SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2020

To Stem Inflation, CBN Increases Cash Reserve Ratio By 5% Emefiele: Rise won't impede credit flow to real sector

James Emejo in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday resolved to raise the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of deposit money banks (DMBs) by 500 basis points to

27.5 per cent from the current 22.5 per cent, as a response to the growing threat of inflation to the economy.

It also decided to leave the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), otherwise known as interest

rate, unchanged at 13.5 per cent as well as the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele said the increase was justified considering the magnitude

of excess liquidity expected in the system following the anticipated effect of the Value Added Tax (VAT) which was recently increased by the federal government from 5 per cent to 7.5 per cent and

which takes effect by February 2020.

He further expressed concern that the pending maturing security bills could all together add as much as N12 trillion to existing liquidity

in the system.

Addressing journalists at the end of the two-day meeting of its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), in Continued on page 5

Ile Arugbo: Kwara Govt, Saraki Family Explore Out of Court Settlement‌Page 6 Saturday 25 January, 2020 Vol 25. No 9056

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Akeredolu: South-west Govs Set to Meet President over Amotekun Region’s Speakers meet in Ibadan, pledge legislative support Iyobosa Uwugiaren in Abuja Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akerodolu, yesterday disclosed that governors of the South-west are set to meet with President Muhammadu

Buhari over the region’s security outfit, code-named Amotekun, which has been generating controversy.

On the same day, the Speakers of Houses of Assembly in the South-West

met in Ibadan, Oyo State, and pledged to provide legislative support to the security outfit.

Akerodolu, who is also the Chairman of the South-west Governors Forum, spoke with journalists at the Ondo State

Governor Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.

He dismissed the fear that Amotekun was created to rival the nation’s security agencies.

Akeredolu said a meeting was earlier scheduled with

Buhari, but had to be postponed, because of the president’s trip to the United Kingdom. “We will discuss with him when we have the opportunity.

I can tell you our letter was to

see the President, but he said he was going to be in England and that we should meet with the Vice President until he returns. But by the time the Continued on page 5

Military Capable of Winning War against Boko Haram, Buhari Insists Sends Boss Mustapha to Adamawa, to condole with Christians over murder of clerics by terrorists Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja and Daji Sani in Yola Despite unending attacks, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday insisted that, with a 30-month civil war experience, the Nigerian military is capable of winning the war against Boko Haram and competent to manage the crisis in the entire North-east.

He stated this while receiving the European Union Commissioner for Humanitarian and Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, in the State House, Abuja.

The President’s assertion came less than 24 hours after Boko Haram killed five people and abducted several others in Dikwa, Borno State. On the

same day, Buhari sent the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to Adamawa, to condole with its Christian community over the killing of two clergymen last Monday by terrorists.

The President said: “If we were capable of fighting a 30-month civil war and reorganised our country, I wonder why people are thinking that Nigeria cannot do it. “We have the experience of the civil war. I could recall the role of the military, the army; each commander had in his pocket how to behave himself, and how to allow international bodies like yourself to go round and see that people are treated Continued on page 5

GOOD TO SEE YOU IN LONDON...

L-R: Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Rajesh Agrawal; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons, during the governor’s visit to the Mayor in London ...yesterday

CAN Declares 3-Day National Fasting over Insecurity‌Page 16

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PAGE FIVE TO STEM INFLATION, CBN INCREASES CASH RESERVE RATIO BY 5% Abuja, Emefiele, who read the committee's communiquĂŠ, said the Committee by a decision of nine members, voted to alter the CRR by 500 basis points from 22.5 to 27.5 per cent, while leaving all other policy parameters constant, adding that two members voted to leave all parameters constant.

Explaining the motivation for CRR hike, he said the committee had expressed concern about rising inflation, which increased consecutively in the last four months as at December 2019 to 11.98 per cent and higher than its target range of 6-9 per cent.

According to him, the rising price level is attributable to a combination of structural and supply side factors, expansionary fiscal policy; and growth in money supply arising from rising liquidity surfeit in the industry due to changes in the Bank’s OMO policy.

He said in furtherance of its primary mandate to maintain price and monetary stability and in view of the anticipated medium-term liquidity surfeit from maturing OMO bills held by local private and institutional investors, which would not be rolled over, the committee considered it prudent to raise the CRR to curtail liquidity

surfeit in the banking system.

Emefiele is confident that increasing the CRR at this time is fortuitous as “it will help address monetary-induced inflation while retaining the benefits from the Bank’s LDR policy, which has been successful in significantly increasing credit to the private sector as well as pushing market interest rates downwards.�

He noted that gross credit in the industry grew by N2 trillion between May 2019 and December 2019.

He said: “The Committee further encouraged the management of the banks to be more vigorous in its drive to improve access to credit through its pursuit of the Loan-to-Deposit ratio policy as doing this would help, not only in creating job opportunities but also help in boosting output growth and in moderating prices. “It is noteworthy that Gross credit in the industry grew by N2 trillion between May 2019 and December 2019; channeled primarily to the employmentstimulating sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, in addition to increased lending to the retail and SME segments, which is expected to help boost domestic output growth in the short to medium term.

"To retain the gains from credit expansion and current industry focus on lending, the Committee advised the Bank to sustain its LDR policy and in addition, continue to deploy its DCRR policy which directs new funding for Greenfield projects and expansion to critical sectors of the economy."

The CBN boss also gave reasons for the committee's resolve to retain the MPR at current rate stressing: “Although, tightening would limit the ability of DMBs to create money, ultimately leading to a reduction in money supply and curtail their credit creation capabilities, which would eventually lead to rising cost of credit and credit risk as DMBs re-price their risk assets, the MPC believes that the aggressive pursuit of the current Loan-to-Deposit ratio policy thrust would continue to help to catalyse credit growth and positively impact growth and prices."

He said the MPC further prevailed on the federal government to gradually reduce reliance on oil receipts and focus on revenue diversification through reforms of the tax system as well as rationalise fiscal expenditure towards reducing the current excessively

high cost of governance.

Emefiele, however, allayed concerns that its decision to raise CRR could constrain the ability of banks to further enhance credit flow to the real sector of the economy.

He said: “You will all recall that in January 2017, inflation peaked at 18.7 per cent and the monetary policy, realising that price and monetary feasibility remains its core mandate, certainly could not stay idle and allow inflation to continue to rise, particularly above 12 per cent where we think it is growth retarding.

"So, monetary policy took those decisions to be very aggressive through tightening and using all forms of monetary policy instruments available to the bank to drive down inflation.

"Luckily, we were able to do this from 18.72 per cent in January 2017 to about 11 per cent. For some period, inflation remained ticking downward at 11 per cent but suddenly from around August last year, we began to see an uptick in inflation again, ticking up to about 11.98 per cent, which is the rate that we saw it in December 2019. “In reviewing inflation, monetary policy committee

felt that because inflation was already getting to the level that it considers a threshold beyond which it becomes growth retarding, monetary policy felt compelled that we need to begin to look at what can be done to reverse the trend of this rising inflation and prices and hence, the committee felt in its wisdom, realising that there's a lot of liquidity in the market, particularly also coming from not only the fiscal that is also sending to fund the budget, but also the fact that some actors have been excluded from the OMO and also insisting that OMO, particularly for the local individuals and corporate individuals would not be allowed any longer. “The committee felt that there would be a lot of liquidity in the market and there was a need for the Bank to do something to mop excess liquidity to a level that it considers optimal to be able to run the economy in a way that the level of excess liquidity does not become injurious to the economy. That is the reason the committee felt, look, let's adopt the blunt process of taking this liquidity out by increasing the CRR from 22.5 per cent to 27.5 per cent."

Continuing, the CBN governor

stressed that the committee further charged the apex bank to "remain committed and focused on the fact that deposit money banks must be compelled, like we are using prudential, to ensure that they continue to grant loans to the private sector of the economy.

"You would have all observed that as a result of the policy of loan deposit ratio, we have seen loans grow from N15.5 trillion June 2019 to N17.6 trillion in December 2019- that is a N2 trillion growth and in the course of reading the communique, I made it very clear the various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, retail and all sectors that benefited from this initiative. “So, it's like let's keep doing what you're doing but do not remove your eyes from the ball regarding the excess liquidity and what needed to be done to take this liquidity out so this economy can run in an optimal way that does not create inflationary pressures and by extension, exchange rate pressures on the economy.

"The committee insists and believes it would not constrain lending the way we've already started seeing lending grow in the economy."

Amotekun: South-west Speakers Meet, Pledge Legislative Support

Mr Bamidele Oleyelogun, the speakers expressed support for Amotekun, saying it would go a long way in curbing the worrisome security problems facing the region.

Oleyelogun said, “The establishment of the security outfit in the South West is in tandem with the constitution, which makes the protection of lives and properties a matter of priority for any responsible government. “Operation Amotekun is a welcome development, especially in the spirit of existing community policing laws in the South-West states. “We have collectively resolved that the issue of security as it is in the region especially, and the country as a whole, can no longer continue to be handled with kids glove.

"As legislators, we must do our bit to complement the efforts of our governors through legislation that will give legal strength to the security force."

AKEREDOLU: SOUTH-WEST GOVS SET TO MEET PRESIDENT OVER AMOTEKUN Vice President asked us to come, most of our colleagues too were in the UK with the President. “The President will hear us.

He is a person that understands us anyway, we will explain to him when we meet.�

On the controversies generated by the creation of Amotekun, Akeredolu said they were unnecessary, adding that from onset, the regional security outfit planned to work with the nation’s security agencies, adding that Amotekun’s vehicles were supposed to have policemen with them.

He added: “From onset, we planned to work with the police; what we are trying to do is to compliment the work of the police; but the police’s concern was that Amotekun came at a time they were planning to introduce community policing and we told them there was no cause for alarm; and we will work with them.�

On the regional structures of Amotekun, the Ondo State

governor added that there would be no single structures, saying that each state will have its own structure. ‘’We want to share information, intelligence and logistics; we have agreed that each state should domesticate it. And there are ongoing efforts to get the state to domesticate Amotekun through the state houses of assembly,’’ he further explained.

He said those saying the security outfit was created as a plot by South West to pull out of the country spoke out of ignorance, expressing strong belief in the unity of the country.

On his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Akeredolu expressed worry that there is lack of internal cohesion within its leadership at the national level, but expressed hope that the issues would be addressed because President Buhari remains a formidable force that would continue to hold the party together, even

after leaving office.

The governor also expressed confidence that his re-election would be a ‘’walk-over’’, saying he has done enough for the people of the state to guarantee his second term in office.

On the fear by some APC’s leaders that the party may collapse after Buhari’s tenure, the governor said it was absolutely correct to infer that the personality of the President had remained a strong factor for the unity of the party, but he said that the lack of internal cohesion among the leadership at the national level need to be addressed quickly. “President Buhari, as the leader of APC, has never dictated to the party on what should be done; and why should one person be dictating the affairs of the party at the national level? “One of the issues that created problems in the last general election was the different methods used in conducting the primaries. In some states,

Direct Primary was used, while Indirect Primary was applied in some states. We need to agree on one method to avoid crisis in the party’’, the governor stated.

While insisting that the issue was not bad enough to divide the party, Akeredolu said every effort was being made to address the issue.

On whether he is confident about his re-election or not, the governor said: “I didn’t ask to be governor in my state; my people decided that I should contest. I am perhaps, the only governor who never gave a kobo to party’s members to be nominated as governorship candidate. “The Almighty God had a hand in my election and there is nothing anybody can do about it. It is only God that gives power. And if APC picks another candidate in Ondo State it will lose the election; we have done enough for our people.

I am very confident they will re-elect me again.’’

The Speakers of Houses of Assembly in the South-West Zone have pledged to provide legislative support to Amotekun.

They made the pledge at the end of a one-day security summit themed, “The imperative of Western Nigerian Security Network (Operation Amotekun): Legislative Support for the Initiative,� held in Ibadan.

The summit was attended by the speakers from the six South-West states including Adebo Ogundoyin (Oyo State), Funminiyi Afuye (Ekiti), Bamidele Oleyelogun (Ondo), Taiwo Oluomo (Ogun), Timothy Owoeye (Osun) and Mudashiru Obasa (Lagos).

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of South-West States Legislature,

MILITARY CAPABLE OF WINNING WAR AGAINST BOKO HARAM, BUHARI INSISTSMILITARY CAPABLE OF WINNING WAR AGAINST in the most humane way.

"We have this experience and I assure you that we also have this confidence in your organisation.

That is why I feel that Nigeria is capable of handling this crisis, it may take long but we are capable of handling it.�

Buhari also blamed the inability of the Nigerian military to subdue the insurgents on the increasing proliferation of arms in the G5 Sahel region.

He said, “The important thing really is weapons reaching the Sahel; the instability it is causing. Look at the casualties in Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali; Libya has a direct impact on the stability of the Sahel.

"As for Boko Haram, we try to disabuse the minds of the people and I think our people now understand the basic dishonesty in it. With my experience personally in the civil war, I am sure we will get over it.�

The President also told the EU that one of the next priorities of his regime was to rehabilitate Internally Displaced Persons in the North-east, adding that it informed his decision to create an exclusive Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. “I assure you of Nigeria’s

commitment to enhance and deepen cooperation with the EU in all areas. Our priority in the next level is to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, are rehabilitated so that livelihood should be established and the children should not lose the opportunity to go back to school, which is very important for the future of that area and Nigeria generally. “I assure you that we are aware of these problems and we will continue to do our best. The newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is coordinating NEMA and others, to make sure that whatever resources we get are well utilised. The ministry will be accountable to the government instead of having too many bodies doing the same thing. We are also reaching out to foreign countries explaining to them our position, and we are confident we will get over it.�

The EU Commissioner acknowledged Nigeria's big role in African and requested a development plan between the EU and Nigeria concerning the issues in the North East.

He expressed the EU's readiness to support Nigeria in ending the insurgency in the Northeast. “We would like to support your efforts. We believe all

relevant actors; military, civilian as well as humanitarian should come together. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs is suggesting such high-level dialogue. “In situations such as what we have in the northeast, international law and international humanitarian law should apply. We believe in your efforts to end the conflict; military effort alone probably will not be sufficient without identifying and addressing the socio-economic factors causing it," he stated.

Boss Mustapha Leads FG Delegation to Condole with Adamawa Christian Community The federal government yesterday sent a delegation to condole with Adamawa Christian community over the killing of two clergymen last Monday.

The Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who led the delegation, expressed President Buhari’s sadness over the dastardly act.

He further revealed that the federal government was working assiduously to restore sanity in the land.

Mustapha urged the Christian

community in Adamawa not to regard the killing of the two clergymen as threat against Christianity.

He said Nigerians should never yield to the antics of purveyors of violence who want to polarise them along religious lines. “What happened is a sad moment in the history of the state and the nation, as efforts are being made by the present administration to secure lives and property of its citizens,� the SGF said.

He said government was working round the clock to address all forms of insecurity in the country and called for sober reflection over the murder of the two clergymen - Pastor Dennis Bagauri and Rev Lawal Andimi. “The Federal Government is putting serious effort into averting Boko Haram, but all of a sudden, kidnapping, banditry and other acts of criminality have taken the center stage, especially in the northern states. “Insiders must be collaborating with outsiders to perpetrate these heinous acts,� he said.

The SGF called for calm and tolerance, urging Nigerians not to bring issues that will bring more grief to the affected communities.

He prayed God to grant the slain clergymen eternal rest and the Christian community the

fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Responding, the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Adamawa State chapter, Bishop Stephen Dami Mamza, stated that Buhari “has softened our hearts with the high power delegation to commiserate with the Christian community in the State.�

He added that the visit had given Christians assurances of hope and sense of belonging.

The CAN Chairman assured that the Christian community would team up with the Muslim community to flush out undesirable elements that are causing bad blood between the two major faiths.

Mamza added that the people causing enmity between Christians and Muslims in the society were quite small compared to the larger society.

He said the cordial relationship existing between Christians and Muslims would continue to wax stronger “despite the antics of terrorists who want to truncate the existing convivial relationship.�

The Boko Haram insurgents had earlier in the month abducted the CAN chairman of Michika local government, Andimi and executed him last Monday despite the effort of the church which tried to secure his freedom, a development that caused disquiet

in Nigeria.

Boko Haram Kills 5 in Dikwa Meanwhile, Boko Haram attacked Dikwa, Borno State late on Thursday, killing five people and abducted several others as they collected firewood in the bush.

"A group gathered and went outside the town to collect firewood but Boko Haram terrorists attacked them, killing five of them," an anti-jihadist militia leader, Babakura Kolo, told AFP. "The loggers fled and some of them were abducted by the attackers while trying to escape."

Dikwa is home to more than 70,000 people displaced by the jihadist violence who live in several camps where they rely on food and humanitarian assistance from aid agencies.

Many have turned to felling trees from the surrounding bushland to sell as firewood to make money to buy extra provisions.

Boko Haram have increasingly targeted loggers, herders, and fishermen in their violent campaign, accusing them of spying and passing information to the military and the local militia fighting them.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

NEWS

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

HONOURED BY ROYALTY. . .

L-R: Eyitope Kola Onyeniye; Mr. Habeeb Okunola; UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Al-Taffaq; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; MD/CEO Sujimoto Group, Sijibomi Ogundele and Nollywood Actress, Funke Adesiyan at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum, recently.

IPPIS: ASUU Threatens to Go on Strike over FG’s Salary Order Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said that it would immediately activate its resolution on a no pay, no work in response to the directive by the federal government to stop payment of lecturers salaries who failed to register on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

ASUU had opposed the implementation of IPPIS

in the tertiary institutions, saying it would among other things, infringe on the university autonomy and that it was out of tune with the operational peculiarities of the university.

ASUU President, Prof.

Biodun Ogunyemi who spoke to THISDAY on telephone yesterday said: “We don’t have a copy of that letter yet, until it is confirmed but our union has an answer to that.

We are not bothered. We have a long standing resolution.

It is very simple, we had a resolution reached at the Federal University Technology Minna, that if government should stop salaries of our members on the account of IPPIS memo which we have rejected and to truncate ongoing dialogue, that we will not hesitate to invoke our long standing resolution of no pay, no work, that is our response,” he said.

The federal government had suspended the release of the funds for the payment

Ile Arugbo: Kwara Govt, Saraki Family Explore Out of Court Settlement Hammed Shittu in Ilorin In accordance with the advice of a Kwara State High Court on the Ile Arugbo demolition, the state government has agreed for an out-of-court-settlement on the disputed land between it and the family of the late Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki.

The state High Court, sitting in Ilorin, had on January 15,2020 advised parties in the suit to in the interest of peace, explore an out of court settlement over the disputed land on which Saraki’s Ile Arugbo was built.

The state government’s action is, however, in response to an earlier letter from the Saraki’s lawyers seeking an amicable out-court-settlement of the dispute.

Agents of the state government had on January 2nd this year demolished some property at Ile Arugbo over alleged irregularities in the allocation of the land housing the structures.

This has led to litigation between Asa Investments Limited, (a company owned by the late Saraki) and the state government.

At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Counsel

to Asa Investments Limited, AbdulAzeez Ibrahim informed the court that his clients had received a letter from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice inviting them to a meeting slated for January 27th, 2020.

Ibrahim added : “On January 15th, your Lordship conscientiously advised parties to explore settlement of the case out of court in the interest of peace in this state of harmony. Consequent upon that we as counsel to the claimant had to persuade our client and after thorough discussions our client instructed us to write a letter to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state on our readiness to meet with him. And we served him the letter on the 20th January, 2020.

“Consequently, this morning in this court, we were served with a letter dated January 23rd, 2020 from the Kwara State Ministry of Justice. In the letter we are invited for a meeting slated for 27th January, 2020. We want to explore the opportunity this court has afforded. We therefore, submit that an adjournment is imminent and inevitable.”

Counsel to the state government, who is also the Director Civil Litigation, Ministry of

Justice, A.M Bello confirmed the receipt of a letter from the claimant’s counsel seeking for amicable resolution of the case out of court.

“In tandem with the tenet of the said letter, we have invited the claimant for a meeting on Monday next week for out-ofcourt settlement of the case.”

Bello added.

He aligned with the claimant’s counsel application for adjournment.

Counsel to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) who is the 5th respondent in the suit, Aderemi Ajibola said “we shall not be opposing to the adjournment sought by the claimant’s counsel.”

In his ruling, Justice Abiodun Adebara urged the parties to resolve the case amicably before the next adjourned date.

“This court is particularly impressed by the parties for the steps taken to settle out of court; they are therefore enjoined to engage in meaningful discussions that will lead to the resolution of the case out of court. I wish the parties well in their deliberation.

“With the concurrence of the learned counsel, this case is adjourned to March 2nd for the report of out-of-court settlement.”

of salaries of workers of tertiary institutions who have not enrolled on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) as their salaries would be paid on the IPPIS platform with effect from January.

In a letter by the Director of IPPIS at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr. Olusegun Olufehinti, the OAGF requested the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs.

Zainab Ahmed, to order the stoppage of release of funds for January salaries of the federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The letter with reference number: OAGF/ IPPIS/19/11/54 and titled: ‘Request for Stoppage of Release of Funds for January Salaries to Federal Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education’, was addressed to the minister.

“I am directed to inform you that the preparation of January 2020 salary payroll and warrants of the federal tertiary institutions are ongoing and will be ready for submission on or before January 29, 2020. This is to give effect to the directive of the federal government that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) drawing personal cost for the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) should be enrolled on IPPIS,” the memo partly read.

Safety: Enugu Govt Demolishes Structures Encroaching on Akanu Ibiam Airport The Enugu State Government has carried out demolition of structures that encroached on Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for safety and security of lives and property.

Addressing newsmen during the demolition, which was carried out by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), led by its Chairman, Dr. Josef Umunnakwe Onoh, in company of officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, stated that the exercise was in response to the safety concerns raised by the federal government about the airport.

The federal government had raised concerns over illegal structures encroaching on the land of the airport, radio mast of the state broadcasting service, and Free Trade Zone, requesting the state government to address the challenges for safety and security of the people and the airport.

Following the interventions of the state govern-

ment, the federal government through the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN had expressed satisfaction at the compliance with the above directives, which paved way for the ongoing rehabilitation of the airport.

Speaking, the information commissioner added that the demolition exercise was in continuation of the state government’s efforts to ensure that the airport reopened as scheduled by the federal government for effective operations.

Aroh pointed out that the State Executive Council (EXCO) in its first meeting in 2020, approved the request made by FAAN for the issuance of a composite Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and full acquisition of the airport land, disclosing that the demolition exercise was part of the processes being carried out in the overriding public interest.

“Enugu State Government is committed to the safety of our people. We are committed to the welfare of our people and one of the most fundamental processes we need to undergo, to continue to grow the economy of

Enugu State and the entire South-east geo-political zone and beyond, is to ensure that this international airport, which is the only international airport Southeast of the Niger is fully functional,” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the demolition of the structures would allow for the installation of night landing lights at the airport, stressing that the state government was determined to ensure that any obstacle to the full realisation of the airport project would be duly addressed.

According to him, “We have received assurances from the contractors, from FAAN, that this airport will be re-opened for operations in April. Every land that is acquired by FAAN is acquired by the state in line with extant laws and we are providing all the necessary support for this airport to be operational. We are going to continue to put in the best of our efforts to ensure that the directives of the State Executive Council are carried out.”

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Brief Ogun Police Arrest 4 Herdsmen In Nigeria to Swap Prisoners with Macao Who Kidnapped LG Boss Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta The Ogun State Police Command yesterday paraded four herdsmen who confessed to have kidnapped the new vice chairman of the Transition Committee for Remo North Local Government of Ogun State, Mr. Taiwo Soniyi, earlier this year.

The suspects were arrested following a manhunt launched against them by police operatives deployed by the command into the forest at Fidiwo axis of the

Lagos - Ibadan Expressway where the victim was abducted on the 10th of January, this year.

Soniyi was abducted along Fidiwo-Ipara Road as he was returning from a function outside the state, while his abductors demanded for a ransom of N50 million.

Parading the suspect, the Commissioner of Police, Kenneth Ebrimson, said the kidnappers were arrested after the command's operatives had embarked on a "technical and forensic investiga-

tion" which enabled them to “geo-locate the criminals and the victim�.

"Having realised that the police were closing in on them, the hoodlums released their victim, but three members of the gang were subsequently apprehended as a result of an intense combing of the bush where they were traced to," the CP said.

Ebrimson, who gave names of the suspects to include 25 years old Mohammad Abdulahi, Ibrahim Dikko (20), Gambo Abdullahi (25)

and Mohammed Sulaimon (23), also told journalists that the arrest of the three suspects led to the arrest of the fourth suspect who was tracked to Idi-Ayunre in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The CP also explained that the victim, Soniyi, had identified all the suspects as his abductors, and that the four suspects had made confessional statements.

The Ogun CP further maintained that no ransom was paid before the politician's freedom was secured.

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja signed Instrument of ËÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?Ă˜Ă?Ă?ĂŽ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă˜Ă? ĂŒĂ?ÞåĂ?Ă?Ă˜ ÞÒĂ? Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ ÞÒĂ? Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă‹Ă™ ĂšĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă Ă? Ă?Ă‘Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă?ÙÚÖĂ?ËŞĂ? Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă? Ă™Ă?

China. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in a terse statement, said the president's assent was the offshoot of a Federal Executive Council (FEC) decision of August 1, 2018. "This is sequel to the Federal Executive Council Conclusion of August 1, 2018, which approved and directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂ?Ăœ Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?ÞÓĂ?Ă? ÞÙ ĂšĂœĂ?ĂšĂ‹ĂœĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂœĂ&#x;Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă™Ă? ËÞÓĂ?Ă“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă™Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă Ă?

AgreementforthePresident’ssignature.PresidentBuhari’sassentformally executes the Agreement," the statement added.

Katsina Speaker Gives Bursary

The Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon.Tasiu Maigari, hasdisbursedN8.2millionasbursaryallowancesto1,292indigentstudents from his constituency to enhance their academic performances. Presenting the bursary awards to the beneficiaries in Zango yesterday, the lawmaker saidthegesturewasborneoutoftheneedtobuildfutureleadersandaswell as to complement state government efforts of revamping the loss glory of education in the state. He said post-graduate students undergoing Master’s degree would receive N15,000 each, first degree students, N10,000, NCE and Ordinary Diploma, N5,000 and Higher Diploma, N7,500.The Speaker, whoisalsoamemberrepresentingZangoconstituency,addedthatstudents of other tertiary institutions such as School of Health Technology would get N5,000 each, vowing to expand the initiative to accommodate more students from the constituency.

Lassa Fever: Katsina to Protect Citizens

The Katsina State Government yesterday said it would continue to take proactive and preventive measures to protect the residents of the state against Lassa fever virus ravaging parts of the country. The State Ù××ÓĂ?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă‹Ă–ĂžĂ’Ëœ Ă&#x;Ă’Ă&#x; Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂŒĂ&#x; Ă‹Ă˜Ă”Ă‹Ëœ ĂĄĂ’Ă™ Ă‘Ă‹Ă Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ă‹Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ‹Ă˜Ă?Ă? ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă–Ă? addressing journalists, said there was no confirmed case of Lassa fever in thestatebutgovernmenthadpurchasedalltheneededmedicalequipment and drugs to tackle any outbreak. He added that state government was taking precautionary measures in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to ensure that the disease which is ravaging some states does not spread to Katsina.

NEXIM South-south Enlightenment

FOR ZERO OIL ECONOMY...

L-R: Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum and the Executive Director and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo on sensitisation visit Maiduguri and courtesy visit to the governor

Imo Police Arrest 29 Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers Amby UnezeinOwerri

The Imo State Police Command have arrested 29 suspected criminal offenders ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, murder and human/child traffickers. They also rescued 10 victims comprising six men and four women.

Parading the suspects in the

State Police Headquarters, the new Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Fafowora, who also addressed his maiden press briefing having assumed office in the state on January 1, 2020 promised to ensure adequate protection of lives and property as well as to do everything possible to ensure that the community policing principle that exists in the state shall be sustained and improved upon.

The CP said the Command under his watch would ensure absolute respect for human rights at all times, as “we shall not condone any form of incivility to members of the public or other unethical or unprofessional act or misconduct.

He also promised to take drastic action against Police extortion and other vices along the major roads and highways; through energising for optimal performance of the

Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) of the command domiciled in the office of the Police Public Relations Office (PPRO). “The ‘X’ Squad Department, Monitoring Unit and the Command Provost Department vested with the responsibilities of arrest, investigation and discipline of erring officers will be strengthened for effective and efficient performances�, he said.

Outcry over Death in Review Restrictive Laws on Detention of Mechanic, Police Abortion, Group Urges FG Harassment in Port Harcourt David-ChyddyElekeinAwka had pushed many women to Ernest ChinwoinPortHarcourt

The police in Port Harcourt, Rivers State have come under severe rebuke following their claim that an auto-mechanic, Chima Ikwunado, who died in their custody, and four others arraigned for robbery and cultism, actually committed the crimes for which they were charged.

This came as a former aide to former Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, Hon. Okey Okirie, also accused the police of threat to his life and called on President Muhammadu Buhari and others to intervene to allow him enjoy his freedom in the country.

In the eye of the storm is

the Eagle Crack (E-Crack) Team of the Police domiciled at the Mile 1 (Rumuwoji) Police Station, Diobu, Port Harcourt Ikwunado and four of his apprentices were said to be arrested by men of the E-Crack Unit, attached to the Mile 1 Police Division, while testdriving two cars they were repairing along Olu-Obasanjo Road and were charged by the police for robbery and cultism.

The auto mechanic allegedly later died as a result of severe torture while his four apprentices; Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, Ifeanyi Osuji and Ifeanyi Onyekwere, were charged to court and are currently remanded at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre.

Ipas, an international organisation that champions the reproductive health and rights of women has called on the federal government to consider a review of the restrictive laws on abortion, saying that the law was costing women their lives in large number in the country.

The interim country director of Ipas, Mr. Lucky Palmer, stated this in Owerri, Imo State, during a training workshop organised by them for journalists in Anambra and Abia states.

Palmer whose paper; abortion and the law was presented

by Mr. Doris Ikpeze, a policy adviser with the organisation said there was need to review the laws surrounding abortion in Nigeria, as its restrictive nature

indulge in unsafe abortion, which has often cost them their lives.

Palmer said, "Access to abortion is particularly important for women and girls who are victims of sexual violence, rape and incest.

"There is a need for review of the restrictive abortion laws due to the human rights implications of unsafe abortion."

He urged journalists to push for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 in Abia State, while commending Anambra for the domestication of the law.

He however noted that the Act was not fully operational in Anambra State. She wondered why the country would continue to sign international and regional treaties that it would not keep.

InfurtheranceofitsmandateofpromotingthediversificationoftheNigerian economyandboostingnon-oilexports,theNigerianExport-ImportBankwill be hosting the Export Enlightenment and Engagement Programme for the Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ̋Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă?ÙÚÙÖÓÞÓĂ?Ă‹Ă– Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‹ĂœĂŁ ͺ΀ÞÒ ĚŽ ÍťÍ¸ĂžËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸˛ Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ ĂĄĂ’Ă“Ă?Ă’ ĂĄĂ“Ă–Ă– ÒÙÖÎ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ù×Ă? Ă Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ?Ëœ Ă•ĂšĂ‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă— Ă™Ă‹ĂŽËœ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹Ëœ Ă?ÖÞË State, and would be declared open by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi ÕÙåË Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ åÓÞÒ ÙÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ùà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă— ĂŽĂ™Ëœ ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă‹ĂŁĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă‹Ëœ Ă•ĂĄĂ‹

ĂŒĂ™Ă— Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ? Ă?ÞËÞĂ?Ă?Ëœ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă•Ă? ÞÙ ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙÑĂ?ÞÒĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă˘ĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ĂŒĂ‹Ă˜Ă•Ă?ĂœĂ?Ëœ ÚÙÖÓĂ?ĂŁ makers, top government officials and other operators in the non-oil export sector towards highlighting the non-oil export potentials of the south-south region and other pertinent issues that impact the contribution of the region to economic diversification.

Enugu Bans Sale of Unapproved Water

The Enugu State Government has banned the sale and distribution of water by water tankers and other vendors from unauthorised sources in the state“particularlytheIBUSAStreetWater/StreaminIndependenceLayout, Enugu�. A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, stated that the ban was in furtherance of the commitment of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s administration to protect the health and safety of residents of Enugu. Aroh added that the state government had consequently directed all relevant agencies in the health and environment sectors to ensure strict compliance with the directive and arrest, impound and prosecute, in line with extant laws, any tanker driver or water vendor who violates the order. The commissioner, therefore, maintained that the government remains committed to the provision of clean and healthy water in Enugu metropolis and the entire state.

FUT Minna Graduates 3,597 Students

The Federal University ofTechnology Minna Niger State is to graduate 3,597 students at its 29th convocation ceremony on the first of next month. Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Abdullahi Bala told newsmen on Friday that 57 of the graduands would bag first class degrees 926 second class upper degrees 1,733 second class lower degrees and 836 third class while 45 would be graduating with pass degrees. Bala said 94 of the students would receive their Doctorate degrees, 629 Masters Degree, and 182 would collect post graduate diploma certificates. Bala said some of the graduating students are from institutions affiliated to the university including the Federal Colleges of Education at Akoka and Potiskum and the Kaduna Polytechnic. He said all the graduands would be leaving with the original of their certificates after the convocation ceremony.

Borno Pays N30,000 Minimum Wage

BornoStatehascommencedthepaymentoftheminimumwageofN30,000, theNationalLabourCongress(NLC)hasconfirmed.Astatementsentyesterday toourcorrespondentbytheBorno StateChairmanofNLC,ComradeBulama Abiso said: “Borno State Government under the able leadership of Prof. Baba Gana Umara Zulum has commenced the implementation of 30,000 naira minimum wage and its consequential adjustments. “The organised labour in the state appreciate His Excellency for keeping to his pledge that workers welfare is his priority. The minimum wage and its consequential adjustments wereimplementedtoallonGLandconsolidatedsalarystructureacrossthestate civilservants.�Thestatementfurtherread:“LabourappealedtoHisExcellency todirecttheimmediateimplementationatthelocalgovernmentandthelocal educationauthorities.Weurgeallcivilservantstoreciprocatebyre-dedicating themselvestodutyandassurethemthatallshortfallsduetoimplementation would be squarely looked into,� Abiso assured.

9

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

Goodnight, Brave Pastor Lawan Andimi

T

ears of hapless Nigerians under the bondage of kidnappers, bandits and Boko Haram continued for most of the week, after bloodthirsty Boko Haram murdered Pastor Lawan Andimi, who was the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Michika Local Government of Adamawa.

The terrorists rejected the N50 million offered them and slaughtered Andimi. These bastards have done their worst; they can only kill Andimi’s body, not his soul. For sure, his spirit will hunt down these killers one by one. The murderous Boko Haram fighters are emboldened by our coldblooded and unabashed failed leaders. Andimi was abducted on January 2, and for 18 days, he begged to be rescued by the Nigerian state.

Nothing happened until he was beheaded by the cowards called Boko Haram last Monday.

While in the dungeon of Boko Haram, Andimi, 58, and father of nine children showed uncommon courage. I will never forget the cleric in a video posted by the terrorists saying if it pleased God that he be released, he would be freed, but if God decides not to get him out, his wife should be patient and his colleagues should look after his children. He requested his colleagues in CAN, as well as his family members, not to be weary, “since God’s will must be respected in our lives.” He was courageous and unwavering in his faith in God, even at the point of death: “By the grace of God, I will be together with my wife, children and colleagues and if the opportunity is not granted, then maybe it is the will of God. All well-wishers and colleagues should be patient. Don’t cry, don’t worry but thank God for everything.” My beloved Andimi, remain blessed in the bosom of the Lord.

Your killers have murdered sleep. They will never sleep again.

In his usual rhetoric, President Buhari condemned the killing of Andimi, describing it as cruel, inhuman and deliberately provocative. Mere rhetoric, no action followed. More often than not, killers are never apprehended by the Buhari government. I am shocked that our President, in his statement, said the insurgents would continue to pay a heavy price for their actions, adding that they would eventually be defeated. Haba!

But the President told Nigerians that the terrorists had been defeated. Perhaps, his aides did not read the statement very well before issuing it. Besides, who has been paying “heavy price”? Certainly not the terrorists.

Our gallant soldiers and innocent Nigerians are the ones paying heavy price, with scores killed daily by Boko Haram and ISWAP. Just on Tuesday, eight soldiers lost their lives after Boko Haram ambushed a military patrol team in Mainok, Borno State.

Five soldiers were wounded and two are still missing in action. Last weekend, 17 soldiers were killed in confrontations with Boko Haram along Bama-Gwoza road.

Also last week, a 200 level student of the University of Maiduguri, Dalep Dachiya, was beheaded by Boko Haram and. The video of his gruesome murder was released by the terrorists on January 22nd. Dalep

Andimi

was on his way to school on January 9th when he was abducted by the sect.

The National body of CAN was right when it blamed the murder of Andimi on the poor response to his abduction by the federal government. Our security agents lack the capacity to respond appropriately. This is the truth that must be told. The terrorists were communicating with the family of Andimi, using GSM phone and security agents could not track their location. This continued for over two weeks, until the insurgents severed negotiations, called the wife of the abducted pastor and told her that they would kill him on Saturday but postponed the execution to last Monday.

What a country.

I agree with the Chairman of Kaduna State CAN, Rev. Joseph Hayab, who said the usual condemnation of these killings by the federal government without any concrete action was not enough. “We have said condemnation of atrocities without any concrete action is not good enough. What we are hearing and seeing is increase in fear by our people,” he said.

The national body of CAN adds: “The church views the unabated kidnappings, extortion and killings of Christians and innocent Nigerians as shameful to the government that each time boasts that it has conquered insurgency. It is reprehensible and saddening that each time the government comes out to claim the defeat of the insurgents, more killings of our people are committed.

“What is the essence of SIM card registration if the authorities cannot use it to track down these killers who rely on phones as a means of communication? What

has become of intelligence gathering of our security agencies? Is this government and its security agencies still claiming that the war against these criminals in religious garments has been won despite all the killings? Is the government sincere in fighting these terrorists or merely paying lip service to the war against the insurgency?”

Boko Haram killings are embarrassinglyunending. On Christmas eve, a faction of Boko Haram affiliated to the Islamic State, killed 11 Christian captives in Borno State, saying the action was taken to avenge the deaths of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the IS leader and Abul-Hasan Al-Muhajir, its spokesman, who were killed in Syria, last October. Four abducted aid workers of the Action Against Hunger, an international non-government organisation, were also killed by the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) last December. The insurgents said the aid workers were killed because of the breakdown of talks with the federal government.

The European parliament was correct when it stated that there’s been no progress in the fight against Boko Haram. In its resolution on January 16, 2020, the group of 28 countries that operates as a cohesive economic and political block lamented the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.

The EU is unhappy that “progress has stalled in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP and the increased occurrence and severity of suicide attacks and direct attacks against military positions.”

It recalled that Buhari was re-elected in 2019 on the promise of defeating Boko Haram and other terror groups, and urged the President to implement his campaign promises.

On the flip side, Kaduna can be conveniently described as the epicenter of abductions and killings in Nigeria. Early in January, bandits attacked 10 Gbagyi communities in Chikun and Birnin Gwari council areas of the state and kidnapped 58 people. They are asking for N100 million ransom from the families of the victim, who are in a refugee camp situated in an uncompleted Community Secondary School, Unguwan Bije in Gonin Gora. The 58 victims have been in captivity since January 6, 2020.

Their Spokesman, Habila Rumana said: “What we know is that the attackers are well armed and they are Fulani. They would graze on our crops and threaten to kill us if we protest. Sometimes they could attack and take our people captive. We will manage and pay ransoms and even after paying, sometimes they kill the victims. But the January 6, 2020 attack was the worst.

Hundreds of armed gunmen invaded about 10 of our villages at the same time. They carried out deadly attacks and looted our villages. At the last count between 34 and 36 people were killed. In fact, 58 people were kidnapped. But we still can’t account for many of our people.”

This is the organised wickedness going on in Kaduna State for so long, and unchecked, under a constituted authority. The affected villages in Chikun Council Area are Badna, Zankoro, Hayin Damisa, Unguwan Badole, Badimi, Kuderi and Unguwan Doma, while those in Birnin Gwari Council Area

Amotekun: The Wisdom of Afe Babalola Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola was on point on his perspective on the raging debate over the legality of Amotekun, the South-west security outfit. Any attempts by the federal government, or its appendages, to terminate the security outfit will fail, because the initiative is deeply rooted in the 1999 constitution, so says the legal luminary.

Babalola argues: “The South-west governors have the right to protect their people because that is the ultimate responsibility of responsive government.

Amotekun doesn’t only have roots in the 1999 Constitution but other previous constitutions. The Minister of Justice relied

on the Article 45, second schedule of the 1999 Constitution (amended) that gives the FG the exclusive power to manage the police, and forgot that sections 24, 40 and 45 impose clear responsibility on citizens to ensure security of their lives and property.

“Section 24 of the constitution provides that ‘it shall be the duty of every citizen to make positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress and well-being of the community where he resides’. Well-being means security of life and property etc.

“Section 40 goes further that ‘every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and

in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests’. When you put these two together, it shows that all of us have the duty to associate whether as Yoruba people or as state people to ensure that lives and properties are safe. The Amotekun outfit has its roots in the constitution. It is constitutional, it is legal and proper.”

Babalola nailed it. The federal government should embrace and key into the Amotekun instead of trying to kill it. Sections 20, 40 and 45 of our Constitution evidently back Amotekun. These sections are superior to the schedule our languid AGF, Abubakar Malami has been quoting.

are, Rumana Gbagyi, Rumana Hausa and Malomo.

The bandits also attacked Gora-Gan village in the Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Southern Kaduna on January 17, killing and maiming. The gunmen had invaded the village market square and opened fire on the youths, killing two of them on the spot. Governor Nasir El-rufai has to rise above religious sentiments and tackle the crisis in this state.

The bandits in Zamfara and Niger states are also still rampaging. On January 14, they killed 14 people in Babban Rafi village of Gunmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

In Niger State, the village head of Rumathe, in Shiroro Local Government Area, Ahmad Yakubu Rumathe was killed on January 17. 22 villagers from the community and nearby villages, including the son of the slain village head, were also kidnapped by the bandits. Two weeks back, bandits in separate raids on the nearby Munya Local Government Area, killed an army officer, three soldiers and four other villagers.

Our security agents clearly lack the capacity to handle Boko Haram, ISWAP, kidnappers and bandits. Our dear country must seek help from developed countries.

For me, I will always point in the direction of Israel and Russia.

A Word for Power Minister

Mamman

With the way the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, has been going about his job since assumption of office, I can safely say that he has a personal agenda in the ministry. This minister is out to execute this personal agenda. First was the strange suspension of the hardworking managing director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Damilola Ogunbiyi. It was followed by his bizarre dismissal of Marilyn Amobi as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company Limited (NBET).

Mamman was clearly reckless. It was good that Buhari reversed the two actions.

Mamman has also appointed two of his kinsmen as directors into the REA, with instruction that the directors be in charge of procurement and funds within the REA. The directors are Lawal Ibrahim (Funds) and Bulus Maiyaki (Procurement). Maiyaki was internally redeployed while Ibrahim was brought in from outside REA. Even the junior minister that supervises REA, Jedy-Agba, is unaware of these appointments.

The way Mamman has been going about his job portends danger for our vital power sector that has been a big drawback to Nigeria’s economy.

This minister goes about without respect for due process and proficiency. The display of nude power and nepotism by Mamman must be curtailed. He must stop personalising decisions in the ministry and learn to work with Jedy-Agba. The collective interest of Nigerians must be paramount. This is what Mamman has sworn to do and he must abide by this oath or be shipped out.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Davido and Chioma

Storm in a Tea Cup? Superstar singer, David Adeleke (Davido), and his fiancé, Chioma, are experiencing some misunderstanding. A mischievous 4th baby mama is suspected to be behind the storm, reports Ferdinand Ekechukwu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

11

SUPERSATURDAY ...Storm in a Tea Cup?

“S

o I heard Davido has a 4th baby mama, one babe in Atlanta don carry belle… Y’all that thought he wasn’t cheating on Chioma all these while must be a joker. But if I talk now, they will say I’m hating.” Perhaps, comments like this shouldn’t be more than what it is, or taken for, especially coming from the cyberspace. But in the case of David Adeleke aka Davido having a fourth baby mama, it was difficult to wave aside. Immediately, the rumour mills went into overdrive and different tales began to emerge.

It all started early this week when a relatively popular blogger, Gistlover, accused the music superstar of having another baby mama on the way but claimed the yet-to-be identified lady was paid handsomely to keep quiet about her pregnancy. The blogger had taken to the social media to reveal what seems like Davido’s tryst during his long stay outside the country last year.

According to what was written on the blogger’s Instagram page, Davido now has a fourth baby mama on the way.

Then, another US based, Instagram influencer, Rilimillz also added to the gist that the 4th baby mama is one babe in Atlanta that the hip-pop star has been cheating on Chioma with.

Amid the report of the fourth baby mama scandal, Davido and Chioma unfollowed each other on Instagram, which made their fans and followers question the state of their relationship.

Concerned fans went as far as going to run a search on the individual page of both lovers. Screenshots that have since gone viral online showed that the music star unfollowed the mother of his first son, and she did the same thing. The development was followed by outrage on social media, especially by those who have been following the love story of the pair.

However, it appeared the words rapidly flew to the camp of both husband and bride-to-be, as both Davido and Chioma returned to their individual accounts on the social media app and started following each other again. The action of Davido and Chioma resulted in several speculations about what had

gone wrong between them. Recall that Davido is set to wed Chioma this year, as they have already done the introduction in 2019.

Davido has never hidden his love for Chioma whose relationship with became public after she celebrated her 23rd birthday in 2018. The music star went on to release a song titled “Assurance” and gave her a Porsche car valued at N35 million. The hit song “Assurance” was dedicated to Chioma, and she also starred in the music video as well. Also in the video for the song “Wonder Woman”, Davido closed visuals with Chioma, after showing images of his two other women. Some months back, the singer did cause a stir answering a question during a radio interview when asked about his girlfriend Chioma, in comparison to the other two women shortly before he proposed to her. Responding, the star singer said, “This one is special to me”. He formally propose to Chioma at a dinner held at a restaurant in London. The engagement came 10 days after the couple’s family had an introduction ceremony in Chioma’s family home in Lagos.

Davido’s baby mamas have given him beautiful daughters. One of Davido’s most famous girlfriends was Sophia Momodu, who is a fashion enthusiast and a niece of the publisher of Ovation, Dele Momodu. When Sophia gave birth to a little girl, she took the DNA test, and it proved that Davido was the father. The new parents gave her a beau-

tiful name Aurora Imade Adeleke, with her middle name being after Davido’s late mother, Veronica Imade. A couple of months later, Davido allegedly tried to take his daughter out of the country several times without Sophia’s consent.

Davido baby mama and her uncle turned to the lawyers for help, and the law was on their side. Eventually, Sophia finally got the custody of little Aurora. During this period, Davido and Sophia often exchanged harsh words on social media. Davido apologised for his heated words to Sophia and her uncle, and they have made up and left all the bad things in the past.

Of course, they are not planning to get back together, but at least they are on good terms again. Davido often visits his little daughter Aurora Imade and posts endearing photos with her on social media. He loves his first born and would do anything for her. This being the reason Davido had a bit of social media drama of recent with his first baby mama. The singer had shared a post revealing that he gave Momodu a lift on a private jet to Ghana so that she would not have to fly economy. This sparked a reaction from Momodu who immediately said she never asked him for a lift to Ghana.

Simply known as Amanda, Davido’s second baby mama is the mother of Hailey Adeleke, daughter of the superstar singer. Once Amanda gave her fans on social media an opportunity to ask questions about what they would

Davido has never hidden his love for Chioma whose relationship with became public after she celebrated her 23rd birthday in 2018. The music star went on to release a song titled “Assurance” and gave her a Porsche car valued at N35 million. The hit song “Assurance” was dedicated to Chioma, and she also starred in the music video as well. Also in the video for the song “Wonder Woman”, Davido closed visuals with Chioma, after showing images of his two other women.

Some months back, the singer did cause a stir answering a question during a radio interview when asked about his girlfriend Chioma, in comparison to the other two women shortly before he proposed to her

like to know about her, and a particular follower was curious to learn about how she handled the news of learning that she was pregnant for one of the biggest music stars in the country. “How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?” the follower queried.

Responding, Amanda said she was surprised and added that a close friend was with her when she received the news of her pregnancy. The news about Davido having a second child then was quite unexpected, because at the time, he was not dating anyone, at least no one that the public knew of. The outlets exploded with the reports that Davido had a second daughter. There were even photos from the baby shower, which the famous singer personally attended, and he looked extremely happy as he spent time with his alleged girlfriend.

Nothing specific was known about the mother of the baby, but the media found out that her name was Amanda and she resided in Atlanta, the city in the United States where Davido was born. Amanda gave birth to a beautiful healthy little girl, and Davido was incredibly excited to welcome his newborn daughter to the world. He named her Hailey Veronica Adeleke. Just like with her older sister, he decided to give her a middle name after his late mother.

Currently, Hailey lives with her mother Amanda in the United States.

Aside from his first two baby mamas Sophia Momodu and Amanda, who bore him two girls – Imade and Harvey – Chioma (mama Ifeanyi) is indisputably Davido’s “special one” in every sense. If not for anything at least she bore him a baby boy. It would be very interesting to see another baby mama pop up as alleged. However in the counsel of the wise, Chioma may not be the last woman in Davido’s life in as much as she can go on and live her life after the planned wedding, as the legitimate mother and wife yet.

This week has indeed been a tough one for Davido. He had to also battle people speculating that the baby boy from Chioma was not his. He angrily remarked in a post: “Any of you that legit believe that fake photoshopped tweet going round of me talking nonsense about my son can’t be stable!!! Lmao. Kai social media!! I hail!!”

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ͺͽ Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE MAN WHO OWNS THE NEWS Oma Djebah pays tribute to Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of THISDAY

I

t was late afternoon in September, 2000, when my colleague, Waheed Odusile, then Group politics editor of THISDAY Newspapers, came to meet with me at the ever busy Rutam House, the seat of The Guardian newspaper. At that time, I was on the political desk of The Guardian. I had just returned from Uyo, where I had gone to explore some unsettling developments, and I was about taking off on another reportorial trip to Katsina, when Odusile came calling.

Halfway through our meeting, Odusile offered flattering compliments about my journalistic trajectory which had caught the attention of Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Publisher of THISDAY, and Eniola Bello, then Editor of THISDAY. Creditably, Obaigbena has a firm grasp of the role and power of the media, and created the flourishing institution, and ambience for positioning the media to accomplish its noble tasks. I prevaricated for a month. This was understandable. The Guardian and THISDAY occupied parallel verses in the world of journalism: the former was conventional and the latter reformist. At the heart of my vacillation was also the question: Why would I quit a formidable organization, such as The Guardian with a promising career path well defined to enlist in a newspaper that was a few years old in an industry with high mortality rate?

If you ever wondered why I eventually opted to join THISDAY you need go no further than read Michael Wolff’s excellent book, The Man Who Owns The News: Inside the Secret World of Rupert Murdoch. The theme of that compelling book resonates perfectly with this subject matter. Obaigbena represents what Wolff calls “the man with the vision�, a concept that encapsulates Obaigbena’s brand of journalism which has changed Nigeria’s media landscape for good, and demonstrated how tenacity, knowledge, and the audacity to confront stereotypes, triggered a revolution in our media industry. I’m delighted that I’m part of the team Obaigbena calls the visionaries.

Obaigbena’s goal extended beyond building a media empire.

More crucially, he was committed to help develop journalists as distinguished professionals who could be called to public service.

And within a short period, THISDAY has established its prime reputation as the newspaper that breaks the news, and Obaigbena, has distinguished himself as the publisher that owns the news. Like Murdoch, the Australian-American media mogul, today Obaigbena sits atop his THISDAY Group with presence in Washington DC, New York, London, Johannesburg and Nigeria. But unlike Murdoch, Obaigbena’s progressive credentials are striking, and pervasive.

If there is a Nigerian media entrepreneur that firmly understands the global media environment, it’s certainly Obaigbena. As publisher of THISDAY Newspapers and founder of Arise Television, he acts with speed and dispatch that often leave his admirers and critics stunned by the gripping results of his exploits. If you worked at THISDAY in its early years, chances are that you certainly have been schooled in the Obaigbena style of journalism and media dynamics.

He doesn’t take a no for an answer, and his interventions often bring out the best in many situations.

If as his editor, you attempt to rationalize efforts you made to authenticate a story, his usual question would be: And what did you do? I recall an incident about how a reporter had apparently ap-

peared in a manner that was less than salutary. At that meeting of editors, staff waited with bated breath, to see how Obaigbena would pounce on the reporter! Surprisingly, the publisher made a fleeting presence with a charge: As the editor, the buck stops on your desk!

Though those weren’t his exact words, but they were the substance of his reproach! He buoyed, and upbraided his team when the need arose. Little wonder THISDAY soon became a major reference point in politics and business reporting.

Obaigbena has awesome capacity for recognizing talents and nurturing them. Like many of my colleagues, my professional breakthroughs came while at THISDAY. Within three months of my joining the company, I was elevated to the position of Group Politics Editor while Kola Ologbondiyan, current PDP publicity secretary was appointed as my deputy. Two years later, I was promoted to the position of deputy editor with Segun Adeniyi as the editor, while Lanre Issa-Onilu, presently APC publicity Secretary succeeded me as Group Politics Editor. I later advanced to the Editorial Board.

Obaigbena doesn’t suffer fools gladly. He teaches you to exude confidence and infectious surefootedness. The Duke, as he is fondly called, is straightforward, generous, but occasionally bristles in displeasure like everyone else.

There is more to Obaigbena than THISDAY. He has personal effects: He has recommended many for various roles with the result that THISDAY has produced countless top government functionaries, professors, accomplished businessmen, among others.

That is partly why at 25, the company has experienced stellar accomplishments, prospered in tough waters, and flourished in fiercely competitive industry. Obaigbena distinctly understands the intersection between entertainment, music and journalism, hence he introduced THISDAY music- festivals. He remains one of the most outstanding Nigerians whose exceptional contributions to promoting Nigeria’s brand globally is matchless. He deserves a befitting national honor.

On a lighter side, one remarkable feature of the Duke is his penchant for casting headlines that bear the imprimatur of standardsgripping, engaging, compulsive, morbidly educative but sometimes too long to us! Obaigbena is a man of many firsts; the first to introduce colour newspaper, and the first to print simultaneously in major cities with digital technology. When he started procuring new cars for his editors, many news organizations followed suit. I recall as a beneficiary of that generosity, I had a brand new Polo car in 2000 and upon my return from post-graduate studies in Sweden, I was allocated the latest brand new Audi A4.

Obaigbena, the media mogul utilizes the power of his media group to conceive and build a new world for all! On reflections, I thank God I accepted the offer to join THISDAY, an awesome clan.

Thank you the Duke, a phenomenal entrepreneur for the excellent opportunity. Happy 25th Anniversary to THISDAY family!

OBAIGBENA’S BRAND OF JOURNALISM HAS CHANGED NIGERIA’S MEDIA LANDSCAPE FOR GOOD, AND DEMONSTRATED HOW TENACITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND THE AUDACITY TO CONFRONT STEREOTYPES, TRIGGERED A REVOLUTION IN OUR MEDIA INDUSTRY

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CURTAILING THE RESURGENCE OF LASSA FEVER Good personal and environmental hygiene are helpful measures, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

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here are conflicting reports on the actual number of newly confirmed cases of Lassa fever in the country. While a report says casualty figure is 64, another puts it

at 72.

Situation report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates that the number of deaths has reduced as the general case fatality rate (CFR) for 2020 stood at 14.7 per cent, compared to the 23.4 per cent CFR for the same period of 2019.

States affected mostly in this renewed Lassa fever insurgence are Ondo, Edo, Delta, Taraba, Plateau and Bauchi. According to NCDC, nine states have recorded at least one confirmed case in 32 local government areas.

A NCDC report also states that out of the 89 per cent of all confirmed cases, Edo and Ondo recorded 38 per cent while Ebonyi recorded 11 per cent, adding that the number of suspected cases has increased, but lower than the numbers reported last year Between January 1 and 19, a total of 398 suspected cases were reported from various states across the country, leading to 24 deaths.

From the foregoing, it is quite clear that Lassa fever remains a major public health concern in the country. The disease, which got its name from Lassa, a village in Borno State, where it was first identified in 1969, occurs more in the dry season than the rainy season.

Lassa fever is endemic to West Africa as confirmed incidences have been recorded in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Mali. However, concerns exist that there may be Lassa(-like) viruses in other countries such

as Central African Republic, Ghana, Mali, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin and Cameroon due to trans-border migration.

It is caused by a species of rodents called the Natal multimammate rat, the common African rat, or the African soft-furred rat. The Lassa virus is transmitted when the droppings, that is the urine or faeces of the rat- the natural reservoir for the virus - comes in contact with foodstuffs or in the process of the rat accessing grain stores, either in silos or in residences.

The rodents live in houses with humans and deposit excreta on floors, tables, beds and food. Consequently the virus is transmitted to humans through cuts and scratches, or inhaled via dust particles in the air. In some regions these rodents are also consumed as food.

Secondary transmission of the virus between humans occurs through direct contact with infected blood or bodily secretions.

In the early stages, Lassa fever is often misdiagnosed as common cold, typhoid or malaria, and as a result many patients fail to receive appropriate medical treatment. Making a correct diagnosis of Lassa fever is made difficult by the wide spectrum of clinical effects that manifest, ranging from asymptomatic to multi-organ system failure and death.

Early signs include fever, headache and general body weakness, followed by a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea in some cases. After four to seven days, many patients will start to feel better, but a small minority will present with multi-organ involvement. It can affect the gastro intestinal tract causing nausea, vomiting and stooling of

blood as well as difficulty in swallowing; cardiovascular system symptoms include hypertension or hypotension as well as abnormal high heart rate and shock.

There are three ways by which the virus can be treated and also prevented from further spread. These are implementation of barrier nursing, which is isolation of victims, tracing of people that have come in contact with sufferers as well as the initiation of treatment with the only available drug, Ribavirin. The latter is only effective if administered early, within the first six days after disease onset.

Therefore, it is essential that preventive measures be put in place to prevent this fatal disease. Firstly, the primary source of transmitting the disease to humans should be prevented.

This can be possible through avoiding contact with rats - particularly in the geographic areas where outbreaks happen. Putting food away in rat-proof containers and keeping your home clean help with discouraging rats from entering your home. Using these rats as a source of food is definitely not recommended. Trapping around and in homes, may help to reduce rat populations.

Taking preventative precautions against contact with secretions from infected persons or barrier nursing methods in form of wearing protective clothing such as masks, gowns, gloves and goggles and using infection control measures like sterilization of equipment is very important. It is vital to isolate infected people from contact with unprotected persons until the disease has run its course. It is vital to educate health care givers to protect themselves as every

patient is a potential carrier.

It is imperative that people keep away from rats and report any case of persistent fever to the nearest public health facility. They are to also shun ingestion of foods and drinks infected by the saliva, urine and faeces of infected rats as well as catching and preparing infected rats as food.

They should also avoid inhaling small particles in the air contaminated with infected rat urine or droppings. Getting directly in contact with an ailing person’s blood or body fluids, through mucous membranes, like eyes, nose or mouth should also be avoided. Above all, residents should embrace faultless personal and environmental hygiene.

Also, all states’ Ministries of Health and Information have a lot to do in educating people who live in high-risk areas as well as those not presently affected about ways to lower the rat populations in their homes which will go a long way in controlling and preventing Lassa fever from gaining ground in the country.

Good personal hygiene, as well as frequent and thorough washing of hands with soap and water, is very essential. With the trend of event, we cannot afford to treat the current resurgence of Lassa fever with kid gloves.

On a final note, it is quite imperative that all stakeholders put up a common front against the spread of this disease before it becomes a major plague. r0HVOCJZJ JT PG UIF -BHPT 4UBUF .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB *LFKB

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ÍşÍ˝Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

THISDAY @ 25

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950-1000 words). They should be sent to saturdayeditor@ thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

I

Nigeria and Threat of US Travel Ban

am not in support of adding Nigeria to the ban list but I won’t really blame the United States because of some of the following that might have prompted them.

One, Nigerians are some of the highest migrants with visiting visa to the US. I have forgotten the particular year: over 25k Nigerians with visiting visa disappeared in the US. So if you disappeared in the US with a visiting visa, you are part of the cause, take the blame.

Two, Nigeria mixes its security forces with so-called repentant terrorists. They said they are repentant and reformed after few months of rehabilitation and feeding.

Nobody knows who is who.

Three, Nigeria has no national data.

With free visa to all Africans for a nation without a national data and any dick and harry can acquire our passport, that makes the holders of this passport dangerous. Our boarder is so porous that the terrorists fleeing middle east are ending up in Nigeria.

Four, Killing and kidnapping in Nigeria is now normal. Nobody or group has ever been held accountable over any of the killings in Nigeria, be it a single murder or a village pogrom. These killers are also holders of the same Nigerian passport and nobody knows them. The bandits are another set of killers and kidnappers. They have crime name but no identity and they have or can acquire the green passport. The kind of killings and kidnappings tolerated in Nigeria by our government will never be tolerated in a saner clime like Ghana, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, Botswana, and about 45 other African countries.

Five, our economy is down from a $520 billion economy Goodluck Jonathan handed over in 2015 to about $375 billion at the moment. An economy that lost about $145 billion of its economic strength with weak currency in the face of ever increasing population will definitely create a pandemic mentality hence increase in visa violations and travelling through the Mediterranean sea. Nigerians constitute large percentage of those dying at high sea or making it to Italy or Spain from Morocco or Western Sahara. It’s desperation.

Another reason could be that there is no improvement in governance from the gains of 2015 in Nigeria, instead the country is

back-pedaling to stone age. There is no future plan or direction, no economic direction and there is absolute disenchantment that Nigeria is actually a failed state. Many people outside Nigeria view the country as the Somalia of West Africa.

Constant demonstrations by some people in Nigeria shouting death to America over issues that do not concern Nigerians.

Recently, the killing of Soleimani in Iraq attracted protests from across major cities in the north and often happens each time something that does not concern us happens. When you add the fact that a Nigerian named Abdulmutallab actually tried to bomb American airline some years back, you will understand that American government must have come to conclusion that Nigerian system produces anti American sentiment. The possible culmination with visa ban started long ago well into Obama’s administration. What could make an American president finish eight years without visiting Nigeria? If we are doing well as a nation, nobody will ignore us and there won’t be mass exodus of people. r0CJ &CVLB 0OPDIJF PCJFCVLB !HNBJM DPN

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The Boko Haram Insurgency

he activities of Boko Haram terrorists and the breakaway faction, the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in recent times are worrisome and required holistic and scientific solution by the federal government.

From December 2019 through January 2020, Boko Haram and ISWAP have carried out series of attacks both on civilians and military personnel that led to the killing of several innocent Nigerians.

Nigerians and the world are still shocked by the event of 25 December, 2019 when the terrorist group killed 11 Christian’s captives in Borno State and massacred four abducted aid workers of the international non- governmental organization (Action Against Hunger). Nigerians received the shock news of the killing of Reverend Lawan Andimi, Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State who was beheaded in the afternoon of Monday, 20 January 2020.

There was an indication that negotiation was ongoing between the Boko Haram sect and third party on behalf of the federal government where the murderous terror group was demanding for a ransom of N70 million for the release of the clergyman. The reason for the change of mind of the Boko Haram sect that led to the murder of Rev. Andimi after the insurgents have agreed to set him free reportedly was because he refused to be converted to Islam.

All this shows that Nigeria’s security agents are ineffective and not well- equipped to eliminate insurgency. A situation whereby terrorist hideouts can’t be found in order for the military to neutralise it is so bad. Since the year 2009, when Boko Haram insurgency started in Maiduguri, Borno State, the militant group has continuously terrorized Nigerians, killing, and maiming innocent people with no solution in sight.

It is ungodly for any sane person to kill fellow human being. All the claims at different times by the security agencies that Boko Haram terrorists and other groups have been defeated are nonsense. r"HVOMPZF " #BTIJSV -BHPT

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

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

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he new year brings many people to tertiary education ranging from certificates to doctorates but there is an even greater range of institutions. In Australia there has been a drop in traditional university enrolment as a result of the free TAFE (Technical and Further Education) courses. The free courses are less difficult.

The traditional universities are welcoming their students although so are a few more unusual ones. This is not a matter of Theology degrees from small Pacific Islands although there is of course the McDonald’s Hamburger University that has been around since 1961.

The latest that has appeared in Australia is the ‘University Campus of Football Business’ which is in itself an odd title.

Special interest studies like sport do attract many students but this one is very confusing.

It is time to reorganise and rationalise the number of tertiary institutions and go back to basics. Universities should be devoted to two major areas, serious research that will benefit everyone and teaching students material that will lead to useful employment opportunities.

Beam me to my lecture Scotty! r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

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SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

NEWS

CAN Declares 3-Day National Fasting over Insecurity

HONOURED BY THE DUKE ...

L-R: Publisher, Chairman and Chief Executive Ofiicer of THISDAY Group/Arise Television, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; and Globacom’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mrs. Bella Disu, after receiving the Brand of the Decade Award won by the company at the newspaper’s Silver Jubilee Awards event held at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

EU Commits €26.5m to Support Victims of Insurgency in N’Éast ȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The European Union yesterday announced the donation of €26.5m to support victims of insurgency in the North-east of Nigeria.

The figure which was announced by the visiting European Commissioner for Humanitarian and Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, is the EU’s first emergency package for the year 2020, which is expected to increase as new challenges emerge and it also formed part of the EU’s new strategy for Africa.

Lenarcic, made the disclosure at a joint press briefing with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, just as the United Nations (UN) condemned the increasing attacks

and killings of aid workers in the North-east area of Nigeria.

The EU Commissioner said that the aid package would provide food aid, access to clean water and sanitation facilities, shelter, basic primary healthcare and education for children caught up in the conflict.

“The EU is one of the leading donors of humanitarian and development aid In Nigeria with more than £830 mIIIIon provided since 2014,” he said.

The envoy disclosed that he chose to visit Nigeria first on assumption of office because Nigeria was a top priority to the EU. He assured that the EU was ready to partner with the new ministry so as to improve humanitarian assistance to Nigeria.

He however harped on the need

Nigeria Aim to Earn $30b from Zero Oil Plan, Says Awolowo Nigeria plans to realise at least $30 billion in the next 10 years from their zero oil export being planned and executed by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council as a multiple approach to diversifying the economy and save the country from depending on oil.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Segun Awolowo, who was in Maiduguri while on sensitisation visit where he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum.

While congratulating Professor Zulum on his electoral victory, he used the occasion to brief the governor of the importance of NEPC as the foremost apex institution for promoting the development and diversification of exports.

He told the governor that the vision of NEPC “was to make the world a market place for Nigerian non-oil goods and services. “ Awolowo said NEPC mission “is to spearhead the diversification of the Nigerian economy by expanding and increasing non- oil exports for

sustainable and inclusive economic growth” He said over five decades Nigeria had depended solely on crude oil as export revenue earner accounting for over 80 per cent of foreign exchange earning and more than 65 per cent of federal budget funding.

Awolowo said the zero oil plan had set a long - term goal of earning 20 percent Nigeria GDP (i.e. $100b) from non-oil export.

The initial target is however to exceed $30b in non-export over the next 10 years.

He said if this was properly implemented, the plan would lead to three primary results: The zero oil plan will add an extra $150b (minimum) to Nigeria’s foreign reserves accumulating from non- oil exports over the next 10 years; create at least 500,000 additional jobs annually due to an increase in productive and export activities helping to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to Decent Work and Economic Growth and would lift at least 20 million Nigerians out of poverty.

for Nigeria to create access to millions of people in the North-east area ravaged by activities of the Boko Haram.

“I saw first-hand today the suffering that conflict has brought to people’s lives and how crucial humanitarian aid is to people’s survival.

“What matters most is that humanitarian organisations can reach all the people in need, without restrictions, including in areas under the influence of non-state armed groups.

“It is vital that all states and parties to armed conflicts respect their obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief.

“It is also key to implement in parallel a comprehensive strategy in

the region, exploring political tracks while addressing the root causes of the conflict,” he said.

Also speaking, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, noted that the visit was timely as it came at a critical time when the people of Borno State are facing increasing challenges.

“We are extremely worried about the challenges faced by civilians and aid workers in the Northeastern states of Borno. Adamawa and Yobe.

According to him, the area in recent weeks, had seen an upsurge in violent attacks from non-state armed groups and an increasing trend of illegal checkpoints on major supply and commercial routes directly targeting civilians, authorities and aid workers in Borno State.

Afenifere Asks Police Not to Cover-Up Yusuf’s Murder Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has called on the Nigeria Police not to cover up the murder of the frontline trado-medical specialist, Alhaji Fatai Yusuf, aka Oko Oloyun, along Eruwa-Igbo Ora highway on Thursday.

The group in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, asked the police not to attempt to cover up this murder as it had done in the past.

“Smarting from the abanandoned investigation into the July 12, 2019 murder of Mrs Funke Olakunrin’s, we urge the police not to attempt another cover - up on this murder”.

The group, according to Odumakin, hinged its decision on the statement hurriedly issued by the police “suggesting a desperate attempt to divert attention from the fact that the Eruwa-Igbo Ora route on which he was killed is a notorious axis of Fulani bandits.

“The police rushing to the press unprofessionally to say he

discovered fraud in his office before the incident without carrying out any investigation may foreclose other possible leads. Every life of a human being is precious to us and this is another test to the capacity of the Nigerian police seriously challenged at the moment”.

While condemning the murder of Yusuf, Afenifere stressed that the brutal murder of Oko Oloyun represents the continued sad and long story of insecurity in Yoruba land.

“We pray for the repose of the soul of the gentleman and we promise to take keen interest in the investigations into the dastardly act”, the statement added.

The trado-medical practitioner was said to be on his way from an outing when the gunmen shot at his vehicle along Eruwa-Igboora Road in the Ibarapa Central area of Oyo State.

While confirming the incident, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Gbenga Fadeyi, said the state Commissioner of Police, Shina Olukolu, had ordered an investigation into the incident.

The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Friday, 31st January to 2nd February 2020 as days for special fasting and prayer for Nigeria in all churches, home and abroad.

According to a statement by the chairman of CAN, His Eminence Dr. Samson Ayokunle, the fasting is for the gruesome killing of innocent Nigerians to stop.

Ayokunle further stated that “this fasting is for the Nigerian government to develop the capacity to overcome the criminals troubling the nation.”

The Christian body also declared a special prayer walk which would take place on the 2nd of February 2020.

“Sunday 2nd February 2020 is declared a Special Prayer Walk by Christians in all the States of the Federation in the form of a procession to be led by States CAN Chairmen in their CAN Secretariats and pastors of churches in all churches in Nigeria,” Dr. Ayokunle declared.

He urged churches to process round their area, pray for God’s permanent intervention and help from all over the world so that all Christians might not be consumed one by one.

As far as Dr. Ayokunle is concerned, it appears that the government is completely overwhelmed with the brutality of Nigerians which he says is happening unabated daily.

The CAN Chairman asked all Bloc Leaders, Zonal and States Chairmen, Leaders of Denominations and all Christians and concerned Nigerians to support and come out en-mass for the programmes.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has faulted the demand by the Christian Association of Nigeria that the federal government should reconstitute the leadership of the security forces in the country to brace up its fight

against terrorism and insurgency.

CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, had said on Thursday, while reacting to the killing of Andimi, by Boko Haram, “demanded an overhaul of the security council with a view to bringing in new heads of all the security agencies and the para-military organisations which no religion or part of the country will dominate.”

But Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement yesterday said that a different leadership of the nation’s security forces would not guarantee that insurgency would vanish from the country, adding that no religion or part of the country dominates the leadership of the security forces.

Adesina said: “Are you saying under a different leadership of our security forces, insurgency will vanish after they wave their fingers? Why mix the wheat and chaff together? In the leadership of the security forces as we have it now, is the position of Chief of Defence Staff not held by General Abayomi Olonisakin, who is also a pastor? Is he not a member of CAN? Is the Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok Ekwe-Ibas, not a Christian, and under the banner of CAN?” “Listening to the organization, you would think not even half a Christian is in the leadership of the security forces. If the leadership of the security forces would be changed, it is a sitting President that has the prerogative. It will not happen when CAN begins to make such demand.

“The insecurity in the country is not about any religion. It is pure evil, from the pit of hell”.

“So, let the Church be fully involved in supplication for divine intervention in the country, rather than playing subtle politics and unwittingly generating hate in the land.”

Sacked Workers Threaten Lawsuit against Varsity, Issue Ultimatum to Mgt Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Workers of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, who were disengaged in December 2019, have written to the institution, issuing a 30-day ultimatum for them to be reabsorbed or take legal action against the institution .

The aggrieved workers, in a letter entitled: ‘Letter on notice and pre action notice’ dated January 22, 2020 ,written by their lawyer, Olabanjo Ayenakin of Banjo Ayenakin & Co to EKSU Registrar, Olusola Arogundade and made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, alleged that they were unjustly disengaged by the management of the institution .

Ayenakin stated: “We the solicitors to Mrs. Oyinlola Omowumi Yinka, Mr. Oke Sanmi and Mr. Idowu Lawrence Tosin (for themselves and on behalf of the 299 technologists, non-teaching senior staff and junior staff of your institution, who were employed in 2016, but who were unlawfully disengaged on 5th December, 2019) of EKSU who are herein referred to as our client and on whose behalf this letter is caused to be written to you.”

The lawyers, who said that “the appointments of our clients were regular and proper; contrary to the insinuation that the appointments were irregular,” are seeking “immediate restatement of our clients; and payment of all

the salaries of our clients which your institution owed them before they were wrongfully disengaged from their appointments.

The lawyers are also seeking “payment of all our clients’ salaries from the time of disengagement till now and thereafter; and promotion of our clients to the deserved position without prejudice to the disengagement.”

Ayenakin stated that EKSU disengaged “our clients on the ground that their services were no longer required when our clients had not committed any offence, infraction or any act of misconduct and when our clients were not queried, disciplined or made to face any disciplinary panel.”

According to him, the Committee of the Governing Council had refused to budge even when the affected workers, in accordance with the letter of disengagement issued to them, “individually appealed to it that they committed no offence and that their disengagements were wrongful, null and void.”

The lawyers stated, “Evidently, the disengagement of our clients in the manner in which it was done smacks of illegality and same is apparently malicious and devoid of fair hearing.”

The disengagement of our clients from their appointments is a direct affront and suspicious violation of the conditions of services of our clients as enshrined in the regulations of your university.

Plus

FASHION FILE

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER

pg. 29

FAIRGROUND

pg. 36

SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 43

Demola Adedoyin Life is a Window….

It Opens and Closes

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

PLUS

Life is a Window….

It Opens and Closes Call the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos-based Troops Activation, Demola Adedoyin, an ideas distillery, and you would be right. He is feisty and ever willing to enrich and contribute meaningfully to any creative effort or discourse. With such bustling energy, Akogun Adedoyin is armed to the teeth to churn out winning copies and campaigns at the speed of light. Born by a multi-millionaire father, the positive values of a copywriter, and the childhood internship in trading, shaped him to become the man he is today.

With a life hinged on a strong footing and mentoring from his late father, the Troops Activation boss enjoyed a self-imposed rite of initiation into the fold of elders, the special breed vested with the exclusive privilege to spice their every statement with proverbs and aphorisms. Akogun Adedoyin talks to Adedayo Adejobi, about growing up, marriage, gender parity, playing golf, religion, meeting his wife and his New Year resolution Tell us about yourself and your family?

I’m a creative Brand Activation Agent and an entrepreneur. I’m married and blessed with lovely kids. I’m from a polygamous family, headed by an entrepreneur (a trader) who trekked with others to Lagos Island (Eko) from Oro in Kwara State and settled to raise business and family while helping to build his community. We were raised at different times because of the difference in age-cycles of the children. But we were in one camp. For instance, my mum was the first, but she never had any child until her mates had concluded different cycles, but everyone treated her like ‘Maami Agba’, the mother of all, till death.

What intrinsic values would you say have shaped you to become the man you are today?

Positive values of a copywriter and the childhood internship in trading shaped me to become the man I am today.

What were you like in high school?

I was Head Boy and Head of School Media.

Had everybody divided for or against and I had fun.

All men have a story. What is your story?

I don’t know yet. But I remember my father told me life is a window. It opens and closes.

What inspires you and why?

Another one from dad- he says, as long as you get to the bus stop, and you did not meet yesterday’s passengers, your bus too will come.

Adedoyin and his wife

Your child wants to follow your footsteps, career-wise, would you support him/her?

As long as you also understand that following footsteps does not mean the specific approach to labour, sure! Any mechanic that wants his children to follow his footsteps needs to first look where the value-adding footpaths will be in the near future.

What else do you generally do when you are not working?

I’m playing golf. I read and watch thrillers.

What informed your starting Troops Activation?

Integrated Troops is a child of necessity.

It is a diamond- structured agency with a hands-on expertise on deploying integrated marketing communications approach to

brand activations. I started my career in marketing communications firms such as Saatchi &Saatchi, Leo Burnet’s local affiliates and Unilever before venturing into consulting business. After years of practice in Lagos, I left the commercial nerve centre for Nigeria’s capital. We have now reactivated the Lagos office- this time with an eye on a better mix of digital and terrestrial integration in the business of brand activation. You can drive Nigeria from Lagos, but it’s difficult to drive Lagos from elsewhere. We wanted something in the industry for a critical need that will continue to change. That’s exactly what I told the new guys who just joined us. I remember once we camped to have a BMP (Brand Marketing Plan) for a Baby Range and the environmental scanning, competitive analysis was telling us the awareness was 90% and saliency was less than 5% for a truly superior offering. I had worked on Pampers in the past, so all the other ceremonies; especially the creative slides were a mere formality. At the Think Tight stage, there was no budget for any ATT activity-Trade and Target Activations.

Even fees became an issue.

It was similar for other brands because that was also a time the global brand teams were screaming down our heads that we were supposed to be focused on go-to-market strategies. Then we needed to put in place adaptable structures that can deliver in such situations. My role with Troops then was exactly the same with Linkpoint, Marketing Mix and Edison Rose in the new agency category.

You’ve been in the business for over a decade, what would you call the high and lows of operating a flagship experiential agency in Nigeria?

I think it’s the same across IMC service agencies globally. The music keeps changing, so it requires a constant change of dance steps.

Aside from that, we run a diamond structure and we have had good and not tough experiences- other issues that we can take up another time.

What are the top three factors you would attribute to your success?

Creativity, seizing the future, and ability to unlearn and relearn.

How have you remained competitive in a fast-changing global marketplace?

I think that’s a God thing. An effort is for humans, results belong to Him.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

19

PLUS Values of a Copywriter and Childhood Internship in Trading Shaped Me

Adedoyin and his family

2019 has been a rough economic year, what can be done by entrepreneurs and government to stimulate the business environment in Nigeria?

They should co-drive the system for the good of the next generation. No specific actions come to mind immediately. It’s a long list.

Do you think male entrepreneurs in Nigeria typically have a harder time accessing loans through traditional bank channels?

No, it’s a policy and system limitation thing that affects entrepreneurship across. If you allow, I think we should think how things got so bad, that women were going into extinction in business, so something had to be done.

Do you believe the social media and the Internet is a plus to the business environment, as it applies to your industry?

Yes, it is. Just as direct mail was to conventional advertising.

What is your philosophy towards your work?

Challenges are opportunities to set standards.

If you had to compare how you make decisions, to which animal do you think you would be most similar and why?

I can’t tell... I’m a strange animal. I need to share my first career CV with you.

What’s your ideal daily routine?

Sleep, pray and work, then wake up to allocate time to things that are urgent and important first.

What things do you not like to do?

Conceal my true feelings, routine cooking, staying long at the mechanics... Stuff like that.

Who are your role models and why?

David Ogilvy, Dave Druga (Saatchi&Saatchi), Tim Rump (Unilever) and Aliko Dangote.

Who has inspired you in your life and why?

My father, with so many deeds. He became a multi-millionaire by simply turning-in goods that have been paid for and kept away in the store, on the morning his shop got burnt, to his foreign customers who were simply passing by to console his losses,,after packing

their goods at Ebute-Ero for cargo.

How do you define success and how do you measure it?

Success is a measure of Input versus Output. The outcome is by His Grace.

Would you rather be liked or respected?

Naturally, I’m not good at seeking personal likeness. I prefer to be respected.

Otherwise, something else is temporarily covering for respect. For instance, I’m not a jingle in my home town; I only got exposed more personally to people who my father respected, back then. But somehow, I’m the Akogun. So it means, Kabiyesi and the council respect me, as a professional son. Likeness in the context of your question is like love without trust and respect; it’s pity. Not love.

What do you think about when you are alone in your car?

I try to imagine the go-slow in my life and alternative routes or vehicles possible.

If I came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for me?

Soft swallow with draw doup that contains elements.

What’s your favourite song?

I can’t pick any at the moment, but it hovers around Ayinla Omowura, KSA, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Barrister.

If you were to pick two celebrities to be your parents, who would they be?

Olu Jacobs and Taiwo Ajai- Lycett.

How would your best friend describe you?

Not top of the academic class guy, not a saint, not a bad guy but highly gifted in the group.

What’s your favourite ’90s jam?

Then it was Pop. Whitney Houston, ‘I will always love you’.

How did you meet your spouse?

Her late father had brought her to school, got her an apartment and wanted a ‘senior brother’ he could trust in the neighbourhood... so I think the landlady mentioned the final

year student in the Boys Quarters. Nothing much really happened then, aside from the regular whispers and she was very friendly with my junior cousin. The only remarkable thing I remember then was she walked up to my cousin (who was staying with me) and his friends for their comments on her looks as they prepare to go for an event we were organising for Sprite. Everybody acknowledged the beauty but she pressed for more from me as it was negative. Everybody laughed about it until she brought it up five years later. Of course, I wanted her from day one, but that wasn’t the brief.

became the school’s Head Boy. What expectations do you have for Nigeria´s economy in 2020?

I expect little more speed-to-the-streets from Mr President and his team. I expect the temporary hardship to continue with a little bit of stability.

At what point did you know you would marry her?

I had left school with no GSM contact. I stumbled on the contact she had left with me five years before then and on the first visit, shortly before I travelled out for one of those early on-the-job training, I got hooked by the couple that was her parents, especially her dad. She mostly spoke more like my fan then. She’s still a die-hard fan-numero-uno. And then one thing led to the other.

How would you rate the skills gap between prospective Nigerian employees and job requirements?

How did you propose to her?

No ceremony. Everything just happened.

I’m not much about orchestrating ideas in my private life. That’s only a professional calling. I brought her into the plan and she ‘gree’.

Share the memories of the marital ride Well. Different windows have opened and closed. Like they say, so much water has passed under the bridge. But I think it’s still a long journey ahead.

What key lessons have you learned in marriage?

No one is perfect. It takes two.

What does family mean to you?

Legacy, contribution to humanity.

Does life fascinate you?

Yeah. But not much. Life is a journey on stage.

If you could be a superhero, what power would you possess?

Extraordinary empathy.

Tell me something you have never told anyone else.

Ha! If you promise not to make this the headline... I was bed-wetting almost until I

What is your New Year’s Resolution for 2020?

Focus more on the purpose of the journey of life personally and add substance to the Integrated Marketing Communications industry table.

Too wide. The majority come equipped with minimal skills and competencies but expect fantastic appraisals and bullion vans. But there are lots of exceptional talents, though, low in demand and supply ratio.

What potentially nearly possible scientific achievements are you most excited about and scared of?

Artificial Intelligence. Of the five key elements of Digital Transformation. I think it’s leading in redefining the world (Ile Aye!). Those are part of the issues we are going to be setting action standards for, as an aside, on a narrow industry scale, in the New Year.

Would the world be a better place if no one ever used recreational drugs or alcohol?

Absolutely! Especially when you think you have a little problem. I bet you, those bottles will help you magnify it. It’s better to turn to God. Imagine you can get exposed to pieces of advice from joints where there is no reliable source of any information aside from labels on bottles. Any other thing is from unholy spirits. Of course, we ran a campaign against excessive consumption, but I’m not really against limited use for those who can.

What long-lost childhood possession of yours would you like to see again?

Basically my full hair. And, maybe, Pupsy and Mumsy.

If you could fuse one religion and one sport into a single sports game which ones would you combine?

Islam and Golf.

20

Fashion File

‘Evolve’ the Collection

By Rick Dusi

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020 with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

21

FASHION FILE

‘Evolve’ the Collection

By Rick Dusi Contemporary fashion brand Rick Dusi, releases his spring summer fashion collection titled, "Evole". The collection, which was on display during South Africa Men's Fashion Week was inspired by necessity. Change is a constant in life, and fashion is no exception. For the collection, Patrick redefined the careful elegance that has always been attached to his brand. Known for his sharp and flawlessly tailored suits, pastel colours were masterfully applied. His beautifully crafted floral suits were designed with a "duel identity” that makes up the whole. The designer’s choice of colour, run through the garments, which includes branded green and brown polo-necked sweaters with a twist in design - offer a contemporary, minimalist appeal for the evolving man. For this collection, he collaborated with foot-wear brand Keexs and eye

wear brand Dapmond.

Photographers: Jaques Weyers (@jaquesweyers_studios) Avron Leto Williams (@ avronleto) Jesse Fine (@jesse.fine) Stylists: Eromosele Patrick Eidusi (@ patrickeidusi) Danielle Solomon (@stylexdanielle) Video: Jaques Weyers (@jaquesweyers_studios) Models: Terry Tyler (@terry_tyler), Maximilian van der Lecq (maximilianvdlecq), Celeste (@clancalledceleste), (@the_kid_ewnik), Jeremy (@jeremypjj), Leandri (@leandri_erasmus22), Dylan Wentzel (@dylanwentzel).

22

˜ ˞ JANUARY 25, 2020

FAJ/RELATIONSHIP

COUNTERPOINT

Wike, The Lion of The River-Forest

I

t is perhaps in order to offer a simple prayer before we go further: that we may be guided, and conscious of not falling into the same cesspool of which we are berating another person over. You see, it is easy to point fingers at misdemeanors of others while the chief accuser is sitting pretty on a giant cushion of “high crimes and misdemeanors�, a deceptively non-criminal phrase re-christened and re-popularised this week by the US Senate huffing over the impeachment theatrics of President Donald John Trump.

The object of our attention this week is less dramatic and of no serious global consequence, yet we are much troubled by the villainous, seemingly uncontrollable display of crude arrogance, blatant abuse of power and jaundiced understanding of public relations regularly provided by the incumbent governor of Rivers State, Mr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

Have you watched his latest performance in that vitriolic viral video this week? In the sad flick, the governor was caught addressing a hall-full of traditional rulers. Though the scenario, obviously edited for maximum knock-down effect, did not go beyond three minutes...the demeanor and accumulated despair of the monarchs easily suggest that the royal fathers have been steaming under some royal shellacking for all of 30 minutes, at least!

Some excerpts of Wike’s wicked tirade would assure you that the above description is possibly more charitable than the actual drama. There he was on the dais, standing imperiously above the sedately ensconced royal-fodders, as the fierce visage of a civilian governor bellowed at them, his anger amplified by the state house microphone and coat of arms.

In response to a request by the chairman of the Rivers State traditional council of chiefs on the disturbing issue of proliferation and nuisance of non-recognised traditional rulers, Wike thundered: “... It is not for you to take (staff of office) and go and keep it in your bedroom or put it in your shrine, for those of you who worship various shrines.... It is for when you are coming out for official function... That differentiates you from any other chief. Some people call themselves ‘Royal Highnesses’ when they are not recognised by government, but you also carry a walking stick that is meant for other people who are not recognised by government. I want to tell the Attorney General so that we propose a bill to the State House of Assembly that if you are not a government recognised traditional ruler, you don’t bear ‘Your Royal Highness�.

The last line tickled the august audience, and they cheered... ooops, they forgot they were in the presence of an unpredictable volcano with scant regard for anyone or anything of low capital pedigree. He blindsided the cheering dignitaries viciously, without breaking speed: “Stop clapping. You are being selfish.

Stop clapping. It’s the right thing to do. It’s not because of you, because you won’t be there forever. It is to protect the institution. So, don’t clap because you are there now... This year... will be a serious year... stop shaking your head because that’s sycophancy....�

Yet, the drama had not reached the crescendo...that master-

Wike

fully craft climax was reserved for a corpulent chief whose sartorial taste verged on the exuberant and colourful. He was unfortunately sitting at the front row in direct line of Wike’s wandering gaze. The chief appeared to be nodding admirably, and royally, to the unsubtle admonishment of the governor...

I suspect he was admiring the brutally frank but harshly delivered truism of Wike’s argument. His sin was not that he was caught nodding in agreement with the governor. It was somehow locked in the cognitive substructure of Wike’s next vituperation. He swerved at the “lame-duck�, grim-faced example of equanimity under undue vehement duress: “You...(points at him) stop shaking your head. You are one of those causing problems. They gave you chieftaincy... you are a young boy... you don’t even know what to do with it. And then when I’m speaking you are shaking your head like this... All fake! Fake!!. You just go and wear something that is bigger than you... You would think he is an elderly person (addressing all)...

Very small young man, this boy. I know when I was in school, he was running around us, going on errands. Now he is wearing...

Usman Dan Fodio...emm this thing... Then he begins to breach protocol. He thinks when he is shaking his head like this, I’d be happy. That’s fake...that’s fake ....�

The cameraman, a Nollywood wannabee, intermittently zoomed to the scandalized face of the pulverized patriarch. His dark inscrutable face instantly compels empathy and outrage at a scenario where the defenceless is not only the victim, but manacled by protocol and officialdom to absolute silence, even when every vein in his generous frame was throwing darts and arrows at the almighty governor, the lion of the riverine forest!

Many Nigerians have lambasted the manners and vileness

FEMI

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

of Wike versus the royal fathers. This may not be the last time the governor will perform such dark art of public ‘indecorum’, he has been a podium bully from his days as Rotimi Amaechi’s chief of staff, a nice sobriquet for attack-dog. One is not pretending to be clairvoyant when we suggest that Wike will charge and berate another unfortunate victim soon, it is clearly written in his official statement controverting the criticism of his 2015 gubernatorial opponent who is now the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dakuku Peterside. Hear him: “Wike’s penchant for embarrassing our traditional rulers is becoming irresponsible and shameful... Not too long ago, the governor threatened to depose the Amayanabo of Kalabari, King Theophilus Princewill, just as he has severally lampooned others as if they are his servants...�

Rather predictably, Wike wasted no time responding to Peterside. A statement issued by Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paulinus Nsirim, insists that Wike merely “went ahead to urge the monarchs to always attend government functions with their official staff of office, following a formal request by the monarchs... For Peterside to attempt to use a frank discussion between the governor and the monarchs to seek relevance is a confirmation of the total rejection that he suffers with members of his party....�

This is a puerile attempt at obfuscation, in a case that is as clear and vicious as the Australian wildfires. Of course, with such rebuttals, it is unarguable that the man is either completely unaware of the gravity of his gaffe, and therefore did not understand all the hoopla over a “frank� dialogue with his royal friends, or he is immune to valued application of dignity, decency and mutual respect in the interplay of human conditions and emotions - no one rules forever, and nothing, no stature, no office, no circumstance last for ever.

Interestingly, the last time we had such outrageous display of official high-handedness in inverted public relations was in the same Rivers State. The old state (Rivers and Bayelsa) was barely five years old when the administration decided to make a crude public spectacle of what to do to those who chose a wrong day to offend the imperial military governor. The good book is eternally true when it proclaims woe on a land under the rulership of self-serving youth.

Lieutenant Commander Alfred Diete-Spiff was just few weeks away from his 25th birthday when he was appointed as state governor, and a member of the Supreme Military Council, the highest ruling organ in the country. On his 31st birthday, the spoilsport folks at the Nigerian Observer newspaper decided to carry a story of striking teachers, and thus ruined the salivating palates of the young emperor. A governor’s aide, one Ralph Iwowari, ordered the hair of the “senseless� reporter, Minere Amakiri, be shaved, allegedly with a broken bottle, in public! Of course, the irresponsible and malicious outrage didn’t cost him his job, nor his boss’ who served until the 1975 coup that swept away Yakubu Gowon and his youthful gang.

Your Spouse and the Late Night Hours

O

n a Scale of twenty four hours, couples apply themselves to different endeavours depending on the time of the day and their respective secular callings. There is a time of the day when couples are expected to be at work. Social Club, religious places, supermarkets, homes with children and discuss issues relating to the family.

There is another time, couples manage to escape the hustle and bustle of life and are both in a solitary confinement in the comfort of their homes all alone. This time can variously be defined by different people. For the purpose of this piece, this writer would like to define the late night hours to span 10.30pm and 05.30am.

During this period, a lot of things happen between a man and his wife. They can simply be described as endless. The writer would like to eavesdrop into those things they say to themselves. The first category is a consideration about those couples deeply in love and hence can safely be described as best friends and compatible in their relationship.

Way back in time, these couples told themselves by way of ground rules they would retire stark naked and discuss those issues relating to their love lives alone in what you may want to classify as bedtime stories. Consequent upon this principle, some issues were restricted to the dining table, some other issues restricted to the general hearing of people within the radius of the living room.

Other issues relating to workplaces were not only left behind but also relegated to some 5000 meters away from home. These are disciplined couples who would not allow their minds to wander away from the company of the love of their lives at lonely hours of the night.

What then do they discuss whenever they are in a solitary confinement?

They both longed to be alone at this time of the day hence they eagerly await its arrival.For this category of lovers, it is an opportunity to retire into the hands of a lover for succor. They can both be described as best friends.

The wife kick started the meeting with a warning that her husband should stop accessing her� local government headquarters like a thief in the night�. This was with reference

to an intimate relationship two days earlier. She insisted she deserved to be conscious, before that wonderful experience that interrupted her sleep.

Her husband with a bedroom voice, cut in with an apology.

He maintained, the surprise access was intended to be a surprise. He quickly asked whether she saw the credit entry in her account for the shopping she slated for Saturday afternoon.

She acknowledged the receipt and queried why his body temperature was so high. He replied, it was nothing to worry about. He had been very curious to access the comfort of her loving hands. Another, five minutes in her hands would eliminate artificial high body temperature.

He reached for a drawer by the bedside and produced a plastic bag containing brand new under wears. A surprise package intended for delivery to her, only, at bed time.

An attempt to get out of bed and try them on her to situate the level of fitness in her body was refused. He insisted, That could be done in the morning. He quickly reminded her it was coming up to twelve days she had seen her monthly menstrual period. He pleaded it was time to start another baby.

The bed time stories continued until their voices were no longer audible. It was coming up to 12.30 am. The couple had gone into another realm a third party cannot comprehend.

This is the quite time you could engage your spouse in soul searching and do a catching up with the mileage you could not cover while both of you were courting and were desperately in a hurry to walk the aisle .

Anyone could ask the following questions all in the bid to interrogate and place your best friend on a better pedestal on the matrimonial platform.

Would he guarantee you if it were a pre condition for securing a loan for kick starting a small business?

How would he approach a Good Sex, on a mutual note or he approaches it like “a thief in the night� in the bid to access your womanhood.

Has he come to terms with your pet project? Is he showing any interest to assist?

What is your spouse’s disposition to money? Straight forward or he is an unpredictable personality with money?

Is your spouse an introvert or an extrovert? Does he like his

privacy? Or he wants all the political affiliates around him?.

What is your spouse’s favourite food? Does he have a dream country he desperately longs to travel? Have you taking note of a short and a long time ambition about your spouse?

Does your spouse have a social life? Are you on the same pedestal with him on this note? Are you comfortable leaving your spouse in the company of the opposite sex, if you were not in town?

Would your spouse listen and consider your opinion on a subject before reacting or replying? Or would you describe your spouse as a dictator who does not accommodate suggestions or a second opinion.

Would your spouse celebrate you at any point in time or you are of the view, you are only been tolerated? Are you emotionally connected?.

Are you soul mates? Would your spouse be proud to hang out with you in public even if you were pregnant? Would you rather wait for his arrival before eating?

Would you like to sit on his legs when the opportunity presents itself?

Do you feel he should always carry you in his arms? Are you of the view he should spread your legs and give you the weirdest treatment you have always wanted down there?

Would you call your spouse kind? Is your spouse your friend?

Yet another category of couple had issues, with what to discuss and at what time. Results of elections for the selection of candidates in his political party were itemized, and the reasons why the chairman of his party must be removed was the subject matter at bedtime Curiosity for his loss in the primary election was prominent in the living room and at dinner. The husband never knew where to draw the line between issues relating to politics and his love life. His wife felt neglected and only tagged along until such a point when she had to bring him to realizing that he did not get married to his political party.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍłËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

EVENTS It was like a reunion of sort as members exchanged banters, embraced each other warmly as they dined and wined and concluded with a discussion on how to move the association forward in service delivery and nation development. On Wednesday January 22, 2020, Association of Chemicals Importers, Exporters and Dealers of Nigeria held a get-to-gether party to usher in a new year. The party held at Ibis Hotel, Ajao-Estate, Isolo, Lagos saw a huge turnout of the executive members and invited guests. Here are a few of the dignitaries that graced the occasion

L-R: Mr. John Okezie, PRO, Mr. Ikem Omalu, Trustee, Alhaji RaďŹ u Ebiti Chairman, Mrs. Angela Ezenwa and Chief Cristian Udeh (Cristo Ventures)

R-L: Olubukola Aladebo and Kingsley Eze Okoroafor

R-L: Bayo Tijani, MD of Sulbatab Media Consultant, Mr. Babajide Lawal and Mr. Orokunle Samson

L-R: Mr. Yakubu Danladi, Mr. Abubakar Gimi and Mr. Ochu Onyebuchi

L-R: Engr. Henry Aloenyi, Mr. Eno Friday Ekpo and Mr. Samuel Ihekwaba, MD Sugo-San Service Nigeria

R-L: Chief Anselem Oor, Mr. Onaolapo Bimbo and Mr. Raji Rasak

L-R: Mr. Nyokoyo Innocent, Mr. Francis Ofurum and Mr. Ochu Onyebuchi

L-R: Mr. Steven Ogunyale, Mr. Julius Olanipekun and Mr. Olursnti Aderibigbe

L-R: Mrs. Eunice Ogbodo, Mrs. Angela Ezenwa and Chief Cristian Udeh (Cristo Ventures)

L-R: Mr. Okafor Obinna, Information OďŹƒcer NESREA, Mr. Ikem Omalu, Mrs. Angela Ezenwa, Alhaji RaďŹ u Ebiti and Ngere Tolofari, Head Pollution and Control Unit NESREA

L-R: Osborne Dolapo, Olivia Nkiru, Reginald Nwaodu and Olukemi Soyoye

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

MARKET PLACE

with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Sales Manager, The La Casera Company (TLCC), Bello Yusuf; 40” Smart TV prize winner, Ezeh Chizoba; and La Casera Dealer, Nicodemus Investments, at the Enugu Grand Draw of the La Casera Refresh & Connect promo.. recently

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside; Maritime Lawyer, Mike Igbokwe, SAN; and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at the maritime stakeholders meeting on the guidelines for disbursement of the CVFF in Lagos...recently

Experts Highlight NewTechnologies to Shape Businesses in 2020 Technology-wise, the last decade has been very heavy with exciting and mind-blowing inventions. The last 10 years witnessed a sprout of numerous inventions which undoubtedly shaped humans' daily lives and, indeed, businesses. Scientists however reckoned that the development in time past might just be a smell of the bigger scene expected to debut going forward. For year 2020, experts have come up with new trends that would shape actions. 'Market Place' presents some of these technologies as compiled by Forbes Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative tech evolutions of all times. AI, much more than before is expected to improve customers' experience and streamline their business operations. Experts say although more people will depend on AI, but designing and deploying own AI-based systems will remain an expensive proposition for most businesses.

As such, most AI applications will be done as -a-service platforms, which allow users to feed in data and pay for the algorithms or compute resources as they are being used. Presently, the platforms are provided by the likes of Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, but in the year, the providers are expected to increase and are likely to start offering more tailored applications and services for specific or specialised tasks. This means that more people will embrace the applications in the year.

5G data network 5G mobile technology has the potential to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries, leading to advances in driverless cars, smart cities, telemedicine, and the Internet of Things (IoT), as per BlackRock Investment Institute.

Pundits boasted that the 5th generation of mobile internet connectivity is going to provide super-fast download, upload speeds and more stable connections. Although, 5G, launched first in 2019, was a luxury invention which operations was limited to confined areas or major cities. In

2020, the innovation is predicted to fly higher with more affordable data plans, as well as greatly improved coverage.

Super-fast data networks will help streaming of movies and music at higher quality. Hence, companies are advised to consider the business implications of having super-fast and stable internet access anywhere. The increased bandwidth will enable machines, robots, and autonomous vehicles to collect and transfer more data than ever, leading to advances in the area of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart machinery.

Autonomous Driving This is a major invention expected to flood the market in 2020. Asides car, trucking and shipping are expected to become more autonomous. It has also been predicted that other in-car systems not directly connected to driving, such as security and entertainment functions, will become increasingly automated and reliant on data capture and analytics.

Google’s sister-company, Waymo, was said to have completed a trial of autonomous taxis in California, where it transported more than 6200 people in the first month.

This invention, however, will require changes to laws, existing infrastructure, and social attitudes before it stands strong.

Personalised and predictive medicine Technology is also playing big in the medical space. This is further aided by wearable devices that capture data and give people ability to increasingly predict and treat health issues even before symptoms

CEIBS Strengthens CSR Gesture The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) has reaffirmed its commitment to societal wellness through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) interventions.

This is as the alumni of CEIBS, Nigeria chapter, donated relief materials to three humanitarian organisations in Lagos State.

The beneficiaries of the gesture included:Tower of Refuge Motherless/Orphanage Home, Surulere; Nigerian Red Cross Society Motherless and Abandoned Babies Home, Yaba and Old People’s Home, Yaba.

President of the alumni group, Mr. Sunday Agboola, noted that the act was important to brighten up the lives of the least remembered in the society and give them a sense of belonging.

He said: “A number of people often forget those who should have been prioritised during celebration and any other time. No child chooses to be an orphan but the society makes them so.

Orphans are products of social upheavals. They need to be cared for. This is what informed our visit and donation.

“We also take time to visit the elderly people to remind the rest of us that we will be in their condition one day. What should we do if we truly believe that we will be in their state one day? We should care for them, visit and play with them.”

He stressed further that modalities are being put in place to sustain the gesture which is at the forefront of the group's charity projects.

show up. In 2020, therefore, the medical space is anticipated to witness a rise in more personalised approaches with regards to treatment.

Bernard Marr, a technology advisor said, "When it comes to treatment, we will see much more personalised approaches. This is also referred to as precision medicine, which allows doctors to more precisely prescribe medicines and apply treatments, thanks to a data-driven understanding of how effective they are likely to be for a specific patient.

"Although not a new idea, thanks to recent breakthroughs in technology, especially in the fields of genomics and AI, it is giving us a greater understanding of how different people’s bodies are better or worse equipped to fight off specific diseases, as well as how they are likely to react to different types of medication or treatment.

"Throughout 2020, we will see new applications of predictive healthcare and the introduction of more personalised and effective treatments to ensure better outcomes for individual patients."

Computer Vision Also expected to hit the technology market in 2020 are computer vision equipped tools and technology for multipurpose functions. This is fundamental to the way autonomous cars will see and navigate their way around danger. Production lines will employ computer vision cameras to watch for defective products or equipment failures, and security cameras will be able to alert users to anything out of the ordinary, without requiring 24/7 monitoring. Computer vision also enables face

recognition.

The technology has proven useful in controlling access to smartphones in the case of Apple’s FaceID and how Dubai airport uses it to provide a smoother customer journey. It will become more popular this year.

Extended Reality Extended Reality (XR) is a catch-all term that covers several new and emerging technologies being used to create more immersive digital experiences.

More specifically, it refers to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.

These technologies have been around for a few years now but have largely been confined to the world of entertainment – with Oculus Rift and Vive headsets providing the current state-of-the-art in videogames, and smartphone features such as camera filters and Pokemon Go-style games providing the most visible examples of AR. In the new year, it will be prominently explored in businesses.

Blockchain Technology Blockchain is a digital ledger used to record transactions but secured due to its encrypted and decentralised nature. In 2019, it was argued that the technology was over-hyped and perhaps not as useful as first thought. However, continued investment by the likes of FedEx, IBM, Walmart and Mastercard, during 2019, is likely to start to show real-world results, and if they manage to prove its case, could quickly lead to an increase in adoption by smaller players.

AccessBET Picks Davido as Brand Ambassador Indigenous sports bookmaker, AccessBET, has announced music star, David Adeleke, better known as Davido, as its brand ambassador.

Going forward, Davido will represent the brand’s image, as well as appear in all AccessBET's marketing campaigns.

According to the firm, the newly forged relationship with Davido was in line with their vision to ultimately become a renowned bookmaker globally.

This is in addition to providing best online shop and mobile betting experience in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, AccessBET's General Manager, Mr. Kayode Akinbo, explained that the choice of Davido was apt and strategic.

He said, "We are pleased to welcome the multi-award winning superstar, Davido, as our brand ambassador. Davido’s vibrant persona and worldwide appeal is something we love and this represents another positive step in the right direction for the brand.

Responding, the new brand ambassador reaffirmed his commitment to the deal, as he described the business as one of the best sports betting bookmakers in Nigeria.

“I'm a massive fan of Ronaldo and I also love boxing. This partnership brings me closer to the things I have passion for. I am particularly excited to be a part of this new journey and I am looking forward to working with Accessbet,” he said.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

POLITY

The Restructuring of ALSCON and the Unending Legal Tango Ayo Abelegbe

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t was Aeschylus, the ancient Greek tragic dramatist who said ‘in war, truth is the first casualty’. To paraphrase the words in line with the tragic drama playing out in the attempt to restructure the Aluminum Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) today, one would say ‘in a precariously desperate move by a supposedly core investor to grab a state enterprise at all cost, objectivity is the first casualty’. It is so bad that all the efforts of an aspiring (foreign investor) could muster is nothing other than poising for legal technicalities that stand the factual tenets of the restructuring process (of ALSCON) on the head.

An ordinary commercial investment process is being twisted to blackmail the agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) that midwives the process – the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE). There seems to be a death of objectivity and moderation as the aspiring core investor for ALSCON seems poised to turn a commercial project to a criminal laden court process.

It is important to take a snappy review of the privatisation of ALSCON. At about 2004, ALSCON shareholding had been 97.5% owned by FGN and 7.5% by Ferrostaal. The Core investor sale of ALSCON (the second in the series) took off in 2004 and crystalized into actual bidding in 2006. At the end of the bid pre-qualification process, BFI Group emerged the Preferred Bidder with a bid price of $410 Million. However, through a letter dated 17th June, 2006, BFIG Group indicated its inability to meet a crucial threshold of the transaction as it could not pay the required 10% of the bid price within 15 days as required by the guidelines of the bidding process.

BFI Group, had through a court action, countermanded an attempt by BPE to subsequently sign a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) with RUSAL, the runners-up in the pre-qualification for the financial bidding stage. The suit sought to prevent BPE from negotiating the sale of ALSCON with any other entity.

After losing at the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, BFI Group got a reprieve at the Supreme Court. The Apex Court had, in a judgment of 6th July, 2012 ordered the BPE to provide the earlier SPA with

the BFI Group for execution. BFI Group was required to pay 10% of the bid price within 15 days and the 90% balance within 90 calendar days. Through a letter dated 7th September, 2012; BPE affirmed BFI Group as the Preferred Bidder for ALSCON in strict compliance with the Supreme Court decision. The process as ordered by the Supreme Court subsequently became ill-fated and could not be consummated as BFI Group insisted on new terms that were not part of the original SPA on which the judgment of the Apex Court was hinged. An application by the BFI Group to get the Supreme Court to compel the BPE to accept BFI Group’s unilateral position was struck out on 3rd December, 2013.

At that juncture, one would have thought that the BFI Group would respect the sacrosanct subsisting decision of the Supreme Court. Rather, it instituted a fresh suit at the Federal High Court at Abuja.

The decision of the Court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/ CS/901/2013 as held by Hon. Justice Abdu-Kafarati was inconsistent with the subsisting decision of the Supreme Court on the matter. A subsequent appeal

by BPE was upheld in January, 2019 and the earlier Order of Justice Abdu-Kafarati was set aside. The Appellate Court ordered the execution of the May, 2004 SPA as earlier ordered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Surprisingly, once again, the BFI Group bungled the consummation of the bidding process by insisting on fresh terms that were not part of the original SPA. The BPE however insisted on perfecting the transaction strictly on the premise that is consistent with the subsisting decision of the Supreme Court. BFI Group would not accept anything of such.

It once again approached the Federal High Court.

In its latest legal gymnastics, the BFI Group filed a contempt process seeking the committal of the Director-General of the BPE, Mr. Alex Okoh to prison. The BPE had filed a preliminary objection to the process on the legal premise (which include but not limited to the fact) that there was no leave of Court to commence the process thus making same grossly incompetent.

Surprisingly, the presiding Judge – Justice Chikere, in her considered decision of 17th December, 2019; upheld BFI Group’s submissions and held that Mr.

Akoh, DG, BPE Alex Okoh as DG, BPE was guilty of contempt of the Orders of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court and thus, liable to be committed to prison for a period of one month.

The BPE had promptly filed a stay of execution of the said committal order of Court and had filed a Notice of Appeal to challenge the decision.

From an objective bystander point of view, it is hoped that the due process of law would be allowed to prevail in the circumstance. It is equally hoped that the BFI Group would genuinely and objectively seek the consummation of the core investor transaction in a commercial manner instead of engaging in an apparent and gross abuse of the court process that have no direct intrinsic value on the transaction at stake.

– Abelegbe is a public Affairs analyst in AdoEkiti, Ekiti State of Nigeria.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Head, Digital Commerce, Quickteller, Emeka Awagu; Assistant Brand Director, DDB, Olawande Oyewole; Digital Marketing Officer, Interswitch, Afeye Momoh; and Product Marketing Manager, Quickteller Services, Adedeji Layade, during the inauguration of the new Quickteller TVC at the Interswitch Head Office in Lagos… recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Board of Trustees members, Concerned Parents and Educator (CPE), Dr. Segun Oshin, Mrs. Toyin Idowu; founder, CPE Network, Mrs. Yinka Ogunde; and Board of Trustees member, CPE, Mrs. Adejoke Layi-Babatunde, during a press conference on the national advocacy campaign for transformation in the education sector in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chief Financial Officer, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Binay Saraf; Relationship Group Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Adesuwa Ladoja; Manager, Landside Infrastructure, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Engr. Kunle Fadumiye; and Technical Director, Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited (LPLEL), Steven Huekelom, during a media tour of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project held in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Gateway Plant Manager, International Breweries (IB) Plc., Mrs. Yetunde Daramola; Compliance Manager, Mr. Tony Agah; Legal and Corporate Affairs Director, Mrs.Teresa Umeakunne; Country Lead, Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, Otunba Michael Daramola; Communications Specialist, Mrs.Temitope Oguntokun; and Miss.

SomtochukwuObinna-Njoku, at the presentation of the Best Company in the Provision of Clean and Affordable Energy Award to International Breweries Plc. by SERAS CSR Award Africa in Lagos…recently

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

POLITY

Beneficiaries of the Street Project Foundation’s Boot Camp

Beneficiaries of Street Project Foundation’s Boot Camp Revel Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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igerian youths have, over the years, been daunted by several challenges, notably unemployment and lack of opportunities to develop ground-breaking concepts.

The population of Nigerian youths admitted into the various tertiary institutions in the country continues to soar and this has, in turn, led to an increase in the turnout of Nigerian graduates annually. However, the rate of joblessness in the country is also at a high rate, evidenced by the 23.13 per cent unemployment rate in Q3 of 2018, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Furthermore, the country is ranked 131st position on the “Doing Business 2020 Index” conducted by the World Bank.

Regrettably, these challenges have taken its toll on some of the country’s youth, who have gotten themselves involved in vices such as cyber fraud (popularly called ‘Yahoo-Yahoo’), armed robbery, kidnapping, prostitution and many more. Some others have, however, gone the extreme length to commit suicide.

However, some of these young Nigerians who seem frustrated can actually thrive in the country if they are encouraged to delve into the creative arts. Arts has a key role to play in the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and empower Nigerian youths if the framework of national development policies are properly designed.

Nigeria has steadily built a huge and vibrant creative industry, which employs millions of people. The country is considered to have a rich haven of creative assets that can help provide employment, create wealth for its practitioners, alleviate poverty and become a key enabler for the diversification of the economy. Nigeria has had its name put on the world map courtesy of the exciting pieces of works by Nigerians in the creative, visual and performing arts.

Street Project Foundation, therefore, sees the promotion of arts as an opportunity to proffer a solution to reduce youth unemployment crisis in Nigeria through its Creative Youth Boot Camp programme. The boot camp, conceived in 2016, gives young people within the ages of 16-25 years the freedom and confidence to express themselves and showcase their creative talents during the six-week camping period. It also serves as a safe space for youth to build their confidence and social consciousness as participants are placed on internships and matched with mentors for a minimum of three months after the boot camp.

Beneficiaries of the foundation, who are now gamechangers in their industry, shared their testimonials on how the Creative Youth Boot Camp has helped built their confidence and impacted in their lives positively. The beneficiaries further explained how the internship and mentorship they received after the boot camp have shaped

Josh them into becoming successful in their various fields.

Ruby Akubueze, an actress, singer and model, who said she came across the SPF Creative Youth Boot Camp advert on social media travelled from Abia State to Lagos State for the audition, noted that the program has had a huge impact on her career.

“SPF has helped me a lot in my singing too I got the opportunity to meet with like minds and even greater minds than myself in the industry it was really awesome. We didn’t have to pay a dime for anything in the boot camp.

After the CYBC I did a lot of jobs such as; MTV Sugar season 6 & 8, Cassanova, Her the movie – a short film and a couple of other things,” she said.

Josh Chibuike Alfred, an Instagram and stand-up comedian popularly known as Josh 2 Funny, applauded the SPF for its youth-oriented alleviation programmes, adding that his development in the entertainment industry could be ascribed to the individual assigned to mentor him after the boot camp.

“The mentorship really helped a lot, I was given one of the best mentors in Nigeria, Koffi tha Guru, one of the most versatile comedian in the country. The mentorship was supposed to be for a year but it extended to five years because the mentor was really nice and was interested in my growth. Within the five years of preparing me for my career he taught me patience and I got better,” he said.

Agnes Ukwa a Fashion designer, stated she was training

in a tailor’s shop when she was informed about the boot camp by her brother, who encouraged her to apply for the auditions.

“When I got to SPF, things changed, the Agnes that left Ikorodu, came back different. Everything in the camp was free, food was given to us for free, we had a conducive environment to learn, we had well educated people home and abroad who taught us everything was free. Till date opportunities are still provided to us from SPF, upon graduation we were equipped, I was given a machine and a mannequin which cost much,” she said.

Tomisin Ayoade, an actress, explained that the training from the boot camp has helped her carve a niche in her chosen profession and also develop on a personal level.

“CYBC was so inspiring, it was a path for me to grow and improve in myself. SPF gave me an opportunity to grow and ability to do things I didn’t know I could do; now I can dance and even sing better. Before SPF, I had the passion but I didn’t have the drive to pursue what I wanted to do. After the boot camp, I got good jobs, I learnt how to audition better, the boot camp paved a way for me to do more,” she said.

Samuel Gabriel, a visually-impaired instrumentalist, also commended the SPF’s boot camp, saying it helped him to develop his branding and networking skills.

Also, Amdi Salam, a Human Capital Analyst at Deloitte Nigeria, praised SPF’s partnership with different bodies, noting that the partnership ensured he and his co-participants were placed on internship in respectable organisations, which, in turn, retained a good number of them.

Ayodeji Akinkunmi, a professional master of ceremony, stated that the boot camp helped him to develop his brand, adding that some of the contacts he came across during the programme as well as the internship have recommended him to “meet individuals that would have taken me five to ten years to meet”.

As attested by the beneficiaries, the boot camp provides an opportunity for young people gifted in music, dance, drama, visual arts, comedy, poetry, creative writing, spoken word, fashion and any other genre of the creative arts to, asides improving their creative skills, learn communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, team building, entrepreneurship and project management skills that will prepare them for the outside world.

This year’s edition, the fourth since inception and supported by VOICE, has as its theme: “Art for Social Transformation”, and will run for six weeks, starting from 9 March. Auditions will take place in Enugu and Abuja. After the boot camp, successful participants will be matched with mentors and placed on internships with creative and corporate organizations in Abuja. Young people living with any form of physical disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested persons should visit www.streetproject.org.ng/ apply/ to apply.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

POLITY

Masari Enhances Performance of Katsina Students Francis Sardauna examines the role played by Governor Aminu Bello Masari in improving performance of Katsina State students in the yearly West African Examination Council’s test.

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he annual West African Examination Council (WAEC) test has been characterized by mass failure in Katsina State due to what education analysts attributed to inability of successful administrations to provide the needed apparatus of learning in both primary and secondary schools. The reoccurrence of the scenario has remained a source of concern to parents, government, teachers, stakeholders and even the students in the state.

The performance of students in the WAEC examination has been fluctuating over the years and the problem has been attributed to so many impediments faced by students in the state. These impediments includes, but not limited to, poor incentives for teachers, lack of qualified teachers, students’ inability to study and get set for the exams, inability of successful governments to provide suitable learning environment and lack of teaching and instructional materials in schools across the state.

These challenges have been bedeviling the success of WAEC examination to the extent that the previous administrations gave room for the existence of “miracle” centres in the state where teachers synergized with supervisors to write answers for students on chalkboard. Accordingly, the previous administration of Ibrahim Shehu Shema introduced the payment of WAEC fee to students of state origin but despite the huge amount of money paid, the result always put Katsina State as the last or second to the last in terms of performance across the country.

For instance, in 2014, according to data obtained from the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics of the State Ministry of Education, only 30 per cent of the sponsored candidates were able to obtain five credits and above in WAEC and 46 per cent in National Examination Council (NECO).

However, Governor Masari, in a swift reaction to the release of the 2015 results by WAEC on assumption of office, expressed displeasure over the dismal performance of the state’s students and declared a ‘State of Emergency’ on the education sector with immediate effect with the aim of revamping and repositioning it for optimum performance and better outcome. The Governor, during his inaugural speech on May 29, 2015, noted that, “the rating reflects the systemic and steady decay in the education sector triggered especially by the immediate past administration’s shameless relegation of education, one of the pillars of development of any society.”

A visibly disappointed Masari declared that his administration would do everything humanly possible within its powers to improve the performance of Katsina students in both WAEC and NECO examinations, starting with a total overhaul of the basic education system in the state. The governor therefore came up with short, medium and long term strategies that had fast tracked the repositioning of the education sector and raised the position of the state among its peers in terms of pass rate.

One of such marvelous strategies was the introduction of qualifying examination for students who want government to sponsor them for either WAEC or NECO examinations.

These measures have yielded positive result and ensure proper utilization of public funds. Aside the proper management of public funds, the qualifying examination also enable secondary school students to read harder as it is the only prerequisite for state government to sponsor them for their WAEC or NECO examinations.

This, perhaps led to what stakeholders, parents and education analysts in the state termed excellent performance of students in both WAEC and NECO examinations. For

Masari instance, in 2019, the state government expended over N208 million on the payment of WAEC examination fees for 21,589 candidates. 7,276 out of 21,589 candidates that sat for the examination scored five credits and above, including Mathematics and English Language, which represents 50 per cent.

While 14,481 candidates who sat for the same examination also scored five credits and above in other subjects - Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Literature and Marketing, representing 66 per cent.

These successes, according to the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Badamasi Lawal Charanchi, is as a result of the commitments of the administration to enhancing infrastructure development in schools, teachers recruitment and training, as well as provision of instructional materials, among others. The commissioner in a chat with THISDAY revealed that the performance of state candidates had been improving since inception of the present administration in 2015.

He said from 2015 to 2018, no fewer than 245,126 candidates sat for WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS, adding that 158,908 candidates obtained five credits and above in other subjects.

According to him, A total of 96,334 candidates scored five credits including Mathematics and English Language during the period under review.

“For easy comparison, it is important to note that, we took over from a government in 2015. Between 2011 and 2015, a total of 417,756 candidates sat for all the four examinations.

During the period under review, 79,044 candidates got five credits and above in any subjects. So, we can say that the present administration has improved performance of students in examinations conducted.” He, therefore, lauded

the 12 Zonal Quality Assurance Offices in the state for the job well-done in the area of monitoring, inspection and evaluation, which he said assisted significantly in recording the successes.

Charanchi said that the state government had earmarked over N20 billion for education in the 2020 budget, adding that does not include payment of salaries of SUBEB teachers.

He affirmed that the Ministry of education under his leadership had designed a One Inspector, One School Approach system so that every school in the state would be monitored effectively. While describing the performances of the state as “Grade A” achievement, the Commissioner maintained that the education sector had recorded tremendous achievements in the present dispensation compared to the 16 years of PDP administration in the state.

He said: “If you compare 2015 till date, that is five years of examination, including the three public examinations under review, Katsina State had a total of 319,374 number of candidates who sat for them. A total of 217,835 representing 62.8% scored five credits and above, while 138,074 representing 63.3% including English and mathematics.

“In the five years tenure of the present administration, 319,314 representing 68%, which is B plus, scored five credits and above in all subjects while 63.3% scored five credits and above including English and Mathematics.’’

He further compared the administration of Shema from 2008 and 2014 with the present administration of Masari which took off in 2015, saying that 417,576 candidates sat for the public examinations in the period under review for Shema, out of which 79,044, representing 18%, scored five credits and above, while eight years later, in 2015 under Masari, the pass rate was 63%.

The commissioner urged parents to reciprocate the gesture by continuously sending their children, especially females to school and support the government policies.

Meanwhile, in the case of deficiency of teachers, the administration recruited about 1,957 teachers for primary schools and transferred some that have teaching qualification in the local government system into classrooms.

The administration is determined to salvage the situation on the shortage of teaching personnel as it had recruited additional 7,500 teachers through it social investment programme (S-power) and government has continuously embarked on quality in-house teachers’ training programmes in synergy with global partners and donor agencies. The educational strides of the present administration in the state had significantly changed the dilapidated structures and lack of manpower it met in 2015 as testified by Governor Masari.

Charanchi said: “The average population was about 99 per class and there were some cases they had up to 200 and above as reported in a class that was designed to take maximum of 45 to 50. At that time, we needed additional 19,000 classrooms in order to accommodate all the children. We all have deficiency in terms of qualified teachers who were 13,000. We had lack of chairs and desks of 28,000.

“We really started from an informed position. We say okay, what we will do in additional to provision of classrooms is first, let us rehabilitate existing structures and see that they become schools because then they were not schools.”

The governor added that the administration was able to rehabilitate 1,620 schools and constructed 464 new ones to tackle the menace of inadequate classrooms that hitherto bedeviled the education sector. He has also strengthened the state’s partnerships with relevant government agencies, development partners and donor agencies concerned with education in his quest to improve the quality of education.

MultiChoiceTalentFactorytoHostMasterclassesonActingforCamera Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

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ultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), the creative shared value initiative of MultiChoice, is set to host Masterclasses on Acting for Camera in the West African sub-region. The Masterclasses will take place in Lagos on 28 January and in Accra, Ghana, on 30 January.

The one-day Masterclasses will have as facilitator international award-winning director, Denny. Y. Miller Speaking on the Masterclasses, Femi Odugbemi, MTF Academy Director (West Africa) said, Miller, who won awards for directing Isibaya and Swartwater, will be at both masterclasses to teach participants drawn from industry groups in new techniques in acting for camera.

Miller, who has been in television for over 25 years, started his career in the television and film industry at the age of 19 when he worked as part of the crew in Egoli- Place of Gold. Surrounded by notable talent in the industry and some of the best technicians, he acquired experience that would leave him passionate about directing for television.

Miller directed season one of Nigeria’s longestrunning soap opera Tinsel, mentoring a cast and crew that had little or no experience in the genre. He was also the creative director and director on two seasons of Moments with Mo, a hit Nigerian talk show, and wrote as well as directed Kenya’s first talent search reality series, The Presenter.

Odugbemi explained that the masterclasses, which will involve actors, actresses and directors will ensure industry players to understand that imagery matters more than words in performance. “These actors and directors would channel their emotions

in a more powerful way when they comprehend the dynamics of acting with camera and not acting for camera,” he stated.

He also pointed out that MultiChoice will continue to improve the skills personnel in the Nigerian film and television industry and that the MTF Masterclasses will eventually deliver a more professionalized and networked film/ television industry across Africa by expanding the community of highly skilled professionals in indigenous content creation.

Last week, Ari de Beer, an award-winning Steadicam operator, facilitated a well-attended one-day MTF Masterclass in Steadicam operations. It had in attendance seasoned camera operators, who received certificates of participation.

Participants at the Acting for Camera Masterclasses are required to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience as actors/ actresses and will be drawn from across the industry spectrum in Nigeria and Ghana.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

POLITY

Will Governor Dickson’s Unique G overnance Template Outlive Him? Ahead of the hand-over by Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, mid-February, to the new government, Stanley Nkwazema reviews some unique dimensions of governance he conceived and implemented, especially in the area of transparency, accountability and more

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n 2012, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State sent a Bill to the State House of Assembly making it mandatory for the governor to disclose funds that came into the state every month from the Federation Allocation Accounts Committee (FAAC) and the government’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He would then gather the commissioners, the legislature, the executives of civil societies and other bodies, including the indigenes, in a Town Hall Meeting and do a full disclosure on how much funds came in, outstanding works and sundry expenses, and how the allocation would be made to each organ of government and the contractual debts. As soon as the Bill was passed into law, it became the first by the governor and also the first by any state in Nigeria. The law literally makes it mandatory for the state government and the local government area chairmen to declare to the people, income and expenditure of money that came into their coffers.

Within the context of the Bayelsa innovative law, it is the right of the people to know how their money is spent.

Failure to align with the new state legislation after three consecutive months would compel the state House of Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings on the governor or the local council chairmen.

Indeed billions of Naira has come into the coffers of the state government and the local council areas since inception of the law. But the briefings and full disclosures make any government open and transparent, because the citizens are given opportunity to ask questions on how judicious the spending are, and the various contracts that are being executed.

In the past eight years, the outgoing administration of Governor Dickson has followed the process judiciously, apparently aware that he must render account of his stewardship and what was done with the funds that came in during his two terms as governor. Interestingly, to-date, Bayelsa is the only state that could follow through this policy, and it may outlive his government if the incoming administration continues with the arrangement. It gave the people the confidence and trust to see how and on what government is spending their money.

There is no doubt that Bayelsa is a very difficult area with swamps and creeks and even the ocean front, which makes structural and infrastructural development very difficult, in terms of Cost of Transaction (COT) and planning, unlike most states of the country where less is spent erecting structures and building solid roads for the people.

Again, it is on record that Bayelsa could boast of being the only state that refused to accept any bailout from the federal government in 2015, when other governors went cap-in-hand to beg for funds to run their affairs. Despite the economic hardship faced by the state then, Governor Dickson remained resolute, preferring to work with the funds coming from the monthly FAAC. However, when the Federal Ministry of Finance introduced the publication of funds allocated to various tiers of government, it was formulated out of the desire of the government at the centre, through the superintending agency to let the public know the resources available to government at all levels.

The monthly publication of funds allocated to states from the FAAC was also meant to promote transparency and avoid rumour-mongering as one cannot expect government to perform beyond its finance. That policy was not adopted by other states, thereby creating crisis of confidence, especially when state governments claim that they cannot fulfill some obligations because of paucity of funds.

The publication of money received by each state of the federation by the Federal Ministry of Finance under the Paris Club Refund had generated controversies and easily vindicated Governor Dickson who had to cough out part of the monthly allocation to repay even loans and debts in excess of over N150 billion incurred by the administration of former Governor Timipre Sylva, who incidentally is the Minister of State (Petroleum) and a chieftain of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). And yes, debts also incurred by the administration of late Governor D S P Alamieseigha In the oil rich Bayelsa, the government had to brief the people on the true situation since there were conflicting figures on what was published by the Federal Ministry of Finance and what the Bayelsa State Government said it received. So, it was not surprising that the state government

I directed all local government chairmen to comply with this paradigm shift on the issue of transparency, probity and accountability to reflect the new Bayelsa we are building.

The government also widened the scope of access to public perusal of government’s income and expenditure by introducing a website - Bayelsa Watch. Governor Dickson, who during this period raised the state’s IGR from about N500 million to over N1 billion, incidentally has come under heavy criticism as being stingy with the use of state funds. His concern though, is that that whoever takes over from him in the next few weeks, will continue with the transparency briefings under the watch of the state House of Assembly because of the attendant consequences of failure.

Dickson took time to address the controversies associated with the Paris Club refund. They also noted that regular briefings on state finances are already part of government’s policy.

According to Governor Dickson, when confronted with the issue of funds and how the state utilised it so far, “the transparency briefing is not new. During my first tenure in office, in February 2012, we adopted the monthly publication of state finances by introducing the Transparency Briefing.”

He further explained: “An executive bill, the Bayelsa Transparency Initiative Bill, was then passed by the House of Assembly to provide legal backing to the policy. The Transparency Law is not for me or my administration. It makes it mandatory for whoever is the governor or his representative to make public on a monthly basis, the financial standing of the state.”

Dickson insists that he introduced the law because the people have the right to know about the affairs of government. He said: “On transparency, we believe that it is the right of the people of the state to know what funds accrue to the coffers of the state and the various local government councils and how they are utilised. This is the only way to secure the trust and confidence of the people in whom sovereignty lies.

“I directed all local government chairmen to comply with this paradigm shift on the issue of transparency, probity and accountability to reflect the new Bayelsa we are building. The government also widened the scope of access to public perusal of government’s income and expenditure by introducing a website - Bayelsa Watch.’’

Governor Dickson, who during this period raised the state’s IGR from about N500 million to over N1 billion, incidentally has come under heavy criticism as being stingy with the use of state funds. His concern though, is that that whoever takes over from him in the next few weeks, will continue with the transparency briefings under the watch of the state House of Assembly because of the attendant consequences of failure.

Explaining to THISDAY, Governor Dickson said: “The Bill is not all about me it. All I have done is for the development of the state. When this administration came on board, precisely on February 14, 2012, it introduced the monthly Transparency Briefing, which was the first of its kind in the country. In some cases, there were no documents to show what most of the funds were used. We had to start keeping records for each program and project.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we decided to take a step further with the launching of our website, so that people can take advantage of it and scrutinise the state’s financial records in line with our transparency and accountability policy. The introduction of the website is aimed at letting the people know that

there is absolutely nothing to hide.”

His administration’s Transparency Briefings did showcase the state government’s accountability policy as it was publicly made known what it received from the Paris Club Refund and the fact that it is the only state that did not collect any money from the federal government as bailout.

However, as Governor Dickson bows out, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation Daniel Iworiso-Markson explained that the transition committee was working in line with the vision of Dickson to making governance easy for the in-coming administration with its painstaking work on the administration’s hand-over notes.

Iworiso-Markson confirmed that Governor Dickson has also approved that the hand-over notes be made available to members of the public in line with his administration’s policy on transparency.

He said: “Looking back at the past seven years plus, since the commencement of the Dickson’s administration, the achievements recorded would give Governor Dickson a place of pride in the history of Bayelsa State. It would form part of the deliverables for the transition committee.

Often times, when you do hand-over, you see bonded documents. The governor feels we should present that to the public as well so that the contents are not only known to the in-coming administration but also to members of the public.

“This is part of this government policy on transparency and accountability. A date would be announced soon sometimes in January and it is that period that the governor would hold the last transparency briefing for this administration. This would also go down in history as the first by this administration to lay bare to the public our record of stewardship in the last eight years.”

Clearly, in his now almost eight years of governing Bayelsa State, Governor Dickson has signaled a total break from the old way of doing things to help reposition the state and align it with 21st Century best practices. He has initiated a comprehensive, transparent governance template that has transformed the way things are done in the state.

In his insightful counsel to statesmen and world leaders, former French president, Giscard D’Estaing held that, “There can be no response to history without effort.”

D’Estaing’s position apparently speaks to the courageous efforts Governor Dickson had brought to bear during his stewardship in Bayelsa State and his unique responses to the state’s peculiar history.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25.01.2020

NEWS

TURNS ATTENTION TO FA CUP PAGE. 29

Still Conte’s Trusted Tool

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Moses Still Conte’s Trusted Tool After several loan stints and when it was almost obvious he would never star for Chelsea in a competitive game again, the arrival of Antonio Conte as the Blues Manager changed the whole narratives for Victor Moses. The Italian saw what no previous Chelsea manager saw in the Nigerian and for two years Conte was at the Bridge, Moses was a regular figure. All that changed with the arrival of Maurizio Sarri as the AFCON gold medalist was once again sent on loan to Turkey. Conte in his Inter Milan’s revival still sees Moses as an important tool in reuniting with his old reliable

F

ormer Super Eagles winger Victor Moses has joined Inter Milan on loan with an option of a permanent move.

The 29-year-old Moses has undergone a medical with the club and will join them for the rest of the season.

Moses’ reconciliation with Antonio Conte is now completed with the utility player in Italy to securing a loan move to Inter Milan.

Videos of Moses in Milan surfaced on social media on Tuesday morning as he underwent a medical with the high-flying Serie A side.

He joined on loan for the rest of the season with a view to making the deal permanent for £8.5 million in the summer.

He had initially arrived in the city on Monday night, having cut short his 18-month loan spell at Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Moses is currently deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea and had spent the past 12 months plying his trade with Fenerbahce.

However, he is set to be reunited with Conte at Inter after playing a key role in the Italian’s 2016-17 Premier League title triumphs while in charge of Chelsea.

In his press conference on Monday, Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard said: “On Victor Moses; he’s obvi-

ously coming back from his loan with a view to going elsewhere, and those talks are ongoing as well.”

The 29-year-old is set to become the fourth Premier League player to move to the Serie A club this season, following Ashley Young, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez’s transfers from Manchester United.

The Nigeria international whose deal at Stamford Bridge is due to expire in June 2020, arrived at Chelsea

31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Moses against a Galatasaray player

Conte and Moses

in 2012 from Wigan Athletic and since then has enjoyed loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham. “Coaches come with different styles and formation and if a player could not fit into a particular formation does not mean he’s not good. The fact that Victor Moses did not fit into Mourinho’s style does not mean he’s not a good player. Now that a coach whose formation Moses fits into is now in charge, he is getting enough playing time,” Mutiu Adepoju said in an interview with THISDAY then.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY, former Nigerian international Paul Okoku said Moses “is reaping the hard work and effort” at improving his game while on loan.

“It was not that Conte just woke up and decided on Moses. He had come to trust him during their time at Chelsea. Conte definitely had watched him play during his loan spell and knew he suits his style of play. Moreover, Moses too had put in so much

effort to improve his game and that is what he is enjoying,” Okoku said.

“I played as a wing-back a lot during my career, particularly when I was younger in the mid-to-late 1990s when that system was least popular in the Premier League. I used to enjoy it because, like Moses, it suited my game. Like him, I was more of an attacker than a defender and wing-backs have the freedom to get forward when they want.

“You have to be disciplined defensively and decide when to join the attack or hold back, but you have the freedom of the touchline and the ability to impose yourself on the game far more than you can as a normal winger. By timing your runs, you can come from deep with a head of steam and burst into great positions - the sort of thing that Moses does when he used his power and pace to great effect,” Conte said.

Moses has spent the past year on loan at Fenerbahce after falling out of

favour at Chelsea He featured 34 times in the league that term, scoring three times.

Overall the pair worked together at Stamford Bridge for two seasons before Conte was sacked just two months after the end of the 2017-18 campaign. The last season saw them win the FA Cup too.

Conte will be hoping the arrival of Moses can aid Inter’s title challenge as they look to usurp Juventus as champions of Italy. Juve (51 points) currently sit four points clear of second-placed Inter (47 points) after 20 matches apiece.

Moses was born in Lagos to a pastor. When he was 11, his parents were among thousands killed by rioters. A week later with his travel being paid for by relatives, he came to Britain as an asylum seeker. He attended Stanley Technical High School, now known as the Harris Academy, in South Norwood. Scouted playing football in the local Tandridge League for Cosmos 90 FC Crystal Palace approached him, with the club’s Selhurst Park stadium just streets away from his school.

Moses first came to prominence at 14 after scoring 50 goals for Palace’s under-14s side. Playing for three

years at both Whitgift and Palace, Moses scored over 100 goals as well as helping Whitgift win many School Cups, including a National Cup where he scored all five goals in the final against Healing School of Grimsby at the Walkers Stadium, Leicester.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man City Turn Attention to FA Cup Defence WiththedreamofarecordthirdsuccessivePremierLeaguetitle now in ruins after trailing Liverpool by 16 points, Manchester City have now turned attention to defending the FA Cup trophy they won last year. The Citizens welcome Fulham to the Etihad on Sunday in what is expected to be a roller coaster for Pep Guardiola’s men

M

anchester City will be looking to book their spot in the fifth round of the FA Cup when they welcome Championship side Fulham to the Etihad Stadium this weekend.

Pep Guardiola’s side will enter the match off the back of a 1-0 win over Sheffield United in the Premier League on Tuesday night, where Aymeric Laporte made his return from a knee problem.

Guardiola’s men lifted the cup last season

and have won their last seven matches in the competition, scoring 30 goals and conceding just four during that run.

After seeing off Port Vale in round three, next up for City is another home tie against a Fulham side that eliminated Aston Villa to reach this stage.

City now face back-to-back cup fixtures as they will follow Sunday’s clash with the second leg of their EFL Cup semi-final against rivals Manchester United on January 29.

The headline fixture of the FA Cup third round is the fixture between Southampton

and Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham may have picked up a first win in five Premier League outings last time out, but they were far from convincing in their 2-1 victory over Norwich City.

The top flight’s bottom side pegged Spurs back with 20 minutes remaining - Teemu Pukki’s penalty cancelling out a Dele Alli opener - but Son Heung-min spared his side’s blushes late on.

It was a much-needed win for Mourinho’s men that keeps them in the hunt for a top-four finish, sitting as they do six points

off Chelsea in the final Champions League qualifying berth.

Finishing fourth is one of Mourinho’s aims in his first season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, along with ending the club’s 12-year wait for some silverware.

The one big blot on predecessor Mauricio Pochettino’s otherwise imperious record was a failure to lift any trophies, something Mourinho will be desperate to put right.

After seeing off Middlesbrough at the second attempt in round three, winning 2-1 in North London following a 1-1 draw in the initial tie, the Lilywhites have been handed a tricky fourth-round tie.

Only Liverpool and Manchester City are in better Premier League form than Southampton, who returned to winning ways in midweek with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace.

Whereas relegation was once a serious possibility, Ralph Hasenhuttl has transformed his side’s fortunes and momentum is very much on their side heading into this all-Premier League affair.

In fact, Southampton were deserved 1-0 winners when these two sides met in the league a few weeks ago thanks to an impressive Danny Ings strike.

Mourinho has only previously lost two

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

33

GLOBAL SOCCER FA CUP FOURTH ROUND TODAY

Brentford

v

Leicester

12:45

Burnley

v

Norwich City

15:00

Coventry

v

Birmingham

15:00

Millwall

v

Sheffield Utd

15:00

Newcastle

v

Oxford Utd

15:00

Portsmouth

v

Barnsley

15:00

Reading

v

Cardiff City

15:00

Southampton v

Tottenham

15:00

West Ham

v

West Brom

15:00

Hull City

v

Chelsea

17:30

Man City

v

Fulham

13:00

Tranmere

v

Man Utd

15:00

Shrewsbury

v

Liverpool

17:00

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Bournemouth v Arsenal 20:00

La Liga TODAY

Espanyol

v

Bilbao

12:00

Valencia

v

Barcelona

15:00

Alavés

v

Villarreal

17:30

Sevilla

v

Granada

20:00

Atlético

v

Leganés

11:00

Celta Vigo

v

Eibar

13:00

Getafe

v

Real Betis

15:00

Sociedad

v

Mallorca

17:30

Valladolid

v

Madrid

20:00

SPAL1

v

Bologna

14:00

Fiorentina

v

Genoa

17:00

Torino

v

Atalanta

19:45

v

Cagliari

11:30

SUNDAY

Serie A TODAY

SUNDAY

Inter Parma

v

Udinese

14:00

Sampdoria

v

Sassuolo

14:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

games against an opponent in a single calendar month on one occasion. Should Hasenhuttl again come out on top this weekend, Tottenham’s decision to replace Pochettino with the Portuguese will be called into question.

Mourinho rued his side’s luck after losing Harry Winks to injury in the win over Norwich, a game that saw skipper Hugo Lloris make his long-awaited return from injury.

Leading scorer Harry Kane is out until April with a hamstring injury and is joined on the sidelines by Moussa Sissoko, Ben Davies and Danny Rose.

Only Rose has an outside chance of being fit to face Southampton, but Japhet Tanganga is more likely to get the nod here, possibly meaning a more advanced position for the versatile Ryan Sessegnon.

Erik Lamela is also in contention to feature, a player who has been directly involved in seven goals in his last six FA Cup starts - three goals of his own and four assists.

As for Southampton, Hasenhuttl has confirmed that Cedric Soares is to miss the next three weeks through injury.

Central defender Jannik Vestergaard

and forward Shane Long are also ruled out after picking up knocks in midweek.

Star man Ings was rested against Palace before being introduced from the bench, suggesting he should get the nod today.

Meanwhile, Chelsea make the trip to face Hull City at the KCOM Stadium in the FA Cup fourth round having recorded just one point from their last two outings in the Premier League. As for the Tigers, two successive defeats in the Championship have led to the club dropping down to 12th position in the table.

Frank Lampard has watched his Chelsea side make a habit of producing inconsistent performances throughout the season, and it has been no different for the Englishman over the past week.

The Blues dominated at Newcastle United and played with a man advantage against Arsenal for over an hour, yet Lampard’s team were only able to record one point from a possible six.

Despite the obvious disappointment after conceding a last-gasp goal at St James’ Park, twice failing to hold onto a lead against rivals Arsenal on Tuesday night would have hurt Lampard and his team, especially with the Gunners using a makeshift defence and midfield due to the dismissal of David Luiz.

The 2-2 draw further highlighted why Lampard remains so demanding regarding his team’s struggles in the final third, and Saturday will represent a chance for the likes of Michy Batshuayi to stake his claim for a regular spot.

Tammy Abraham has just four goals from 13 outings, leaving Batshuayi with a window of opportunity to force his manager’s hand when the team return to Premier League action on February 1.

Hull will be relatively pleased with their season so far, sitting 15 points clear of the relegation zone and just seven adrift of a place in the playoffs.

However, successive 1-0 defeats to Fulham and Derby County will have led to Grant McCann demanding more from his players ahead of welcoming Chelsea to Humberside.

The Tigers earned their place at this stage of the competition with a dramatic 3-2 victory at near-by Rotherham United, despite entering the closing 25 minutes of the game trailing by a 2-1 deficit.

Tom Eaves netted a hat-trick on that occasion, and the frontman will hope to be given the chance to build on his seven-goal tally for the season at the weekend.

CLUB

GOALS

Jamie Vardy Leicester 17 Sergio Agüero Man City 16 Marcus Rashford Man Utd 14 Danny Ings Southampton 14 Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal 14 Tammy Abraham Chelsea 13 Sadio Mané Liverpool 11 Mohamed Salah Liverpool 11 Teemu Pukki Norwich 11 Harry Kane Tottenham 11 Raheem Sterling Man City 11 Raul Jimenez Wolves 11 Chris Wood Burnley 10 Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton 10 Gabriel Jesus Man City 9 Anthony Martial Man Utd 8 Richarlison Everton 8 Firmino Liverpool 8 Kevin De Brune Man City 7 Riyad Mahrez Man City 7 Neal Maupay Brighton 7 Jack Grealish Aston Villa 7 Dele Alli Tottenham 7 Harry Wilson Bournemouth 7 Ayoze Perez Leicester 7 James Maddison Leicester 6 Todd Cantwell Norwich 6 Sebastien Haller West Ham 6 Ashley Barnes Burnley 6

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Wang Qiang ensured there was no 24th Grand Slam singles title for Serena Williams in Melbourne

L-R: Director, Corporate Communications, Visa West Africa,Niyi Adebiyi; Country Manager / Vice President, Visa West Africa, Kemi Okusanya; Nigerian track and field athlete, Divine Oduduru; and Director, Marketing, Visa West Africa, Seun Adaramola, at the signing of Divine on to the team Visa program for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in Lagos recently

Ighalo on Man Utd Radar as Solskjaer Intensifies Striker’s Hunt Strikers Odion Ighalo and Islam Slimani are loan targets for Manchester United following Marcus Rashford’s injury.

Former Watford forward Ighalo is with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua and has two years left on his contract while Slimani is on loan at Monaco from Leicester.

Nigeria international Ighalo scored 17 goals in 55 Premier League appearances for the Hornets before securing a move to Chinese League One in 2017.

Slimani has 13 goals in 46 appearances for his parent club Leicester but

has been loaned out to Newcastle, Fenerbahce and Monaco since his arrival at the King Power Stadium in 2016 from Sporting Lisbon.

After their 2-0 defeat to Burnley at Old Trafford in midweek, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer indicated that the club - six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea after successive defeats - are in need of ‘quality’ signings, with Paul Pogba as well as Rashford currently sidelined.

A £30m offer has been submitted for Birmingham City’s 16-year-old Jude Bellingham.

Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes

remains intent on a move to Old Trafford, but talks between the clubs have stalled, with United currently £10m short of Sporting’s valuation.

Speaking ahead of an FA Cup tie at Tranmere, Solskjaer insisted the club was still working on reinforcements in a “difficult” market. “It’s not going to be a quick fix. And it’s not going to be like eight players in or 10 players in one transfer window,” he said.

“We’ve had one proper transfer window in the summer because the Januarys are difficult, but we are trying to do something now.”

Australian Open

Wang Ends Serena’s Record 24th Grand Slam SinglesTitle Bid Serena Williams’ bid of a recordequalling 24th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open ended in a shock defeat from China’s Wang Qiang and the American branded herself “unprofessional” after her defeat.

When they met at the US Open last summer, China’s Wang Qiang won just one game and 15 points, but it was a completely different story this time as the 27th seed claimed a 6-4 6-7 (2-7) 7-5 victory.

But Williams made 56 unforced errors compared to 20 for her opponent as she made her earliest exit from the Australian Open in 14 years.

“I just made far too many errors to be a professional athlete today,” the 38-year-old said. “If we were just honest with ourselves, it’s all on my shoulders. I lost that match. It’s not about the tournament, it’s just like I can’t play like that. I literally can’t do that again. That’s unprofessional.

It’s not cool.”

TheAmerican admitted she thought she had done the hard work by winning the second set, saying: “I was optimistic I would be able to win. I thought, ‘OK now finish this off’. I honestly didn’t think I was going to lose that match.”

Asked if defeats still sting as badly as they used to now she has so many other things in her life, Williams said: “I am just a better actress. I’m no happier than I was 10 years ago. But I just have to pretend I don’t want to punch the wall, but in reality I do.”

Since winning Wimbledon in 2016 Serena Williams has exited nine Grand Slam tournaments she has played in.

The 38-year-old has also lost in four Grand Slam finals since winning Wimbledon.

It was her earliest defeat at a hardcourt grand slam since here in 2006, and will add fuel to those who believe a 24th title will remain elusive.

Williams is not one of those, and she will hold high hopes for Wimbledon and the US Open having reached the final at both events in 2018 and 2019.

“I definitely do believe or I wouldn’t be on tour,” she added. “I don’t play just to have fun. To lose is really not fun. I seem to do well the last two Slams of the year. I have won them all several times. Each one is definitely an opportunity for me to go out there and win.”

While the focus was on Williams, this was a special day for Wang, particularly given what happened in New York last summer.

“I’m really happy now,” she said.

“I always believed I can do this one day. I didn’t know which day, but it’s coming today. I did really hard work in the off-season, so it paid off.”

Wang was coached for four years

by Australian former doubles great Peter McNamara, who died from cancer last summer.

Joshua Tempts Wilder-Fury Winner with Saudi Arabia Offer Anthony Joshua’s team has received a “huge site offer” to stage an undisputed world title clash against the winner of the Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury fight in Saudi Arabia.

Britain’s heavyweight star regained his world titles with a rematch win over Andy Ruiz Jr at the Diriyah Arena in December and promoter Eddie Hearn hopes to head back to the Middle East for a blockbuster battle at the end of 2020.

Wilder defends his WBC title

against Fury in Las Vegas on February 22, while Joshua plans to put his WBA, IBF and WBO belts at stake against Kubrat Pulev in London in May or June.

But the Matchroom Boxing boss wants to split a massive fight purse down the middle for Joshua and the reigning WBC champion after holding recent talks with Saudi officials.

“We have to try and make that happen,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“Right now, the fight that Anthony Joshua wants is the winner of Wilder

and Fury.

“We’ve been there before. Both guys have turned down 60-40 for that fight and now we have no other option, but to offer them 50-50, because the fight will never happen, subject to the boss giving the thumbs up, which I think he knows that’s the way to make this fight.

“We have a huge site offer in place for that fight to take place.”

Asked about Saudi Arabia, Hearn added: “A big option. We have a partnership out there in Saudi Arabia.

Halogen Applauds Adekuoroye’s Gold at Global Tourney The management of Halogen has congratulated Nigerian world wrestling medalist and two times Commonwealth champion, Odunayo Adekuoroye for winning Nigeria’s only gold medal at the recently held Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series tournament in Rome, Italy where she defeated her Indian opponent 10-0 through technical superiority in the final to land gold.

According to the Group Managing Director of Halogen Group, Mr. Wale Olaoye, “Halogen Group is proud to celebrate with Adekuoroye Odunayo and Nigerians globally, as she defeated India’s Anshu Anshu, 10-0 to win gold in the women’s 57kg at the 2020 Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series tournament in Rome. This no doubt its a historic period for Nigeria’s sports at the global level. We are delighted with Odunayo’s impressive exploits. This is a reflection of what Halogen Group stands for; professionalism, integrity, passion, and excellence.”

Mr. Olaoye added that “Halogen Group is proud to be part of Nigeria’s quest for Olympic gold medal through support for the Commonwealth wrestling Amazon. Odunayo’s sterling performance at the recent United World Wrestling (UWW) Ranking Series events in Italy an inspiring pointer to what Nigerians can expect at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic. We are proud of her unstoppable spirit” The Halogen Group’s boss noted further that Nigerian youths have huge lessons to learn from the wrestling champion whose hard work, and unrelenting passion for excellence is bringing great results to her enterprise and Nigeria.

Earlier, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare had commended Odunayo for her outstanding feat at the global outing. “I am not surprised really, she is a true representation of the never say die Nigerian spirit. She is always eager to win laurels for the country…Don’t forget she was adopted at the Adopt Initiative launch.

She will get all the needed support to train and continue in that manner.

We as Nigerians should be proud of her” said the Minister of Sports.

Halogen Group reiterated its determination to continue to identify with great initiatives that resonate with its vision to create an anxietyfree world.

Lagos State JOF U-13 Football Championship Kicks Off Evans Square playground, Ebute Metta will be agog from today as the maiden edition of Lagos State JOF U-13 Football Tournament kicks off.

The grassroots youth football competition is sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, an integrated logistics services provider with subsidiaries in properties and investments portfolios.

While unveiling the tournament in Lagos, the General Manager, Strategic and Support Services of JOF Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Adeyinka Adetunji said the company was proud to be part of a unique event designed to develop the Godgiven talent of Nigerian youths.

“Our chairman extends his felicitations to all the young boys who have formed themselves into football clubs, their coaches, managers, parents and supporters. We are aware that to take part in this competition, the football teams have been training hard and we look forward to watching the eliminating matches before the final,” said Adetunji.

He revealed that the company is putting the sum of N3.5 million as total sponsorship packaged out of which the sum of N500, 000 will be given out as prize monies.

“The champion will take home the sum of N200, 000 while the first and second runners will pocket N150, 000 and N100, 000. The fourth position will get N50, 000.

“In addition to the team cash prizes with trophies, we have also made provision for additional cash and gifts for those individual players who will distinguish themselves during the tournament, such as the golden glove winner for the best goalkeeper, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the highest goal scorer of the tournament,” he said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 25, 2020

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Bright Osayi-Samuel Saints Lead the Pack for His Signature Bright Osayi-Samuel celebrating his goal against Swansea

With Southampton in the lead in the chase for Queens Park Rangers in-form winger, Bright OsayiSamuel, ahead of other Premier League clubs another Nigerian might be a Saint after the January transfer window

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ccording to reports, OsayiSamuel is being watched over by a number of Premier League clubs, with Southampton in the forefront to signing the exciting winger.

Queens Park Rangers winger Bright Osayi-Samuel has been in exciting form this season, putting in several strong performances in recent weeks. And now, it has been reported that a number of sides have taken notice of his strong form.

Football Insider states that Southampton are among the sides to be keeping an eye on OsayiSamuel ahead of a potential move in the latter stages of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of the

season but QPR have the option to extend his deal by a further year if they wish.

So far this season, Osayi-Samuel has made a total of 22 appearances across all competitions, with 20 of them coming in the Championship.

The Nigerian has scored five goals and provided five assists across all competitions, starring on the right-hand side for Mark Warburton’s side. Since signing from Blackpool in the summer of 2017, he has played a total of 74 times, netting nine goals and laying on six assists.

During his time with the Tangerines, OsayiSamuel found the back of the net five times and laid on six assists after making his way through Blackpool’s academy.

With the end of the transfer window coming closer and closer, it will be interesting to see if Southampton or any other club look to swoop for Osayi-Samuel, or if he remains with Queens Park Rangers.

Osayi-Samuel attracted genuine interest from Manchester United during his time with Blackpool, before Queens Park Rangers convinced him to join the club in September 2017.

Osayi-Samuel’s current deal with Rangers runs out at the end of the 2019-2020 season but the club have the option to extend the agreement by another year.

It has been suggested that Southampton want to bolster their attacking options with the signing of Osayi-Samuel and plan to resell him for a profit in the future.

However, Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that Southampton are not thought to be prioritising attacking signings this month despite their reported interest in Osayi-Samuel.

It is understood that Southampton are rather looking at full-backs to add to their ranks ahead of the second half of the campaign, with this meaning Osayi-Samuel now looks set to remain in West London ahead of QPR’s potential playoff push this term.

Mark Warburton’s side are currently sitting 14th in the Championship table following a mixed season so far, but the likes of Osayi-Samuel, Ebere Eze and Nahki Wells have helped the Rs towards registering the second-best goalscoring record this term.

It was initially thought that Osayi-Samuel’s

electric displays had particularly caught the attention of the St. Mary’s outfit, but these reports have now been deemed wide off the mark with Southampton said to be largely focusing on other areas.

Earlier this year, Osayi-Samuel said in an interview that he would “love to stay” at QPR beyond the end of his current contract but does not know whether it will happen.

The R’s winger’s contract is due to expire this summer but the club have an option to extend his deal by another year, meaning he is effectively under contract until the summer of 2021.

When asked about the likelihood of signing a longer contract with QPR, Osayi-Samuel said: “I don’t know. Obviously I would love to stay but I’m just focused on playing games. I let the contracts and stuff like that be solved with my agent and the club. I just want to keep playing and see what happens.”

“I think one of the reasons is I’m wearing studs now,” he added.

“Ever since I’ve been wearing studs I’ve been playing well.

“But I also have to praise the gaffer after training sessions, he pulls me for 10-20 minutes to improve on my weaknesses when I get into dangerous areas, picking out players and I feel like now it’s paying off.

“For me I believe that I get into dangerous areas probably every game.

“But the main thing is that end product to find someone or to create and I feel like now the manager knows that as well.

“When I get into dangerous areas or I’m on the byline there’s that composure.

“I feel like before when I used to get there I didn’t really have that composure, I was rushing things and now I feel more calm and relaxed.

“I think that also comes with me playing regularly and I feel like those are the reasons I’m doing well.”

Osayi-Samuel was born in Benin, Nigeria, then moved with his family to Spain before emigrating to England when he was 10 years old, settling in Woolwich London.

He made his professional debut for Blackpool in March 2015.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

FAIRGROUND Funky Brunch Christmas Edition, a Major Hit

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he Christmas edition of The Funky Brunch Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most anticipated seasonal parties, turned out incredibly impressive with over 3000 upwardly mobile and luxury lifestyle lovers from across the entertainment, corporate, art and government in attendance.

The guests were treated to an exquisitely decorated welcome area entrance which had them taking hundreds of selfies, delicious feasts and drinks, amid crazy laughter, great energy, good vibes, and the most beautiful car show display from Ferrari’s to Rolls Royce’s.

Hosted by one of the continent’s biggest exports - D’Banj, some other celebrities in attendance include Netflix hit series Dynasty’s lead act- Sam Adegoke, Burna Boy, Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile, Patoranking, Mercy Eke, YCee, Rahman Jago, Timini, and a host of other A-list celebrities, VVIPs, Captains and Leader’s from the lifestyle industry. On the event, the Founder, The Funky Brunch, Efe Tommy noted that “D’Banj hosting the Funky Brunch Christmas edition was a match made for me because he ticks all the green buttons of lifestyle and entertainment which are part of his brand anecdotes. And that marries well into The Funky Brunch vision, coupled with celebrations excellence in entertainment. So bringing them all together with D’Banj leading the park is absolute bliss for us as producers.”

The party which took place on Monday, December 23, 2019, at Balmoral Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, was marked with style and grandeur which led guest tagging it “The Party of the Year”.

It featured an array of the best Nigerian DJ line up such as DJ Consequence, DJ Obi, DJ Prince, DJ K Flow, DJ Six7even, DJ Blink, DJ Last Don, LatstheDJ, DJ FD, DJ Paranormal, DJ Harmony and 3ple DJ. All took turns to serenade guests with the best music with great support from three of the best hype men in the country-MC Fish, MC AK Smuth, Jerry Shaffer and Jimmie all signed to Moet Hennessy, keeping guests on their toes from start to finish.

The Christmas edition of The Funky Brunch was powered by Bespoke PR, a leading Boutique agency run since 2016 by The Funky Brunch Founder, Efe Tommy, in partnership with ESDIAC Global App. The Funky Brunch Lagos has become the definitive experience for fashion, food, and music in Nigeria for the imaginative millennial. Unrivaled fashionable guests, celebrities and the ambiance combine for the most electrifying party in Africa.

Uti Nwachukwu

L-R: Nimi Briggs, D’banj and Efe Tommy

Funmi and Nike

Lilian Afegbai

Coral Jack

Adorable Ada

DJ Obi

Mercy Eke Lats The DJ

Cross section of guests at The Funky Brunch Lagos

Dbanj and Eniola Badmus

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

37

FAIRGROUND

Tulsi Chanrai Foundation Eye Hospital Celebrates One Year

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ulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) is glad to announce the successful completion of one year operations of its flagship specialty eye hospital at Kukwaba, Abuja. Opening its services on 15th Jan 2019, this was formally inaugurated by His Excellency, the President of Nigeria on 11th July 2019. The hospital has served more than 34,000 persons during its one year of existence.

Operated in technical collaboration with globally renowned Aravind Eye Care System (AECS), and with professionals trained for more than 8 months at AECS facilities in India, the hospital has a capacity of 54 beds.

The centre offers services for cataract surgery both SICS and using phacoemulsification technique, pterygium, glaucoma management including surgeries, and pediatric ophthalmology and management of other conditions like diabetic retinopathy etc. and will soon add equipment to cater to other

complex eye issues as well.

About 60% to 70% of the services are provided free of any charge to marginalized communities, while for the rest the tariff is at a highly subsidized rate. Since commencement of operations in Jan 2019, the hospital is glad to report that it has performed more than 700 highly subsidized eye surgeries, treated more than 20,000 outpatients at the hospital and conducted 96 rural eye camps at which it has screened more than 14,000 persons.

TCF Eye Hospital was established with the generous support of the Kewalram Chanrai Foundation, Worldwide Healthcare (WWCVL), Enpee Group, Fareast Mercantile Ltd - Nigeria, the HB Chanrai Group of Companies and other donors. The Hospital also aims to be the premier ophthalmic training institution in Nigeria for both clinical and non-clinical personnel which help eye-care in Nigeria evolve as a selfsustaining and thriving model, steered by Nigerian talent.

A patient at the hospital

IWS Empowers Widows, Kicks off Programmes About 170 widows got their New Year off on a sound footing at the yearly Widows New Year Feast organized by the International Women Society (IWS). The 2020 calendar programme reaching out to selected widows by IWS in a cause to empower many others with selected items essentially to help and support them to run a business and support their families. The items include pepper grinding machine, refrigerators with drinks, gas burners, generator sets and sewing machines among others.

The society was hosted by His Royal Highness, Oba Saheed Elegushi and his wife, Olori Sekinat Elegushi at their Palace in Ikate-Elegushi area of Lagos. All dressed in uniform Ankara, the widows came from different parts of Lagos and were empowered with different items to support their skills and help in their quest to earn a leaving. Speaking at the event, IWS President, Nkoli Ogbolu noted that, ‘We are here today to support the widows. There is no end to helping people who are disenfranchised and less privileged so let organisations try to identify these people through selection processes.

‘It is easy to know who is lying, you can go and do spot checks. If you identify these people you can go and help them, all it requires is a process by which you monitor and

L-R: Mrs. Olabisi Alokolaro, Mrs. Amina Ahmadu, Nkoli Ogbolu, IWS President, Olori Sekinat Elegushi, Chief Mrs. Arthur-Worrey and Mrs. Laide Sasegbon, at the Widows New Year Feast organised by International Women Society (IWS)...recently

evaluate what you give to widows and the process is truly easy.

However I noticed that most of us are very lazy after endowing them,

we don’t train them with financial literacy, we don’t check on them. We all know that small and middle scale businesses are the bedrock of any

economy.’

Olori Sekinat Aramide Elegushi who was the Special Guest at the event stated that, ‘ I support the women because I am a woman myself, as you see all these widows they need help, they need support, their children are also less privileged so we need to support them. That is why I am passionate to help and support them and I would love to do more in the future. So I advise others to come out more, to empower widows, help their children, help women and then in doing all that we are helping the Government too.’

According to Mrs. Olabisi Alokolaro, the items were made possible by generous donations and support by all members of the IWS as well as different individuals and corporate organizations. Some of them include First Bank Plc, First Bank Quest, The Chair Centre, QSE Foundation Danish Women Society, Hungarian Women Society and Lebanese Women Society to mention but few.

Among the dignitaries at the event were the host, Olori Sekinat Elegushi, Mrs Fatima Obanikoro, wife of Eti-Osa Local Government Chairman who stood for Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Mrs Chinyere Anokwuru, a former Special Adviser to Lagos Governor and Founder, Selfworth Organization for Women Development.

Bistro Back in Theatre February Gbolabo Gibbs, widely referred to as the SingingChef, is a seasoned performing artiste and Hospitality specialist. With over 5years of professional singing and acting, Gibbs has a strong background in opera, Jazz, stage, negrospiritual, gospel and contemporary music. He has featured in productions at the renowned Arena, TerraKulture, National Theatre, Muson, and the Main Auditorium, University of Lagos. He has also excelled in the hospitality scene having worked with several hotels, restaurants and foodrelated Institutions.

He’s the producer of “Flavour of Music”, a first of its kind fusion of food, theatre and music show. He also featured in the American Broadway

Musical MamaMia. Gbolabo Gibbs began his professional career as a Coffee barista at the first ever dedicated coffee store in Lagos Nigeria, Cafe Neo. After which, because of his excellence and exemplary delivery he was invited to the Head office Kaizen Ventures Partners to join the finance Team as a Training Consultant, where he developed and implemented concepts and strategies to increase results for Field Executives. While there, he found his passion for training and consulting.

This propelled him to more managerial roles in the hospitality sector with institutions like Golden Palm Hotel Lekki, and Cookie Jar Bakery, where he also lead a highly motivated team in the Sales and Marketing Unit and

Clientele Services unit.

His passion for food was still ever strong as he became the Event and Outdoor Catering Cordinator for Eros and Gourmet after which he went on to Film House Cinemas IMAX, joining the pioneering team to establish the first of its kind cinema in West Africa, as the Food Manager.

Gbolabo Gibbs recently crowned his achievements as he earned the bragging rights at the Unilever Nigeria Plc cooking show, winning the title of Knorr Taste Quest 5 Ultimate Cook. He is very active in ministry, volunteering and the development of the Nigerian youth and believes that everyone has values and dreams and should not give up until they are achieved.

Gbolabo Gibbs

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

AUTO Kia Motors Plans to spearheadTransition to EV, mobility Solutions by 2025

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Mercedes-Benz V-Class

V-Class is the Mercedes among MPVs Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he V-Class is the Mercedes among Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).

Since its introduction, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class has gone on to revolutionise the MPV segment with its high-class appeal, comfort, efficient driving pleasure and safety, according to the automaker.

“It caters to a growing customer group in need of a generous amount of space but never wanted to drive an MPV because style, a sense of well-being and ride comfort have been lacking. Weststar Associates Limited, Authorised General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria is offering the all-new facelift V-Class specially for the comfort of all travels.

The V-Class easily makes for a saloon for up to 8 people. The philosophy around the design is a combination of functionality, comfort, and style in a way no other vehicle in this segment can offer. The exterior is striking with an emotional and dynamic appearance, while the interior comes in a modern style and with high-class appeal, putting great emphasis on comfort. Other highlights in the V-Class include Mercedes-Benz intelligent drive, highly efficient engines and more personalized driving systems.

The exterior of the V-Class has a broader appearance and an even stronger visual presence thanks to its new front end. This comes courtesy of a new bumper design with striking cooling air inlets and a new diamond structure in the radiator grille. The Mercedes star is positioned centrally in the radiator grille and framed by two slats in silver. The V-Class is the first vehicle in the segment which provides all light functions in LED technology as an optional feature. The all-LED headlamps with Intelligent Light System make for a visual highlight as it also enhances safety. The LED headlamps come with 34 LEDs in each headlamp that give the vehicle an unmistakable appearance, and compared with conventional systems, offer much improved vision in the dark.

There are four new light-alloy wheel designs which present an even more striking appearance; they include 5-twin-spoke 17-inch, 18-inch and 19inch light-alloy wheels. Another highlight of the exterior is the separately opening rear windscreen and second loading level, which is attached to the upper level of the tailgate. It can be opened and closed independently of the tailgate, which makes loading and unloading easier in two respects - on the one hand, it allows a second loading level; while also particularly in tight parking spaces there is no need to open the large tailgate.

The interior redefines the meaning of spaciousness

in an MPV. Following the trend of modernity and clarity, the V-Class presents itself with new air vents in a sportier turbine look as well as new dials in the instrument cluster. The new upholstery and equipment color tartufo nappa leather makes a modern and elegant statement with a total of six different upholsteries in light and dark colors to choose from.

Modern and elegant can also be used to describe the new trim element in twin-stripe look which is used on the instrument panel and side paneling. The trim elements in the piano lacquer, ebony wood, carbon fibre and brushed aluminium looks remain. The seating in the rear allows numerous configurations to meet any requirements. As standard, the MPV is equipped with four individual luxury seats with armrests in two seat rows. Thanks to improved technology and operating logic, they can be folded forward intuitively to afford fast and easy access to the rear. An optional folding table can be installed between the individual seats in the first row.

Other highlights include the free-standing central display, the multifunction steering wheel with 12 function keys and DIRECT SELECT selector lever (plus steering-wheel shift paddles with automatic transmission) as well as the innovative touchpad, which allows all telematics functions with gestures or by entering letters and characters like on a smartphone. The touchpad is available in conjunction with Audio 20 CD or COMAND Online.

ia Motors Corporation has announced today details of ‘Plan S’, its mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry, encompassing mobility services and vehicle electrification, connectivity and autonomy.

Plan S outlines Kia’s preemptive and enterprising ‘shift’ from a business system focused on internal combustion engines toward one centered on electric vehicles and customized mobility solutions. This two-track strategy is designed to facilitate Kia’s brand innovation and enhance profitability.

Alongside Kia’s 2025 financial and investment strategy, details of Plan S were announced to shareholders, analysts and credit-rating agencies at the company’s CEO Investor Day in Seoul recently.

By the end of 2025, Kia plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles. With these models Kia is looking to achieve a 6.6% share of the global EV market while also attaining a 25% share of its sales for its eco-friendly cars. With the global EV market expected to gain strength by 2026, Kia is aiming for 500,000 annual EV sales and global sales of 1 million eco-friendly vehicles (excluding China).

Alongside these objectives, Kia will offer EVbased mobility services as part of its new business model, helping solve global urban problems such as environmental pollution. In the Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV) market, anticipated to grow on the back of expanding car-sharing and e-commerce businesses, the company will secure leading-edge competitiveness.

‘Plan S’: Kia’s second-generation future businesses Preemptive transition to EVs Lead popularization of EVs Launch a dedicated BEV model in 2021 Establish a full EV line-up of 11 models and reach a 6.6% global EV market share by 2025 Sell 500,000 BEVs and one million eco-friendly vehicles by 2026 Simultaneously offer EV derivatives of existing models and dedicated EV models; differentiate pricing and specification Nurture advanced markets as major bases for EVs; achieve a 20% sales share out of all Kia models by 2025 Selectively introduce EV models in emerging markets; and expand sales of ICE vehicles Adopt development system for EV architecture Achieve EV sales innovation via customized subscription model, battery rental and lease, etc.

Provision of customized mobility solutions Pursue mobility services based on electric and autonomous vehicles, enter PBV business Establish Mobility Hubs in cities with stricter environmental regulations and greater use of EVs; and provide eco-friendly mobility services Explore new profit models such as logistics and car maintenance via Mobility Hubs.

Ford’s Low-Carbon Ambitions Earn CDP Climate ‘A List’ Designation

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ord Motor Company’s actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and contribute to development of the low-carbon economy have earned it a place on CDP’s Climate ‘AList’ for climate change for the first time. Ford is among 35 American companies recognised this year.

“Our people, our customers and our investors expect us to constantly do more to address climate change,” said Bob Holycross, vice president, sustainability, environment and safety engineering.

“For more than 20 years, Bill Ford, our executive chairman, has been driving us to act more boldly around climate change.

“We believe making great vehicles, protecting the planet and maintaining a strong business are dependent on each other and not mutually exclusive priorities.”

Bruno Sarda, president of CDP North America said, “Congratulations to Ford for earning a spot on this year’s Climate ‘AList’ – the company is a model for true corporate sustainability leadership.

“Climate change is an undeniable business risk if unaddressed and we must transition to a low-carbon economy now to avoid the worst impacts,” said Sarda. “’AList’ companies know sustainability presents an exciting race to the top, an opportunity to innovate and rethink business as usual, proving that environmental responsibility simply makes good business sense.”

Ford’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions

consistent with guidelines in the Paris Climate Accord includes investing more than $11.5 billion in electric vehicles. To increase the appeal and adoption of electric vehicles, Ford is introducing zero-emissions versions some of its most successful vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E later this year and an electric F-150 in the near future. The company also recently launched North America’s largest EV charging network.

In 2017, Ford said it had reduced carbon dioxide emissions from manufacturing operations by 30 percent per vehicle produced – eight years earlier than planned when the goal was set in 2010.

Building on that success, Ford announced a new global Carbon Reduction Strategy for manufacturing, with a significant emphasis on renewable energy and a continued focus on low-emission sources and energy efficiency.

Ford has set an aspirational goal to run all its manufacturing plans globally on 100-percent renewable energy by 2035.

CDPis a global environmental impact nonprofit, and its annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely recognized as the gold standard of corporate environmental transparency. In 2019, more than 525 investors with assets in excess of $96 trillion, along with 125 major purchasers which together spend US$3.6 trillion on procurement, have asked companies to disclose data on environmental effects, risks and opportunities through CDP’s platform. More than 8,400 responded.

L-R: Head, Cars45 Autopreneur Network, Folashade Buoro; VP, Supply Chain Management, Cars45, John Egwu; recipient of the first EasyShipDirect vehicle; Abdulrazak Oshiorenua; and Head, International Trade, Imuwahen Egbe during the presentation ceremony which held in Lagos…recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

39

AUTO

Land Rover, Zenith Create ‘Defy 21 Edition’ Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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enith has worked with Land Rover to create a special edition watch celebrating the reimagining of the Defender as a motoring icon for the 21st century.

Officials of Land Rover said in a statement that like the legendary SUV that inspired it, the Defy 21 Land Rover Edition is modern, durable and highly desirable. Timed to coincide with the arrival of New Defender, it is limited to only 250 pieces.

The Defy 21 Land Rover Edition is the latest result of a four-year partnership between Land Rover and the historic Swiss watchmaker.

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Land Rover Chief Creative Officer, said: “For the next chapter in our partnership with Zenith we wanted a timepiece that captured the essence of the new Land Rover Defender: modern, durable and highly desirable.

With subtle details that capture the character of new Defender, this for me is the best timepiece we have created with Zenith.”

The Defy 21 Land Rover Edition represents a complete makeover of Zenith’s resolutely 21st century chronograph with a raw and minimalistic look. Crafted in a special micro-blasted titanium case that absorbs light from all angles to better accentuate its faceted surfaces, it is both eye-catching

and stealth-like.

Julien Tornare, CEO, Zenith, said: “Like the El Primero and its numerous versions through the years, the Land Rover Defender now enters a new era with a bold and distinctive character. Zenith’s Defy 21 Land Rover Edition chronograph also reinterprets the past in a forward-looking way, with an emphasis on durability, precision, comfort and bold design.”

The Defy 21 Land Rover Edition’s dial appears as one with the case with its muted matte grey color, offering a very different look to the open-dial standard versions of the Defy 21. Orange and white painted markers add legibility and contrast to the display, as do the specially shaped skeleton hands.

A first for the Defy 21, the power reserve display for the 1/100sec chronograph is executed in the form of a liner window instead of a hand.

Through the specially engraved case back, the display offers a view of the El Primero 21 1/100sec movement with a custom oscillating weight, in the form of a miniaturised five-spoke Land Rover wheel. Like the different modular packs offering Defender the perfect adaptability to different driving needs, the Defy 21 Land Rover Edition comes with two straps: the ‘Adventure’ strap with an all-terrain textured rubber, and the ‘Country’ featuring a grey rubber strap with a fabric effect and orange stitching.

New Land Rover Defender

Toyota Premieres GR Yaris Special-editions

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oyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) premiered the new GR Yarisa homologation*1 model born to win theFIAWorldRallyChampionship (WRC)at the Tokyo Auto Salon*2 recently.

The automaker said in a statement that along with aiming to commence sales of the GR Yaris in around summer 2020, Toyota began*3 (from 10:00 a.m. today) accepting online-only*4 preorders in Japan for two special editions of the new modelthe RZ “First Edition” and the RZ “High-performance First Edition”. Pre-orders will be accepted from January 10 to June 30, or for approximately six months.

Learning from competing in the WRC, Toyota developed the GR Yaris together with Tommi Mäkinen Racing*5 from the ground up to be a WRC winner, as an original model of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing’s sports car lineup.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which has been conducting activities to “refine people and refine cars” in the pursuit of making ever-better cars, has from its entrance in the 2017 Rallye Monte-Carlo in Monaco to the present come to know, through the WRC, various types of roads regularly used by its customers around the world. Thus, the GR Yaris was developed to be a car that responds to driver demand on all types of roads worldwide. Based on the

knowledge and know-how accumulated by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, the birth of the GR Yaris is the result of giving form to what has been learned from the TOYOTAGAZOO Racing World Racing Team about how to make cars that are competitive in the WRC, as well as the result of reflecting evaluations by non-Toyota professional drivers from the early stages of development. In short, the GR Yaris is meant to be a car that allows anyone to drive as one wishes with peace of mind.

The GR Yaris employs a sports 4WD platform based on the TNGA*6 approach. Taking feedback from real WRC experiences, TOYOTAGAZOO Racing built the GR Yaris from scratch to achieve a high-rigidity body of highly refined balance while also optimizing front and rear suspension geometry. By combining its platform with the “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system, efforts were made to achieve a high level of dynamic performance.

Furthermore, the upper body, in addition to using aluminum for the hood, trunk lid, and door panels, features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof panel formed using the sheet molding compound method, which accommodates a high level of freedom in shape design. The firm three-door-type cabin points to excellent aerodynamic performance, while light weight is still achieved.

New Toyota Yaris

Are Nigerians Drivers Believers

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or more than two years, I have daily pondered over the question of the religious beliefs of Nigerian drivers irrespective of their religious inclinations. My deployment to Port Harcourt some years ago further provoked this burning thought which compelled me to do a piece on driving in Lagos and Port Harcourt,theRiversStatecapital.Inthatpiece,titled, BETWEEN LAGOS AND PORT HARCOURT DRIVING, I tried to compare driving in both cities withtheconclusionthatPortHarcourtdrivingwas weird because of the increasing traffic infractions and the absence of a strong structure to curb and to deter these driving mannerisms that daily takes thegardenoutoftheCity.Ialsodidsayinthatpiece that Port Harcourt, like the typical Nigerian cities boast of numerous places of worship especially churches which adorns almost every street yet daily driving rarely shows any form of piety.

Incidentally,threeeventspromptedmetodothis piece which had been in the cooler since, awaiting the right time to hit my page. The first event was a discussion I had with my former staff, Officer Asuquo on the same subject who was quick to observe that Nigerian drivers are religious but not believers; meaning that all we do is to attend religious programmes without reflecting God’s teachingsthatdwellsmoreonhumilityandrespect for the law of the land including respect for traffic rules.

The second event took place at Wazobia some

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 yearswhenIattendedareceptionheldbyTommy,a mediacolleaguewhosewifegavebirthtotriplets.At that event I was fortunate to meet some members of the Rivers State Investment Forum who sought my take on traffic in Port Harcourt. I was too delighted to inform them that traffic in the State capital can be tamed in the same manner the Lagos state government has succeeded in deterring the average Lagos drivers from impunity driving. I informed them of my proposed plan to see His Excellency,Governor Nyesom Wike and canvass the urgent need for a state traffic agency in line with the Federal Road SafetyCorps strategicgoaltocollaboratewithStates on improved road safetyAdministration; the need to rid the roads of street trading that practically eats off part of the lanes thus restricting lanes to one in very busy roads and rush hour, incidence of overloading which is rampant, unauthorized and indiscriminate parkings,absence of designated bus stops and parks or the absence of an agency to enforce usage, enforcement of minimum standard

for commercial vehicles to rid the state of rickety vehicleswithbrokenwindshield,brokenheadlamps, worn-out tyres and the need to relocate markets which adorn most streets among other vices.

The consensus of these gentlemen whose names I failed to grab as I am still grappling to come to terms with some names, was that attitude was the root cause of traffic gridlocks in Port Harcourt. One of them tasked me to do a thorough undercover study/observation of the traffic issues in places like Rumuola,Slaughter,Peter odili road,Rumuokoro,NTAroad just to mention a few.

Theseplacesaccordingtothemarewherecommercial drivers have become a nuisance and lords unto themselves, committing all kind of traffic infraction without fear of arrest. They offered to work with me and fast track discussions with the Governor to address these issues. The third and last event occurredwhenincompanyofsomejuniorofficerswe honored the health and safety week of one of the oil companies in Rivers state.After the brief safety talk, reactions dwelled on the same driving mannerisms which was raised by the gentlemen from the Rivers State Investment Forum That is why my focus is on the attitude of the average motorists despite the proliferation of places of worship across the States.

In the case of Port Harcourt, I also wonder what influence, the driving culture of the oil companies have on general driving habits. This is because in all of these companies,”SAFETY” is key .Or have their operatives joined the craze? While I worry, I will contrast motorists attitude with ignorance because attitude is predominantly our bane.But if you ask

the average motorist,he would prefer to blame all the crashes,the number of deaths recorded on our roads and the injuries sustained and gridlock on ignorance.Most would rather push the blame to government and its agencies.The private car driver would blame the commercial driver who in turn blame the private car owner. The parent who allows his son of sixteen to drive would hold government responsible for not clamping down on underage driving.The licenced driver who indulges in excessive speed would blame the Ministry of Works or FERMAfor the crash and not his penchant for speeding which is a violation of the law and which is critical in the event of a crash.

Why does the average motorist in Lagos,Port Harcourt and other parts of the country indulge in violating laid down traffic rules?Why do you think convoy drivers believe they are above the law that governs speed,overtaking and decent driving.?Why would such convoy drivers with VIPandarmeduniformpersonnelwhosearmsare boughtwiththetaxpayersmoneyjumptrafficlights and assault motorists for daring to question them while the government officials or very important dignitaries keep mute?The same dignitary whose life is as fragile as yours and mine?Why would a mother or a husband or both jump into their car bought for over a million naira strap themselves with a seat belt,yet dump their lovely child at the back seat of the car without any protection even when all efforts are made to educate this same parents on the dangers of their action?Why would thissameparenthearofthedeathofachildbecause thechildwasnotstrappedinacarseatandyethide under some spirituality by declaring that ‘’God forbid,it is not my portion!!!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

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˜ ˞ JANUARY 25, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/POLITY

BY

Prophecy, Not Prophesy

Y

OU are welcome to this introductory politico-grammar: “Mbaka’s prophesy (prophecy) comes true, Ihedioha sackedâ€? There is clear distinction between nouns and verbs. “Stakeholders urge EFCC, ICPC to conduct thorough investigation on (into) the matterâ€? “Disease control (Disease-control) centre activates 3 labs for disease outbreak samplesâ€? “Traders count loses (losses) as fire guts Sokoto old marketâ€? “Mohammed urged the cleric not to indulge in actions that can (could) divide the country along religious lines.â€? “You are arguably one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists‌.â€? What is the meaning of this schoolboy contradiction?

According to the Book of Proverbs (12 v 1), whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. On this note, you are welcome to this week’s contribution. For me, I treasure other language columnists and cherish the candour of those who critique my own work. There is no perfection in the business of public communication, yet we have to keep striving after purism.

Our kick-off errors this week are from The Guardian of January 18: “Even when members of the Special Task Force (STF) came to restore order at the venue‌.â€? Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: restore order to (not at) the venue‌. “Ekiti CAN members protest over unannounced primaries’ resultsâ€? (Headline) The Flagship (is it still?) of journalism in Nigeria should know that ‘protest’ takes ‘about’,

‘against’ or ‘at’; not ‘over’. Even these are optional. “In Nigeria, if you loose, you call a press conference telling the world the judge does not like your face or is biased and so on.�

Just lose. “Nigeria’s first private refinery takes-off soon� Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation. “Every one of us has a part to play as electorates because this is the only country we have.� Democracy for Justice: ‘electorate’ is a collective that does not need any inflection. A rewrite: Every one of us has a part to play as a member of the electorate or as an elector (or still, all of us have a part to play as the electorate). Perhaps, with time, the usage would register.

The Guardian Opinion Pages of January 18 splashed five undemocratic lines: â€œâ€Ś good governance in a continent where the use of impunity, unfortunately, has become an instrument of democratic governance.â€?

Tunisia’s changing times: on a continent. “Like (As) I have always said‌.â€? â€œâ€Ścalling to question the forced involvement of Nigeria in the second world war.â€?

At a time like this: World War II. “It was this situation that heightened the political condition in the country that culminated into‌.â€? ‘Culminate’ takes ‘in’. “London was actually constantly under siege until he was eventually extradited back to Nigeria‌.â€? The Guardian is not on trial, but let us delete ‘back’ from the extract for all parties’ collective grammatical sanity.

From Rutam House, we shift our focus to THE PUNCH of January 17 which offered its readers the following shibboleths: “2011 budget under threats as N’ Assembly shifts resumption� (Headline) News: under threat.

From the preceding diseased headline

to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, Ebonyi� Even the computer underscored this strike carelessness from the same page as above! Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round? Remember: not ‘this time around’!

As an aside, I recollect my foundational entry into journalism on March 14, 1983, as a proofreader in the heyday of Daily Times!

This cutting of teeth on reading and writing underpins whatever modest professional attainments I have reached today and the concomitant currency of my career profile.

The 1983 proofreading class of fond memories comprised Kenneth Chioma Ugbechie, Isaac Hope Anumihe, Tony Ikhuenitiju (now Olumuyiwa) and Olaosun Okalanwon under the head readership of Mr. Abu Olarenwaju, a detribalized Nigerian and an urbane gentleman.

Lastly from THE PUNCH under ‘crossexamination’ after my historical intervention: “The facility will result in improved security profile of the Internet traffic and save the nation of the embarrassment of‌.â€?

Info-tech: save the nation the embarrassment of‌. “Renowned filmmakers will converge in (on) Nigeria next week for‌.â€? “Voice of the Electorate (V.O.T.E) congratulates PDP delegates nationwide for (on/upon) defining history‌.â€? (Sacredness of advertisement copies notwithstanding)!

THE PUNCH OPINION of January 10 circulated two goofs: “Politically, experts in IT advocated for the use of e-voting system‌.â€? Once again, ‘advocate’ when used as a verb does not admit ‘for’. “There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2011 through mobile money‌.â€? ICT develop-

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

ment: experience in 2011.

One of the national newspapers under review darkened the English language copiously: “PDP in make or mar primary�

(Special Report Bold Front Page and Cover Headline) Get it right: make-or-mar primary. The hyphenation confers class. No standard publication dispenses with it. The same tragedy trailed the accompanying rider, too: “State by state analysis (sic) of how delegates may voteâ€? As above: Stateby-state analyses‌. â€œâ€Śtoday’s presidential primary may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.â€? (COMMENT) What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’? “In doing so (a coma) some of the government’s supporters may certainly have overstepped the bound of propriety‌.â€?

From the other side: the bounds of propriety. “Reactions to this position have been pouring in, and it’s highly elating that most share same position.â€? This way: most share the same position. “Majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.â€? A/the majority of Nigerians‌.

Let us conclude this review with my usual style of ending charity at home (excuse the poetic coinage) by featuring last week’s edition of THE NATION ON SUNDAY now: “A court ruled affirming zoning but paradoxically dismissing Atiku’s suite.� ONE WEEK of big men and small men: simply Atiku’s suit.

A Deserving Thumbs Up for Globacom Chika Amanze-Nwachuku takes a look at the ongoing Glo Recharge and Win promo, also known as My Own Don Beta, positing that the telecom giant deserves some accolades for empowering its numerous subscribers

F

accompanied her to the event, to the admiration of all. She was however quick to rebuff the entreaties of the Chairman of Keke Riders Association, to allow the association manage the tricycle for her and return N20,000 to her weekly, as she retorted: “I know how to make more money managing the keke myself.�

Another winner, Adzun Godwin, a yam seller at the Mile 12 market, who won a sewing machine, said the gesture has brought an end to his long search for white collar job. Godwin, said: “I am a graduate of Mass Communication from the Benue State Beta’).

University and I am an applicant looking for job. I thank Glo for The top telecom brand won the ‘Brand of the Decade Award’ this empowerment gift�.

(People’s Choice), while its founder, Adenuga, bagged the For 76 years old Rev. Omolara Esther Orairu, who won an Entrepreneur of the Decade Award (Editors’ choice) at the event, industrial sewing machine, it will be of immense help to her which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. children, who are into fashion designing. “I am so happy. I was Recharge and Win Big, an empowerment promo, offers Glo not convinced when I was first called subscribers the opportunity to win trade-establishment tools such because I was saying what was I as tricycles, popularly known as Keke napep; owing Glo that they are calling me? industrial sewing machines; grinding mills, and But later, I was asked to go to the generators etc to help them set up their own nearest Glo office to verify. I will give businesses and ultimately affect the lives of those the sewing machine to my grandaround them. children. Two of them are learning Last Monday, Globacom, stormed the everfashion designing. God will continue busy Mile 12 market in Ketu, a Lagos suburb to bless Globacom�. to present prizes to a new set of winners who Similarly, Mrs. Olusola Ogunsakin, emerged from a draw, held in Victoria Island, who also won a sewing machine Lagos, the previous week, under the supervision said: “I am a trader at Agege area of NLRC Assistant Director, Lagos zone, Mrs. Joy of Lagos. I am 53 years old. This Okuna. sewing machine is a sign that God The lucky subscribers included 10 winners has not forgotten me. To be picked of tricycles (Keke napep), 20 winners of indusout of millions of subscribers is a great trial sewing machines, 20 winners of grinding favour. When I was informed that I machines and 40 winners of power generating had won, I danced in my room. I will sets. pray every day for Glo. The company The elated winners, who had arrived the Mile will continually go up and will never 12 Market, Ketu, Lagos in the company of friends come down. I am very, very happy. and family members ahead of the Glo and nation I will give the industrial sewing lottery officials, anxiously waited to take delivery machine I won to my daughter who of the life-changing prizes. is a tailor�.

The prize-presentation was witnessed by the Another winner of Keke napep, Deputy Director/Coordinator, National Lottery Mrs. Hannah Onoiza Musa said: “I Regulatory Commission (NLRC) Lagos state, am an applicant. I have BSC in ZoolMrs. Nkiru Onuzulu; Iyaloja of Owode Market, L-R: Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mile 12, Onaolapo Lawal; Chairman,ogy from the University of Maiduguri Alhaja Falilat Adekoya; Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mile Keke Riders Association, Mile 12, Kabiru Hassan; Keke winner, Folayemi Yahaya, and Assistantwhere I graduated from in 2010. I am 31 12, Onaolapo Lawal; Chairman, Keke Riders As- Head, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lagos, Niyi Adeleke, at the presentation ofyears old. I moved to Lagos from Lokoja sociation, Mile 12, Kabiru Hassan, and a representa- prizes to winners of Globacom’s Recharge and Win Big promo, My Own Don Beta, at Mile 12last year when I got married. tive of Chairman of Mile 12 Market, Kunle Gbolu. Market in Lagos on Monday or national telecommunications operator, Globacom, January 20, 2020 will remain a memorable date, not just because of the trophies the telecom giant and its founder, Mike Adenuga Jnr received at a gala evening to mark THISDAY Newspapers’ silver jubilee, but because of the outpouring of commendations on its customer reward promo tagged Recharge and Win Big (My Own Don

The NLRC Coordinator, Mrs. Onuzulu, who said she was there to validate the presentation, commended Globacom for the kind gesture. “Having been present at the launch of the promo in October, I can confirm that Globacom has kept to the terms of the promo. We have attended every draw and presentation and are satisfied with the transparency,� she said.

Beaming with happiness, the winners, their friends and families took turn to eulogise Globacom for bettering the lives of many Nigerians through the promo.

One of the winners of keke, Miss Folayemi Yahaya declared: “I am the youngest millionaire now. People should be calling me the newest millionaire in town now. This keke is worth close to a million naira.�

Miss Yahaya could not control her excitement, as she posed for pictures inside the tricycle (keke) with a friend who had

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Burna Boy’s High Life Mr. Macaroni I Don’t Follow Bandwagon,

The Return of ‘Efunsetan Aniwura’

I Challenge Rules that Don’t Make Sense to Me pg. 45

pg. 46

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Burna Boy’s High Life Going by his new single, Money Play, Burna Boy, the afro-fusion artiste is living up to it and living the life, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Burna Boy and his girlfriend, Stefflon Don

B

urna Boy has made great feats with his music on the international stage and it is wonderful to see that it has also translated to good money for him. He recently expanded his garage by buying a Rolls Royce Dawn worth a whopping $346,000. This week, the 2020 Grammy Awards nominee shared photos showing him cruising in his newly acquired Rolls Royce.

The singer, who had a successful year in 2019, bought the convertible Rolls Royce just weeks after he purchased a Ferrari sports car. Burna boy bought two pretty expensive cars in the space of two weeks back in 2019.

The new ride joins his car collection which also includes a Bentley.

Just last December, the popular Nigerian singer, and his British-Jamaican girlfriend cum rapper, Stefflon Don celebrated the Boxing Day in a unique way as they partied in Lagos. In the video uploaded by Stefflon Don on her Insta stories, the lovers were seen cruising in Burna’s newly acquired Ferrari on the streets of Lagos. It’s been one year since Burna Boy and Stefflon Don kicked off their beautiful relationship.

Stefflon Don had celebrated the first anniversary of the beautiful relationship she has with Burna Boy. The London born rapper took to her Instagram stories, where she shared a video of Burna Boy and herself kissing. She went on to caption the video with a reminder that they have been together for a year. “Today marks one year exactly!

Cheers to 100 more my sweetie cakes,” she

wrote.

Later on, the duo headed to a club where they partied with their friends and family.

She made the statement as she and her man drive around town in his newly acquired N125 million Rolls Royce Dawn. “Oh my God this is nice bae,” the excited UK rap star was heard saying to his man during the night outing.

The music star recently gave a tour of his newly acquired mansion in Lagos, which shows a lot of money went into the beautiful edifice.

From the beautiful lightings, to the carefully planned and designed swimming pool, the night view of the house gives you an idea of how well detailed the architects were in their pursuit to actualise a house best fit for a celebrity. Two of his most recently acquired cars were seen in the remotecontrolled garage. First was the Ferrari sports car. This was followed by the Rolls Royce which the music star announced via his Instagram page with a video of the post where he showered accolades on himself for having a very good year.

Burna Boy’s “My Money, My Baby” had made it to Michelle Obama’s workout playlist for 2020. The former first lady of the United States of America took to her Instagram page on Sunday, January 19, 2020, where she posted her playlist which “helps her go through her toughest workout session.

‘My Money, My Baby’ is number four on the famous playlist with American born Nigerian, Tobe Nwigwe making it to the playlist with his song, ‘Dope.’

... his newly acquired Rolls Royce

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

The Return of ‘Efunsetan Aniwura’ Since the release of the trailer for the movie, Efunsetan Aniwura, there has been a surge in the number of conversations around the movie over the last couple of weeks.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

“S

ome stories shouldn’t be told, while some shouldn’t be forgotten.” The words reel from a brief narration in the opening sequence of the trailer for the upcoming movie, “Efunsetan Aniwura”. Apparently, the story of Efunsetan Aniwura in that sense, is one story that ought to be told and not to be forgotten. The trailer opens with the birth of the baby “Efunsetan” (which is the movie opening proper).

The epic historical tale tells the story of the second Iyalode Ibadan. It is a story of the strongest and wealthiest woman in Yoruba history and is due to hit cinemas very soon.

Over the last couple of weeks, since the release of the trailer of the remake of the movie, Efunsetan Aniwura, there has been a surge in the number of conversations around the movie, produced by Funmi Holder and directed by Joshua Ojo. Holder is no novice in the art of filmmaking. She has movies and TV shows like The Grudge and MNET’s Tinsel, a daily drama series on DSTV platform, under her belt. But her latest project, Efunsetan Aniwura with the casting of Clarion Chukwurah and Alex Usifo in the roles of Efunsetan and Latosa respectively has come under a lot of heat.

In the short visuals, Clarion Chukwurah displays raw emotion convincing and provocative enough. Theatre viewers will be the judge to say if it’s worth the heat or not when it eventually premieres in cinemas on January 31. Efunsetan Aniwura, who lived in the 1800s was one of the most powerful and influential Yoruba women in Nigeria. She moved to Ibadan after her marriage to her husband Ajani and became so influential. This story details her trials, triumphs and eventual fall from grace.

The movie cast ensemble includes Shola Fosudo, Adewale Eleso, Funmi Holder, Jaye Kuti, Yemi Solade, Adunni Ade, Sola Fosudo, Binta Ayo Mogaji. The legendary Iyalode of Ibadan is a fascinating subject, not only to Holder but to historians and other creatives who had also captured the legend in various mediums. According to a recent report, there was Prof. Akinwunmi Ishola who brought the story to the stage in the sixties. A film adaptation of the play by Ishola was directed by Tunde Kelani in the last decade.

Aniwura attracts such fascination because of the intrigues wrapped around her personality. Born in Egbaland, Aniwura was respected as an astute businesswoman and political leader. However, the part of her lifestyle that is often seen in the

A scene from the movie

public domain is her ruthlessness as a result of her inability to conceive after losing a child at childbirth. The iconic woman’s downfall came in 1874 when she ran into bad luck with Aare Latoosa, the de facto leader of Ibadanland.

Their feud stemmed from Aniwura’s growing influence in the town which Latoosa considered a threat to his throne. She eventually died on June 30, 1874. Her death has been a subject to historians who plumb the true happenings that led to her death. Two accounts so far hold sway.

One narrates how Latoosa used her adopted son Kumuyilo to kill her.

Another posits that Aniwura drank poison when Latoosa came to arrest her.

In Holder’s movie, these accounts are verified and the truth is unveiled.

She said: “We went to the family house, met some members of the extended family. They were very receptive from the outset. They gave us their full support. I did a full interview with one of the prominent family members. I have everything recorded on tape. Part of her story we get to hear is that she was this wicked woman that was killing everybody.

We don’t really get to hear about her good side and what led to those violent actions that are being projected so much.”

Funmi Holder

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Mr. Macaroni

I Don’t Follow Bandwagon, I Challenge Rules that Don’t Make Sense to Me Debo Adedayo, also known as Mr. Macaroni, is an actor, television and film producer. He is also an MC, entertainer and a complete Thespian. Adedayo speaks with Tosin Clegg about his career in Nollywood, emerging one of the most viewed internet sensations, life as an actor and producer and much more Growing up was fun for me grew up at Ojota, Abebi precisely.

I studied at Tendercare School which was situated at Ojota then.

My secondary education was in Babcock University High School while I obtained my B.A, Theatre Arts at Redeemer’s University.

Growing up, I wanted to be a Pastor. Chris Oyakhilome was my muse. I saw and still see him as a charismatic person, one who always has the right words. So while watching him on TV, I would begin to imitate him, the way he talks and the way he preaches.

Also, I was very good at imitating others. I remember then, my brother would ask me to imitate this particular person. So, that for me started my acting career because what I was basically doing then was acting.

I

My imitation skills My imitation skills gave birth to the acting in me. I recognised it as a God given talent and availed myself of any given opportunity to showcase it. I remember performing a part in William Shakespeare’s ‘Merchant of Vernice’ as early as primary six. I joined the drama group in my secondary school then and later on during my university days, I started going for auditions. My first job via audition was ‘Mistresses’ by Halima Abubakar and directed by Ifeanyi Ogbona.

I am an actor and I can interpret any character I want I have been an actor doing movies and soap operas for as long as I can remember.

It took a while for me to decide to start online comedy. I always said I could never do it because of my level of education in Creative Arts and the fact that I was already being featured in movies and soap operas.

At some point, the movie roles were no longer coming and it began to seem like one didn’t know what one was doing and I began to get frustrated. I would then get on Instagram and see the likes of Broda Shaggi, Maraji, and others doing their stuff and people were really enjoying them. I thought to myself that I could also do what they were doing. But even after I said that to myself, I didn’t start immediately, I was still lost in my ego. I couldn’t imagine myself doing comedy skits.

The way I see the Yoruba Industry When I started and as I grew in the system, I discovered that it was more of a family thing than a business thing. But now we are seeing some practitioners taking the business side seriously. But because it started with the Arinjo Theatre, which took performances from place to place, it was more of a communal thing. It was dominated by passion and the fact that if I perform for you, you are obliged to perform for me, as well. However, in terms of stories and cultural representation, I think the Yoruba industry is putting in effort. We can always do better in other aspects.

I don’t follow the bandwagon My challenge would be my personality as a non-conformist. I don’t follow the bandwagon. I challenge rules or norms that don’t make sense to me and try to implore anyone in charge to help me make sense out of them. Because it has always been like that doesn’t make it right. Because it is popular,

Debo Adedayo

doesn’t make it right and so sometimes I find myself without friends so to say who could call me or recommend me for jobs because the perception about me is that I am stubborn. My challenges would not be so different from the everyday challenge of the upcoming Actor; no encouragement, little or no pay at all. You know there is just this negative behavior in the industry that treats upcoming Actors lowly and it’s more like they are being done a favour whereas they have an important role to play in any production process, even as extras.

Since I started having so much presence on social media, quite a lot has changed. Mr Macaroni, as we all know, is or should be a jolly good fellow. I was on set one time and the character I was playing didn’t have a name.

The Director asked me to give myself a name and Mr Macaroni came from nowhere. Then, there is a friend of mine, Dedun, even before the name became so popular, anywhere she sees me, she had this funny way of saying ‘Macaroni’. So, it grew on me.

The brown agbada I always wear is my Singnature costume.

It was what I wore the first time I played the ‘Daddy Character’ in one of my videos, and then the same week, Dammy Twitch, a friend of mine, contacted me to be in Falz’s music video. The costume department asked me to send some of my Agbadas and they picked that same one. So, I just decided to keep it as a signature costume. The Agbada is basically symbolic of the typical ‘big man’.

You know how elderly people see younger ones and say to them ‘you are doing well... keep it up my dear’. One day also, I was watching Destalker the Comedian and he cracked a joke about how he was scammed in Abuja and that the person said ‘you are doing well’ so in my first video, I just said it casually. The audience liked it and I decided to keep it.

I plan to keep producing beautiful contents And it wouldn’t be for only online media but for TV, Film and Stage, which I haven’t really put so much energy in of late. Also, I’m hoping by God’s grace to collaborate with brands of which we can be of mutual benefits to one another.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

47

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

MY STORY

Gists Moët & Chandon Film Gala Returns for a Second Year Celebrating its 90th Year in Cinema, the champagne of cinema will host stars to a night of arts, glamour and exquisite dining. And they would be returning with the second edition of the Moët & Chandon Film Gala aimed at celebrating the ever-blooming film industry in Nigeria.

“As we enter the turn of the decade, the theme of this year’s event is Iconic” and pays homage to the top moments from the decade; game changers and their devotion to the craft. The crème de la crème of the film industry will converge for a night that is truly an appreciation and celebration of the industry,” said the organisers.

The pairing of the world’s most loved champagne with the most celebrated and glamorous industry has proven to be a perfect pairing, and in this second edition on 2nd February 2020, there will be countless Moët Moments to adorn the occasion. Over 2,000 glasses of Moët & Chandon will be paired with six-courses of exquisite dining specially curated by the reputable Chef Daniel Olurin.

“Moët & Chandon has long since enjoyed a special relationship with the big screen and we are so thrilled that we are able to further this relationship with the second year of this first-of-its-kind film event in Nigeria,” said Elizabeth Oputa, Manager of Champagnes and Wines Portfolio, Moët Hennessy, Nigeria. “Being the exclusive champagne of celebration for illustrious film award ceremonies all over the world such as the Academy Awards and Golden Globes places us in good stead to execute the Moët & Chandon Film Gala and celebrate the Nigerian film industry in grand style.”

This Year, Silverbird Distribution joins the platform as content collaborators.

The CEO of Silverbird Distribution, Jared Murray-Bruce has expressed his delight at the collaboration that has the foremost champagne brand in the world working hand in hand with Nigeria’s foremost content distribution company in and from West Africa to honour the hard work and dedication of all industry stakeholders to the craft of filmmaking, as well as their commitment to raising the bar of Nigerian entertainment to global standards.

Natty I Make Music from the Soul Natty is a songwriter, singer and musician with his musical eclecticism of today reflecting the differing tastes of his parents. His music is of refined quality and the sound a delight to his listeners. He talks to Tosin Clegg about his music, his African lineage and more

Elizabeth Oputa

Zambian Musician, Jay Trigga Collaborates with Ice Prince, Zambia hip hop artiste, Jack Lumbeta Kafukwilwa, also known as Jay Trigga, is relishing his collaboration with Davido’s DMW rapper, Dremo.

According to the artiste, “One of my most memorable accomplishments, among many, that is very special to me is when I heard Dremo wanted to do a remix of my song. What makes this one a major one for me is because I have always been a fan of his.”

Jay Trigga has also featured another Nigerian artiste, Ice Prince on his song entitled Money. He thinks highly of Afrobeats genre and fancies Wizkid and Burna Boy. “I regard Wizkid and Burna Boy as my role models; they took Africa to the world in their own way, so I look up to them. I hope to have the same impact with my music,” he said.

Tracing his interest in music, he revealed, “I always loved music.

My father played a lot of music around and my mother hosted a few of the coolest parties in her community where I usually performed as the DJ. Music always surrounded me but when I saw Kanye West make beats and rap on them, I got inspired and started producing my own music.”

Jay Trigga

DStv, Gotv Emerge as Preferred Pay TV Option MultiChoice Nigeria’s DStv and GOtv platforms have emerged as Nigerians’ preferred Pay TV service providers for home entertainment during the festive season of November and December 2019, into January 2020. This was revealed in a newly published independent report which surveyed hundreds of Nigerians from various walks of life in 27 states across the country.

According to the report published by Nigerian Entertainment Today (theNETng), 52% of respondents say that watching some form of TV at home is their preferred festive season activity, while over 48% of Cable TV customers say that DStv is their preferred service provider throughout the festive period, including during the Christmas and New Year holidays. 33% chose GOtv as their primary source of TV content.

The survey which had over 80% of its respondents under the age of 35 also suggests that watching TV was the overwhelmingly most popular activity amongst young people during the festive season. Only about 30% of respondents say they spend most of the festive season going out to visit family and friends or to party.

The report also provides some insight into the most popular programming types among young pay TV subscribers in Nigeria. 47% of respondents say they

watch mostly foreign movies on their pay TV services, while 12% watch mostly Nigerian movies on channels such as Africa Magic. 16% of respondents watch mostly football and sports, while 11% spend most of their time watching music shows during the holiday season.

While highlighting the consumption behaviour of content consumers in the country during the end of year festive season, this report has further reconfirmed the acceptance of DStv and GOtv amongst Nigerians.

With the recent launch of new DStv packages; DStv Confam and DStv Yanga which are specially customized for Nigerians, MultiChoice aims to unlock a new level of entertainment and value for customers, giving them improved choices and a brand new, more-valuefor-money experience.

During the festive season, some of the main attractions on DStv included live broadcast of sports and events.

Football fans were glued to their screens watching a number of Premier League fixtures with the top English clubs all playing through Boxing Day and into the New Year. Also, Nigerians were able to enjoy the country’s biggest festivals; Calabar Carnival, The Experience and Lagos Countdown from the comfort of their homes on DStv Channel 198.

Natty

W

hat kind of music do you do?

I don’t like to put a label on the music. I just like to say music, let me say root music, because I like to start from the root and look to the future. My music is fused with so many things like reggae and all different part of African music, from highlife to dance hall.

So how long have you been making music?

I have been making music since I knew I could make music.

I have been making music since I was in school; I was making music for local raps. I remember there was this English-Nigerian rapper, my friend from school. He knew I could sing so he got hold of a music making machine and gave it to me and it all started from there.

How many albums have you made so far?

I have a few albums. My first album was released under Atlantic Records in 2009 and I have four albums in total that have been released worldwide. My first album was in the UK Top 20 and No1 in Japan and in other charts as well.

How does international audience react to your music?

I love it, they love it. I think people see that I make music from the soul and from the spirit and sometimes if they haven’t really heard it before they take it pretty quickly. For example, when I was touring America, I printed out CDs for all the 18 shows I had all over America and I sold all the CDs in the first four shows.

Everywhere I went, people just liked the music.

Goals?

For me, my award is the people, when people feel the music, like they have gone on a journey with me or there is a level of consciousness I have raised or I changed their lives, for me that is my reward.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sunkanmi Serenades 9ice at 40 Singer/song writer, Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice was 40 on January 17. Sunkanmi, his 3rd wife, whom he married last December at an elaborate ceremony, gave the musician a treat on that day. Same day, 9ice, one of Nigeria’s finest singers, shared cute photos of self on Instagram. He went on to shower accolades on his parents for all they are doing for him. “Thanks to my mum for giving birth to me. Never regretted coming to the world through her! Thanks to my dad for just not the sperm but the advice, the time, the commitment and the prayers. Thanks to my wife for always waking me up with prayers not for her but for me. We all need more prayers,” he wrote.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Diane Yashim Dazzles on the Red Carpet Former housemate of Big Brother Naija, Diane Yashim, stole the show on the Red Carpet during the preview of The Legend of Inikpi in Lagos last Sunday. She came prepared looking like a goddess.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sweet Loving Words from Busola to Dakolo Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I

t was a special day for popular Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo on Monday January 20, 2020 as he marked his birthday. The award winning singer who clocked 39 is appreciative of life. To mark the special day with him, his wife Busola took to social media to celebrate her husband and wish him a happy birthday. For the birthday wish, the celebrity photographer took to Instagram to shower the father of her children with sweet loving words.

Busola Dakolo described the soul singer as her jewel of inestimable value. While sharing a studio photo of her husband in her post, the beautiful wife and mother of three wrote: “Happy birthday to my ride or die @timidakolo. My jewel of inestimable value. #worldTimiDay.” In his own post, to celebrate his special day, the inspirational musician acknowledged being grateful for a lot in life.

Dakolo, in his caption, explained all the beautiful things he would be doing in 2020 and promised to be crazily creative with his music and “will make sure to laugh a lot in the New Year.” He wrote: “Happy birthday to me. I will laugh a lot this year.

So if you see laughing hard just remember I said so. I would sing my best songs yet.

I would travel a lot. I would know God more. I would be creatively crazy. I would make me proud.”

Busola, who tied the knots with her sweetheart, Timi in 2012 has had the best of marriage. For followers and fans of the couple, this will not come as a surprise as the Dakolos have often depicted a beauty in what Nigerian families and marriage values should depict.

In more ways than one, Timi also showed a different side to Nigerian men as he stood by his wife during the viral rape saga with COZA pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo.

The ‘Iyawo Mi’ crooner spent the past year fighting for justice on behalf of his wife, Busola. On his career side, it would be recalled that Timi emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Soon after winning the singing reality TV show, Timi hugged limelight.

Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes.

Last year, barely weeks after signing a record deal with UK based Virgin EMI Records, a subsidiary of the prestigious Universal Music Group in November, his new album of the deal was featured on the BBC Radio 2 playlist for the month of December, which also featured holiday/ Christmas songs from other top music stars.

The singer was acknowledged for his recent holiday theme album, “Merry Christmas, Darling,” which has award winning British singer/songwriter, Emeli Sande as guest artiste.

“Merry Christmas, Darling” is an impressive eleven tracks record featuring collaborations with prominent artistes from different regions of the world including Eric Benet, Kenny G, Laura Bretan and The Eben Voices of Gabon Choir. Timi Dakolo was also recently interviewed in The Times, a UK newspaper for his Merry Christmas Darling album. The singer recently shared the album titled track accompanied with the visuals. Every fan of the soul singer recognises him as a top talent in the music industry.

The singing star has proved to be a bundle of talent, hard work and consistency. Timi Dakolo released his first single comprising three songs in October 2009. In 2011, he released the song There’s a Cry. From releasing the Beautiful Noise album in 2011 and having popular songs like Iyawo Mi, The Vow and Wish Me Well, he went on to become a judge on The Voice Nigeria singing competition, where he took on the challenge to mentor Idyl – the 2017 winner.

Busola andTimi Dakolo

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 25, 2020

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Zlatan

Tiwa Savage

Zlatan Thrills with ‘Zanku to the World’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

P

opular hip-hop artiste, Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, better known as Zlatan Ibile was in red hot form last Sunday night at his “Zanku to The World Concert” held at the New African Shrine, Lagos. He performed his first single for the year – Quilox - as fans and lovers of the music star almost squawked down the roof. One of the highlights of the night was the surprise performance by Tiwa Savage.

Zlatan brought the selfacclaimed Number One African Bad Girl on stage for a joint performance. They both performed their hit single “Shotan” to the admiration of the crowd.

It was all fun and excitement as the singers jointly thrilled their fans. But before her performance, Tiwa took a tour of the legendary Shrine, looking simple and cute in a black gown and rocking her chic haircut.

The 39-year-old singer and mum of one gave an electrifying performance alongside Zlatan.

A number of artistes showed up to support Zlatan on the night. Zlatan later took to his Instagram page where he announced that the show was sold out.

He went on to thank all his fans for their support. “Sold Out Again. Another tremendous way to begin the year, thanks to my supporters and team for always making this a magic. #ZTTW,” he wrote.

On January 1, Zlatan announced the kickoff of his record label, Zanku Records,

on his social media handles.

On Twitter, he shared the news with the label’s logo and the caption: “I’m a different breed, say hello to CEO of Zanku Records”.

He went on to write, “I have the best fans on earth,” he wrote on Instagram. Continuing, he said: “The love at the #ZankuLive was amazing! It was totally Zankufied and in appreciation, I want to give another experience to my people on the Mainland. Get ready to experience the night of your lives at the ‘Zanku to the world concert’ – Mainland Invasion! January 19, at the New African Shrine.” Indeed, the January 19 show was great.

Zlatan is popularly known for his Zanku dance steps which have been the most trending dance in the country since last year. And the logo of his new record label clearly

portrays the dance.

The Nigerian singer, songwriter and dancer, had gained exposure following his collaboration with Chinko Ekun and Lil Kesh on the 2018 hit single “Able God”.

Shortly afterwards, he dropped “Zanku”, a song that was accompanied by a dance routine of the same name. In November 2019, he released his debut studio album Zanku, an acronym for Zlatan Abeg No Kills Us. The music star ’s first concert in Lagos, titled, ‘Zlatan Live’ was held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos on December 19, 2019. Some of the upcoming acts who performed before Zlatan were Blaqbonez, CKay, Picazo Rhap, Yomi Blaize and so forth. Big names who performed were Naira Marley, Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Styl Plus, Yonda, Dremo, Lyta, CDQ, MOJO and Bella Shmurda.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 25, 2020 •T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25 ,2020

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NEWS XTRA

EFCC to Monitor Votes Buyers as Police Pledge Security During Rerun Elections Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Okon Bassey in Uyo, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to monitor and apprehend politicians during rerun elections today just as the police have assured of security in Bauchi and other places where elections hold today.

Bauchi Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),DSP Jamal Datti Abubakar on behalf of the

Commissioner of Police Friday said, “There will be total restriction of movement of persons and vehicles on the election day between 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m. in the affected areas where election will take place, except personnel on essential duties who must carry their valid identification card.”

This is as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Akwa Ibom State said 1,005 personnel have been deployed to conduct the rerun election in the 159 polling units and 219 voting points

in Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini disclosed this yesterday while addressing officials deployed to Essien Udim to conduct the re-run elections in the area; warning the officials against negating the core value of the commission in handling the Saturday’s re-run election.

Also, Ahead of today’s senatorial election rerun, the Peoples

Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has accused the former Governor of the state and now Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio of planning to reenact violence as witnessed in the state in the 2019 general elections.

Sokoto zonal office EFCC said ahead of rerun in Sokoto State, its men were watching politicians who would like to procure votes from the electorate.

Briefing journalists at the zonal

office at Sama Road, Sokoto, the zonal head Abdullahi Lawal said every electorate has a right to vote for whoever he or she wishes without financial inducement.

“Let me tell you buying and selling of votes are serious financial crime,” he added.

Lawal further explained that during last general election the commission had arrested one Umar Gagi for vote buying and he is now facing trial before justice Bargaja of the Sokoto State High Court.

According to the EFCC boss, the commission Monday had meeting with compliance managers of all financial institutions in the state intimating them of suspicious withdrawal of money.

He stated that the commission had devised a technology to track suspected transactions during this period and after stressing that they have alerted some informants to come up with intelligence information in a bid to track the perpetuators.

Lawan: N’Assembly Ready to Challenge Any Infraction By Executive Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has given an assurance that the Ninth National Assembly will not hesitate to challenge any infraction on the part of the Executive as the Assembly resumes from recess next Tuesday.

He also stressed that on no condition will the Assembly be distracted from carrying out its mandatory legislative duties.

Speaking on Friday morning shortly after returning from a threeweek private visit abroad, Lawan declared that “where we feel that there is a breach of procedures and processes by the executive arm of government, we will insist that the right things are done.

“So it doesn’t mean that because we are peaceful and that we are cordial with the executive arm of government that we are rubber stamp but that is something that will not distract us.”

According to him, no amount of blackmail will discourage the present Assembly from working with the

executive arm of government for the betterment of the people.

Lawan who was responding to a belated birthday presentation by his North East Support Group at Dutse Airport in Jigawa State on his way to his Yobe North Senatorial District in Yobe State, emphasised that: “The ninth National Assembly is a National Assembly that is focused, that is united, that is determined to make a positive difference in the lives of Nigerians.

“We are so terribly misunderstood that when we say that we are going to work with the executive arm of government in a very harmonious and productive manner, some people, some out of misunderstanding, some out of mischief, say it’s a rubber stamp National Assembly.

“But let me say this: no amount of distractions or blackmail will stop us from being united in the National Assembly for the benefit of Nigerians who elected us and nothing will discourage us from working with the executive arm of government for the betterment of our country.

No Man can Unseat Obaseki in Edo, Boasts Umahi Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki

Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. David Umahi, has extolled the leadership qualities of his Edo counterpart, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, adding that no man could unseat the governor in Edo because of the good work which the governor was doing for the people of the state.

Obaseki has been having leadership battle with the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State which threatens the governor’s second term bid.

The governor further congratulated Obaseki, adding that his vast knowledge and experience in the private sector could not be wished away.

But speaking when the Southern Governors Wives Forum led by Obaseki’s wife, Betsy, paid him a courtesy in Government House Abakaliki, Umahi said that no matter what anybody would do, God had the final say.

The meeting was attended

by 10 wives of the Governors of Edo, Betsy Obaseki; Ebonyi, Rachel Umahi; Enugu, Monica Ugwuanyi; Osun, Kafat Oyetola; Cross River, Dr. Linda Ayade; Engr. Tamunominini Makinde of Oyo; Mrs. Bisi Fayemi; Nkechinyere Ikpeazu of Abia; Dame Edit Okowa of Delta State; Mrs. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom.

Umahi said: “Power belongs to God and no matter what anybody will do, it is God that has the final say and I can assure you Ma, you know as an apostle of the most high God I also prophesy. And because of the good work your husband is doing for the people of Edo State, no man can unset him.

“I made this statement so that the glory of God will become larger. It happened here in Ebonyi, I have a testimony of what God can do. Even in our NEC meeting, when Obaseki speaks, you see Economics. You see a man that came from private sector background. And so, we can’t wish that away. So, congratulations to you in advance and to all of us.

REWARDING GOOD PERFORMANCE. . .

Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi (middle); assisted by his wife, Margaret Peter-Obi (left), receiving THISDAY Award of the ‘Governor of the Decade’ from Chief Ayo Adebanjo (right), at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

Court Jails First Class Undergraduate 13 Years James Sowole in Akure

A Federal High Court, Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a final year First Class undergraduate student of a private university in Ondo State Fisayo Adetoro to a cumulative 13 years in prison.

Adetoro, a final year student of Business Administration, with a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 4.5 was found guilty of impersonation, forgery and money laundering, was also ordered to pay a fine of one million naira in addition to prison sentence.

Adetoro was convicted by Justice Folashade Olubanjo

of the Federal High Court 1, Akure, in a criminal case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan zonal office.

He was originally arraigned on January 18, 2017 on a sixcount charge, but pleaded not-guilty to all the charges.

The convict was said have falsely presented himself to be Bawa Mohammed Sanni to defraud his victims to the tune of thousands of United States Dollars.

He was also accused of using the fake name to register for a Nigerian Driver’s Licence bearing his photograph, as well as laundering sums running to

millions of naira.

The EFCC, represented

by Dr. Ben Ubi and Sanusi Galadanchi, called five witnesses, including two victims of his money laundering activities, to prove its case, while the accused called three witnesses.

After evaluating the arguments on both sides, the trial judge found Adetoro guilty in four of the six charges.

He was sentenced to two years for falsification of documents (Count 2). and three years for uttering official document (Counts 3 and 4).

The court sentenced him to five years imprisonment with a fine of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira) for money laundering

(Count 6). The jail terms are to run concurrently.

Justice Olubanjo, however, considered the convict for suspended sentence of six months community service.

The judge yielded to his counsel’s pleadings which were premised on his health, academic standing and the fact that he had refunded all the money he fraudulently collected.

The suspended sentence, according to the court, would only stand if he observes the days without breaking. The judge warned that if he misses one day within the six months stretch, the original sentence would be fully effected

Ijaw Groups Seek Restructuring of Amnesty Programme Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Leaders of Educational Rights Agitation of the Ijaws (ERAI) and the Ijaws in Oil and Gas have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently reposition the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The groups also passed a vote of no confidence on the present leadership of the office.

President of ERAI, Mr. Johnny Ebimienfi and Tactical Head of Ijaw in

Oil and Gas, Comrade Bibba Warekuromor made the call yesterday at a press briefing, alleging that on-going corruption in the Amenty Office under watch of the present leadership of the programme is not what Niger Deltans needed from the office at this point in time.

According to them, “Ex-agitators are yet to be trained and stakeholders that needs complete revitalisation from the Amnesty office have been

continually disappointed by the present leadership of the programme.

ERAI and Ijaws in Oil and Gas alleged that the 2019 Christmas Carol party organised by the Amenty Office was another sad episode since the history of the creation of the Amnesty office.

He noted that money was spent lavishly at a time when students were stranded in their various higher institutions abroad and others were yet to

go for training as well as many grappling with series of challenges in the office. ‘’We have critically made assessment from previous leaderships in the Amnesty Office and have come to the conclusion that the present leadership is the worse ever. ‘’We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to put to an end to this wastage in the Amnesty Office by urgently replacing the present leadership with an Ijaw man from Delta State,’’ the groups said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍłËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWSXTRA

P&ID: UK Court Issues Timeline for Nigeria’s Motion to Set Aside $9.6bn Award Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË A Commercial Court in the United Kingdom has set timeline for the hearing of an application

by Nigeria seeking to set aside an arbitral award against her by the court.

An Irish firm, Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) had last August secured a whopping $9.6 billion judgment against Nigeria over alleged failure to execute a 20-year Gas Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) the company had with the federal

government.

However Nigeria has since appealed the judgment, claiming that it was obtained by fraud.

Meanwhile at yesterday’s proceedings, the UK court set a timeline for the hearing of Nigeria's application.

According to a statement by Dr. Umar Gwandu, SA Media and Public Relations (Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice), the UK took the decision at a scheduled Case Management Conference (CMC).

Dr. Gwandu stated that the CMC was held for the Court to decide procedural issues relating to Nigeria's application to set aside the arbitral award on the basis that it was procured by fraud and corruption.

He added that P&ID was however given 28 days to respond to the application for the extension of the time to challenge the arbitral award.

"A timetable has now been fixed for a hearing to decide if our application can be brought outside the normal time limits.

"This is another positive milestone in the Federation's fight to overturn this award," he said.

The statement noted that based on new and credible evidence discovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it is increasingly clear that

P&ID “contract� was a highly orchestrated scam, involving a cover-up by ministers at the highest levels of office in the previous administration.

The statement claimed that the officials, who were entrusted to safeguard the future and assets of Nigeria, knowingly entered into

the sham GSPA, and deliberately failed to defend the Federation in the ensuing arbitral proceedings.

"It is telling that to date, P&ID have said nothing to rebut these allegations of fraud. These issues will now be before the Court to consider in relation to the Federation's challenge to this award.

30 Trafficked Female Nigerians Return from Mali Chinedu Eze About 30 female Nigerians suspected to have been trafficked out of the country yesterday voluntarily returned from Mali, French speaking West African nation.

The women returned vanquished and frustrated when they failed to transit from Mali to Europe, their initially planned destination. This was disclosed by the Nigerian Immigration

Service, Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, which confirmed that it recently refused to allow nine Nigerian women from travelling out of the country because it suspected they were being trafficked.

The returnees from Mali narrated a harrowing experience in Mali where they lived a life of penury and hopelessness; until they were assisted by the International Organisation of Migration (IOM).

Rail Project: Amaechi Delighted

By Improved Pace of Work Kasim Sumaina Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Oluchi Chibuzor

The Minister of Transportation, RotimiAmeachi,hasrevealedthat thereisaremarkableimprovement achieved in Lagos-Ibadan standardgaugerailwaylineasagainst when he last visited a week ago.

To this end, informed that he is almost out of Lagos to focus on the next project starting from Ibadan-Kano.

The minister disclosed this yesterday after an inspection tour with journalists at the Ebute-Metta Office of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), alongside Chairman, CCECC Group and Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

According to him, "if you look at the work going on, you will agree with me that if they maintain the manner of work we saw today, I think we should be able to commence activities on the track very soon. As far as I am concerned, mentally, I am almost out of Lagos and want to focus on Kano, Kaduna, Ibadan to Ilorin.

He said: "We showed that a bit by calling them to a meeting with their lawyers and our lawyers.

The original time for the contract is May. They made an argument that you cannot not fault that they were given additional work of six months. And if you add additional six months to that time, you are talking about next year. So instead of looking at law, look more on practicality and compel them to speed up. “By the time we met yesterday I realised it was not important I talked about the law, but the additional work in stations, tracks, under passes, flyovers and literally everything affected the time of completion.� “Somebody advised me not to talk about the completion date anymore and just continue working.

I won’t tell you my conversation with the CCECC Chairman, but let’s wait till February 20th when we will be coming back to inspect.

Speaking on some other factors that have delayed the project, the minister said the Chinese contractor did not continue with the various equipment and manpower they used at the start of the project, noting that government would be compelling them to match the speed of work with the right equipment and manpower at various sites.

Informed source from Immigration disclosed that the young women travelled by road to Mali and were expected to connect Europe only to be marooned in Mali where they fell in with the wrong crowd and were made to work as prostitutes in the West Africa country.

A senior Immigration official confirmed the rescue but refused to give further details on the ladies but stated that they were in the country and would be processed and handed to the right authorities for reintegration and counseling.

Immigration explained that from January 23-24, 2020, the nine young women were denied departure from the MMIA while intending to travel to the Middle East countries of Lebanon and Dubai from Lagos.

He explained that a lot of such cases were recorded and that Immigration may not intercept them all but are keeping keen eyes out for human traffickers and those trafficked.

He also explained that a lot needs to be done in sensitising the youths and keeping them from such endeavours that might destroy them in the long run.

PART OF THE CELEBRATION...

L-R: Former THISDAY Editor and Media Adviser to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Mr. Tunde Rahman (left), and another former Editor of the newspaper and Special Assistant, Media to Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Mr. Laurence Ani, at THISDAY Awards and 25 years anniversary celebration on Monday in Lagos

Ooni Honours Sujimoto, Others with Award The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi-OjajaIIhasrecognised some prominent Nigerians for their contributions and achivements to enhance good living and humanity.

Among those present at the ceremony were the United Arab Emirate Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Fahad Al-Taffaq; and the Minister for Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare; who presented an award of excellence to Sijibomi Ogundele, Funke Adesiyan, Eyitope Kola Oyeneyin, Seyi Awolowo and many other young Nigerian

Entrepreneurs, at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum, held in Oduduwa hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Speaking on the award, Mr. Ogundele, the CEO of Sujimoto Group stated that “it was a great honour to have received this call to duty and recognition from the most distinguish frontline traditional ruler in Africa - His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. This award of excellence is a continuous reminder that he who works hard will stand before Kings because I strongly

Judiciary: Financial Autonomy Gets Green Light in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹

Hopes have brightened for the much-talked-about financial autonomy for the third arm of government at the state level following the passage of the Delta State Judiciary Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill into law by the Delta State House ofAssembly yesterday.

In his remarks, Speaker, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who

presided over the House plenary, described the passage of the bill as a crucial milestone for democracy particularly in Delta State.

The passage of the bill will give necessary legal muscle to the financial autonomy constitutionally granted the judicial arm of government to enhance accountability and good governance in the state.

Oborevwori gave insight into the process saying, "At the Committee of the Whole,

Members painstakingly went through the Delta State Judiciary Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill. Contributions and amendments were made by members, which aided us in the consideration of the bill."

He commended the committee and members for the dedication and patriotic zeal in towards ensuring rigorous by timely consideration of the bill, leading to its successful passage.

"Esteemed colleagues, I con-

gratulate all of us on a job well done. The passage of this Bill is a huge milestone for democracy in Delta State.

"Without a doubt, this Bill will strengthen the financial autonomy granted to the Judicial Arm of Government and ensure accountability, transparency and efficiency in the utilisation of the funds which shall accrue to the Judiciary from the State's Consolidated Revenue Fund," the speaker said.

believe that there is no nobility in poverty and it doesn’t matter whether you are from Ikorodu or Ikoyi, immediately you substitute recklessness for diligence, your true potential becomes a reality. “The Ooni’s palace brought back many beautiful memories of my childhood. I was born into a family just 10 km from this palace, around the famous mountains of ‘Eremo’. I can still recall the great stories my father told me of the exploits of the Oonis, the worldwide impact, rich and dynamic culture of Ile-Ife, whose influence has been the pillar of the Yoruba nation, dating back to 1400 A.D. “38 years later, here I am standing in the same room with great leaders and in the presence of my most revered King, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, 51st Ooni of Ife.�

Speaking about his award, Mr. Ogundele remarked that “This, to me, is not just an award. This is a symbol of responsibility-to uphold the Omoluabi spirit — the spirit of integrity, the spirit of perseverance, and the spirit of nobility.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 25, 2020

SPORTS XTRA

Oshoala, Adubea Rekindle Nigeria-Ghana Rivalry as Barca Take on Huelva Nigeria ‘s Asisat Oshoala will lead the attack for Barcelona as they take on Ghana’s Princella Adubea of Sporting Huelva in the Spanish Copa de la Reina Round of 16 tie,

following Friday’s draw.

Oshoala scored the winner last October against Sporting with fourAfricans in Nigeria’s Peace Efih, Gambia-Spanish born Fatuomata Kanteh and

Ghana’s Adubea and Enerstina Abambila.

This term, Sporting must squeeze past the Spanish giants in February’s clash in a bid to avoid an early exit after

they were bounced out via penalties by Rayo Vallecano last season.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale will defend the colours of Tacon when

they face Ghana’s Priscilla Okyere of Rayo Vallecano while Nigeria’s Toni Payne of Sevilla take on Levante.

Defending champions Real Sociedad will be up against Nigeria duo Chidinma Okeke and Rita Chikwelu’s Madrid, while Namibia’s Zenatha Coleman will lead Valencia against Deportivo la Coruna.

Also, Cameroon’s Michaela Abam and Nigeria’s Alice Ogebe will aim to help Real

Betis edge past last season’s runners-up Atletico Madrid.

While, Cameroon’s Rassia Feudjio and Cote d’Ivoire’s Ange N’Guessan will feature for Tenerife against Athletic Club.

Logrono will be counting on Africans like Cote d’Ivoire’s Ida Guehai, Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and Equatorial Guinea duo Dorine Chuigoue and Jade Boho to see off Espanyol.

Solskjaer Says there is ‘No Quick Fix’ for Man Utd Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says

Asisat Oshoala

Australian Open

Gauff, 15, Shocks Defending Champion Osaka in Third Round American teenager Coco Gauff produced a performance for the ages to knock out defending Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka yesterday.

The 15-year-old has already made headlines around the world but none of her achievements so far could compare to this as she took apart one of the best players in the world on Rod Laver Arena.

Gauff showed just how far she has come since Osaka produced a

complete performance to beat her for the loss of three games at the US Open as she completed a stunning 6-3 6-4 success in 67 minutes.

Gauff was stunned by her achievement, saying: “Two years ago I lost first round in juniors, and now I’m here. This is crazy.

“I was just telling myself one point at a time and keep fighting because you never know what happens on this court.

“I’m on Rod Laver

Arena, I can’t believe this.”

She was rock solid and took advantage of an error-strewn display from Osaka who became the third former Australian Open winner to bow out after Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki, who won the title in 2017 and 2018, lost their respective matches at Melbourne Park earlier in the day.

The teenager was trading well with Osaka from the back of the court and, as the first set progressed, it was

the defending champion who started to snatch at her shots, missing a succession of backhands.

The American is the youngest player to beat a top-five ranked opponent since Jennifer Capriati toppled Gabriela Sabatini at the 1991 US Open.

Laver was quick to respond on Twitter, saying: “Hello CocoGauff congratulations on your incredible victory tonight.

I would love to meet you too.”

Norwich Loan Out Odusina to Ladies European Tour increases National League Club Hartlepool Prize Fund to £15.2m English Premier League club Norwich City have confirmed that promising Nigerian defender Timi Odusina will be spending the remainder of the 2019-2020 season on loan at National League club Hartlepool.

The 20-year-old is being loaned out for the second time in recent seasons, having spent a portion of the 2018-2019 campaign at AFC Fylde.

He has reunited with manager Dave Challinor, who coached him during his loan spell with AFC Fylde.

Odusina has been at Nor-

wich City since the age of fourteen after joining from Arsenal, and signed his first professional contract in 2016.

Injuries have limited his appearances to only four games for the Canaries in the Premier League 2 this term.

The new Hartlepool number 12 is in contention to make his competitive debut in tomorrow’s league game against Stockport County at The Super 6 Stadium.

After playing 31 games in the division, Hartlepool are eleventh in the table with 41 points.

Players on the 2020 Ladies European Tour (LET) will play for a record £15.2m total prize money, a £3.9m increase from 2019.

There will be 24 LET events, four more than last year and nine up on 2018.

The UK will host one of the new events, offering £835,000 in prize money, with the location yet to be announced.

“I couldn’t be more excited about what’s been achieved to improve the schedule,” said Europe’s Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew.

“This is a tour that existing players and those joining for the first time should be proud

to be part of.”

The revamped schedule has been put together as a result of a joint venture between the LET andtheLPGA,whichwasformed toincreaseplayingopportunities forfemalegolfersinEurope.The 2020seasonbeginson20February attheAustralianLadiesClassicin NewSouthWalesandendswith theAndalucíaCostadelSolOpen in November.

The new Race to Costa del Sol, which replaces the Ladies European Tour Order of Merit, offersanextra£210,000 to the top three finishers in the order of merit, with the number one player receiving £107,000 of that pot.

there is no “quick fix” to improve his squad.

Pressure is mounting on Solskjaer to make January signings after Wednesday’s 2-0 home defeat by Burnley. It was a second straight Premier League loss and the players were jeered.

“We’ve had one proper transfer window and we’re trying to do something now,” said Solskjaer, who took over - initially on an interim basis - in December 2018. During the summer transfer window, United spent over £130m on defenders, bringing in Harry Maguire from Leicester City and Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace, and also signed winger Daniel James from Swansea City.

Solskjaer referenced the squad-building at Liverpool since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015, with the Reds now 16 points clear at the top of the Premier League and the reigning European champions.

“Jurgen Klopp spent four years building his team and they’re doing well now,” said the Norwegian.

“It’s not going be a quick fix - eight or 10 players in the transfer window.

“We can’t react to all the noise outside. There’ll be criticism - you’ve got to take it, you’ve got to be stronger mentally.

“I am, the club is. The staff are very strong mentally and we’re sticking to what we believe in. I’ve got full faith.”

BBC Sport understands Solskjaer, who succeeded Jose Mourinho, still has the support of the Old Trafford board and the 46-year-old insisted he has been “trusted” to rebuild the squad.

“When you start on something you stick to that plan.

I’m not going to change, six, nine or 10 months into the job and believe in a different way.

“The foundation has to be laid and the culture properly set and laid down. This group is a good core of players who believe in what we’re doing to carry us forward with signings and players coming back.

“You need to knock the house down, you don’t just start with the roof. We’ve had some rainy days and wish that roof was on, but we can’t hide.

“All my conversations with the club have been positive.”

Looking ahead to the Red Devils’ FA Cup fourth-round tie at League One side Tranmere Rovers on Sunday, Solskjaer revealed defender Victor Lindelof has recovered form illness and should feature. He added he has prepared his players for “divots” in the playing surface at Prenton Park.

“The pitch is not great but that’s the same for both of us and the players just have to be focused,” said Solskjaer.

“Everyone’s got to be focused with the bounce of the ball.”

Coco Gauff

TR

Saturday, January 25, 2020

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Afe Babalola on Amotekun “The South-west governors have the right to protect their people because that is the ultimate responsibility of responsive government.

Amotekun doesn’t only have roots in the 1999 Constitution but other previous constitutions” – Lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Afe Babalola, urging the federal government to support the South-west security outfit code-named Amotekun.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Time to Go on Voluntary Sabbatical

F

ellow Nigerians, let me confess that I used to have so much hope in the possibility and viability of one indivisible Nigeria, but that pipe dream has waned drastically and seems about to burst dramatically. Please, forgive my bluntness. When a man is fast approaching 60 like me, you begin to turn from an optimist to a pessimist. What haven’t we tried, to make our country greater and better than it was in the colonial days and possibly into the 1970’s and to ensure our leaders are far more responsible and responsive, but it seems that our collective efforts have always been doomed to failure and thus we have come to the sorry pass where we can only lament that we have failed.

I have always believed that one should always be truthful to oneself. There is a Yoruba saying that two people can never be victims of lies simultaneously because “if the person being lied to does not know it, the person telling the lie knows the truth.” Such is the situation we have found ourselves in.

Ironically, in our situation both the teller and the ‘tellee’, to borrow the language of lawyers, know the truth but still are determined to continue telling and living the lie!!!

Let me say it loud and clear that, I do not understand why some people appear to prefer war to peace. One thing I remind myself of on a daily basis is the inevitability of departing this sinful world someday. The Grim Reaper will come calling for each and every one of us at some appointed time and day. Nobody can cheat death. It is what happens after death that has been the source of serious debate. I do not think that it is a coincidence that whether you believe it or not, practically all religions agree on life after death. That we are heading somewhere, wherever and whenever the destined time comes. It is also the belief that once the race on earth is run, we must all answer to a higher being for our deed and misdeeds on earth. Murder, by any name called, is a cardinal sin, and it is only natural to expect that those who kill for the mere sake of it, or on the basis of some misguided notion of piety, do so at the peril of their eternal soul. So why then do the so-called believers of whatever religious persuasion behave like rabid infidels? Why do they kill in the name of ethnicity and religion? Why do they destroy the land and wreak havoc on the helpless and defenceless? Why do they savour the sight of blood as if it is vintage red wine?

Why do they despise their fellow humans so much that they issue wicked threats in torrents? Why can’t we co-exist in peace and unity and live happily thereafter? Too many questions begging desperately for answers.

To say I love my dear beloved country, Nigeria, is an understatement, but I cannot say with equal degree of certainty that a country I love so passionately loves me in similar fashion. Right from my birth in 1960, a few months before our Independence, all I have known as far back as my childhood memories can capture is a state of anarchy.

I remember “Operation Wet e” of the old Western Nigeria and then so soon after that for a growing child the pains and pangs of the Civil War. Since then it has been one form of internecine strife or the other based on ethnicity or religion and, sometimes, even

Buhari

both. No country on planet is perfect, but our headache is just too much.

I often sit down and ask, why do we have to know ourselves, and be known for this kind of things. Why can’t we have uninterrupted power supply like all normal nations and be applauded for it, especially since we have all the natural and human resources to make it happen? The answer has been rudely elusive. Nearby in Ghana, yes, I prefer to use examples of African countries, instead of Europe and America, before my very eyes, the old Gold Coast plunged into raven darkness, nicknamed ‘Dumsor’. And still, before my very eyes, ‘Dumsor’ was conquered and sentenced and banished to eternal damnation within a couple of years. But our situation of incessant power outages, crude darkness has remained unabashedly irredeemable, adamantly recalcitrant, ruthlessly repugnant and stupidly shameless. Out of curiosity, I have tried to carry out my investigations and I only came up with hundreds of reasons why we cannot have light. The more I searched for answers, the more I got confused. But eventually my suspicions got confirmed as all the myriad of reason led to just one inescapable conclusion. And my verdverdict led me in one direction, failure of leadership.

What do I mean? I must immediately stress that I have no intention of labelling, ridiculing or lampooning anyone. This is not about one person. It is something systemic and structural. So, let me now explain what I believe the problem has been and the way forward. A good leader must first believe in his country and see every citizen as a member of his own family. A leader must never see himself as being bigger and more important than others who must worship him as Lord and Saviour. A leader ought to be the servant of the people and do everything possible to serve meritoriously.

But what do we have in Nigeria? Leaders who live on Cloud 10 and behave like Overlords, Emperors and maximum Rulers.

As broke as it is claimed that our country is, it has never reflected on our leaders and their families, particularly whilst they still occupy that vaunted position of leadership.

They live larger than life, as if that’s all there

is to life. So, in short, our first problem is wanton profligacy. If we can reduce the atrocious spending on useless enjoyment, Nigeria will have more money for capital developments. It is embarrassing for us to squander, waste and fritter away our resources and still have the temerity to borrow money for sinful pleasure and undisguised decadence.

Another feature of our gross indiscipline and lack of leadership is the nature and state of our civil service, which is too unwieldy, in any event. And the workers from top to bottom are not usually employed, appointed or promoted on merit but by special arrangements. It is more about who you know than what you know. So, I believe nothing will improve until we learn to do things appropriately and follow proper procedures. We cannot continue to wallow in the wake of mediocrity, ineptitude and incompetence on the altar of championing parochialism and bigotry. Federal character, which has been the tool used to supplant excellence with inferiority should never be an invitation to incompetent people to partake in a so-called national cake. It should serve as an opportunity to provide an outlet for the millions of talents that litter every part of Nigeria to be drafted into nation building.

As a way of reducing our problems, Nigerian leaders should have pity and mercy on the country by reducing their acquisitive tendencies, in all ramifications.

Government needs to save money on all fronts for Nigeria to survive these perilous times.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo did well in this area by paying off our debts, at least he managed to get some of it forgiven.

However, what little benefit was derived from this venture, the carpetbaggers have since turned on its head and returned us to those inglorious days when our debts were a yoke on us with the result that our debts have hit the roofs again. One of the attractions of a Buhari presidency was the belief that he would be extremely frugal and prudent, managing our resources to such an extent that we would constantly have a budget surplus and live well within our means, but this expectation has since gone up in smoke!

What is noticeable today is a flamboyant Presidency that seems to have lost its moral authority in controlling the poverty ravaging the land, which has led to a horde of impoverished Nigerians furious not just with their leaders, but angry with their country.

Whether they agree or not, Nigerians have never suffered this much, and I can see much more coming ahead unless a miracle happens and those running our affairs change their style of governance to something much more creative, imaginative and progressive.

Government all over, must realise that they need to do good for the people. Democracy properly practised would be the beginning of the long road to salvation for our country.

It would make for the accountability and selflessness which we are so sorely lacking now.

Some of us have been telling this government the truth, but it seems they prefer to listen to the liars who tell them all is well. All is not well, please, let’s stop deceiving ourselves and call a spade a spade.

One day, when this government expires, like it must, no matter how long it stays in power, Nigerians would be shocked to hear what ssome of the people claiming to love Buhari today will say about and against him. We have seen and heard it all before. Leopards do not change their spots no matter what cloaks you may try to cover them with. It is then that President Buhari would understand and appreciate the chicanery of vipers in human skin.

I have stopped worrying about the usual groans about our abysmal state of underdevelopment and infrastructural decay.

My hope and belief are that one day, we will get things right, even though it would need a minor miracle to accomplish that. So, we are used to all the failings in our socioeconomic existence and we have proffered our individual solutions. However, I have a major worry. It is the virtual collapse of our democratic institutions, one after the other. They came for the Local Government officials and we pretended not to see or know, and we moved on. They attacked the National and State legislators, we shrugged our shoulders and simply moved further on.

They lunged at the Judiciary, finding their soft underbelly, we hailed the stormtroopers and screamed “crucify them, they are thieves,” and we moved along. Now, they have come for the Governors and my friends in the legal profession have taught and lectured me that anything is possible in law, so Emeka Ihedioha has no remedy.

In short, there is no patriotism any more in the land. Injustice and unfairness reigns supreme. There is nothing like the rule of law. Nobody even pays lip service to that anymore. No-one is willing to raise a voice to challenge what is a debilitating attack on our very core and soul because it seems that we do not believe in the Nigerian project again. All manner of ill-will and ill-wind appears to be buffeting and ravaging our nation. It is just as if a cyclone of the worst of human traits has suddenly afflicted our country. Corruption has refused to be tamed.

Integrity has long since gone out of the window. Justice is no longer a word to be found in our lexicon. Those who were beating the sectional drums and who we derided and treated with scorn are now in the ascendancy. Everybody now seems to want to follow their primordial instincts rather than joins hands to collectively forge a great and united Nigeria.

How can we continue to watch so helplessly and, now, so hopelessly? I must confess that I’m tired and have decided to take a sabbatical from the politics of Nigeria and Nigerian politicians. I’m not convinced majority of our people are ready for their own liberation and redemption. They have become used to suffering, abuse and degradation. I believe Nigerians have now conditioned their body and soul to receive the merciless battering that they are getting from soulless persons professing to run our various governments nationwide, and we are now in a state of sombre stupor and forlorn somnambulism.

Don’t they say “a man who’s down fears no fall...”

Let’s start writing about other topics and places. Is there really anything better to do in this season of anomy? God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria...

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