SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY 2020

Trump Bans Nigerians from Being Issued US Immigrant Visa Restriction takes effect February 21, Eritrea, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan also affected Bennett Oghifo with agency report President Donald Trump of the United States has imposed an Immigrant Visa

ban on Nigeria and three other countries - Eritrea, Myanmar, Kyrgyzstan, in an expansion of its policy blocking travel from seven other nations.

Immigrant visa is issued to

those relocating to the United States. Observers fear the ban may lead to some restrictions on the regular American visitor visa.

Citizens from Nigeria,

Eritrea, Myanmar and Kyrgyzstan won’t be allowed to apply for visas to immigrate to the U.S. under the policy, which the Trump administration said

was designed to tighten security for countries that don’t comply with the U.S. minimum security standards or cooperate to prevent illegal immigration.

Two other countries, Sudan and Tanzania, will be barred from participating in the diversity visa lottery, which Continued on page 5

Teenage Bomber Kills 4 in Maiduguri, Bandits Abduct District Head in Zamfara‌Page 8 Saturday 1 February, 2020 Vol 25. No 9063

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Uzodinnma Meets Buhari, Boasts S’Court Won’t Reverse His Victory Oshiomhole: Returning officer who declared Ihedioha winner senile Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Imo State Governor, Hope Adams Oshiomhole, as the Uzodinma was yesterday in new governor of the state and Abuja formally introduced to he came out of the meeting President Muhammadu Buhari expressing optimism that

the Supreme Court will not reverse the victory earlier given to him.

Uzodinma, who spoke to State House correspondents after the meeting, said he was

unperturbed by the decision of the ousted governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha, to approach the Supreme Court to reverse its judgment which returned him as the

winner of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the state.

He said given that the stipulated 60 days within which post-election petitions

should be exhausted had elapsed, Ihedioha’s return to the apex court was an exercise in futility.

Continued on page 5

Coronavirus Spread: WHO Lists Nigeria Among High Risk Countries FG sets up vigilance group Lai Mohammed: We won’t stop Nigerians from travelling to China Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Martins IďŹ jeh in Lagos The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday listed Nigeria among 13 African countries identified as high-risk for the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

A statement from WHO said the identified African countries have direct links or a high volume of travel to China.

The other countries listed are Algeria, Angola, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.

On the same day, the federal government announced the establishment of a Coronavirus Preparedness Group to mitigate the impact of the virus should it find its way into the country.

The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti said: "To ensure rapid detection of the novel coronavirus, it is important to have laboratories which can test samples and WHO is supporting countries to improve their testing capacity.

Since this is a new virus, there are currently only two referral Continued on page 5

Insecurity: PDP Leaders Protest at US, UK Embassies... Page 6

PASSING THE TORCH...

Award-winning writer, Chimamanda Adichie, and iconic poet/playwright, Professor JP Clark, who was special guest of honour, during the presentation of Woman of the Decade Award (editor’s choice) won by Chimamanda at THISDAY 25th Anniversary awards, in Lagos‌yesterday sunday adigun

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

PAGE FIVE CORONAVIRUS SPREAD: WHO LISTS NIGERIA AMONG HIGH RISK COUNTRIES laboratories in the African region which have the reagents needed to conduct such tests.

"However, reagent kits are being shipped to more than 20 other countries in the region, so diagnostic capacity is expected to increase over the coming days. Active screening at airports has been established in a majority of these countries and while they will be WHO first areas of focus, the organisation will support all countries in the region in their preparation efforts.

“It is critical that countries step up their readiness and in particular put in place effective screening mechanisms at airports and other major points of entry to ensure that the first cases are detected quickly.

“The quicker countries can detect cases, the faster they will be able to contain an outbreak and ensure the novel coronavirus does not overwhelm health systems.”

There are no confirmed cases of the potentially fatal virus on the African continent yet.

In its latest public health advisory released yesterday, the federal government, through the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said given the situation, it had put in place quick and diverse strategies to prevent importation of Coronavirus cases into Nigeria, hence the setup of the multi-sectoral group.

The Chief Executive Officer, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said: “Coronavirus Preparedness Group has been constituted to carry out regular epidemic intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance at the points of entry, intensive risk communications, strengthen laboratory capacity for testing, placing National First Rapid Response Team to highly pathogenic infections on alert, scaling up of Public Health Emergency Operation Centres in states, among other measures.

“The group has representatives from Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), World Health Organisation (WHO), US Centers for Disease Control (US-CDC), ProHealth International (PHI), Public Health England (PHE) and others working with the NCDC in assessing and managing the risk of importation of the disease to Nigeria, as well as making preparations for early detection and response.”

He said coronaviruses were zoonotic, meaning they are normally transmitted between animals and people, adding that the novel coronavirus (nCoV) was a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans.

“Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person-to-person, usually

after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household or healthcare setting. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. For this novel coronavirus (nCoV), while most initial transmission appeared to be zoonotic, person- to-person transmission has occurred,” he added.

The NCDC also noted that the country’s Port Health Services unit had heightened screening measures at points of entry, adding that in addition to automated thermal screening at points of entry, travellers from China to Nigeria were asked questions upon arrival by the Port Health Services unit about symptoms of illness and travel history and were advised to contact NCDC if they feel unwell after a trip to Wuhan.

The federal government called on Nigerians to remain calm, while also calling on travellers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China, to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead) and animal markets.

As at yesterday, the virus had spread to 18 countries, with 7,818 confirmed cases and 170 deaths. Its case fatality rate is currently 2.2 per cent.

In a related development, the Chinese government said it had extended the Lunar New Year holiday and put

in place other measures to dissuade their citizens from traveling out of China, as part of many significant measures to contain the spread of the virus outside China.

It said it had put major travel restrictions in the main affected areas in China and air passengers traveling from Wuhan, China were screened on exit to prevent the exportation of the virus.

“This includes temperature checks combined with the provision of information and masks to passengers.

Passengers without symptoms on departure, but become unwell in transit are encouraged to self-report to the relevant authorities on arrival,” the Chinese government noted.

Lai Mohammed: We Won’t Stop Nigerians from Travelling to China Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed yesterday said the federal government would not stop Nigerians from travelling to China or any other countries where the coronavirus has manifested.

He said that the country was not considering any move to advise its citizens to leave China on account of outbreak of the coronavirus.

The minister, who spoke to journalists shortly after the median meeting of

the inter-ministerial and multi-sectoral committee on coronavirus held at the Ministry of Health, Abuja, said rather than impose travel ban, there will be travel advisory that will help Nigerians who wish to visit China to do so without any encumbrances to their health and wellbeing.

Against the background of recent decision by the WHO to declare the coronavirus a global public health emergency, Mohammed said his ministry would mobilise all public communication platform at the government's disposal, which would be deployed to ensure massive sensitisation of the Nigerian public on safety practices.

He said it would be very difficult to stop people from travelling to places of their choice.

Lai Mohammad said the international community had shown its confidence on the ability of Nigeria to handle the health challenge posed by the coronavirus disease, adding that the country's performance during the Ebola is still a reference point.

Speaking at the end of inaugural meeting of the committee, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said a committee had been set up to develop action plan to drive government's intervention.

He also said the federal government had approved N71million requested by the

ministry to improve the services of the Port Health Services.

The minister assured that government was taking adequate measures to address the challenges posed by the virus disease which first broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

The Coronavirus committee is made up of several line ministries, including Health, Aviation, Transport, Information and Culture, Police Affairs, Internal Affairs, Agriculture and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Also, the committee involves various government agencies and parastatals as well as state governors where international airports are located, Lagos, Enugu, Rivers and Kano.

Ehanire said the committee would help to map out strategies to prevent the importation of coronavirus into the country.

He said with declaration of coronavirus as a major public health emergency by the WHO, government has decided to further step up action to protect Nigerians from the virus disease.

While urging members of the committee to work together to achieve positive result, Ehanire cautioned that the coronavirus has the capacity to spread fast and overwhelm communities' health facilities and cause havoc.

fact that once they make pronouncements, even if that pronouncement is made by a lunatic in INEC, you can't reverse it.

"You have to go to court and that fits into PDP's fixation - rig them out. Let them go to court. They just feel it is their birthright to continue to rig elections. So, the next time you see them talking, ask them how many local governments did PDP score one quarter of the total votes cast?" He asserted.

The apex court had in a landmark judgement on January 14, removed Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party on the ground that he did not score the lawful majority votes in the Imo governorship poll.

Justice kudirat kekereEkun, who read the lead judgement, held that the court arrived at the decision after adding votes scored by Uzodinma in 388 polling units, which showed that he won the race.

Subsequently, the court declared Uzodinma the winner of the election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued Ihedioha and issue same to Uzodinma as the elected Governor of Imo State.

However, Ihedioha, has approached the apex court, seeking a review of the judgement and his reinstatement.

as travelers, including U.S. permanent residents, who were born in any of the countries on the list, weren’t allowed into the country.

That ban was blocked by a federal court, as was a subsequent version the administration issued in March of that year. A third version, issued in September, established a set of criteria under which countries might face bans. The administration said it used those criteria for its expansion this week. The Supreme Court ultimately allowed that form of the travel ban to take effect in June 2018, calling it a permissible form of presidential power.

Critics derided that order as a “Muslim ban,” pointing to Mr. Trump’s rhetoric during the 2016 campaign c alling for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims” entering the country until his administration could

“figure out what the hell is going on.”

The new countries don’t fit the same pattern. Several were included partly because their citizens overstay visas at high rates. In the 2018 fiscal year, 24% of Eritreans on business or visitor visas overstayed their permits, along with 15% of Nigerians and 12% of people from Sudan. Those compared with a total overstay rate in the category of 1.9%.

Wolf said the administration had been weighing travel restrictions on several other countries, including Belarus, but dropped those countries from the list because they either complied with U.S. security demands ahead of the announcement or were taken off by other government agencies, who feared imposing bans on them would put other foreign-policy and national security goals at risk.

UZODINNMA MEETS BUHARI, BOASTS S’COURT WON’T REVERSE HIS VICTORY The governor recalled that he participated in the amendment of the Electoral Act which stipulated 60 days within which postelection petitions should be exhausted, adding that Ihedioha’s return to the apex court would amount to a futile exercise since it was done within the stipulated time.

He said: "So, going back to the Supreme Court, I don't know what it means. I am not a lawyer, anyway, but with my little knowledge of lawmaking, I understand what is in the Electoral Act. So, the Supreme Court is not a market square that anytime you want, you go there."

Speaking in the same vein, Oshiomhole, lambasted

the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for declaring Ihedioha as the winner of the March 9, 2019 election in Imo State, saying the commission "completely and irresponsibly misbehaved."

Oshiomhole, who also criticised the returning officer who declared Ihedioha as the winner of the election, described the professor as a senile man who did now know that nine local governments, which Ihedioha reportedly won, did not constitute two-thirds of the 27 local government areas of the state.

According to him, INEC only exploited the monopoly of the power of declaration to proclaim Ihedioha as the

winner of the election, “when he shouldn't have been declared the winner at all.”

Castigating the commission further, Oshiomhole said that INEC had thought that even if a lunatic in the commission declared anyone winner of an election, such declaration would automatically become irreversible, alleging that such attitude only conforms to the nature of PDP. "I think there is something the media simply refused to focus on. With all due respect, a lot of the views that people parrot are derived from what I called electronic media lawyers.

"Now, is there any of us in this room at the time Emeka was declared... Even the returning officer could

not show that he scored the constitutional requirement of at least one-quarter of the total votes cast in at least two-thirds of a local government. "On that criterion alone, there is no question in the eye of the law - Emeka Ihedioha ought not to have been declared winner because he had those numbers only in nine local government areas and of course, you know you have about 27 local government areas. Two-thirds is 15.

"INEC completely and irresponsibly misbehaved by using a professor who seemed to be so senile that he didn't know that nine is not two-thirds.

This is very serious and they took advantage of the

TRUMP BANS NIGERIANS FROM BEING ISSUED US IMMIGRANT VISA randomly awards green cards to 50,000 immigrants from underrepresented countries annually. Many of the recipients are from African countries.

The new restrictions are set to take effect on February 21 and will apply only to new visa applications. Immigrants who were issued valid visas before that date will still be able to move to the U.S. One DHS official estimated the affected population of people barred from immigrating to the U.S. might total 12,000 per year.

The six countries will join a list of seven nations, most of them Muslim-majority, that faced significant travel restrictions under President Trump’s original travel ban, issued in 2017.

That order was the administration’s third attempt to craft a legally workable policy fleshing out one of Trump’s top campaign promises, after

the first two versions were met with significant criticism and struck down by federal courts.

However, unlike five of those original countries Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen - travelers from the newly added nations who seek to visit the U.S. for business or pleasure will still be permitted entry.

The original restrictions, which also included bans against a small number of citizens from Venezuela and North Korea, remain in place.

Immigrant advocates denounced the coming restrictions ahead of their release, calling the new policy an “African Ban” and criticizing the administration for not imposing restrictions on other, larger nations that also don’t cooperate with the U.S. “There are bad actors in Russia, bad actors in China, and none of those places have been put on any

kind of ban,” said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D., Texas.) whose Houston district includes the largest Nigerian community in the U.S. “It is pure discrimination and racism.”

Chad Wolf, acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said the new immigration restrictions were designed to address security concerns in the way the banned countries track their own citizens, share information with the U.S. and cooperate on immigration matters.

He outlined a process, which the department undertakes every six months under the president’s 2017 order, under which the U.S. government surveyed all other countries’ security practices.

Following that process, which Mr. Wolf said ended in September, the administration opted to place immigration restrictions on the countries

that don’t meet its minimum security standards. Eritrea doesn’t take back Eritrean citizens the U.S. is seeking to deport, he said, while Myanmar doesn’t share information on its citizens’ movements and on potential terrorist activity.

Mr. Wolf said the new restrictions were meant to encourage countries to cooperate more fully with the U.S.; the countries facing more tailored bans have less ground to make up.

“These countries for the most part want to be helpful, want to do the right thing.

But for a variety of reasons, they failed to meet those requirements we laid out,” Wolf said. “ The announcement yesterday comes days after the third anniversary of the original travel ban Trump issued in the first week of his presidency. That executive order threw the nation’s airports into chaos,

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

NEWS

News Editor Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹ Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x; ͸΀͚͚͞ͿͽΠ΀͚͸ Ě™sms only) Email Ă‹Ă’Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–Ă‹Ë›Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ&#x;̜ÞÒÓĂ?ĂŽĂ‹ĂŁĂ–Ă“Ă Ă?Ë›Ă?Ù×

HOMAGE TO MR PRESIDENT

L-R: APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; President Muhammadu Buhari and the new Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma during the visit of Uzodinma to the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday

Malami Denies Interfering with High Profile Graft Cases Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice,Abubakar Malami, yesterday, took on Transparency International (TI) over the latter's allegations of compromise by Malami in the fight against corruption in the country.

Malamiwhosaidhefoundsuch allegations as not only a cheap blackmail but false, frivolous and baseless, stressed that it is an attempt by TI to cover up for the its "biased and illogically cooked up 2019 Corruption Perception IndexwithpoorratingofNigeria."

The organisation in the report recentlyreleaseddidnotonlyscore Nigeria low in the fight against corruption but, went further to indict the AGF as interfering in

the prosecution of some high cases such as the Malabu Oil case,formerSenatePresident,Dr. BukolaSarakiandformerGombe State Governor, Danjuma Goje.

TheAGF who spoke through the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Umar Gwandu, said contrary to the claim of TI, he is not only committed to Buhari's anti-corruptionwarbutthathehas beeninstrumentaltothesuccesses recorded by all anti-corruption agencies in the country.

"IftheAGFhadwatereddown corruptioncasessinceheassumed officeasmaliciouslyclaimedinthe report,thenalltheconvictionson corruption cases recorded by the

EFCCwouldhavebeentakenover and stopped by the AGF using his constitutional power of Nolle Prosequi.

"However, the AGF allowed the EFCC to thrive well due to his total commitment to the fight against corruption in line with the manifesto of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has a historical record of goingtothecourtpersonallyand defendingthenationinmattersof publicnationalinterestincluding the cases of labour union crises and the processes of deepening democraticidealsinthecountry."

Regarding the case of Malabu Oil, theAGF claimed that he has never at any time stopped any

personorauthorityfromprosecuting anyone suspected of crime.

"The AGF has unequivocally maintained that all persons indicted by the EFCC’s investigation report as regards the OPL 245 (Malabu) be prosecuted in accordancewiththerelevantlaws.

"The AGF has, further, maintainedthattheinvestigationshould be watertight and intensified to ensurethatallessentialelementsof theallegedoffencesareestablished throughathoroughanddetailed investigationbeforeproceedingto courtwithaviewtofilingsuccessdrivenchargesagainstthesuspects.

"It is common knowledge that since the EFCC filed charges againstthesuspectsinMalabuOil case before both the Federal and FCTHighCourts,theAGFhasnot

at any time approached either of thecourtstowithdrawthecharges even though he has the power to do so pursuant to Section 174 of the Constitution.

"The assertion that the AGF misled the President that there is nocaseintheMalabuOildealisnot onlylaughablebutridiculousand shouldthereforebedisregardedby theright-thinkingmembersofthe generalpublic,"thestatementread.

The media aide further noted thattheAGFispursuingtracesof crimeinrelationtoMalabuOPL245 inSwitzerlandandNetherlands, addingthattheAGFremainsresolute in looted assets recovery and thegeneralfightagainstcorruption.

"As regards the allegation that theAGFstoppedtheprosecution of former Senate President, Dr.

Bukola Saraki for allegedly forgingtheSenaterulestoconductthe electionofprincipalofficersofthe Senate.Itisimportanttostatethatfor securingconvictiononanycrime, investigationmustbedonetoable toestablishtheessentialingredients of the offence.

"Itisafundamentalprincipleof criminaljusticeadministrationinall climesthatyoudonotfilecriminal chargeswhereinvestigationshave notrevealedprimafaciecaseagainst thesuspectsandNigeriaisnotan exception.

"As to the allegation of withdrawal of the corruption case of N25BillionagainstformerGombe StateGovernor,SenatorDanjuma Goje;thefirstpointofcorrectionis that theAGF did not withdraw a N25 Billion case.

Insecurity: PDP Leaders Protest Lassa Fever: Enugu Confirms Second Death at US, UK Embassies Gideon Arinze Ă“Ă˜ Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;

tSay Buhari has lost control, Judiciary caged Chuks Okocha Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday led a protest to the United States Embassy and the British High Commission where the party handed two separate petitions to officials of the embassies.

The protests that started from the PDP alternate office inMaitamaculminatedattheUS Embassy and the British High Commission both located at the Diplomatic Avenue in the Central Business Centre in Abuja.

Speaking with newsmen after submitting two separate petitions to the United States Embassy and the British High Commission, the National Chairman of PDP, Prince Uche

Secondus, said that President Muhammadu Buhari has lost controlofactivitiesinthecountry and as such, he can no longer ensure the protection of lives and property in the country.

He also said that the judiciary was being caged as it is no longer independent While speaking to reporters after submitting the petition to the US Embassy, Secondus said, "Today, we are at the America Embassy.Wehavejustsubmitted our petition on behalf of the leadership of the PDP and the poor masses of our country. The need for the international community to come to the assistance of our dear country because Nigeria is a member of comity of nations.

Nigeria is not an island. It is a member of the United Nations.

When things go wrong, other

international community can come to advise, that is why we are here. The continent of our petition is for other international community should come to the aid of Nigeria and to advise our government to obey the rule of law especially as it relates to the NASS and the judiciary.

"Over the past few weeks, we have passed through very difficult and challenging times.

The case in question is Imo State. We have submitted our petition. We have addressed a press conference "As we speak, Mr. President has lost control of security. Our nation is in danger. We are in pain and we ar ein trouble. As a party,wecannotkeepourhands waiting for the propaganda of the presidency. This country belongs to all Nigerians.

Enugu State Ministry of Health said it has recorded a second case of Lassa Fever death in the state.

Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, whoconfirmedthecasewhileaddressingnewsmenyesterday,said thevictim,a24-year-oldpregnant womandiedonThursdaynightat theUniversityofNigeriaTeaching Hospital, UNTH Enugu, stating that plans are underway to give the body a safe burial.

According to him, the latest victim brings the total number of Lassa-fever-related deaths in the statetotwooutofthreeconfirmed cases,addingthatthefirstcasualty, a45-year-oldfarmerwhodiedon January 22 has since been buried.

He said that after necessary testswerecarriedoutonthethree confirmedcases,itwasdiscovered that a total of 189 people had contacts with the first casualty while39peoplehadcontactswith

the second victim, an ex-corps member while four contacts were traced to the last casualty.

He explained that the ex-corps member who was discovered to be with the disease after she returned from Benue State, during the festive period, was doing wellashercasehasbeenmanaged successfully, adding that others whohadcontactswerepresently being treated.

Meanwhile,theCommissioner forInformation,ChidiAroh,said that the state government has made efforts to ensure that the epidemic is properly managed in line with international best practice and national protocol

on the handling of the issue of Lass Fever.

He said that a multi-sectoral rapidresponseteam,comprising theMinistryofHealth,thehospital managementboard,publichealth emergency control centre and other relevant sectors has since been set up to look at how best to manage the epidemic. “From the point when we received a report of the outbreak of Lassa fever in Enugu, the governor has made available all the resources, both technical and material to the emergency response team and hospitals to ensure that the state is save,� he said.

Corrigendum In our story: Drama as US Embassy Denies Bishop Oyedepo Visa, published in the our Friday, January 31, 2020 edition, we stated that Bishop Oyedepo was denied visa by the US Embassy. We have since found this to be incorrect. We apologise to the revered Bishop and regret the embarrassment this might have caused him. ––Editor

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NEWS

Brief NDDC Board: Group Urges Senate In Benin Disco Plans Improved Power to Reject Buhari's Request Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Comrade Igbini Odafe Emmanuel, likened the request by The Senate has been called President Buhari to the botched upon to reject a request from controversial "Third Term" bid President Muhammadu Buhari by former President Olusegun asking it to approve an interim Obasanjo, which was rejected by management committee for the the Senate in 2006, saying the Niger Delta Development Com- national legislative body should mission (NDDC) and to jettison reject Mr President's request the NDDC Board confirmed in the spirit of patriotism as it is clearly unconstitutional. by the Senate.

While reiterating its convincA statement signed by the National President, Vanguard tion that Buhari personally for Transparent Leadership means well for the oil-rich and Democracy (VATLAD), Niger Delta region, the group

observed that the president was apparently being misadvised by some self-seeking persons who are motivated simply by greed rather than the overall interest of the people of the region.

The group warned that the presidential request on the NDDC interim management committee, if approved, would plunge the Niger Delta and Nigeria into another round of crisis at a time the federal government and the nation

should be consolidating on recent security gains, especially the prevailing atmosphere of relative peace and increased activities in the oil and gas sector in the area.

The statement reads in part: "Our attention has been drawn to a request by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Senate's Approval for the Interim Management Committee (IMC) for NDDC and rejection of NDDC Board confirmed by the Senate."

In a bid to improve the quantum and quality of power being supplied to customers, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), said it seekstoengagepowergenerationcompanieswithinNigeriaandelsewhere that specialised in embedded generation.The company said the objective behind the move was aimed at solving the current problem associated with limitations of single power supply from Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in its franchise states. In addition to this, it disclosed that in furtherance of its mandate of ensuring power availability in communities spend across it's operational areas which were without power for a long period or yet to be connected to the National grid.

NSCDC Parades JAMB Form Suspect The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, onThursday paraded one suspect, Ezennia Benjamin Onyeka for allegedly involved in operating illegal registration of candidates in an unaccredited centre and for selling the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board(JAMB)formsaboveitsofficialprice.TheAnambra StateCommandant, David Bille , who paraded the suspect in Awka, said that he was arrested after an intelligence report on his activities which indicates he was selling each JAMB form for between N5000 and N7000. Bille gave the name of the suspect as Ezennia Onyeka Benjamin, saying his operation was illegal and was carried out in a registration centre known as 100 percent Computer Center at Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

NANS WantsGovttoRescindMotorbikesBan

As the ban placed on the operation of motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada, on public highways in Lagos takes effect today (Saturday), leaders of the National Association of Nigerian Students have risen in support of the Okada operators, as it serves the government a 10-day ultimatum to rescind the decision or “risk the wrath of youths across the country.� The ban also affects operators of tricycles popularly known as Keke NAPEP. Reacting at a news conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State yesterday, NANS Zone "D" Coordinator, Mr. Odunayo Amos, in concert with his colleagues, threatened to mobilise the union’s members en masse, to occupy Lagos and cause discomforts for government, should it fail to backpedal on the Okada ban.

Nasarawa Constructs N1.9bn Bus Terminal

The governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, on Friday flagged off the construction of a N1.9 billion Mega Bus Terminal in Karu near Abuja with a capacity of 900 parking spaces. Speaking at the event, Governor Sule said the Mega Bus Terminal would be completed in one year and was expected to collapse about 22 bus stops located on the Karu - Abuja Ă?Ă™ĂœĂœĂ“ĂŽĂ™Ăœ ĂĄĂ’Ă?Ă˜ Ă?Ù×ÚÖĂ?ĂžĂ?ĂŽË› Ă?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÑÙà Ă?ĂœĂ˜Ă™ĂœËœ ̴ÞÒĂ? Ă–ĂžĂœĂ‹ ÙÎĂ?ĂœĂ˜ Ă&#x;Ă?

Terminus, when completed, will change the traffic management scheme of the area and ultimately see the full utilization of the Mohammadu Buhari International Market."

WELL DONE...

Enugu State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt. Rev. Christian C. Obiefuna (left), presenting an Award of Excellence from the state chapter of CAN for peace and good governance to Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday

Teenage Bomber Kills 4 in Maiduguri, Bandits Abduct District Head in Zamfara Michael Olugbode inMaiduguri and Segun Awofadeji inGombe

A girl detonated a bomb on Thursday night, killing four boys at an Islamic seminary in Muna Galti, on the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State, in an attack that bore the hallmarks of Boko Haram.

In Zamfara State, bandits also Thursday night, invaded Gayari District of Gummi Local Government Area and kidnapped the District Head, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed and his son.

The girl, aged around 12, who attacked Muna Dalti (the birthplace of Boko Haram), detonated the device when open-air classes were in the place, a local militia and residents said yesterday.

She walked up to the group of boys who were just ending their lessons and "blew herself up in their midst," Mohammed Bola, head of the anti-jihadist militia in the area, told AFP. "She killed three boys and injured four others," Bola said about the attack which happened around 1900 GMT. Moments earlier, another young girl stormed into a house in the area and detonated her explosives, injuring one person, said a resident, Salisu Mohammed.

"The house was totally destroyed. Luckily, no one was killed as the occupants of the

house were outside chatting with neighbours," he said.

Bola, head of the anti-jihadist militia stated that the two bombers sneaked into the area together but split to attack different targets.

The scene of the bombings, a popular night time venue for residents, has been repeatedly targeted by suicide attacks blamed on Boko Haram.

The jihadist group is notorious for suicide attacks on civilian targets including schools, mosques and motor parks.

In April, three people were killed and 33 others injured in twin suicide blasts among a crowd in Muna Dalti which houses a sprawling camp for thousands displaced by the jihadist violence.

Another faction affiliated to the Islamic State focuses on military targets, although it has recently been blamed for attacks on civilians.

The Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, ASP Okon Edet, confirmed the Muna Galti killings, but said: “Normalcy has since been restored in the area.�

Okon said the Borno Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Aliyu has urged the general public not to panic but to go about their lawful businesses without fear or apprehension, insisting that the Command will do everything necessary to secure lives and

properties of all residents.

He said the commissioner has also advised the general public to always be security conscious; and to raise the alarm and report all suspicious persons and activities to the police or other security agencies.

Bandits Abduct District Head, Son in Zamfara. Meanwhile, bandits have kidnapped the District Head of Gayari District of Gummi Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Alhaji Hassan Mohammed and his son.

An indigene of the town, Malam Abubakar Sani said the bandits invaded Gayari town Thursday night and went to the district head's house, where they kidnapped him and his son.

According to him, the Ak-47 wielding bandits fired gunshots into the air to scare away neighbours who came out to rescue the traditional ruler.

Abubakar further explained that the kidnappers originally abducted the district head and his two children, but on their way, one of the children fell off from the motorcycle and ran back home.

The Zamfara State police spokesperson, SP Mohammed Shehu, said in a telephone conversation that the Command was yet to receive the report from the police in the area.

In a related development, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on Thursday said

the influx of displaced persons from insurgency-severed states was a huge burden on the state's facilities.

Yahaya disclosed this while receiving a joint United Nations Population Fund/Norwegian Government delegation on a courtesy visit at the Government House.

He noted that the influx of displaced persons from insurgencyravaged states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States have overstretched numerous public facilities in Gombe, saying that partnering states must address the problems.

He said: “Donor agencies and development partners have wonderfully done well in Gombe but I still urge them to do more and strengthen us in accommodating the displaced persons because they are Nigerians and must be accommodated considering the circumstance that led to their relocation from their immediate communities and ancestral homes."

Yahaya expressed satisfaction with the UNFPA supported projects’ impacts on improving the lives of women and children, girl- child education, gender equality and succour to the displaced persons. He also commended the Norwegian Government and UNFPA for supporting girl-child education and implementing other healthcare programmes in the state.

FCT Pupils to Enroll for School Feeding

The federal government said that a total of 120,300 pupils in public schools across the six area councils in the territory will benefit from the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme. FCTMinister of State, Dr. RamatuTijjani Aliyu made the disclosure on Friday at the launch of the home grown school feeding programme in FCT, which she co-performed with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, Sadiya Farouq.The pupils in classes one to three are to be fed once daily and will be drawn from 626 public primary schools across the six Councils of the FCT.

Jonathan Leaves for Korea

Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will depart the country for Seoul, South Korea, Friday to attend a global summit focusing on peace, security and human development. Dr. Jonathan who is the chairperson of the African chapter of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), a global organization of former Presidents, will be leading other African leaders who are members of the association to the five-day event tagged World Summit 2020. A statement from his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze said that thousands of participants from all over the world, including over 100 world leaders and senior government officials will also be attending the conference.

Kwara APC Chairman Backs Amotekun

Kwara state Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Hon. Bashir Bolarinwa has hailed the launch of Amotekun Operation by the South West states Governors. He however urged the state government and other states in the other regions of the country to replicate same in order to nip the security challenges of the country in the bud. Bolarinwa who spoke with journalists in Ilorin on the sideline of his wife Hajia Aisat Bolarinwa's birthday where crème la crème of the APC members were in attendance,. counseled other regions in the country to borrow a leaf from the South West in order to rise up to the occasion of insecurity in the country. He said, “Amotekun is very good and the Federal Government has now accepted it.

SEEFOR Engages 16,860 Youths in Edo TheEdoStateEmploymentandExpenditureforResilts(SEEFOR),yesterday disclosed that it has engaged no fewer than 16,860 youths in the state since the inception of the intervention programme in July 2013.The State coordinator of the programme, Mr. Toju Onaiwu, stated this in Benin City, capital of Edo State during a media tour of some of its projects across the state. Represented by Mr Sam Abada, the state Auditor of the SEEFOR, said a lot of successes have been recorded within the objectives which the programme seeks to address. He said aside the engagement of 16,860 youths as beneficiaries, the same figure have been engaged on money management and entrepreneurship skill for self-reliance. He further said under the A1 component of the programme, designed to generate employment for youths through the award of small competitive public work, 199km of roads have been constructed under the scheme.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 01, 2020

Race against Time for Grace Taku, Alice Loksha

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atriots must increase pressure on the federal government to do something urgently about the two aid workers still in the dungeons of Boko Haram - Grace Taku, and Alice Loksha – before it is too late.

Signals from the cells of these bastards called Boko Haram concerning the ladies are not favourable. The aid agency they work for, family and friends, all fear they may be killed any moment from now, following the murder of Pastor Lawan Andimi on January 20. Government must move very fast to rescue them. Grace, with five others, working for Action Against Hunger, were abducted by Boko Haram on July 18, 2019, in Damasak, Borno State. The five others have been killed by the terrorists because the Nigerian government and its security agents failed to respond appropriately. This fate must not befall Grace. The only woman alive in the team abducted in Damasak, now runs the risk of being killed by the terrorists.

Alice, a nurse and a mother of two kids, was abducted by Boko Haram during an attack in an IDP camp in Rann on March 1, 2018. She is still with the terrorists. Alice’s mother, Sarah, died of trauma just two months after her abduction. She was working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), when she was abducted together with two other health workers, Saifura Hussaini Khorsa, 25, and Hauwa Mohammed Liman. That was precisely 23 months ago. Her colleagues, Saifura and Hauwa, have since been murdered by Boko Haram. Their crime? They went to serve humanity. It’s a shame that our security agents can’t even track their location after over 23 months, not to talk of rescuing them.

The Nigerian state failed these patriots who were working on a project for traumatised residents of Borno State. These health workers were providing essential antenatal care to communities in Rann, whose population

Grace

had more than doubled, after an influx of people fleeing violence. Alice must not join the list of aid workers murdered by Boko Haram.

In all, 12 aid workers were killed by Boko Haram/ISWAP in Nigeria in 2019 alone. “We are extremely worried that aid workers, who are mostly Nigerians working to deliver critical lifesaving humanitarian assistance to fellow compatriots, have increasingly become direct targets of attacks

and abduction by non-state armed groups,” remarks the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon.

The bloody attack at the IDP camp in Rann by ISWAP, 23 months ago, remains indelible in my memory. I often shed tears each time I remember it. Our security agents were overwhelmed. Dozens, including three UN aid workers, were killed. Those killed were Emmanuel Yawe Sonter and Ibrahim Lawan, who worked with the International Organisation for Migration.

Dr. Izuogu Onyedikachi, who worked with the UN Children’s Fund, was also killed.

A number of soldiers also lost their lives in that attack.

Back to the Alice and Grace debacle; this talk that the military have not stormed the hideouts of the terrorists to free captives because they don’t want to put their lives in danger is twaddle. That was what they were telling us until five of the aid workers abducted in Damasak were killed. It was so painful that these people were in the dungeons of the terrorists for months with little effort to secure their release until they were executed. That was what they told us until Pastor Andimi was killed.

The Nigerian government has not been able to rescue Grace, Alice and others abducted because our security agents lack the equipment and manpower for such. This is the truth. Government paid ransom for the captives saved in the past. In most cases, the terrorists turn down ransom as was with Pastor Andimi. The Boko Haram and ISWAP mess will persist if this government does not apply wisdom.

The way forward is to seek assistance from friendly countries with military power.

Our gallant soldiers lack the capabilities to end the war. My submission has not changed: We must hire the best brains from friendly technologically-advanced countries

to assist our military to end this war. The ultimate aim is to decapitate Boko Haram.

The strategy for getting result is largely through aerial power. Technology, quality equipment and quality manpower will be needed. It requires quality fighter jets and quality armoured attack helicopters. Our gallant military lacks the competence and equipment for these. So, our President must hire Israeli or Russian mercenaries to finish this war. This is the only way forward.

On the flip side, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, is up from his slumber. Good Morning Ahmad Lawan.

He has just realised that Nigeria’s security architecture must be urgently reviewed.

After over seven months in office, he is just demanding for an urgent restructuring of the security architecture to make a way for intervention from other tiers of government. He says the Senate will soon summon the heads of the various security agencies in the country to work out a realistic arrangement that could adequately tackle the menace. He is talking about engaging the security agencies to find out why the security is deteriorating in many parts of the country. So, all along, Lawan has been unaware of these reasons.

What a country!

As for our President Buhari, he finds the level of violent crimes in the North-west and in other parts of the country shocking, promising tougher measures against bandits that had made life difficult for Nigerians.

He is taken aback by the insecurity in the country. The man that should be working and giving us results is “shocked.” Buhari has just realised that security agents must come hard on terrorists and that it is the responsibility of government to provide security. That is the level this country has degenerated into in the last five years. This is why Boko Haram, bandits and herders have been rampaging.

AbdulRazaq’s People-Oriented Government in Kwara For the first time in over 16 years, traumatised people of Kwara State are experiencing a people-oriented government; an administration, whose policies and programmes are influenced by the wishes of the people. This is exactly what Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has been doing since assumption of office on May 29, 2009. From his very first day in office, this governor signaled that he would not run an elitist government like his predecessors.

Abdulrahman showed that he was averse to profligacy and fanfare, which was the bane of his precursors, when he insisted and executed a lean inauguration ceremony. On D-Day, there was no fanfare and no partying. Many used to seeing governors lavishing state resources on inauguration were shocked.

For Abdulrahman, the state’s lean resources must not be wasted on inauguration festivities.

This man does not fly around in private jet.

In fact, he has instituted a no-private jet policy in the state. When he travels, he does so with a lean entourage, including himself, with his moniker backpack, and a few aides. Don’t be surprised to see Abdulrahman at the airport queuing to enter a commercial aircraft. He has promised to serve the people with all his heart, working as a ‘Government House’ Governor. In the last eight months, this governor has been doing just this. Perhaps, the last time the people of the state experienced a people’s government was during the Cornelius Adebayo era.

Abdulrahman spends nights in Kwara State villages, touring tattered schools and hospitals, trying to solve the problems of his people. I still clearly remember when he summoned some permanent secretaries and directors to a meeting at a decrepit school in Patigi, many miles from Ilorin, to experience the agony of the students in this derelict public school and brainstorm on how to fix the decay.

Many will also not forget that Kwara State 2019 budget review sessions in July were held at the Special Needs School at Apata Yakuba, miles away from the conference rooms in Ilorin. Abdulrahman said holding such budget review sessions in a setting as disadvantaged as the school was his way of redirecting the emphasis of the civil servants to the predicaments of the poor in the state.

No doubt, Abdulrazaq inherited a state with rundown structures. Shortage of public water supply, limited access to basic healthcare, dilapidated schools, decrepit hospitals and poorly motivated civil servants are examples of the rots he inherited. He has refused to be intimidated. This man has hit the ground running. A good example here is the moribund Kwara Radio and Television, which returned to air within weeks of his assumption of office. It was magical. There is already an improvement in the perennial water crisis in Ilorin metropolis. He has also pulled out Kwara from its earlier status as the least performing state in the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) ranking, out of the 36 states in Nigeria. Kwara can now access N7 billion from UBEC to fix the infrastructure deficits in the primary education sector, following the payment of its own counterpart fund.

Academic and non-academic workers of the state-owned higher institutions are happy because this governor was able to pay years of arrears owed them. Within few months, he secured re-accreditation for some courses in these tertiary institutions. He has evidently spent the last eight months putting in place basic infrastructure for the people which his predecessors failed to do. Abdulrazaq knows he has to keep the civil servants motivated to actualise his lofty programmes for the state.

So, civil servants now enjoy full salaries as

and when due.

This governor has a clear idea of what he wants to achieve in Kwara State. He says the focus of his administration is on human capital and infrastructural development “which would attract investments, combat poverty and take the state to the top of the table of revenue generation and competitiveness.” To this end, he has prioritised water, education, health, road and general infrastructure. He adds: “Agriculture is also a priority and we are also looking at ensuring that a lot is done in the area of agro-processing because of our comparative advantage. We want to completely change the story of this state and our plans revolve around just that, beginning from the budget review.”

Under the Kwara State Social Investment Programme, he plans to spend N1 billion to help traders and artisans with soft loans: “We are looking at roughly 1, 000 beneficiaries for soft loans. We cannot watch while our people are suffering. We have to do something in that regard.”

Abdulrazaq has also spent months battling the sales of public property by the officials of the last administration in the state to themselves at ridiculous prices. It was a mindless mismanagement of public resources. A number of steps have been taken to redress the excesses of these former government officials. The committee set up on the issue has turned in its report. It was a frightening one. It confirmed that the immediate past administration in the state sold 110 government properties, including the deputy governor’s residence. Yes, the incumbent deputy governor is staying in a rented apartment because of this mess.

Abdulrazaq has promised to implement all the recommendations. For me, all those that have taken Kwara property must return

AbdulRazaq

them. This man surely needs all the support to recover these stolen public assets.

On the flip side, new godfathers that emerged after Bukola Saraki are working to clog Abdulrazaq. They want to determine who gets what in Kwara. He must remain undaunted. Forces of good must rise and protect this new Kwara governor as he matches on, building a new Kwara State that will positively impact on the lives of the masses.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Tiwa Savage Buzzes at UMG Showcase in Los Angeles Nigeria’s Afrobeats diva, Tiwa Savage, made history last Saturday when she performed at Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO’s exclusive 2020 Artistes’ Showcase in Los Angeles, ahead of the Grammy Awards. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

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SUPERSATURDAY Tiwa Savage Buzzes at UMG Showcase in Los Angeles

Tiwa S Savage and S Sir Lucian G Grainge

I

t was the first time a Nigerian musician will be performing at the posh Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO’s Artistes’ Showcase in the United States.

Tiwa Savage sparkled on the centre stage, leaving the audience asking for more. Universal Music Group’s CEO/Chairman, Sir Lucian Grainge hosted the annual Artistes’ showcase on the Saturday of the Grammy weekend, which celebrates the industry’s biggest accomplishments of the past year.

Tiwa performed alongside South African rapper, Nasty C, at the event which took place at West Hollywood’s Milk Studios in Hollywood. Universal Music Group’s annual Grammy week Brunch and Showcase was a family gathering of sorts, with executives and artistes joining to celebrate one another’s biggest accomplishments of the past year. In all, 10 performances proved as much, as artistes like Tiwa Savage and Karol G (Columbia) proficiently represented their home countries.

Tiwa Savage gave an electrifying performance of her hit songs at the ceremony, attended by so many celebrities. The exclusive show was graced by the good and the great of the entertainment world and marks the beginning of a huge year for both Tiwa and Nasty C, who will release priority albums globally in 2020 through Universal Music Group.

Tiwa and Nasty C performed alongside the likes of Billie Eilish (who later clinched the big four categories at the Grammys) and Lewis Capaldi, and both look set to shine a spotlight on African music around the world in the coming year.

Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2020 Artistes’ Showcase gave industry insiders front row seats to intimate performances by UMG’s hottest, established and breaking talents. The Showcase featured other performances by Brit singer/ songwriter, Lewis Capaldi, Anthony Ramos, Gregory Porter, Maggie Rogers, and DaBaby.

The event, at the Milk Studios, Hollywood, was notably international in its line-up. Universal, recently valued at more than $33 billion, is home to thousands of artistes, ranging from Taylor Swift, Drake, U2, The Weekend and Sam Smith to iconic heritage acts like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Chuck Berry and the Motown catalog, to name but a few.

On 2 May 2019, Universal Music Group announced the signing of Savage to a seven-year publishing and distribution deal. Efe Ogbeni of Regime Music Societe and Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna will be responsible for executive producing all of her projects under the label. Savage’s future music will be released through the label’s operations in more than 60 countries following the exclusive agreement.

The former first lady of Mavin

Records started a new chapter in her well-established music career when she parted ways with Mavin Records after 7 years. During the signing with UMG, the sexy Tiwa Savage said it was like a dream, “but more importantly, it means I’m part of a legacy; I’m part of a huge engine and it’s definitely an honour to have an artiste like me from Nigeria doing afrobeat music, which is still fairly new to the rest of the world, and it’s exciting.”

Tiwatope Savage, professionally known as Tiwa Savage, was born in Isale Eko, Lagos and relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. Five years later, she began her music career doing backup vocals for artistes like George Michael and Mary J. Blige. After participating in the UK edition of The X Factor and graduating from Berklee College of Music, Savage signed a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing in 2009. Inspired by the growth of the Nigerian music industry, Savage moved back to Nigeria and signed with Mavin Records in 2012 and had a tremendous career with the label before moving on to her present UMG label.

Sir Grainge, CBE and boss of UMG, has been instrumental in the careers of artistes such as Amy Winehouse, ABBA, Eurythmics, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Take That, Psychedelic Furs, The Rolling Stones, Sting, Jamie Cullum and Andrea Bocelli. He has worked in the music business for his entire career. This

music industry icon topped Billboard’s “Power 100” list as the most powerful person in the music business in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Sir Grainge is the only person to ever hold that distinction more than once and for consecutive years. Irving Azoff called him “the great hope for the music business” and Jimmy Iovine said Grainge “is working to restore the spirit of risk-taking and innovation” by being “’willing and open to entrepreneurship and that kind of thing has gotten depleted in the record industry.” In an interview with Grainge, Billboard wrote: “If “power means moving markets or greenlighting massive spends, Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge demonstrated a staggering penchant for it when UMG completed its $1.9 billion acquisition of EMI’s recorded-music assets in September 2012. Grainge is a fierce and tireless advocate for the recorded-music business.

In 2013, CNET wrote that “Grainge is positioning UMG to lead the pack of major labels in their embracing of new digital opportunities.” A 2014 front-page Los Angeles Times profile of Grainge said: “if anyone can save the music business, it might be Grainge.”

In 2015, Billboard wrote, “in the age of Spotify, YouTube and Shazam, Grainge is positioned to tackle his business’ overriding priority: win fair compensation for artistes, and take full ownership of content that other parties have been profiting from.”

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

COMMENTARY

CURTAILING FIRE OUTBREAKS IN LAGOS Tayo Ogunbiyi urges more attention to safety issues

B

eing a cosmopolitan city and the commercial nerve center of Nigeria, incidences of occasional fire disaster should not entirely be strange in a place like Lagos.

However, the spate of fire outbreaks recorded in the metropolis in recent time is becoming quite alarming. Therefore, it has become essential for all and sundry to pay immense attention to safety issues.

It will be recalled that barely two weeks after the sordid Abule-Egba pipeline fire incidence that drew both local and national attention, the popular Amu Plank Market in Mushin, Lagos, also recorded another disastrous fire outbreak that resulted in colossal loss of goods and property. Just as the state government and the people were grappling with this unfortunate occurrence, the famous and ever bustling Balogun market in Lagos Island was also engulfed in fire. Many are yet to really come to terms with the monumental losses they have incurred as a result of the tragic event.

This development is bothersome, bearing in mind its effects on socio-economic life. The price of fire incidents is apparently huge. It results in pains and deaths to victims, loss of material resources as well as damage to equipment and structures. It is, therefore, discouraging to note that most of these disasters are not acts of God, but rather the products of human errors and carelessness. For instance, the fire episode that once killed a family of seven, in Lagos in 2015, was reportedly caused by candle light which was not put off at night. Risky acts such as storing of petroleum products at homes and reckless use of cooking gas are common causes of fire outbreaks in our society. Storing of petroleum products at home is a sheer act of thoughtlessness that must be discouraged.

Equally, many people close at work or leave home without ensuring that all electrical appliances are shut down to prevent outbreak of fire in case of power surges. It is also dangerous to keep matches and other ignition materials within the reach of children. Other causes of fire outbreaks are careless attitude towards electrical outlets, faulty electrical wiring, damaged electrical appliances, heating gadgets, unattended stove and gases, uncontrolled children’s attitudes towards inflammable materials, among others.

To stem the tide of further fire disasters in the state, it has now become crucial for all offices and homes to have efficient fire extinguishers. This is in addition to having functional knowledge of their usages. It is also imperative for everybody to acquire safety information in respect of fire outbreaks. We all need to be aware that fires could generally be put off by water or sand while a special foam chemical could be used to quench oil fire. People using gas for domestic or industrial purpose need to be more vigilant. Ovens and stoves should be shut off to prevent outflow of inflammables and food flaming.

Motorists, chiefly drivers of articulated vehicles, should be more safety conscious while driving tankers with inflammable products. Ideally, drivers of articulated vehicles ought to be careful and cognizant of the damage any slip on their part could cause in terms of human and material losses. But then, findings have shown that several carnages recorded on Lagos roads which resulted in fire disasters, causing needless losses, have been caused by their complicity.

Additionally, well-meaning individuals, related government agencies and organisations need to embark on fire safety

STORING OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AT HOME IS A SHEER ACT OF THOUGHTLESSNESS THAT MUST BE DISCOURAGED

and emergency management. With the level of painful losses experienced as a result of needless fire outbreaks in the state, it has now become extremely necessary for all stakeholders including religious bodies, corporate organisations, school owners, community leaders, public servants, political leaders, traditional rulers, NGOs and individuals across the state to toe the path of safety in their daily activities.

Enlightenment advocacy on fire prevention and management must not be left in the hands of government alone. Everyone must be involved. Consequently, every adult resident must educate young ones on all safety measures in order to reduce to the barest minimum incidents of fire in the state.

A research conducted by a non-governmental organisation with focus on fire prevention, control and management, Fire Disaster Prevention and Safety Awareness Association of Nigeria (FDPSAAN), shows significant low level of awareness on fire safety in Nigeria. Less than 2% of the over 140 million Nigerians have the required basic fire safety knowledge.

The issue of safety which once occupied a major place in the programmes and plans of every level of government is now treated with levity. Within the context of Nigerian laws on safety, the National Fire Safety Code, for instance, seems to have been dumped in the trash can. The code is a set of rules guiding fire prevention and control in all public buildings in Nigeria. It is, therefore, imperative that existing laws on safety are strengthened and strictly enforced in order to achieve a safer society.

The present administration in Lagos State is poised to ensure a safer and better environment for all residents. To this end, it has embarked on pragmatic strategies aimed at repositioning all emergency agencies in the state. It has put in place mechanisms aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts among these various agencies. But for such pro-active measures as this, the effects of current fire episodes in the state would have been more complicated.

The Lagos State Safety Commission as well as the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), are currently at the vanguard of creating consciousness on the dangers of unsafe practices that cause fire and other disasters in the state.

Similarly, the state’s fire service currently boasts of modern fire -fighting equipment such as 32 Dragon pumpers’ firefighting trucks, extrication and rescue equipment, breathing apparatus, provision of utility vehicles, improved welfare packages for staff, among others. This is in addition to having a passionate and fearless workforce.

However, for the fire-fighters to perform optimally, it is important that they are given the right of way by motorists during emergency operations. Provocative acts such as attacking or cursing fire fighters, while on duty, must be discontinued. Fire fighters are our brothers and sisters who have chosen to take on such a delicate job in order to safeguard the safety of everyone. We must do everything humanly possible to assist them in positively discharging their duties.

Meanwhile, residents across the state should continue to take advantage of the state emergency lines, 767 and 112 (tolls free), to contact relevant agencies in case of any emergency. tHVOCJZJ JT PG UIF -BHPT 4UBUF .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO BOE 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB *LFKB

PERFORMANCE BEYOND PROFIT

Incorporating ESG principles into job-creating businesses ensure sustainable business operations, argue Guy Alexander and Benson Adenuga

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020 has started with a bang from an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) perspective. Climate change is right at the heart of discussions at Davos, global fund managers (they don’t get much bigger than BlackRock) are announcing aggressive intentions to channel investment towards companies which are ESG compliant and the UK Investment Association announced at the UK-Africa Investment Summit last week that its members, who control £8 trillion of assets, must report on their climate change impact by 2022.

This is a seismic shift by major institutions not historically celebrated for allowing their social conscience to shape investment decisions. It’s a powerful signal that ESG is increasingly recognised as a core sustainability strategy, driving both risk mitigation and value creation.

What does this mean in practical terms and why is it relevant in Nigeria? ESG considerations are a fundamental element of assessing job quality and sustainable job creation. Nigeria needs to create millions of jobs over the coming years to reverse poverty trends and establish the basis for social mobility. ESG is critical to the sustainability of this effort. Jobs that are here today and gone tomorrow are short-term solutions. Incorporating ESG principles into job-creating businesses ensures sustainable and high-quality business operations with a labour force that is motivated and appropriately empowered.

At times ESG is still primarily considered a compliance issue in Nigeria. A contrasting path - where environmental and social principles and values are embedded in company governance to drive long-term performance is now however becoming

more prevalent. This shift in approach to ESG considerations is increasingly important in Nigeria’s market where rapid industrialisation is possible but if it is not well designed, may have a detrimental impact on future sustainability. Nigerian private equity funds are at the forefront of this and are increasingly structured and resourced internally to integrate ESG analysis at the heart of their decisionmaking processes.

As risk management and ESG efficiencies come to the fore, private equity as an asset class is adapting to better understand how ESG processes can act as a business benefit, rather than a compliance cost. CDC is at the forefront of these discussions. Together with Norfund, we had in a week convened more than 60 private equity fund managers and their portfolio companies’ leadership teams in Lagos to explore the impact of ESG on business performance, with a practical focus on problem-solving and learning how to persuade company management to prioritise and quantify how ESG considerations link to sustainable and long-term impact.

Established companies across the oil and gas, power and manufacturing sectors in Nigeria have comparatively well-established environmental, health and safety-orientated management systems and processes. This is especially noticeable where they have a significant relationship with a multinational who draws upon global good ESG practices such as IFC Performance Standards. Even in these sectors though, the level to which ESG policy and processes lead to effective implementation varies from organisation to organisation. Implementation becomes even more variable in smaller and medium size businesses where systems are less formal and resources fewer. Smart decision

making, support and prioritisation of ESG from PE firms, is one effective way of systematising improvement.

While guidelines governing how companies must act from an ESG perspective exists in Nigeria – such as regulations on environmental and social impact assessments, laws on local pay or the Central Bank of Nigeria’s sustainable banking principles, there is a need to strengthen existing sectoral guidelines and ensure a more robust approach to enforcement.

Renewables and energy efficiency have gained some traction within the overall energy mix, with significant momentum for renewables driven mini-grids in 2019.

Alignment of solutions to Nigeria’s power problems with ESG principles would be a major step forward – not just to address the obvious environmental issues but to optimise social impact and strengthen governance. Recent examples where industry has decided to turn to coal as a fuel (to ensure reliable supply) rather than gas (because of disrupted supply) demonstrate that there is a long way to go before there is an acceptance of environmental impact over commercial interests, and better incentives need to be put in place to drive optimal behaviour.

Beyond the environment, a further critical element of the social pillar is gender considerations. One in four board members of companies in Africa is a woman according to the McKinsey Global Institute, leading the world averages, but too many women from poorer backgrounds remain excluded from the financial system or overlooked within the corporate value chain. More needs to be done by companies to empower women by offering training and professional development pathways

to ensure they are fairly represented at middle and senior management levels.

Further thought needs to be invested in how companies design supply chains to ensure women-owned businesses are set up to compete successfully for contracts, and in how they design products and services to make them affordable and accessible to women on low incomes. These considerations are not just important for social wellbeing, they help companies to build a competitive labour force, optimise their value chains and grow into new market segments.

This is where governance is critical and transparency and accountability is best evidenced by thorough sustainability reporting, in line with internationally recognised frameworks. Strong leadership is emerging in Nigeria’s capital markets, with listed companies now required to release an annual sustainability report as part of listing requirements and the emergence of national and corporate green bonds.

This is not about creating new onerous compliance regulations, but about designing the opportunities – big and small - for Nigeria to develop rapidly and achieve transformative environmental and social gains in the process. By designing ESG management systems thoughtfully, using global ESG standards and frameworks as a foundation, CDC believes that Nigerian companies will not only find that their performance is stronger, but they will also position themselves favourably to global capital markets to power future growth. t"MFYBOEFS JT .BOBHFS &OWJSPONFOUBM BOE 4PDJBM 3FTQPOTJCJMJUZ XIJMF "EFOVHB JT )FBE PG 0GmDF BOE $PWFSBHF %JSFDUPS /JHFSJB $%$ (SPVQ

13

͚˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What a waste!

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

Mbaka: Prophet, Agent Provocateur or Accomplice?

n Onitsha, going to town for appraisals of the temperature of the polity comes handy - like following Father Ejike Mbaka’s recent soundbyte(s) before and after the outcome of the Imo State gubernatorial election at the Supreme Court.

For days on end, the ubiquitous reverberations from its fury - in buses, kekenapeps and on streets - spared my earlobes no breathers. Till an inner voice supervened, ordering that I hearken at any next opportunity, if at all.

And come it uncharacteristically did, impromptu. Luckily, it was nowhere else than at Garden of Eden, a well-appointed neighborhood watering hole I frequent‌ Ordinarily, the entirety of the habituÊs had tired of regurgitating the curds of the rather bizarre clerical faux pas. None, it appeared, wanted to rush in where even angels now feared to tread - as though all figuratively minded their drinks, lest they drew the wrath of heaven.

But for this bloody interloper into the lowlier haven on the day in question. He had veered in at the behest of our mutual friend and boon companion, Ken aka Omeifeukwu. A noted philanthropist, Ken always attracted visitors. While some definitely helped make him what he is, some, no doubt, also came to drink from his deep well of wealth. However, either was as welcome as the other to Ken’s magnanimous world.

At first sight this visitor - whichever side of the divide he belongs - proffered no threat to the normal peace that prevails in the space. A members-only affair, all were well aware of its etiquette and complied for the avoidance of sanction(s).

However, these mostly concerned ephemerals - like not drinking straight from the bottle and such other bequests of our colonial masters.

Though, often fazed by its intimidating ambiance, some guests automatically held their tongues in turn, as though the social media law had come into force. And where else can it become operational than this uppity sphere surrounded by dungeons.

But not the guy in question. He had immediately opened up even before the first bottle of his favourite tipple was popped: “Whoever said there were no men of God left on earth?�

He was supposed to be addressing his host but had raised his voice; on purpose, perhaps. “Jonas, my man!’ Ken hailed. “What’s God and His men got to do with your beer?� “As if you are yet to hear of Father Mbaka’s latest prediction?� “Pre- what?� Ekene another of us retorted. “Is that how predictions come?�

Ekene is in the habit of reprimanding guests to the speakeasy who crossed lines other than those of etiquette. Topmost being those who tried to post unwanted bills on the walls of our mind; moreso, the political. “Ok,� Jonas coolly replied. “I can get your grouse. It’s not a prediction but a prophecy.� “Prophecy ko, prophecy ni,� Ekene put in next. You see, before heading home South East, he had a spell in Lagos mending soles and the like.

Like expected, an altercation ensued between the two. On end, it could only be assuaged by all putting in words.

Akalugo, a self-professed traditionalist, would have none of

Maryam Sanda: No to Death Penalty

O

n Monday, January 27, Maryam Sanda was convicted of the murder of her husband, Bilyaminu Bello.

Maryam, the mother of one, who was alleged to have stabbed her husband with a kitchen knife, was found guilty of the two-count homicide charge brought against her by the Police. Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal High Court whom I consider a man of good conscience, in imposing the mandatory death sentence on her, was quoted as saying, “it has been said that thou shall not kill. Whoever kills in cold blood shall die in cold blood, Maryam Sanda should reap what she has sown, it is blood for blood�.

On its merit, this is abundantly true, that those who commit murder by taking the life of another have in turn forfeited their own right to life and do not deserve to live. This in fact represents the current position of the law in Nigeria, specifically Section 221 of the Penal Code. But on the flipside, the law is at best archaic, antediluvian and incongruent with evolving realities. Today, an ever increasing number of countries in the world are moving away from the mandatory death penalty, as it is now largely regarded as inconsistent with fundamental human rights protection.

Let’s be clear, with this intervention I do seek to undermine the enormity of Maryam’s crime, matter-of-factly, by taking the life of another person what she had done is abundantly evil and stands condemned. But the reality today is that Maryam’s case affords us the opportunity to interrogate and review the death penalty law at a time when countries of the world are already moving away from the practice. According to Amnesty International 2017, circa 142 countries, more than two-third of the countries of the world, have abolished the mandatory death penalty in law or practice. While it is true that death penalty sanction is a just form of retribution, the t*TJEPSF &NFLB 6[PBUV 0OJUTIB "OBNCSB 4UBUF death penalty punishment is however not a more effective deterrent than the alternative sanction of life or long-term imprisonment, just as in the case of Maryam Sanda.

Many have even questioned that if she is killed, who will then look after the child?

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R Cesare Beccaria in his 1764 treatise on Crimes and EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE Punishment which has been widely regarded as a DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO founding work in penology and classical criminology, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE argues that by legitimizing the very behaviour that the CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI law seeks to repress which is killing, capital punishEDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN ment such as death penalty is counterproductive in the MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE moral message it conveys. The homily of Pope John Paul II during the Papal Mass at St. Louis, Missouri on January 27, 1999 is also quite instructive in this regard.

While appealing that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil, Pope John Paul II described as T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D cruel and unnecessary the death penalty punishment.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Ditto the case of Maryam Sanda, and any other person ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI who has committed murder. While they may have comDIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE mitted what could be the greatest of all evil, I disagree DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI that they should be condemned to eternal damnation.

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Life or long-term imprisonment without the possibility ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO of a parole or pardon offers a more pragmatic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI effective deterrent.

an apotheosis of a mere mortal. Anointed or otherwise, he felt the priest should first mind his cure. Unequivocally, he opined that the bishop in charge of his diocese should call him to order sooner than later. “If he wants to join us,� he vouchsafed midway, “he should set up a shrine like the rest of us.�

Pressed on by Jonas as the heat died down, Akalugo put it straight and sharp that the cleric was only an accomplice. “He must have been privy to the court judgement, and used it to his favour,� he surmised. “Or why didn’t he make any comment about the modus of the verdict?� he said with, a wry smile plastered on his pouting lips.

As the night lengthened, another group disagreed altogether.

They were spearheaded by none other than the enfant terrible of the rendezvous. An unrepentant apostle of a return to the trenches of the 50-year-gone civil war, Akrika brooked no halfway houses. To him the cleric was only an unwitting agent provocateur to the actualisation of their fond separatist dream. “It’s only a matter of time,� he enthused. “Sooner than later we’ll know whom the true prophet is between him and Kanu.�

By then Jonas appeared to have been well and truly subdued by the intensity of the collateral bombardment. Or perhaps he was in no mood to suffer us fools gladly. But some of us knew otherwise - like that he may have been arrested by the effect of the green-bottled beverage he may have unwittingly quaffed an overdose of in the euphoria of the evening.

But he had one more thing to add as he made to leave: “Prophets,� he said, “are known to be without honour only in their homelands.�

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

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14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 1, 2020

NEWS

Shell Lifts Force Majeure on Bonny Light Exports OPEC January output drops on new cuts, Libyan unrest Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) on Friday lifted a force majeure on Bonny Light crude oil exports, Nigeria’s major oil revenue source.

The Royal Dutch Shell’s Nige-

rian subsidiary, on January 20, shut down the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) and declared a force majeure on exports of the Bonny Light crude, following attacks on the oil pipeline by vandals.

Force majeure is a legal clause that allows companies to cancel or delay deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances. A Reuters report

yesterday quoted an unnamed Shell spokesman to have confirmed the development. Aiteo had announced repairs were completed on Tuesday.

Bonny Light, one of Nigeria’s key export grades, is desired grade among refiners globally owing to its low sulfur. Other grades of Nigerian crude oil are Qua Iboe

crude oil, Brass River crude oil, and Forcados crude oil.

Recurrent vandalism of the NCTL has led to significant losses in production, Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Development Limited said recently.

The firm noted that “impact on production has created revenue

deficits that directly impact all the stakeholders, pointing out that between May last year and January this year alone, the NCTL, which exports Bonny Light crude oil, had been shut down more than four times owing to attacks by vandals.

“Over the last four years, more than 200 shut down days have been recorded on the asset,” the firm said in November.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil output plunged in January to a multi-year low as top exporter Saudi Arabia and other Gulf members overdelivered on a new production-limiting accord and Libyan supply dropped due to a blockade of ports and oilfields, a Reuters survey found.

On average, the 13-member

organisation pumped 28.35 million barrels per day (bpd) this month, according to the survey.

That is down 640,000 bpd from December’s revised figure.

Despite the drop in supply, crude prices have slipped to below $60 a barrel on concern that the coronavirus outbreak could cut China’s oil demand.

This has prompted OPEC and its allies to discuss holding an early meeting and taking further steps to support the market.

OPEC, Russia and other allies, known as OPEC+, agreed to deepen an existing supply cut by 500,000 bpd from January 1, 2020. OPEC’s share of the new reduction is about 1.17 million bpd, to be made by 10 members, all except Iran, Libya and Venezuela.

Dickson: Why Total Dependence on Oil is Not Sustainable Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

LAYING FOUNDATION FOR QUALITY EDUCATION. . .

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, at the 28th and 29th convocation ceremonies of the Olabisi Onabanjo University and inaugurationof the over 2000 TETFUND Information Technology Centre at the permanent site of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, yesterday

Prisons Decongestion: NBA , Others Canvass Judicial Reform

LG Crisis: Oyo PDP Blasts APC over Attack on Afenifere

Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

In a desperate bid to decongest correctional centres in the country, stakeholders in the administration of Justice have appealed to the Ekiti State Judiciary to embrace non-custodial sentencing mode of punishing offenders.

The advocacy was made in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by CLEEN Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation with the theme: ‘Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice Law(ACJL) in Nigeria’. The Group, coordinated by Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion(GRIP), was seeking effective implementation of Criminal Justice Law and also exploring strategies towards the attainment of the ideals of ACJL in the state.

Speaking at the event, a Legal Practitioner and representative of the NBA, Ado Ekiti Branch, Barr. DayoAkeredolu, said there was need for interface between the Bar and the Bench, particularly the Ekiti judiciary, to ensure that offences not carrying capital punishment are made to align with non-custodial sentencing.

He said: “This idea if inculcated will decongest the prisons, lead to quick administration of justice, and give effect to the age-long moral and social reoevance in the judicial system.

“To achieve this, there is need

for workshop for Judges, practicing Lawyers, Police and correctional Officers proposed a review of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of the State, and the Criminal Code to accommodate and promote non-custodial sentencing for light offences.

“If someone committed a light offence, rather than convicting him and make him to remain in prison custody, the Judge could ask him to be reporting to court where he will serve punishment for a period of time. He will even feel ashamed when his family sights him observing punishment in a public place. It will carry both moral and legal sanctions, which is good for our environment.

“The aim of prisons is to rehabilitate but most of our convicts do come out becoming more emboldened to commit more grievous offence because of congestion, which made it impossible for people to have access to facilities that can rehabilitate them in our prisons.

“It has been in practice in Lagos State and it is working fine. Prisons are created to reform the citizens and not to destroy individials as being fondly done in Nigeria.”

Espousing his views on the non custodial sentencing, a Correctional Officer, Mr. S. B. Adelaja, explained that the system was adopted in Tokyo and had become a standard rule at the United Nations as a potent means of seeking justice.

The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday came hard on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, describing as tactless and disrespectful its attacks on the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere for intervening on what it termed the needless crisis being caused by the party over local government management in the state.

The PDP, in a statement by the state Publicity Secretary, Mr. Akeem Olatunji, told the APC its attack on Afenifere as well as its aimless plot to derail Governor Seyi Makinde’s government were illwinds that will eventually consume the opponents of the administration in the state.

Olatunji noted that the intervention of the pan-Yoruba body, which warned the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police not to cause crisis in Oyo State by taking actions that are not backed by law, was not out of order.

He added that the pan-Yoruba body had, by that intervention, indeed, played its fatherly role, calling on Afenifere leaders to ignore the hogwash from the Oyo APC, which like most of its members in the South-west, were hellbent on selling Yoruba to slavery.

According to him, the Afenifere’s renown as the defender and protector of Yorubaland in the socio-political spheres made it

imperative for it to speak up against the APC’s maniacal desire and plans to destroy Oyo State and make it ungovernable following its loss of the state after eight years.

He lauded the pan-Yoruba body for speaking up, as has been its wont for decades since its establishment, against tyranny and attempts to distract Governor Makinde and lead the people of the state into traps set by haters of progress in the APC. The PDP noted further that it was not surprised by the disrespectful and thoughtless attacks mounted against Afenifere in the Oyo APC’s statement, stating that the party was only acting the scripts written by its leaders “who have been in the business of trying to destroy Afenifere but to no avail.”

The statement read, “One read with sadness the tactless and thoughtless remarks made by the Oyo State APC against the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere following its intervention on the needless crisis being caused by the APC in Oyo State over the dissolution of illegal local government leadership.

“While we are not surprised that the APC is acting true to type as haters of peace and enemies of progress, one would not have imagined that they could go as far as riding roughshod on Afenifere, which has remained the greatest and boldest protector of Yoruba interests in the socio-political sphere.

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday argued that complete dependence on proceeds from oil and gas by Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta, was no longer sustainable, given the new direction the world was moving.

Speaking during the third matriculation ceremony of the University of Africa, (UAT), Toru Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area, the governor maintained that the whole world was moving away from crude oil for more sustainable energy resources.

He noted that the United States of America (USA) which was once the biggest buyer of Nigeria’s oil has now through innovation jettisoned Nigeria’s oil, reason Nigeria went begging nations like India to patronise the country.

Speaking to the new intakes, Dickson said: “You are all products of the oil and gas age. But the oil ands gas age is fast fading away.

Now, for the last couple of days, the President of the USA has said to hell with Arab oil. They have enough oil to live on. Some years ago, the USA was our biggest purchaser of crude oil. But they have stopped buying. They now have shale oil.

“Now we have to beg other nations to buy our oil. In the next few years, the oil and gas age that my generation grew up to know will fade away. I know that I am not sufficiently understood, but my duty is to take our people to where we ought to be , not where they want to be. That’s the duty of leadership,” the governor said.

He argued that it was through innovation and technology that the Niger Delta could be liberated, stressing that that was the single reason he invested heavily in education during his almost eight years as governor.

“A sustainable Niger Delta will be founded on a knowledge-driven economy. Our generation competed with human beings. We are now in a virtual world. Investing in education is not a mistake. But if they say we are wrong, we plead guilty,” Dickson added.

He maintained that education

was capable of curbing criminality and poverty in the Niger Delta, noting that it remains the surest way to liberate the people from the shackles of ignorance and disease.

He noted that criminality, militancy and other vices were attributable to the inadequate investment made in the education sector over the years.

“My advice to the incoming government is to invest more in education. We don’t want our youths to be armed with AK 47, and other weapons of mass destruction.

“No one should take pride in arming youths, building militant camps and getting them involved in drug abuse and cultism. Rather we must continue to invest in education.

“In all our communities you see poverty, ignorance and disease and this is as a result of insufficient investment in education.

“Communities are in perpetual turmoil. You see a correlation between insufficient Investment in education and poverty, disease, ignorance and other societal problems.

“I have no doubt that the UAT has come to stay. I know that education is the right way to go for our state. The oil and gas phase is fast going away, particularly in the Niger Delta” he said.

The governor also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to hand over some secondary schools built by the state government to all the arms of the military service.

He argued that it was through such partnerships that the government and the military could jointly invest in the future of the people.

He also offered scholarship to students studying Mathematics and Agricultural Science in the university and congratulated the students on their successful matriculation.

In his address, Vice Chancellor, of the University, Prof Kingston Nyamapfene, said that the setting up the institution in Toru Orua by the Dickson’s administration had liberalised education and empowered local economies.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 1, 2020

15

NEWS

Corruption in Nigeria Like Terrorism, Says Catholic Bishop Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Catholic Bishop of Warri Diocese, Most Rev. (Dr.) John Okeoghene Afereha, has likened corruption in Nigeria to terrorism, saying corruption and terrorist activities of Boko Haram are walking side-by-side to negatively impact the lives of ordinary citizens of the nation.

Afereha asserted that corruption in Nigeria has become so pervasive that it would appear to have assumed a department in the country’s polity as corruption has become part and parcel with poitics and political activities in the country.

The fiery cleric made the remarks during the Thanksgiving Mass at the instance of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, at the Saint Matthias Catholic Church, Uzere in Isoko South Local Government of Delta State.

Afareha, however, noted that corruption in the country is fuelled by the people’s inordinate love for materialism which, like insurgent Boko Haram, has affected all facets of life in the country and leaving the nation practically

gasping for breath.

Nonetheless, the bishop charged the DESOPADEC managing director, Askia, to discharge the responsibilities of his new position with the fear of God to use the agency’s resources judiciously out of genuine love for the people especially in his mandate communities. He commended Bashorun Askia for his contribution to the empowerment of his people and the development of his Uzere community in the past through the Bashorun Askia

Foiundation (BAF), urging him not to relent in his efforts now in DESOPADEC management.

In his remarks, Bashorun Askia thanked God for the opportunity to serve at a relatively higher level of government, assuring Governor Ifeanyi Okowa that he owed him (governor) a debt of gratitude by ensuring that he lived up to the confidence the governor reposed in him through committed service.

While thanking the governor “who has in various ways en-

hanced and ensured my political trajectory in Delta State and beyond,”Askia also thanked “God for guiding Okowa in giving me this privilege to serve the people.

“Your Excellency, I appreciate that you let me into where the political paddle of Delta State is hidden and the canoe has been sailing smoothly even in rough waters. My gratitude knows no bounds; it is profound. And you know, it is without regrets.

For me, it is the right thing to do, to effortlessly show immense

gratitude to you.”

The thanksgiving event was followed with a grant reception attended by thousands of people including Governor Okowa, his deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, former Delta governor, Chief James Ibori, Speaker of the state legislature, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Chairman of DESOPADEC, Mr Michael Diden, senior government officials and leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) including the state chairman, Mr Kingsley Esiso.

US Embassy Refutes Denying Oyedepo Visa The United States Embassy in Nigeria has denied reports that it rejected the visa application of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel International.

The US, in a tweet yesterday, however, said, “FalseNews Alert! Be advised, the reports making the rounds about a visa being denied to Nigerian Bishop Oyedepo are false.

“If you have seen this manufactured item in the media, help defeat this #misinformation by communicating to everyone that it is completely false.”

Also, the Living Faith Church, has denied media reports that Oyedepo was denied an entry visa into the United States.

In a statement yesterday, Chairman, Editorial and Media Board of Winners, Prof. Sheriff Folarin, debunked the report.

According to him, the Bishop was at no time denied an entry visa into the US. He also explained that Oyedepo was not at the US Embassy on Thursday.

He said: “The Bishop renewed his visa, last year,

without any initial denial or drama, or scene. The Bishop was not at the Embassy or Consulate yesterday or even anytime this year. Bishop has been in Canaanland all this week. The last time he applied for a visa, which was last year, he was issued without delay.

“We have contacted the US Embassy and they are as surprised as we are about this FAKE NEWS, which some media houses decided to spread.

“We encourage the Nigerian media to always follow the line of due diligence before rushing to press and try to at least reach the church from time to time, whenever items try to pass through the rumour mill. Professionalism and wisdom require this so as to maintain integrity and make the media trusted in society, particularly in this age that fake news has become the news.

“Bishop Oyedepo is a good friend of the US government and has a very good relationship with US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria. He is a social entrepreneur, who has touched so many lives in Nigeria, Africa, United States and all around the world.”

Trump’s Spiritual Adviser, Paula White, Adopts MFM Prayers Pastor Paula White, spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump of United States, is causing some stir within the United States public sphere with her new firebrand prayers.

The source of the prayers, according to the Washington Post (www. washingtonpost.com), was linked to the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) church as revealed by a professor of theological studies at Concordia University, André Gagné.

White now freely dishes out her new firebrand prayers as campaigns for the country’s presidential election billed for this year revs up.

In a video of the January 5 sermon, posted by the liberal advocacy group, Right Wing Watch, televangelist pastor Paula White breathlessly calls on Jesus Christ to “command all satanic pregnancies to miscarry right now.”

She continues: “We declare that anything that’s been conceived in satanic wombs, that it will miscarry,

it will not be able to carry forth any plan of destruction, any plan of harm,” White said before an auditorium of congregants.

“We come against the marine kingdom; we come against the animal kingdom. “We declare that any strange winds - any strange winds that have been sent to hurt the church, sent against this nation, sent against our president, sent against myself, sent against others - we break it by the superior blood of Jesus right now.”

As of last Sunday morning, the clip, which was just under two minutes long, had been viewed more than 2.5 million times.

White’s words are largely being interpreted literally — that she wishes for evil women to have miscarriages — but she shared a rare response to the criticism in which she explained that she was speaking in metaphor, praying for evil plans to be foiled in her congregants’ lives.

A PROMISE KEPT. . .

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle) presenting keys to an allottee, Mrs. Fatima Kosoko, during the official handing over of keys to allottees of Alhaji Lateef Jakande Gardens, Igando, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja...yesterday

Edo PDP Congress: Chieftain Seeks Election of Credible Executive Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A frontline governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Part (PDP), Mr. Kenneth Imasuangbon, has urged members of the party in Edo State to vote for a credible executive at the party congresses scheduled to begin this Saturday.

The Edo PDP congresses is scheduled to begin on February 1st where the party’s ward executives would be elected.

Imasuangbon said the bastion

of any political party is reflected in the type of leadership elected at the grassroots level.

Speaking to reporters in Benin Cify, Imasuangbon reminded the Edo PDP members that the expected victory at the governorship polls would be easy if they elect leaders that are sincere and believe in party loyalty.

He said the current disarray in the ruling All Progressives Congress has created the opportunity for the PDP to take

back power in Edo if the right persons were elected.

According to him, “Edo PDP members have no choice than to do away from the past where few persons will pick the party’s leadership in the bedroom. They have to be steadfast.

“If we get it right this Saturday then the victory of the party during the governorship election is assured.”

Also, a PDP support group, the PDP Youths for Justice, Alhaji Musa Kadiri, praised

National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, for promising free and fair congresses in Edo. Alhaji Kadiri also cautioned the outgoing State Executive led by Chief Dan Orbih not to support weak leaders to take over affairs of Edo PDP. Kadiri stated that the PDP would win the Edo governorship election if the party elected the right persons and picked a strong candidate that is loved

by Edo people.

Kwara APC Elders Sue for Peace over Ile Arugbo Demolition Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State on Friday sued for lasting peace between Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and Saraki family over Ile Arugbo crisis.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, one of the elders of the party, .Alhaji Olola Kasumu, appealed to the two sides to unite forces and bring progress to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole through amicable resolution of the matter Alhaji Kasumu who is the president of Afonja Descedants Union, said that the crisis nearly divided the community and the state, advised the state government to leave the property for the Saraki considering the loss already suffered.

The elder statesman, who narrated how intervention of the late Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu

Gambari, put an end to long time conflict between Afonja family and the Emir palace, said that the people of Ilorin are more united now, particularly, due to inter marriages.

“Ile Arugbo crisis wanted to divide Ilorin community and the state as a whole. Ile Arugbo is a meeting place where the downtrodden, the talakawas meet Saraki as a political leader.

“I was there before with Idiagbon community in Ilorin and we benefitted between 2001 and 2002. I don’t see anything wrong with Ile Arugbo. It was later politicised. And our governor’s first mistake is to have been pushed into that emotional issue.

“I did not support the idea of rushing to attack Ile Arugbo like that, as if there was war.

I’m sorry, it has happened and I hope it will be amicably resolved and the community will be united

again. What we want is progress, food, long life and prosperity instead of something that will divide us.

“Food, prosperity are what he should have started with. IleArugbo is a bad episode in his political history. I don’t see the essence of it. The new governor should not have dabbled into that.”

He added, “The two groups have played important roles in the community. AGF Razaq, the governor’s father, was good and belonged to Sardauna group then.

He tried his best, but had his foibles.

“Today, we’re united and one.

So, the two groups should unite and see themselves as equally good for the progress of the state. I will appeal to them to unite forces and bring progress to Kwara State and Nigeria as a whole.”

Alhaji Kasumu also said that the property should be left for Saraki as the place had suffered destruction.

Talking on relationship between people of Idi Ape, who are descendants of Afonja, and the Emir’s palace over long time conflict between them, Alhaji Kasumu said that the two families are one.

“The conflict started during military era. But you reached a stage when military was siding us and there was Ekundayo panel. However, there are only two of us remaining alive among the proponents. Justice Salami and I. Oniyangi is no more like others.

“The father of present emir resolved the conflict. Today, we’re united, more so by marriage. Late Adisa’s marriage to Emir’s daughter produced six children. Ilorin is a product of two leaders, Afonja and Alimi.

Alimi, being an Islamic scholar used his knowledge and acumen to assist Afonja. Conflict ensued as humans.”

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 1, 2020

NEWS

Osun Set to Develop Agriculture, Mining, Culture,Tourism Yinka Kolawole ÓØ ÝÙÑÌÙ

HONOURING A LEGAL GIANT...

L-R: Vice Presidential candidate of PDP, Mr. Peter Obi; former First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke; Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justice Chinwe Iyizoba (rtd.); and Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Amina Augie, during the inaugural dialogue and book launch in honour of Justice Chinwe Iyizoba in Lagos… recently

Anambra Registers First Lassa Fever Case, Sends Patient to Ebonyi David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Unizik) in Anambra State, has been confirmed the first Lassa fever patient in the state.

THISDAY learnt that the state Emergency Response team has moved the victim to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State for quarantining to ensure decontamination.

The Lassa fever case from Unizik was confirmed Friday at the Chukwukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), where she was transferred from the School’s Medical Centre.

The hospital management said Friday it collected specimen of the victim and sent to Irruah, Edo State and the result came out positive

However, the Acting Chief Medical Advisory Council CMAC of COOUTH, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Ezebialu, who signed the circular, said there was no cause for alarm.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, has said that the state was ready to contain the disease, as “everything had been put in place.”

Addressing reporters yesterday at the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) in Awka, Okpala said the state was following the federal government guidelines.

“A few days ago, the state’s Health Emergency Response Team responded to the notification of a suspected case of Lassa fever.

“We followed the national

guidelines in managing the case, from isolation and sample collection to sample testing.

“The result of the laboratory testing came out positive for Lassa fever. With this development, the state now has an index case.

“The case was safely transported to Viral Centre in FETHA, Abakiliki.

The Emergency Response Team has successfully decontaminated that isolation ward which accommodated the index case.

“In continuation of the state’s response to the index case, the state activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) on Wednesday, 29th January 2020. The centre is operating under the direction of the national coordination centre.

“We have constituted four contact

tracing teams in different locations for the listing and follow-up management of contacts of the case.

“The team has started contact listing. We have also conducted active case search at COOUTH Awka and NAU Medical Centre.

“We want to reassure the citizens of the state that we are prepared for the emergency situation.

“The State Ministry of Health and its partners in the Emergency Operations Centre have taken all the necessary precautions for managing the situation. Everything is under contro” “As citizens of the state, we need to be aware of the basic measures to take to protect ourselves in our homes, schools, markets, places of worship, etc. Lassa fever is spread through.

Obaseki Harps on Court: Buhari Didn’t Violate Importance of Infrastructure Constitution by not Handing Devt to Non-oil Economy Over to Osibanjo Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has harped on the importance of strategic development of infrastructure in the nation’s drive for improved non-oil sector of the economic.

Obaseki stated this on Tuesday at the opening of the South-South Export Enlightment and Engagement Forum, organized by the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), holding in Asaba, Delta State.

Adequate development of relevant infrastructure would provide the necessary launchpad for various export-bound local products, other than oil, which will enhance Nigeria foreign exchange earnings and save the country from overdependence on crude exportation.

He said that the south-south states are endowed with variety of agricultural and natural products whose comoetitive export potentials could be enhanced by putting in place relevant infrastructure that would add value to the local non-oil products.

Governors of four South-South states, namely Dr Ben Ayade of Cross River, Mr. Nyeson Wike of Rivers, Mr Sariake Dickson of Bayelsa and Mr

Udom Emmanuel of Akwa- Ibom, were however conspicuously absent at the opening of the forum at the Events Centre, Asaba.

THISDAY observed that the stands of the the aforementioned four states were empty and devoid of any activity whatsoever while only the stands of Delta, Edo and numerous participating private corporate organisations were a beehive, in terms of activities.

Edo State Governor, Obaseki, was the only South-South governor that joined the host governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, despite arriving after the host Governor, Okowa had delivered his opening speech.

Governor Okowa, who congratulated NEXIM for the initiative, said that the economies of these states have been largely dependent on the oil and gas sector, which has resulted in a mono-product economy and not doing well for inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.

The Delta governor noted that oil is a depleting resource, expressed worry over alternative transport modes especially with the advent of electric cars, saying it was a clear and present danger to the future of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari did not commit any offence by not handing over power to Vice President Yemi Osibanjo from April 25 to May 5, 2019 when he went to London on a private visit, a Federal High Court in Lagos has ruled.

The court presided by Justice Ayokunle Faji held that it was not necessary for the president to hand over to his vice because he spent less than 21 days outside the country Justice Faji said yesterday that Buhari was not bound to handover to Osinbajo since his ‘private visit’ was less than 21 days.

The judgement was as a result of a suit filed by a lawyer and activist, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, suing President Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, in suit No: FHC/L/CS/763/2019.

Effiong, who said he would appeal yesterday’s ruling, had asked the court to determine “whether in view of the extant provisions of Section 145 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic, 1999 (as amended), “the

President can validly proceed on vacation for any length of time without transmitting a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to that effect, which will empower the Vice President to perform the functions of the President in an acting capacity.”

The lawyers to President Buhari and Malami had told the court that “the time within which the President had to transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was 21 days.”

President Buhari also stated that his “private foreign trip” lasted for only nine days.

Effiong, who was present in court yesterday when the judgment was read, said he was concerned that the ruling could be used by the president and future presidents to their own advantage.

He then said he would approach the Court of Appeal for succor.

The Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr. Olallekan Badmus, has said that the focus of present administration is to develop Agriculture, Mining, Culture and Tourism for the development of the state.

The commissioner who described Governor Gboyega Oyetola as the people’s Governor, whose really meant well for the people of the state has also mapped out strategies to combat crime in all ramifications.

The commissioner who said Oyetola’s achievements within the last one year cannot be overemphasised, said Oyetola’s developmental agenda cut across every facet of life.

He was speaking while fielding questions from journalists in his office in Osogbo yesterday.

Badmus said that Governor Oyetola has equally done tremendously well in the area of health sector which he said why he rehabilitated not less than 335 Primary Health Centres in the state.

Badmus noted that the governor has been able to sustain the payment of full salaries to workers, a development he said has endeared him to all workers in the state.

According the commissioner, the main focus of the present admin-

istration under the leadership of Governor Oyetola are; Agriculture, Mining , Culture and Tourism.

Describing the present administration as a continuity of good government, Badmus noted Governor Oyetola immediately he assumed the mantle of leadership ordered for the continuation of Ilesa garage/Stadium dua carriage road, Osogbo/Ikirun, Ikirun/Ilaodo Kwara road and Gbongan/Odeomu road which he (the governor) said must be completed within the stipulated period of time.

According to him, the governor would continue to embark on more civil-oriented projects, just as he lauded the governor for being responsive to the yearnings of people of the state.

“The governor has been performing tremendously well, he has been able to sustain the payment of full salaries to all categories of workers including pensions to pensioners.

“Rehabilitation of 335 Primary Health Centres, rehabilitation and construction of roads across the state, lighting up of major roads to ensure safer night movement and many others that are glaring to the public eyes.”

He therefore urged the people of the state to continue to support the present administration in its bid to take the state to the greater heights.

‘Alleged Land Racketeering: Ganduje Not Behind Kano Emirate Investigation’ Ibrahim Shuaibu ÓØ ËØÙ

Kano State Government on yesterday distanced Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje from a fresh financial probe into alleged land racketeering within the Kano Emirate Council by the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission.

According to a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Muhammad Garba and made available to THISDAY yesterday, revealed that “the investigation over alleged sale of landed properties belonging to the Kano Emirate has nothing to do with Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.”

Garba was reacting to a front page lead story of the Daily Trust newspaper of Friday, January 31, 2020 captioned: ‘‘Ganduje renews feud with Sanusi’.

He said, “the Commission is backed by the relevant laws to carry out such investigations,” pointing out that, “as it did occurred in the past, where it even involved senior civil servants and political office holders, Governor Ganduje do not interfere with the activities of the Commission and only learnt about the probe when it got to the press.”

Garba expressed dismay over the story, “in which the paper attempted to depict a renewed feud between Governor Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II and maintains that the caption of the story is disproportionately at disparity with the body of the news item.

“Governor Ganduje holds no grudges against the monarch.

Even the issue of the creation of new Emirates in the state, which appears to be at the

centre of the stuff, followed due process.”

Garba, therefore, urged the media to, “guard against wiping up sentiments through publishing or airing of dramatic stories for the sake of wooing readers or listeners.”

CHANGE OF I, formerly known and addressed as ABDULATEEF IBRAHIM, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINOLA IBRAHIM OLAJUWON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should I, formerly known and addressed as GRACIOUS OKWUOKENYE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKWUOKENYE GRACIOUS TOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

NECO and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLADIPUPO CHARLOTTE TEMILOLUWA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO CHARLOTTE OLAJUMOKE. My DoB was mistakingly written 14/06/1998 instead of 14/06/199. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SAKA TAJUDEEN AYINLA, now wish to be known and addressed as SAKA TAJUDEEN ISHOLA BANU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GODWIN OSAROWMIN YEKE UNNAH, now wish to be known and addressed as GODWIN IDEHEN ABEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as UDOH STANLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as DOUGLAS UDOH STANLEY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

Plus

FASHION FILE

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER

pg. 29

FAIRGROUND

pg. 36

SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 43

Peter Obi Life Not about Owning Billions of Naira, but about What You Did to Add Value

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 01, 2020

PLUS

Life Not about Owning Billions of Naira, but about What You Did to Add Value

Obi and his wife, Margaret, after a marriage service at Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha.

What are your recollections of your childhood up to your teens?

To the best of my recollection, I was a normal child, born in Waterside, Onitsha. I obtained my primary education at Ave Maria School, Onitsha and a school in Anam, where an Aunt was the head-mistress. For my secondary education, I attended Christ the King College (CKC) also in Onitsha. About two years after leaving CKC, I went to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) for my degree programme. From my primary school days, I have been in business – often engaged in the marketing of one item or the other. In secondary school, I became a full-time businessman; supplying products, including eggs which I purchased from a farm in Delta State. Indeed, I have always desired to be a businessman and to be on my own; and set up my own business soon after I left secondary school in 1978.

Would you say you were a pliable or stubborn as a child?

I would say there were portrayals of both traits. For instance, in my junior years at CKC, I had some ‘run-ins’ with the then Principal, Father Tagbo on his “Don’t Do This, Don’t Do That”. However, as a senior student, I became one of his favourites to the extent that he handed over boys whose fathers bring as errant and needing special care for me to look after. Years later, while I was the Governor, I cherished my visits to Father Tagbo where he would ask me: “I hope you are no longer stubborn and doing the right things now”. He passed on a few years ago.

Do you recall any specific stubborn acts that landed you into trouble?

We had CKC and we had the QRC for girls.

As a junior boy, you were not permitted to go to QRC. Few of my friends and I went there and we were suspended. Consequently, my mother told me to look for another school, but eventually the senior teachers at CKC insisted that we should be pardoned and our places restored on the grounds that we were very intelligent students and generally well-behaved.

Interesting I ended up as the College’s Disciplinary Prefect.

You took to business quite early. Did it come to you naturally or you were influenced by the commercial environment of Onitsha?

Both factors, I believe. I was born into a business environment. My father built the first super-market in Onitsha. He was in big-time business, and operated with branches in Port Harcourt, Enugu and some other locations in the then Eastern Region. For him to have bought a Mercedes Benz car in the 1950s shows that he was a wealthy man. He passed on during the civil war. My mother herself owned a bakery, and ran some of my father’s business concerns after his death. That environment – at home and the wider Onitsha – had tremendous influence on deep interest in business and set

up mine.

How did you receive the news of your father’s death?

I was about six years old then and did not quite appreciate what happened. At that early age, one hardly knows the difference between life and death. I came home, met everyone else crying and joined them to cry. We were shown our dad (lying in state) and we all cried. I felt the loss of my mother more because she passed on when I was already grown; a Director in many companies. At the time of her death, she had already prepared us on the challenges of life.

So, you took your moral lessons and fibre from your mother?

Absolutely. She was always guiding us on Dos and Don’ts. Indeed, the five things my mother continually told me not to do when I was relocating to Lagos remain with me till this day.

What are those things she told you?

Well, some of them are very private. However, the most important one is to acknowledge always that in life wherever a man sees himself in success is by the grace of God, not because of his own cleverness; and that you must not abuse grace. She also cautioned us not to allow anything entrusted with us to get lost or be misappropriated; to manage the trust for the owners and always remain appreciative. While I was in office as Governor, I always remembered that I was there by His grace; that grace must be utilised to do something which the Almighty will approve of because one day, He will ask me, ‘I made you Governor; what did you do with it?’ As a human being, I would not say I did everything right, but I believe that if one scores 70% in school, it is an ‘A’ though there is still 30% you could not achieve.

As far back as 1978, I applied one of the things my mother taught me about good conduct on my first visit to the UK. I went to a shop and met a man called Foxy and I bought bags from him. I continued to procure bags from him till he folded-up the business in 2015. After the initial transactions, he willingly released the goods to me on credit and I would pay him after selling them in Nigeria. I remained consistent in fulfilling my own part of the bargain. Interestingly, during my tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Mac Rae was appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria. He had gone to Mr. Foxy’s shop to purchase a suitcase and on informing the latter that he had been posted to Nigeria as EU Envoy, the UK shop-owner told him a wonderful story about me; expressing his strong belief that I would perform well in office. The fall-out was that Mr. Mac Rae made contact with me and ensured that the EU gave their full support to the development agenda of my administration.

Keeping faith with your partners and those you have interactions with are both very important and rewarding in the final analysis.

He is almost an eccentric in response to questions and keeps popping up obscure but reasonable angles that make you feel not having given enough consideration to every topic. However, you cannot fault the simplicity and demystifying ordinariness he brings to the environment. Former governor of Anambra State and vice presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 election, Mr. Peter Obi broke free from poverty too early in life and as a student, he had two cars. He sees women, no matter how beautiful not as an exploratory object.

Obi considers the death of Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu, who he said was always there for him as one of his saddest moments. Having lost his father early in life, his mother became his guardian angel and bequeathed life principles that he is using. He speaks to Charles Ajunwa and Ahamefula Ogbu on his childhood, how he met his wife, family and more With your background can we say you were born with a silver spoon?

There was a silver spoon when my father was alive and doing well but the civil war came and took both the silver and the spoon – leaving my mother and us toiling to meet our needs. One of the good things the war did not take away was the roof over our heads. My mother – a wonderful woman she was – struggled to see us through and guided us along the path of growth; a strong influence which I have imparted to my children.

Growing up in Onitsha, did the city’s rough side rub off you?

Rough? I don’t understand what you mean by the rough side of Onitsha. Onitsha is an interesting place to live in and I still stay there, I don’t think there is anything rough in Onitsha which is like other great cities like New York and Lagos with their interesting combination of the good, the bad and the ugly.

So how come the “Bad and the Ugly” traits are not evident on you?

Growing up in Onitsha, I had the parental guidance of my parents, especially my mother, on how to appreciate life and do the right thing always. Again, I attended Ave Maria and CKC with a long tradition of rounded training,

including academics, moral instruction, civics and sports, which have stood me in good stead over the years. As I indicated early, even when I acted out of turn at CKC, I still came around to become a responsible person.

What would you consider your most painful experience to date?

There are quite a number of them. As Governor of Anambra State, I always experienced great sadness when I saw children in school without a roof, going to school without learning materials or those who could not afford to be in school. Another painful experience was losing people like Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu whom I could go to and he listened to me and gave me invaluable advice – being always there for me. Then, there is the death of my brother, Iranaeus. The large number of unemployed persons and we are busy celebrating as many go hungry, also give me pains. Indeed, for a human being with the fear of God, what could be more painful than knowing that millions of your fellow Nigerians are living under the poverty line and some other millions of graduates unemployed but willing to work? One can only imagine what they are going through, especially as they are being harassed by a system that is supposed to look after them.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JFEBRUARY 01, 2020

19

PLUS I See Women as Friends, Partners, not Something to Be Used Have you had any near-life experience?

What is more threatening to someone than living in Nigeria? We live under constant threats here...

That’s a general threat, we mean personal to you...

I have experienced a number of them. I would have been in a Fokker 28 plane that crashed but three of us missed the flight. I was a student at UNN then and a businessman.

I have been involved in a motor accident as well as survived armed robberies, my Lodge at Onitsha was burnt down when, as Governor, I was fighting hoodlums in Onitsha, but I am happy I returned order to the town in the final analysis, among other life-threatening incidents.

As a student, what was your relationship with the opposite sex like?

Not rascally, and I still have a good relationship with women. For me, I relate to them as friends and partners, not as objects to be used.

Over the years, I have received invaluable support from women; and I believe one of the major problems of this country is not allowing women to take their rightful place and not investing enough in them. As Governor, my administration accorded them a decent place - in the civil service, political appointments, education, health and other human services.

Among others, at a time, my Chief of Staff was a woman.

Given your status as a two-term Governor and successful businessman vis-a-vis the level of poverty in Nigeria, how do you manage women throwing themselves at you?

I do not believe that women throw themselves at anybody; it is the men that take advantage of them. Women are wonderful people and we should not exploit them. Let me give you an example: you meet a girl that cannot pay her school fees and does not know where the next meal will come from, it is wrong for you to exploit her situation -- that is slavery and is what people get punished for. From the abundance God has given you, you could assist the young woman in question to improve her condition and still derive satisfaction from your role in her life.

Young women come to me every day with one problem or the other; and God forbid that I should exploit them. Similarly, you could have met someone who had a road accident and help take the victim to a hospital. On the other hand, if you go through the victim’s things and rob him, you have brought yourself under a curse for which you will be punished.

The other I obliged two young women who requested they joined one of my vehicles on my way from Owerri to Onitsha. There was space in that back-up vehicle and rather than cost me any extra money, it was a big relief for the women. As they came to thank me for the lift, I introduced them to an associate as my daughters. In any case, they did not look much younger than my daughter whom I adore; and it was pleasure to extend that gesture to them.

So, for me, women do not throw themselves at men; rather, it is men that exploit their relation-

ship with women.

When did you make your first million’?

In primary school, secondary school or in the university?

I am not into that type of business. You can always confirm that with those who were at UNN with me. It was when I was in Nsukka that I built Savannah Bank branch in Omogho.

In fact, I built two buildings for Savannah Bank, lived on my own, had a Peugeot 505 car, which I bought brand new as well as a BMW 520. How much I was worth then is not the issue, but I was doing well and still do today.

To me, life is not about ownership of millions or billions, but about what did you do to add value.

You had all those as a Bachelor?

Yes. What is your costliest possession in life?

The question reminds me of a man who suffered ship wreck and lost all his property.

When friends commiserated him on the loss, he said that since his intellect was still intact that he did not lose anything. My costliest possession is not in terms of material possession.

Could you point at one?

None. I don’t believe in that. I am sure some people will expect me to mention what money can buy. I just make money, save what I can, use what I need and give out the rest. There is nothing I can miss today that I think is too much; my wife knows that. When people lock the door so that thieves will not come and carry this or that, I’m not moved. You can come and carry everything I have. As far I know, I don’t even have anything.

Given a private jet, would you use it?

Yes and no. Yes, when we start campaigns and you give it to us to run around; but no because it is of no permanent use to me. If it is for a specific purpose, okay; that was why I trimmed my convoy to just a few vehicles to avoid lining up the road for the sake of status.

When I see Nigerians own houses in New York, Abuja, Lagos, Johannesburg, London, France, here and there – some of which they rarely occupy - I wonder what they hope to do with all of them. What are you going to do with them? I have a house in Onitsha and was urged to have one in the village, I simply responded ‘No’, because it is 10-minute drive from Onitsha to my village. If my presence in the village is required, I will be there in time. Again, living in Onitsha gives me access to go to the airport in Asaba for my longer trips. As it is, my residential arrangement is convenient for me.

Assuming we stumble on your bank balance, are we going to see trillions, billions or just millions?

It is poverty of the spirit to think in terms of millions one owns.

Why don’t you build a private university like others since you love education?

The addition of “like Others’, has questioned your question. I do not do things because others are doing because I am not in competition with anybody, I weigh my options. I don’t need to build a private university ‘like others’. I am talking about basic education, which is the critical foundation for human development. I would rather support, say, an existing university than build one for myself. This is not to suggest that those that built private universities are wrong.

In the same way, I have heard people say I should establish a Foundation, but not all of us can have foundations; you can always support existing ones. For example, what I am doing in schools now is to see how I can support the Pope’s Foundation on education because I believe in education and I believe in what they are doing. Likewise, I don’t have to build a church in my village because it is not needed but I have built churches elsewhere, including the Philippines where they were needed.

Whatever I have is by His grace so when I give back to Him, it doesn’t have to have a tag wearing with my face on it.

The infrastructure my administration built, for which you gave me an award, was not tagged ‘Peter Obi’ because the funds came from the State. I was an agent that was used to save the money and people are happy because they are using the facilities.

How did you meet your wife?

We were introduced by a mutual friend; and were both ready for marriage. It was not a long-drawn process as we both knew what we wanted; and then, we were in business. There has been no going back.

What attracted you to her?

I have great respect for my fellow human beings and believe we should grow to love others. I saw her and liked her and the feeling was mutual; so we decided to spend the rest of our lives together.

So what type of wedding did you have?

With Limousines and other high society symbols?

No. I have always told you, in my life, I have an allergy to money being wrongly spent. I undertook the traditional wedding quietly and later had the Church wedding in London with 35-40 guests at the reception. We agreed that it was mainly about two of us and no amount of Champagne would make us better husband and wife? When did you see me celebrating my birthday? I turned 50 during my tenure as Governor and some people wanted to shut down the state to celebrate the occasion. Among others, three companies offered to underwrite all the activities – one of them was ready to commit N120 million to the ‘Project’. I told the sponsors that I wanted 200 sets of computers, which I subsequently gave to 20 schools - 10 sets each. Another company wanted to build a house for me in the village as part of that same birthday celebration. I asked how much the house will cost and was told about N100 million. I said fine, and directed the sponsors to erect one building valued at N30 million at Monsignor Maduka Secondary School, Ekwulo-

L-R: Obi’s son, Eloka; his daughter, Amaka; wife, Margret and Obi, arriving Ebe town, Enugu State, for the 100th birthday of the Igwe of the town, HRH, Igwe Chibueze Ani

bia; construct another at St. Anthony Secondary School, Agulu; and a third – a Dormitory – for a School run by Dominican Sisters in Abatete.

That’s how the N100 million was spent.

Another sponsor bought me watch valued at N5 million. Fantastic Watch it was, but I told him I already had a good watch that has been keeping the time for many years. I requested the sponsor to procure a bus for a Seminary in Ukpor that urgently, as they told me, needed that means of transportation. He bought the bus and I gave it to them. All these were memorable birthday presents for me, and they still stand today.

That is how I like to mark my birthdays.

Those engaged in expensive celebrations have a right to their private tastes and it is not in my place to regulate their lives. Meanwhile, I know that my village and elsewhere in Nigeria, there are millions of children out of school and several schools without basic facilities – all of them needing the support privileged people can give them.

But going abroad to wed is as expensive as a high society wedding here?

I was living in London then. My wedding cost me almost nothing. In fact, wedding abroad is cheap, we had just a small hall for about 40 people and we paid 20 Pounds each for their food which my friends paid.

We didn’t pay the church; I was serving at mass and just did the reading and then the programme was over.

How do you relax with your family?

I have an interesting family. I have two components - my personal wife, one daughter and my son who is often on his own; a hardworking person who can’t stay without doing anything. My son finished school and told me: ‘I want to be on my own, I don’t want to have anything to do with your business. I want to work’; and that is what he is doing. He is all over the place doing his own thing. We are close; we talk and joke, but he is on his own, lives his own life.

My wife is somewhat my opposite: when I say ‘I don’t like this and I don’t like that’, my wife enjoys life a lot. My daughter stands in the middle, a bit of me and a bit of my wife – depending on her moods.

She is a secondary school teacher, which is the main thing that keeps her happy. On balance, we all blend well; happy with the way God blessed us. However, like every other family, we have our own issues from time to time as we can’t be laughing always.

What has been your happiest moment in life?

So many things make me happy. My daughter goes to school and comes back and tells me she was with school children and what she thinks we can do for the school and when you solve those problems people are happy and I am happy. You see children who can’t afford school fees and you help them out and they are happy.

20

Fashion File

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020 with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

For Maxivive Galentine 2020

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

21

FASHION FILE

For Maxivive Galentine 2020 Creative Director, Papa Oyeyemi, prompts a wake-up call, challenging the senses to discern between all forms of love; pure and natural.

Informed by ideas conceived in the seasonal collections, the capsule proposes key pieces rooted in conversations of love, referred to as

Galentine.

He writes: “We all can speak one language, Love. Find your truth in the expression of love for one or the other.

Plant seeds of your essence in every soul.

Detecting a need for love, being seen as love, regardless of gender, roles or beliefs.”

22

˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

Irregular Migration: Soundbites from Italy

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T

wo weeks ago, I transited through Milan Malpensa airport en route to Lagos after my vacation. I had a few hours wait before my flight to Lagos and so decided to do what we call window shopping around the huge array of duty-free shops lining all the way after passport control to the boarding areas.

As I sauntered around lazily, not knowing exactly what to look out for, my roving eyes rested on a leather wallet on display in one of the glass-encased shops selling leather stuff. My eyes riveted on it for a moment as I remembered my current crocodile skinned wallet which has been in service for close to seven years was now begging and indeed protesting to be retired even without benefits.

I moved towards the glass and stood looking at the different designs of wallets on display. As if on a prompt, a gentleman suddenly appears from the hallway and walked straight to the door and using a smart key which he slotted into the key hole, he swung the door open and stepped in. He barely took notice of me or perhaps choosed to ignore me. Whichever way, I did not know why he wore that countenance and could not be bothered either. I am used to white people and some of their rude attitudes.

So without an invitation, I walked in and picked up the wallet. He pretended to be busy until I asked him how much the wallet sold for. He replied that that particular design sold for â‚Ź500. I exclaimed that it was too expensive. He chuckled and said some designs by Saldi were selling for upwards of â‚Ź1000. I now asked if there was any wallet cheaper than â‚Ź500, he asked me what my budget was. After a little hesitation, I pulled out my old beaten crocodile skinned wallet and thrusted it at him and asking him if he had something in that range.

He looked at the wallet thoughtfully for a moment then asked how much I bought the wallet, I lied to him that it cost $200. He shook his head and said then it was fake. He opened a drawer and brought out a brochure where he pointed out to me that wallets in the mould I have just shown him are very expensive. In truth, I did not know the cost, the wallet was gifted me by a friend of mine Sam Adeyemi who worked then as Art Director with an agency.

From there on, my new friend whom I would call Luigi (not real name) hit off a discussion with me. He explained to me that Milan is the world’s fashion capital and that has been made possible by some of Italy’s foremost designers who have for a long time captivated the popular culture with their breathtaking annual designs. He explained that the fashion industry alone in Italy is worth multibillion euros and it has

Aregbesola, Minister of Interior

been able to create its own economy.

I told him I was aware and we are also gifted with lots of talented designers who are seeking global acclaim at the moment. I assured him that in no distant time, the world would stand still for Nigerian designers.

He looked at me for a brief moment and asked me which country I am from, I repeated that I am a Nigerian. He kept quiet. After a while, he asked if I lived in Italy, I said no and told him I was just on transit through Malpensa on my way to Lagos. He said he wished Italian politicians would be equally as altruistic as the fashion designers. I asked him in which ways and he went on to narrate the monumental corruption that has eaten deep into the body polity of their country. He said it was almost as if it is irredeemable. I now pointed out that Italian politicians are corrupt with a conscience, at least, there is healthcare, affordable transportation, jobs, quality education, etc. I asked him what if he was in Africa where there is no electricity, no potable water etc.

Luigi hesitated for a moment as if weighing whether to say what he wanted to say or not and finally told me that they watched on television a news item where allegations of corruption in the oil and gas sector running into multi-billion dollar (Malabu Oil Deal) were leveled against some Nigerians including some Italians working with Eni, Italy’s equivalent of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). I acknowledged that the same matter is being investigated in our country and there was an assurance by government that

Beware of the Ides of 2023

I

t began as an itch...the sudden urge to look at old cuttings and riffle through ‘filed’ articles of many years ago. Then, I stumbled on an article published in the opinion section of The Nation on August 17, 2012 (“My Predictions For 2015... Beware of 2013�)... It was an attempt to juxtapose our socio-political conditions on the dynamics of the number ‘3’, especially with the prospects of 2013 and 2015 creeping in. It seems rather eerie that the article may well have been written this week in the shadows of the political and socio-economic significance of our new magic number, 2023.

So, let us indulge in a rehash (wherever you see 2013 (or 2015) simply imagine 2023; and swap equivalent names and offices from then with now): “Let me quickly introduce myself. I’m not a clairvoyant, a prophet or seer. I however do believe that if things remain as they are (and there is nothing in the past 30 years to indicate that we will change for the better, or even resist the temptation to over-reach ourselves), my predictions have a good chance of coming true.

The following are the scenarios I believe may occur before 2015 - “the great anxiousness�, when Nigeria (was) expected internally to change government through an improved national election (by incurable optimists), and externally, when we (were) supposed to self-annihilate (according to prophets of doom).

My prescriptions are, of course, predicated on the obvious facts of our current existence, and really do not take much intelligence to articulate that the consequence of the ongoing actions, inaction and serial perfidy of politicians and public officials can only mean one thing: near total collapse of all democratic and state structures.

For those who understand their history, and appreciate the influence of numbers in the natural order of inevitability, figures matter. They really do matter. Crunch these for instance... In Nigeria, our fate appears to be intertwined with figure ‘3’ in every decade, even long before our 1960 independence. Not in the mould of being the third largest economy in Africa. No, rather in a more draconian way - we tend to unravel politically around that number, and then spiral into series of bungling and fumbling missteps and misadventures; which over several decades have prevented us from progressing speedily and sensibly as a nation, in spite of the quality of our human resources and the (quantity) of God’s deposits upon our soil.

If in 1953, the Nigerian politicians had positively received Chief Anthony Enahoro’s call for “a primary political objective (for) the attainment of self-government for Nigeria in 1956�, we would have embraced a fairly more Nigerian constitution rather than the Lyttleton contraption of 1954; and Nigeria would have been independent four years before she did in 1960. We would have avoided the Kano Riots of 1953, precipitated by deep ethnic and partisan divisions within the polity. We missed the chance,

and were reduced subsequently by sundry setbacks.

The post-independence crisis between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Ladoke Akintola led to the Western Region crisis of 1962/1963, and of course all the intrigues, skirmishes and conflicts were the harbinger of the first military coup in 1966. Though, something good came out of 1963, the Mid-West region was created in spite of prevailing agitation in the West that it was more of a back-stabbing castration (masterminded by) the eastern and northern governments. On August 12, 1963, the Mid-Western Region was born. Nigeria also received her republican status on October 1, 1963.

The blight of the first set of indigenous political leadership reared its head essentially from 1963, in preparation for the 1964 Federal general elections - a fool-hardy, self-serving politicking that completely ignored the prevalent dangerous tension and anger in the land. But the real detonator for the Wild West’s “Operation Wetie� fiasco was the dubiously arranged Regional elections of 1965. Its vitriolic over-flow swept in the military adventurers. More importantly, the unreasonable weakness and confounding indecision of the Tafawa Balewa-led Federal government to deal decisively with bare-faced hooliganism and lawlessness in the western region persuaded the coupists that the politicians had no clue on how to rule their rich country. Does that sound like a deja vu?

However, after surviving a couple of quick-fire coups and a mindless civil war, Nigeria sort of straddled into some peacefulness. But about 1973, the young Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, strangely began to drop hints of amnesia concerning his hand-over date and programme. He was no longer sure if Nigerians needed civilian rule any (more). That indolence bought him a bloodless palace coup in 1975.

And in fits and bounds, we staggered on until 1983, when the putrid cup of purposeless politicians came crashing down with the rude entrance of the Buhari/Idiagbon bloodless intervention. The military’s return was arguably excusable because of the bastardization of politics and demonization of honesty in the conduct of public affairs. In a now usual climate, a prostrate (civilian) president appeared clueless while his subordinates traversed the entire country looting public till and flaunting their perfidy across national countenance with despicable impunity - and all the while, Nigeria drifted about in rudderless and meaningless meanderings. Deja vu?

1993 brought out the big lie in our much-vaunted claim of the giant of Africa, as rulers of that period, driven by their Lilliputian sense of self-importance and inordinate grab and greed for power, truncated what, until then, was our best attempt at national political transition. The only profit we derived from the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, truth be said, was a great and incessant devastation on the body polity and psyche of the nation...a dull pall from which we are yet to unfurl.

Of course, we also remember 2003 and its emblematic

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

those involved in the deal would be called to account for their wrong deeds.

Luigi pointed out that if a few individuals could steal such money, it then means Nigeria is rich. I admitted that Nigeria is indeed a rich country in both human and natural resources. I told him our population of about 200m people is a big market for any product produced and consumed even within Nigeria.

I said we have arable land and equal amount of rain and sunshine which are good factors for agriculture production.

Then why are Nigerians becoming a nuisance in Italy he shot back at me? Not quite sure what satisfactory answer to give to this question, I replied that they are in Italy seeking greener pastures. He laughed and asked me if I truly believed my people were in Italy looking for greener pastures, I said yes.

At this point, not wanting to be boxed into a corner, I decided to make a detour. I said to him that unfortunately, the rise of people like Matteo Salvini, the former prime minister of Italy and his anti-immigration narrative has stirred up populist nationalism in a number of Italians who now see foreigners as criminals and people that are not wanted in their country.

It was as if I had touched on a raw nerve, I could see suppressed rage or anger in Luigi’s eyes as he struggled to convey his emotions. What do you people know about Salvini, he queried? Salvini never said foreigners are criminals, he never profiled them. The point he has consistently tried to make and which majority of us agree with is that foreigners should respect our laws, he tried to educate me.

He said no country leaves its borders open for foreigners to pour in as is the case in Italy. Luigi lamented that Africans have taken advantage of Italy’s seaward border with Libya and opted to abuse the privilege of Italy’s humanitarian gesture by flocking to their country without following due processes.

He said Italy has Embassies and Consulates globally and if any foreigner is desirous of visiting Italy, the embassies or consulates are in a position to process such entries and not for Africans to force their way and illegally invade their country.

Luigi pointed out that Italians are a welcoming people and would continue to extend its warmth and hospitality to foreigners who follow due process to access their country and the reverse is the case with those who decide to come through Libya for whatever reasons. At this point of our discussion, my flight was announced and we bade each other bye and I departed.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

presidential election, internationally regarded as the worst election ever organised by any human society. The fissures of that election will take political anatomists many years to correctly and fittingly dissect and categorize for edification of the next generation.

Therefore, on these precepts, let us proceed in streams we are now familiar with....

My major fear is that the government of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) appears to be working furiously to breathe life into the lurking demons that potentially may rule the coming year, 2013. The cold, disparaging realities of 2011/2012 as expressed in the great revelations of incredible larceny and gargantuan pilferage indicate that the cup of our current political actors is aiming for resounding crash in the two years leading to the 2015 elections.

As it is necessary in matters predictive, the elements of cause and effect are pronounced and self-evident... therefore, we may say if thus and thus are allowed to emerge or continue, then such and such may occur or intrude. The possibilities for reinvention are vast, and (also) opportunities for success (which is) dependent on the will and desire of political actors to follow the honorable and responsible path. We basically choose how we want this present political drama to terminate. But enough of putative generalities...now to brass-tacks.

If the President and his cabinet, the incumbent legislators and state governments across the board do not revert from their current “I-don’t-give-a-damn� posturing, and they continue to do little or no work, and take unsightly remunerations; if they continue to transfer national wealth to private accounts with scant regard for retribution; if they continue to caress indicted thieves and cavort with determined criminals...the year 2013 (read 2023) is a potent number that may herald tremors and terrors that will suffocate corrupt leadership and up-end despotic do-little mandarins who purport to be selfless stewards of our commonwealth.

As predictions go, there is no absolute in this crystal ball.

There is nothing to show that a change of heart and a reversal from current insensitive direction may prevent untoward consequences.

However, deeply ingrained traditions and human predilection for selective amnesia may lull the current political players to underestimate the inevitability of centrifugal forces that have plagued this nation right from the first Lagos election of 1923!�

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

23

PEOPLE Prince Ugo Malumi

Nollywood Bleeds Because of Greedy Producers Prince Ugo Malumi, Nollywood actor, model, singer and former Mr. Rivers State is having a swell time in his career. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, he speaks about his career and emerging issues in Nollywood

B

ackground I am a Nollywood actor, model and entrepreneur. I am the CEO of PM Emperor Films Entertainments. Mr. Rivers State 2006. I graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, Department of Computer Science. My Father is from Ondo State while my mother is from Imo State. Professionally, my acting prowess began in 2012, after a renowned director and a marketer approached me in Lagos where I was shooting a musical video. I have featured in several movies including Zenith of Hatred, Heart of a Wife, African Tradition, Crossing the Battleline, The Yoke, Our Heritage, African Bride, The King and His Cross, Battle of Justice, The Black Mass, Temper of Mind, Hidden Treasure, Daughters of Babylon, Cotonou Hustlers etc.

What are the ups and downs of a celebrity lifestyle?

The up is seeing how my presence puts smiles on people’s faces. The dislikes would be not been able to live my normal life. I can’t go to certain areas or neighbourhoods.

What were your fondest childhood memories?

One of my fondest childhood experiences was when I managed to escape from been sexually harassed by two lesbians in our estate after I bumped into them. I had gone to visit my playmate, one of the girl’s younger brother, thinking he was at home. If they had succeeded in getting grip of my gunner with their mouth that very day, I wouldn’t have been the Virgin that I’m today.

Who influenced you to be the man you are today?

My mom. She always tells me bible stories of certain great men/women. She inculcated into me that with God, all things are possible.

Did you have any traumatic experience growing up?

Nothing significant as such. I remember having craw-craw and my brother, genuinely trying to help, scrubbed my skin with a new sponge and poured powder on me afterwards, just trying to help. I remember running around naked, as a seven-year-old kid, crying and in pain. It was funny and I still tease him about it till now. That’s not really traumatic; it’s more of a memory I would never forget.

Why did you choose movie industry?

I didn’t choose to be or thought of make acting a full time job but it happened and I bless God for that because it gives me joy acting alongside other great names. And for now, I realise I was born to make great impact in my time through acting, knowing the future has more goodies in store for me.

Looking at your career, any regret so far?

No regret thus far. This is where I am supposed to be. I was born to be here and that’s what I believe, even though I supposedly stumble on it, but I found out that this is what I am supposed to do. It’s almost ten years now. It’s been a challenging and rewarding experience. You have to know what you want, work towards it and never reduce the size of your dreams; make sure that you improve your attitude, discipline and skills to match the destiny that you want. Was it challenging? Absolutely! Are there still challenges? Absolutely. But there are no regrets because I love what I am doing.

What is your relationship with other actors?

My relationship with other actors is splendid, both the male and female.

How profitable is acting to you? Is it paying your bills?

Do you do acting alone?

Yes, it’s paying my bills but I don’t do acting alone. The value that you place on yourself and the standard that you set, that’s same value that people will place on you. That value grows over time and also entails you understanding the industry better.

What was the experience like on your first project?

It was challenging than I thought but I conquered. Experience is the best teacher.

Our movies have gone from morally and deeply rooted in social reality to glam and unrealistic narratives.Why? I think there is something fundamentally wrong with how we are telling stories now, especially those masquerading as ‘cinema’ people, and there is a disconnect with audiences. We need to go back to who we are as we cannot tell stories outside our contextual realities. I feel producers are too profit conscious these days and want to explore every possible means to get returns on investment, which has in one way or the other affected our jobs.

Tell us about your most embarrassing moment so far?

(Laughs) Anytime I remember this story, I just can’t help but just

Malumi

laugh. A Consular Officer at the American Embassy accusing me of been married with four kids. Even when I tried to clear the air that it was just a movie scene, he just wouldn’t listen; like I was married to his American sister (Laughs) How do you unwind when you’re not working?

Honestly, I’m always working. However, I like to be in a dim-lit room with a book in my hand when I have a moment to myself. Also, I rehearse with my artists in my production house (PM Emperor Films Entertainment) What is your greatest fear in life?

Getting to the end of life and realising I didn’t touch the things I was meant to have achieved. So, there is a driving force to ensure I don’t get to the finish line and say I could have done better.

I hope to keep growing and improving myself and ensure I become a better person every day.

What’s plan for 2020?

I plan to expand and grow in 2020. I have a lot I will be working on this year. Already, I am on set right now for a new movie and

I have other scripts waiting to be executed. So, 2020 is going to be better. My fans should watch out for my work.

How do you think the government can help the creative industry?

The government can help the industry by appointing ethical leaders of my age into offices of art, tourism and culture because of the energy, creativity, drive and modern ideas. We are leaders of today, not just tomorrow.

What do you think is responsible for the collapse in celebrity marriage?

I believe marriage is meant for mature minds or adults. So, if two people from different backgrounds, after going through so much courtship stress to get married, can just wake up one day and walkout on each other like total strangers, then I think it’s an individual palaver; it’s not all about been a celebrity. I just feel, most people these days, somehow already knew they weren’t going to spend eternity with their partner; they only got married to prove to society they were down that road once.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

24

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Wombii to Release New Range of EdTech Solutions Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of interactive flat panels (IFPD), Wowbii Interactive, has announced plans to roll out new range of EdTech solutions as part of its commitment to education growth in the country.

Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mrs Terae Onyeje, dropped the hint at the Wowbii Interactive CEO EdTech Outlook for 2020.

Speaking at the event, Onyeje stated that the Edtech space will witness a heavier disruption this year, which would also influence growth in enterprises.

She noted that Wombii, being a major player in this space, would not be left behind in the anticipated breakthrough and revolution.

“Nigeria is not left out of the wave of digitisation sweeping across the global economy. We are seeing a more aggressive push towards the emergence of a digital economy.

“This will lift the impetus for educational institutions, enterprises, policy formulators and decision makers to explore technologies that will transform learning.”

She stressed that Wombii is devoted to transform the way Africa works and learns, through various application bundles on its IFPDs, to achieve end-to-end 21st century communications solutions.

“Wowbii is enabling educators and learners leapfrog to the fore of global learning best practice. We are delivering an explosive combination of lifelong learning by layering interactive learning applications and curricula using the native tool of the youth (tap n swipe hardware). Today, our learning solutions are across Greenspring Schools’ campuses in Lekki, Anthony and Ikoyi.

“To effectively deliver 21 st Century learning, the interactive learning experience we offer must reach the schools in the lower income bracket, where about 80 per cent of the Nigeria’s learners are. We are therefore really excited about our new solution that brings affordable interactivity to the classroom – reinforcing our success in offering open and futuristic technology that connects legacy learning technologies.

We plan to announce the new addition to our stable of solutions this quarter.”

MTN Appreciates Trade Partners Telecommuncation giant, MTN Nigeria, has shown appreciation to its trade partners in the country who were affected by last year’s xenophobic attacks.

Tagged the ‘Y’ello Partners Appreciation Day’ (YPAD), the gesture took a form of get- together party and afforded the company a space to connect and relate more with partners in a very relaxed ambience.

The gesture kicked off with Lagos partners, moved to Abuja and ended in Owerri, recently.

Speaking at the event in Lagos, Chief Operating Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue, thanked the partners for their loyalty and consistency.

He also seized the occasion to highlight some of the company’s achievements in the past year which were not limited to MTN listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), a change in the company’s board, the launch of MoMo Agent, and Music Time, as well as winning the war on data subscription, amongst others.

Likewise in Owerri, the firm’s General Manager, Regional Operations (East),

Mr Innocent Entonu, commended the partners for their cooperation which he said has rubbed off positively on the firm’s bottom line.

At the occasion, representative of MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Sales and Distribution Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Kunle Adebiyi briefed the audience on the company’s interventionary efforts to assuage businesses affected by the attack.

“We have helped to facilitate insurance payment for those trade partners whose businesses were insured. Also, those that weren’t and couldn’t pay staff salaries after the attack were assisted to do so. We are aware that the insurance companies have begun making payments.”

He also assured that the company would settle all security expenses incurred during the crisis, adding that efforts are in top gear to provide partners outlets with automatic security roller shutters “This will serve as a first prevention measure to limit damage in case of a recurrence,” he said.

Lagos Set to Open Eko-City Farmers Market As part of its commitment to agricultureal growth, the Lagos State government has said that it would open the Eko -City Farmers Markets to facilitate trade of farmers’ products in the state.

The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, explained that the move was in line with the state’s policy to enhance agricultural supply.

He noted that the market would serve as a venue where agro entrepreneurs can meet with consumers and end-users, in addition to meeting the growing demand for farm produce.

According to him, farmers in the state lacked direct access to markets, causing them to sell their produce to middlemen at ridiculous farm gate prices.

He said that the initiative of the Eko-City Farmers Market was designed to eradicate high costs of agricultural products.

“Moreso, the markets exist to connect producers and make shopping entertaining; make products accessible

and affordable to consumers; preserve the nutritional value of farm produce and to promote the ‘farm to fork’ concept of the input and output policy of the State Government.

“The market is designed to increase the productivity of farmers, as well as create an avenue for inclusive business where they can generate more profit from direct sales to consumers,” he added.

Lawal boasted further that the market will create a conduceive environment and other allied services like cold storage for fish products, haulage and some logistics for farmers and vendors to market their produce.

“We are working towards building a 21st-century economy; therefore, we should focus on creating a digitalised method of marketing. As a result, the ministry will be partnering with a couple of financial institutions in providing ATM stands and POS payment machines for farmers to receive payment for their produce.”

She added that on the the enterprise scene, the firm is transforming business workspaces to 21st century environment.

“We are creating immersive engagements by seamlessly connecting our technology to legacy unified communications systems. Easy-to-use technology that delivers phenomenal collaboration and communication options for the modern

business are some of the reasons why large enterprise businesses prefer the Wowbii experience.

“For instance, MTN Nigeria was an early tech adopter as they were keen to test the Wowbudd at a showcase in 2017. The solution also allows businesses to analyse data with remote staff fully engaged with high quality video.”

L-R: Area Marketing Manager, Indomie Kano, Fatoke Oluwaseun; Indomie Story Telling Competition First prize winner, Yusuf Isma’ il of Fagge Model Primary School Kano; Indomie Marketing Strategist Pan Nigeria, Ashish Ranjan; and Deputy Director, State Universal Basic Education Board Kano, Malam Haruna, at the Indomie story telling competition held at Race Course Model Primary School in Kano... recently

L-R: Corporate Communications and External Affairs, GTBank, Ajibade Odutola; Sports Officer, Kings College, Lagos, Mrs. Egbeyemi Grace; B.O.T Lagos First Generation Heritage College Association, LAFGHECA, Alhaja Risikat Yussuf; Chairman LAFGHECA, Mr. Biyibi Victor; and Head Experiential Marketing, Events & Activations, GTBank, Mr. Jide Sipe, at the quarterfinals (Day 2) of the GTBank Masters’ Cup Season 9 held at Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos...recently

Upfield Charts Fresh Growth Path in New Appointment As part of its growth strategy, plant-based consumer goods company, Upfield, has announced the appointment of Omotola Oyebanjo as Head, Corporate Affairs and Communications for Africa.

According to the company, the new appointment was part of the company’s corporate governance strategies to improve on its delivery.

Oyebanjo served as the immediate past Head of Corporate Communications, Lafarge Africa. She has close to two decades of experience in Corporate, Development and Marketing Communications across extractive, marketing and financial industries.

She was the Head, Strategic Communications and Media at Union Bank of Nigeria.

She also acted as communica-

tions consultant to Aerialview Marketing Communications Africa before she moved to British Council where she served as the Head of Corporate Communications.

She worked in a managerial capacity in the Internal Communications department of Unilever Nigeria.

As a consultant, Oyebanjo has managed accounts such as the Australian Trade Commission, International Breweries, Kia Motors, Haansbro Confectioneries, Nissan Motors, United Kingdom Education Advisory Services, Edinburgh Napier University Scotland, BPP University and Sheffield Hallam University UK. She is also involved in several empowerment programmes for women and young people in Nigeria.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

POLITY

Abiodun Commissions Largest ICT Library in Nigeria

O

gun of State Goverrnor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, commissioned the largest Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre in any Nigerian University at State-owned Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

The complex sits 3,000 persons at a time and it is fitted with computers, printers, free wifi facilities and training programmes required to make learning and teaching easier for researchers and staff of the university.

The Governor and the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, jointly cut the tape to declare the ICT centre open.

They were also conveyed round the centre and the Administrative office, which was also commissioned as part of the 28th and 29th convocation ceremonies of the OOU. The minister, the Paramount ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Maj. Gen. Shamsideen Awosanya were honoured with honorary doctorate degrees.

At the event, Governor Abiodun urged NIgerian graduates to use the knowledge gained in their fields of study to proffer practical Solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the nation.

He said as those who had received both academic and moral training should think of things that would benefit not them alone, but the society at large and not to go about seeking jobs.

“One thing is sure, all of you are leaving the University with your certificates documents to go to the university of life where there is no paper certificate. Your certificates are what you can do for yourself and what you contribute to the development of humanity.

“The University had inculcated in you necessary employable skills, expertise and Technical competence needed to fit in and compete well in the outside world. Your education is to set you on the right path and make you a better global citizen”, he said.

He said though the University was facing some challenges, it has made tremendous achievements by ensuring uninterrupted academic calendar in the past eight years, expanding its academic programmes, providing hostel facilities and full digitalization of the University operations.

Prince Abiodun reiterated that as part of his admistration’s agenda, efforts have been made for a continued mutually beneficial relationship between the town and the institution.

He added that it would continue to create and strengthen interface for cross fertilisation of ideas between industry and academia.

While appreciating the founding fathers of the University for laying a solid foundation, Gov. Abiodun emphasised that to equip products of the State higher institutions with required competencies to face life challenges, government would continue to provide the enabling environment for its institution

to achieve their objectives.

He congratulated the awardees for contributing to the development of the school and the society at large, calling on well-meaning individuals, organizations and corporate bodies as well as alumni to partner wirh his administration in taking the school to greater heights.

In her welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga noted that the university had gone through massive infrastructural development in all of its campuses and advised the graduating students to be positive, proactive, focused and live their lives with passion.

She said that they should not be discouraged as they step into a new world.

The Vice- Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof.

Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde in his remarks noted that discussions was currently ongoing with various corporate organizations on the need to construct 100 units of housing for staff of the institution, which he said would boost the residential status of the institution, adding that the university under his charge had ensured prompt and regular payment of salaries.

He commended the state governor for approving the rehabilitation of the institutions internal roads, particularly the road leading to the Professorial Chairs’ Complex and the staff quarters.

He charged the graduating students to be worthy ambassadors of the institution.

Delivering his convocation lecture with the theme, “The integrity Challenge in Nigerian Higher Education: Towards Creating a New Normal”, the Provost, Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, Prof. Olusola Akinrinade, disclosed that corruption in the higher institution of learning is nothing new, adding that corruption in any form is destructive to good governance and the overall welfare of the society.

Akinrinade noted that some of the best ways to tackle corruption in the higher institution, include implementing anti-corruption initiatives and structural reforms necessary to reduce the opportunity for corruption within the system; taking steps towards enhancing prevention mechanisms by entrenching good governance and transparency in their academic and administrative processes; and implementating of sanctions and enforcing the rule against infractions.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed noted that the task of service to the nation was a collective one and a responsibility that everyone carries.

She said that as a product and an alumnus of the institution, she was glad to be associated with the relentless effort of the institution in producing some of the best brains that have made significant, social, economic and political development of the country.

Ahmed who commended President Muhammadu Buhari

Abiodun for taking the country out of recession in 2016 through the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a medium term plan for four years,(2017-2020), added that the main focus of the plan was to pull the economy out of recession and send the country back to the path of inclusive and sustainable growth.

She added that the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan was also designed to diversify the economy, restore economic growth, create jobs, empower youths and develop human capital, as well as the development of infrastructure and improving the ease of doing business, adding that one key result of the plan, was that the country was able to exit recession quickly.

TMrs Ahmed, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Major General Sansadeen Awosanya were awarded with Honorary Doctorate Degrees.

Ajayi Jesulayomi Opeyemi, from the department of Engineering and Chinozor Justice from the department of Basic and Medical Sciences graduated as the best students for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 sessions, the duo got automatic employment into the state civil service.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chief Client Officer, IPSOS, Tayo Salami; Communication, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development Director, Lafarge Africa Plc, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem; Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele; and Acting Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Adesola Sotande Peters, at the Idia College Old Girls Association, Lagos Chapter Endof-the-Year party and Award Night...recently

L-R: Vice President, PRCAN, Adedayo Ojo; former President, PRCAN, Chido Nwakanma; Secretary General, PRCAN, Tokunbo George-Taylor; Guest Speaker/Managing Director, Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane; former President, PRCAN, Nnaemeka Maduegbuna; and President, PRCAN, Israel Jaiye Opayemi, during the PRCAN Breakfast Meeting on the 2020 economic outlook and its implications for the marketing communications sector in Nigeria held in Lagos …recenly

L-R: Managing Director, Phillips Consulting, Rob Taiwo; Partner Strategy and Ops Business, Phillips Consulting, Foyinsola Akinjayeju; and Senior Partner, Phillips Consulting, Francis Buamah, at the Association of Microfinance Banks of Nigeria (NAMBLAG) seminar themed: ‘Effective Risk Management and Succession Planning’ held in Lagos…recently

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

POLITY

As UN University for Peace Berths in Enugu Longinus Ekeoma “Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed” -–Preamble to the Constitution of UNESCO

T

he recent report that the United Nations (UN) University for Peace (UPEACE) is set to berth in Enugu with its first and only Campus on African continent is quite heartwarming and comes as a milestone in the global quest for peace security, and just society. According to the report, the approval letter to that effect was presented to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi by Prof. Edmund Ugwu Agbo, who is the Head of the Department of African Geo-politics, Geo-law and International Diplomacy of the Europe Campus of the University in Rome. He was accompanied by the Visiting Professor of the UN University for Peace, Prof. Stella Ifeoma Inya-Agha.

Although the significance of this heartwarming development is not lost on the continent, especially Nigerians, the academia, and lovers of peace around the world, a recap of the history, mission, and underlying behind the University of Peace will not only help in better appreciation of this gesture, but also the striking semblances between Enugu and Costa Rica, where the mother institution is domiciled.

Costa Rica not only abolished the death penalty way back in 1882, but is also one of the very few nations (23 in number) that have no standing military force as she abolished her army in 1948. Costa Rica has offered asylum to victims of political persecution since 1865. Again, from 1907 up to 1918, the nation served at the seat of the Central American Court of Justice, the very first permanent international tribunal that allowed individuals to file legal action against states on international law and human rights issues.

Indeed it was that government of President Rodrigo Carazo that championed the creation of the University.

On December 5, 1980, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution 35/55, setting out the International Agreement for the Establishment of the University for Peace, with the Charter of the University forming a fundamental part of the said Agreement. 41 nations have signed on to the Charter.

The University’s Mission is “to provide humanity with an international institution of higher education for peace and with the aim of promoting, among all human beings, the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among peoples and to help lessen obstacles and threats to world peace and progress, in keeping with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations”.

It is also founded on four cardinal principles, namely, that the persistence of war in the history of mankind and the growing threats against peace in recent decades jeopardise the very existence of the human race and make it imperative that peace should no longer be viewed as a negative concept, as the end of conflict or as a simple diplomatic compromise, but rather that it should be achieved and ensured through the most valuable and most effective resource that man possesses: education; and that peace is the primary and irrevocable obligation of a nation and the

L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Prof. Edmund Ugwu Agbo, and the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof.

Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, during the visit of the team from the United Nations International University for Peace fundamental objective of the United Nations and is the reason for its existence. However, the best tool for achieving this supreme good for humankind, namely education, has not been used. The third principle is that many nations and international organisations have attempted to attain peace through disarmament. However, while this effort must be continued, facts show that man should not be too optimistic as long as the human mind has not been imbued with the notion of peace from an early age. It is necessary to break the vicious circle of struggling for peace without an educational foundation. This being the challenge now facing mankind, all nations and all mankind, the decision must be made to save the human race, which is threatened by war, through education for peace. If education has been the instrument of science and technology, there is all the more reason to use it to achieve this primary right of the human being.

Meanwhile, as part of the continuing process of United Nations reform, former UN Secretary-General, the late Kofi Annan, introduced several measures from early 1999 to reform, reorganise, bolster and internationalise the University for Peace to better advance the UN mandate, notably the objectives of peace and security.

Today, UPEACE has grown into an even more entrenched, relevant, and utilitarian institution with well defined and innovative programme of education, training and research for peace directed at very critical issues of conflict-prevention, human rights, human security, postconflict rehabilitation, and environmental security.

It is therefore a great leap and equally very significant for the university as it berths in Africa, a continent in dire need of knowledge, expertise, and human capital in these focal arrears of the university. It is equally significant that

the University’s first African campus will be taking off in Enugu. Enugu, under the current administration, has been consistently rated as one of the most peaceful and secure states in the country today. A UN University for Peace in a State renown for peace, security, and egalitarianism is like a round peg in a round hole. Enugu State has also always been a citadel of learning. These and the foresight of the facilitators must have no doubt influenced the State’s choice as the proud host of UN University.

This is a clear acknowledgement of the pro-peace dispositions of the state. It is a testimony to the repositioning of Enugu State over the past four years as a place of fair and equal opportunity for every willing citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate their children, and enjoy life in a peaceful and secure environment. It goes further to reaffirm the State’s rating by the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Report as 2nd in Ease of Starting Business and 3rd in Ease of Doing Business.

With the many expected educational, social, and economic benefits accruing from the coming of this prestigious institution to Africa and nay Enugu soil, this is a major one for continent. With this in place, Africans will no longer need to travel to Central America or to the University’s Campus in Rome to access and obtain the quality education and world of opportunities offered by the UN University of peace. What they sought in far-flung lands has been deposited on their laps. And as Shakira would sing, this is time for Africa- time to deepen the knowledge and expend the frontiers of peace on the continent on a platter of gold. And what better way can peace be constructed in the mind through quality education such as advertised and advanced by UPEACE. –––Ekeoma writes from Lagos.

Oil Theft: EFCC to Train Army in Evidence Handling

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n a bid to enhance the prosecution of suspects arrested for involvement in illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has offered to train officers of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army in the intricate art of evidence gathering and handling to guarantee successful prosecutions in court.

Usman Iman, the new Zonal Head of the Port Harcourt office of the EFCC made the offer January 23, 2020 when he

led senior officers of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General F. O. Agugo According to him, the training will ensure “that evidence is secured to enhance prosecutions as lawyers often look for loopholes to frustrate the trial of oil theft cases.”

General Agugo, who expressed delight at the offer, mandated a team comprising the training commander and the Division’s

Officers of the 6 Division Nigerian Army and the Operatives of EFCC Zonal Office, Port Harcourt

legal officer to work with the EFCC in working out the fine details of the intervention. “We welcome the training proposals...why should we kill ourselves in the Creeks only for some unscrupulous lawyers to rubbish our efforts. We will go out of our way to help you achieve convictions.”

Earlier, Imam told the GOC that he was at the Division to acquaint himself with him and his officers and to solicit for their support and collaboration. He expressed satisfaction with the existing relationship between the Army and the EFCC. Imam called on the GOC to consider releasing his officers to testify as witnesses in oil theft cases.

“We have a situation where under cross examination in court, you are asked whether you are the arresting officer and you say no, and your evidence becomes hearsay.”

He further harped on the need to preserve evidence and to ensure that drivers of trucks with stolen or illegally refined products are apprehended.

While thanking Imam for the visit, General Agugo, who described the Zonal Head, as “a friend and brother”, pledged closer collaboration between the Army and the EFCC. He said the Army has no choice but to support the EFCC in line with the vision of the Commander- in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari that, “If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria”.

Agugo said both the Army and the EFCC have a common purpose which is linked to the survival of the nation, and “we should work together.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

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POLITY Ooni of Ife

Amotekun seeks to complement the Nigerian Armed Forces His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, through his not-for-profit initiative, the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF), recently rolled out the drums to celebrate 100 outstanding Nigerian youths across the world who have excelled in the sectors of governance, leadership, entrepreneurship, and in other charitable initiatives. The monarch shares with Adedayo Adejobi his passion for the youths, his thoughts on Amotekun, the pan Yoruba security outfit, and why Africa remains the economic frontier in globalisation

W

hat is unique about the Royal African Young Leadership Forum?

As the Oduduwa and custodian of our immemorial culture and heritage, redefining the new culture of governance, leadership, entrepreneurial inventiveness and the ingenuous creative enterprises of our brilliant young populations has been at the epicentre of my royalty.

Unfolding the maiden edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF) is an audacious mission of my peace and unity outreach. As a nation and the whole continent of Africa, I can boldly say that the world is reliant on us more than ever before because of the exciting young populations that abound. Our young populations remain the major catalysts in boosting Nigeria and the whole of Africa’s economic growth.

Africa is regarded as the next economic frontier in globalisation. The eagle eyes of the global community continue to see a continent that is rich both in human and natural resources.

The sheer size, young population explosion, innovation development, sophisticated creative culture and the continent diversity distinctiveness are true potentials that are attracting global attention into the continent. The reality of Africa’s rapid population expansion is that it is expected to reach 2.8 billion by 2060, according to the World Bank statistics, with 65% of these counted as young, energetic and innovative-driven demography.

This demography is building multipurpose vehicles and economic application systems that are aiding new milestones of individual economic successes. In economic terms, Africa is already reaping tremendous demographic dividend from this millennium generation with exciting and fascinating growth which is altering the continent’s socioeconomic development.

With an incredible and remarkable youth population that are gaining new knowledge, modern skills acquisitions, complex innovation mechanisms with technology agility, dexterity and adroitness, the continent is assured. Through the Royal African Young Leadership Forum and its incubation device, my mission is to transform the economic landscape and make it more inclusive and address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and access to free healthcare.

It is against this backdrop that the theme of this year’s gathering, “Africa of the Future: Unleashing the Assets of Its Narratives,” resonates with Africa’s integration development and its vibrant economic vision. This is a formidable theme, I believe, given the context we currently exist in, as a global community. Strikingly, and as we all may be aware, Africa has the largest volume of the worlds’ youngest population with stimulating depth of human capacity and arrays of entrepreneurial relentless spirit, new dreams, unquenchable energies and ambitions. Compellingly, it is gratifying to herald that a new spirit of governance, leadership, creative culture and entrepreneurship is evolving. Of a truth, this is the ‘Africa of the Future’ with immeasurable leadership shrewdness, innate propensities to create wealth, expand job markets, and rebuild the economic viability of African heritage and materials of culture across villages, cities, and urban sprawls in both the government and private sectors. President Nelson Mandela reminds us that “significant progress is always possible if we ourselves plan every detail and allow intervention of fate only on our own terms.”

Undoubtedly, Africa’s diverse cultures, multi-ethnic embroidery, mineral resources, technology advancement, education development, wealthy creative culture, and its young population defines its powerful and flourishing heritage. In the global world where Africa is encrypted to fulfilling its mandate of building a stable and economically thriving society for its people, it is therefore very imperative to harness the governance, leadership, creative culture, innovation and entrepreneurship trajectories of young Africans through various spectrums.

Through the Royal African Young Leadership Forum (RAYLF), I’m committed to redefining and resetting the ancient roles of Africa to the world civilisation; governance, leadership, its long-established creative culture, and entre-

greatness you represent both for this country and the continent of Africa. This week, which is dedicated to your celebration, marks another historical transformation of our continent through our collective vision. I wish you all the best of success in our noble commitment to the greatness of Nigeria, Africa and the black nations.

How many of the youths are you looking into?

We aim to support young Nigerians and Africans that are actually doing excellently well in different fields of specialties across the world and it’s quite very obvious that we have a whole lot of Nigerians and the black population. 64% youths, that’s about 150 million people, actually youth and the whole lot of them are doing amazing works in different fields of specialisation. They are actually achieving a lot, breaking grounds, creating opportunities, creating an invention, some of them are actually winning academic studies; across the world, we find many young Nigerians who are actually student union presidents in British universities and American universities. Recently, we had a Nigerian who is the world’s best known robotic engineer, a Yoruba boy, 31 years old and there are so many in different places. My vision is to create such opportunities with multipurpose power of celebrating, of encouraging, of leading, of providing new frontiers for Nigerians, and Africans at large.

Oba Oyewusi preneurial rich resilient spirit of Africa which embodies many defining principles of its identity which include – economic prosperity, blessings of natural resources, rich inheritance of its diversity and human capacity opportunity. RAYLF remains a catalyst with finest aspirations of inspiring the future generations of the best and brightest, transforming, shaping, reconstructing and anchoring a new economic frontier by establishing innovative clusters through various mechanisms which are able to give Africa a competitive advantage.

The united voices of millions of young populations in Nigeria and across Africa will certainly contribute solutions through their own ingenuities that would help in painting a picture of what they want for themselves, the future generations and the continent, as these youths are the leaders of tomorrow. They will have to dream new dreams and rightly become custodians of their own development. As the great African American civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. eloquently affirmed our young generations “are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Primarily, the mission of rebuilding the fabrics of our continent’s commonwealth should be strategically pursued and achieved. This is an epic movement which I’m committed to; a movement celebrating excellence in all areas that will last forever. In Nigeria our beauty lies truly in our diversity, and until that is celebrated we will not advance.

As I have always stated from the beginning of my ascension to the throne of my forebears, this throne is dedicated to the youths and I have taken it upon myself to celebrate the compendium of outstanding successes that our young people are stamping on the threshold of global space. I am using these 100 awardees all between the ages of 20-39 to showcase the hidden treasures and ground-breaking feats that impeccable children are recording across Nigeria and internationally. This will act as a turning point for the country, pushing us to celebrate our own. If we do not tell our own stories, then who would tell them for us? I am personally celebrating all Nigerian youths that are publicly and silently redefining their socioeconomic environment through positive enterprises and inspiring mechanisms that are worthy of emulation. To my admirable and outstanding young Nigerian youths that are breaking the ceilings, changing the status quo and birthing new speeds of visible and non -visible achievement across this incredibly and most populous black nation on earth - the few of you that have been selected for my Royal African Young Leadership Award are representatives of other millions, rest assured that we are just getting started. I wholeheartedly celebrate you and all the

What is your position on Amotekun?

There are some secluded places inside local communities that those people from theNigerian Armed Forces can’t get to.

I will give you a good example; most breakthroughs in Boko Haram insurgence attacks and the tips and headways came from the vigilantes and the district heads. The local/traditional rulers of these places, gave hints that ‘we know ourselves here but these people who have come to mingle with us are not part of us.’ They are the ones giving the soldiers hints on where to go; that is the same thing amotekun is going to do giving complementary support. If Armed forces are coming to take over some particular places, they are the ones that will guard them, give them intelligence information, security localised information and that is what amotekun is doing; that is the meaning of amotekun in Yoruba because they have the intelligence of the jungle as a typical animal. So, a lot of people are just saying what is not. Meanwhile, amotekun is to support the already established system of the Armed forces.

You were stuck in an elevator recently, but this wasn’t the first time, as you’ve experienced it before becoming king. Did you feel threatened this time?

It’s a normal thing, but it was being sensationalised and, you know, anything about Ooni of Ife is made sensational. I have huge followership on social media. I am very close to Nigerian youths, and anything I breathe every day of my life, my morning, afternoon and night is all about Nigerian youths and they are the major handlers of Nigerian social media, that’s why things that have to do with me are very different. I have millions of followers on social media. It’s normal and it’s not a big deal, it can happen to anybody.

What advice do you have for the young starters, the entrepreneurs; as in motivational words for young entrepreneurs?

My advice for them is that you must keep to one thing: mentorship. If you don’t have a mentor in life then you don’t have a basis of where you are going. So what we are doing in this royal forum is mentorship. You can’t just wake up in a day and say I want to ‘hamma’. We are not talking of ‘hamma’ here; we are talking about pure mentorship; so it’s about mentorship. If we look at the way Nigerian youths are being structured, their biggest tool now is the social media, that’s what they are using. For me, on this Throne, I am blending tradition and modernity, so for them that are upcoming there is no where you can get to you will not hear about success stories of between the ages of 19-39. Some of them have met American, German, and Chinese leaders and even more than five presidents and we don’t hear about them. They are doing so well, we need to celebrate them and put them in a forum of mentorship for the benefit of the ones that are coming up.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

POLITY

The BOS of Lagos Rebounds Temitope Ajayi

A

fter what seemed to be the initial inertia that followed his first three months in office, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu is on the rebound. Leading Lagos can be adjudged to be as easy as wolfing down a piece of cake because of its cosmopolitan configuration and that same reason can also make it the most difficult state to govern on earth with its high concentration of media outfits and very active residents who are on social media.

Lagosians have a very slim threshold for a slow government. They will shout and scream if they notice any slip yet the same people will praise a government to high heavens when they see performance. During the campaigns about this time last year, Sanwo-Olu exuded confidence and clarity of thought that set him, a class apart, from other candidates. He sold his THEMES development agenda like a dutiful salesman. The people believed him and believed in him especially when the deputy governorship candidate was Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, an equally competent and steady hand in the administration of the state from 2004. With the two men, Lagos seemed to be getting two premium leaders for the price of one.

Alas! They assumed office on May 29th, 2019. There was heavy downpour on the inauguration day. In Yoruba cosmology, when rain heralds such an important day, it is a spiritual affirmation that God and nature are very pleased. Even the people were very happy that a new leadership had come to lead them to a greater Lagos.

It is said that politicians campaign in poetry and govern in prose. The first three months or thereabout, constant rains slowed down the government. Roads were horribly bad. Stench oozing from rotten refuse. Grinding traffic was taking huge toll on the health of the people and even hurting the economy with low productivity. The people were angry. They wanted BOS, the man who promised to wipe their tears Sanwo-Olu during the campaigns to give them succor. The governor was never oblivious to the problems. He was government in the last two months. I notice the narsharpening his cutlass, assembling his team, jugrative on social media and on the streets is changing. gling the realities he met on ground and aligning his Lagosians are beginning to see the government in THEMES spirit with what he met. That is what leaders action with many visible and life-changing projects who want to succeed do. Well-crafted plans must align going on across the state. Both Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat with available resources. Like previous administrahave been hands-on leaders. They are constantly on the tions before him since 1999, BOS of Lagos had his move visiting project sites and rallying every segment own baptism of fire. It was a turbulent first 100 days of the populace. Finally, the BOS of Lagos is out of in office despite the fact he worked hard during the bounds. Civil works are going on at frenetic speed same period to establish the character and texture his across all the five divisions of the state. At Ikorodu, the government will take. Social media, especially twitter, government has embarked on massive rehabilitation almost buried the government that was just taking off. and construction of hitherto neglected roads. SanwoSome implacable Twitterati and social media influencOlu personally kicked off work on the upgrade of ers wrote the obituary of the new government. Memes Owutu-Agric-Isawo road, Bola-Tinubu, Igbogbo-Imota and all manners of derisive posts were churned out and Itamaga-Ijede Roads. These are major roads in almost as if people were in competition of who can Ikorodu that the people in the areas have pleaded with take a dig at BOS of Lagos the most. the government to fix for many years.

Those who were sympathetic to him were drowned About two weeks ago, the government completed out and even bullied as paid agents. The faint-hearted a network of abandoned 31 roads at Ojokoro area in among Sanwo-Eko’s supporters ducked for cover for Ifako-Ijaiye Local Council Development. On January 3, fear of being labeled as insensitive by those baying for just two days after the New Year holiday, the governor blood. I had implicit trust in his ability and that of his opened the new constructed four kilometres stretch of deputy to deliver. I made a long Facebook post that Lagos-Badagry Expressway to motorists. The contracSanwo-Olu will deliver, which some blogs and online tor handling the project, CEECC has been mobilised to news platforms later published. I made the case in start the second phase from Trade Fair to Lagos State the post that the new administration was only facing University Gate and the last phase from LASU gate initial challenges that come with every new governto Okokomaiko. The Federal Government is already ment everywhere in the world. working from Okokomaiko to Seme Border. During inThere has been an upswing in activities of the spection of the overhead bridge at Pen-Cinema, Agege

To be a governor in Lagos is not an invitation to a tea party.

Not even in a state with a solid history of performers.The bar is always high in Lagos. With his first budget and his cabinet fully in place, 2020 will be a defining year for the BOS of Lagos. Sam Omatseye, the poignant Chairman of Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers wrote that 2020 will be Sanwo-Olu’s year of revelation. And I fully agree with him

same day, the contractor said the bridge will be ready for public use by July this year.

Planet Project is working on five circular roads within Victoria Island and Lekki axis that will de-clog that part of Lagos in conjunction with Access Bank. The Government has started taking over the right of way to commence the construction of Costal Road from Victoria Island passing through Oniru to Lekki. The government has also opened tender for the 4th Mainland Bridge which has become a kind of albatross for every government in the state since 1999 when the Tinubu administration mooted the idea.

Beyond major construction projects going on at different locations across the state, there is also an increased tempo of routine maintenance and repairs of roads by the state Public Works Corporation. Bad portions of major and inner city roads are getting much needed attention.

Inter-modal transportation using water and rail are part of the fine points of the Sanwo-Olu administration to solve the public transportation chaos in the state.

Lagosians have been told that the Blue Line rail project will be commissioned in 2021 after 10 years. The sea crossing bridge, a most critical element of the rail project which starts from Mile 2 to Marina was completed in December by the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

The government also launched Uber Boat Services to maximise the advantage of the vast inland waterways in the state whilst also expanding water transportation infrastructure to attract move private sector players.

In Education, the governor recently signed a deal that changed the non-residence status of students of the state university after 38 years.

In partnership with five private developers, 8,200-bed hostels will be built within the next 18 months. A major reform of primary education has commenced in the state with EKOEXCEL in partnership with Bridge House.

The reforms will boost learning outcomes in the state primary schools and equip pupils with knowledge that will prepare them for the emerging new world.

In September, the state also completed a 110-bed Maternal and Child Hospital at Eti-Osa with a new commitment to the people of the area to build a General Hospital that will serve them within his first tenure.

Apart from bricks and mortar, BOS of Lagos is driving innovation and technology as part of the focus of his administration. He recently released N250million to the State Innovation Board being led by the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos as seed fund for innovators and start-ups to come up with ideas on how to solve some of the social problems confronting the state. For a governor that promised inclusiveness during his campaign, BOS of Lagos fulfilled part of the promise when the state in September, 2019 partnered with Access Bank to launch ‘LSETF-W-INITIATIVE, a N10billion portfolio for women entrepreneurs in the state to access fund at single digit interest rate. The initiative targets between 5000-10,000 women who will benefit from the fund under the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund.

A testament to the fact that the BOS of Lagos has got his groove back is the disappearing heaps of refuse from the inner and city centres. Refuse heaps were blighted spots on the landscape of the state of aquatic splendor few months ago. When Lagosians should see splendor they were swarmed by heaps of refuse. The refuse heaps are now vanishing from the metropolis because the BOS of Lagos is working. At the annual thanksgiving service at government house on Sunday January 5, 2020, the Governor recognised the enormity of work ahead of him when he said, “with the signing of the N1.168 trillion 2020 Appropriation Bill into law, we are ready to work this new year to provide quality governance in all areas that are critical to achieving our development priorities enunciated in our THEMES agenda for a greater Lagos.”

To be a governor in Lagos is not an invitation to a tea party. Not even in a state with a solid history of performers. The bar is always high in Lagos. With his first budget and his cabinet fully in place, 2020 will be a defining year for the BOS of Lagos. Sam Omatseye, the poignant Chairman of Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers wrote that 2020 will be Sanwo-Olu’s year of revelation. And I fully agree with him.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Isaac’s Success Dims at Vicarage Road

01.02.2020

NEWS

MOURINHO, GUARDIOLA REKINDLE RIVALRY PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾FEBRUARY 01, 2020

30

GLOBAL SOCCER

Isaac’s Success Dims at Vicarage Road With just 50 minutes playing time to show for his effort so far this season, the eggheads of English Premier League side, Watford, had declared Isaac Success as surplus to requirement and the Vicarage Road side is open to offers for the former Granada of Spain striker

I

saac Success has struggled to impress Vicarage Road faithful since joining the Hornets in 2016 from Granada and he has played just 50 Premier League minutes so far this season, leading to suggestions he could be loaned back to Granada for the second half of the campaign.

Success has continued to struggle for game time under Watford new boss Nigel Pearson and he appears not to be in the plan of the Englishman. English premier

league side Watford is open to offers for the Nigerian before the end of the current transfer window.

Pearson only handed Success opportunity in the FA Cup before the Hornet’s elimination from the competition and reports from England have it that the former Leicester City boss has made it clear to the club that he won’t be counting on him for the battle against relegation.

Success has fallen behind in the pecking order and has failed to impress this

season.

Meanwhile, Anderlecht and Cardiff City are interested in signing Success on loan, the Watford Observer understands.

The Nigerian striker has been made available for a loan move and featured in a U-23 game on Monday at the request of head coach Nigel Pearson in order to increase potential interest.

Enquiries have been made by both the Belgian First Division team and the Championship outfit regarding his

availability, but a deal is yet to be agreed with either.

Success was in inspiring form as he bagged a brace of assists in his second appearance of the season to help Watford convincingly overcome the challenge of Coventry City in the Carabao Cup. It was a most welcome win for a club languishing at the root of the English Premier League without a win or a point then.

He is one of those players who had not seen much action this season until the

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GLOBAL SOCCER

game against Coventry City after injury hampered his pre-season preparation and he was not in top shape when the league commenced.

His chance couldn’t come early enough and against the Sky Blues, the former Granada player played like one possessed: closing down opponents, looking to get on the ball and showing the willingness to take on City’s defenders.

Just minutes after the half-hour mark his industry yielded the final pass which new signing Senegal international Ismaila Sarr converted to give the home side the lead their display just about deserved. A few minutes after the restart Javi Garcia’s men extended their lead with Isaac Success instrumental to setting up Daryl Janmaat for Watford.

It’s fair that all the applause for such a fine outing from a side struggling to score goals will be aimed at the men who got the goals on the night – Venezuelan Adalberto Penaranda got the third goal – but the Nigerian striker can be assured that his manager has taken notice of his decent output. The challenge for Success, however, is in maintaining such numbers.

Attackers are often judged by the impact they make in a game with regards to goals scored or assists supplied, something the former Malaga loanee has never really excelled in since his Golden Eaglets days.

Then as a talented teen, the Benin-born striker was the main star as the national team made it all the way to the final of the U-17 Africa Championships only to lose on penalties to the Ivory Coast. Success got seven goals in just seven matches at that tourney.

That same team, later in the year, went on to win the U-17 FIFA World Cup but Isaac got injured after the tournament’s second game. His sojourn in Granada and Malaga has not really been that productive with his combined three-year stay at the two clubs yielding only seven goals.

Last season, Success only managed a single strike in 23 league appearances.

That kind of output will not cut him that many appearances this season. Javi Garcia has reinforced his strike force by bringing in Ismaila Sarr from Rennes, Danny Welbeck on a free transfer and the fleet-footed Venezuelan Adalberto Penaranda. With a team that already has Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu, Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka, every single opportunity offered needs to be grabbed with both hands.

Success will also do well to adapt his game, improve his finishing skills and be ready to do a job for the team, down the wings or elsewhere, when called on.

On the international scene, the 23-year-

old has lost his place in the Super Eagles squad and he’s not even under consideration for a call up given the amount of attacking options Gernot Rohr have at his disposal.

Last season, former coach, Javi Garcia was thrilled with Success and praised him after scoring a goal of the season contender in the Hornets 3-0 rout of Huddersfield Town in the Premier League. ”Isaac was working very hard before coming back for pre-season. He was fit, he was ready to play and he has been waiting for his moment, his chance, and now he’s showing his level. ”I don’t think there is a secret or something special. It is about hard work and being patient for his chance to play,” Garcia had said.

His 10 appearances, eight of those as a substitute for Success to score his first Premier League goal of the season last season against Huddersfield Town.

His move to England was expected to be his big break for his career; instead, the most prominent headline was an alleged dispute with four prostitutes in a Hettfordshire hotel.

After just managing just one goal in 19 appearances two seasons ago, the Nigerian sought new Haven in a hotel room with four hookers but yet failed to literally hit the back of the net of the hookers.

Success allegedly paid four hookers $2,000 for a hotel romp but failed to score with any of them after drinking two bottles of Baileys and the 21-year-old was arrested after angrily demanding his money back.

Escort Alexis Domerge said the Watford star boasted of his prowess in the bedroom after paying the women $2,000 for a hotel romp. But Success drank two bottles of Baileys and then repeatedly failed to score with the hookers.

When the women decided to blow the whistle on Success’s lackluster performance after 90 minutes, he angrily demanded his money back. He was arrested in the hotel lobby after cops were called.

But this season, not only was the forward not making the right choices, but he was not getting the right counsel to help him navigate those waters.

“In life, we come across difficulties, we come across challenges,” he began.

“Some people are meant to get a solution to their challenges easier than others. I just think it was a difficult challenge for

me, I was not around the right people to put me in a position to get a solution quickly and come back to my feet again.

“Then I got injured because I wasn’t fit enough, and when I came back from my knee injury I added a bit of weight and that made me more unfit. That slowed me a bit.”

“I had a different mentality then than now,” he continued. “Then I thought talent can do it all because to me I know the talent is there. I realised just before the start of this season that talent was not enough, and hard work will always beat talent. So I am more of a professional now. It took a lot of time to adapt to the Premier League system, lifestyle and professionalism.”

“I would like to say thank you to Javi Gracia and Watford that they had belief in me and have been giving me chances all season to build up my fitness level. Now, I am in shape and ready to go any time.”

“Whenever I get in five minutes, 10 minutes, I just try to make an impact on the team. That impact is going to keep on growing until I get into the team, and when I get into the team, it’s left for me to seal it up and say no going back.”

With a new man at the helms of affairs, Success had gone down the drain and could no longer found his groove at Watford.

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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Mourinho, Guardiola Cross Path Again as Spurs Host City Jose Mourinho’s resolve to qualifying Tottenham Hotspur for the UEFA Champions League would be put to test tomorrow as he welcomes old foe, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side to White Hart Lane. W hile the Spaniard may not be under serious pressure as he had given up any hope of catching up with league leaders, Liverpool in the Premier League title race, Mourinho would be bent on escaping defeat, at least, as a loss would further dim his chances of a top-four place

A

head of Sunday’s Jose Mourinho’s clash with Pep Guardiola, Spurs fans are already furious at the news that Mike Dean will take charge of their game against Manchester City.

The Spurs Web relayed the news to fans on Twitter and it is safe to say they were not impressed, with many writing off any chances of a win for Jose Mourinho’s side. The 51-yearold referee has taken charge of two Spurs games so far this season, both of which have resulted in disappointing losses to Newcastle and Southampton respectively.

Spurs face Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday hoping to pick up three points as they continue a push for the top-four spots, whilst Guardiola’s side is in

need of a win if they are to have any chance of catching runaway leaders Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham might need to struggle on through pain against Leicester City today.

Abraham suffered an ankle injury in the Blues’ FA Cup win over Hull City last week.

But with Chelsea struggling to bring in a deputy before Friday’s transfer deadline, Abraham might just have to struggle on.

Olivier Giroud is expected to depart Stamford Bridge, leaving Abraham Frank Lampard’s only real option despite being touch-and-go for the game. Michy Batshuayi is also linked with a move away. he clash with City at the King Power Stadium is Chelsea’s last game before the ‘winter break’ when

they will have 16 days before their next game.

According to the Telegraph, that could lead Lampard to ask Abraham to push through the pain barrier in order to give his team a solid chance of picking up a result against thirdplaced City, who themselves have a returning striker.

Jamie Vardy was only fit enough to come off the bench for Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa, and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping his talisman can start in today’s early kick off.

Southampton will set a new club record if they do the unthinkable and beat Liverpool at Anfield today.

Last week’s win at Crystal Palace equalled the club record of four successive away wins in a league season.

Saints had not managed four

consecutive wins on the road in one season before beating Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers on the road five years ago, during Ronald Koeman’s first season in charge.

In 2011 they managed five in a row under Nigel Adkins, but that was by winning their last three away games in League One and then two in the Championship at the start of the campaign that ended with promotion back to the Premier League.

So they will be in unchartered territory in more ways than one if they produce the result of the season and beat Liverpool this weekend.

That could not be a bigger ask against a Liverpool side that has won its last 15 Premier League games.

Saints have lost their last five

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBRUARY 01, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER Head to Head 19/17/10 Man City 2 - 2 Tottenham 19/20/04 Man City 1 - 0 Tottenham 18/29/10 Tottenham 0 - 1 Man City 18/14/04 Tottenham 1 - 3 Man City 17/16/12 Man City 4 - 1 Tottenham 17/21/01 Man City 2 - 2 Tottenham 16/02/10 Tottenham 2 - 0 Man City 16/14/02 Man City 1 - 2 Tottenham 15/ 26/09 Tottenham 4 - 1 Man City 15/03/05 Tottenham 0 - 1 Man City 14/18/10 Man City 4 - 1 Tottenham 14/29/01 Tottenham 1 - 5 Man City 13/24/11 Man City 6 - 0 Tottenham 13/21/04 Tottenham 3 - 1 Man City 12/11/11 Man City 2 - 1 Tottenham 12/ 22/01 Man City 3 - 2 Tottenham 11/28/08 Tottenham 1 - 5 Man City 11/10/05 Man City 1 - 0 Tottenham 10/14/08 Tottenham 0 - 0 Man City 10/05/05 Man City 0 - 1 Tottenham

Premiership Table Liverpool Man City Leicester Chelsea Man Utd Tottenham Wolves Sheff Utd Southampton Arsenal Crystal Palace Everton Burnley Newcastle Brighton Aston Villa West Ham Bournemouth Watford Norwich

24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 2424

41 38 28 9 7 6 3 2 -11 -2 -6 -7 -10 -12 -7 -14 -13 -14 15 -23

70 51 48 40 34 34 34 33 31 30 30 30 30 30 25 25 23 23 23 17

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Leicester v Bournemouth v Crystal Palace v Liverpool v Newcastle v Watford v West Ham v Man Utd v

Chelsea Aston Villa Sheffield Southampton Norwich City Everton Brighton Wolves

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

v v

Arsenal Man City

14:00 16:30

v v v v

Espanyol Atlético Valladolid Celta Vigo

12:00 15:00 17:30 20:00

v v v v v v

Sociedad Real Betis Getafe Alavés Osasuna Levante

11:00 13:00 15:00 17:30 17:30 20:00

v v v

Brescia Parma Roma

14:00 17:00 19:45

v v v v v v

Fiorentina Genoa SPAL Verona Torino Inter

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 19:45

v

Napoli

19:45

SUNDAY

Burnley Tottenham

La Liga TODAY

Granada Madrid Mallorca Valencia SUNDAY

Leganés Eibar Bilbao Sevilla Villarreal Barcelona

Serie A TODAY

Bologna Cagliari Sassuolo SUNDAY

Juventus Atalanta Lazio AC Milan Lecce Udinese MONDAY

Sampdoria

Hot Shot PLAYERS

against the champions-elect, including 3-0 beatings on their last two visits to Anfield, which is as impregnable as it has ever been.

Not since April 2017, when they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace a week before a goalless draw at home to Saints, have Liverpool lost a Premier League game at home.

Saints’ last point there began Liverpool’s 51-match unbeaten run at Anfield, where they made it 19 successive wins by beating Manchester United ten days ago.

Unbeaten in 40 Premier League matches since losing at Manchester City at the beginning of last year, it would be no surprise if Liverpool emulate Arsenal’s 2004 Invincibles this year.

But there is always hope. The likes of Ryan Bertrand, Shane Long, Jack Stephens, James Ward-Prowse,

Nathan Redmond and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at least know what it takes to win at Anfield, having beaten Liverpool 1-0 there in the 2017 EFL Cup semi-final.

However, Sofiane Boufal said Southampton will give their “maximum” when they face Liverpool in today’s Premier League fixture.

“We have nothing to lose against Liverpool, a big challenge because they are the best team in the world right now,” Boufal told Daily Echo.

“We have nothing to lose and we will see what we can do there.

It will be a very difficult game but will give it our maximum.

“The team is in a very good moment and we have won a lot of games and are full of confidence. It’s very important we keep this up.”

Last Saturday, the Morocco international opened his goal account for the season in Southampton’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur to earn them an FA Cup replay in North London.

He recalled the build-up to his 87th-minute equaliser that cancelled out Son Heung-Min’s opener and he hopes it helps him rediscover his goalscoring touch.

“It was a great finish and it was a goal that helped the team, so I am really happy,” he continued.

“When you come off the bench you want to help the team and that’s what I did. The ball came very fast, so I wasn’t thinking a lot and decided to shoot.

“It was a very good cross from Danny Ings and I was lucky to score this goal. I hope this goal will help me for the future.”

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 Mohamed Salah Liverpool 12 Sadio Mané Liverpool 11 Raul Jimenez Wolves 11 Teemu Pukki Norwich 11 Harry Kane Tottenham 11 Raheem Sterling Man City 11 Chris Wood Burnley 10 Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton 10 Gabriel Jesus Man City 9 Firmino Liverpool 8 Anthony Martial Man Utd 8 Richarlison Everton 8 Kevin De Brune Man City 7 Riyad Mahrez Man City 7 Neal Maupay Brighton 7 Jack Grealish Aston Villa 7 Ayoze Perez Leicester 7

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The kids of the Itua Moses Boxing Club with Anthony Joshua during one of Joshua’s visits.

Can Thiem shock Djokovic

Australian Open

Thiem Tries Djokovic for Size in Melbourne Final Dominic Thiem won a punishing Australian Open semi-final to set up a showdown against seven-time champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s championship match.

Thiem reached the final in Melbourne with a tough victory against his good friend Alexander Zverev.

He will contest his third Grand Slam final and first away from the French Open, while he is the first Austrian player, male or female, to reach a singles decider at Melbourne Park.

“It was an unreal match. He’s so hard to break. Australian Open finals is absolutely unreal and what a start to the season so far,” said Thiem.

“It’s not easy, I was playing four hours 10 minutes against Rafa Nadal, who is the most intense guy on tour. When all the adrenaline came, it was fine. I had some troubles in the first set, I think we were both nervous.”

The German won the coin toss and elected to receive first with the decision paying off immediately as the seventh seed broke to 30.

Thiem, who produced one of his best-ever performances to knock out world No 1 Nadal in the quarter-finals plus his extra experience and good record against Zverev, saw him go into the match as the favourite. He quickly found his rhythm on the

backhand wing to respond in the next game.

The Austrian was unable to find the same freedom that he had against Nadal and Zverev’s greater calmness in his first Grand Slam semi-final handed him the advantage.

Having lost twice to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, Thiem now faces arguably the second most formidable challenge in tennis - trying to beat seven-time champion Djokovic in a final on Rod Laver Arena.

Thiem added: “It’s unbelievable.

Twice in a row Roland Garros finals, twice facing Rafa, and now I’m facing Novak here. I’m always facing the kings in a final.

Awoniyi’s Future Still in the Balance Ahead ofTransfer Window Closure The future of Nigeria U23 international Taiwo Awoniyi is still covered in mist, hours before the close of the January transfer window in England and Germany.

Liverpool plan to cut short the striker ’s loan spell with Mainz in Germany due to a lack of first team opportunities, before loaning him out to another club where he’s guaranteed game time.

According to authoritative German newspaper Bild, both the European champions and

Bundesliga outfit are on the same page regarding the premature termination of Awoniyi’s loan deal.

However, the stumbling block to Awoniyi’s proposed transfer to a new club is that he is only attracting genuine interest from Belgian First Division A teams despite speculation linking him with clubs in Spain, Turkey and France.

Liverpool would prefer to see the Nigerian play in a new league in

order to enhance his development, rather than returning to Belgium where he has worn the jersey of KAA Gent and had two loan spells with Mouscron.

Signed from Imperial Soccer Academy in 2015, the 22-year-old has also been loaned out to FSV Frankfurt and NEC due to a work permit hurdle.

The former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles star has made six appearances in the Bundesliga for Mainz, logging 146 minutes.

Boxing Fans in Abeokuta Set for Itua Moses Championship Many boxing fans left the Jankara Market in the Ijaiye Ojokoro area of Lagos December 21, 2019 satisfied that Nigeria was on the verge of discovering its next boxing superstars.

The event was the Itua Moses Kids Boxing Championship, which drew budding boxers from across Lagos State to the arena. There were also many boxing enthusiasts on hand to cheer the children to success.

This Saturday, the kiddies boxing train is stopping over in Abeokuta for an upgraded performance of all that took place in the Lagos area in December.

The boxing championship which featured 28 children, both boys, and girls, was highly entertaining. The young boxers thrilled the spectators with their beautiful boxing moves, which elicited intermittent cheers from the audience.

The manager of Itua Boxing Club, Segun Olajide said on Wednesday that the club would go round all the local councils in Ogun State to fish out kids that have talents in boxing. This is what they have been doing in the Lagos area.

He said, “We are ready for the Abeokuta outing. I can confirm that the date is Saturday, February 1.”

Last month he stated the success of world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua was attracting more children to the sports.

“Anthony Joshua’s current exploits has drawn many kids to boxing and that is why Itua Moses Boxing Club decided to start organising championships to look at the grassroots level.

“I believe that catching them young is the best way to develop boxing stars that will make Nigeria

proud like Anthony Joshua in future. The boxing club will be at Ikeja soon to also organise the kids’ boxing championship.”

He added that some clubs in Ghana and Cameroon were also sending their kids to compete in the championship.

The club’s coach, Tolulope Imoru described the usual turnout of youngsters at the boxing show as impressive.

He then added, “Most of the talents discovered are monitored. We go as far as meeting their parents to relate with them and tell them the progress of their kids in boxing. The parents of the kids have been supporting us.

“Our goal at the club is to produce a world champion, discovered and trained

by Itua Moses Boxing Club,” he said.

Itua Moses is a former national taekwondo fighter now based in London but chiefly devoted to raising young boxers in Nigeria.

Ofoje Partners Ogedegbe to Scout for Talents at St. Finbarrs College Enugu Rangers legend, Ikechukwu Ofoje has been scouting for talented soccer players at Saint Finbarrs College, who he intends to draft into the American College system, where he operates as a top head soccer coach.

Doing this in collaboration with the Ogedegbe Football Academy, founded by ex-international Nathaniel Ogedegbe, Ofoje, a former Rangers of Enugu captain was spotted at the football pitch of Saint Finbar’rs College conducting rigorous screening exercise on more than 60 players, drawn from various secondary schools in Lagos.

Ofoje and Ogedegbe went to America Universities on scholarship based on their soccer abilities and academic brilliance and are now in the forefront of providing the same opportunities to talented football kids who are also sound academically.

The duo said the scouting mission conducted by Ofoje, who is a soccer coach in an American University, was their way of giving back to the society that shaped them to become who they are today.

He stressed the need for the players to concentrate on their academics as they would rely more on it later in their life when they must have stopped playing soccer. ‘’The bottom-line is to go to school even if you want to pursue a career in soccer and that is why I am always telling youngsters who want to play soccer that they must look t life after football as more important that the present time and it is basically education that can keep you going for years to come’’, said Ofoje.

Semifinalists Emerge in GTBank Masters Cup Semifinalists have emerged in the Season 9 of the GTBank Masters Cup after two days of scintillating encounters in both the male and female categories at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos.

In the first quarter final match on Thursday, Anwar -ul- Islam, Agege gave CMS Boys Bariga, a football lesson as the boys from Agege walloped the Bariga Bombers 7-0 in a one-sided encounter.

In the second quarterfinals game in the boys category and last match of the day Eko Boys High School defeated Bakare Disu Oshodi Memorial Senior High School, 4-1 in a thrilling encounter.

In the girls’ category played earlier in the day, Ansar -ud-deen high school, Itire, defeated International School, Lagos 3-0, while Greensprings College, Lekki got the better of Corona College, Agbara 4-2.

The matches continued on Friday, and in the first game of the day, LeadForte Gate College, Lekki defeated Ansar -ud - deen College, Isolo, 3-1 while Queens College, Yaba walked over Atlantic Hall, Epe. In the boys’ category, International School, Lagos were pummeled 1- 5

by Greensprings School, Lekki, while Kings College, Lagos defeated Birch Freeman High School, Surulere 3-1.

L-R: Corporate Communications & External Affairs, GTBank; Udoka Dumebi, Chairman, Lagos State First Generation Heritage College Association Biyibi Victor, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, GTBank; Unoaku Anyadike, and Corporate Communications & External Affairs, GTBank, Derin Alex-Adedipe at the quarterfinals of the GTBank Masters’ Cup Season 9 held at Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JFEBRUARY 01, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Ademola Lookman A Loyalty to Fatherland Bright Osayi-Samuel celebrating his goal against Swansea

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick’s style of recruiting players for the national team, which he termed ‘VIP scouting’ seems to have scored another goal, after England junior international of Nigerian descent, Ademola Lookman switched his international allegiance to his fatherland

R

B Leipzig star Ademola Lookman has switched his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, in spite of the 22-year-old forward, who was born in England to parents of Nigerian descent having played for the European country’s youth national teams.

The news was revealed by Nigeria’s technical assistant Tunde Adelakun when speaking to Opera News, “Lookman has applied for the switch and all the documents are in order,” Adelakun said.

“It’s a positive step forward when made his commitment to Nigeria and we are just waiting for a FIFA clearance.

“Once the go-ahead is sorted, it will be up to Coach Gernot Rohr to decide if his club performance would earn him a call-up.”

Lookman helped England win 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Korea Republic and was also part of the England team which won the 2017 Toulon U-20 Four Nations tournament in France.

In the summer, Lookman set a new Nigerian transfer record when he moved to RB Leipzig from Everton for a move worth up to £22.5m German Bundesliga club, RB Leipzig broke the Nigerian transfer record for Lookman after Everton agree to sell the winger for a fee said to be worth up to £22.5m.

Before then, the costliest transfer involving a Nigerian winger is Ahmed Musa’s switch to Leicester City in the summer of 2016, with CSKA Moscow pocketing £16.6 million from the deal, meaning Lookman’s return to RB Leipzig sur-

passed that fee.

The 21-year-old already played for RB Leipzig in the second half of the 2017-18 season and was directly involved in nine goals-five goals and four assists from 11 appearances in the German top flight under the stewardship of now-Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Since then, RB Leipzig have held an interest in Lookman, and after an underwhelming campaign where Marco Silva used him sparingly, he is now set for a permanent exit.

He saw his first-team opportunities limited upon his return to Everton last season, making only three Premier League starts and played 18 games off the bench.

Things have not worked out as well as he might have hoped since making the January 2017 move from Charlton Athletic to Everton.

Lookman has only managed 48 outings – with four goals and two assists – and has mainly been a bench player.

But the former England U-21 international is set to continue his career in Germany. He thrived in the Bundesliga previously and will hope to follow the likes of Jadon Sancho and Reiss Nelson, who both enjoyed success in the German top-flight.

In 2017, Pep Guardiola was dented with the biggest loss in his coaching career by Everton, a victory that was orchestrated by the Nigerian-born England U-21 and his performance enjoyed a lot of media attention.

Lookman came on in stoppage time of Everton’s 4-0 win over Manchester City to score the fourth goal after capitalizing on a mistake from

John Stones despite being on the pitch for just a matter of minutes.

The then £7.5m signing from Charlton was delighted with his performance and he said afterward: “The gaffer just said ‘play behind Rom. I was lucky to anticipate the ball and put it in the back of the net. My first premier league goal, this is my chance to score it - and I took it well.”

With his goal-scoring debut for Everton, the then19-year-old Lookman dreamt playing beyond the Toffees.

“One day I want to win trophies. Of course, I want to play at the highest level – whether in England or Spain, I want to be at the top. You have teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid. As a kid, I dreamed of playing for one of those teams,” he said.

When Everton poached Leicester’s head of recruitment Steve Walsh in the summer, it was easy to understand the logic. The 52-year-old’s reputation had hit new heights after he unearthed Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez and N’Golo Kante to inspire Leicester’s title triumph, and Everton were eager to apply the same expertise at Goodison Park.

The Walsh was quick to identify the talent in Lookman as the Nigerian arrived from Charlton as a little-known teenager with no Premier League experience. But at £10m, he was the most expensive ever signing from League One. Like many of Walsh’s best signings, Lookman has had an unconventional route to the top.

The jump from League One to Premier League has drawn parallels with Dele Alli’s move to Tottenham, but while Alli was on MK Dons’ books from the age of 11, Lookman did not set foot in a professional academy until he was 16.

Born as Ademola Olajade Lookman October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London to Nigerian parents, he attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham where he achieved three As and five As at GCSE. Lookman signed for Everton on January 5, 2017, for a fee of £7.5m rising to £11m on a four-and-a-half-year contract and made his debut for the club 10 days later. He scored on his debut.

He received his first international call up on May 16, 2016, being named in the England U-19 squad for a doubleheader against Mexico. He was subsequently named in England squad for the European U-19 Championships the same summer.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

FAIRGROUND Fidelity Bank Anchors Year End Party on Social Giving, CSR

T

he long awaited 2019 Fidelity Year Party took place last week at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotel and Towers, Lagos with echoes of the scintillating event still reverberating across corporate

Nigeria.

Determined to use the platform to create a positive experience in the minds of stakeholders, the bank spared no efforts in ensuring that this objective was indeed achieved.

Fidelity Year End party usually holds in early December but for some reason the bank decided to move it to January perhaps in a move many saw as an opportunity of using it to crown all corporate parties that took place in the country within this period.

Fidelity Bank treated its stakeholders, customers and staff to yet another unforgettable night of excitement and entertainment.

The event, which was compered by media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and Nollywood star actress Kate Henshaw, lived up to its billing as one of the biggest parties in corporate Nigeria.

Some of the who-is-who in Nigeria’s social, business and political circles that were in attendance include Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi; Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi; Deputy Governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat; Deputy Governor of Kano State, Nasiru Gawuna; wife of the Governor of Benue State, Mrs Ortom and others.

It was truly a profound experience to see staff members in their glamourous dresses and attires let go of all the airs of being bankers and immerse themselves in the excitement of one fabulous evening, unwinding and mingling with customers and other stakeholders.

After savoring a 3-course dinner with an assortment of beverages, artistes such as Kcee, Niniola, Timaya, Tim Godfrey and Flavour took guests on a profound musical journey. Ace comedian, Bovi and Larry J left the audience

reeling in laughter with rib-cracking jokes.

The essence of the annual event was not centred only on revelry and merrymaking. It provided a platform for the bank to accentuate its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and interventions. Little wonder the party was themed “Give them wings” to draw attention to the bank’s laudable efforts at transforming the lives of people and the communities where it operates.

On that night, the bank brought succor to physically challenged Chemical Engineering graduate, Mr. Micheal Sowunmi who is fondly referred to as “the world’s greatest teacher” on account of his love for teaching.

Mr. Sowunmi had been offered employment by the Bank as a facilitator at it’s training academy known as CREST Academy.

Fidelity CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo said the move was consistent with the CSR policy aimed specifically at uplifting the less privileged members of society.

“Sowunmi’s case is not an isolated one. We have indeed demonstrated our passion for lifting people several ways as you have seen tonight with the case of Tim Godfrey and DJ Slim V and the Fidelity Youth Empowerment Academy,” he explained.

Okonkwo then poured out encomiums on the staff and customers that have kept faith with the bank over the years.

Deserving staff received awards for excellent performance in various categories. Some of the award winners of the evening included: The Most Valuable Performer (MVP) winner Frank Anumele, Regional Bank Head, Rivers/ Bayelsa 1; Target Buster 1, won by Ken Opara, Regional Bank Head, Ikeja, Target Buster 2, won by Augusta Anyanwu, Regional Bank Head, Midwest 11 and Most Innovative Idea won by Kelechi Okere of Fidelity Digital Lab Unit.

Others are Best in Customer Service received

by Martin Izuogbe, Divisional Head Operations; Field Marshall Award won by Adebayo Ogunbiyi, Divisional Head, Conglomerates.

Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ernest Ebi; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; and Executive Chairman, Nova Merchant Bank, Phillip Oduoza, at the Fidelity Year End/Customer Appreciation party themed: ‘Give Them Wings” – which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos... recently

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

L-R: Chairman, Board of Directors, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ernest Ebi, presents an award to Kelechi Okere of Fidelity Digital Lab Unit

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Divisional Head, Conglomerates, Adebayo Ogunbiyi; and Executive Director, South, Aku Odinkemelu

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; his wife Uche; Executive Director (South), Fidelity Bank Plc, Aku Odinkemelu, her husband Bob; Ijeoma Agwamba of Total Nigeria; and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, at the Fidelity Bank Year End/ Customer Appreciation party at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos... recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Air Peace Airline, Allen Onyema; Executive Director, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank PLC, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Managing Director/ CEO, Fidelity Bank PLC, Nnamdi Okonkwo; Mrs. Elima Dakuku Peterside, her husband and Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dakuku Peterside; and former Group Managing Director, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Fidelity Bank Year End/Customer Appreciation Party in Lagos ... Chairperson/CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria, Catherine Uju Ifejika, recently presents an award to Mohammed O. Jubril of Fidelity Bank Plc.

L-R: Iheanacho Ugochukwu; Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; and Executive Director, Shared Services and Products, Fidelity Bank PLC, at the Fidelity Bank Year End/ Customer Appreciation Party, held in Lagos... recently

Professor Ifeoma Ulasi presents award to Augusta O. Anyanwu-Egbom, Ag. Regional Bank Head (RBH), Midwest 2, Fidelity Bank Plc.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

FAIRGROUND

Adeoye's 'Inspiring Change Conference' 2020

W

ith 6 editions under its belt, ICC2020 returns with MORE, as it announces the 7th edition of the life-changing initiate, scheduled to hold in March.

In exactly 7 weeks, the Esob Heroes Initiative; Inspiring Change Conference in commemoration of World International Women’s Day, will return for its 7th run, with the theme -There Is More.

The initiative which was founded in 2013 by AdesunmboAdeoye, Convener of the annual conference and founder of Esob Heroes, presents an opportunity for social change and impact in yet another power packed edition.

This year’s conference holds in two-tiers, comprising of aeuphoric 12-hour twitter conversation, which featureshourly Q&A

sessions on Day 1, Friday 6th of March with leading panellists.

Followed closely on Saturday 14thMarch, is a 4-hour physical convergence on Day 2 of the program at the Wisdom Arena, 1 Williams Estate, opposite FCMB, Agege.

The 7th edition boasts of a diverse panel which includes; key note speaker for the conference- Hon.Abike Dabiri, host- Adesunmbo Adeoye, panelists- Stephanie Busari, Toyin Abraham, Osayi Alile and a host of other notableleading female personalities.

ICC2020 is scheduled to take place on Friday 6th of March 2020 on twitter and 14th of March 2020 at Wisdom Arena, Agege, Lagos.

Since its inception, Inspiring Change Conference has plateaued into a household name and has gone on to be aLaunchpad for SME's, attendees and beneficiaries of the laudable initiative.

Adesumbo Adeoye

Code 4TEEN Labs to partner Fountain School, Moral Ville Academy

A student in the comouter classroom

Code 4TEEN an education technology research lab focused on providing a solution to the question of technology literacy and the next generation, has partnered with educational brands across all segments of the sector for the initial public roll out of computer language as a classroom subject to over 100 pupils across all schools.

The company after invested 3 years into broad research with credible names in primary education such as St. Saviours School, Ebute-metta on the feasibility of teaching pupils from as early as Year 3 (7years old) text-based programming in a classroom context has launched its software product ‘Andrew Teaches Coding’. An automated textbook whose robust functionalities creates an eco-system for the new subject, Computer Language. By facilitating the delivery of curriculum, management of classwork and homework, examinations and grading ‘Andrew Teaches Coding’ gives primary

schools across the country and beyond the ability to now create and run Computer Language as a time-tabled subject.

When asked about the thought process behind the labs research work, The Director, Research & Technology , Otaru Daudu explained, ‘ Code 4TEEN understood from day one that the true solution to technology literacy resides in empowerment of educational systems to drive the code education process without depending on 3rd party intervention. We also understand what this will require is a tested curriculum, a scalable means of delivery as well as a continuous plan for up-skilling all ICT teachers so they are capable of delivering the curriculum independently as they do with ICT or Math or English. For this reason we are building our company’s strengths around these three pillars. We also choose to focus on empowering schools as we believe children spend 70% of their childhood under

the influence of ‘school’, hence positioning the school as the foremost catalyst in the technology literacy drive globally, with regards to the next generation.”

Code 4TEEN will on February 3rd, 2020 officially roll out Computer Language through timetabled slots in 4 schools across Lagos state namely, The Fountain School, Moral Ville Academy, Leaders Field International School and First Stones School however the company is in advanced talks with top executives and academic leaders at generational schools such as Pampers Private School and others on the possibility of integrating with their curriculum on or before September 2020.

When posed the question of affordability and Inclusivity, Otaru responded, ‘These are values we believe strongly in at Code 4TEEN. Each school we have on board has established Computer Language as a subject under an equal access pledge MOU which aims to crash the price of our software progressively until we arrive at a market price of about N5000 minus school administrative fees. Our goal is to sell our software for as cheap as a textbook, as that it what it really is. A textbook. We also believe access to computer language knowledge should not be a competitive advantage for schools as it currently is. Schools have always competed on their ability to execute curriculum, not the availability.

Through our work we believe we can restore this critical balance to the educational eco-system and drive real impact from the grass-root level.’

Otaru explained ‘ The company’s focus now is on advancing both our research and product for which we are reaching out to investors and impact donor providers to fund. As a next step post our initial feasibility study in the private sector, we will require 5,000 pupils in public and low-income segment to go through our curriculum process end-end.

Through this we will achieve state level validation of our curriculum and gather the empirical evidence required to engage the necessary government bodies on the feasibility of a state wide integration. This evidence will as well provide a platform for regional distribution of our curriculum.’ Code 4TEEN is a subsidiary of Media Technology Group iNspire.

Abiola Adenuga

PEFTI Begins Registration into its New Ibadan Campus The futures of young people living within and around Oyo State have just been brightened as the world-renowned PEFTI Film Institute has announced that registration has commenced for admission into the new PEFTI Ibadan Campus which would begin lectures on 1st April, 2020.

According to Abiola Adenuga, Managing Director of PEFTI, “Since registration began on 27th January 2020, we have received a very large amount of applications from people residing in Ibadan and nearby cities. This is because they know PEFTI’s long history of providing classroom and practical field training to enable creative people get high-paying jobs, and/or start their own production companies.

Intending students are advised to hurry to our campus, or visit the PEFTI website and register as there are limited slots available; especially with the ongoing bonanza on fees which makes it very affordable for all.”

The establishment, which is approved by Federal Ministry of Education, offers 2-year National Diploma in Film and TV Production, Performing and Media Arts, and Music Technology; in addition to 3 and 6-month Professional Practical Training in ScriptWriting, Acting and Presentation, Costume and Makeup, Digital Photography, Cinematography, Film Editing, Music, Choreography, Producing and Production Management, and Directing; as well as a wide range of Skill Acquisition Programs.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

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AUTO FRSC to Impound Trailer Carrying Unlatched Containers

L-R: CFAO’s Sales Manager for JCB, Mr. Victor Ogbeide-Igiebor; recipient’s mother; recipient instructor; recipient, Master Idorenyin Francis Emmanuel; and Country Delegate/Managing Director of CFAO Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Pelletier, when CFAO Nigeria made a donation of N150,000 to Emmanuel to support his education and innovation. On the table is the prototype of an excavator made by Emmanuel and displayed at the JCB machine demonstration day in collaboration with CFAO Nigeria in Lagos… recently

CFAO Displays JCB Equipment, Flaunts Quality Stories by Bennett Oghifo

C

AO Equipment, a subsidiary of the CFAO Group and authorised distributor of JCB Construction Equipment in Nigeria, organised a machine demonstration day in collaboration with JCB officials. The event held on Thursday 23rd of January at the Federal Palace Hotel was a gathering of industry stakeholders, customers and representatives of the two companies.

JCB District Sales Manager, West, and Central Africa, Ilias Chater stated that “we selected CFAO as our partner because they can represent us well and provide quality after-sales service, and we thank our customers for their continuous patronage’.

He added that JCB has launched new models of construction equipment suitable for the African Market with minimal electronics, fuel efficiency, adaptable to different sulphuric fuel levels, and easy to maintain.

After the Keynote speech, the guests were ushered to witness a thrilling demonstration experience as different features of the JCB machines were showcased.

In the course of the event, CFAO donated a cheque of N150,000.00 to a young Nigerian, Idorenyin Francis Emmanuel who constructed a prototype of an Excavator labeled with the JCB logo.

The Country Delegate/Managing Director of CFAO Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Pelletier, said CFAO’s gesture was “ a way of encouraging Emmanuel in his education and innovation”.

Sales Manager for JCB Nigeria, Mr. Victor Ogbeide-Igiebor emphasised the role CFAO plays in ensuring that customers are offered high-quality maintenance services with genuine spare parts. Some of the JCB products distributed by CFAO in Nigeria include; Backhoe loaders, Tracked and wheeled Excavators, Teletrucks, Wheel Loaders, Vibromax, and Telehandler.

JCB was founded in 1945 by Joseph Cyril Bamford in the United Kingdom with a reputation for quality, efficiency and innovative products, serving the construction, logistics, agriculture, mining industries in different parts of the world.

CFAO has been in Nigeria for over 117 years. The group is well-known for its distribution of globally renowned brands with technical expertise for aftersales service.

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi has decried the continuous carriage of containers by flatbed trailers without proper latching on the highways and ordered immediate impoundment of such vehicles by patrol teams anytime they are sighted In a press statement by the Corps Pubic Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Marshal in a bid to get such dangerous trailers off the road has sealed partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure that such vehicles are not allowed to leave the Ports in the first instance unless on the condition of full compliance of the latching and with other maximum safety standards.

Speaking on the dangers of such to other road users, Oyeyemi said that apart from the dangers to lives and properties, these containers when they fall on the highways or any part of the road; can easily lead to unnecessary road obstruction that will cause undue hardship to motorists who will have much of their traveling time wasted on the road before the obstruction is cleared.

So, in order to avert this and put a stop to further recurrence, the Corps Marshal has directed the Operatives of the Corps to be on red alert and impound at sight, any of such trailers found in the act.

He also revealed that the Corps will achieve this in friendly collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.

He also beckoned on the public to take advantage of the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM or the toll free 122 numbers to report any of such trailers seen on the highways without proper latching of containers.

He gave the National Traffic Radio numbers to call at all times as 09067000015, 0805 299 8090.

New Jaguar F-TYPE is Purposeful, Beautiful, Timeless

P

urposeful, beautiful and timeless: the new Jaguar F-TYPE looks more dramatic than ever and embodies Jaguar design DNAin its purest form.

The perfect proportions are instantly recognisable, but the new F-TYPE looks even more focused and assertive, and references the beautiful flowing forms from Jaguar’s rich sports car heritage.

Super-slim pixel LED headlights with subtly updated ‘Calligraphy’ J signature daytime running lights and sweeping direction indicators blend perfectly into the ‘liquid metal’ surfacing of the new clamshell bonnet. The new front bumpers and subtly enlarged grille deliver even more visual impact and presence.

The rear haunches enhance the F-TYPE’s inherently dramatic, purposeful form, and sweep downwards to the slender rear LED lights with ‘Chicane’ signature inspired by the all-electric I-PACE Performance SUV. Inside, the driver-focused ‘1+1’ cabin envelops the occupants with luxurious materials such as Sienna Tan Windsor Leather, Suedecloth, Alcantara, and satin-finish Noble Chrome, while Jaguar’s craftsmanship is embodied in beautiful details such as monogram stitching on the seats and door trim. These touches blend seamlessly with the new 12.3-inch reconfigurable HD TFT instrument cluster and Touch Pro infotainment system.

Form follows function, and one of a Jaguar’s functions is to look beautiful. Evolved from its predecessor’s World Car Design-winning form, the new F-TYPE’s breath-taking looks are characterised by the super-slim Pixel LED headlights, which enhance the car’s purposeful, confident stance.

Jaguar’s Signature J daytime running lights now feature a calligraphy graphic: slim along the horizontal element of the light guide, and then widening as it sweeps upwards – as if a stroke from an art brush. Running along the J is an exquisitely-detailed monogram pattern, inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The light graphic accentuates the car’s visual width and hints at its performance potential.

Inside the light cluster are four LED modules, each resembling a perfectly-crafted gemstone.

Again, form follows function: Pixel technology intelligently links the windscreen-mounted stereo camera to the lights’ controller. This allows every LED to be switched off or dimmed to produce a high beam which masks out oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers, while allowing excellent illumination of the road ahead.

A subtly enlarged grille accentuates the new F-TYPE’s visual presence. The proportions of the classic form remain, but it is now wider and deeper and with a new hexagonal mesh pattern, each cell gloss black at the front and satin black on the inner surfaces. The surround is finished as standard in Noble Chrome, or gloss black when the Black Pack or Black Design Pack is specified.

The bumpers are new, and introduce bolder surfaces with discreet signature graphics to enhance the overall design and provide greater differentiation across the model range, from FTYPE to F-TYPE R-Dynamic to F-TYPE R. For the core F-TYPE models, the look is clean and sculptural. R-Dynamic models gain layered J aero-blades, which, as well as referencing a racing influence, also help to guide the airflow more cleanly around the front of the car. R models feature gloss black bezels around the apertures,

The new Jaguar F-TYPE

making the car look even more assertive, while aerodynamically-optimised strakes serve to further reduce drag. On all models, the apertures feature a mesh pattern matched to the cells in the grille.

Anew clamshell bonnet design sweeps elegantly back from the slimline LED headlights.

The surfaces are softer and more organic than before, as if they were liquid metal – inspired

by the beautiful flowing forms of models from Jaguar’s rich 84-year history, such as the C-type and D-type.

The air vents are positioned further forward for greater efficiency, and blend perfectly into the sculpted aluminium that surrounds them.

Further back, the fender vents now proudly feature the Jaguar Leaper.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

39

AUTO

JAC-Elizade ScoopsThree Automobile Industry-leading Awards Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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ue to its soaring profile and acceptability in the Nigerian market, famous JAC Motors, being promoted by Elizade Autoland, bagged three awards in 2019.

The automobile brand clinched the prestigious accolades at Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) Awards and the Nigeria Automotive Industry Awards held in Lagos on the 17th of December and 27th of November respectively.

The two industry bodies honoured JAC Motors with the Most Improved Brand of the Year awards. The award in this category celebrates outstanding automobile initiatives that have had the most positive impact in the industry.

In addition, Nigeria Automotive Industry Awards’ “Truck Brand of the Year” was also received by JAC Motors.

It would be recalled that in 2019, JAC Motors launched its Mech Fest initiative where it offered automobile technicians trainings, tool boxes and overalls.

This initiative is to further empower and drive professionalism amongst technicians in Nigeria starting with

Lagos. It is no doubt JAC Motors was recognized for its outstanding products and noticeable deed in the industry.

Commenting on the Awards, Demola Ade-ojo, MD/CEO, Elizade Autoland JAC Limited, authorized JAC vehicles distributor in Nigeria, applauded the organizers of both events for their consistency in identifying deserving brands and companies across Nigeria and according them the recognition, commendation and celebration that are due to them.

He added that: “For us at Elizade Autoland JAC, we strive to be better year on year and as a forward thinking organization that we are, we will always be innovative in our approach to doing business.

We are known to our existing customers to sell value beyond products and for coming years, we look forward to breaking the glass ceiling in the automobile industry with the way we do business.”

JAC Motors is the only Chinese brand with full range of vehicles across all segments in Nigeria. Some of the models include the J4 sedan, S2, S3, S5, S7 (SUVs) as well as T6 pickup, Sunray bus X5 pickup, L40 Truck and the N-Series-3tons, 4tons, 5tons, 7tons and 10tons which can be adopted to various applications.

Managing Director/CEO, Elizade Autoland, Mr. Demola Ade-ojo, and the JAC T6 Pickup that won an award…recently

New Peugeot 2008 Elected SUV Compact Business 2020

T

he fifth edition of the “Business Cars of the Year” awards was held on 24 January 2020 in Paris on the initiative of “Kilomètres Entreprise” magazine. The new SUV PEUGEOT 2008 received first prize in the “SUV Compact Business” category.

The prizes were awarded by a jury of eleven journalists from the editorial staff of “Kilometers Entreprise”.

Eight trophies were at stake for a total of 54 vehicles selected from the novelties meeting the criteria of “business” vehicle for professional use in business.

In the “Compact Business

SUV” category of 2020, the new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV won the trophy in front of 6 contenders with a total of 42 points, the second receiving 28 points.

“I am very proud to receive this award today, the new PEUGEOT 2008 SUV is starting to market and the first feedback is very encouraging with this vehicle in the B-SUV segment.

It attracts by its particularly powerful and athletic style, multi-energies, it offers the freedom of choice for the park managers among three types of motorizations: electric, petrol and Diesel, offering sensations extraordinarily stimulating and efficient. “- Hugues de Laage - Director PSA Corporate Sales France.

2020 Peugeot 2008

Are Nigerian Drivers Believers?

For more than two years, I have daily pondered over the question of the religious beliefs of Nigerian driversirrespectiveoftheirreligiousinclinations.My deploymenttoPortHarcourtsomeyearsagofurther provoked this burning thought which compelled me to do a piece on driving in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital. In that piece, titled, BETWEEN LAGOS AND PORT HARCOURT DRIVING, I tried to compare driving in both cities with the conclusion that Port Harcourt driving was 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 the garden out of the City. I also did say in that piece 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, three events prompted me to do this 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;meaningthatallwedoistoattendreligious programmes without reflecting God’s teachings that dwells more on humility and respect for the law of the land including respect for traffic rules.

The second event took place at Wazobia some years when I attended a reception held by Tommy, a media colleague whose wife gave birth to triplets.

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 At that event I was fortunate to meet some members oftheRiversStateInvestmentForumwhosoughtmy 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 Safety Corps strategic goal to collaborate with States on improved road safety Administration; 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,Peterodiliroad,Rumuokoro,NTA road just to mention a few. These places according to them are where commercial 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 occurred when in company of some junior officers we 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 underagedriving.Thelicenceddriverwhoindulges 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 VIPand armed uniform personnel whose arms are 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?

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 01, 2020

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 01, 2020

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˜ ˞ FEBRUARY 1, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/RELATIONSHIP

BY

EBERE WABARA

Poverty of Words

S

OME headlines are just written thoughtlessly: “As Supreme Court rules on guber polls (kicker)‌Tension as Ihedioha, Ortom, Tambuwal know fate today (headline)â€? (DAILY Sun Front Page Banner, January 13, 2020) You do not have to underestimate readers’ intelligence. It is obvious there would be situational tension in the circumstance.

So, there was no point needlessly stating that redundant phrase (‘Tension as’). Furthermore, the double usage of ‘as’ in that seven-column headline disaster showed poverty of words! In a nutshell, delete ‘tension as’.

From SOUTH EAST NEWS of January 13 comes the next flaw: “Abia shutdown (shuts down) substandard private schools todayâ€? “Ile Arugbo: Kwara PDP petitions NHRC, seeks probe of use of live ammunitions to disperse aged womenâ€? (AREWANEWS, January 13) ‘Ammunition’ is uncountable. “I heartily congratulate my brother‌over (on/upon) his victory at the supreme court (Supreme Court)‌.â€? (Full-page advertorial, THISDAY, January 18, Page 23) “Akeredolu to commission (inaugurate/ auspicate, et al) projects as Ondo school marks 60th anniversaryâ€? â€œâ€Świth Greek giants Olympiacos among those keen to cash-in (cash in) on the Nigerian this winter transfer “Amidst (Amid) the encumbrances and travails that trailed her track, she survived.â€? “He talks to (with)‌about his strides as an advertising guru‌.â€? “With a heart of felicitation and love, I wish to congratulate (I congratulate) my husband‌ over (on/upon) his merited doctorate award.â€? “Your diligent nature and tenacity of purpose has (have) singled you out for recognition.â€? â€œâ€Śbut you have shown the world that good things comes (why?) to those who work for it (them).â€? “NPFL title: Imama leads Rangers to promise land (sic)â€? Sports journalists: (the) Promised Land (take note of the capitalization) “In spite of the current division amongst (among) members of the terrorist group‌.â€? ‘Amidst’, ‘amongst’, ‘whilst’, ‘join together’, ‘log of wood’, ‘heavy downpour’ (the list is endless!)‌belong to ‘old school’! “His present command and control (command-and-control) tactics must end.â€? â€œâ€Śargues that ‘foreign terrorists’ are being

treated with kid’s gloves.â€? Get it right: kid gloves “I am sure those of them that participated in both competitions will tow (toe) the line of reasoning.â€? “IGC sets (set) for 2020 Corporate Challenge Cupâ€? “Biafra asks Igbo to switch-off (switch off) phones‌.â€? Phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. â€œâ€Śwhile incidences of diseases and death (deaths) have worsened.â€? Please note that even as ‘incidence’ is countable, it is usually singular. “Lagos is a vibrant city with enormous potentials.â€? Either ‘potentialities’ or just ‘potential’ (without any inflection) “Celebrating one of Plateau’s quintessential legal luminary (luminaries)‌!â€? “Your several (many) years of practice and public service as commissioner‌for about nine years has (have) no doubt‌.â€? Preferably ‘many’ “I am no doubt confident that Plateau State, the National Assembly where you now serve as a (an) honourable member‌.â€? “Ashes to beauty (Ashes-to-beauty) story of the cameraâ€? â€œâ€Śbrings to the fore issues concerning some non-governmental organizations set up under the pretext of helping the needy but turn out to be scamsâ€? “If a guy likes me and he’s going online to check for my status‌.â€? Delete ‘for’ because it is redundant “FG seeks China (Chinese) cooperation to tackle piracy in entertainment industryâ€? “Strenghtening (Strengthening) commitmentâ€?, but straightening “He is a bogeyman who pushes, shoves, pulls, elbows and even scratch (scratches) players on the face‌.â€? “CPC to clampdown on illegal microfinance banksâ€? Phrasal verb: clamp down (two words). “An acknowledged scholar, a distinguished statesman and a team leader per excellenceâ€?

This way: leader par excellence. “New trends in electioneering campaigns�

Just electioneering or political campaigns ‘Electioneering campaign’ is sheer verbiage! ‘Electioneering’ encompasses campaign and other related electoral issues. “Some countries have taken tobacco manufacturers to court for the damages their products cause.� The will to die: ‘damage‘ is uncountable, except in reparative applications for indemnity. “With the launching (launch preferably) of

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

the poverty alleviation (a hyphen) programme by the Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively in place. “ â€œâ€Śwhat happened was that somebody filed a writ of summon.â€? This way (singular): a writ of summons; plural: summonses. “It is the Federal Board that is always guilty of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.â€? ‘Riff-raff’ is uncountable. “Modern technology has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.â€? This way: brother’s keeper (fixed idiom), irrespective of the number of people involved. “The coincidence in the timing of all those sleazy gossips in soft-sell magazines and the beginning of his fashion parade‌.â€? ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable. “More overaged players for youth soccer“ Get it right: overage players. “Residents of some of the troubled spots in Libya in disarrayâ€? Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots. â€œâ€Śrummaging all the bags and ransacking every nook and corner.â€? Stock expression: nook and cranny. “The police requires (require) a redeemer who can uplift the Force from the battering it (they) suffered during the long years of militarization.â€? “I inquired from those that appear to know and they said that the president is (was) roaming the country in the name of campaigns.â€? “There is (are) no electricity, no security, no water, no roads, no health facilities in Nigeria.â€? “Foreign companies will be falling over themselves (one another) to come and invest here if we get the 2023 elections right.â€? “...given the lame-duck posture of the opposition parties, the APC simply held sway from the onset (outset).â€? “Reactions on (to) the Pope’s visit, however successful, were mixed in Egypt, a country inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population.â€? “Prior to the Pope’s visit, Egyptian Catholics have (had) opted out of the‌.â€? “The first part was published last week Friday.â€? Monday politics: either last Friday or Friday, last week. “Vigilante (vigilance) groups, committed to the enforcement of the by-law, are being set up.â€? “Some of these areas include producing enough food to feed our teaming (teeming) population.â€? “Rather, the money, including the N200 million per state released for special purposes, was

diverted to other uses.â€? We certainly do not need the last three words in the extract, having been taken care of by ‘diversion’. “Unless the detonating mechanism of extremist religious chauvinism is diffusedâ€? Get it right: defused (not diffused). “They have decided to sheath their machetes and seek vengeance no more. “ Noun: sheath; verb: sheathe. “The sources of revenue in a city like Lagos is very important.â€? Still on errors of attraction (more below): sources‌are. â€œâ€Śbusiness downturn resulting to (in) drive-wandering.â€? â€œâ€Śthe rapaciousness of project contractors increase (increases) the country’s debt burden.â€? “Senior civil servants’ union berate junior counterpartsâ€? Inside business: union berates. “It’s the poet feared most, knowing fully (full) well that one of the‌.â€? “The agitated crowd, who had been whipped to hysteria, demanded for his head.‌â€? To avoid mayhem, delete ‘for’, from the extract. â€?‌and which provides a noble and humanistic framework for relations between the state and citizens in (on) our continent.â€? “But in the welter of these realignment of forces‌â€? Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces. “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.‌â€? “It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.‌â€? â€œâ€ŚAba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....â€? “Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.â€? Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands. “One of the most outrageous abuses occured‌â€? Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred. “I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services obsolete.â€? Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have). “In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.â€? Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates.

Sex and Long Distance Relationship

G

etting married and living in two different cities is not a new thing. Living apart could be due to economic reasons or some factors beyond the control of a couple. While some couples live apart after getting married, trust issues on the part of the husband and his wife would come to the fore. While they were courting, loyalty to each other was principal. Five years after getting married, and two children to the advantage of the relationship, it is time for a trust audit on the part of the husband and his wife.

In Africa, south of the Sahara, whenever a woman is nursing a baby, her husband with a high libido looks elsewhere for sex. Whenever a man travels out to another city, especially for a long period, his wife imagines her husband satisfies himself elsewhere sexually. On a general note, women assume their spouses have girlfriends either in their places of work or in some obscure places. This is what informs a high level of suspicion if her husband stays away for a period too long for her expectation. Not many women will come to terms with the fact that men are preoccupied with the thoughts of scouting for money to pay bills and look after his family.

Women, except it is proved otherwise, are generally loyal to their marriage vows and hence would like to wait for her husband before having another round of sex. If a woman is suspected or caught having an affair with another man, that behaviour is viewed with a high level of seriousness which may lead to an outright divorce in some cases. On the other hand, she can only suspect her husband without any evidence to prove a point. If she, however, catches her husband in the act, the society will look the other way, expecting him to have financial and material resources to keep a polygamous home running.

A husband and his wife are two people trying to manage trust issues and suspicion of who has gone outside of the marriage vows to have sex. Long Distance relationship had produced step children unknown to the other partner. On the altar of good morals, these children cannot be introduced

into the original matrimonial home of their father or mother as the case may be. The Green Card Programme produced opportunities for some partners to migrate to the United States, while their better halves are still here in Nigeria, waiting to join their spouses, at the fulfillment of time. How then should couples manage long distance relationship?

First, is the commitment to the marriage vows. The husband and his wife must express loyalty to their marriage vows and eagerness to reunite at the slightest opportunity whenever they speak with themselves on their phones.

They should both catch up on moments missed and query themselves to know issues and developments that can be described as germane about each other. Such questions should include, is your spouse a good cook? What is the size of your wife’s shoes? If you had an issue 2000 meters away, what is your spouse’s response time? In your heart of heart, have you really helped him in your capacity as a helpmate?

Have you really provided for your spouse as a breadwinner? Does your wife respect you or she treats you as one of her staff? Would your spouse give you a top priority during a lean period? Do you perceive your spouse would soon leave you? Or is he just hanging out with you in the meantime? Would she go with the billionaire next door when she discovers you no longer have money? Does he have a conscience, is your wife compassionate? Do you know his blood sugar level? When does he need a sperm boost? When does he need a harder erection? Do you know the prescribed drug in this regard? What is his average blood sugar reading? Does he have a middle name? Do you know the meaning of this name? In the order of birth in a family of four children, what position does he occupy? What implication does this have in the scheme of things?

Additionally, they should come to terms on jointly executing a programme objective such as planning for another baby, buying another car or a landed property. The truth about their respective secular endeavours must be told while living apart. In other climes, receiving personal phone calls during office hours is not allowed. Another truth is

the actual salaries and allowances received and how they are expended .The expression of their emotions to reunite.

The thought of a spouse returning after the completion of an endeavour should give a succor to calm down curiosity about the absence of a loved one. However, if a spouse despite the suggestions raised decides to go outside the marriage vows to have sex, then that delinquent fellow had longed waited for that opportunity before manifesting that ill-conceived motive.

It stands to reason that, that spouse does not enjoy a properly constituted marriage and needed a way of escape for a breather. A wife was more passionate with her job more than her marriage. Without reaching any consensus with her husband, she was either in one meeting or busy with her work and hence arriving home late, or attending a conference or seminar out of the country. On arriving from one of those professional outings, she met another woman who held the fortress for her and performed matrimonial obligations .Eventually; she lost that marriage and advised her female folks to always strike a balance between their homes and their professional careers.

There are known cases of men who went outside their marriage vows to have children. These children could not enjoy their father who had gone back to live with his first wife. The first wife in retaliation deployed wicked and uncharitable words to address her randy husband all through the period they were reunited. He developed stroke and another stroke that eventually took his life.

A long distant relationship is not a strong point for a spouse to have sex outside of the marriage vows. Consequent upon which this author is of the opinion couples have been duly advised.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sikiru Adepoju

The Only Nigerian Ever to Win a Grammy Fate of Alakada, Series Four pg. 45

Simi’s Exquisite Birthday Message to Hubby pg. 52

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The Only Nigerian Ever to Win a Grammy

Sikiru Adepoju

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

L

ast weekend, expectations were high as the ceremonies leading up to the world’s prestigious music award, The Grammys, were held. The annual music industry awards, which witnessed its 62nd edition, was held on Sunday January 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. This awards recognition to some is a validation for the unquantifiable hours of work put in. For others, it’s a place in history.

For the umpteenth time, a Nigerian was nominated in the Best World Music Album category. It was our very own Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy. Excitement was in the air as Burna Boy - Nigeria’s new pop heartthrob was nominated for his well-received album, African Giant. In anticipation of the awards ceremony, fans and well-wishers of the singer all over the world celebrated him a winner while the 2020 Grammy moment was on.

Eventually it turned out Beninese singer-songwriter, Angelique Kidjo, was announced the winner of the Best World Music Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards. By records, Burna Boy was not the first or even the second Nigerian to be nominated in that category. The Grammys, over the years, has seen many Nigerians being nominated in various categories but none except Sikiru Adepoju has ever gone home with the award. He remains Nigeria’s one and only Grammy Award winner.

You may be wondering who Adepoju is as not a few Nigerians will readily recall who he is. Adepoju is a Nigerian percussionist and recording artiste who at various times in his career worked and toured with likes of Sir Shina Peters, Orlando Julius, Commander Ebenezer Obey and the Inter-Reformers band in the 80’s before meeting American artistes, Mickey Hart, Carlos Santana and so forth with whom he won the Grammys. He worked with Orlando Julius from 1985

till 1992.

He pulled out of Orlando Julius’s band because the crew moved from California to Tennessee. The now US-based percussionist sometimes forgets he is a recipient of the Gramophone Award as it’s originally called. “Sometimes, I just forget that I’ve won a Grammy,” he gladly revealed during a recent interview. He had won it for an album titled Global Drum Project at the 2009 Grammy Awards, alongside Mickey Hart, Giovanni Hidalgo and Zakir Hussein, a group he met through Babatunde Olatunji; a Morehouse educated Nigerian drummer who had carved a niche music of the African brand in America.

Adepoju could have had his first Grammy awards with Mickey Hart in 1991 as a part of Mickey Hart’s group Planet Drum, whose title album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. That was the first time there was a Grammy in that category.

However, they didn’t realize that they all had to be named the primary makers of the album to get Grammy gongs. Mickey Hart was the only one named as owner of Planet Drum. Instead of getting nine gongs, they got one gong and eight certificates.

Adepoju got a certificate because he was only named as a collaborator and not a primary creator.

That changed in 2009 when Adepoju walked onto the biggest stage in global music with his longtime friend and collaborator, Mickey Hart to get presented with the famous gramophone. He said: “It’s the Grammys - everything changed.

The fees changed, the perception changed, life changed and even the way I walked changed. I will never forget that night.”

A master of the talking drum, Adepoju comes from a musical family from Eruwa in western Nigeria. He was born into a lineage of drummers on November 10, 1952. His great-great-grandfather down to his father (Chief Ayanleke Adepoju) all carried the name, ‘Ayan’ which means descendants of drummers.

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Toyin Abraham and Davido on set of Fate of Alakada

Fate of Alakada, Series Four Being star-studded has been the recipe for its success as the fourth production in the Alakada series is in the making and it will go by the title, Fate of Alakada: The Party Planner. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

W

hen it comes to commercial success, comedy is the most profitable genre in Nigeria movie industry. The top grossing movies at the box office have proved this. If you can make your audience laugh, you have an assured format of earning more millions. Nigerians love to laugh even when the plot, editing, and cinematography lack quality; hilarious dialogue and caricature characters can gather you a crowd at the cinema and it will definitely make you rich.

That’s the reason, Toyin Abraham, as reported then, was able to make N25 million in three days with Alakada Reloaded upon release in 2017.

Alakada Reloaded was a huge commercial success in cinemas, and part of the list of highest-grossing Nigerian films, having garnered a domestic gross of up to N70 million

at the time. It was the most successful and popular of the franchise by Toyin. The first part of the ‘Alakada’ movie series was released in 2009.

In 2013, she released the second and the third, in 2017.

The comedy film by the Nigerian actress/producer, Toyin Abraham is the third part of the popular Alakada franchise, the former two being Alakada and Alakada 2.

Despite some cringe-worthy scenes, the success of Alakada Reloaded however did not deter it from the negative reviews it garnered. It was star-studded, but “overloaded plot,” a critic had observed.

In one sense, the Alakada series follows the adventure of Yetunde Animashaun, a young girl from a poor family background, who engages in making up stories and lying about her financial and social status in order to “fit into the crowd”. But her lies always come back to haunt her and come to a head when she is invited on a reality TV show along with other housemates.

Already, the cast has got BBNaija alumni like Anto Lecky, Khloe and Khafi, celebrity stylist Swanky Jerry, Mabel Makun, Stephanie Coker, comedian Broda Shaggi and many more. Another celebrity stylist, entrepreneur and new author, Toyin Lawani also makes the cast.

Right from the time she began shooting the movie, the actress has played host to different entertainers, including music artistes.

Some of the top music acts that have had parts in the movie include Davido, Cobhams Asuquo, and Peruzzi. Other entertainers that have been on set of the comic jamboree with her are BBN 2019 winner, Mercy Eke, social media sensation Broda Shaggi, among others. Like Toyin Lawani, the BBN 2019 star will be making her Nollywood debut same for music superstar, Davido.

Toyin Abraham while appreciating some of the new cast in the movie took to Instagram to thank Toyin Lawani, who she referred to as her

‘childhood friend for coming on set. She wrote, “Shoutout to my childhood friend and twinne Toyin for coming onset of fate of Alakada.

Fans watch out for her she killed it. Fate of Alakada in cinemas from 10th April 2020.”

She also appreciated Mercy Eke and Davido respectively. “Thanks my darling @official_mercyeke for coming onset. Fans watch out for .@official_mercyeke in ‘Fate of Alakada’ in cinemas 10th April 2020,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of herself posing with Shaggi and Mercy. For Davido, Toyin posted a photo with the Good Time crooner. She then thanked him and revealed she was part of his gang now. “I am now officially #30BG,” she wrote.

The actress asked her fans to watch out for Davido in the upcoming movie. “Thank you so much @ davidoofficial God bless you David ori ni e oni di iru, oshey ganni.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you,” she added.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Mike Dosunmu

I Do Gospel Music with a Message of Hope Mike Dosunmu is one of Nigeria’s leading gospel ministers. His style of music and composition is seasoned with grace and ignited with passion. He does everything to ensure his deliveries are top notched and heart felt. Dosunmu talks to Tosin Clegg about his music, his career, gospel ministry, concerts and a lot more project, including my family, were all encouraging and inspiring. God did what only He is capable of doing and I give Him all the glory.

‘Movement Two’ is going to be mind-blowing and that will always be by the grace of God. God is going to release His Power. We are going to be having spirit-filled ministers of God ministering that day. The expectation is for the people attending to experience a shift and move from that present state to a desired place with God’s positioning, worship and pour out their minds in the place of worship and trust God for a change of status because what He has promised His children is Movement.

My grace and gifts at a tender age discovered my grace and gifts at a tender age which was back then in my local church, through the inspiration of my biological father, a Pastor, who was also a music director. He played the trumpet while my mother was an alto singer. Back then, during their rehearsals, while waiting for my parents, I would always feel the connection when they sang and it was just so evident this was what I ought to do. And from there, I started as a percussionist, learning keyboard, singing and leading children choir and, eventually, my music ministry emerged.

I

Mike Dosunmu and Lightminds Crew The Lightminds Crew is a group of music ministers chosen by myself and my team to minister alongside me at my concerts and programmes.

Each of them deploys their area of ministering to help compliment my performances. I cherish every single one of them a lot and I appreciate them all for been on this journey with me.

Who I define as a Gospel artiste I would call such a person a Song Minister, A preacher of the word through songs by the influence of God. His music should be centered on Jesus. The skill is something that is required because it’s a mandate that God deserves the best of us.

The bible even said it that David praised God skillfully; meaning Jesus is the skill Himself, not just the Spiritual.

I have been influenced and blessed through the music ministry of so many, both foreign and indigenous artistes of different quality and style of music. To mention but a few, I would say the music and person of Marvin Sapp, Kurt Carr, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Nathaniel Bassey, Sammie Okposo, Yolanda Adams, Tye Tribbet, Tasha Cobbs, and a lot more. These People including others have blessed me so much.

I do gospel music with a message of hope Alongside preaching about peace and, most importantly, about Jesus Christ, I bring messages of peace and salvation. Jesus is at the centre of it all so every lyrics that comes out of my mouth Music is food to the soul Music is a strong connection that can’t be ignored, as it influences positively. Music is created by God, it is life, art and, most importantly, Gospel music is a tool that remains in the heart of people in a place of worship. Good composition and lyrics, pleasing melody lines, good instrumentation, good dynamics, rich tones, a good sound to amplify in terms of delivery and a lot more, are important factors in putting a song together or making good music.

Growth of gospel music There is more pronounced collaboration between foreign and indigenous artistes. I would also say there is an increase in more inspirational songs through the influence of the Holy Spirit. More Gospel concerts take place now, such as ‘The Experience’, which is undoubtedly one the biggest concerts in Africa, and several artistes are beginning to explore different genres of music and release more impactful records.

My inspiration has always been the Holy Spirit Movement is the theme of my concert, which is long overdue, having mentored a lot of people in music, but most importantly, it was time for Movement to be birthed. The spiritual implementation and the sole purpose of setting up this group and Movement Concert is geared towards qualitative and spontaneous moves of bringing more people into deeper and comprehensive understanding of

Mike Dosummu

God’s word. As a result, we are having the concert titled “Movement” and the Lord gave us this word “Movement” because He is to cause a total turnaround in the lives of the young and the old.

The first edition was a very huge success The turn-out was overwhelming.

We experienced the movement of God. A lot of challenges came but above all we overcame them, because our trust and confidence

wasn’t in man but in God. The same God raised men of great vision, supporters and those that believed strongly in the Movement Concert and with everything in place it was a huge success. At first, I was so afraid and disturbed about the event but eventually it indeed came through.

The Music Ministers did so well, blessed lives and they also ministered through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The media, sound engineers and everyone that worked on the

Upcoming plans A whole lot is coming that will be unveiled when God says its time and a few, amongst others, are setting up an Academy for Musicians to grow more as singers and instrumentalists. There will be workshop for Music Ministers and Pastors so as to enhance a synergy between Music Ministers in church and the church leadership. Also, I have a big plan of a Concert with Choirs at different level, while automatically making them grow in terms of delivery and all. These are a few of what I will be unveiling afterwards.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹˜ 2020

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

MY STORY

Gists Ikechukwu Nnakenyi Miracle, aka Big Dol, is an artiste in his own class with musical creatives that are designed as audible art.

He draws inspirations from the likes of Fela, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and a lot more.

He talks with Tosin Clegg about his music, his forthcoming projects and more

Lebanese DJ, Acejammal , Seeks Collaboration with Wizkid, Burna Boy Beirut-born Disc Jockey, Hassan Zahreddine, also known as DJ Ace, has confessed his love for Afrobeats, the hip hop music genre popularised by Nigerian musicians. Although a Lebanese by birth, DJ Acejammal, who grew up in Abidjan, Ivory Coast with his parent before moving to Beirut at the age of 9 years, has declared himself as the face of Afrobeats in the Middle East. The turntable spin master is currently on residency in one of Dubai’s biggest club known as White Dubai.

On the biggest African artistes in Lebanon, he said, “In Beirut, the most loved African artistes are Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Vegedream, Booba, Dadju, Maitre Gims and Aya Nakamura. I’m feeling Burna Boy. I’m trying to get collaboration with Burna Boy or Wizkid, I’m working on it. Fans should expect a big project between Africa and Middle East.

“What’s next in my life is I’m trying to make music for Wizkid or Burna Boy because I love their vibe. I love the rhythm they sing with. After launching my night under Starboy’s brand, which represents Wizkid in Dubai, I think I need to fit in more with representing t h e Afrobeats in the Middle East because that’s my passion and that’s what I stand for.”

In retrospect, Acejammal reckons, “The most memorable career point of being a DJ was when White Beirut (one of the top nightclubs) reached out to me and asked for my CV. I handed in my set and waited. Soon enough they gave me a call back and asked me to come in for a tryout! I was super happy because I knew this opportunity would give me great exposure and open many doors down the line in my career. I was hired in the summer of 2013 and have been with them since. Now, I’m also working for White Dubai all winter season long.” Acejammal has hosted big artistes around the world, such as Major Lazer, Soulja Boy, Tpain, Akon, Tinie Tenpah, among others. The talented spinner is the brain behind African Night which is already commanding a cult followership among revelers out of Beirut. “A project that I am super proud of is an African Night in Beirut. This idea came about three years ago when African music Doromusic Musicand Team started to be followed a tiny bit. Due to being raised in Africa, I always loved the beats of their I wanted to be able to share African tunes with the Lebanese and other people.

Dj Acejammal

Yinka Ash Speaks On Styling Naira Marley, Zlatan, Davido Celebrity clothier, Yinka Ash is fast grabbing attention of some of Nigeria’s famous singers as he continues to convert more of them to fans of his Ashluxe brand. The fast-rising young fashion-preneur has revealed how he is using the influence of 90s’ rap and highlife music to inspire his brand.

The Biochemistry graduate of Caleb University, Lagos runs urban fashion wear brand, Ashluxe and has clothed celebrities, including Davido, Naira Marley, Zlatan Ibile, among others. His imprints have also been worn by South African model, Bonang Matheba. The Ashluxe narrative is rising with exposure in music videos such as Naira Marley’s song Puta. Its range of pop culture fashion appeals to the millennials and they include T-Shirts, Hats, Pants, Socks, Slides, Track Suits, among others.

According to him, “Ashluxe has evolved from being a crazy idea in my head to the street style brand it is now that is coveted by all. The Ashluxe team is carefully curated and made up of the best and most talented individuals ensuring that we put out only our best. Tons of research is done to produce certain fabrics and curate the graphic design and techniques used in the collection. For example, the new spectrum reflective Ashluxe material took months to perfect in Paris. The Ashluxe trademark denotes quality and effort. Tangible effort is made to create a holistic experience because the art of fashion is multifaceted.”

Yinka downplays his popularity among his celebrity clientele. He said, “I avoid dropping names, when I can, because I’ve worked with quite a lot and it’s impossible to name everyone off hand, but I have Zlatan Ibile, Sarah Langa, Toke Makinwa, Bonang Matheba, Davido, Rahman Jago, Naira Marley and Pretty Mike, among others. Working with them is quite humbling, because these are VIPs and they show the brand such genuine love and support.

Everything comes naturally, and it’s good that we have started to support our own.”

Yinka Ash and Naira Marley

WapTV Announces Fresh Episodes of Comedy Skits

Wole Adenuga, MD WapTV

WapTV has commenced the new year in a big way, as the popular Family Entertainment TV Channel has announced that from January 2020, there would be fresh episodes of its comedy skits – General Hospital, Mr. & Mrs., Sharp Sharp, Okafor the Steward, People’s Court, and The Gate. According to the Managing Director of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, “From the outstanding success of our Akpan & Oduma, it is evident that these comedy skits, which we play between programmes, are really enjoyed by our audiences on TV and on our YouTube channel - waptvchannel. Our viewers already know there is no dull moment on wapTV and we take it as our duty to continue providing them with the very best family entertainment in 2020 and beyond.”

Sochima Eze

Sochima Eze

Music is the Voice I Gain When I Lose the Courage to Speak Sochima Eze, popularly known as Soch, is a recording artiste based in Lagos. He was introduced to different sounds by his dad while growing up, particularly classical music, afro beat and hip hop.

He tells Tosin Clegg about his journey into music, and career at large

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hat’s music to you and how will you define your kind of music?

Sometimes, I see music as the voice I gain when I lose the courage to speak. The kind of music I make is usually determined by what I need to speak out for, or who I need to speak up to. More so, every day presents its own distinct experience, so my music is my way of documenting it. However, I will like to share my music with as many people as possible because most of it is primarily designed to inspire our dynamic generation of listeners. My music cuts across multiple genres with special emphasis on afrobeats, hip hop and dancehall. Also, my compositions carry themes and messages. That is something you can expect from my kind of music.

Tell us about your upcoming projects and plans for 2020?

Well, I have only recently released my debut single, Monkey, which is currently available for download on all major platforms. However, I plan to give out a whole lot in terms of music to my fans and to the vibrant Nigerian audience out there waiting to consume good music.

I am currently working to release my debut EP later on in the year.

Who are your musical influences and why?

Fela, J.Cole, Burna Boy, Michael Jackson, Jay Z, Osadebe, to mention but a few. As musicians, one thing they have in common is the amount of work they put into their content and sound. As individuals, they are both eccentric and fearless. I think music deserves more people like them.

What makes you exceptional from other artistes out there?

Whenever I think about making music, content takes precedence.

Quality content and ingenuity will always create a fingerprint for me within the industry. More so, I believe every other artiste stands for something, unique or not. However, what defines us is how we utilise our stances to grow the industry.

Tell us about your record label and working with them?

Woofgang Records, for me, has been more than just a record label, it is family. It was birthed by a burning desire to foster and popularise genuine creativity among young Africans. They are also a group of individuals with the zeal to push African creativity beyond barriers.

As a team, I know they have the capacity to help me define the course of my creativity; and as a family, I am certain they have my back.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Chika Ike Not ‘Small Chops’ Actress, producer/director, Chika Ike, premiered her film “Small Chops” in Lagos last weekend, with a galaxy of stars.

On the Red Carpet, Chika stole the show, rocking effortlessly in her Weiz Dhurm Franklyn dress.

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Toni Tones Uncensored Nollywood star, Toni Tones, made waves on the social media for most of the week with her uncensored opinion on relationship. She took to Twitter to tell the world that not all women want marriage in a romantic relationship. Toni opined that some women are in romantic relationships so they can have someone to have fun with, explore the world with, cook with, eat with, learn with, grow with and sleep with. She also pointed out that while some women are more interested in marriage, others aren’t ready for marriage but still value romantic relationships. She urged romantic partners to be clear on what they want from their relationship.

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L-R: Festival Executives Omoye Uzamere, Lydia Idakula-Sobogun, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), Bikiya Graham-Douglas, and Bukky Sanu during the Lagos Theatre Festival 2020 Press Conference

Lagos Theatre Festival 2020 Opens February 27 With the theme ‘Going Out of Bounds’, organisers of the annual Lagos Theatre Festival promises a bigger and better fiesta. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

he 7th edition of the Lagos Theatre Festival is set to hold in multiple locations within the Lagos metropolis including National Museum Lagos, African Artists Foundation, British Council, Alliance Française, with Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos Island, as the main Festival Hub. This year’s festival will explore the theme, ‘Going Out of Bounds’ and will feature over 120 events – drama, opera, dance, comedy, and spoken word and evening events of karaoke, comedy, music performances and disco.

There will be side attractions to include the famous LTF Leisure Market bringing together vendors providing food, art and crafts, and services for the pleasure of attendants (families included) of the Festival. There will also be learning opportunities with workshops and panel discussions included in festival activities for talent development. The event will bring together shows and events by production companies from home and abroad selected specifically to suit this year’s

theme and the selection was made from over three hundred entries for LTF 2020.

This official announcement was made during a recent press conference for the LTF 2020 held at Freedom Park, Lagos. The Chairman of LTF Foundation, Olasupo Shasore, revealed that the festival aims at portraying Lagos as the home of artistic expressions.

This year’s edition, in partnership with the British Council, is aimed at exceeding bounds. Sasore noted that the LTF “is committed to ensuring and opening up the art form in the industry” while making it accessible to people to express themselves within the theatre out form.

The Festival Executive Director, Bikiya Graham-Douglas stated that LTF remains focused on creating opportunities for upcoming performing artists through its site-specific scope of presentations outside the traditional theatre. “So, this year, our theme for the Lagos Theatre Festival is ‘Going Out of Bounds’. What we are saying is we are not going to be boxed by anybody, we are not going to be boxed by tradition, and we are going to allow

our imaginations run wild. We are going to take our role as people who influence society; we are going to take that role very seriously. We are going to impact positively on society. And that’s what we were thinking of when we came up with the theme.”

She further stated that there are already over 42 production companies that will be showcasing their works for LTF 2020 in two streams.

According to Graham-Douglas “We have the fringe and we have the curated streams. So the difference is that the curated productions have been given grants by the LTF. So you can see we are also committed to growing the industry by putting our money where our mouth is. This festival will create platforms for many. So expect a bigger and better LTF this year. We want local and international production companies to see the Lagos Theatre Festival as a hub that fosters exchange and collaborations while telling our stories and promoting our culture.”

The Artistic Director, Lydia IdakulaSobogun, noted that the Festival since inception creates opportunities for artists to perform outside the regular

theatre tradition and that the event has been able to create opportunities for 260 production companies, had over 42,000 audience members and has had an online reach of about 770 million.

“So you can see that LTF has indeed had a journey that has created platforms for many young performing artists to showcase their talents,” she added.

The Festival was founded by British Council in 2013 as part of its ambitions of fostering exchange, collaboration and strengthening relationships between Nigerian and British artists through the presentation of high quality Nigerian and British theatre. Lagos Theatre Festival (LTF) is the largest performing arts festival in Nigeria and indeed West Africa. It was created to promote theatre in unconventional spaces.

Through the festival, theatre-makers and producers are supported to expand their practice beyond traditional theatre spaces by creating work that responds to any given space. The Festival is now managed by the Lagos Theatre Festival Foundation, a not-forprofit organization.

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Danny Boy Unveils Visuals of ‘Feel Am’ Chinedu Ibeabuchi

J

ulius Daniel Ogah, known by stage name Danny Boy, has dropped the first visuals for his highly anticipated 5 track EP. The new single is titled ‘Feel Am’.

The EP was carefully selected tunes from the talented act formerly known as DBoy. Danny Boy, an acolyte of Afro Dance All music genre and signed to Signed to SMMHK, made his musical debut in 2019. With the good impressions so far, Danny Boy says he’s not slowing down this year.

With his new release already dazzling the airwaves, the 25-year-old singer has the potential of being among top upcoming artistes to make waves in the Nigerian music industry this year.

Thus far, the EP has received generally positive reviews from music critics, who applauded its production.

“I am glad with the reviews I have gotten so far. It shows fans are already ‘Feeling am’.

My music is sensational and will always turn-up moods to a state of utter elation.”

Danny Boy

Aunty vs Biggie: What You Need to Know About Reality TV’s Personalities Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

“This is Big Brother!”.

Those four words have become a popular catch phrase with lovers of reality TV show, Big Brother. In Nigeria, Big Brother Naija is unarguably the number one reality TV show, amassing followers from across the continent and beyond. Even after four seasons, many are still tickled by the concept of the reality show that focuses on a group of male and female housemates governed by the all-seeing - you guessed right - Big Brother.

This personality, fondly called ‘Biggie’ is the show’s protagonist, the owner of the house, and the one whose rules must not be broken. His voice is distinct, echoing throughout the house and bringing its inhabitants to submission when necessary. No one sees Biggie; scratch that, no one CAN see him. His voice is all you need to hear as a reminder of your stay in HIS house and competition.

Biggie isn’t there to babysit anyone.

On the contrary, he leaves you to explore the luxuries his house provides whilst you play your game.

He listens. Biggie listens to every conversation in his house and listens twice as much during diary room sessions. He never tells you what to do but instead prods you to keep talking

till you arrive at a decision.

This mystery character on his eponymous show will always leave both his housemates and viewers guessing his next move.

In a few days, reality TV fans will be introduced to another unique personality in a brand-new reality show, Ultimate Love.

Ultimate Love is premised on single men and women living together in a Love Pad with the hopes of finding love that will culminate in marriage.

They will get to compete and carry out

different tasks as couples that will test their bond and win the public’s votes.

The ultimate prize is finding love but there will be other mouth-watering prizes including an all-expense paid traditional wedding ceremony and a fully furnished home – if the winning couple decide to get married.

However, before they arrive at this point, they are going to be governed by a pivotal character on the show, aptly referred to as ‘Aunty’.

Now, we do not know what her catch phrase would be but what we know is

Aunty will be physically present in the Love Pad. Just like Biggie, she will be always present and always watching, but unlike the former, her job will be to help the contestants find their perfect partner and provide them with counsel where necessary.

Aunty will keep the contestants, referred to as ‘love guests’, grounded.

She will also establish and manage a very rigid daily schedule that will keep them occupied and help groom their new-found love.

Aunty will be sweet, but firm! She will test these new relationships until she’s convinced that what they have is a love that will stand the test of time.DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa will see Aunty in her elements when the show premieres on Sunday, 9 February.

Ultimate Love will be LIVE and 24/7 on DStv Premium, DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, DStv Confam and DStv Yanga packages on channel 198; and on GOtv Max and GOtv JOLLI packages on channel 29. Sign up for any DStv package today via www.dstvafrica.com or get GOtv Max or JOLLI on www. gotvafrica.com For more information on the show, please visit www.africamagic.tv and follow the social media updates on Ultimate Love @ultimateloveng on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #UltimateLoveNg.

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Simi’s Exquisite Birthday Message to Hubby Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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inging couple, Simisola (Simi) and Adekunle Kosoko (Adekunle Gold) has proven to their fans and followers over again that they are a great couple and so it comes as no surprise to see the goofy way Simi celebrated her husband’s birthday on Tuesday January 28, 2020, in a video she posted.

Adekunle Gold clocked 33 on the day and his wife, Simi, promised to do a lot of interesting things for him to mark the special day, including twerking, stripping and licking him up.

Although she wouldn’t reveal in the video the stuff she promised for the world to see, she however went on to caption the video with a message that certainly got a lot of people laughing. The hilarious video caught both of them doing a special handshake. Like an anthem, she captioned the video message thus: “Happy birthday Love mi. I promise to lick ur face, twerk for you, listen to your songs, let you lick my face, argue about stupid movies, tickle the fuck outta you, talk about nice books, strip, stop you from dancing, and tell you I love you as much and as often as possible. So help me God. I love you in a big manner.”

Meanwhile, in a separate post, the popular singer says his life is somebody’s fairytale as he celebrated his birthday. He shared a new video on his Instagram page on the occasion of his 33rd birthday. The singer then shared a message with the new video which reads: “Here I am, a year older today and at peace. My life is somebody’s fairytale and I am super thankful that God is crazy about me.”

This comes barely two weeks after Adekunle Gold and Simi took to social media to celebrate each other on their first wedding anniversary. Prior to that, the couple had shared individual photos on their Instagram pages.

Their first wedding anniversary they did in a special way celebrating each other on their journey so far. It feels like just yesterday that the star couple got married in a private wedding ceremony.

The couple later left Nigeria for Cape Verde where they celebrated their anniversary together away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi. The anniversary messages... first from Adekunle Gold: “1 year in and I can’t even begin to say how blessed I am that it’s you I am doing this love something with. You amuse me, you make me laugh, hard, you are so beautiful, I am lucky I get to love you forever. Here’s to more beautiful memories together, doing great exploits and living our lives on our terms. Love you forever babe,” he wrote.

In a similar vein, Simi took to her Instagram page with her own anniversary message. “Pretty baby.

The very thing that you mean to me, I doubt you’ll ever fully understand. I don’t like to share our best moments, because they belong to us - so people might never even know the level of your special. It’s a really high level that is higher than other levels. No one is more in sync with me than you...”

Simi and her husband, Adekunle Gold

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 01, 2020

SPORTS XTRA

Madrid Derby: Real, Atletico Go for Broke at the Bernabeu Real Madrid will be looking to move six points clear at the top of La Liga when they welcome Atletico Madrid to the Bernabeu this afternoon.

Los Blancos are currently three points ahead of secondplaced Barcelona at the top of the table, while Atletico occupy fifth with 36 points to show from their 21 matches during the 2019-20 campaign.

Real Madrid have not been without their problems this season, but Zidane’s side will enter this match off the back of seven straight wins in all competitions. They beat Atletico on penalties in the final of the Spanish Super Cup earlier this month and have since posted four victories in two separate competitions.

Indeed, in addition to overcoming Sevilla and Real Valladolid in the league, Los Blancos have progressed in the Copa del Rey with wins over Unionistas and Real Zaragoza, beating the latter 4-0 on Wednesday night.

Zidane shuffled his pack for the Copa del Rey tie, but the capital giants were still far too strong for their opponents, with Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior among the goals at the Estadio de la Romareda.

Barca’s 2-0 loss at Valencia last weekend opened the door for Real Madrid to move to the top of the table, and they recorded

a 1-0 win over Valladolid courtesy of a late goal from Nacho. As a result, there is three points between first and second, but Zidane’s side will have the chance to move six points clear on Saturday afternoon as the reigning Spanish champions are not in action until Sunday night against Levante.

The fact that Real Madrid have lost just once in 21 league matches this season is very impressive, with that defeat coming away to Mallorca on October 19.

They have actually not lost in any competition since then, progressing to the last16 stage of the Champions League as well as impressing domestically.

European football will resume next month, and Los Blancos have the small matter of a clash with Manchester City at the Bernabeu.

The reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium will then take place on March 17, and it would be fair to say that Pep Guardiola’s side have not been at their best this season.

Incredibly, five of the last six league meetings between these two teams have finished level, including a goalless draw when they last locked horns at the Bernabeu in September 2018.

Even more surprisingly, Real Madrid have not actually beaten Atletico on

home soil in the league since December 2012. There is no question that Zidane’s team will enter Saturday’s clash as the favourites, but Diego Simeone has shown on numerous occasions that he is capable of frustrating in-form sides.

Atletico will enter this weekend’s match off the back of a four-game winless run in all competitions. Indeed, they have not picked up a victory since beating Barca 3-2 in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup. Since then, Simeone’s side have lost to Real Madrid in the final, in addition to suffering defeats away to Eibar in the league on January 18 and against Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on January 23.

Atletico would have been looking to return to winning ways against Leganes last weekend, but the points were shared in a goalless draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The result left the capital side down in fifth position in the table with a record of nine wins, nine draws and three defeats from 21 matches.

The Red and Whites are only two points off thirdplaced Sevilla on the same number of matches but sit 10 points behind Real Madrid heading into the Madrid derby. In all honesty, it is difficult to imagine Atletico making a play for the title in

Diego Simone and Zidane

the remaining months of the campaign.

In recent years, Atletico have almost always boasted the best defensive record throughout the season but that is not the case this term.

Indeed, Real Madrid have only conceded 13 goals in their 21 matches, while Atletico have shipped 14.

Down the other end, Real Madrid are the second-leading scorers in the division with 39 goals, but Atletico have managed just 22. Only Leganes, Valladolid, Celta

Vigo, Espanyol and Eibar have scored fewer La Liga goals than Simeone’s side this season, which is an indiction of their issues.

Alvaro Morata has seven league strikes to his name during the 2019-20 campaign, but Joao Felix and Angel Correa have just five between them. Diego Costa’s injury blow has certainly harmed the team, but there has not been enough happening in the final third of the field this term.

Diego Costa - Latest

breaking news, rumours and gossip from Atletico Madrid News about Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa on Sports Mole with the latest player news, biographical information, p...

Atletico’s recent record at the Bernabeu is strong, though, picking up three wins and three draws from their last six league visits, with Real Madrid’s last victory in this particular fixture coming back in December 2012.

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SPORTS XTRA

Man Utd Agrees Terms with Ighalo as Spurs’ Attempt to Sign the Nigerian Fails Manchester United have reached an agreement with Odion Ighalo on personal terms and salary over a sixmonth loan from Shanghai Shenhua, with an option to buy, according to Sky in Italy.

United are now in contact with the Chinese club to finalise the move.

Ighalo is in pre-season training with Shenhua, but the new Chinese Super League season has been de-

layed due to the escalation of the coronavirus.

A medical could be held in China, but United still face a race to complete a move before the 11pm deadline closes.

Tottenham also made their own late attempt to secure a loan deal for former Watford striker Ighalo on Deadline Day. United earlier had a £20m bid for Bournemouth striker Joshua King rejected as the

club target cover in the absence of the injured Marcus Rashford, but their pursuit of the Norway international appears to have ended.

But what shirt number could he wear is another big question? Seven options are open for the Nigerian to explore.

At previous clubs, namely Udinese and Granada, Ighalo has worn the No 16, No 7, No 89 and No 25.

Ighalo then moved to Wat-

ford and played for them in the Premier League, scoring 16 goals in the 2015/16 season while wearing the No 24.

Since moving to China, he’s played for two clubs - Changchun Yatai and Shanghai Shenhua, where he’s worn the No 9.

If he were to move to United, the two big numbers available for forwards are the No 7 and No 11.

The No 7 was previously

Odion Ighalo

Libya Replace Banned-Tunisia at African Nations Championship The Libya Football Federation (LFF) has accepted an invite to take part in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Cameroon.

Libya had been invited by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to replace Tunisia, who withdrew from the tournament for locally-based players.

Tunisian clubs were unwilling to release their play-

ers for the tournament that is not on the FIFA calendar for international matches.

As a result of their late withdrawal Tunisia have been banned by CAF from the 2022 CHAN and fined $50,000.

Tunisia had beaten 2014 CHAN champions, Libya, 3-1, on aggregate to clinch a place in the finals that are due to kick off in April.

The LFF is also keen to

to ensure that its team is ready for the finals.

“We are going to do our best to provide the best conditions so that our team can succeed,” LFF secretary general Abdunnaser Ahmed told BBC Sport.

“The squad is set for a training camp away from Libya before the tournament, and we are trying to provide the appropriate environment to help

the technical staff’s plans.”

Libya’s Tunisian Faouzi Benzarti could well rely on Al-Nasr for many of his players, as it is one of the few the clubs playing regularly while the local league has been suspended.

Al-Nasr have surprised many by managing to reach the quarter-finals of the Confederation Cup despite the lack of league football in Libya.

Zidane Rules out Bale’s Move to Tottenham Zinedine Zidane has ruled out the possibility of Gareth Bale joining Tottenham from Real Madrid, with the player’s agent Jonathan Barnett saying reports of a possible Deadline Day move are “made up”.

A report in The Times suggested Spurs had made a breakthrough with regards to securing Bale’s return to the Premier League club.

However, Zidane told reporters ahead of today’s Madrid derby: “Gareth is here with us and I am counting on him. I am not contemplating this possibility.”

Following Zidane’s comments, Barnett told Sky Sports News: “I won’t comment on made up stories.”

Speaking on Deadline Day, Sky Sports News reporter Paul Gilmour

said “the feeling at Spurs is that nothing is going to happen with Bale”.

Last week, Barnett insisted Bale is “fine” and will see out the remainder of his contract at Real, which runs until 2022.

Speaking about Bale at the Association of Football Agents meeting in north London, Barnett said: “He’s got another two-and-a-half years left on his contract, and he’s fine. He will be there, everything will be fine.

“That’s what I’ve always said.

I’ve never deviated from that.

Things could change but loans are ridiculous. Not many clubs can afford him anyway. He’s happy, and hopefully, win a couple more things with them.”

The 30-year-old almost left Real last summer, even touching down in China ahead of a move to Chinese Super League club Jiangsu Suning.

However, talks broke down, with Bale staying at Real despite an increasingly fractious relationship with manager Zidane.

Various injuries have hampered Bale this season, meaning he has started just 11 matches for Real, scoring three times in all competitions.

He risked the wrath of Real fans, and Zidane, when celebrating Wales qualification for Euro 2020 by parading a banner with his team-mates that read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order”.

But Zidane did not punish Bale for the gesture, while his club team-mates were amused by the celebration.

worn by Alexis Sanchez while Anthony Martial wore the No 11.

Tottenham also made their own late attempt to secure a loan deal for former Watford striker Ighalo on Deadline Day. After the home game against Wolves on Saturday, United have a 16-day gap

before they play Chelsea in their next Premier League fixture.

Tottenham, who have explored a number of shortterm options to cover for the injured Harry Kane this month, are increasingly unlikely to sign a striker but continue to explore what are now limited options.

SWAN Marks 56th Anniversary, Hails Sports Journalists

The National Secretariat of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated its 37 State chapters including FCT and rejoices with sports journalists across Nigeria as SWAN marks its 56th anniversary.

SWAN was founded on February 1, 1964 when a group of sports writers came together in Lagos to form the Association with the aim of bringing all sports writers in the country under one umbrella.

Speaking on the significance of the occasion at the weekend, President of SWAN, Honour Sirawoo said the Association has continued to undergo different stages of development “with its attendant ups and downs.”

Sirawoo who departs Nigeria today to join other Presidents of sports journalists Associations in Budapest-Hungary for the 83rd AIPS Congress expressed satisfaction that SWAN especially in the past four years has continued to make remarkable progress.

“Since we came on board about four years ago, we have been able to take the Association to the next level of positive development. We have managed to do certain things which people thought were simply impossible.

“Today we have given SWAN the much needed corporate identity which we achieved with the successful registration of the Association as an entity with a Board of Trustees.

“For the first time, SWAN now has a well-furnished and functional office where we operate daily and engage our numerous publics.

England Call-up Nigeria Starlet, Abu to U17 Team The English Football Association have moved ahead of their Nigerian counterparts in the race for the services of versatile Chelsea fullback Derrick Abu. The Chelsea U16 starlet has received a maiden call-up to the England U17 national team for their forthcoming international friendlies against Ukraine and Russia holding in Spain next month.

Abu is the only player of Nigerian descent included by manager Kevin Betsy on a 22-man roster announced on Friday, January 31.

Born December 18, 2003, he wanted to play for Nigeria at the 2019 U17 World Cup but could not establish contact with the Nigeria Football Federation and coach Manu Garba and Abu won’t be age-eligible to play for the Nigeria U17s at the World Cup next year, so the best bet is for him to be invited to the Flying Eagles if approached by the Nigerian Federation.

Capable of playing as a left-back, right-back, wing-back and defensive midfielder, Abu has cited former Barcelona star Dani Alves and Real Madrid’s Marcelo as his role models, and also watches Liverpool young star Trent Alexander-Arnold because of his crossing abilities.

The games against Ukraine and Russia are non-binding but the defender could be provisionally cap-tied to England in March when they begin the UEFA U17 EURO Elite Round qualifiers.

Abu, who often trains with Chelsea’s U18 team, is one of the Nigerian players offered a scholarship by the Blues ahead of the 2020-2021 season.

The highly-rated Chelsea right-back made himself available for selection for the Nigeria youth teams though he is eligible to represent England at international level.

One of the hottest young prospects at the Chelsea Academy, Abu was included in The Blues game against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the U18 Premier League Cup last year.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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Saturday, February 1, 2020

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UT H

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Abaribe to FG “Those who live by propaganda will die by propaganda…government even said if ‘we don’t perform, stone us’; we are going with the stones to stone them now” – Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, demanding for the resignation of President Buhari over endless killings in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Do Something Before Your Time Expires

F

ellow Nigerians, I’m fond of telling anyone who cares to listen that time is my biggest enemy. Please, wait and hear me out. As the saying goes “time waits for no one!” I agree, absolutely.

As I inch towards my 60th birthday in May 2020, I have come to the sudden and shocking realization that I’m running frenetically against time. Take it or leave it, I have spent a substantial chunk of my adult life playing or talking politics. Since 1978, when I entered University of Ife, as a pioneer JAMBITE, our dear beloved country has known no peace. And I have been privileged to be a participant in, and commentator on, some of the major events that have culminated in the sorry pass that we have found ourselves. That was some 42 whopping years ago. It is still like yesterday, particularly as the kind of development that we as young adolescents envisioned and dreamt about has simply not happened on the infrastructural and economic scene. On the political we have simply totally regressed and our judiciary seems to be following suit, because our Judges appear to have forgotten about the legal aphorism that justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Simply put, there are occasions when technical justice is no justice, especially when adequate and proper explanation for lay people, as lawyers like to call us “unlearned” simple and ordinary folks.

Thus, I have come to the unassailable realisation that Nigeria may be jinxed and irredeemable and it is, therefore, a total waste of time and resources struggling to rescue it from the demons of power who have no desire to relinquish it without being cajoled and eventually humbled. Sadly, my compatriots who should be most aggrieved, and who should take the bull the hirns have long since been compromised. They have succumbed o greed and selfishness, forgetting that it is not only their future they have mortgaged, but it is also the future if their children that they have sold for the proverbial thousand pieces of silver. I am not just talking about fellow politicians, activists and critics, but also the massive masses of our populous country. It is simply a great pity. The net result is that I was once upset, then angry and even tormented and bitter about our sad and unfortunate situation, but I’m now perfectly and fully at peace.

Yes. I believe, I have served my country well, in my private capacity. I have given a little of my life to loving and caring for Nigeria and it’s people. On several occasions, I burnt my fingers in the process. I have no regrets. In as many lifetimes as possible, I will still love to be a Nigerian. You may ask who wants to come back to this troublesome, lawless and crisis-prone clime? I raise up my hands, proudly. Nigeria is one of the greatest countries on earth despite our many woes. If you know Nigeria as well as I do, you must fall in love with this pristine nation of nationalities. For me, our greatest strength is in our population and diversity.

The issues which now seemingly want to rend us asunder are but the handiwork of a few misguided and disgruntled people.

President Muhammadu Buhari

Despite crying and pretending to be patriotic, it is clear that this is not their agenda. Some are clueless, some have lost the plot and there are even some who notoriously and mysteriously combine both traits. The truth is that we all get angry and frustrated because we think, and know, we can do much better than the nonsense we currently exhibit. Unfortunately, those of us who can, are blocked by the mediocre ones who hold the reins of power and delight in being called fancy names.

Anyway. I rescued myself last week when I finally decided to go on voluntary sabbatical. I have received a deluge of calls and messages, asking me not to give up on Nigeria. Truth is I have not and I cannot.

Mine is just a healthy decision to keep my sanity. Our leaders are not willing to listen to any admonition. And when the falcon can no longer hear the falconer, things are likely to fall apart, ultimately. Their followers and supporters are even worse. They are totally deaf to reason, if not dumb to talk the kind of rubbish and gibberish that sometimes

Thus, I have come to the unassailable realisation that Nigeria may be jinxed and irredeemable and it is, therefore, a total waste of time and resources struggling to rescue it from the demons of power who have no desire to relinquish it without being cajoled and eventually humbled.

speed almost involuntarily from their mouths like vomit from a drunkard. The biggest sufferers are the greatest fanatics in Nigeria. They have been brainwashed and hoodwinked to give up on their personal lives and those of their descendants, and they are willing and ready to drag you and them along to Golgotha. As far as they are concerned what pleases their masters must please you as well, although it is obvious to anyone even a toddler, that there is no gain, but doom in such endeavour. They are like sheep being led to the slaughter and the cruel, devastating part is that lions and tigers have been conscripted into their folly! Thank God for leopards, if you catch my drift.

I feel a sense of relief. I will work harder and play better. The governments of Nigeria can do whatever they please without thinking of me as one of their enemies, when I am truly their friend. Their trolls and minions can tweet their usual trash and crassness and craziness, I care less. When tomorrow comes, as it is certain it must, by the grace of God, we shall be here, arms akimbo, and nose tilted skywards and ask, çest finis?

Is that all you could muster? Ah so you were not that hard or strong, just forming and posing! Se o tan!!!

Oh ancient of days? How did we manage all this while without joining this rat race? I look at these men and women and wonder what drives people into this state of stupor.

As you know, I relate to all relatables. Not a big deal for me. However, the people of power usually labour in vain. They do not have what it takes. They suffer from huge inferiority complexes and try to cover it up with their egocentricities. But it is a mere sham, a charade which eventually falls like pack of cards blown away, pouf, by a mere puff of wind. What they expect is not usually what they get. Some of them have targets of the loot they think can help then in arrears and in advance, but it never works that way.

Others merely want the apurtenances of power without the wherewithal to appreciate or value what power really is. In the end they are clutching at straws and achieve and gain nothing. In many instances they even retain zero. According to the title of a James Hadley Chase novel, Come Easy Go Easy. Most of them are not able to sustain any business. They lack the knowledge or experience to do so. Their foray into politics and government, which should have assisted them in making something of their lives, is just for them an opportunity for mindless looting and brigandage and no lessons are learnt. There is a poverty of thought, ideas and action. This is why they have to remain perpetually in power, and like scavengers pick the crumbs they can find and continue to hope against hope. Hope which can only be unfulfilled, because they have dashed the hope of the masses, if not themselves, on the altar of their avarice. God does not reward such kind of conduct. It would be a different story if they at least strived to leave truly lasting epitaph that would enhance the lives of the impoverished citizens of this great country instead of fostering and foisting upon them not only untold hardship, but

also grievous gloom.

I know so many politicians who are only watching and waiting for the next candidates to emerge and the next race to commence. Some are perennial and serial contestants. They have tried and sampled all parties. There are no principles or policies, just personal vested interests. Some have done several laps and reinvented themselves and their roles in order to remain politically relevant. Oga, what exactly do you want?

What are you chasing or what is chasing you? Is it by force to be in power? Why must the world stand still because of a few of you? Must Nigeria feed you and yours till eternity? When will you stop being parasitic? Do you realise there is life outside power? In case you don’t know, I wish to assure you that life outside power is actually sweeter, if you can endure the vagaries of life and you have done your bit whilst in power to put down proper systems and structures.

I have never been in power but I’m able to create my own government. I’m able to sleep and wake up mostly on my own terms. I am not hitched to any politician or hooked to any government. Not that power is not sweet but freedom is sweeter. I can take off and go wherever I want and do whatever I want. I am not answerable to any person or entity that doesn’t even know what they wish to make me answerable to. I wish to state matter-of-factly that you don’t need too much stress in your life.

So, let me tell you that I wish to enjoy my sabbatical. I will continue to educate myself and, in the process, educate and entertain you about happenings around the world. Life is too short for anybody to be bogged down by the nonsense we continue to witness in our country and the debilitating effect that this has on body and mind. I promise, you will discover a new me and, hopefully through me, a new you. Charlatans and scammers will not hold me down or plague me and I pray that neither will they do the same for you or afflict you. Let us go on a voyage of discovery together. It promises to be exciting and exhilarating.

I believe the time has come to make that conscious effort to play our parts the way we know best. Media is my own forte. I plan to continue celebrating the best of Africa to the world. Please, watch out. There is plenty to enjoy in the coming weeks and months. We shall accept whatever the governments of our nation have to offer and leave then to their shenanigans. We will absorb anything they throw at us with the shrug of our shoulders. We will remain undaunted knowing that there is a time and season for everything. If they think and behave like all is well, so be it. That’s my new attitude. You’re free to join me or kill yourself with heartache. But as for me and my house, we shall continue to serve our Lord and Saviour.

The time shall come when we will return from sabbatical and rise with the rest of our people at the outset of some fresh dawn for our fabulous country.

In essence, we shall play our part and leave the rest.

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