority is pleased to announce

the commencement of Eto, the Electronic Truck call-up system designed for the management of truck movement and access to and from the Lagos Ports Complex and the Tin Can Island Ports, Apapa, Lagos.

“Therefore, all transporters, trucks owners and truck drivers will be required to download the Eto App from Google play store or sign up at http://eto.ttp.com. ng before the commencement date to enable them register accordingly.”

On the return of empty containers, the Authority said,

“Cargo owners should please note that empty containers can only be returned to the ports through the approved holding bays of shipping companies using the Eto Platform. It is the responsibility of the shipping company to move empty containers from their holding bay to the Port. All cargo owners have to do is drop their empty containers at the holding bay of the shipping company. The shipping company will then make the necessary bookings on the Eto platform to return empty containers to the Port.

University Non-Teaching Staff to Begin Indefinite Strike February 5 Onyebuchi Ezigbo ËØÎ Kuni Tyessi ÓØ ÌßÔË

Non-teaching staff of federal universities in the country have given the federal government up till February 5th to address their grievances or face an indefinite industrial action.

The notice to the government was read out to journalists yesterday by the leadership of Joint Action Committee of the union, led by SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim

and NASU General Secretary, Comrade Peter Adeyemi.

The non-teaching staff under the auspices of the Non Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) had earlier undertaken a three-day protest at all the universities in the country to draw government’s attention to their grievances.

In their press statement read out to journalists, the unions

said: “In line with the resolution of our members nationwide, that the leadership of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU hereby resolved “that members of NASU and SSANU shall embark on an indefinite, comprehensive and total strike with effect from midnight of Friday, February 5, 2021.

“That the two weeks’ notice, effective from today, January 22 is hereby given to government

and relevant stakeholders of this development,” it said.

The two unions listed their grievances to include, inconsistencies in the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), non-payment of Earned Allowances, non-payment of arrears of national minimum wage, delay in renegotiation of FG/NASU and SSANU 2009 agreement and non-payment of retirement benefits of outgone members.

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NEWS

Sule: Boko Haram Terrorising Nasarawa State Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË

COMMISERATION… Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (right) with the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, after the burial Mass for the Speaker’s late elder brother, Chief Anthony Ubosi, held at St. Mary Catholic Parish, Umuchigbo Iji Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, yesterday

Four Feared Killed as Kidnappers, Soldiers Clash in Ondo James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ

No fewer than four suspected kidnappers were feared killed yesterday, when they clashed with soldiers along Owo-Ifon Highway in Ondo State.

Four of the soldiers, were also said to have sustained injuries in the clash.

The soldiers were said to be on patrol along the road when they reportedly rammed into the kidnappers who had barricaded the road, and were attempting to abduct some travellers.

It was gathered that the hoodlums had already kidnapped some victims when the soldiers got to the scene.

A source said, “On sighting the soldiers, the hoodlums opened fire on them and the soldiers responded and killed

four of the hoodlums while four of the soldiers were also wounded.

“The gun duel lasted for almost an hour but the kidnappers left the victims and ran into the forest while the injured soldiers were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo.” When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, confirmed the incident and said men of the command were already in the forest in search of the bandits.

“Our men have combed the forest while investigation has begun into the incident.

About four soldiers were wounded in the attack,” Ikoro stated.

The spokesman for the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Captain Ayorinde

Omojokun, when contacted on telephone, promised to call back but had not done so as at the time of filing this report.

In a related development, residents of Owobamigbe Farm Settlement, in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reportedly fled the community for fear of being attack by the Fulani herdsmen.

It was gathered that fight broke out between a cassava farmer and herdsmen in the community as it was alleged that the herdsmen used their cows to destroy large expanse of cassava farms located in the area.

A source said the fight broke out yesterday morning when the son of the farmer met some herders at the farm uprooting cassava to feed

their cows and an attempt by him to stop them made the herdsmen to allegedly machete him, inflicting various degrees of injury on him.

The source said it was the other famers that rescued the boy.

A resident of the community, Mr. Michael Abiodun, explained that the villagers had started leaving the area for fear of further attacks by the herdsmen.

Abiodun said, “We are not going to sleep in our hamlets for now because anytime we have issues with herdsmen, they would always come back at night to attack us.”

He urged the police and Amotekun corps in the state to come to their rescue and beef up security in the area to prevent bloodshed.

FG to Evacuate Nigerians Stranded in Saudi Arabia Bennett Oghifo

The federal government has said it would evacuate not less than 600 Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia for over seven months before the end of this month.

“Nigerian irregular migrants in Saudi Arabia are due to be evacuated on the 28 and 29th of January pending any unforeseen

issues. Their evacuation was delayed due to issues relating to COVID-19. We appeal to Nigerians to resist traveling abroad without proper documents,” tweeted the Chairman of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday in reaction to video made by the stranded Nigerians to appeal for the federal

government’s intervention.

These Nigerians, who are being held in squalid conditions at government facility in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, will be evacuated in batches, according to her. These over-stayers stated in the video, “We are here more than three months, six months, seven months ago, without any action, no better information on transport to

Nigeria.

“According to the rules and regulations of this location, we are not supposed to be here for more than two weeks.

“Most nationals of other countries have been flown back to their countries. Only we Nigerians don’t have any source or way of getting back. Festus Akanbi “I’m here on behalf of others to seek your assistance to get us back to our country.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday warned it would sanction International Transfer Operators (IMTOs) who fail to pay all remittances in foreign currencies. figment of imagination of the A circular signed by the Italian prosecutors as I had no apex bank’s director of reason whatsoever to use the Trade and Exchange Departemail of a company belonging ment, Mr. O S Nnaji, said to Aliyu Ababakar, or indeed it has come to the notice of any other company, to transact the bank that some IMTOs government business. and unlicensed companies “The Italian prosecutors are continued to facilitate thus engaged in their usual antics diaspora remittances into of fabricating evidence in order Nigeria in Naira, in clear to secure the conviction of those contravention of the CBN’s standing trial at all cost, knowing directive that all remittances fully well that I am not a party be paid to beneficiaries in to the proceedings and therefore dollars. have no opportunity, on the The circular reads, “For record, to counter and expose the avoidance of doubts, the their illegalities. This is not only Central Bank of Nigeria further reprehensible, but unethical.” clarifies that : Only licensed

OPL 245 Case: Adoke Accuses Italian Prosecutors of Fabricating Evidence against Him Davidson Iriekpen

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, has accused Italian prosecutors of fabricating evidence against him in the OPL 245 trial in Milan in order to nail accused persons.

The controversial OPL 245 deal involved the payment of $1.3 billion by Royal Dutch Shell and Eni for an oil block owned

by Malabu Oil and Gas in 2011.

The Italian prosecutors had alleged that about $1.1 billion of the sum was given as bribe to

politicians and intermediaries.

On Wednesday, they asked a Milan Court to accept two emails sent to Italy by UK authorities.

According to the prosecutors, the first email, detailing copies of the resolution agreement in respect of the acquisition of OPL 245, was sent by Adoke to JPMorgan from the email address of a company owned

by Aliyu Abubakar, a Nigerian business mogul who allegedly shared the said bribe — an allegation he denies.

Abubakar is on trial in Italy.

But in a statement issued

yesterday, Adoke said the Italian prosecutors are fabricating evidence against him.

The former AGF described the development as a “wicked lie” which seeks to establish a link between him and Abubakar.

“I have read with dismay reports of the attempt by the Italian prosecutor to tender fabricated evidence concerning me in the on-going OPL 245 proceedings before a Milan court to which I am not a party,” the statement reads.

“I wish to categorically declare that the so-called email is a

Boko Haram insurgents appear to have extended their operations outside the North East geo-political zone to the North Central as Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State cried out loud yesterday that the insurgents are currently terrorising the people of the state.

He, however, said a joint military operation recently carried out at the group’s camps resulted in the killing of several Boko Haram insurgents and arrest of 900 others.

Sule, in an interview with journalists after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, explained that though the terrorists had been dislodged from Toto Local Government Area of the state where they had camped, they have now regrouped at the Nasarawa/ Benue border from where they are now launching attacks on residents.

He stated that the purpose of his visit to the President was to discuss the insecurity situation in the state among other issues, including the possible federal government take-over of Jitata Road, which serves as an alternative route from the state to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to him, the Nasarawa terrorists belong to the Darussalam group that had been dislodged from Niger State.

He added that upon a joint security operation, a lot of them were killed while 900 were arrested while those arrested confirmed their membership of the Boko Haram terrorist group.

Asked how he was able to identify the terrorists as Boko Haram members, Sule said: “First and foremost, it was easy for us to know who these people are.

If you remember, they used to gather at a place called Utu in Toto Local Government Area (LGA).

“When I came here the last time, I appealed to Mr. President.

Then, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, the Air Force, and the Army had a joint operation and they were able to dislodge them.

“When they dislodged them, a lot of them were killed. Some of them ran away and left members of their families. We took hostage about 900 members of their families in Lafia, including children and wives.

“The Special Forces which we have in Doma, Nasarawa State, took the hostages. A lot of interrogations were done and most of them confirmed that they were indeed Boko Haram.

In fact, they gave us the name of the person who used to be like the second-in-command to Shekau.

“So, during the interrogation, they confirmed themselves that they were indeed Boko Haram.

Some of them said they were remnants of Darussalam group that were dislodged from Niger.

They came, merged, and became Boko Haram. That is how we got our confirmation that they were indeed Boko Haram. They said it themselves.”

On the fate of Boko Haram members arrested in the state, the governor explained: “When we took the hostages, actually, we had to disperse them. A lot of them were families of different people in the country that were kidnapped. In most cases, when they kidnap women, they marry them off. We had a lot of kidnapped women that were married off. We released them back to their various States and families.

“We got people from about 17 States. A few of them were from Niger Republic. We handed over those from Niger Republic to DSS. We handed over those from States to their various governments through DSS offices in their domains.”

Commenting on his meeting with Buhari, the governor said: “I have come to see the leader of our party, the leader of the nation, and our father, Mr President, to brief him about some of the activities happening in my State, especially first in the area of security that we continue to have challenges with a team of Boko Haram who had settled at the border with the FCT. And we thank the security forces that they have been able to dislodge them.

CBN: Diaspora Remittances Must be Paid in Foreign Currencies IMTOs are permitted to carry on the business of facilitating diaspora remittances into Nigeria; All diaspora remittances must be received by beneficiaries in foreign currency only(cash and/or transfers to domiciliary accounts of recipients); IMTOs are not permitted, under any circumstance to disburse diaspora remittances in Naira (either in cash or by electronic transfers), be it through Naira.

The apex bank explained that these measures are intended to promote transparency, grow diaspora remittances and significantly improve foreign exchange inflows into Nigeria.

It warned that strict sanctions, including withdrawal of operating licences shall be imposed on individuals and/or institutions found to be aiding, abetting or directly contravening these guidelines.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

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Nomadic Cattle Rearing Must End

omadic cattle rearing is an aberration in modern societies. Nigeria cannot be an exception. Regrettably, it is still a way of life in my beloved country.

In this modern era herdsmen still move their cattle from place to place in search of pasture. This has left a bitter taste in many mouths across our country, with some herders killing and maiming, while searching for meadows for their cows. The frictions between farmers and herders are unending. From Katsina to Zamfara, back to Ondo and to Enugu; the story is the same, with blood flowing. It gives me headache whenever I think about this. It is even more painful to note that the Buhari government promotes nomadic cattle rearing by its actions and inactions. I will never forget the “Ruga” plan that was mooted last year.

Killer herders have been emboldened by this government. What a shame.

Must state governments fold their arms while killer herders maim, kill and abduct their people? Definitely not! I guess that was why Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State ordered herdsmen to vacate all the forest reserves in the state and end night grazing in his bid to check the spate of insecurity. The governor also banned the herdsmen from moving their cattle along the highways and within the cities, adding that security reports and debriefings from kidnap victims pointed in one direction traceable to some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen.

He said: “We decided that all the criminal elements hiding under various guises to aid the destruction of farmlands as well as perpetrate other violent crimes such as kidnapping, drug peddling and other nefarious activities must be stamped out of our dear state. We have cases of several attacks on our people by these mindless elements. You will recall the gruesome murder of one of the members of the Ondo State Traditional Council who was caught in the web of the devious plans of these workers of evil on his way back to his domain.”

Akeredolu, who said criminal elements had turned forest reserves in the state and across the South-west into hideouts for keeping kidnap victims, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities, gave seven days ultimatum to the herdsmen to leave all forest reserves in the state.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), which is the apex association of herdsmen in the country, is unhappy with this order. I am not surprised. MACBAN is obviously opposed to change. These guys want this country to continue with this Stone Age method of rearing cattle.

MACBAN’s Secretary-General Usman BabaNgelzerma even challenged Akeredolu: “If they asked them (Fulani nomadic cattle farmers) to vacate the forest reserves, have they provided an alternative for them to graze? Where will they graze if they leave the forest reserves?

As it is now, we are not aware of any order to vacate. My chairman is not aware. Even I just read about it in the media. When we have confirmed, we will know what to do. Nigerians must be aware of the fact that not all herdsmen are members of Miyetti Allah.”

I was left depressed after reading the reaction of Buhari to Akeredolu’s order. Our President openly backed the archaic nomadic cattle rearing.

He said Akeredolu “will be the least expected to unilaterally oust thousands of herders who have lived all their lives in the state on account of the infiltration of the forests by criminals.”

The position of Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, on this issue is instructive. He said governors are constitutionally empowered to take hold of their territory and safeguard the lives and properties of people: “The constitution that the presidency is referring to is being misconceived and misinterpreted. Section 43 that grants people the right to own properties anywhere in Nigeria cannot be construed as taking other people’s properties. Section 44 of our constitution is against the compulsory takeover of lands. Let the presidency read the constitution properly. What the herders are doing is a forceful takeover of people’s land which is unconstitutional.

“Your right to acquire properties is that you acquire it according to law and follow due process.

When you get to a forest, it rather belongs to

Akeredolu

an individual, a community, or government.

So, if you want to come to occupy a forest as a stranger, you must obtain the consent of any of the owners. You are a trespasser and any of them can activate a process to forfeit your trespass. This is what the governor has done by giving notice. What the law requires is seven days to forfeit the occupation of a place occupied illegally. It is the presidency that is not conversant with the laws of our land, not Akeredolu.”

For me, the issue is not just about extinguishing criminal elements among the herders or chasing them out of Ondo forests. It is about ending this aberration called nomadic cattle rearing. President Buhari, Baba-Ngelzerma and other MACBAN members should get this right.

Politics and sentiments have prevented the Buhari government and indeed previous governments from ending this abnormality. The way to go is ranching. Governments at the federal and state levels must help these herders settle into ranches. As a first step, nomadic cattle rearing must be banned at all levels and the herders must return to their states with their cows. It is not a big deal. They must return to base.

For me, there has to be a quick end to the persistent nomadic herdsmen and farmers’ clashes in different communities across our country. The fighting assumed a frightening dimension under the Buhari administration, resulting in hundreds of deaths on both sides for almost six years. I often soak my pillows with tears each time lives are lost during these clashes. We all must work hard to preserve sacred human lives. It seems Buhari and his legions of sycophants are not on the same page with enlightened Nigerians on this. So sad.

It is shocking that most of those that want this nonsense to continue are widely travelled.

I am sure they have never come across cattle on the streets of any Western European country or in the United States. Even in some African countries, nomadic cattle rearing have long become history. Kenya has also done a lot of work to limit open grazing. MACBAN and their supporters surely know that nobody should be roaming with cattle in the 21st century.

Ranching simply means farms for cattle and not death sentence for the cows. For years,

herdsmen in Nigeria have resisted change.

They are opposed to any attempt to modernise their mode of operation. These herdsmen are ignorantly opposed to ranching. Few years back, the Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the North-east, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, said: “open grazing is our culture and you cannot wake up one day and stop me from practicing my culture. Cattle colony is not our culture. We have our culture and tradition and we want to maintain it.”

This is the height of ignorance. These nomads must be forced back to their homes and accept change. Things have just got to change. For northern state governors, they must create an enabling environment for ranching to happen.

These governors have travelled widely and seen modern cattle ranches in developed countries.

They can create same here, with artificial lakes.

Industrial boreholes, powered by solar energy, will pump uninterrupted water to sustain artificial lakes all year round.

It is outdated and absolutely unnecessary for herdsmen to be running down South in search of pastures. Governors of our northern states must learn from the late Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, who turned thousands of miles of desert into arable land. They must learn from Gaddafi’s “Great Man-Made River,” with which the former Libyan leader funneled water from underground by installing a large number of bore wells throughout Libya. Through this process, big farms were created in hitherto deserts. Nigerian borehole engineers can also install multiple industrial boreholes in the artificial lakes I talked about.

The point I am making with the Libyan example is that the core northern states can, through a deliberate policy, also turn their dry lands into green lands all year round, which will encourage herdsmen to stay and embrace ranching. If we replicate the Libyan miracle in the Northern states, there will be hays and water for their cows all year round. Farmers will have water to plant hays all year round and huge agriculture value chain businesses will develop around the ranches. The herdsmen will purchase hays to feed the cows from the farmers, thereby establishing and sustaining a peaceful affinity with farmers. Milk, leather,

Ranching simply means farms for cattle and not death sentence for the cows. For years, herdsmen in Nigeria have resisted change. They are opposed to any attempt to modernise their mode of operation.

These herdsmen are ignorantly opposed to ranching. These nomads must be forced back to their homes and accept change.

Things have just got to change.

meat processing and corned beef industries will also spring up around the cattle ranches.

Ranching is evidently the magic wand that will turn around the economy of Northern Nigeria. This is the truth. Education in this region will also benefit as schools can easily be provided for children of the herders around the cattle ranches instead of the current bogus nomadic education programme. This talk about local cattle not being fit for ranching is false and one of the attempts by herdsmen to frustrate the transformation of their activities. Former governor Gabriel Suswam also has a ranch in Kansio area of Makurdi with predominantly local cows. Northern governors need to visit this Suswam ranch to convince Fulani herdsmen that local cows can be ranched.

Remarks that the killer herdsmen across our country are mainly from other West African countries are preposterous and should not stop the match towards cattle ranching. Once we put our house in order, these West African herdsmen will be forced to abide by our laws.

I also remember that in 2018, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, one of the cattle-producing states, endorsed ranching as a solution to the mindless killings in our country, resulting from herdsmen and farmers’ clashes.

He urged Fulani herdsmen to come to his state and make use of the vast grazing land set aside for them and their cattle. He unambiguously called on Fulani herdsmen in Benue and Taraba states to relocate to Kano State immediately and enjoy some form of ranching. Herdsmen of Kano State origin hardly move out because the state has ranching facilities. I was bewildered when I saw some of the pictures of the grazing land and ranches on television. These controlled grazing lands and ranches are already home to thousands of cattle. For me, this is the way to go.

Kano State’s grazing land in Rogo, Gaya, Kura, Tudun Wada and Ungogo and the facilities provided to accommodate the herdsmen and their cattle are inspiring. This state has the capability to keep more herders in regulated grazing lands.

One other project suggested by Ganduje, which I believe would drastically reduce the awkward nomadic rearing of cattle, was to convert the Falgore Game Reserve in the state into a modern grazing land. This reserve has the capacity for millions of cattle and the herdsmen.

Ganduje said: “The location has been designed to accommodate schools, human and animal clinics, markets, recreational centres and other social amenities that would provide the herdsmen enough comfort to take care of their animals and transact their business without any hindrance. These killings must stop. We cannot afford to continue to witness these senseless killings in the name of Fulani herdsmen and farmers clash over lack of grazing land when we have a place like the Falgore Game Reserve which is underutilised.”

But the Ganduje offer was not cuddled by other Nigerian herders. Why is the federal government not collaborating with Kano State to actualise this proposal? This Kano State template must be replicated in other cattle-producing states. It should be a carrot and stick approach.

Herdsmen must be compelled to accept ranching.

I need to also remind the Buhari government that it must always implement policies that will put an end to unnecessary destruction of human lives influenced by nomadic cattle rearing across Nigeria. The National Livestock Transformation Plan inaugurated in 2019 with fanfare by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at Gongoshi Grazing Reserve in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State would have helped in this direction. This is supposed to be a federal government’s initiative in collaboration with states under the auspices of the National Economic Council.

The Livestock Transformation Plan is aimed at establishing tailor-made ranches where cattle are bred, and meat and dairy products are produced using modern livestock breeding and dairy methods. “This solves the problem of cattle grazing into and destroying farmlands. It ensures a practical response to the pressures on water and pasture by forces of climate change,” Osinbajo said back then.

Unfortunately, the cattle-producing states have refused to adopt it fully. The federal government has also stopped pushing the policy. What a country!

10

7+,6'$< 7+( 6$785'$< 1(:63$3(5 -$18$5< 23, 2021

NEWS Ortom Urged to Run for Senate in 2023 George Okoh in Makurdi

RESCUE US …

L R 3resident Muhammadu Buhari Nasarawa State *overnor, Abdullahi Sule and the ChieI oI Sta; to the 3resident, 3roI Ibrahim *ambari, during Sule’s visit to the State House Abuja, yesterday

Atlas Mara Mulls Options on Union Bank Obinna Chima

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Kidnappers Abduct DELSU SSANU Chairman Sylvester Idowu in :arri

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tKe MXrisdiFtion oI tKis +onoXraEle &oXrt disKonestl\ took tKe sXm oI N , , 7Zo Million Naira , SroSert\ oI 6KeriIat 2molara 6anni, ZKiFK sKe erroneoXsl\ transIerred to \oXr Eank aFFoXnt domiFiled ZitK *Xarant\ 7rXst Bank SlF, ZitKoXt Ker Fonsent and tKereE\ Fommitted an oIIenFe Fontrar\ to 6eFtion oI tKe 3enal &ode and SXnisKaEle Xnder 6eFtion oI tKe same 3enal &odeµ 7Ke deIendant Sleaded ¶gXilt\· to tKe FKarge ZKen it Zas read to Kim -XstiFe 2\inlo\e IoXnd 2lX ZasegXn gXilt\ oI tKe oIIenFe and sentenFed Kim to tZo \ears imSrisonment ZitK a Iine oI N , 7Zo +Xndred 7KoXsand Naira

7Ke -Xdge also ordered tKe FonYiFt to restitXte Kis YiFtim tKe sXm oI N million EeIore Ke IinisKed serYing Kis Mail term

COVID-19: Aspira Launches Sanitizer Laundry Detergent in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in .ano

Leading manXIaFtXrer oI Kome SrodXFts, AsSira Nigeria Limited \esterda\ in .ano, XnYeiled a neZ SrodXFt, 9iYa 3lXs LaXndr\ 6aniti]er 'etergent 3oZder to tKe memEers oI tKe SXEliF In Kis address oI ZelFome, tKe +ead oI Marketing, AsSira Nigeria Limited, Mr 6antKosK .Xmar Nair disFlosed tKat tKe latest SrodXFt Kad Xndergone all tKe neFessar\ FKeFks and Zas FareIXll\ manXIaFtXred to Ering aEoXt a more K\gieniF and KealtKier soFiet\ +e IXrtKer said tKat tKe SrodXFt Zas a resXlt oI tKe endless desire oI tKe FomSan\ to serYe tKe soFiet\ in Eetter Za\s adding tKat, ´2Xr Fommitment to tKe soFiet\ and to KealtK Fare Kas e[Sanded oXr SrodXFt range to saniti]ers, disK ZasKers and dental KealtK Fare SrodXFtsµ 7Ke grand laXnFK, ZKiFK Zas Keld at 7aKir *Xest 3alaFe in tKe state FaSital, attraFted tKeir FXstomers, traders, ke\ market

driYers and tKe media Mr Nair reFalled tKat AsSira Nigeria Limited Kas an XnElemisKed reSXtation as tKe ÁagsKiS oI a nXmEer oI market leading Erands sXFK as 9iYa, 6aEil, &KiF, )amil\ &are BaE\ and Me ZKile assXring tKat tKe neZ SrodXFt ZoXld oͿer a IXlÀlling SrodXFt e[SerienFe to FXstomers 7Ke &Kairman, AsSira Nigeria Limited, AlKaMi AKmadX +aran 'an]ago, in Kis remarks, stated tKat tKe SrodXFt FoXld not KaYe entered tKe market at a more aXsSiFioXs time, giYen tKe Sres ent gloEal SXsK Ior imSroYed Sersonal Fare and K\giene, inFlXding tKe need Ior a Fleaner and saIer enYironment +e aSSreFiated tKe SeoSle oI Nigeria, tKe FomSan\·s FXstomers in SartiFXlar, Ior tKeir XnsKaken Satronage and lo\alt\ to tKeir YarioXs range oI SrodXFts, ZKile Sromising tKem a KaSS\ and SrosSeroXs relationsKiS in tKe \ears to Fome

SATURDAY JANUARY 23, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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

COMMENTARY

REMEMBERING STANLEY MACEBUH Uzor Maxim Uzoatu pays tribute to Macebuh, scholar and journalist of repute

D

r. Stanley Nkwachikwelumamaya Macebuh was a rare breed in the freshest sense of the term, a charge of fine electricity who all on his own changed the face of journalism practice in Nigeria.

Stanley was at once a scholar, philosopher, cerebral journalist, informed commentator, mentor, liberal, technocrat, icon, legend, connoisseur, all rolled into one diminutive body of irresistible charisma.

As the founding Managing Director of the Guardian Newspapers, Stanley bequeathed on this country in word and deed “the Flagship of the Nigerian Press.”

He died at age 67 by 4.15 in the morning on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the National Hospital, Abuja. Born on December 28, 1942, the incredibly intelligent lad attended Government Primary School, Port Harcourt, where he broke all the academic records.

He took a scholarship to Ngwa High School, Aba, where he excelled at the very top of his class. He was then admitted for his Higher School Certificate at the esteemed Kings College, Lagos, where his intellection was the staple of legend. He even taught at Kings College.

Kings College legends such as Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi and the immortal “Motor-Park Economist” Ashikiwe-Adione-Egom can never tire of giving testimony of Stanley’s good works.

Stanley took his prodigious intellect to the English department at the University of Ibadan from 1963 to 1966.

He departed the shores of Nigeria in 1967, just before the outbreak of the civil war, to study at the University of Sussex in England.

It is a mark of his genius that he acquired his DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy degree) at the age of 26.

The University of California, Berkeley, California, USA then poached him as an in-house African philosopher during the Civil Rights Movement era in the US. It was Stanley’s Doctoral dissertation supervisor who recommended the wunderkind to the American authorities for him to join the UCLA Faculty at Berkeley, California.

He distinguished himself for two years at Berkeley before two other universities in America, Columbia University of New York and City College of New York, both engaged in a battle to have him on their faculties.

Both universities had to agree to share his multiform services!

Stanley therefore set the record of lecturing in the two universities at the same time, and it was organized in such a way that he taught full-time at City College and part-time at the Institute of African Studies of Columbia University.

Stanley had risen to the post of a tenured Associate Professor of English in the US before he was invited by Patrick Dele Cole to return to Nigeria to breathe fresh air into the Daily Times newspaper as the Editorial Adviser.

He brought along the legendary Dele Giwa, and Nigerian journalism would never be the same again.

Stanley initiated the policy of separating the Editorial Board as the think-tank of the newspaper from the reportorial regimen. Back then, it was the feature writers that supplied the

STANLEY INITIATED THE POLICY OF SEPARATING THE EDITORIAL BOARD AS THE THINK-TANK OF THE NEWSPAPER FROM THE REPORTORIAL REGIMEN. BACK THEN, IT WAS THE FEATURE WRITERS THAT SUPPLIED THE EDITORIALS MORE OR LESS AS AFTERTHOUGHTS

editorials more or less as afterthoughts.

When the politics in Daily Times got out of hand he left, only to latter join forces with the financier Alex Ibru to found The Guardian, which he from the very beginning intended to be not just a great liberal newspaper but the “Flagship of Nigerian Journalism.”

Stanley’s audacious dream was to make The Guardian among the five best newspapers in the English-speaking world. Stanley was a man who cherished ideas, and he hired all makes of intellectuals who even disagreed with him ideologically.

He believed in the sanctity of intellectual disputation. The editorial board he set up was made up of Onwuchekwa Jemie, Sonala Olumhense, Femi Osofisan, Eddie Iroh, Sully Abu, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Chinweizu, Odia Ofeimun, Edwin Madunagu, Herbert Ekwe-Ekwe, etc.

Stanley put his foot down that all opinion articles must come in within the 800-word ambit, stressing that anybody who could not make his argument within 800 words had not properly organized his thought in the first instance.

He also championed the cause of addressing everybody as “Simply Mister” against the Nigerian grain of addressing ill-assorted potentates as Chief, Prof, Dr, Engr., Rev., etc.

The labour of his ideas would eventually clash with the capital of the family that set up the newspaper. Stanley perforce had to leave The Guardian and tried his hands at business, but that was not his forte.

He helped some financiers to set up Sentinel magazine and the Post Express newspaper but his lofty ideas could not gel with the owners.

He was at the inception of democracy in 1999 appointed Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The gruff ways of Obasanjo could not have suited the urbane subtlety of Stanley. He later became the Deputy Chief of Staff to Obasanjo, but in the course of Obasanjo’s second term in office he was in and out of the system.

Before his death, he was engaged as a consulting Editorial Adviser to Nduka Obaigbena’s THISDAY. Stanley made his mark as an intellectual, publishing in 1973 a seminal study of the iconic African-American novelist and essayist, James Baldwin.

He is said to have worked for many years on another academic tome on Jewish-American studies, provisionally entitled “The Tyranny of Things”. His very close associates reveal that Stanley regretted until his death the non-completion and publishing of the book after he had written well over 400 pages.

Even so, his return to Nigeria in 1977 denied him of his ultimate ambition of getting employed at Harvard University and eventually retiring there as a Professor Emeritus.

Stanley’s life deserves all celebration, and he richly deserves the accolade of “Father of Modern Nigerian Journalism”.

An aesthete, he not only had a rich taste for fine stylistic writing but also had an abiding love for fine cognac.

He will be sorely missed by all fine minds.

COVID-19 AND REOPENING OF SCHOOLS The House of Representatives argues that the reopening of schools is ill-timed, writes Peter Kumu

L

eadership is a tough job. It requires taking hard decisions that are mostly not politically correct to save the people and their future. The novel deadly COVID-19 that is ravaging the world which has cut down stars in their prime, the lowly and billionaires without exemption has tasked leadership capacity of public figures globally.

Leaders are in a dilemma of saving lives and ensuring livelihoods are secured. Both are interwoven and can’t be mutually extricated.

Livelihood is needed for life’s sustenance but life, the greatest asset of all mortals must be preserved before earnings can be made.

Developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, who are grappling with myriad of physiological challenges prior to COVID-19 agree that a fresh total lockdown of the system will further exacerbate the fragile, precarious social, economic situations. Hunger pandemic will send many to early graves than the virus plague.

Meanwhile, the sudden spike in the number of cases and casualties in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic with deadlier strain which is already in the southern part of the continent, restraints, extreme caution and strict enforcement of non-pharmaceutical protocols should be maximally enforced.

We can’t afford to act otherwise considering the inadequate and greatly challenged Nigeria’s health system. Harrowing tales abound of how elites serving in government gasped for life to no avail because of non-availability of oxygen. If gold rusts what is the fate of iron?

So when the federal government insisted that kids must return to classrooms, the people’s chamber, House of Representatives strongly opposed the move as dangerous and ill-timed. Rather, the Gbajabiamila-led chamber proposed a three-month wait before opening schools.

Last Thursday, the federal government through the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, despite outcry and legitimate

concerns from well-meaning citizens, insisted that there was no going back on school resumption.

The government claimed that, “After extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, including State Governors, Commissioners of Education, Proprietors and heads of institutions, staff unions and students, the consensus of opinion is that the resumption date of 18th January should remain, while parents and respective institutions must ensure full compliance with COVID-19 protocols including:One, compulsory wearing of facemasks by all students, teachers and workers in all schools. Two, temperature checks and hand washing facilities at strategic locations in all schools. Three, ensuring constant supply of water and sanitizers. Four, enforcement of maintenance of social distancing and suspension of large gatherings such as assembly and visiting days. Five, avoiding overcrowding, including limitations in class sizes and hostel occupancy. Six, availability of functional health clinics with facilities for isolation and transportation of suspected cases to medical facilities. Seven, adherence to all other nonpharmaceutical protocols, restrictions and containment measures as may be prescribed/ approved by the PTF from time to time.

In reality, the nation’s public education sector can hardly meet the safety requirements.

Only a few elitist private schools in the cities of Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano can afford the cost of materials and men to ensure adequate safety.

This concern was further echoed by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Services. The Committee chairman, Professor Julius Ihonvbere in a statement called for caution arguing that the nation’s education infrastructure cannot ensure adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols.

The statement read: “The Committee on Basic Education and Services, House of Repre-

sentatives has received with some concern the decision of the federal government to reopen schools on January 18, 2021.

“We are particularly concerned that when the infection rates hovered around 500 and under, schools were closed but now that it hovers well above 1000 infections daily, schools are being reopened. Why are we rushing to reopen schools without adequate verifiable and sustainable arrangements to protect and secure our children?

“The Committee fully appreciates the implications of continued school closure on the education sector and the larger economy and society. We also acknowledge that the pandemic would remain with us for a while and we must design ways to live with it.

Similarly, we acknowledge the argument that most young persons have not been as affected

by Covid-19 and many are asymptomatic.

“Yet, it does not mean they have full immunity against the virus. We also know that they would be working and interacting with adult teachers, administrative workers and other persons that do not live within the institutions.

“Aside from Lagos and a couple of other states, governments are unable to enforce Covid-19 protocols. People no longer wear facemasks or use sanitisers. Public enlightenment campaigns have more or less stopped.

Merely saying they would adhere to the protocols is no guarantee. In rural areas, the situation is worse.

“Our position is that in spite of the very comprehensive protocols established by the Federal Ministry of Education, not up to 10 per cent of our educational institutions have implemented five per cent of the protocols. In most of our primary and secondary schools nationwide, adequate furniture, water and other sanitation and hygiene facilities do not exist.

“Many poor parents would require support with facemasks and sanitisers for their

children. We have not heard of how this would be addressed. We doubt that teachers, instructors and school managers have been adequately trained and prepared to handle Covid-19 safety protocols.

“We also know that adequate funds have not been provided to schools to cope with demands that accompany the new normal. We would like to challenge the Federal Ministry of Education to first, independently monitor the extent of basic compliance with established protocols in all our schools and not just take words of state and local authorities as given.

“The lives of our children are worth much more than the interests and comfort of any politician or bureaucrat. It is only after a minimum of 75% nationwide compliance that we can seriously talk about reopening schools.

“Given that in primary and secondary schools, in particular, there are no facilities for effective social distancing in the classrooms, part of the compliance requirements must be the introduction of morning and afternoon batches into the schools when they reopen to reduce overcrowding.

“As a government that has committed to protecting the interests of the Nigerian people, it would be wrong to allow unprepared state governments, of which many did not take the pandemic too seriously anyway, to hoodwink or pressure it into this reopening game.

“The Committee believes that if these and other critical steps are not taken, there should be a postponement by three months to enable the local and state governments to put things in place adequately. A word, they say, is enough for the wise”.

In addition to the position of the House Committee, smaller nations on the continent have closed schools until when cases subside.

Rwandan and Malawian authorities have shut nurseries and schools on Monday as Coronavirus cases surge.

Kumu wrote from Port Harcourt

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

INSIGHT

Are they safe?

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All Herdsmen Are Not Bandits

C

rime has no ethnic face. When criminality is defined according to ethnic origin or religion, social cohesion is threatened. There are people of criminal inclinations in every group, race, place and religion. In fact, we defeat the fight against insecurity if we lend ourselves to ethnic prejudices.

The insecurity devouring Nigeria affects everyone – Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Idoma, Jukun -- and people of different religions. The criminals pillaging the country do not select victims based on ethnicity and religion. The devourers only come to steal, kill and destroy.

A few days ago, bandits invaded the home of Professor Aliyu Mohammed at Wusasa in Zaira, Kaduna State. They kidnapped him, killed his young son and shot his brother – not minding his religion or ethnicity. There have been countless cases of attacks on commuters on Abuja-Kaduna road. The victims of these attacks have been Nigerians of all shades and contours.

These bandits do not even spare their own kin.

Mohammed Adamu, a suspected kidnap kingpin, had to pay N1.5 million ransom to a rival kidnapping gang led by one Buba Babu when he was abducted.

Adamu ‘’was held and shot in the hand until his gang members paid a ransom of N1,555,000.00 only for his release’’. We have to see these pillagers purely for what they are – criminals from Hades born without a soul.

The evils of these vultures on citizens in the north could escape ethnic tinctures largely because of the false perception of ‘’na dem dem’’, but in the south they are spurring divisiveness and atavistic prejudices.

As a matter of fact, many families are in mourning.

Many have lost loved ones to the Mephistophelian enterprise of bandits. So, it is natural for Nigerians to be angry. I recall the killing of a young agro-entrepreneur in Oyo whose life was extinguished by his abductors after his family had paid N1.6 million ransom -- such a tragedy. The killing of the daughter of Pa Fasoranti and a first-class traditional ruler in Ondo is still fresh.

These are very depressing incidents.

Really, Nigerians have a right to defend themselves against certain death. The constitution guarantees this. But what the constitution does not sanction is the profiling of any citizen based on ethnic origin or religion. So, we should not make the problem of banditry an ethnic one. These are criminals who will leisurely kill their own kin for ransom.

Again, Nigerians are angry. I am exasperated. I believe everyone has been affected – directly or vicariously -- by the machinations of bandits. I have been affected. But we must work concertedly in addressing this challenge. We should not stigmatise or isolate any group. To tame this beast every group and stakeholder in the Nigerian corporation must be involved. We are all affected. But when there is discordance and divergence of purpose among those who should come

together to fight this common enemy, the pillagers will continue to hold sway.

On Monday, Rotimi Akeredolu, Ondo state governor, ordered all herders to vacate the state’s forests. I construe his action from a point of helplessness. The governor is tired of the killings and abductions in his state. He is the chief security officer of the state but he cannot marshal the police or the army to black out the nightmare in Ondo. He lacks the constitutional power to do so. One of his closest staff has been a victim of these devourers. The wife of his chief of staff was kidnapped in November 2020. A first-class traditional ruler, the Olufon of Ifon was killed by bandits in the state. And there have been jarring cases of kidnapping and murders. So, it is only natural that the governor acts to check the slumping of his state into a kidnappers’ paradise.

Also, that states are embarking on parallel security outfits to defend themselves indicts the federal government of failure. The consequence of the Buhari administration’s ineptitude is clearly the resort to selfhelp by citizens. If the Buhari administration was responsive in tackling security threats across the country there will be no Amotekun or any other divergent regional security outfit.

State governors are helpless. What options do they have? Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, publicly lamented that governors were ‘’frustrated and tired’’ over the parlous state of security. The Buhari government has failed to secure the country, hence the resort to panic remedies which impede national cohesion by governors.

But we must take caution not to tinge the enemy in brushstrokes of ethnicity. Asking all herdsmen who congenitally take to the forest to vacate the forests of Ondo comes off as ethnic targeting. The intentions of the state government may be genuine but we live in a divided and delicately unbalanced country. Nigerians have a right to reside anywhere they want to.

Let us not make banditry about ‘’all herdsmen’’ or any ethnic group.

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI 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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA

Rehabilitate Kari-Misau-Gyade-Shira Road

R

oad infrastructure ensures easy movement of goods and services between urban and rural communities and vice-versa, thereby increasing the pace of social and economic growth especially in rural communities. Therefore, road infrastructure remains a key ingredient of development.

And because it is grossly inadequate in Nigeria, the pace of development here is slow.

For decades, even when the country generated more monies than it needed from both non-oil and especially oil revenues, successive governments refused to give the needed attention as well as dedicate enough funds to infrastructure. Today, the infrastructural lacuna is so conspicuous that even the blind and the deaf can respectively see and hear it. And as if to go back to square one, in the few sectors where some infrastructure had been provided, they are now mostly in dilapidated conditions owing majorly to bad maintenance culture.

And such is the case with many roads across Nigeria.

For instance, the Kari-Misau-Gyade-Shira road of Bauchi State, which from Bauchi, the capital, is the gateway to the northern zone of the pearl of tourism, is in a dilapidated condition and unless it is rehabilitated as soon as possible, the potholes will continue to claim lives and cause material damage of gigantic proportions. More so, the economic activities of majorly farming and trade in the place may soon stop, the negative consequences of which is better imagined.

The Kari-Misau-Gyade-Shira road is a part of the Kano-Kari-Maiduguri road, which links the northeast and the northwest geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Before the conception and eventual commencement of construction work of the KanoWudil-Gaya-Azare-Maiduguri road, it was the only major route that facilitated trade and investment activities on the Kano/Maiduguri axis and parts of some West African countries such as Niger Republic, Chad, Ghana and Cameroon.

In spite of the fact that the nearly completed Kano-Wudil-Gaya-Azare-Maiduguri road is already in use, the Kano-Kari-Maiduguri road remains quite significant to both social and economic development of Nigeria. As such, no part of it should be left in dilapidated conditions. For, what affects a part of it also affects the whole of it.

The federal government is therefore called upon to take up its responsibility by immediately rehabilitating the Kari-Misau-Gyade-Shira part of the Kano-Kari-Maiduguri road to stop the continuous loss of lives and prevent a total collapse of economic activities in the place.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Mukhtar Jarmajo, Tamsuguri, Misau

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JANUARY 23, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY

Waje j and d Riic Hassani H i

Waje Gets Her Man? Aituaje j Iruobe, known p professionallyy as Waje, j whose vocal range g covers three octaves, is looking gg good for the alter, or so it seems. The immenselyy talented singer, g who first gained g recognition g after being g featured on the remake of P-Square’ q s “Omoge g Mi”, and the duo’s 2008 8 hit track “Do Me”, left her fans p pondering g earlyy this week, after she shared an bosom photo p of herself and a male singer, g Ric Hassani on social media. Has Waje found her man? Is she set for marriage? Or could it be a publicity stunt? Ferdinand Ekechukwu u digs in

I

t’s a given that entertainment celebrities thrive on publicity to gain traction on mainstream or social media. And most likely it is a publicity stunt the social media post by Waje that has got her friends, fans and followers talking. Like the saying “no publicity is bad publicity”, the multi-talented singer and song writer’s post isn’t in any way bad. It’s sure a winning stunt having set social media abuzz and has incredibly fetched the needed attention. The talent show judge, Waje shocked her fans as she shared a photo of herself and a male singer, Ric Hassani on social media.

The 40-year-old singer took to her Instagram page last Tuesday to post the photo wherein she is seen spending time with the 32-year-old musician. She didn’t reveal if her supposedly new-found relationship with Hassani was for a forthcoming music project or something that would lead to the altar. The two were

intimately captured with Hassani’s head resting on Waje’s bosom and the R&B singer playfully touching his nose. As if that was not enough, Waje’s caption sparked even more curiosity among members of the internet community.

The ‘I Wish’ crooner simply wrote: “It’s time…”

Shortly after sharing the heart-melting image, mutual celebrity friends of the two were spotted in the comment section with congratulatory messages.

The messages suggest that the two might actually be getting married or have only made their relationship status public. There were also a good number of spectators who strongly believe it’s teaser for music collaboration, possibly scene from a video, that is. The multi-award-singer only recently released a new single titled “Best Thing” last December.

Some fans also took to Twitter to air mixed opinions on what the photo could have meant. “On top of this Waje and Ric Hassani matter, I can’t wait to listen

to their new song,” a Twitter user wrote. Another user commented: “I don’t think Waje and Ric Hassani are dating, that “It’s time” caption with their picture together can be a song title and for publicity, which is working perfectly.”

When contacted, Waje’s management team was quoted saying, “big announcement coming soon.”

However, the vocal powerhouse would prefer to not talk about the image for now, but added “I’m very happy.” However, a visit to Ric’s page shows that he has not posted the picture.

Ric Hassani (born Ikechukwu Eric Ahiauzu) is a singer, songwriter and musician. Hassani was born on 6 January 1989, in Port Harcourt. Hassani graduated from Covenant University. He attended the University of Surrey, where he earned a master degree in energy economics.

Hassani released his debut album The African Gentleman in 2016. He is said to have a dress style that is

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JANUARY 23, 2021

15

SUPER SATURDAY Waje Gets Her Man?

W Waje

Ric Hassani i fl fluenced db by his hi self-acclaimed lf l i d stance t as a gentleman. tl Some months ago Waje opened up on to her Twitter fans about her life, in a Q&A session. Amongst the numerous questions answered, the talented singer stated that she can marry a man 10 times younger than herself. The songstress also spoke about her friendship with Omawumi and opened up on her most embarrassing moment.

Waje in 2019 revealed her intentions to quit music professionally. She said she was considering quitting because of the lack of support. “The bottom line was that I was disconnected from my fans. They didn’t know what I was doing,” she had explained. “In the industry, there are procedure chains. There’s the video making; the PR; the marketing. From the production of the song to the point where it gets to the listeners, there are different people in positions to make things happen.

But sometimes, in the struggle to stay relevant and keep your name afloat, you just release without proper planning.

“There’s pressure in the industry and all these were the things I was going through at the time. I thought,

h I should h ld lleave th the iindustry d t while hil th the applause l perhaps, is still loud. It was a scary time and I didn’t want to be known as a failed artiste. Fans simply didn’t know what I was doing and that is what we’re trying to repair.”

Waje would however shock her fans in May 2020 when she released “Red Velvet,” a single 10 album.

Born Aituaje Ebele Iruobe, the singer was beamed to her Nigerian fans when the former twins group P-Square featured her on their track ‘Do Me’.

The song was such a hit but the enigma that came with the video made it a mega hit. Nobody knew what the Edo-State born artiste looked like since she wasn’t featured in the music video. Although she had earlier featured on a remake of the singer’s ‘Omoge Mi’.

Social media was at its teething stage then, heightening the mystery around her. By the time her identity was revealed, Waje had won the hearts of many with her vocals. Although she didn’t fit the mental picture of a tall slender sexy lady, Waje still had a great following.

There were few female artistes making waves at the time, like Sasha, Weird MC who were famous in the rap genre. Her closest pal was singer Omawumi.

Despite D it recording di a ffew singles i l and d collaborating ll b ti with ith artistes like M.I. (‘One Naira’), Waje suddenly strolled into oblivion. Speculations were rife on her sudden muteness and quite a few wondered if she was not another one-hit wonder. However, the singer stunned her fans when she emerged from her wilderness with the release of her self-titled album ‘Waje’. But what got people talking was when she rocked a sexier and curvier body in her 2014 hit track ‘Coco Baby’ which featured Tanzanian artiste Diamond Platnumz.

Speaking on her journey a couples of years back, Waje says “sometimes I feel like my career started in 2013 when I released my first album.” By 2019, her career has spanned over a decade. She attributed her staying power to her music which she said it’s a daily discovery for her. Imbued with a friendly mien, underneath that joviality lies a disciplined and protective mother. A single mother, Waje for a long while hid the identity of her child from the public. But when her daughter went ahead of her to open a Facebook account, the singer was left with no choice than to introduce her to the world.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͻ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Troops Eliminate Boko Haram Threats in Damboa Michael Olugbode ÓØ ËÓÎßÑßÜÓ Nigeriantroopshave eliminated five suspected Boko Haram members and got many more injured during a battle for Damboa in Borno State.

A statement yesterday by the Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brig. Gen. Benard Onyeuko claimed that: “Troops of Operation TURATAKAIBANGO a subsidiary Operation of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North

East continue to obliterate elements of Boko Haram/Islamic State's West Africa Province criminals with uncommon ferocity as they overrun Abbagajiri and Dusula towns in Damboa.”

It said that the latest encounter with the marauding Boko Haram criminals occurred by 0835hrs on 20 January 2021 at Abbagajiri in Damboa LGA of Borno State where the gallant troops identified and encycled some Boko Haram criminals enclaves.

It added: “The troops of 402 Special Forces Task Force Brigade led by the Commander engaged them (terrorists) with superior fire power resulting in high casualty on the terrorists. In the aftermath of the decisive encounter, five Boko Haram Terrorists were neutralised while few others are believed to have escaped with gunshot

wounds.

“Equipment captured from the criminals include; one Pulemyot Kalashnikova Tankovyy(PKT) Gun, 3 AK 47 Rifles, 4 extra AK 47 Rifle magazines and a Vulcanising Machine. Other items captured and destroyed includes food stuffs, some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials

including the criminals' hideouts and clothings among others.”

The statement further read: “The renewed onslaught against the remnants of Boko Haram/ Islamic State's West Africa Province criminals by the dogged troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO is indicative of the end of all criminal elements within the

North East.”

Onyeuko, in the statement said: “The troops of Operation TURA TAKAIBANGO are highly commended for their dedication and determination in flushing out remnants of the terrorists from their hideouts. They are also encouraged not to relent but build on the successes recorded.”

PDP Urges Police, DSS to Protect Members in Ebonyi State Chuks Okocha ÓØ ÌßÔË The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)hascalledontheInspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu and the Director General of Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, to protect its members and legitimate officers of the party in Ebonyi State and to hold Governor Dave Umahi accountable for any break down of law and order in the state.

The party also raised the alarm that since Governor Umahi’s defection from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party has been inundated with a slew of state sponsored court actions all aimed at derailing the Caretaker Committee set up by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of PDP. Addressing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, the Chairman of Ebonyi state chapter

of the party, Chief Fred Udeogu said, “As we all know, Governor Dave Umahi’s illusion had been that Ebonyi people would defect with him to the APC.” According to Udeogu, “He had boasted that PDP stakeholders and members of the National Assembly would defect with him.

“When this failed, the reaction from Governor Umahi has been to derail and destroy the Caretaker Committee by filing a suit at the State High Court, asking the Court not to recognise this Caretaker Committee.”

Udeogu, who hailed an Abuja Hugh Court for restraining the faction of the PDP loyal to Umahi, said now that there is a court order, it is hoped that Governor Umahi would step back a bit and have a deep reflection and discontinue fanning the alleged embers of crisis in Ebonyi State

Makinde Orders Arrest of Masterminds of Eviction Notice to Herders

“The Oyo State Police Command would like to associate itself with the position of His Excellency, Governor Oluseyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, on the need for the good people of Oyo State to be calm and peaceful, as well as desist from taking laws into their hands.

“The commissioner of police would like to assure the peace-loving people of Oyo State that necessary strategies have been put in place, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, to ensure that all residents of Oyo State are free to go about their lawful businesses and duties, without threat or hindrance.

“The police command with the support of sister security agencies wishes to state emphatically that anyone who engages in any disturbance of the peace or any act of criminality will be brought to justice.”

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that Igboho was in Igangan where he was received by the youths of the time but they immediately dispersed without achieving their plan.

Igboho Addresses Youths Meanwhile, there were reports that Igboho came to the town and was received by hundreds of youths at the Igangan Town Hall.

While addressing the youths and other supporters, he said; “What is happening will not be limited to this place, we will drive out Fulani from the entire Yorubaland. They want to be killing us. We will not accept this.”

Igboho, who also spoke with BBC, Yoruba Service, said if the government failed to secure the lives and property of its people, then they will rise to defend themselves.

“They are saying I am not in government and that I am meddling with what does not concern me. If there is government and it is not doing what it is supposed to do, the people that voted will rise up,” Igboho said.

“It’s not like I commanded the Fulani to leave our land or that I suddenly said something arbitrarily. For like two weeks now, these Fulani people in Ibarapa have been killing our people. Look at this Doctor Fatai, who went abroad for many years to work; he made his money, came back to his father’s village in Igangan, built farms and employed people to work with him. Fulani people ate the farm for him, he approached the Seriki of the Fulani that this ought not to be, and they killed him there.”

Commercial and educational activities have been put on hold as residents have remained in their homes out of the fear of being caught in clashes.

Alleging that the incessant killings, kidnappings, and destruction of farms were being perpetrated by herdsmen in Ibarapaland, Igboho last week stormed the Fulani settlements in in Igangan, and asked them to leave within seven days.

Igboho accused the Fulani community in the area of masterminding abductions, killings, and other criminal activities in the area.

GO WITH GOD...

L-R: Archbishop Anthony JV Obinna leading Governor Hope Uzodimma and his Deputy, Prof. Placid Njoku and others, during a procession after the funeral Mass in honour of Monsignor Raph Okechukwu Madu at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, yesterday

Chevron Says Bayelsa Spill not from its Operations Onungwe Obe ÓØ ÏØËÑÙË

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) said yesterday that oil spill near its operational areas at Funiwa off the Atlantic Coast in Bayelsa State was not from its facilities. But the company said it was ready to cooperate with industry regulators to trace the source of the spill.

The General Manager, Policy,

Government and Public Affairs of the company, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, said the company has already reported to the regulatory agencies.

He said, “For spills found within an operator’s operational area, the operator is required to contain the spill, followed by a Joint Investigation Visit by all stakeholders for assessment and further action. No spill has

Onu Advocates Protection of Intellectual Property Fred Ojeh Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has called for the protection of intellectual property of inventors and innovators.

Onu stated this when he received the President and board members of the Materials Science and Technology Society of Nigeria (MSN), in his office in Abuja, yesterday, adding that it would attract investors.

He said: “Intellectual property will help add value to raw materials and convert them to goods and services needed by Nigerians.”

According to him, government has put in place policies that will reposition Nigeria’s economy, listing such policies as: the National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development in Nigeria; National Leather and Leather Products Policy; The Executive Order 5; and Methanol Fuel Policy Technology.

Onu said the recently approved guidelines for implementing

Executive Order 5 would propel Nigeria to emerge as a global economic giant.

The minister also said that for Nigeria to truly achieve its potential of being a self-reliant economy, more attention and investment should be paid to the development of science, technology and innovation (STI).

He called on young Nigerians to be ambassadors of STI so as to enable them participate and invest in the country’s development.

been observed within CNL’s operational area but we are monitoring this incident.

“CNL operates in strict compliance with the relevant laws and regulations governing the Nigerian petroleum industry and remains committed to the safety of people and the environment. CNL therefore welcomes the involvement of the appropriate Nigerian Government regulators to determine the source of the spill.”

Fishermen around the Atlantic Ocean coastline had on Sunday reported an oil leak suspected to be from the Funiwa fields, which is near where Chevron, First Exploration and Production (First E&P) and Conoil Producing Limited have operations.

The Director-General of the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Mr. Musa Idris, had summoned all the oil firms operating in the shallow waters near Koluama in Bayelsa to join in tracing the source of the spill.

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17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Waves of Timi Dakolo at 40 Supporting The Milkmaid at 93rd OSCARS

Wizkid Unites His Kids

pg. 19

pg. 22

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Waves of Timi Dakolo at 40

&all him a gospel singer. 3erhaps, a soul singer if you wish. It would be Àtting also if you call him inspirational singer. In a sense, musician, Timi Dakolo is a blend of everything art. This church boy, who clocked on :ednesday, has every reason to thank God for his career and life. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

Timi Dakolo

A

ce singer Timi Dakolo is extremely grateful to God for the grace to witness another year in his life. The talented singer clocked last :ednesday. Timi, who is ecstatic about his new age, made sure he talked about it on every post he made on social media days before the D day. Like a countdown to his big day, the self titled ´&horus Leaderµ made series of posts, with a wish list to his fans and followers.

6oon after, and in the mood of the celebration, the ¶:ish Me :ell· crooner shared a photo of himself expressing excitement. He held a jean jacket in his hands and wore black a black t shirt and shoes to match his outÀt. The singer·s

pose truly described how he feels about his new age. In the caption that accompa nied his post, Timi went down memory lane as he recalled his desires as a young boy, and what he wants from life as an adult.

He wrote ´Happy Birthday to me. I am so overjoyed. I can·t believe I am . It was just yesterday I was writing :A(& and doing revision on my 3N 2keke. It was just yesterday I was dreaming working in Shell and staying in shell camp. Take my granny abroad and buy her everything.

Anyway, I just want to live a Tuality life and laugh as hard as I can. The th Áoor of life looks great.µ &all him a gospel singer. 3erhaps, a soul singer if you wish to. It would be Àtting also if you label him inspirational singer.

In every sense of it all, Timi Dakolo ´is a

blend of everything art,µ he says recently in a chat shortly after a record deal. ´I am a bit of a lot of things that I have imbibed overtime. I am an art not an artiste. I see myself as an art. :hen I am singing, I am seeing myself from the position that I am an art that will resonate for a long time.µ His artistic trait has helped him stay relevant in a highly competitive industry as well as evolve with the ever changing taste in music. Born on -anuary , to a Nigerian father, Bayelsa native and a Ghanaian mother, Norah, who passed when Timi was barely , Timi has etched his name on the minds of many Nigerians for his beautiful songs. Despite being born in Ghana, Timi does not lay claim to dual citizenship.

He was raised in 3ort Harcourt by his grandmother Ateni Dakolo and his aunt

Susan Larry, and he credits his aunt as his early music teacher. So deep was their relationship that Timi declined an oͿer to move to Lagos with his parents, opting to stay back in 3ort Harcourt with them. He kick started his music career at the age of twelve, singing in church, before joining the 3urple Love as a founding member in .

The group, however, did not stand the test of time as it was disbanded in ³ two years after it was founded.

The year old singer rode to spotlight shortly after winning the inaugural season of Idols :est Africa in . Since then, he has continued to blaze the trail. :ith his victory, he also got a recording contract with Sony BMG alongside other prizes. In , he released the song, ´There·s a &ry.µ )rom releasing the ´Beautiful Noiseµ album in and having popular songs like ´Iyawo Mi,µ ´The 9owµ and ´Heaven 3leaseµ, Dakolo has remained consistent in the music space. With this success story behind him, he went on to become a judge on The 9oice Nigeria singing competition, where he took on the challenge to mentor Idyl ² the winner of the singing competition.

With his songs, any fan of Timi would agree with him that he has indeed created signiÀcant experiences and the messages in his lyrics will deÀnitely stay relevant for years to come. 5elying heavily on the power of his lyrics and master composi tion, he does not feel threatened by the seeming shift towards the ¶noise· that appears to appeal to many listeners in recent times. )or every time he is singing, he is eyeing an evergreen song that will still make sense to listeners even when he is gone.

Timi took time to master his art and is Tuick to tell you that is what separates the ordinary from extraordinary people.

To him in this competitive world, good is not good enough. 5eason he went on to study songwriting after emerging on the Nigerian music scene. And his eͿorts are evidently paying oͿ. (arlier in November , Dakolo signed a deal with 9irgin (MI 5ecords in U. and released his title track ¶Merry &hristmas Darling·, featur ing award winning British singer, (meli Sande on the festive song.

The song was oͿ his classic sophomore album, ¶Merry &hristmas Darling· released November and features collaboration with American smooth jazz saxophonist and Grammy award win ning artiste, .enny G. With these collabo rations and his recent record deal, he has pitched his tent Àrmly on the international music soil. Not many people understood the signiÀcance of such a feature but it was such a feat to get recognised by a U. newspaper means that the award winning musician has developed a major fan base in the U. and that·s great achievement.

His project for last year titled ¶Take·, featuring popular Nigerian rapper, 2lamide caught fans by surprise. To many it was unlikely coming from artistes of two diͿerent genres of music. The father of three in the characteristic visuals to the single featured Busola, his beautiful wife as he talks about the way she makes him feel« the calmness she brings« and the happiness in her eyes… that makes their pretty love life outstanding.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Boluwatife

W Wizkid

Zion

Wizkid Unites His Kids

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

woofWizkid’schildrenrecently got the chance to spend time together for the Àrst and it was quite an exciting moment for the superstar. The singer had his Àrstborn son, Boluwatife, Áown from Nigeria to Ghana where he has been vacationing after leaving his residence in the U.. The famous Nigerian music superstar took to his Instagram story to post short clips of his Àrst son, Boluwatife, and his third son, Zion playing around each other. The pop star

simply captioned the video ´kingsµ with several love emojis showing how he feels.

Interestingly, it was an opportunity for two of the singer’s three sons to Ànally meet each other for the Àrst time. They do not live together because they have diͿerent mothers so. They stay with their mothers. Boluwatife stays with his mother, Shola 2gudu, in Nigeria, while Zion stays with Wizkid and his mother, -ada, in London, England.

The second son, Ayo, stays with his mother, Binta, in the United States of America. Zion recently snagged an ambassadorial deal with a U. clothing line known as &hildsplay.

The &hristmas campaign featured Zion, former U. soldier turned presenter, Ant

Middleton’s daughter and part-time footballer and model, -ake Hall’s daughter. According to reports, this was the children’s Àrst &hristmas shoot and took place in Essex.

The Ginger crooner returned to Nigeria shortly after the release of his latest album ‘Made in Lagos’ in December after being away in London for months. Soon after, he moved to Ghana where he’s been staying.

Much-lovedWizkid,realnameAyodejiBalogun has had a hard time keeping it in his pants and remaining with one woman.

This has resulted in him fathering three children with three diͿerent women. While every relationship with each of his baby mamas comes with a

handful of drama, it warms the heart to know that the singer makes eͿorts to be involved in the life of his children, even though he is not married to their mothers.

The singer had his Àrst son Boluwatife Balogun with 2luwanisola 2gudu back in . In , Wizkid welcomed his second son Ayodeji with baby mama number , Binta Diallo, the beautiful Guinean-American model. Again in , the music star welcomed his third son Zion Balogun with his manager -ada 3ollock. -ada 3ollock is a brand consultant from Britain.

She used to work with &hris Brown and 3ia Mia before she started the same consultancy work with Starboy.

Eedris Uncovers Video of ‘Charlie Be Careful’

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Veteran hip-hop star and Lakreem Entertainment Inc honcho, Eedris Abdulkareem has o΀cially put out a brand new video to his single titled ¶&harlie Be &areful’. )eaturing Myke 3am, the song draws a parallel between two West African countries - Nigerian and Ghana - and shows Eedris lyrically reminiscing about the former, before delving boldly into politics and singing about democracy and electoral fraud in the latter. Eedris happens to be Nigeria’s biggest musical export to Ghana, turned loud his microphone in the song, singing ´Nigeria jagajag, make Ghana no jagajagaµ.

The conscious artiste likens Nigeria’s democracy to ‘cash and carry’ system of governance. ´3rotect your democracy o make Ghana no be like Naija o… Nigeria yama yama make Ghana no jagaga, protect your election o make Ghana no

be like Naija… democracy cash and carry for Nigeria, &harlie be careful o,µ Eedris croons. In the minutes seconds video, Eedris poses as some representative, casting Ghanaian political actors like .wame Nkruma and -erry 5awlings, both African statesmen. Scenes of ÀsticuͿs among Nigerian politicians from past political drama play out in the video as the singer and his other friends congregate in an open space with tables of beer.

Not a few see Eedris as a bully and a failed musician. But the social activist has forever maintained his style of music. Eedris late last year released a great body of work titled ‘Nothing but the Truth’. His sixth studio album followed his last project dropped ten years earlier. To set the tone for the release of the work, the ‘-aga -aga Master’ staged an album listening party in Lagos, with some of his colleagues and contemporaries and friends in attendance. By its title, the

tracker is thought-provoking. This latest single, ‘&harlie Be &areful’ seems a leftover of the album.

A music critic remarked ´Abdulkareem’s new project is another addition to Nigeria’s list of socio-political commentaries wearing the armour of music. It addresses frontburner issues like corruption, ethnocentric killings, and terrorism. Abdulkareem featured fellow veterans Sound Sultan, 5ugged Man, African &hina, Zlatan, Myke 3am and 2lamide on the album. Nothing But The Truth is vintage Eedris Abdulkareem and promises to set the records straight and right the lyrical wrongs in the Nigerian music industry as a collector’s item.µ The last vocal song Eedris released was a single titled ‘Letter to 2basanjo’, where he claimed the ex-president was the problem of Nigeria and he has remained at the forefront of Àghting societal ills through his music.

Eedris

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

SHOWBIZFLAIR

McBaror’s ‘Creepy Lives Here’ is Fearful What happens when a group of friends embark on a no-phone camping adventure" The outcome is as creepy as the movie’s title, &reepy Lives Here.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

I

t’s not questionable that Àlmmaker Toka McBaror is giving Nollywood a horror movie in with the title, ´&reepy Lives Hereµ. It’s one of the movies to look out for this year. And coming from McBaror makes it even highly anticipated. Without a date yet for debut, the o΀cial trailer for his latest directorial eͿort released recently shows enthralling scenes. Toka McBaror, whose directorial has maintained the glistening drip of variety movies in Nollywood such as Lotanna, .ada 5iver, and Merry Men The 5eal Yoruba Demons , taps into this slasher genre. ‘&reepy Lives Here’ hinges towards horror, and in dark, sadistic ways. It thus seems there’s more of this vibe to come in Nollywood this year going by other movie behind the scene footage and images. The forthcoming ´&reepy Lives Hereµ tells the tale of a group of friends who decide to go on a no-phone creepy camping and their horriÀc experience. Executive produced by .enneth 2meruo, ‘&reepy Lives Here’ stars amazing actors including 2yetoro HaÀz and 5omeo Horsfall.

The Àlm also stars ex Big Brother Naija Housemate Teddy A, Nancy Isime, Mike Godson, Bimbo Ademoye, 3rince David 2sei and Beverly 2su, who looks good to be in a horror Àlm. ´How about we go on a no phone creepy camping,µ Beverly says of her idea of the weird camping adventure in one of the

scenes from the trailer opening scenes upon scenes of claustrophobic dread.

As this group of friends decides to camp out in a reclusive cabinlike shelter without their phones and, while there, get preyed on and murdered by someone who knows every corners of the place. Would any of these friends survive this expedition" While the 2ne minute seconds trailer sustains a menacing, eerie atmosphere, it’s still your run-of-the-mill cabin horror that embraces the vastness of night and the evil that lurks around. Aged comic Afeez 2yetoro plays something like a quasivillain, a decoy allowing room for the real killer to carry out their blood-thirsty, nocturnal activities. ´They call me . . . and you are all very welcome,µ 2yetoro’s bearded character deceptively receives them on arrival at the barn in the middle of nowhere.

-ust a little more about the ‘&reepy’ Àlmmaker, Toka McBaror, the producer and director, who emerged with Tales of Bante in . He thought he made a brilliant Àlm then as a self-taught. He then graduated into editing. A few years down the line, he started learning camera.

And in , he made up his mind to learn Àlm making. Thinking about it now makes him laugh, but it was a starting point for the award-winning Àlmmaker. ´The mistakes forged me into what I am today,µ he said in a chat. )or those who know him well, Toka make movies but has long graduated into making fantastic movies.

Toka and Teddy A on set of Creepy Lives Here

Namaste Wahala Fever Grips Movie Bu;s Upcoming movie, Namaste Wahala, a cross-cultural spectacle of Indian and Nigerian traditions, is met with so much fever following a recent mention of its release, even without a specific date. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports 2n what platform will Namaste Wahala, the Àlm debut of Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, come through when it is Ànally released this year" The highly anticipated Bollywood Nollywood collaboration was initially scheduled for cinema release last year but was pushed back twice Àrst in April and then in 2ctober due to the &ovid- pandemic. -ust of recent, the businesswoman turned Àlmmaker, Ahuja, stated in a post that the much-awaited movie that brings both Àlm industry giants Bollywood and Nollywood together will be released soon for the world to see. ´Alot of you have been asking where Namaste Wahala ² a Bollywood Nollywood love story is.

A movie produced and directed by yours truly.

The experience has been magical and I am happy to say that this baby is getting a chance to see the world or more accurately be seen by the world.

That’s all I can say for now, but this is a reminder for everyone out there. Dreams do &ome True &an’t wait to share this magic with you,µ Ahuja wrote on her Instagram page.

While Ahuja’s message didn’t say much, other than it will be released this year, no one knows when exactly this production will be shown to the world, and lovers of Nigerian Indian culture are eagerly looking forward to more details on when and where to catch this cross-cultural spectacle, starring Ini

A scene from Namaste Wahala

Dima-2koji and India’s 5uslaan Mumtaz in the lead roles. Alongside other big names like 5MD, -oke Silva, singer MI Abaga and Segal Sujata. Touching various genres romance, comedy, drama, the plot is about a joint Nigerian-Indian wedding.

And given how both Indians and Nigerians are known for beautiful, extravagant weddings, it’s easy

to see why this beautiful mix has been met with so much fever. ´Namaste Wahalaµ which loosely translates to ´Hello troubleµ is Àlmed mostly in English with a mix of Hindi and pidgin language. Ahuja has lived in Nigeria since she was a child and says her experience in Africa’s most populous country

inspired her debut eͿort. ´I am Indian but I have lived in Nigeria my whole life. Everyone loves Bollywood and Nollywood, so I thought ‘how is it that no one has done a love story between the two"’ she said earlier in an interview.

Ahuja had also explained that the feature Àlm examines her cultural experiences living in India and Nigeria. ´Namaste Wahala is a story a lot of laughter and a few tears about love and family.

This project is very close to my heart as it’s my Àrst movie and it’s also the Àrst movie ever that brings together Nollywood and Bollywood. I am grateful to all the extraordinary cast and crew that helped me make this project a reality. With nothing but a passion for Àlm, I embarked on a journey to make a feature Àlm that is a melting pot of my cultural experiences between India and Nigeria. The moment I made this decision, I knew that it would require that I give it focused energy in faith, and watch it all manifest.µ The Àlm is widely believed to be the Àrst movie collaboration between Nollywood and Bollywood.

However, it’s not the Àrst time the two Àlm industries have joined forces. The Àlm -.U.D.E. is credited as being the Àrst Nollywood-Bollywood joint production, according to Shadow Act. It only makes sense that two of the world’s biggest Àlm industries would unite once again, to give its lovers an exciting cross-cultural production.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

21

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tolulope Oke

Covid-19 Has Altered the Course of Nollywood Tolulope 2ke, a prominent face in Nollywood, in this interview with Festus Akanbi observes that the second wave of &ovid- has altered the course of acting profession, no thanks to the safety protocols put in place by the authorities. She also speaks on her latest Àlm, &ookie Spot, which parades A-list of actors including Adejumo Lewis, )unso Adeolu, Sola Sobowale, Ayo Adesanya and Bolanle Ninalowo

H

support one another. The young women should see the bigger picture of whatever they are doing. 3ossibilities are endless in life. Whatever you are doing, you should not give up.

You can always be a better person wherever you are. You should learn to survive in a way that will add value to others.

I believe &ookie 3ot will challenge every young lady out there to be strong. When they are determined, they will to succeed against all the odds in life.

ow will you describe the e;ects of COVID-19 on the Nigerian Àlm industry" &ovid- has slowed everything down. Life, I believe, has been altered by the pandemic. 3eople have been looking at how to cope with the post-coved era. Digital channels have come to stay to promote products and services. )or movies, people are health conscious on what they do.

Now you see standby doctors on Àlm set to ensure the environment is safe for everyone. The beneÀt of this is that everyone focuses on their health status more. It is a good development for the industry which shows we are more conscious of our environment.

It means anyone who is not physically Àt should not participate in movie production. It shows the producer will take responsibility. It means we pay attention to everything that matters. It puts Nollywood in good light.

There is more to bringing people on set. We should be conscious of or health as it is important. We should be concerned about the health status of the crew. &2VID has made it mandatory to focus on basic things that are often overlooked.

What is the storyline of your latest Àlm, Cookie Spot, and what do you want to achieve with it" &ookie Spot is a reÁection of life. I believe in hope and I tried to project life and its possibilities. &ookie Spot is a story of survival wherever you Ànd yourself. There is always a means of survival. The inspiration of &ookie Spot began from a carwash which turned into a big business.

The lady gets help from a woman where she is working to establish her own business. She wants a good life for her mother and herself. Her mother rejects the oͿer due to a reason which she refuses to reveal to her daughter. It’s about her father.

Tolulope Oke Some notable Nollywood stars who feature in &ookie 3ot are Adejumo Lewis, )unso Adeolu, Sola Sobowale, Ayo Adesanya, Bolanle Ninalowo, also tells the youth audience that 2mowunmi Dada and a host of success takes perseverance. It also others. teaches hope. I want members of the younger generation to believe What are the key messages you in their potentials and have their want the viewers to take away" potentials.

I want to showcase myself as a Success is a destination not a very detailed producer and actor. journey. I also want to add value to I also want to let the audience, the society and at the end of the day, especially the younger ones, know it is win-win situation for all. &ookie that there are opportunities around Spot is also a story that promotes them. They need to identify such family values. opportunities and deploy creativity &ookie Spot also focuses on womto promote themselves. They should en helping one another. Women also promote entrepreneurship. It should identify potentials in others

What are channels you are using to promote the movie" It has become imperative to project the values of &ookies Spot. The movie will be showing on TV, online, cables and cinema. To reach all and sundry, there is a strategic focus to adopt the cinema as there is the cinema culture in Nigerians. This will facilitate making the movie a must watch by all.

When did you join Nollywood and what are the Àlms you featured" I joined the industry in but started fully when I featured in Awure Eni produced by Muhideen 2ladapo. Ibrahim &hatta and Moji 2laiya were also part of the movie too. I have featured in over movies including Dazling Mirage by Tunde .elani, -ennifer Diary.

Can you mention some of the Àlms you produced since you joined the industry" My Àrst personal production work was Bi Ala Like a dream which featured 3eju 2gunmola, Akin Lewis, Dele 2dule and others in . I also did Alebu Mi My weakness in .

I produced 2miran in Giant

which featured )emi Adebayo, 5ose 2dita, )unso Adeolu, Dupe -ayesinmi and others. I later produced Homesick in London in .The movie focused on Nigerians living in Diaspora and coming back home for them remained the best option. and help them. Women should see themselves as pillar of support for one another. A support for a woman is a support other generation.

I want to tell them not to be overwhelmed with challenges.

They should believe they can make it despite all odds. I believe every woman has a staying power that will help her confront every challenge and overcome them. I want every woman out there to have positive spirit which will deÀnitely make them overcome in life.

There is the need for women to

What should the industry do to retain its focus" The focus of the industry is to release good and quality contents.

There are digital channels for readymade market. When quality movies are provided, it showcases our professional expertise and projects the nation’s image. It is important to focus on professional expertise and develop techniques in movie production.

The technical part of our movie is also getting better, in terms of sub editing, music background and post-production.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

22

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Supporting The Milkmaid at 93rd OSCARS Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

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t takes chance and luck to get some rays of attention in this thriving age—one that could change the fate of a great country like ours. A lot has not been seen of us, even with the advent of social media.

Among the more predominant realities that has failed to gain much needed attention is the suͿering borne out of the Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria. Across the nation, Nigerians have endured the evils of kidnapping, and bandits ravaging the sub-region in a way that makes human existence almost devoid of normalcy.

Truly, the government has tried to explain what is going on in the North to the people.

However, we are so far removed from reality that we realize neither the depth of the problem that bedevils Northern Nigeria, nor how badly it has aͿected the routines of the people. Not only is road travel dangerous, but people are also scared to sleep in their houses at night. 2nce, I heard that people up North sneak away at night for fear of being kidnapped. The Àrst-hand stories of women, boys, and girls being battered and raped consistently failed to attract adequate attention in media and motion pictures.

This year however is quite diͿerent because we get to see these realities vividly portrayed in theAfrica MovieAcademyAwards Best 3icture recipient, The Milkmaid. )ortunately, it has been picked to run for this year’s Academy Awards - rd 2scars, for its precise and convincing capturing of the realities of the imminent threat to human existence in Northern Nigeria. The Milkmaid, which tells the story of insurgency, imbues a little bit of understanding and empathy into this area. It allows for us and the world at large to get acquainted with certain things that go unnoticed up North. The Milkmaid is a remarkable Àlm— The Milkmaid is a compelling, top-quality Àlm and a worthy representation of what Nollywood has to oͿer in cinematic story-telling.

The Nigerian 2΀cial Selection &ommittee N2S& has chosen this Àlm as the country’s submission to the rd 2scars, and this is an opportunity to not only gain global recognition for a product of our industry, but to also bring attention to a major crisis happening in Nigeria.

3art of what would be applauded is the growth, beauty and social relevance of Nollywood its achievements exempliÀed by the quality and standard of this Àlm, the indigenous crew and cast that speak to the job-creating potential of one of Nigeria’s largest industries, the scenic geographical location that gives a glimpse into northern Nigeria and perhaps most importantly, the haunting realities of life within the region.

Given this, the decision by the N2S& to put forward The Milkmaid presents the country with the opportunity to gain global recognition for our Àlm industry. Whilst submitting an eligible Àlm for consideration by the Academy is an achievement in itself several countries inAfrica and elsewhere in the world have never done so , it is perhaps long overdue for an industry with the heritage, prominence and dynamism of Nollywood. The real opportunity lies in progressing beyond the preliminary stage of over country submissions into the )ebruary shortlist of Àlms recently expanded by the Academy from , and even potentially claiming a place amongst the coveted group of o΀cial 2scar nominees to be unveiled the following month ahead of the April ceremony.

This opportunity can however only be fully realized with the support of all stakeholders.

We would need to campaign and lobby this involves the full involvement of the Ministry of Information, &ulture and Tourism, and our agencies under the Minister, The Ministry of )oreign AͿairs, and )inance. In our bid to win an award at the rd 2scars and bring the entire

The Milkmaid has a unique opportunity to make an impact at the Oscars this year, based both on its cinematic storytelling, as well as the global resonance of its theme – it effectively bears witness to the consequences of extremism and insecurity ranging from kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria to white supremacists and coup attempts in North America Nollywood a greater spotlight—as this would be a collective win for us all—this would be crucial. It is interesting to note that unlike all other categories at the 2scars that acknowledge individual achievement, the category of Best International )eature )ilm is unique in that the nominees represent the respective countries of production rather than any speciÀc individual.

In essence, it is a national accolade. As such, the onus ultimately rests with the government of Nigeria to take full advantage of this annual opportunity to burnish the image of the Nigeria Àlmmaking industry and the country at large by wholeheartedly supporting an aggressive local and international 35 campaign on behalf of the Àlm selected to Áy the national Áag against typically formidable competition.

It has been proven through the decades, that notwithstanding the creative and technical merits of the submitted Àlm, lobbying is the driving force that inÁuences perceptions and decisions of key stakeholders in the voting process. South Africa has long been aware of this, and its vigorous eͿorts in this regard on behalf of its submission, Tsotsi, yielded the ultimate prize of anAcademyAward in . I would love to see not only the Nigerian Government but also &orporate Nigeria rise to the occasion and support The Milkmaid ² an act which by extension would actively encourage and inspire the millions of youths who are doggedly pursuing various means of creative expression.

I keep making comparisons about the National )ilm and Video )oundation in South Africa and our Nigerian Àlm organizations because they

understand that when it gets to be nominated at the 2scars, the entire industry and all stakeholders must forge together and harness their collective strengths into winning the award in the name of South Africa.

In Nigeria, this is what we must do as well. It is time to pull together. It is not the time to complain and take potshots at the Nigerian 2΀cial Selection &ommittee -how it was constituted, or who constituted it, or why they were the ones who constituted it, etc. 2f far greater signiÀcance is that Ànally a successful submission out of several eligible Àlms was made to the Academy, and that now is the time to unite and make our Àrst foray into the 2scars arena a truly memorable one. We should acknowledge the work that has and continues to be done. I can fully relate to this, given that we are entering the th consecutive year of AMAA without a break. God’s grace, plus the Nigerian can-do-it spirit, has got us here.

The Milkmaid has a unique opportunity to make an impact at the 2scars this year, based both on its cinematic storytelling, as well as the global resonance of its theme ² it eͿectively bears witness to the consequences of extremism and insecurity ranging from kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria to white supremacists and coup attempts in North America.

The Milkmaid has a decent shot at the Ànal Àve at the 2scars. This is obviously a huge deal and one that cannot be achieved if we do not give the Àlm our full backing.

Let’s start using whatever platform we have to give ourselves some accolades about how far we have come with our doggedness. There is a saying Igbo ´ when you call yourself somebody, others will respect you.µ We need to generate the conversationsaroundthisworkofartrepresenting over million people, and whose relevance was underlined with the uncanny synchronization of its unveiling as Nigeria’s submission for the rd 2scars with the much publicized abduction of boys by extremists from a school in .ankara, northern Nigeria, a chilling reprise of the abduction of girls in &hibok.

Notably, The Milkmaid’s dialogue is rendered entirely in Hausa and )ulfulde, lending further authenticity and poignancy to its narrative and characterization.

We can and should utilize social media, which has proven to be a basic awareness tool to generate public support for this Àlm. We could engage with diasporic voices in continental hotspots - an eͿective lobbying strategy that other countries havekeyedintoinordertoraisethemoneyneeded for an 2scars campaign.

As the National 3resident of the Association of Movie 3roducers, what I have witnessed is an unfortunate detachment and lack of understanding to what needs to be done with regard to this Àlm, this might be expected as it’s our Àrst time in the race. The Executive 3roducers of this Àlm are doing as much they can, but without the country’s backing, the Àlm cannot reasonably be expected to make any substantial progress.

To reiterate This submission is for Nigeria as a whole and not just the Àlm’s producers and director.

Let’s make Nigeria proud on the world stage by working together on this one. Nollywood was founded and grew on team spirit and there has not been a better time to exemplify this unity of purpose. The Government and 3eople of Nigeria have enjoyed the positives that Nollywood has over the years garnered for our country. Let us walk the talk. I call on every single individual, government, inÁuencer, and opinion writer to watch the Àlm, celebrate Nigeria &inema. Let us not waste this great opportunity to turn the global limelight on our industry. May we all rise together. Nollywood exempliÀes the essence of what Nigeria is about our resilience and our creativity that deÀnes innately who we are

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, MFR, is the Founder of Africa Movie Academy Awards.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

e-mail tosinclegg#hotmail.com

MTV Base Premieres Celebrity Bumps

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fter months of collaborative eͿorts between the Nigerian Television Authority NTA , and Wale Adenuga 3roductions WA3 to revive the iconic The Village Headmaster TV drama series, all is now set for the television series to hit the Nigerian television stations with the successful completion of the recording stage. Already, the promotional trailer has started airing across Nigeria.

Astatement by the organisers said the recording, which commenced in early November ,was fully-concluded by mid-December , while the project is currently undergoing post-production process video editing, special eͿects, graphics, colour grading, music scoring, subtitling, etc

in line with the producers’ promise to deliver a Àrst-class project of international standards, the exciting trailer has been in heavy rotation on NTANetwork,AIT Network, wapTV, Instagram,

)acebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

Directed by the multiple-award-winning 3atience 2ghreImobhio, the programme stars some of the original cast, including Dejumo Lewis .abiyesi , Ibidun Allison Amebo , Dan Imoudu &hief Dagbolu , Dele 2sawe Teacher )adele ,Melville2briango Teacher2ghene ,.ate Adepegba )olake , and Lara Akinsola Doyin

as well as a diverse list of superstars, including ice, 5onke 2shodi 2ke, &hris Iheuwa, Mr Latin, 5achael 2niga, )unky Mallam, -ide .osoko, 2mo Ibadan, 2kele, 3rincess, Sam Uche Anyamele, Mide Martins, 5ecardo Agbor, -umoke George, Yemi Shodimu, BabatundeAderinoye, BintaAyo Mogaji, -ideAlabi, &hristy Imanlehin,Yemi 5emi, Monica )riday, Deborah Anugwa, Ajobiewe -r., -umoke 2labisi, Eric 2binna, and others.

ThisnewproductionofTheVillageHeadmaster TV Drama Series would start airing inApril on NTA Network, AIT Network, and wapTV Network, across Nigeria and several parts of Africa.

Mike and Perri Edwards

Segun Kosemani is Changing the game with Botmecash

Segun Kosemani

Segun popularly called Lamilami has been a key player on the Showbiz and media scene before venturing into )intech and creating, Botmecash. &ontributing his own quota to the development and growth of the industry he kicked oͿ working as the 3A on Media to the &hairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly committee on infrastructure in before working as a brand executive in Nigezie. At Nigezie, he had helped contribute directly to the growth of the music industry, it’s top events, comedians and many of the current A list artistes like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, 2lamide, Davido in many loud and silent ways.

Talking about his new venture, ‘Botmecash was born out of the

desire to create a truly transparent, aͿordable and futuristic Ànancial service platform that would help Nigerians have easy access to current and most valuable, most sort after currency of the world right now.

The quest for true Ànancial freedom, low transaction charges and less government authority over my money was a major drive, in between the versatility in my background experience is what has been helping me Ànd my way around multiple sectors and now we hope to Áourish in )intech.’

Segun is keen on making diͿerence in this new venture he has keyed into. He and his team worked tirelessly to make the platform one that’s worthwhile and can solve several

Ànancial issues including helping to make the Áow and use of money easy for its end users. With an app in view, he aims to conquer more grounds and enlarge his network.

Speaking on the future, he stated,µWe have a few solid plans that we must achieve this year, hopefully all things remain as forecasted.

We currently have the capacity to oͿer almost if not all that the average bank can do technology wise today and then we actually do much more since we sell Bitcoin but traditional banks currently don’t. If you don’t have Bitcoin by , you may feel miserable in obvious regrets so to avoid not been part of the next set of wealthy people this new year , start investing quickly.’

Cuppy Foundation Releases Annual Report In line with her high standards on accountability and transparency, the &uppy )oundation has released her annual report showing a breakdown of activities from ² ensuring full accountability to all stakeholders, partners, and the public.

The &uppy )oundation founded

by International D- and producer )lorence ‘&uppy’ 2tedola is a fundraising organisation focused on tackling issues surrounding child protection, education for girls and persons with disabilities. The &uppy )oundation carries out its work through its support of partner organisations and charities.

The )oundation currently supports the following organisations annually Save the children U.S, Save the &hildren International - Nigeria, Angel for life foundation, The .aͿy )oundation and The .upe )oundation.

In partnership with its beneÀciary

organisations, a -year implementation plan has been put in place to guide the over N billion raised at the &uppy Gold Gala which premiered in November in Abuja, Nigeria. This plan covers key states in Nigeria and is focused on the foundation’s thematic areas. )rom over unique persons have been reached via various programs supported by the &uppy )oundation.

Through its activities, several individuals with physical disabilities have been sponsored through higher institutions children have been treated for acute malnutrition, while some young mothers have been educated on how to cater for their children.

The )oundation also sponsored the refurbishment of several health facilities and supplies of 3ersonal 3rotective Equipment 33E and Infection 3revention and &ontrol I3& materials for &2VID- .

DJ Cuppy (R) in Maiduguri for charity

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 23, 2021

POLITY

As Sagamu-Abeokuta Road again Comes to Life Bolu Adeosun

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he importance of quality roads to the development of the Nigerian society is constantly in the national discourse, and so needs no repetition here. In Ogun, as in every other state, there is apparently a veritable need for good roads to link communities and create an enabling environment for investment to thrive.

Since coming on board as the fifth democratically elected governor of Ogun State on his 59th birthday on May 29, 2019, Prince Dapo Abiodun has left no one in doubt about his desire to make Ogun State an investment destination and development hub ready to live up to its billing as Nigeria’s Gateway State. Underrated by many based on the false notion that a billionaire business mogul attuned to years of boardroom presentations would not make it in the murky waters of politics, a notion easily disproved but nevertheless tenaciously held on to by naysayers, Abiodun has unveiled an ambitious acronym ISEYA philosophy; “Building our future together”, solidly anchored on business models and the notion of governance as problem-solving, setting up new institutions and intervening to make extant institutions more relevant and able to deliver on their social mandates. Bad roads, Nigerians have come to learn time and again, are a major bane of the economy. Vehicles get spoilt on the roads almost as a daily ritual even as the movement of goods from one place to the other is perpetually imperiled: as if by compulsion, perishable produce rot on farmlands. Happily, though, long abandoned roads are receiving attention in Prince Abiodun’s Ogun where campaign promises have become articles of faith. As has been previously remarked, anyone visiting Ogun in recent times will readily attest to the fact that it is gradually becoming a huge construction site. In this regard, it is crucial to remark on the ongoing rebuilding of the Abeokuta-Sagamu interchange road for a moment. Constructed by the Gbenga Daniel administration and Obasanjo inaugurated by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, the road had suffered from the normal wear and tear over the years. Last year, as part of the efforts by the Abiodun government to rehabilitate existing roads in the three senatorial districts of the state, attention quickly shifted to the Sagamu interchange- Abeokuta road, which had become notorious on account of its state of disrepair and the nightmare of travellers.

The road, 42 kilometres long and 14.6 meters wide, is stra-

tegically important as the major route linking Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos, as well as the Eastern parts of the country. It originates from the Government House, Abeokuta, and traverses the densely populated business districts and residential areas of Ibara, Kuto, MKO Abiola Stadium, Oke-Mosan, Laderin, Kobape and Siun, terminating at the interchange. The two-lane dual carriageway separated by a two-meter median boasts of state-of-the-art architecture, including standard drainages and functional streetlights. There is of course the reconstruction of existing earth drains with adequate turn outs where necessary. And, again, there is a divider on the road with ornamental trees planted to create aesthetic appeal. When the construction began, as noted by the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akisanya, three milling machines were sited on it to remove the entire asphaltic portions and replace them with new asphalt overlay of both binder and wearing course, to ease traffic congestion in the area, as well as improve the socio-economic development of the people along that corridor. The rehabilitation of the road became necessary in order to alleviate the hardship of riders and motorists plying the route and, in any case, the people along the corridor stood to benefit a great deal, as the rehabilitation would improve their socio-economic status.

Apart from commercial motorists plying the corridor who lauded the Abiodun administration for embarking on the construction of the road and eliminating the hardships previously faced by motorists and other road users, the communities along the corridor have been witnessing exponential growth and development. That is the main point that this essay wishes to draw attention to. Remarkably, even though the project has hardly extended beyond 70 per cent completion, users are already singing happy tunes. In the past, if you were going to Abeokuta from Sagamu you would spend about an hour and 25 minutes: but now, because the road is smooth and boasts modern road architecture, the journey takes only about 30 minutes. Invaluable man hours are no longer wasted in nerve-wracking hold-ups. Accidents have reduced to the barest minimum, and the potholes that caused motorists so much despair have disappeared.

Industrial estates are springing up along the corridor: all of a sudden, the place has become an industrial hub. Distilleries

are doing well there. Many people are now coming there to establish businesses, which is facilitating development.

The lesson is clear: you must have a good road network for businesses to thrive.

Apart from this, roads are of course being built across all the local government areas in the state. Last September, while inspecting the laying of asphalt on the ongoing reconstruction of Adigbe road in Abeokuta South local government area, Governor Abiodun promised to continue embarking on projects that would attract more development into the state.

As he noted, his administration had commenced full rebranding of the entire state, and road construction was ongoing in various parts of the state, including SagamuAbeokuta road, Adigbe road, the reconstruction of which has been extended to Obaada in Ewekoro local government area to enhance the economic value of the axis; Oba Erinwole road in Sagamu, Obantoko road, and Ijebu-ode/Epe road.

The Adigbe road was initially awarded by the Ibikunle Amosun administration but was abandoned by the contractor due to non-availability of funds. Besides, Governor Abiodun also approved the reconstruction of 12 roads across 11 local government areas of the state. The roads included the Ijebu Ode-Epe/Sagamu-Ore Interchange Flyover in Ijebu-Ode/Odogbolu, the 1.2km Ilishan Market Road in Ikenne, the 2.0km Itori Junction-Total road in Ewekoro, the1.3km Joju Road in Ado-Odo Ota LGA, the 3.41km Olomore Junction-Sanni Road in Abeokuta North, the 5.9km Sagamu Junction-Iperu Roundabout road in Sagamu/Ikenne, the 3.0km Iperu Roundabout-Ode Road in Ikenne, and, of course, the 7.0km Ago Iwoye-Oru-Ijebu Igbo road in Ijebu North. Others were the 5.7km Somorin-Kemta, Idi-Aba Road in Odeda, 3.8km Ilashe-Koko-Alari road in Ipokia, the 8.0km Orile Oko road in Remo North, and the 2.3km Obafemi Awolowo Way-Mada-Takete in Remo North.

Without noisemaking and without any frills, Governor Abiodun is proving critics wrong. He is no doubt a silent achiever who loves the state passionately and wants to make a mark. And make a mark he certainly will.

––Adeosun sent this piece through boluadeosun@ outlook.com

Obono-Obla, 2 Others Arraigned for Alleged N19.9m Fraud Alex Enumah in Abuja

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hairman of the now disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Mr Okoi Obono-Obla was on Friday arraigned alongside two others before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Apo, Abuja over allegations bordering on fraud.

Obono-Obla and his co-defendants were arraigned on a 10 count charge brought against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).

The other defendants include his (Obobo-Obla’s) Senior Assistant, Special Duties (Protocol), Aliyu Ibrahim, and the Managing Director of ABR Global Petroleum Resources

Ltd, Daniel Omughele. The ICPC specifically accused the former SPIP Chairman of conspiring with the others to divert N19,994,185.00 meant for the furnishing of SPIP offices.

He was also accused of forging his academic credentials.

The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the 10 count charge read against them, following which their lawyers urged the court to admit their clients to bail on liberal terms.

However Prosecution counsel, Samuel Ipinlaiye said he would prefer the defendants are not remanded in custody in view of the current coronavirus challenge.

Ipinlaiye who subsequently withdrew his earlier objection to the defendants’ bail application, prayed the court to grant bail on terms that would ensure that the defendants

Kwale Industrial Park Gets Delta EXCO’s Approval Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

D

elta State Government, at its first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting of the year at the Government House Asaba on Friday, approved several major infrastructural projects, including clearance for the establishment of the Kwale Industrial Park, even as the government commenced the implementation of the 2021 Budget.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsman on resolutions at the meeting, which was presided by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Aniagwu said that approval was given for the establishment of the multi-billion naira Kwale Industrial Park with 25 percent equity for the state government and the remaining 75 percent equity would be in the hands of private operators.

He noted that the approval was a boost to the Industrial Park, the process of which establish-

ment was slowed down by the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Aniagwu said, “Today, being the first EXCO of the year, we considered quite a number of projects and we are hopeful that in the course of the year, we will begin to give trends to most of those projects that are outlined in the 2021 budget. So, our 2021 budget is fully operational.

“We started by approving the establishment of the Kwale Industrial Park. That establishment now means that we now have a Multi-Purpose Vehicle through which we are going to implement the full establishment and operationalisation of that industrial park.

“This Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that is being established in the name of Kwale Industrial Park is going to be the government eye. The government is going to hold not more than 25 per cent of the equity of that industrial park.

“And out of that 25 per cent, government will consider what is necessary to take care of host communities. We are not holding it in trust for host communities because we are paying compensation for the land that we are acquiring.”

are available in court for their trial.

In a short ruling trial judge, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N10 million each with a surety, who must not be below the rank of director in the service of either the Federal Government and any of its agencies or the FCT and any of its agencies. Justice Adeniyi ordered Ipinlaiye to retrieve the defendants’ international passports, already deposited with the ICPC and hand them to the Registrar of the court.

He then djourned till March 17 for the commencement of trial.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the court’s proceedings Obono-Obla’s lawyer, Paul Erokoro, SAN said his client was just being victimised.

Erokoro disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), another agency of the Federal Government, plans to re-arraign Obono-Obla on Monday before another High Court of the FCT in Kwali on similar alleged offences.

In the charge, marked: CR/922/2020, in which they were arraigned on Friday, the ICPC accused the defendants of conspiring in 2018 to confer an unfair advantage on Ibrahim.

The prosecution said they “diverted the sum of N19,994,185.00 received by SPIP through its contractors from the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).”

It added that the sum, meant to furnish SPIP offices, was allegedly “diverted to the per-

sonal account of Aliyu Ibrahim, using proxy companies, without furnishing the said SPIP offices as proposed to the NDIC”.

Ibrahim was, in count three, accused of using his position “to confer unfair advantage” on himself by diverting the money into his account using proxy companies without furnishing the SPIP offices as proposed to NDIC. The alleged offence contravenes Section 26(1)(c) and punishable under Section 19 of Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

In counts four, Obono-Obla was accused of dishonestly using as genuine, “a Mary Knoll College, Ogoja, General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level, May/June 1982 (GCE) Statement of Result for Ofem Okoi Ofem with candidate No: 09403/247 showing an O’Level credit (6) score for Literature in English”.

ICPC said he used it as “part of the five O’Level credit requirement for you to study Law for the 1985/86 academic session in UNJOS (the University of Jos) when you had reason to believe that the document (GCE), the basis upon which you were admitted to study Law in UNIJOS, was forged as you never sat for the English Literature examination for May/June 1982 GCE”.

Obono-Obla was, in count five, accused of making false document around November 1985, regarding the GCE certificate.

Bandits Abduct Village Head in Katsina

B

andits early yesterday morning abducted the village head of Raddah, in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Alhaji Kabir Umar.

They also injured Umar’s younger brother identified as Aminu on the thigh. He’s currently receiving treatment in a hospital in Katsina.

Raddah villagers revealed that the gunmen stormed the community in large numbers around 2am and operated for hours.

One of the villagers said: “The (gunmen) arrived at the village around 2am and were shooting sporadically. They abducted our village head and wounded his younger brother on the thigh. But we cannot say exactly the number of items stolen or taken along with them as they kept on shooting during the operation and also while they were leaving the community.”

The spokesman for the Katsina Police Command, SP Gambo Isah confirmed the incident but failed to give details.

“It is true,” he said in a telephone interview.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 23, 2021

POLITY

RotaryClubIkeja,EmmausRotaryClubtoTrainWomen Bennett Oghifo

R

otary Club of Ikeja, District 9110, Lagos, Nigeria is teaming up with Emmaus Rotary Club, District 7430, Pennsylvania, USA and the Mediators Beyond Borders International, (MBBI) to organize the MBBI International Peace Training Institute (MBBI- IPTI) in Lagos, Nigeria.

The training will involve 30 womenparticipants in peace building, conflict prevention and transformation skills to serve as peacebuilders in their own communities in some countries in West Africa.

According to a statement signed by the President of Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rotarian Dotun Lampejo, the training session which is themed, ‘Women in Peacebuilding: Enhancing Skills and Practice’, the participants for the twoweek training are drawn from the host country, Nigeria as well as Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Cameroon and it would run between January 25th till February, 5th, 2021.

Lampejo said the training which would be virtual would help the women to learn with other peace builders from West Africa, develop their skills in restorative practices, mediation, trauma-informed conflict resolution, leadership and group facilitation as well as help them to connect with organizational and political leaders.

Lampejo added: “Our objective during the Peace and Conflict Resolution Month is to help build vibrant and

more inclusive societies and we know that, that can only be possible in a society devoid of crisis. We are therefore collaborating with the Emmaus Rotary Club to organize the Rotary-MBBI International Peace Training Institute to make this possible.’’

While lending his voice, the Rotary Foundation Director of Emmaus Rotary Club, Jim Palmquist said the club joined forces with Rotary Club of Ikeja to organise the Peace building training session to make the world a more peaceful one.

Palmquist added: “Clearly the whole world desperately needs many more peace builders. I believe we are building the experience within Rotary to spread peace building skills and successes everywhere. I see Rotary becoming one of the premier peace building NGOs. Though Rotary has been leading in peace work since its beginning, we are going to expand its peace-making markedly and bring peace to the world.’’

While commenting on the choice of women as participants, the Managing Director of MBBI, Prabha Sankaranaraan said: “When you ask people about mediators people know, often the names mentioned are recognized globally and usually men. And yet some of the most complicated agreements in the world such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, or the Philippines Peace process have had women at the center of the process. The reality is that women comprise only 2% of mediators of armed conflict in the whole

Lampejo world. The participation of civil society groups, including women’s organizations, makes a peace agreement 64% less likely to fail.

“When women participate in peace processes, the resulting agreement is 35% more likely to last at least 15 years.

Higher levels of gender equality are associated with a lower propensity for conflict, both between and within states.’’

Kwara APC Crisis: Senator Ashiru Calls for Truce Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

he Senator representing Kwara South in the National Assembly, Lola Ashiru has called for truce over the unending crisis between the elders of All Progressives Congress(APC) in the Kwara State chapter of the party.

Ashiru made the appeal in Offa, the headquarters of Offa Local Government council area of the state when some party faithfuls across Kwara South paid him a visit in Offa .

He said such prolonged crisis may affect the unity and electoral success of the party at the long run.

He, however, urged the two warring leaders in the

party to sheathe their swords in order to move the party forward..

Senator Ashiru bemoaned the potential damage the festering crisis could cause the party and its developmental agenda. He stressed: “When the fight is prolonged, the party may lose cohesion, unity, strength which might result in the loss of the support of a significant proportion of the populace. This situation foretells a double electoral gain for the opposition.

“The fundamental things that we have achieved as progressives in the current political dispensation include being able to reinvent ourselves, institutionalising democracy and installing good governance. “ But if we continue to indulge in bitter intra-party fight,

we might lose all these gains and strengths which will be calamitous for the people of Kwara State”.

The senator, however described the ongoing feud as a passing phase in a democracy, but enjoined everyone to remain calm and sacrifice their ego.

He therefore assured the party faithfuls that an end to this current crisis is in sight.

Two warring leaders of the party in the state have been engaging in war of words over the removal of the chairman of the caretaker committee of the party in the state, Hon.Bashr Omolaja Bolarinwa.

While some leaders were kicking against the action, the other group were in support of the action of the national caretaker committee of the party.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, (FMCDE), Mrs. N. Nwachukwu; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, (ECSM), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Adeleke Adewolu; Permanent Secretary, FMCDE, Engr. Festus Daudu; Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, NCC, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta; Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Director, Finance Services Department, NCC, Yakubu Gontor, during the briefing by agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to the newly deployed Permanent Secretary...yesterday

L-R: Lubricant Sales and Marketing, Asharami Synergy, Segun Ogunkua; PR and Communications Manager, Cars45, Bemigho Awala; Brand and Communications, Asharami Synergy, Omolola Jaiyesimi; Lubricant Sales and Marketing, Asharami Synergy, Beatrice Teluwo; and Group Head, Marketing and Communications, Oluwashola Adekoya, at the partnership signing ceremony between Cars45 and Asharami Synergy in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Head, Technology, Cars45, Mobolaji Odumosu; Head, Special Projects, Gokada, Sanya Chawla; Group Head, Marketing and Communications, Cars45, Oluwashola Adekoya; and President, Gokada, Nikhil Goel, at the signing ceremony announcing a strategic partnership between Cars45 and Gokada in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 23, 2021

26

POLITY Senator Abana Foundation’s Benevolence to Enugwu Ukwu

T Sam Ekpe

he English dictionary defines Foundation as a donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund, endowment for deeds of charity. Some famous international Foundation include Ford Foundation, Mac Arthur Foundation and Melinda Gates Foundation, all based in the United States of America.

Here in Nigeria we have some reputed Foundations which donate substantial sums of money to many noble causes aimed at assisting the needy, supporting education or other societal development needs. Some of these include T.Y Danjuma Foundation,Sir Emeka Offor Foundation and the one sponsored by Chief Tony Elumelu.

In Anambra State a number of public spirited individuals, philanthropists and even politicians have established Foundations and Medical Outreaches which attend to various medical needs of thousands of people on fairly regular basis. The well-established ones are those by Senator I.G Abana, Hon Dozie Nwankwo and Hon Chris Azubogu.

However the most comprehensive, impactful and far reaching in terms of scope consistency and financial backing is the Senator I.G Abana Foundation (SIGAF) which marked its 10th year of activities in December 2020. Endowed on December 27 2010 by Senator Ikechukwu Godson Abana, a businessman and politician who had a stint in the Nigerian Senate between 2003 and 2005, the Foundation has become a household word in Njikoka Local Government Area in particular and Anambra State generally as a result of its positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the women, the youths and the elderly as well as the educational development and economic empowerment of the inhabitants in the area.

It has been 10 years of the Foundation living up to the tenets of its motto,’ Touching Lives Positively’. Members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation include Senator Abana himself Chairman, Sir IK.N Abana, Evangelist Dr. Gloria Uchefuna and my humble self- Sam Ekpe. I am therefore in a very good position to assert and confirm from practical experience that Senator I.G Abana Foundation has moved Enugwu Ukwu community and beyond forward sand has far achieved the aims and objectives of its establishment. The vision of the Founder is encapsulated in the Foundation’s 6- Points agenda which are scholarship scheme for indigent but intelligent secondary school and university students, financial empowerment for small scale entrepreneurs, particularly women, free medical health services for the sick, special health intervention scheme for patients with terminal health conditions, food assistance to the very poor and establishment of Centre for the Elderly for their good health, maintenance and welfare.

Since its inception in 2010 the Foundation has sponsored over 73 students through university education each of whom was paid one hundred thousand naira (N 100,000) per semester for tuition and assistance for upkeep. More than 50 of these beneficiaries have graduated from their various institutions and a number of them secured employment in some organizations including banks. 18 of the students are still undergoing their studies while more will become beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme of the Foundation after going through a transparent process of recommendations and confirmations by the executives of their various villages that they are truly indigent and have no one in their families capable of paying their school fees. The eventual beneficiaries are also expected to obtain minimum pass grade in a qualifying test. They are also expected to submit copies of letters of admission to the universities for various courses of study. Similarly over 117 beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme have passed through secondary school, each of whom has paid N 35,000 per term. More students are still enrolling and becoming beneficiaries.

The Foundation through the women wing of Enugwu Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU) gave a revolving grant of N1.5 million to assist small scale business women embark on various trades. As the beneficiaries utilize and return the loans more funds are given to their leaders to assist more people. Every December, for two days since 2010, the Foundation embarks on a Medical Outreach in Enugwu Ukwu where 12 medical doctors, 12 nurses, pharmacists and laboratory attendants are employed to attend to the health needs of the people free of charge. More than 15,000 persons have benefited from this free medication and eye glasses. The 10th Anniversary Outreach was done on 28th and 29th December 2020 and witnessed more patients at the clinics.

The Foundation, in its belief that every human being created by God should be given an opportunity to enjoy his or her life well beyond the biblical three score and ten (70) years, established a Centre for the Elderly where senior citizens of 70 years and above are given medical attention and provided food and healthy drinks in a canteen at half of the normal costs.

The Centre operates a free medical clinic with a medical doctor and two nurses attending to the 70’s and above every Saturday throughout the year where they are given medications free of charge. The Centre has indoor facilities, cable television network and other items of entertainment to keep the brains and intellect of the aged active. The membership of the Centre has risen to over 150

Cheque presentation to a beneficiary by Hon. Dozie Nwankwo

Medical clinic in progress in Enugwu Ukwu in the past 10 years and as more people attain 70 years of age they join the club.

Under the Health interventions Scheme the Foundation provides palliative funds to patients whose illnesses have been diagnosed as terminal, to enable them purchase drugs and sustain themselves.

Over 50 patients have so far benefitted from this scheme. In the Foodstuff Assistance Scheme, the Foundation provides foodstuff and cash to the very poor in the society during festive periods to enable them have feed of the seasons.

The Foundation introduced special youth empowerment scheme in the 2020 outreach. This is in a bid to attend to the segment of the youths that did not pursue education, in order to emphasize their while Education is the key to success in life; it is not the only means to a good life. Those who are not privileged or do not have the capacity or capabilities to go through tertiary education can still succeed in life through their acquiring various skills and trades.

The Foundation bought dryers, spray painting machines, sewing machines and various other equipment of various trades along with electricity generating sets and distributed to some youths selected by the executives the Enugwu Ukwu Youth Council (EYC). This programme will be a permanent feature of the Foundation’s activities in order to keep some of our youths off idleness, prostitution and drug abuse and its negative effects on our society.

Outside our immediate environment the Senator Abana Foundation has embarked on Community Social Responsibility (CSR) on a number of occasions. For instance in 2015 the Foundation made mouthwatering donations of food and non-food items including huge volume of cash to the internally displaced people in war ravaged Yobe state. In 2012 the Foundation donated various hospital equipment including beds, GDA cupboards, wheel stretchers, drug cabinets, big and small fold away stretchers and iron tables to the Government of Anambra State. Receiving the items the then Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi who personally attended previous medical outreaches of the Foundation acknowledged Senator Abana as an exemplary Anambra State philanthropist whose noble deeds of charity were worthy of emulation by the good people of Anambra State whom God had blessed with wealth and fortune.

The Foundation spent millions of naira to sponsor holiday

classes in Enugwu Ukwu in 2019 during the long vacation and also donated huge volume various food items and cash to various groups in Enugwu Ukwu as palliative measures during the covid-19 lockdown in 2020. The Foundation also sponsored the perimeter fencing of Uruekwo primary school Enugwu Ukwu. These noble deeds and acts of charity are outside donations of cars, buildings and cash and other items to various individuals and the church which Senator Abaca has been giving out, most of the time unannounced.

The Foundation marked its 10th anniversary on 28th December 2020 in Enugwu Ukwu with some pomp. Attended by His Majesty Sir Ralph Obunneme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu Ukwu na Igwe Umunri and some members of his cabinet including Architect Donald Nwandu the former Regent of Enugwu Ukwu and Ezeudo Dr. Uche Nworah the Managing Director of Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), the good people of Enugwu Ukwu used the occasion to appreciate all the goodies the town had experienced through Senator Abana’s benevolence. The Igwe and the Deputy Governor of Anambra State His Excellency Dr Nkem Okeke extolled the sterling qualities of the benefactor and prayed God to continue to bless him as he devotes his resources for the benefits of mankind and the society. Other speakers at the occasion include Chief Dennis Anekwe the Traditional Prime Minister of Enugwu Ukwu who had also established Dengox Foundation following the footsteps of Senator Abana, his deputy Chief Clem Nwafor Odu Nkataukwu who was the Chairman of the occasion, Hon Dozie Nwankwo, Member of House of Representatives representing Njikoka, Anaocha and Dunukofia local government areas and other top personalities in the community.

Highlights of the celebration were presentations of certificates of commendation to Igwe Ralph Ekpeh and Dr Nkem Okeke for their consistent support for the Foundation by their personal attendance at all the outreaches of the Foundation in the past 10 years. Long Service Awards were also presented to doctors, nurses and pharmacists as well the three Foundation members of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Sir IK.N Abana, Mr. Sam Ekpe and Evangelist Gloria Uchefuna for their dedicated services to the Foundation since 2010.

In his closing remarks, Senator Abana reiterated what he called his covenant with God that as long as He keeps him alive and continues to bless him, he Senator Abana will continue to put smiles on the faces of the people.

The unique and significant feature of the Senator I.G. Abana Foundation (SIGAF) is that the Foundation does not accept donations or contributions of any kind but is solely sponsored by its Founder and Chairman Senator Ikechukwu Godson Abana.

If there is any personal Foundation, registered and audited by Government established for non-profit but substantially fulfilling its objectives of uplifting humanity and qualifies for national and international award and accomplishments, Senator Ikechukwu Godson Abana (SIGAF) should stand up and be counted.

––Sam Ekpe is a Media and Public Relations Consultant based in Abuja.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

23.01.2021

Kelechi Iheanacho

Lifeline Beckons from Germany

3

NEWS

RETURN OF THE RIVALS

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

I

f the report coming out of Germany is anything to go by, Kelechi Iheanacho’s days with Leicester City are numbered as Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are ready to make a loan move for the out-of-favour Nigeria striker. According to German news outlet Bild, the Bundesliga club would be looking to take the former Manchester City striker in the summer transfer.

It could be an enticing opportunity for Iheanacho, who have struggled for regular first-team minutes at their club this season.

Iheanacho has played as Jamie Vardy’s back-up at Leicester but has managed 18 appearances across all competitions this season, while all three of his goals and his two assists came in the Europa League.

The Nigerian also did himself no favours in the Foxes’ 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace last month, missing from the penalty spot in the first half before struggling in front of goal at Selhurst Park.

The opportunity for more minutes in Germany could prove hard to turn down for Iheanacho, especially with Leipzig still in the Champions League and just four points behind Bayern Munich in the race for the title.

With Vardy, now 34 and nearing the twilight of his career, the former Foxes star, Emiley Heskey has urged the club to start looking for the forward’s replacement as he is convinced Iheanacho is not the right man to replace Vardy as the club’s first-choice attacker.

Vardy is nearing the end of his illustrious career and has been a key member of the Foxes squad since teaming up with the side in 2012.

The forward has scored more than 120 goals for the King Power Stadium outfit, including his 23 strikes last season, which saw him win the Premier League top-scorer award.

Iheanacho, on his part, has struggled to fully establish himself with the Foxes since joining the club in the summer of 2017.

The Nigerian international has only scored nine Premier League goals in 81 appearances for the Foxes and in the current campaign, he is yet to open his account in the division.

Heskey has advised the Foxes to look elsewhere for Vardy’s replacement as Iheanacho would struggle to fill the void of the 34-year-old if he leaves the club.

“When Vardy doesn’t play you see a difference in the way they play and effectiveness of them going forward,” Heskey told Premier League Productions.

“They haven’t quite found someone who could actually fill that gap and this is what they are going to be looking at. Can Iheanacho be that next player? I can’t see it so they have to go and get someone else.

“I don’t know if there are any youth players that can actually take up that mantle now and play them in certain games so they have to go and look out for a new Jamie Vardy”.

“He (Vardy) is a top lad and a top striker in the world, everyone knows,” Iheanacho said about Vardy.

“I am playing with him in training and watching him which inspires me as well. I will keep going. We can play as two strikers or we can play one striker as well. It depends on how the manager wants to play and set up the squad and everyone is important. We need everyone.”

Iheanacho maintained he’s happy at the King Power Stadium and is more than content with his current role under Brendan Rodgers.

“As a football player you need to keep your head and keep going and concentrate when you are playing and when you are not playing,” he said.

“Everyone has to go through this at some point. You need to keep working hard and believing in yourself that one day you can get your chance. I am confident. I believe in myself if I get the chance,” he said.

Rogers has in a press conference confirmed the club are looking at the transfer market to discover attackers to sign, which automatically places the Nigerian’s position in the squad at risk.

It was also hugely rumoured that Leicester may fund new targets by selling Iheanacho.

“He’s unfortunate he is playing behind one of the great strikers in Europe. Jamie is at the very top of his game, in his goalscoring and his pressing, so it’s very difficult for Iheanacho to get in,” Rogers said.

Kelechi-iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho

Lifeline Beckons from Germany Currently placed third in the Premier League log, Leicester City are seen as a strong contender for title, however, one player does not seem to be on the same page with the club’s rise. With no goal to show for his efforts so far in the league and even squandering an opportunity from the spot against Crystal Palace, which cost the Brenden Rodgers side two valuable points, Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at the King Power Stadium now hangs in the balance. And with German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig showing interest in the signing Nigeria international, he might soon be bidding the Foxes goodbye “Iheanacho wasn’t having one of his better games,” said Rodgers had said.

Iheanacho will hope to get some minutes under his belt when Leicester City take on Brentford in a FA Cup tie on January 24.

The Super Eagles forward has featured in 18 games this season for the King Power Stadium outfit and has three goals and four

assists to his name across all competitions.

Leicester climbed to the top of the league table following their victory over Chelsea on Tuesday, but with victory for the two Manchester clubs-United and City, who are now first and second respectively, the Foxes are now placed third on the league table.

Notwithstanding his inconsistency at Leicester, Iheanacho remains a key member of the Nigeria national team.

The forward recently helped the Super Eagles move closer to qualifying for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations with his performances against Sierra Leone in November.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man Utd, Liverpool Battle for FA Cup Fifth Round Place After a drab game in what was expected to be the headline encounter of last weekend’s Premier League, the two most successful English teams-Manchester United and Liverpool will again be battling for a fifth round place in the FA Cup tomorrow at Old Trafford. While the Red Devils would be boosted by their 2-1 win over Fulham midweek that catapulted them to the summit of the league log, the Reds will however need extra motivation against their arch rivals after their 68-game unbeaten Premier League home run was ended by relegation threatened Burnley on Thursday

Liverpool left back, Andrew Robertsons tries to dispossess Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford of the ball

M

anchester United and Liverpool clash for the second time in the space of a week on Sunday, this time the face off is at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the FA Cup. The two sides clashed at Anfield last Sunday, with Liverpool dominating a drab goalless draw.

However, both teams have played a Premier League game each since then with first place Manchester United now sitting six points ahead of fourth-place Liverpool in the table.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men extended their unbeaten league run to 13 games on Wednesday, producing a hard-fought 2-1 win over Fulham.

The Red Devils have clinched 10 wins and three draws since losing to Arsenal in early November, and they now have a two-point lead at the summit.

With 36 goals in 19 league games, United are the second-highest scorers in the top-flight. However, an iffy defensive record means they have the joint-fifth best goal difference.

On the flip side, Liverpool’s 68 unbeaten run at Anfield was brought to an end by Burnley on Thursday.

The Reds hadn’t lost a league match at home since April 2017, but the Clarets

secured a 1-0 victory, thanks to a penalty from Ashley Barnes.

Things were looking up when Jurgen Klopp’s men thrashed Crystal Palace 7-0 just before Christmas, but it’s been all downhill since then.

Three draws and two defeats have seen Liverpool drop down the table, with Klopp’s side failing to score in each of their previous four Premier League outings.

Liverpool beat a supremely young Aston Villa side 4-1 in the third round of the FACup, but one cannot read too much into that result.

The two sides last clashed in the FACup back in 2012, with Liverpool claiming a 2-1 victory on that occasion.

Given that Liverpool are struggling to score goals at the moment, United will be confident of getting one over their rivals this weekend.

Meanwhile, prior to the United Liverpool clash on Sunday, another standout tie in the fourth round of the FA Cup will take place at St Mary’s this afternoon as Southampton welcome fellow Premier League club Arsenal..

Southampton beat Shrewsbury Town 2-0 on Tuesday night to book their spot in round four, while Arsenal advanced courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United earlier this month.

Southampton were originally due to take on Shrewsbury in the third round

on January 9, but the match had to be rearranged after a coronavirus outbreak at the League One club; the fixture finally took place on Tuesday night, and it was a straightforward 2-0 success for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

The Saints have only won the FA Cup on one previous occasion, lifting the trophy in 1976 courtesy of a famous victory over Manchester United.

Southampton reached the final back in 2003, though, losing to Arsenal.

Hasenhuttl’s team will enter this game off the back of successive home victories, including a 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League at the start of the month, and an excellent 2020-21 campaign to date has left the club in ninth spot in the table ahead of their next league game on January 26, which is also against Arsenal.

The Gunners were far from their best in the third round against Newcastle and needed extra time to secure a 2-0 victory.

Mikel Arteta’s side have taken four points from their two league matches since then, including a dominant 3-0 win over Newcastle on Monday evening to move into 10th spot in the table, two points behind Southampton.

Arsenal have won this competition on 14 occasions and are the holders, beating Chelsea 2-1 at Wembley courtesy of a brace from Aubameyang, and it might

again represent the team’s best chance of silverware this term despite their involvement in the Europa League.

It is almost two years since the capital giants last lost an FA Cup fixture, while they are unbeaten in their last four matches with Southampton since a 3-2 defeat at St Mary’s in December 2018.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League just over a month ago, though, and it is difficult to know what to expect in this match as both managers could spring surprises with their team selections.

FA CUP FOURTH ROUND FIXTURES TODAY

Southampton v Arsenal 12:15 Swansea v Nott’ham Forest 15:00 Sheffield Utd v Plymouth Argyle 15:00 West Ham v Doncaster Rovers 15:00 Cheltenham v Man City 17:30: SUNDAY

Chelsea Brentford Man Utd Everton

v Luton Town 12:00 v Leicester City 14:30 v Liverpool 17:00 v Sheffield Wed 20:00

MONDAY

Wycombe

v Tottenham 19:45

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Tiger Woods Joshua and Fury

Over 150 Golfers Battle for Fury Vows to ‘Smash’ Joshua Inside Three Rounds Honours at Okpe Golf Tourney Unification Bout

Tyson Fury has delivered an ominous warning that he will beat Anthony Joshua inside three rounds as negotiations for their dream fight intensify.

An excitable Fury said on social media: “I just got off the phone with my trainer, Sugarhill Steward in America.

Fury’s public message is the latest suggestion that he expects a fight with Joshua to happen this year.

The WBC champion’s threat to his IBF, WBAand WBO counterpart came 24 hours after one of the biggest obstacles in agreeing the undisputed heavyweight title fight drew nearer

to being solved.

Oleksandr Usyk’s status as WBO mandatory challenger to the title held

by Joshua was a major problem but the governing body has now been in contact with the Ukrainian.

“We received the letter from WBO saying that they are considering granting sanction for AJ vs Fury,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk told Sky Sports.

“But Usyk has never received any serious offer nor anyone approached him with the offer to ‘step aside’. We all read it from media.

“I know that the WBO in general and its president Paco Valcarcel in particular will never violate

the rules of its organisation and sanction the major fight without Usyk’s consent.

“So now is the best time for the AJ vs Fury fight promoters to make Usyk a serious offer either to fight the WBO champion or to step aside and fight for the interim.”

Usyk is in tentative talks to fight Joe Joyce for the WBO interim title allowing Joshua vs Fury to take place next with every major belt in the heavyweight division on the line.

Joshua and Fury’s promoters have also indicated that another major hurdle, Deontay Wilder’s status as former champion; will not hold up the dream undisputed title fight.

Tokyo 2020 Games may be Held Behind Closed Doors

The rescheduled Tokyo Games may have to be held behind closed doors if they are to go ahead in Japan this year,athleticschiefLordCoe has admitted.

TheWorldAthleticspresidentremainedconfidentthe Olympics and Paralympics would take place despite a Timesreportsuggestingthey would be cancelled.

“Iwouldlovetohavefans, noisy and passionate,” Coe told the BBC.

“Butiftheonlywaywe’re able to deliver it is behind closed doors, I think everybody is accepting of that.”

Coe, who headed the London 2012 organising committee and is also an InternationalOlympicCommittee(IOC)member,said,in the event of a cancellation, it was“notarealisticsolution” to push back Paris 2024 and LosAngeles2028inorderfor Tokyo to host the Olympics in three years’ time.

Last March, organisers decided to postpone the 2020 Games for a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.However,doubts over whether they would happen at all increased in recentweeksfollowingarise in cases in some countries, includingJapanwhereastate of emergency was declared in Tokyo.

A report in yesterday’s Times newspaper quoted a senior member of the ruling

coalition,whosaidtheevents would be cancelled.

In response to that article, Tokyo 2020 organisers released a statement declaring that Japan’s prime ministerYoshihideSugahad “expressed his determination” to hold the Olympics and Paralympics and that all stakeholders remained focused on delivering the event. The IOC said the suggestion of a cancellation was “categorically untrue”.

NBBF in Talks with Sponsors to Kick-start 2021 Season Amidst global challenges as occasioned by Covid-19, the Nigeria Basketball Federation is in deep talks with sponsors of the domestic leagues in its quest to kick start the 2021 league season.

With the domestic calendars already drawn, the federation is in talks with its long term women league partner Zenith Bank as well as Total Nigeria who recently agreed to sponsor the Divisions One and Two men’s leagues.

“We are in contact with our stakeholders, we wrote the clubs in November telling them that if things went well we should hit the

ground running. We have spoken to Total Nigeria who are the sponsors of the Men’s Division One and Two leagues which is our big signpost for grassroots development”, NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida, said in Lagos.

For the women, he revealed that they are not left out with discussions with Zenith Bank at an advanced stage.

“We are in a deep discussion with Zenith Bank who are also working round the clock to formalise the protocol all with a view to see how we can kick start basketball activities back home.”

He assured that as a responsible federation, strict protocols will be put in place in line with the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 directives in its quest to create a safe environment for all.

“We will put in place some kind of strict protocols that will allow us to play the leagues. We have drawn out all our plans again, but because of the second wave of the pandemic, we are currently studying the situation.

League debutant, Air Warriors of Abuja won the 2019 edition of the Zenith Women league while Impression of Asaba emerged champions of the Total Division One.

Man Utd Versus Liverpool, LaLiga, Serie A, Live on GOtv Max

SuperSport viewers on GOtv can look forward to action from the 2020-21 FA Cup, La Liga and Serie A this weekend.

The pick of fourth round matches in the FA Cup is definitely the meeting of Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The traditional rivals met recently in a key Premier League clash and a renewal of hostilities so soon is a real

treat for fans. This will air live on Sunday at 6pm on SS Football (channel 31).

The Red Devils and the Merseysiders last met in the FACup back in January 2012, with ‘Pool claiming a 2-1 home win thanks to goals from Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt.

SuperSport is the only place to get English commentaryfromthelegendary La Liga, where the pick of

matches for this round sees Atletico Madrid host Valencia at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, which will air at 9pm on SS La Liga (channel 32).

The Rojiblancos defeated Los Che 1-0 at Estadio de Mestalla in the teams’ most recent clash, in November last year, with a late own goal from Toni Lobato deciding the clash.

Manager Diego Sime-

one has urged his team to remain focused as they continue to be the favourites for the La Liga title.

Atletico’s fellow heavyweights and title contenders, Real Madrid and Barcelona, face tricky away games as they tackle DeportivoAlavesandElche respectively today. Both matches will air on SS La Liga (channel 32) at 9pm and 4:15pm respectively.

O

ver 150 golfers from across the country will be battling for honours as the third edition of the Orodje of Okpe Golf Tournament tees off on Saturday, January 30, and all arrangements towards the hosting a successful tournament have reached an advanced stage.

The tournament expected to tee-off at the Sapele Athletic Club 1913, Sapele, Delta State, is expected to witness large turnout of top golfers from across the country.

The tournament sponsored by Seplat Petroleum Development Company, is being hosted by the management of the Golf Section of Sapele Athletic Club in commemoration of the 14th coronation anniversary of The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Orhue 1 Major General Felix Mujaperuo (rtd), who is a prolific golfer, and the Grand Patron of the oldest golf club in Nigeria.

According to the captain of the section, Chief Peter Asagba, he noted that the golf course is wearing a new look in readiness for the long-awaited tournament, adding that it would be organised in line with the state government rules on Coronavirus protocols for the safety of all the participants.

He stated further that the capability of the Chairman, Organising Committee; Chief Gilbert Aghogho has been exhibited in the manner of this tournament. Golfers from across the country would be competing for laurels in both ladies and men, veteran and super veteran categories respectively.

“The arrival, registration and cocktail will hold on Friday, January 29, while the ceremonial tee-off and tournament proper holds a day after well as presentation of prizes to winners and the dinner party in the evening at the section’s pavilion.

“I have confidence that the tournament will be hitch free and well organised with Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of players and guests. We are expecting over 150 golfers across the country at the tournament.

“Golfers are coming from Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS); UBTH Golf Club, Benin City; Ogunnu Golf Resort, Warri; Ibori Golf Club, Asaba, Port-Harcourt Golf Club; IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja; Ikoyi Golf Club, Lagos; Ikeja Country Club; Ibadan, Jos, Enugu, Calabar and amongst.

United vs Liverpool, FA Cup Matches Live on StarTimes Manchester United welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford for a mouthwatering cup tie on Sunday at 6pm live on StarTimes World Football channel.

For a second time in a week, the two most successful teams in English football will go head-to-head, this time in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup The North West Derby is one of the highlights on the English football calendar.

The two teams have faced each other 17 times in the competition.

The Red Devils have a clear statistical advantage, having won nine of the 17 matches, with four going the way of Liverpool.

Both finals between the two clubs (1977 and 1996) were also won

by United.

In other fixtures day, Arsenal will be away to Southampton at 1:15pm while Cheltenham Town vs Manchester City holds at 6:30pm; on Sunday, Chelsea will play against Luton Town at 1pm while Wycombe Wanderers will host Tottenham at 8:45 pm, among other fixtures this weekend.

The action moves to Coppa Italia on Tuesday, January 26, in a Milan derby when Inter Milan face AC Milan in the quarter final round of the competition live on StarTimes.

StarTimes has broadcasting rights to a number of the top footballing competitions in the world.

“This handy application provides users with over 100 TV channels which include live sports, replays and highlights,” Lazarus Ibeabuchi, PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Henry Onyekuru

Still Dreaming Premier League When he banged in 30 goals in 60 games for KAS Eupen in Belgium, Merseyside giants Everton did not hesitate to sign Henry Onyekuru in 2017. The Nigeria international’s dream of playing in the Premier League however faded as quickly as it came as work permit in England proved a stumbling block. He was therefore loaned back to Belgian club Anderlecht and later Galatasaray before a permanent move to Monaco in the summer of 2019. With West Ham United in the race to sign the AFCON bronze medallist, he may afterall achieve his long time ambition to play in the Premier League

Onyekuru still cherishes playing in the Champions League

N

igeria International Henry Onyekuru’s dream of playing in the Premier League may after all come to fruition after West Ham United joined the race to sign Monaco attacker this winter transfer.

Having failed to get a chance to impress in the Premier League with Everton, Onyekuru could be keen to return to England if West Ham come calling.

“The first dream is to play in the Premier League, it may not have worked out at Everton but I have no regrets about it,” Onyekuru told BBC Africa Sport.

“When I received offers from top clubs in England, I knew back then that I needed a work permit to play.

“That it didn’t happen then has nothing to do with my talent but red tape that’s beyond my control.”

Onyekuru revealed he was keen on a move to his boyhood club Arsenal,

but aware he faced a familiar huddle - work permit issues- he opted to fulfil his Champions League ambition instead at Anderlecht through Everton.

“I really wanted to go to Arsenal because I spoke to some people there as I was very young then,” he explained.

“It was obvious that I was not going to play without a UK work permit. So I went to Everton and played in the Champions League through a loan move to Anderlecht.

“It was important for me to get more playing time and experience that I had hoped would help boost my chances of earning the permit.

“I can’t say I regretted this because I got to play against Paris SaintGermain and Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League, this doesn’t happen to everyone.”

The winger’s form at Anderlecht led to a call up to the Nigeria team in 2017 by Coach Gernot Rohr and he looked set to be part of the Super Eagles team at the 2018 World Cup. Playing in Russia would have

boosted his chances of securing his permit to work in the United Kingdom and play for Everton.

However, the knee injury he suffered while on loan at Anderlecht meant he was unable to prove his fitness in time for the World Cup and ultimately meant he did not make the required appearances for a UK work permit.

“You can’t question certain things in life, playing at the World Cup was not meant to be,” he insisted.

“If that had happened, maybe I could’ve ended up playing in the Premier League but we will never know.”

Onyekuru offers electric pace and can play on the wings and as a number 9, and West Ham manager David Moyes could do with such a quality finisher.

However, the Nigerian is struggling for game time with the Ligue 1 side, featuring just four times this term, and he can move for a €1.5 million loan fee, subject to a €5.5m permanent deal.

The Hammers are looking to

strengthen their attack this month following the departure of Ivory Coast international striker Sebastien Haller, and landing Onyekuru could end up being a bargain.

Onyekuru’s name may ring a bell to fans as Everton signed him in 2017, having smashed 30 goals in 60 games for KAS Eupen in Belgium.

However, he didn’t have a work permit to play in the Premier League, so he was loaned out to Anderlecht and Galatasaray, before being sold to Monaco in 2020.

With 12 Nigeria caps to his name Onyekuru may be in a better position to finally play in the Premier League.

Onyekuru was seen as a huge talent, but seems to have lost his way a little. The 23-year-old hit 16 goals on loan at Galatasaray in the 2018-19 season, but scored just once in 12 games for them last term.

For Monaco, Onyekuru has only played eight games and hasn’t featured at all since September, meaning he’s hardly sharp and ready to go for West Ham. Desperate to establish himself at club and international level, Onyekuru is aware of what he needs to do.

“I think it was sudden and I had no idea about the move,” he added.

“It was all decided between both clubs in two days and I had to rush down to Monaco to complete the transfer.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get much playing time. I think there’s more to it.

“I am not someone to make excuses about life or football, but I think the manager has a different plan and I am probably not in that plan.

“I’ll definitely be leaving in January for football reasons, so I can return to the form I need to be in,” Onyekuru said.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

JANUARY Ͱͱ˜ ͰͮͰͯ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email bennett.oghifo#thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK How to Maintain Your Car’s Braking System Brakes are relatively simple systems but a crucial part of a car. Apart from preventing possible car accidents, properly maintained car brakes increase the longevity and performance of your car. .eeping your car’s brakes in tiptop condition is easy and should not be taken for granted. Even the best brake systems such as coyote swap braking systems require regular maintenance.

Here are some brakes maintenance tips that will help you and other road users stay safe on the road.

Check and keep your brake fluid at the recommended levels Do you know where your car’s brake fluid reservoir is located" The reservoir has clear level marks, and it should be your duty to ensure your reservoir is filled to the correct levels.

Also, ensure you use the right brake fluid. There are several types of brake fluids available in the market, but you should go with the brake fluid recommended by your car manufacturer.

Inspect the brake lines Lines are a critical part of a braking system. Brake fluid is transmitted from the master cylinder to individual brakes through brake lines. It is important that brake lines do not have any leak. &heck any sign of a leak in brake lines regularly.

You should also bleed the lines to remove any air that may be trapped inside. Even small amounts of air inside the brake lines decrease the effectiveness of the braking system.

Mercedes-EQ

Mercedes-Benz Releases EQA Electromobility

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ercedes-Benz has put an all-electric compact model from Mercedes-E4 for the Àrst time on the road.

This marks the entry into the purely battery-electric vehicle world of Mercedes-E4. The compact electric SUV will be available at European Mercedes-Benz dealers in the spring of , according to the automaker.

The new E4A takes all the positive features of its sister model GLA and combines them with a highly e΀cient electric drive. With an output of kW, the E4A power consumption combined . kWh km

&2 emissions combined g km > @ demonstrates how the brand with the star envisions tailor-made e-mobility for the diverse needs of young, urban target groups. After the market launch, further power levels up to over kW as well as a variant with all-wheel drive will successively follow.

What is the same for all customers is the eͿortless handling of the E4A in everyday life. This is guaranteed, for example, by the standard navigation system with Electric Intelligence.

It calculates the fastest route to the destination. 2n the basis of ongoing range simulations, necessary charging stops are taken into account, as are numerous other factors such as topography and the weather.

This makes it easier for anyone who is initially deciding on an all-electric vehicle to get started.

Mercedes-Benz will provide extensive in-depth information on the new E4A in the form of videos, graphics, press releases and images for download on Mercedes me media. In addition, there will be the opportunity for a virtual exchange with experts from Mercedes-Benz as part of the Digital World 3remiere.

Electricity consumption was determined on the basis of V2 EG. 3ower consumption depends on vehicle conÀguration. The Àgures are provided in accordance with the German regulation ‘3.W-EnV.V’ and apply to the German market only.

MINI Develops Concepts for Electric John Cooper Works Models New vehicle architectures oͿer additional freedom when it comes to the planned expansion of the model range ² hallmark performance with an emission-free drivetrain will sharpen the distinctive proÀle of the -ohn &ooper Works brand.

The evolution of the MINI model range is focused on the ongoing expansion of electric mobility and oͿering new opportunities to experience the brand’s hallmark driving enjoyment ² which also opens up new possibilities for the -ohn &ooper Works brand. )uture MINI vehicle architectures mean that extreme performance and genuine driving enjoyment will also be available with electric drive as well as combustion engines.

MINI is already making great strides when it comes to electric mobility. The MINI &ooper SE &ountryman ALL plug-in hybrid model combined fuel consumption . ² . l km combined power consumption . ² . kWh km combined &2 emissions ² g km led to Àve percent of the brand’s total sales being electriÀed. )ollowing the highly successful launch of the all-electric MINI &ooper SE fuel consumption combined . l km combined power consumption . ² . kWh km combined &2 emissions g km , this share doubled to around ten per cent within just a few months. Based on this experience, and looking ahead to future technology, MINI is now preparing the next step in the development of electric -ohn &ooper Works models. ´With the MINI Electric, we’ve shown how well brand-typical driving enjoyment and electric mobility can be combined,µ says Bernd .|rber, Head of the MINI brand. ´Now it’s time to

Change brake fluid Most people just refill their cars’ brake fluids once the level is low. This is a mistake. Brake fluid is extremely crucial to the braking system of a car. However, brake fluid attracts moisture, which corrodes the metal components of the braking system.

Also, the boiling point of contaminated brake fluid is low, and this affects the effectiveness of the braking system. 5eplace your brake fluid every two years or after , miles, whichever comes first.

Check your car’s brake pads and upgrade or replace them if need be If the components of the braking system could talk, brake pads could be the first ones to complain. They are the most ‘abused’ components of the braking system.

2ver time they wear thin due to heating during braking.

You can easily observe your car’s brake pads from the outside, but they are hidden from view in some cars.

If that is the case with your car, you have to remove the wheels to inspect them. Brake pads should be uniform, whether new or worn out, and they should be at least millimeters thick. Inspect your brake pads regularly and replace them if necessary.

Speed is the enemy Abrupt braking from high speed is the major cause of brake pad wear. Imagine coming to a full stop from mph the brakes will dissipate more energy than necessary. This causes premature brake wear. Instead of applying brakes just before a turn, stop sign, or traffic light, you should slow down before the stop instead.

Lift your legs off the gas pedal as soon as you see a stop sign, turn or traffic light. It helps to reduce the wear and tear on your brakes.

Do not ‘two-foot’ your pedals It may seem obvious, but some people tend to tap their brake pad with their left foot while their right foot is on the gas pedal. ‘Two-footing’ is a bad habit which does nothing really to stop a car, but leads to premature brake pads wear.

MINI John Cooper Works brand

translate the passion for performance of the -ohn &ooper Works brand to electromobility.

That’s why we’re working to develop concepts for electric -ohn &ooper Works models.µ The current focus on the development of a MINI -ohn &ooper Works Electric demonstrates just how important electric mobility is in terms of the brand’s future direction ² the goal is a unique blend of sustainability, performance and passion.

´-ohn &ooper Works models with conventional combustion engines will still continue to have an important role to play, to make sure we’re addressing the wishes and needs of performance enthusiasts all around the world,µ says Bernd .|rber. ´With this new focus on electric performance, we’re also creating the opportunity to sharpen the distinctive proÀle of the -ohn &ooper Works brand more than ever before.µ

Observe the three-second rule The three-second rule helps drivers to keep a safe distance from the car ahead. It eliminates unnecessary braking and possible crashes. The rule is that a driver should keep seconds worth of room between them and the car they are trailing. Watch the vehicle you are following pass a stationary object ² a sign, crosswalk, or a building will do. Then count to three. If you pass the same object before seconds elapse, you are too close to it. Back off and leave more space. Apart from driving defensively and keeping a safe distance, the three-second rule is easy on your brakes. Stop-and-go traffic keeps your brakes busy, which reduces brake pad life. Make sure there is enough space between you and the car in front, so you don’t have to apply brakes as often.

Inspect your rotors Inspect your rotors to see if there is any scoring or cracking. If your rotor is warped, you won’t be able to see any sign of cracking, but you can feel pulsation every time you hit the brake pedal. You should replace the rotors if any of these signs is present.

Source Mentalitch

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

AUTO WORLD

New Lexus LS Raises Refinement, Comfort, Technology Benchmarks

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exus has further raised the standard of refinement, Takumi craftsmanship and imaginative technology with the updated LS flagship sedan on sale -anuary .

Meticulous engineering improvements, more opulent interiors and broader application of advanced technologies have created an impeccable new high watermark for luxury and drivability.

The wide-ranging upgrades arrive with pricing aligned for LS and hybrid LS h ) Sport variants from , and for Sports Luxury variants from , 8 - representing increases of less than one per cent.

Dynamic enhancements dictated by the brand’s Lexus Driving Signature have been complemented by elevated levels of comfort, quietness and overall refinement.

This philosophy applies meticulous tuning and thoughtful component and software updates that drive Lexus models to a new standard of vehicle control, balance and driver confidence.

Supreme smoothness, refinement and effortless power for the kW . -litre normally aspirated V hybrid powertrain in the LS h have benefited from painstaking attention to detail.

Lexus engineers have improved drivability through its multi-stage hybrid system by increasing the level of assistance provided by the high-voltage lithium-ion battery to the electric motor and by expanding its range of operation.

Shift software has been retuned to take advantage of more electric power appearing at a lower rpm, resulting in smoother and more linear acceleration in city driving and the need for less throttle pressure

Lexus LS 500h when negotiating twisty or hilly roads.

The expanded role for the hybrid battery also makes for quieter operation.

The kW . -litre twin-turbocharged V engine in the LS gains a new lip design on the upper surface of the pistons to reduce noise when the engine is cold.

Dual variable valve timing adopts hydraulic control on the inlet side to reduce weight while maintaining the engine’s strong torque over a broad rev range.

Further weight reductions have been achieved with a new one-piece intake manifold made from aluminium instead of cast iron.

Suspension modifications are designed to produce an even smoother, more comfortable ride while maintaining the model’s dynamic character.

The Adaptive Variable Suspension employs a revised linear solenoid and enlarged flow path inside the control valve, reducing damping force for greater comfort over rough surfaces while also supporting better steering response and vehicle stability.

Further elevating its status as a luxury flagship, Lexus has enhanced imaginative technology in the LS by offering greater convenience and driver-assistance safety features.

A new widescreen . -inch touch-display is now elegantly integrated to provide effortless control of the multimedia system - complementing the stunning audio of the -speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system. &omprehensive safety features now include a digital rear-view mirror for the first time in a Lexus.

Its large display presents real-time images from the reversing camera, providing improved vision in all weather and lighting conditions while ensuring the view is not obstructed by headrests or passengers.

Functionality of the advanced Lexus Safety System has been enhanced with the addition of intersection turning assist , first introduced in the new Lexus IS. This system is designed to provide alerts and, if necessary, automatic braking if it detects an oncoming vehicle when turning right or a pedestrian approaching from the front when turning right or left.

F Sport variants gain additional driver-assist features previously exclusive to Sports Luxury variants - active steering assist, speed reduction on curves with the Lane Tracing Assist system, front cross-traffic alert, and a radar that can detect vehicles approaching diagonally in front of the vehicle. .

Hero Motocorp Surpasses 100 Million Cumulative Production Milestone Hero Moto&orp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has surpassed the significant milestone of Million &rores

units in cumulative production.

The millionth bike, the ;treme 5, was rolled-out of the &ompany’s manufacturing facility in Haridwar, in the northern Indian hill state of Uttarakhand.

This is also the th consecutive year that Hero Moto&orp has retained the coveted title of the world’s largest manufacturer of two-wheelers.

Hero Moto&orp’s achievement of this landmark is one of the fastest global achievements of the million cumulative production mark, with the last Million units coming in a span of just seven years. )ocused on Sustainable Growth, Hero Moto&orp has been building value for communities across the globe and acting as an economic multiplier with its sales, 5 D and manufacturing ecosystems.

It also continuously works towards the progress of the societies it operates in.

To mark the occasion, the &hairman &hief Executive 2fficer of Moto&orp, Dr. 3awan Munjal

W

unveiled six special celebration edition models at the &ompany’s manufacturing facility at Gurugram, located in the National &apital 5egion N&5 of Delhi. The six celebration edition models include Splendor , ;treme 5, 3assion 3ro, Glamour motorcycles and Destini , Maestro Edge scooters – that will go on sale from )ebruary .

Addressing a global audience including customers, dealers, distributors, investors, suppliers, employees, customers and the media, Dr. Munjal also outlined Hero Moto&orp’s plans and vision for the next five years.

During this timeframe, the &ompany will aim to further consolidate its leadership position, expand its global footprint, launch exciting and relevant products and also work on new innovative product concepts.

As part of the next five-year plan, Hero Moto&orp will introduce over products – including variants, refreshes and upgrades - every year.

Hero Moto&orp also has a steep growth target for its markets outside India. It will continue to grow its operations in these markets and also enter key markets in new geographies.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman/CEO, Hero MotoCorp and Shahrukh Khan, Global Movie Icon at the 100 millionth bike launch… recently

The Night Journey Syndrome

hat really is the reason for this suicide driven travel pattern that addicts maintain is cozy, cheap and also fun.

Before I dwell on the reasons adduced by night journey addicts, let me first state here that as I write and reflect on the figures I quoted last week including the recent crashes, my heart beats faster than ever. This is not death arising from terror attack nor militancy, not even from cult -gang clashes but from avoidable road traffic crashes. This is how one of the online media report captured it, ’’An auto accident on the Lagos-Ibadan highway caused the death of people on Thursday night.

The spokesperson of the )ederal 5oad Safety &orps, Bisi .azeem, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on )riday.

Mr Kazeem said the accident occurred at about 8 p.m. at Km around the Elebolo 4uary Area on the Ibadan axis of the road. According to him, other persons were injured in the crash involving persons and two Mazda buses. “The crash occurred at a construction site, and it resulted from route and speed violations. “This has further underscored the &orps Marshal, Dr Boboye 2yeyemi’s advice to motorists to avoid night journeys, be careful around construction sites and drive within approved speed limits,µ he said. Mr. Kazeem said rescue operations by )5S& officials, who arrived at the scene minutes

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

after the incident, ended at a.m. on )riday. He disclosed that the corpses were deposited at Adeoyo Yemetu Hospital mortuary, Ibadan’’.

I have written several times on this death wish yet the apoltles of night travel keep canvassing reasons why they can never give up their free choice which cannot be restricted by law. This is because globally, there is no legislation anywhere in the world that prohibits night travel. However, the )5S& has a mounted a consistent campaign against night travel.

While the &orps appreciates the right of individuals in a democracy, the &orps in keeeping with the perculiar Nigerian situation took its stand for several reasons, which in fact culminated in series of workshops held with stakeholders to raise awareness on the dangers involved. While acknowledging the emergence of night travel due to the collapse of rail systems, prohibitive cost of air travel and inadequate inland waterways, the &ommission however, took cognizance of the

inherent road crash dangers and the need for caution among travelers. )or instance ,the records shows that out of a report of , cases, occured at night with about fatal cases. 5ecall the celebrated case where people lost their lives when two luxury buses collided in the night along Zuba – Gwagwalada road; ditto Ife and Aba crashes. Although few accidents occur at night heavier fatalities and casualty rate usually occur.

But why is )5S& concerned about night journey" 2ne of the obvious reasons is the fact that rescue operation is minimal and most often non-existent in the night. 3resently, except for the )&T and other cities in the country, the )5S& team rarely does night patrols along major highways simply because of the dangers involved.

5emember that the outcome of a road crash for the victim in terms of their chances of survival and long term prognosis is affected by the level of available medical care. Unfortunately, ambulance services is still epileptic and even rescue effort are even complicated by the absence of health centers or even the attitude at most hospitals. &onsequently, because access to emergency services is poor, death before arrival at the hospital is usually high. In many cases their is no availability of ambulance, and road crash victims rely on passersby for help. Lack of any medical interventions and long dificult journeys to hospitals reduces the chances of survival Visibilty is another problem. Globally, it is recomended that improving the visibility of road ussers is one of the

specific intervention that can yield good results. Seeing and been seeing are fundamental prerequisites for the safety of all road users and their are several ways of enhancing visibilty. The use of extra reflectors on the vehicle or light reflective vests of the thin plastic material is also recommended by the United Nations and is contained the National 5oad Traffic 5egulation, .

Illuminating crosswalks, including the flood lighting of pedestrian crossing and increased illumination at crosswalks are also recommended strategies.

Unfortunately, )E5MA the lead Government agency charge with road maintenance, our road signs, and marking in terms of their shapes, colour and reflectivity do not meet international standards.

The consequencies is that driving is made more difficult and hazardious because of the absence of the appropriate road furnity to guide motorist at night and bad or poor weather. The result is the recourse by fleet operators to violate the provision of the traffic regulation by fixing extra lights, which has led to avoidable crashes and death. This is why )E5MA opined that if maximum reflectivity is maintained in our pavement markings, signs and delineators, their would be increase in night time sand poor weather safety on our roads and ultimately fewer crashes injuries and fatalities may be recorded. 5etro-reflectivity is a critical element that has help the US Department of transport achieve its safety goals of reducing fatalitiy by percent.

Inadequate visibility because of environmental factors, which makes it hard to detect vehicles and other road users and poor eye sight of road users, are all listed as factors influencing crash involvement.

All these are prevalent among night time operators.

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˜ ˾ JANUARY 23, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

‘Recognition’ Uncountable

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Y bank and our wives: “In her response to series (a series) of publications alleging that….” “…Hauwa said there was no reason for her to seek for divorce or to pack (move) out of her matrimonial home.” The paternity question: seek divorce “NAFDAC yesterday said it has (had) reports of the importation of fake COVID-19 vaccines into Nigeria.”

“Police burst kidnappers (kidnappers’) den in Kano, arrest 5 suspects” “The governor said the state has (had) set up a four-man committee led by….”

“14 die in Kogi ghastly (fatal) auto crash” (THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, January 16) “Critically acclaimed movie…which made the rounds in 2020 with its long list of award recognitions, was offi f cially screened to a coterie of guests in Lagos recently.” Get it right: ‘recognition’ is uncountable.

“LG chairmen pass vote of confidence on (in) Kwara APC Chairman” DAILY Sun COMMENT of January 3 circulated fi five blunders: “We are glad that the police has (have) recognized terrorism as a menace that calls for special training of its (their) offi f cers.”

“Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for specialized training on terrorism for offi f cers and men of the security agencies are not turned into avenue (an avenue) to line up (for lining up) the pockets of top offi f cials of the agencies.”

The most critical aspect of the foregoing extract: Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for…is (not are)….

Let us visit Vanguard of January 9: “The state, therefore, does not deserve the treatment being currently meted to it”.

Fixed expression: meted out (to). And this: ‘being’ and ‘currently’ cannot co-function.

“Chief of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrialization” What a wordy head! When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’.

Let us economize words, especially in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity.

“For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have.…” A recurring error: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. (Daily Independent, January 8) “… rather than investigating and finding fi out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond recurrence (not reoccurrence), can an event yet to take place happen in the past? “…the university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.” fi Correct expression: point a/the finger. fi “…the AU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in the continent.” (Daily Trust, January 8) In the interest of African Unity: on the continent.

“Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the break-down of series of negotiations…” An agendum: a series of.

“According to the source, the institution has a very high percentage of failure in the last academic year.” Reported speech: the institution had (not has). “…that the authorities of the institution was (were) still waiting the result of the police analysis of the bomb”. “…in the next three years, its per capital income would have….” This way: per capita income.

THE GUARDIAN on Sunday of January 17 disseminated dozens of blunders: “The home of the chairman…was vandalized and most of his properties littered outside.

“ No chaos: most of his property.

“So how come that (why is it that) Mr.…. who was vehemently criticized by our sports writers during his coaching days with our Super Eagles has now warmed his way into the hearts of these same people…” In the spirit of sportsmanship and lexical sanity, let us replace ‘warmed’ with ‘wormed’.

THISDAY of January 9 embarrassingly went down with copious solecisms: “But experts have pointed that the inflation rate….” Contextually, the phrasal verb that applies here is ‘pointed out’… and not just the verb ‘pointed’ which means another thing entirely. Additionally, phrasal verbs do not tolerate hyphens.

“In his six-page address paying glowing tribute (tributes) and homage to former electoral boss late Abel Guobadia….” The late Abel Guobadia….

‘Nigeria Breweries Poise for Better Future Performance’—the alcoholic beverage firm is poised (not poise) for … An aside: ‘debut’ cannot function as a verb in any form. It is a noun.

“Furthermore, the conduct of offi f cials and the general logistical support for the just-concluded voter registration were unprecedented in the annals of our nation’s history.” ‘Annals of history’ is simply tautological. Just employ any of the variants. Both cannot be used in the same context.

“Despite the Moslem-Moslem ticket which he and his vice-presidential candidate held, majority of Christians across the country still rallied in their favour.” No protest in the build-up to the next general elections coming up in 2023: a majority of Christians.

“In fact, nobody needs to go far in our contemporary world to fi find such helplessly troubled spots because they abound everywhere, in virtually all parts of the globe.” Morphology in turmoil: trouble

Is There A Special p Heaven for Covid Victims?

N

othing has changed since October 3, 2020 when this column ran a critical opinion against resumption of schools for Nigerian children, especially those below the tertiary level. The article titled “I Don’t Get Why We Want To Sacrifice Our Children” apparently irritated some mothers who were fed up with the overextended holidays, and the hazards of online education service which in this climate is grossly inadequate, prohibitive or severely limited in coverage.

Yet, the core message of that article continues to resonate as the federal government, via the ministry of education, now seems to be at loggerheads with state governors over the January 18 national resumption date. Interestingly, and wisely too, some state governments have pushed forward the date in their states - seizing the extra days to monitor and take actions in the provisions and sustainability of hygiene and sanitary facilities in all the schools.

Much as we are worried that government’s words are not often matched by their actions, we must encourage responsible action of Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, in this light.

We see that other more advanced nations are shutting dense spaces like schools, worship centres, sports grounds, etc, in the hope of curtailing the more severe second wave of Covid-19; and in spite of their relentless efforts to roll out the new anti-coronavirus vaccines. Here, our own government, with hardly any shift in containment protocols... with airports, bus parks and other crowdprone areas milling and teeming - as if this was 2015 - and no certain date for the arrival of the vaccines (except few maladjusted people showing off their vaccination scoops in foreign lands), we are busy choking the schools with free-wheeling children, religious rites and social activities,and little or no regards for preventive protocols.

The way we conduct ourselves and our affairs in this country, it is as if there’s a different heaven prepared for those who die of Covid-19. There is hardly any day that we don’t read of one death or the other - and that’s only those who break on the news or social media...yet, Nigeria appears to be on the business-as-usual mode. No sense of national outrage...no groundswell of shared demonstration of personal responsibility - to make effort so as not to infect others, even when you think you’re impenetrable. It seems, most of us don’t just give a damn. But our children cannot make the decision for themselves...they depend on us to act sensibly, proactively and responsibly in curating their potential, opportunities

and possibilities.

So, as at today, what is our score card as parents, teachers, school owners, civil servants, governors, ministers and the presidency? Where shall we stand when the calamities next time land on our doorsteps? “God forbid it” will not be enough...”I reject it” will not cut it... Our actions and inaction today will determine the level of our failures and casualties down the road. It’s simply a natural way of life.

Here is a reminder of our warnings few months ago: “Let us pause and review the available data that could justify our seeming risk to sacrifice the lives of our children on what appears a hunch that Covid-19 may be curtailed when children, characteristically ebullient and restless, mingle and frolic in so-called sanitized (safe) environment. Many schools in the United States have had thousands of returning students quarantined to prevent further spread of Covid-19; we have read alarming warnings of top US scientists advising school authorities not to send students suspected to be asymptomatic back to their homes - to prevent infecting adults.

Perhaps a report by The European Sting in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, published on August 10, 2020 will provide alternating perspectives to deepen our appreciation of these worrying times. Here are few extracts which crunched the numbers using Nigeria as one of its research-cases: “What we do know is that low-income countries face a very different set of circumstances from high-income countries – for example, a higher proportion of households that include both children and elderly people, difficulty (in) testing for COVID-19 and enforcing social distancing in existing school settings, and the urgency of maintaining the livelihoods of working-age adults to prevent hunger and poverty. Our study finds reopening schools too early in developing countries could undermine the gains made so far in containing the spread of the virus. When deciding to reopen schools, policymakers need to weigh these findings against the cost of keeping schools closed for a prolonged period...

“A common justification for re-opening schools is that children are very unlikely to die from COVID-19. Yet, children live with adults, and – particularly in developing countries – elderly adults.

According to UN data, the proportion of elderly people who live with at least one child under 20 is more than 10% in most African countries, compared to less than 1% in European countries and the United States. This raises the risk that children may contract the virus at school and transmit it to parents and grandparents at

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

spots, please.

“The eventual failure of many of such drugs have not discouraged fresh attempts at inventing more effective ones.” The battle against discord continues: The failure...of drugs has (not have).

“The heavy downpour most of last year has made the price of perishable commodities in the market to come down due to low patronage by consumers.”

‘Downpour’ does not require amplification (heavy) because of inherence. And ‘patronage’ is usually by consumers or their proxies. So, ‘by consumers’ is otiose.

This next paragraph is repeated because of the persistent committal of the infraction. This column will not address it again.

“Of all the first generation (a hyphen, please) universities, OAU is arguably the one that was able to preserve its known ideology for the longest.” I do not agree with the usage of “arguably” by a majority of Nigerian writers. The explanation I got from one of the country’s frontline editors recently was not convincing: when you have points to justify your claims, it becomes arguable and when there are no justifications, you employ “unarguably.”

If you are sure of your statement, make it declarative by jettisoning “arguably.”

And if you are unsure, do not make claims. If you do, be ready to argue it elsewhere when confronted (not in your contribution). For the avoidance of doubt, “arguable” (adjective) and its adverb (arguably) mean: ”…for which good, if not necessarily convincing, reasons may be found/open to doubt/not certainly, but reasonably held to be.” (Source: THE NEW LEXICON WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 2018) My grouse about this illogical excerpt is the intrinsic and quite avoidable element of doubt.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUN AK NDE E-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

home.”

Indeed, the complexities of whether to reopen schools, or wait out the year, are damning for policy and decision makers: “Opening schools increases fatalities among older adults, and most commonly the elderly. By closing schools alone, our model predicts it could save around 175,000 lives relative to doing nothing. Other additional interventions can do even better, such as shielding the elderly. A blanket lockdown (of the formal sector) would save the most lives but would lead to large additional declines in GDP, meaning reduced livelihoods for many vulnerable households.”

For any decision taken, there are costs to pay, and losses to incur. What will our people prefer...between the deep blue sea and the hard unfeeling rock? Here is more from the Sting report: “The single biggest reason to delay school re-openings is to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Our study predicts that delaying school openings can be a potent force for saving lives, by reducing the risk of children getting infected at school, and in turn, spreading the virus within their households.”

“Of course, any policy decision about delaying school openings must dispassionately weigh the potential lives saved against the negative impacts of keeping children out of school for a long period. For example, evidence from the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone show an increase in out-of-wedlock pregnancies and a drop in school enrollment after the crisis among young women in villages. On the other hand, some families could not afford to send their children back to school after losing their livelihoods, indicating an important link between protecting livelihoods and access to education. Other major issues of concern in developing countries around keeping schools closed for long periods include losses in learning, missed midday meals, availability of childcare for working parents, and limited resources for online learning.”

What I see is our government hoping, or wishing, that all will be well with our children, if only they would wash their hands regularly, wear face marks, keep safe distances; and school authorities mobilise teachers and school workers to supervise, lead by personal examples and drive the safe teaching environment in schools, either public or private. So much for national policy dependency on uncontrollable variables...”.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER -ANUA5Y ,

MA5KET 3LA&E with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Lolomari Joins Novarick Homes as non-Executive Director The Board of Directors of Novarick Homes and 3roperties Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. 2tonye Tony Lolomari as the &ompany’s new Non-Executive Director.

According to a statement, the appointment is effective from -anuary , , adding that Lolomari comes with a dexterous career. He was appointed as the Director of I&E &ommercial 3ower in 8.

He also worked with &hevron, Husky Energy and Sclumberger in Trinidad before joining Novarick Homes.

His areas of expertise include operation management and business development. With over years of experience, Tony has worked with leading companies in Spain, Indonesia, Europe, USA, Africa, Mexico, and experts all over the world.

Novarick Homes is convinced that with his affiliation, the company will be well-positioned to make better business decisions to help propel the company to greater heights. Mr. Tony who has been rendering support in various forms to the company since inception was very excited about the appointment, and has promised to continue to provide the necessary support for the growth of the company.

Tony’s passion for inclusion, experimentation, and empowerment places him at a distinguished level of proficiency which can aid the quickness to meeting the &ompany’s goals and objectives.µ

EFG Hermes Gains Top Spot at Kenya, Nigerian Stock Exchange L-R: Sanni Rashidat, Pamela Akpavie, Tony Lolomari, Noah Ibrahim, Kabir Ajisafe, members of the Board of Directors of Novarick Homes and Properties Limited, welcoming Lolomari, new non-Executive Director… recently

CDC Group Plans $1bn Investment in Africa

Development Finance Institution and United Kingdom Impact investor have announced a commitment to invest not less than billion in Africa’s businesses in .

The commitment was made at the UK-Africa Investment &onference as part of eͿorts to expand &D& Africa portfolio with new investments.

African markets targeted for the investment included Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and other continent’s harder-to-reach frontier markets, where signiÀcant development gains can be made.

The commitment will enable &D& to invest in great African entrepreneurs and SMEs, while driving inclusive growth and job creation across the continent, where over half

of the institution’s portfolio is now invested.

SpeciÀcally, the fund will be invested in Ànancial institutions, infrastructure and climate, services, manufacturing, agriculture, real estate and technology.

Speaking further on the deal, &hief Executive 2΀cer of &D&, Nick 2’Donohoe said, “ was a challenging year for African economies and businesses, which have been heavily aͿected by &2VID- .

“As an impact investor and DFI, &D& is committed to providing long-term investment particularly in challenging times. As FDI continues to drop, we maintain our steadfast commitment to African businesses as they play a leading role in accelerating the continent’s economic and human develop-

ment. “Alongside our partners at the Foreign &ommonwealth and Development 2΀ce and Department for International Trade, we have focused our eͿorts on preserving the development gains that have been hard won over the last twenty years and ensuring Africa’s recovery from &2VID- is inclusive and sustainable.µ In the past three years, the organisation has invested more than . billion to expand African businesses. In , &D&’s investments supported over , direct jobs in Africa, contributing close to . billion in taxes to local economies, while in , it pumped over billion to the continent to support economic recovery eͿorts from &2VID- .

Egyptian Financial Group Hermes Holding, EFG Hermes, has been ranked first on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and second by value traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, highlighting the significant strides made in both Sub-Saharan Africa’s western and eastern financial hubs.

The Firm also ramped up execution capabilities across Sub-Saharan Africa, with shares worth . million changing hands in Kenya, 8 . million in Nigeria, . million in Ghana, and . million in Tanzania, among others. &ommenting, &hief Executive 2fficer of EFG Hermes Frontier, Ali Khalpey said, “We are exceptionally proud of the work we’ve put entering Sub-Saharan Africa, which has seen us essentially create two key financial hubs in the region in less than three years of operations.

2ur success today despite challenging circumstances is a testament to the long term view our firm has taken on the development of financial markets in Sub-Saharan Africa and the continued investment into our people, products and infrastructure on the ground.

“With FEM stocks expected to come out stronger in the year to come, we are confident that we’re in a position to capitalize on the allocation shift back into FEM, as well as the continued growth in domestic capital allocation to capital markets. We intend to further solidify our presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and gain further market share with new product launches.µ Also speaking, Frontier Equity Sales Head of Equities Kenya at EFG Hermes, Muathi Kilonzo, said, “We have worked hard to increase domestic penetration with local accounts and delivering outstanding services primarily due to the local knowledge, strength and perseverance of the team. The launch of a Kenyan online trading platform in , the first of its kind on the market, would firmly establish our positioning in the country and allow retail growth nationwide.µ The company noted that its achievements in Nigeria have been laudable inspite of challenges that presented in .

Consumers Commend Launch of ICAN Charges Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk Members on Integrity Experts Task FG on Youth &onsumers have extolled the qualities and health beneÀts of Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk, barely three months after it was introduced into the Nigerian market by &HI Limited. For them, it provides a nourishing evaporated milk option that helps to complement their healthy, trendy and conÀdent lifestyle.

As more consumers embrace the healthy lifestyle, they are increasingly adopting healthy dairy complements for weight maintenance and personal conÀdence. Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk is a nourishing less fat evaporated milk targeted at consumers conscious of their health and desirous of an optimum weight and body shape.

Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk is a partially skimmed evaporated milk product with less fat, higher 3rotein, &alcium, Magnesium, 3hosphorus, seven B-Vitamins and Vitamin D . It is the Àrst of its kind in the low-fat segment of the evaporated milk category in Nigeria.

Helen Bassey, a management consultant, said she cares very

much about what she consumes and Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk holds a special attraction for her because of its less fat content. She noted that the milk Àts the bill for consumers like her in their journey to maintain her ideal body shape.

“I would say my body shape is in between. I am neither slim nor fat, but I love my body shape the way it is. There are people who are a little chubby and they love their shape that way.

However, I do my best to stay Àt and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

I used to be concerned about what milk I consume in order to maintain my weight; however, I am pleased that Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk enables me to indulge in the goodness of milk and help maintain my body shape with conÀdence,µ she stated.

For Michael 2koruwa, a Lagos based IT expert, the new Hollandia Slim Evaporated Milk appeals to both gender as he has found the milk useful for both healthy nourishment and achieving his body goals.

The Institute of &hartered Accountants of Nigeria, I&AN, has encouraged members to always uphold the values of objectivity and integrity for which the institute is known.

3resident of the Institute, Dame 2nome Adewuyi stated this at the inauguration of Ilupeju Gbagada District Society IGDS of I&AN and Investiture ceremony, recently.

Adewuyi, who charged members to always represent the institute well while discharging their duties, urged them not to compromise the ethics of accounting profession for all manners of gains.

Also speaking, the 3ioneer 3resident of IGDS, Gbenga 2midiji restated I&AN’s commitment to community and national growth.

In his acceptance speech, 2midiji further clarified that the district was put together to strengthen I&AN’S presence and build goodwill with people at the grassroot level.

“In our quest to support the Institute’s efforts geared towards repositioning I&AN for greater visibility, the new district will pay key attention to community relation, membership growth and

educational support.

“As part of our programmes to fulfill this mandate, we shall be donating a complete set of computer system and printer to the schools in the community.

There are also plans to embark on a catch-them-young programme for students in the senior classes, which will serve as a means of encouraging them to sit for the Institute’s examinations ATS and 3rofessional .

“We shall also be undertaking a full computerisation of the Finance Account section of the Gbagada General Hospital, Lagos. This project will ultimately fast-track the daily processes of attending to patients.

“We shall constantly engage in discussion with corporate organisations, traditional leaders, political class, as well as social institutions within the community in the interest of all.µ Earlier, &hairman, Inauguration Investiture &ommittee, 3rof.

Godwin 2yedokun, expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed in different ways to the establishment of the district.

Development Policy Experts have advised the Federal Government to consider developing a policy that will speciÀcally address youth development.

Founder and 3roject Director at 5egalo Hope Foundation 5esource &entre, &hinenye 2nuorah, gave the suggestion as part of measures to address economic challenges in the country, adding that youths are major forces in the promotion of economic growth and development.

2nuorah, who was speaking on the sidelines of an empowerment programme organised by 5egalo Hope Foundation resource centre, also identiÀed the need for government investment in youth development programmes that would Áow from such a policy.

She urged the National Assembly to initiate a debate on youth policy and to also create a modality for implementing aligned programmes.

She said, “This is important to re-organise the lives of marginalised and confused youths commonly referred to as almajiri, cultists, area boys, hoodlums and bandits.

“The endless orgy of violence and criminality that has dented the image of Nigerian youths is traceable to a long period of inadequate attention to the needs of the youths by virtually all the levels of government for over three decades since 8 when the Structural Adjustment 3rogramme SA3 was introduced by the military government.

“Since independence in and up till the second republic in to 8 and thereafter, Nigeria has always spent less than of her budget on the education sector which is the sector that really aͿects youth substantially, more than other sectors of the economy.µ She again worried that the over million out of school children in Nigeria would spur unemployment and illiteracy among the youths.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͻ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWSXTRA

Bauchi Signs $70m Investment MOU with UK Firm

Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a PowerDot, a UKbased energy firm for provision of affordable uninterrupted electricity through incineration of municipal solid waste to energy at an affordable cost.

The Memorandum of Understanding which is a $70 million

investment covered provision of 10 megawatts of power through waste.

Speaking shortly after signing the MoU at the Mini Chamber, Government House, Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed pledged to provide the required support for the smooth execution of the firm's project in the state.

The governor, who pledged to protect their investment in the state, observed that the initiative

will enhance internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities in addition to bringing industrialisation to the state.

"Today is a very auspicious day, we welcome you to Bauchi and we extend our solidarity to your partners." We will do all the needful for you to operate effectively in our state."

"This MoU that we have signed to provide 10 megawatts

of power through waste is key towards providing good governance."

Governor Mohammed declared the interest of his administration to continue to partner with the federal government and to comply with power regulations to harness enough waste abound in the state.

In a remark, the Group Managing Director of the United Kingdom-based firm,

Ambassador Anthony Esere said Bauchi State "is the second in the entire Africa to benefit from such investment from the organisation."

Ambassador Anthony Esere who said the firm would commence work in the state in March this year, noted that the initiative would bring positive development to the state.

"Your Excellency, our organisation is very pleased to be in Bauchi State to bring investment of 70 million dollars," Esere said.

The Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Environment and Forestry, Musa Wakili Nakwada described the initiative as a welcome development and timely investment in the state.

Earlier, the Director General, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Dr Ibrahim Kabir said the investment would go a long way in boosting critical sectors of the economy including, power and environment.

HURIWA Wants COVID-19 Vaccines Verified By Nigerian Experts

Edeh Projects Nigeria's GDP to Grow by 5% in 2021

Chuks Okocha inAbuja

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

Human Rights WritersAssociation of Nigeria (HURIWA) has cautioned the Nigerian authorities against the deployment of foreign manufactured vaccines against Covid-19 without total compliance with the pharmaceutical laws of Nigeria.

The rights group said it would amount to encouraging the meaningless conspiracy theories being spinned by pessimists should the Nigerian government not follow due process before the nation-wide deployment of Covid-19 vaccines.

HURIWA, which faulted any move to deny indigenous scientists and pharmacists of participation in the verification processes, stated that allowing local scientists to be part of the team of experts to authenticate the validity, functionality and efficacy of the vaccines will generate the needed national momentum for the greatest percentage of the Nigerian citizens to embrace the Covid-19 vaccines and accept to present themselves for vaccination.

According to a statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Emmanuel Onwubiko, “It must be noted that a lot of

ignorance around the Covid-19 vaccines are already becoming widespread and being actively peddled in the country including the conspiracy theory lacking logic and justification which was concocted by the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, alleging that Covid-19 vaccines are meant to kill blacks.

“This empty and untrue allegation against Covid-19 vaccines as made by the Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello and publicised in the media, can only grow a life of its own, should the foreign made vaccines imported into Nigeria not be subjected to scientific processes of verification and authentication by trusted and tested Nigerian pharmacists and scientists.”

The rights group stated that under the extant law establishing National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which is also identified as the provisions of Decree 19 of 1993 and the accompanying guidelines for pharmaceutical registration requirement in Nigeria, vaccines made abroad and imported into Nigeria must first be shown to have met the global best practices and passed the thresholds set by the local legislative frame works.

Governors Frustrating Fight against Gender-based Violence, CSO Insists Kuni Tyessi in Abuja A Civil Society Organisation, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has accused state governors of frustrating the fight against gender-based violence in the country.

The organisation noted that the rising cases of violence against women in the country were largely caused by lack of commitment from governors to tackle the menace.

Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi, stated this at a retreat for members of Borno State House of Assembly on ViolenceAgainst Persons Prohibition (VAPP) bill in Abuja yesterday.

Afolabi regretted that despite the growing violence against women, children and men, many states had not seen reasons to make the VAPP bill a priority.

The VAPP bill which was passed into law in 2015 prohibits all forms of gender-based violence, including genital mutilation, ejection from home and harmful widowhood

practices.

She lamented that the bill which has been passed into law by only 18 states is not effectively implemented, adding that lack of awareness on the part lawmakers in state assembles was also responsible for the low priority given to the bill.

She said: "Though we noticed positive changes in some states where the law has been passed, like Ekiti and Lagos, but in most states, like Ogun, Oyo, Bauchi, it is still just law, the implementation level is still very low.

"Some state assemblies debated this bill and found it worthy by passing it. It is now the duty of the executive to activate the law, but from what we are seeing, it is the executives that are slowing down the implementation of the law which also might be as a result of funding. At the state level, budget for women and children are always the lowest, and if you passed a law like this, you need to increase their budget to make the law effective.

The buck, therefore, is on the table of the executive."

HURIWA said that these guidelines “are for the interest of the general public and in particular, pharmaceutical industries in Nigeria.”

It said that it is necessary "to emphasise that, no drug product shall be manufactured, imported, exported advertised, sold or distributed in Nigeria unless it has been registered in accordance with the Provisions of Decree 19 of 1993 and the seven accompanying guidelines.”

It stated further that other aspects of the local requirements for registration of pharmaceutical products are that the representative in Nigeria, whether a corporate body or an individual with the Power of Attorney, will be held responsible for ensuring that the competent authority in the country is informed of any serious hazard newly associated with a product imported under the provisions of the decree or of any criminal abuse of the certificate in particular to the importation of falsely labelled, spurious, counterfeited for substandard medicinal product.

It stated that the manufacturer, in the case of imported products, must show evidence that he or she is licensed to manufacture drugs for sale in

the country of origin (Manufacturer’s Certificate), explaining that "Such evidence must be by the competent health authority of the country of manufacture, and shall be authenticated by the Nigerian Mission in that country."

It further stated that the applicant must submit to the Registration Division, NAFDAC, a written application, stating name of manufacturer, generic name (brand name, where applicable), strength, indications and obtain the prescribed application from which must be properly filled with all information required.

"In the case of an imported new drug substance, there must be evidence that limited local clinical trials have been undertaken, and that such product is registered in the country of origin and also, in at least 2 or more developed countries.

"The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), says it is expecting the final confirmation for coronavirus vaccine from Covax Initiative backed by Gavi Vaccine Alliance, World Health Organisation and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations," Huriwa declared

Gross Domestic Product in Nigeria, as well as other developing economies is estimated to grow by 5 per cent in 2021, after a contraction of 2.6 percent in 2020 as a result of the global lockdown due to COVID 19 pandemic.

Also, many of the now poor are projected to likely be engaged in informal services, construction and manufacturing, as well as sectors in which economic activities was most affected by the lockdown and other minority restrictions.

The Managing Director of Norrenberger Financial Group, Mr.Tony Edeh who disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, said despite the impact of COVID-19, Nigeria recorded growth in the third quarter of 2020.

Speaking to journalists on the impact of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in foreign direct investments and the economy of Nigeria, Edeh said: "Nigeria attracted the third-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of any African country in 2019.”

Speaking on the new financial course for Nigeria, he said the COVID-19 pandemic had cost Nigeria's economy about over a trillion naira in 2020.

According to him: "GDP in developing economies will grow

by 5 per cent in 2021 after contraction of 2.6 per cent in 2020.

Ede said: "Also, in 2020, the most visible and immediate spillover of COVID-19 was the drop in the price of crude oil, which dropped from nearly US$60 per barrel to as low as US$30 per barrel in March. During the pandemic, people were no longer travelling and this led to a sustained fall in the demand for aviation fuel and automobile fuel which affected Nigeria's net oil revenue, and eventually affected Nigeria's foreign reserve," Edeh stated.

“The largest amount of capital importation by type was received through other investments, which accounted for 43.75 per cent ($639.44m) of total capital importation, followed

by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which accounted for 28.38 per cent ($414.79m) of total capital imported and Portfolio Investment which accounted for 27.87 per cent ($407.25m) of total capital imported in Q3 2020.

"As at the end of Q3 2020, The total value of capital importation into Nigeria stood at $1,461,490,000.

This represents an increase of 12.86 per cent compared to Q2 2020 and -74.03 per cent decrease compared to the third quarter of 2019, with total capital importation of $5.62 billion. This amounts to a loss of $4,158,510,000 compared to 2019."

Nasarawa Debt Hits N50bn, Oyetola Inaugurates Says Commissioner Construction of Juice Company Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia Nasarawa State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Haruna Adamu Ogbole, yesterday disclosed that the state was currently indebted to over N50 billion.

This is even as the state government said it would borrow about N14.46 billion to finance the state's 2021 budget deficit.

Ogbole stated this while fielding questions from journalists during the 2021 budget breakdown at the state ministry of finance headquarters in Lafia, the state capital.

He explained that the state has commenced repayment of the debt gradually and that it would be liquidated in five years.

"The state is currently indebted to the tune of over N50 billion, and we have started payment gradually because we have a frame work for that," Ogbole said.

The finance commissioner explained that in attempt to service the debt, governor Abdullahi Sule had set up a

domestic arrears committee under the state fiscal transparency accountability and sustainability programme to verify the debts and liabilities profile of the state and how to clear it.

He further disclosed that N7.64 billion has been set aside in the 2021 budget to commence the repayment of the debt which spread across five years.

He stated that the state had received between six and seven billion Naira as foreign grants in 2020.

This was even as Ogbole continued that the state government has allocated the sum of N7.01 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges in the 2021 budget for debt servicing and gratuity. He said: "Accordingly, the budget, as assented by His Excellency, is to be funded from the following anticipated revenue sources: Statutory Revenue Allocation of N37 billion, Value Added Tax of N15.0 billion, Exchange Gain of N2.1 billion and Special Allocation of N3 billion.

Yinka KolawoleinOsogbo Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, inaugurated the construction work of a juice production company, owned by Collins Crown Limited, at the Omoluabi Free Trade Zone, Osogbo.

This is just as the governor reaffirmed the administration's commitment to improving the ease of doing business, and to eliminate identifiable bottlenecks that can discourage investors.

The construction of the company is one of the positive outcomes of the government's determination to advance the state's economy through sustainable Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Oyetola said the location of the juice production company in Osogbo was apt, as the state is economically endowed with great potential for fruits harvest.

According to him, Osun is blessed with pineapple in Ejigbo, Irepodun and Ifelodun Local Government Areas, oranges in Ife/Ijesha, Iwo zones and some other parts of the

state, hence, the need to have the fruit juice production plant so that several tons of these agricultural produce which rot annually could be gainfully utilised as raw materials for the Industry.

He added that the administration was poised to harness Osun's potential in all sectors for maximum socio-economic gains.

Oyetola said the state under his watch had successfully nurtured the economy to support the dreams of entrepreneurs by providing the requisite infrastructure to support their efforts while putting in place the right policy frameworks to facilitate hitch-free business experience.

He further noted that the construction of the company was in line with the administration's commitment to ensuring that the massive investment opportunities available in the state are taken advantage of by wise investors.

The Governor added that the new company would open window of employment opportunities for the teeming citizens particularly the unemployed youths.

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 23, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Burnley, West Brom Scrabble for Ahmed Musa’s Signature Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa’s future will be decided in the coming days as his camp are in talks with two Premier League clubs, CSKA Moscow and Turkish teams.

West Brom have reignited their interest in Musa and are mulling over a late swoop for the former Leicester City player.

The Baggies were on the brink of signing the pacy striker on loan in the summer transfer window, only for Al-Nassr to pull out of negotiations at the last minute.

Discussions between Musa’s representatives and West Brom are only in the early stages with Sam Allardyce eager to sign a striker this month.

Allardyce has made it clear his striker will come from abroad, with the Baggies recently pulling out of talks with Benfica over Haris Seferovic.

Burnley are the other English Premier League team to have made contact to discuss a potential deal but again talks just started.

Musa could be returning

for a third stint with CSKA Moscow as he has a contract offer from the Army Men on the table, while two big Turkish teams have expressed an interest in his services.

The 28-year-old has reiterated that his priority is to move to the English Premier League, putting West Brom and Burnley in pole position for his

Ahmed Musa

Osimhen Gets Green Light to Return to Training Nigeria international and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has received the green light to return to training to the delight of Manager Gennaro Gattuso.

His national team manager, Gernot Rohr was also said have received the news with delight.

His latest coronavirus test came back negative, meaning he will no longer be self-isolating at his home in Posillipo.

NapoliconfirmedviaTwitteryesterday evening that Osimhen has overcome the virus.

The Nigeria international was diagnosed with the coronavirus disease exactly three weeks ago upon his return

to Italy from Lagos, where he celebrated his 22nd birthday without observing COVID-19 protocols.

OsimhenwasinactiveforNapolibefore contracting the virus, having suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of Nigeria’s 4-4 draw against Sierra Leone on November 13.

His last appearance for the Blues was against Bologna on November 8.

Gernot Rohr would be delighted with the latest news from Italy as he has started drawing up his squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho.

Osimhen was reported to have been

fined two weeks’ wages by Napoli for flouting the club’s COVID-19 regulations.

This comes after a video of the Nigerian posted on Instagram by @equipoarrow where he was seen partying without a face mask and not observing social distancing which angered his club coach.

“Victor Osimhen will be fined for not respecting the club’s regulations,” a tweet from SCC Napoli had read.

“The birthday videos showing people without face masks and not social distancing has angered the club and Gattuso.”

Tomori Joins AC Milan on Loan from Chelsea Fikayo Tomori has joined AC Milan from Chelsea on loan for the rest of the season, the two clubs have confirmed, with the 23-year-old’s integration getting a bit fast-tracked at the Serie A club thanks to their injury and suspension concerns at center back ahead of the weekend’s big game against Atalanta.

Tomori, who should be fit enough to play since he’s been training with the Chelsea

first-team all season, just might be in line for his debut already then — hopefully the first of many involvements going forward.

(He had been registered to play even before the medicals were fully completed.)

Milan, the surprise league leaders, are strengthening their squad front to back, signing a new midfielder, a new striker, and now a new defender as well. Their technical director, the legendary Paolo

Maldini, has called Tomori a “perfect” fit for their system, which should result in plenty of minutes in theory.

Tomori’s fall from relevance during the 2020 calendar year has been one of the more mysterious developments of Frank Lampard’s tenure. The loan reportedly contains a buy-option of around £25m or €30m. That’s a pretty good number, should this end up being our final goodbye.

De Bruyne Out for Four to Six Weeks Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury, says manager Pep Guardiola.

The Belgium playmaker, 29, suffered the injury during Wednesday’s 2-0 Premier League win against Aston Villa.

His absence will start with today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Cheltenham.

De Bruyne could miss up to 10 matches,

including the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie with Borussia Monchengladbach on 24 February.

“The doctor said after reviewing the scan Kevin will be out for four to six weeks. It’s a big blow, but we have to move forward,” said Guardiola.

“I’m not saying anything that anyone doesn’t know - it is unfortunate

for him and for us and we have to find a solution because everyone in their own life is struggling in the situation we are living in and we have to adapt.”

Guardiola said his players are having to play too many matches and are picking up injuries as a result.

“To demand they are fit for 11 months, playing every three days, is impossible,” said the Spaniard.

signature if an agreement can be reached.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria captain had earlier been linked with a move to Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, which Musa played down, insisting he wants a return to top-flight football instead.

“I don’t know where the story of a potential move to Sheffield is coming from because I don’t pay attention to rumours and gossip,” Musa told BBC Sport Africa.

“With due respect to the club, I left Saudi Arabia to continue my career at the top level in Europe and that’s the ambition.” Musa scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 57 matches, helping Al Nassr, whom he joined from Leicester City in summer 2018, to the Saudi Pro League and Super Cup titles.

He achieved success in Russia with CSKAMoscow where he won three league titles and added three domestic cup titles, before switching to Leicester City for a club-record fee in July 2016.

The pacey forward failed to establish himself with the Foxes scoring five goals in 33 matches, with the highlight coming on loan at CSKA where he scored

six times in 10 appearances at the Russian club - three times more than he managed in his 21 Premier League appearances, before his move to Asia.

“For some reasons things didn’t actually work at Leicester, but you can’t focus too much on the past,” he said.

“I’d rather try to write a better story if another opportunity to play in the Premier League presents itself.”

The 28-year-old last played for Nigeria in November, captaining them in qualification games for the African Cup of Nations against Sierra Leone twice.

In this calendar season, Musa hasn’t exactly caught the eye – only scoring twice in his 825 minutes of action for club and country.

The 28-year-old last played for Nigeria in November, captaining them in qualification games for the African Cup of Nations against Sierra Leone twice.

In this calendar season, Musa hasn’t exactly caught the eye – only scoring twice in his 825 minutes of action for club and country.

He helped the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and played for them in the past two World Cups

Glasgow Rangers Loan out Nigeria-Eligible Striker, Mebude Scottish Championship outfit Queen of the South have announced the temporary signing of promising Nigeria-eligible striker Dapo Mebude from Glasgow Rangers.

Mebude has been loaned out by Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers for the remainder of the 2020-2021 season. The 19-yearold made his professional debut for the Light Blues against Kilmarnock FC on May 19, 2019, his only appearance to date for the first team.

Speaking on the signing of Mebude, manager Allan Johnston told the club’s official website : “Dapo is a player I have admired for a long time.

“I have tried to bring him to the club the last three transfer windows so it goes without saying that I am delighted that we have managed to secure him this time.

“This gives him a chance to play regular football and kick on with his career. He is young so is enthusiastic and full of energy and I think he will complement the players we already have.

“Again we must thank Rangers for allowing the loan to happen”. Mebude has been assigned the number 29 jersey at Queen of the South and is eligible in today’s game against Morton. His younger brother, Adedire Mebude plays for Manchester City’s U18 team.

Ohale Completes Move to Madrid CFF Nigeria international Osinachi Ohale has returned to the Spanish Primera Division after signing a deal with Madrid CFF, informs the club through their official website.

The no-nonsense center back was one of the important players for Real Madrid Femenino last season, making fifteen appearances in the league and scoring two goals.

Ohale found game time hard to come by in her brief stint with AS Roma and departs the Italian top-flight club without making her full debut in the Serie A Women.

A four-time AWCON winner, the 29-year-old began her career in her homeland with Rivers Angels in 2008, followed by spells at Delta Queens and Houston Dash, before returning for a second spell with Rivers Angels in 2015. She later moved to Sweden, where she played for Vittsjö GIK and Växjö DFF. Nigeria internationals Rita Chikwelu and Chidinma Okeke, and 2018 U17 World Cup winner of Nigerian descent Mabel Okoye are on the books of Madrid CFF. After 14 games in the division, Madrid CFF are seventh in the table with 25 points.

TR

Saturday, January 23, 2021

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MISSILE

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa to FG “Section 44 of our constitution is against the compulsory takeover of lands. Let the presidency read the constitution properly. What the herders are doing is a forceful takeover of people’s land which is unconstitutional.”

– Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, chastising the federal government for opposing Akeredolu’s quit notice to herders in Ondo forest.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Who Shall Tell the President Nigeria is Dying?

F

ellow Nigerians, please, take note of the title of my column this week. I did not say Nigerians are dying. That is stale news, as well as an understatement.

My focus is that the country called Nigeria is dying. I do not know what sort of security briefing President Muhammadu Buhari, regularly or periodically, receives from his obviously reticent and incompetent security team. I doubt it includes the fact that Nigeria is speeding towards a monumental collapse, unless a miracle, or something drastic is done to stop this supersonic drift towards perdition.

It might even be that the President does not receive any or proper security details, either because he does not want to hear or worse still, he assumes all is well. Whichever way one contemplates these last two scenarios, it is a calamity indeed.

Believe me, I’m not writing as a wailing wailer, or as a Prophet of doom. I am not writing as a clairvoyant or a seer. I merely write as a realist. The symptoms of a failed nation are just too palpable to be missed or ignored by a reasonable people. I am not talking about a State which has failed because of social and economic policies that even the authors and protagonists cannot decipher or fathom. This nation is on the precipice because its leaders are playing Russian Roulette with the security of Africa’s biggest and most important country.

It is all now a matter of guesswork, that the gun is loaded, but the way we are going it is looking like every chamber is now full and not just one. Whatever shot you fire is bound to be the killer shot. Our leaders clearly know this but are in such an inebriated state that they have become oblivious, impervious and immune to all the danger signals.

I know power makes people blind. It intoxicates, addles the mind and takes full possession of the powerful, especially if they want to play God. This is why I’m shocked that some Nigerians are already daydreaming about becoming President in 2023, when they have no guarantee that Nigeria will still be alive by then. Or maybe I should not be surprised because what better can one expect from this bungling class of crass elements. The usual leading contenders, as typical of this confounding breed of persons, are pretending that all is well, although they know much better having been the contributors to, and cause, of the problem. They must not be seen to be criticizing the rudderless, directionless and visionless government of President Buhari lest they are marked down as enemies of the President. They know that elections are never held here, stricto sensu.

What we have is a selection process with the hapless people being trundled out to deceive the unsuspecting international observers who can’t believe that what they are seeing is possible even in a Banana Republic. Simply put, elections are largely controlled from the very top, where the omnipotent President holds sway, and the outcome of the selection process is dictated by his whims and caprices.

If nobody has yet told the President, then he must hear this somehow. Our security situation is more than dire and grim. It is now catastrophic.

Nigerians are now being killed, kidnapped and raped in places that used to know only peace.

The orgy of banditry has since moved from the core North and middle belt to Yorubaland, previously considered a safe haven. The tales are unbelievably horrid and terrible. The situation in Ondo State is so critical that the Governor Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has now

Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III cried out that the “Fulani bandits” must move out of his State within seven days. I salute him for having the courage to say it as it is, being a member of the same party as our most reluctant President who seems unabashedly unaware of the bloody forays and operations perpetrated by some of his kinsmen in far-flung territories and domains outside their traditional space. The Governor obviously cried out in utter exasperation, frustration and, perhaps, fear. I knew him as a die-hard Buharist. But only a bastard would sit arms akimbo and watch his mother or daughter being raped by some monsters and say or do nothing! That is the situation in which Arakunrin Akeredolu has more or less found himself. As with the President, he has discovered, albeit tragically, that family comes first. Nobody will watch over yours, when theirs is also threatened by the same fate. As the Yorubas will say, “a ki so ori olori, ki awodi gbe t’eni lo”!

Osun State has virtually become a major theatre of war involving series of killings and kidnappings. I don’t know if the Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has been as vociferous as Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), but I am sure he is slowly being driven to come to the same conclusion. Akeredolu has nothing against the Fulani. There are many great and peaceful Fulani living in different parts of Nigeria. Some generations of Fulani people have fully integrated in those communities outside their sphere of influence without anyone raising eyebrows. But these bloodthirsty wanderers and vagrants, who are said to have meandered their ways from outside Nigeria, must be flushed out and ruthlessly dealt with regardless of whether the current President of Nigeria is their godfather, avuncular mentor, swami or whatever he represents to them.

The situation in Oyo State is just as scary. I have read the account from no less a personage than the highly respected and revered Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, another die-hard Buharist who now appears ready to part ways with Buhari if necessary. I have had the opportunity of sitting with Iku Baba Yeye, as we fondly call him, and I know how disappointed this esteemed traditional ruler is that the Federal Government has refused to act speedily and decisively on the matter of the gross insecurity ravaging and destroying the country. I was not surprised to receive his lengthy letter to the President days ago which

I hope Buhari found time to read, or someone found the opportunity to read to him. I won’t bother to talk about very reserved and highly respectable and regarded Northern Leaders led by the spiritual monarch, The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, a cosmopolitan and cerebral leader I have come to love and adulate so much for his simplicity and forthrightness. Virtually every part of the nation is haemorrhaging to death while the Federal Government is watching helplessly and hopelessly!

The Alaafin has done well by properly documenting some of the dastardly acts of these merciless bandits and his public missive to our President, Muhammadu Buhari excerpts of which are worth repeating on these pages because the letter is one for posterity whatever fate befalls the entity presently known as Nigeria and whichever way the country goes in the end: “In recent times however, I am worried about the security situation in the country, especially in the South West geo-political zone, nay the entire Yoruba-speaking area of the country including KWARA, Kogi, and Edo States.

“This has to do with the incessant and increasing menace of Fulani herdsmen that have laid siege in almost all the highways of Yorubaland. Whether in Owo, AKURE, Ilesanmi/ Ife-Ibadan Road or Ibarapa zone and Ijebu area of Ogun State, the story is the same.

“I have held series of consultations with opinion moulders and eminent Yoruba leaders across board about the menace of these cattle herdsmen with such assault like raping of our women and on some occasions in the presence of their husbands. That is apart from massive destruction of our agricultural lands; which ultimately points to imminent starvation...

“After due consultations with Yoruba leaders... we are worried by the audacity of these lawless people in effecting their illegal acts in broad daylight on our usually bushy highways without any arm of security being able to do anything...

“Now, we cannot even talk of parading suspects, when in actual sense, no major arrests have been made in this part of the country.

Without arrests we cannot talk of their facing of the law.

“Unfortunately, and painfully indeed, in the face of the apparent helplessness of our security agencies, where do we go from here?”

It is at the wake of this manifest frustration of our people that our people have found it unavoidable, even though reluctantly to resort to alternative measures to safeguard their lives and property... Today, it is not merely infraction in the course of doing business, but blatant and criminal violation of the constitutional right to life and liberty of innocent citizens of Yoruba land. A few publicly known instances will suffice.

Certain individuals were kidnapped along Erio-Aromoko Road, Ekiti State. They were tortured and exposed to danger in the forest for upward of two weeks.

These victims included the Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikole Branch, Adeola Adebayo, whose decomposing body was eventually found after a ransom price of four million Naira had been paid.

Two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, both Yoruba, were picked up along Ilesa-Akure highway. In the process of this kidnap, an unnamed individual died.

Musibau Adetumbi, a legal practitioner based in Ibadan, was going to attend an Appeal Court session in Akure when he was kidnapped along

Ilesa-Akure highway. Professor Adegbehingbe, a surgeon at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was abducted along Ibadan-Ile-Ife highway. Dr. Muslim Omoleke, the Administrative Secretary of the National Electoral Commission was kidnapped around Ilesa, Osun State.

Mr Ayo Oladele, an employee of Guinness Nigeria, and an Old Student of Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, was abducted and taken away and lately, Dayo Adewole, son of a member of your 2015-2019 executive council and Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole was kidnapped on his farm at Iroko, a village along Ibadan-Oyo Road...

As ugly as the picture above seems to be, the people of Yoruba land have remained generally peaceful and have resisted concerted efforts to push them into civil disobedience or adopting self-help mechanisms to protect themselves...

I am therefore writing to you, as a concerned stakeholder in your administration, to alert you and demonstrate to you, the urgency of the need to quickly respond to these and other issues concerning Yoruba land....

There is a general impression among opposition group that you are not known to take decisive and proactive steps in many matters of national interest and that you are not usually too disturbed about the gale of insecurity in Yoruba land...

As no major arrest of Fulani pseudo herdsmen has been made till date in Yoruba land, suspects cannot be paraded, let alone arraigned...

I am aware that members of the Odua People’s Congress scattered all over the world are already being mobilized to stand in the defence of their land and are ready, willing and able to raise an army of volunteers as was done in 1968 by the Agbekoya...”

These are pearly words of wisdom and advice from a monarch who is practically deified in Yoruba land. The President has been stridently admonished and strongly advised in forceful, resounding and vibrating language which is reverberating all over the polity. Effectively, Alaafin Adeyemi is saying that enough is enough and that things will get pretty unpleasant and nasty, pretty soon, unless the President wakes up from his deep, almost comatose, slumber and does the needful by a wholesale revamp and reshaping of our security architecture and thereby protect his fellow Nigerian citizens. The President swore to uphold our Constitution, it is about time that he started upholding that oath by acting like a patriotic Nigerian and safeguarding all his people and preserving their property.

On a similar note, I have been watching the videos of a militant Yoruba man, named Sunday Igboho, from Oyo State and what I see is raw determination to unleash mayhem, if need be, to protect his kinsmen from the brigands and mosstroopers trampling on them and their rights. The views Igboho expresses are symptomatic and reflective of the views of most of Yoruba land. He is the latest Yoruba hero for his fearlessness.

I hope and pray that President Buhari would appreciate this authentic security briefing from The Alaafin, one of Africa’s most important custodians of tradition and culture and resist the temptation of sending his trigger-happy military against the people of Oyo State. They are obviously ready for a full-scale showdown and battle in order to redeem their manhood against the rampaging kidnappers, rapists, raiders and corsairs. I foresee a civil war and bloodbath if action is not taken soon.

May this cup pass over us...

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