SATURDAY 22TH MAY 2021

Osinbajo Bemoans State of the Nation, Optimistic About a New Dawn Extols departed media leaders at Afternoon of Tributes in Lagos Deji Elumoye in Abuja, Charles Ajunwa and Emma Okonji in Lagos Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday at a National Prayer Breakfast in Abuja, expressed

optimism about a new dawn for Nigeria after the travails it is going through.

The Vice President was also in Lagos later yesterday at an Afternoon of Tribute for departed media leaders, where

he eulogised late Malam Ismaila Isa, Malam Wada Maida, Mr. Bisi Lawrence, Chief Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, Mr. Eddie Aderinokun, Mr. Ben Egbuna, Prince Tony Momoh

and Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing them as giants of their craft “who used their noble profession to make enduring impacts on both the private and public sectors of the country.”

Osinbajo, was joined at the National Prayer Breakfast by former Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon; President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. Samson Ayokunle, among

other dignitaries, where he declared that the current challenges facing the country would eventually give way to a glorious and bright new Continued on page 5

FG Rejects Govs' Advice, Says No to Petrol Price Increase… Page 5 Saturday 22 May, 2021 Vol 26. No 9539

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Bandits Hit Suleja, IG Insists Abuja, Contiguous States Safe Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Bandits, late on Wednesday, invaded Kwankwashe community, in Suleja, Niger State, just 30 minutes’ drive from Abuja, killing two people,

thus fueling growing fears of possible attack in Abuja.

The Acting InspectorGeneral of Police, Usman Baba, yesterday swiftly assured residents of Abuja, Plateau State and other contiguous

states of their safety and security as they go about their lawful duties, but he failed to speak on the attack in Suleja.

Recall that an intelligence alert last Wednesday, contained in a leaked memo by the IG

to the FCT Commissioner of Police and his Plateau State counterpart, informing them of a plot by terrorists to attack Abuja and Jos, the Plateau State capital, resulted in palpable panic among

residents of Abuja.

The bandits, apart from killing two people in the Kwankwashe attack, also reportedly broke into different houses in the community and abducted an unspecified

number of residents, including children.

The abductors are yet to contact the families of the abductees but the matter Continued on page 5

Nigeria’s 21st Army Chief, 10 Others Die in Air Crash Buhari: Death of Attahiru, others, a mortal blow to our underbelly

Festus Akanbi in Lagos, Deji Elumoye, Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna Nigeria was yesterday thrown into mourning, when its 21st Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru, along with six senior officers and four crew members perished in an air crash in Kaduna.

Attahiru and the others were onboard Nigerian Air Force Kingair 350 from Abuja to Kaduna, ahead of today’s passing out parade of soldiers from the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria, when the crash happened amid torrential rainfall.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness over the air crash, saying the military officers would not die in vain.

Continued on page 5

Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru ͭͬǡ ͭ͵ͲͲ ͮͭǡ ͮͬͮͭ

Bagudu: Everyone Free to Aspire to Any Position in APC... Page 10

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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 ˾ ˜ ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹

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FG Rejects Govs’ Advice, Says No to Fuel Price Increase Peter Uzoho The federal government yesterday rejected recommendation by the Nigeria Governors Forum for an increase in the price of petrol, saying despite the huge under-recovery otherwise known as subsidy paid on the product, the current price of between N162 per litre and

N165 per litre would remain.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had last Wednesday recommended a petrol price of between N408.5/litre and N380/litre, and also called for immediate removal of petrol subsidy.

The NGF’s advice was based on the report of its committee headed by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-

Rufai, that full deregulation of petrol should be entrenched.

But in a statement issued and signed by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, in Abuja yesterday, the federal government ruled out the possibility of a hike in petrol price any time soon.

The minister said the current price would be retained until

the ongoing negotiation with the organised labour was concluded.

Sylva said: "Once again, it has become necessary to assure Nigerians that despite the huge burden of under-recovery, the Federal Government is not in a hurry to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to reflect current market realities.

"The current price of petrol will be retained in the month of June until the ongoing engagement with organised labour is concluded.

"This clarification becomes necessary in the light of recent reports regarding the resolution of the Nigeria Governors Forum to increase the pump price of petrol."

He strongly urged petroleum

products marketers not to engage in any activity that could jeopardise the seamless supply and distribution system in place.

The minister also urged members of the public to avoid panic buying, saying the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has enough stock of petroleum products.

several appointments on the staff, instructional, and in command during his military career. He had a tour of duty with the United Nations in Sierra Leone as a Military Observer, where he facilitated United Kingdom’s military engagement, Operation BRASS in September 2000.

He was an Operation Officer and later Company Commander in NIBATT 19 ECOMOG Operations in Liberia. Also, he had the unique privilege of having commanded with distinction all through the chain of command in the Nigerian Army.

Prominent among these appointments is Commanding Officer 146 Battalion Nigerian Army (Operation Harmony IV) in the Bakassi Peninsula, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army (Operation Pulo Shield), General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army.

He was a one-time Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole (the Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Outfit in North-Eastern Nigeria). It is on record that he brought relative stability to the region with the surrender of several

Boko Haram combatants.

PDP Governors Forum Mourns

NIGERIA’S 21ST ARMY CHIEF, 10 OTHERS DIE IN AIR CRASH Giving detailed information on the air crash, the Acting Director Defence Information, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement last night said: “It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 Hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru in company of his entourage, who were on official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap.

“The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Lucky Irabor has therefore directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

“As we pray for the repose of the souls of our gallant and committed Chief of Army Staff and other personnel on board with him, the AFN solicits the support and understanding of all Nigerians in the face of this tragic incident. We wish to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains resolute in combatting the security

challenges bedeviling our nation. The sacrifices of our dearly departed heroes will not be in vain.

“Meanwhile, the CDS urges all military personnel and their families to take heart and be condoled on this tragic loss.

The CDS also reassures all Nigerians of the commitment and loyalty of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the Constitution and Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it continues to carry out its responsibilities,” the statement said.

Also the Nigerian Army in a statement issued by its spokesman, Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima, said "details of the sad incident and burial arrangements will be communicated soon".

An independent source gave the names of the COAS entourage involved in the crash as Brig Gen MI Abdulkadir; Brig Gen Olayinka; Brig Gen Kuliya; ADC to the late COAS, Maj LA Hayat; Maj Hamza and Sergeant Umar.

The list of the crew members were given as Flt. Lt. T.O Asaniyi, Flt. Lt. AA Olufade, Sgt Adesina and ACM Oyedepo.

Attahiru, a Gallant

Soldier Attahiru was named as the nation’s Chief of Army Staff on January 26 this year alongside other service chiefs.

He was a strong advocate of one Nigeria as evident in his handling of rising cases of agitations by some sectional advocates in the country.

Attahiru was born on 10 August 1966 in Doka, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State. He was a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and Nigerian Army School of Infantry.

He had his cadets training in January 1984 and was commissioned into the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer.

He holds a Master degree in Strategic Management and Policy Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy. Others include Masters of Science in Human Resources Management and Development from Salford University, United Kingdom, and Graduate Diploma in International Studies from the University of Nairobi.

General Attahiru had held

Buhari: The Fallen Soldiers will Not Die in Vain The President, in a statement last night by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, condoled with families of the deceased, the military, and Nigerians in general, describing the late senior army officers as “heroes who paid the ultimate price for peace and security in the land.”

While praying that God receives the souls of the patriots, the President said the crash “is one mortal blow to our underbelly, at a time our armed forces are poised to end the security challenges facing the country.”

President Buhari pledged that the departed would not die in vain.

In his own reaction, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi who described the crash as painful to the nation, commiserated with the Nigerian Army, the Air force and Mr. President and prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the dead.

In its condolence message, the Peoples Democratic Party's Governors Forum described as painful and tragic the air disaster that claimed the life of General Attahiru and other officers in Kaduna State.

The Forum, in a statement signed by its chairman, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State said “it is most painful that this tragedy is coming at a time the Army Chief is leading the war against insecurity in the land having just recently taken command of the Nigerian Army.

“This is a very sad loss and a huge blow to our nation and her effort to secure the nation.”

The PDP Governors Forum noted that “General Attahiru served the nation with dedication, skill, gallantry, and total commitment, employing his long years of experience and expertise in the service of our fatherland.

“May his soul and those of his colleagues who died in the aircraft rest in peace and may God forgive them their sins as death is inevitable for all mortals."

and Jos reads: "Intelligence report at the disposal of the Inspector-General of Police has uncovered plans by Boko Haram terrorists to attack major cities in the country, particularly Jos, Plateau State and the FCT, Abuja.

"The proposed attacks would be coordinated by the duo of Muhammad Sani, a Boko Haram Commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest and his Deputy, Suleiman,

hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe State.

“In light of the above, it is the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you review your security architecture across all critical government infrastructure and police facilities in your jurisdiction with a view to checkmating the dastardly plans of these marauding terrorists."

described him as a friend who was always “gentle and quiet”.

Obaigbena said he came across Wada as a journalist with Time Magazine (in America) in search of supplement and on issues of transition programmes for democracy, after the coup of Muhammadu Buhari which overthrew President Shehu Shagari.

According to him, August 25, 1985, Wada helped him to organise the interview with General Buhari which happened to be his last as Head of State which he flew to New York to produce.

On August 27, 1985, he said he got a call that there was a coup in Nigeria, he tried to call Wada on the day of the coup that ousted Buhari and he couldn’t reach him.

Obaigbeina said on 28, 1985, he placed a call to the Dodan Barracks and the person that picked his call was Wada. I said, “Wada you are still there?

He replied, “Of course, and he was the Chief Press Secretary to IBB for about a month. And he helped me organised the first interview with General Babangida for the same edition

(Time Magazine).”

He said his late friend got more involved at NAN (News Agency of Nigeria) after the crisis of 1982, where he (Obaigbena), Wada and two others revived the Guild of Editors and brought the Guild back in 1988. According to him, Wada who was born in Katsina and attended school in Katsina, was one of the early investors in Daily Trust Newspapers and other organisations.

In his tribute to Alhaji Lateef Jakande (July 24, 1929-February 11, 2021, former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba, said he was so close to the former governor of Lagos State for over 60 years.

On late late Jakande during his time at Tribune, he said: “The Tribune was one newspaper no government could afford to miss because of its rich editorial content.”

Osoba requested that late Jakande's wife open his library to enable researchers carry out thorough research on his works which he failed to pen down for posterity before his demise.

BANDITS HIT SULE JA, IG INSISTS ABUJA, CONTIGUOUS STATES SAFE has been reported to security agencies in Niger State.

The statement issued yesterday by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said IG's assurance of safety to residents of Abuja and Jos “is coming on the heels of the unintended, viral spread of an internal directive issued to the commissioners of Police in Plateau State and FCT Commands to forestall any likelihood of attack or breach of

security by organised criminal elements in their Areas of Responsibilities (AOR)."

The Force Headquarters added: “The IG’s directive, which is a deliberate, intelligence-driven and proactive measure, is designed to prepare the law enforcement community for comprehensive response to any threat to lives and property."

The police chief noted that the "security alert, rather than

becoming a source of panic to the citizens, should instead send a message of re-assurance to them about the intelligence depth, capacity and operational preparedness of the Nigeria Police to preemptively deal and contain any threat to public peace and security.

"The alert does not in any way suggest that an attack is imminent in any of the two states.

“The police high command

therefore called for calm, urging citizens to go about their normal activities with renewed sense of vigour, patriotism and vigilance as the police continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to keep the public space safe.”

IG’s Leaked Intelligence Memo The leaked memo from the IG on possible attacks in Abuja

OSINBAJO BEMOANS STATE OF THE NATION, OPTIMISTIC ABOUT A NEW DAWN nation.

He said: “The new nation is birthing already. It is covered by a cloud, but the cloud will pass, and God Almighty will take all of the glory for the birthing of a new nation.”

Noting that the theme of the Prayer breakfast, "Birth of a New Nation", was significant, especially in this trying period, Osinbajo emphasised the need for collective prayers, faith, hope and action, adding that Nigeria would prevail over the challenges of today.

According to him, the National Prayer Breakfast "comes at a time of great travail and tribulation for the nation: in the throes of a pandemic for well over a year, leading to a severe economic downturn, loss of jobs and livelihoods; and as we climbed out of the recession, we have been faced with an unprecedented scale of insecurity, in different zones of the nation.

“But we know that every time that a nation where the lives of the children of God are challenged, it is God’s call to His people to take action. It is an opportunity for God to

demonstrate that He is God over the nations, that He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, that He knows the beginning from the end. But God also wants us to know that He has ordained us to speak to life.”

Quoting copiously from the Holy Book, the Vice President recalled the work and prophetic actions of men and women of faith who played vital roles in nation-building during biblical times.

Osinbajo said: “The Scripture has consistently shown us that children of God are central to the birth of a new nation, the rebirth of nations. They must desire the change, cry to God, be ready to make the sacrifice of repentance.”

Describing the people of God as the salt of the earth, Osinbajo stressed: “As we are the salt, we are also the light; the light ends the darkness; it marks the end of the night of weeping and marks the glorious sunlight of the morning of joy. So, the pouring of the salt into the source of the water, the source of the problem, is the prophetic act

we perform today,” Making reference to 2 Kings 2:19-22 in the Holy Bible, he posited: “We, the salt, are also poured today by prayer and prophecy, to the source of our nation’s problems. And as we pray and prophesy, a new nation will be birthed; one where, like the city to which Elisha went, the land was healed, the people prospered and peace and joy prevailed.”

Osinbajo thanked the organisers, CAN, as well as the former Head of State whom he described as the “father of the Nigerian Pray Movement.”

He also commended Gen Gowon “for his commitment and dedication to this nation from his youth, when he was Head of State, when he led the fight to keep Nigeria one, to his later years as an elder statesman where his well-seasoned words uttered in Godly wisdom have counselled our nation’s leaders for decades.”

The Vice President landed in Lagos in the afternoon for an Afternoon of Tributes to departed media leaders and eulogised late Malam Ismaila Isa, Malam Wada Maida, Mr.

Bisi Lawrence, Chief Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, Mr. Sam NdaIsaiah, Mr. Eddie Aderinokun, Mr. Ben Egbuna, Prince Tony Momoh and Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing them as giants of their craft who used their noble profession to make enduring impacts on both the private and public sectors of the country.

At the eceremony held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Osinbajo said Nigeria’s history would be incomplete without the media, saying that the media were at the forefront of the country’s independence in 1960, adding, “that we have democracy today are due to the sacrifices of the media.”

He praised the departed media leaders for their dedication and patriotism towards nation building.

Vice President Osinbajo thereafter presented certificates and plagues to family members of the nine departed media leaders.

The Publisher, THISDAY Newspapers, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who paid tribute to late Wada Maida (March 5, 1950-August 17, 2020),

Continued on page 39

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

NEWS

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

Legislative, Judicial, Financial Autonomy Commence Next Week Presidency gives Ngige kudos for resolving feud Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË

The federal government has said the implementation of financial autonomy for the state legislature and judiciary would commence next week.

Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan, revealed this in a statement yesterday.

He quoted Ngige as having disclosed this in his office Thursday night after a conciliation meeting to resolve the strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN).

Ngige said the striking legislative and judiciary workers would call off their prolonged strike as soon as implementation starts.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has praised Ngige for “the swift resolution of the devastating labour crisis that engulfed Kaduna State between Monday, May 17 and Wednesday, May 19, 2012.”

The Presidency also described Ngige as “an excellent labour administrator whose wealth of experience and versatile knowledge of governance at different tiers and arms of government, immensely contributed to the deft resolution of the complex issues, involved in the autonomy for the legislature and Judiciary.”

The commendation came in the opening remark by the Secretary of the Presidential Implementation Committee on the Autonomy of the Judiciary and Legislature and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Nigeria Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, at the meeting.

Enang said, “Let me congratulate you for the manner you resolved the Kaduna labour crisis without causing harm to both sides. We know what it was for three days. I had the

opportunity of being around and have seen what you have done.

“I think it is one of the greatest things you have been able to do lately. This is because in the history of this country, Labour has never marched on one state with the weight it marched on Kaduna. But you settled it and every party is now happy.”

Speaking on the resolution of challenges of autonomy for state legislature and the judiciary, he revealed that the minister made his deep wealth of knowledge and experience available for the committee to draw from.

“Let me extend profound gratitude to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who gave us the greatest cooperation and directly by that, to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment. This is because he has shown the greatest expertise and proficiency in the handling of this PASAN/JUSUN issue.

“I want to thank you so very much because in this matter, you became a judge, you became a lawyer, you became an accountant. You also brought your experience as a former governor of a state and as a Senator.

“And fortunately for us, we came to learn at the feet of a person who practiced this about 20 years ago without Executive Order 10. So we thank you very much and thank God for making you a minister at this time and on this matter.”

Enang said: “As a governor, you acted and practiced exactly what is contained in the Executive Order 10 we know today.

It became very easy for you to bring that past experience to bear on the work we did.

“In drafting and bringing out what we have agreed, which we are likely to sign today by the grace of God, you brought all your experience. In the course of conceiving the agreement, we took into consideration the

Loading Delay Costs Nigeria 130,000bpd Oil Exports Shortfall Festus Akanbi

There are strong indications that Nigeria’s oil exports have dropped by 130,000 barrels per day or more this month as loadings slow from a number of terminals, according to shipping data and trade sources.

Nigeria’s crude shipments have averaged 1.33 million bpd in the first 21 days of May, Refinitiv Eikon data available to Reuters showed, versus 1.46 million bpd in April. Kpler, a company that tracks oil flows, said Nigerian May shipments are down 180,000 bpd.

The drop in the nation’s supply is part of a wider development in which exports from African Organisation of Petroleum Exporting nations (OPEC) members - among them Algeria, Angola and Libya - has fallen by 650,000 bpd in May, Kpler said. The decline so far is unexpected, since OPEC had agreed to raise output from May.

“While late shipments in the month could change the picture, OPEC Africa seems to be struggling with unfavourable market conditions,” Kpler said in a report.

Those conditions include a price structure in which oil for immediate delivery costs more than later supply, known as backwardation. This gives customers in Asia an incentive to favour Middle Eastern crude rather than African oil, Kpler said.

Some of Nigeria’s largest crude streams, including Qua Iboe, Bonny Light and Forcados, are undergoing loading delays, two trade sources said. One of the sources said the delays were a matter of a few days, rather than weeks.

Nigeria’s crude exports are frequently affected by declarations of force majeure, although there are currently no such issues, one of the sources said.

constitution, Executive Order 10, the proposals from all sides and distilled by the committee chaired by the minister.

Enang blamed past administrations for turning blind eyes to the autonomy of the legislature and the judiciary.

“We struggled for this thing for 21years now since the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 was promulgated. The autonomy was there. It was said not to be clear and was clarified, and clarified, but it was not obeyed by our brothers.”

Earlier, while addressing journalists, Ngige said the parties signed a document containing the framework for each of the state governments to grant

autonomy to their legislature and judiciary.

He noted that governors had studied the document and were in agreement with it, adding that the implementation would commence next week with the distribution of the April allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

He added that whatever comes from FAAC, even the state governments yet to put their fund allocation committees in place, would wait to do so, to ensure that the money goes down there.

“Implementation of Financial Autonomy for the State Legislature and Judiciary” top of which is its article D, upon which

the suspension of the strike is predicated as its implementation is triggered as from Monday May 24, 2021, when the April FAAC to states is expected to start dropping. It reads in part: “The Governments of the respective States shall credit the Accounts of eacc State House of Assembly and each State Judiciary with the pro-rata amount due each of the two arms of Government under the 2021 Appropriation for each State in accordance with B (iii) of this Memorandum of Action commencing from April 2021 State Allocation from the State Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) as a sign of good faith.

And the B (iii) in reference says “whenever there is Revenue shortfall, lower than the Budgeted fund, the monthly allocations to each arm of government shall reflect a percentage of the appropriated sum or an irreducible minimum amount to be allocated every month for the purpose of meeting its costs whichever is higher. This percentage will reflect as 100% in Personnel Cost. The Running Cost and Capital Cost will be pro-rata of Revenue performance as per the State Appropriation Law.” Upon fulfillment of the above, “Ngige assured that the ongoing industrial action will be suspended with immediate effect.

HONOURING MEDIA GIANTS. . .

L-R: Chairman, THISDAY/ARISE TV, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, during ‘An Afternoon Tributes for Departed Media Leaders’, organised by the Nigerian Press Organisations, held at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Outrage as Bandits Kill Catholic Priest, Abduct Reverend Father in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina

There is outrage in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State following the killing of Reverend Father Alphonsus Bello of Saint Vincent Catholic Church and the abduction of a 70-year-old retired Reverend Father Joseh Keke on Thursday night by suspected bandits.

It was gathered that the suspected bandits stormed the residence of the victims located within the parish at about 11p.m. and started shooting sporadically before unleashing their mission.

The State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Nelson Onyekachukwu, who confirmed the incident to THISDAY yesterday, described the killing and abduction of the clergymen as disheartening, unfortunate and painful.

He said: “It happened around 11p.m. yesterday (Thursday).

They killed Reverend Father Alphonsus Bello and kidnapped Father Joseph Keke. Father Keke is a retired Priest; he is above 70.

He retired January this year and Father Bello came from Kaduna to take over the parish.

“It is very unfortunate and painful. We don’t have anything to do more than prayers because what is happening in our nation is beyond control as if we don’t government in Nigeria.”

He added, “Nigeria is a failed state. Our hearts are bleeding over the situation in the country.

President Buhari has failed the entire nation. We will keep praying and trusting God that the situation will be over one day.”

Onyekachukwu reiterated that it is unfair that the locals have been left to their fate, adding that kidnappings and

other related criminal activities have become the order of the day in the country.

According to him, “The attack is unfortunate and we should not base it as religious but we should all come together to put an end to banditry and other security challenges facing us in this country.”

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, and a Superintendent of Police, Gambo Isah, while confirming the incident to newsmen, said two persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.

FG, States, LGs Share N616.886bn April Allocation Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË The three tiers of government have shared a total of N616.886 billion as federation allocation for the month of April, 2021, a shortfall of N64.45 billion from the N681.333 billion distributed in the preceding month of March.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) announced this after its virtual conference yesterday.

According to a communique issued by the Committee, the total revenue distributable for the month of April was drawn from

Statutory Revenue of N429.733 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) of N176.710 billion, recovered excess bank charges of N0.563, Exchange Gain of N2.250 billion and N60 billion augmentation from non-oil.

The distributed N616.886 billion is also inclusive of cost of collection to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

From the shared amount, the federal government received N244.011billion, the states (N193.432 billion), local government councils got N143.298 billion

while the oil producing states received N36.145 billion as 13 per cent derivation ( mineral revenue).

The sum of N79.468 billion was for cost of collection/ transfer and refunds.

Further analysis of the allocation indicated that the gross revenue available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) for April, 2021 was N176.710 billion as against N181.712 billion distributed in the preceding month of March, 2021-- a N5.002 billion drop.

The VAT distribution was shared

in the proportion of N24.651 billion for the federal government, states (N82.171 billion) and local government councils (N57.519 billion.

Cost of collection for FIRS and NCS was N7.068 billion while allocation to North East Development Council (NEDC) project received N5.301 billion.

The communique noted that the distributed statutory revenue of N429.733 billion received for the month of April was lower than the N650.687 billion posted for the previous month by N153.292 billion.

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NEWS Tambuwal Assures NYSC Members of Safety in Sokoto

PRIZED CONSULTATION. . .

L-R: European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karlsen and the National Leader, All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during Karlsen’s visit to Tinubu at his Lagos residence..yesterday.

FG Urges NSCDC to End Abduction of School Children Francis Sardauna ÓØ ËÞÝÓØË Miffed by the increasing wave of attacks on schools, the federal government has admonished the female squad of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide adequate security in schools across the country in order to ensure the safety of schoolchildren.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who gave the charge during the passing-out parade of the newly established female squad held at the NSCDC Training College Katsina, expressed sadness over the spate of kidnapping in schools.

He urged the NSCDC female squad to continue to

work in synergy with other security agencies with a view to immediately restore peace and security in the country, particularly within the nation’s school environment.

He said: “I urge you to ensure that Nigerians benefit from the knowledge gained from this training by restoring peace in the country and our school environments to end abduction of our schoolchildren.

You should guard against the rising size of insecurity as well as the kidnapping of students for ransom and other challenges.

“For the avoidance of doubt, you are the pioneers in our arrangement or establishment of all female squad. I have given directive to all the agencies in

the Ministry of Interior to start their own female squad.”

While stressing that no meaningful development could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, the minister admonished the corps personnel to invite the spirit of patriotism, humility and professionalism in the discharge of their duties across the country.

He added that the federal government would continue to do its ultimate best to enhance the capacity of the NSCDC personnel to effectively deliver its mandates through adequate funding and provision of modern equipment and other logistics.

He added that President Muhammadu Buhari had given the law enforcement agencies a renewed charge to totally ward

off bandits, insurgents and other criminals terrorising the country in order to restore peace.

Earlier, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the female squad would effectively curtail the upsurge of insecurity orchestrated by bandits and insurgents in the country.

He noted that the frequent attacks on schools and abduction of students for ransom had made it imperative for the corps to provide security in school environment in order to restore the confidence of students, parents, teachers and the community in the country’s security architecture.

Anambra Police Warn against Mob Action as 3 Burnt to Death David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË Police in Anambra State have warned against resort to jungle justice by residents of the state following the burning alive of three persons suspected to be thieves, who were nabbed in Nkpor town, near Onitsha.

The three men were nabbed in the afternoon by members of the public, who chained them together, hung used tyres on their necks and set them ablaze with petrol.

DSP Toochukwu Ikenga,

spokesperson of Anambra State Police Command, who reacted to the incident yesterday described it as ‘mob action’ and ‘jungle Justice’.

Ikenga said the proper thing to do was to hand the suspects over to the police for investigation, and possibly charge them to court, instead of killing them in such manner.

Ikenga in a release made available to THISDAY read: “The Anambra State Police Command has noted with great concern the increase in cases

of mob action in the state by some members of the public who resort to jungle justice whenever they arrest suspects in respect of criminal allegations without recourse to the Police for proper investigation.

“Commissioner of Police CP Chris Owolabi while thanking members of the public for assisting the police in apprehending suspected criminals (previously) also urged them to always exercise restraint by not taking the law into their hands.

“They should endeavour to take such suspects to the nearest police station whenever they are apprehended. This would afford the police the opportunity to conduct appropriate investigation into the nefarious activities of the suspects; and bring them to justice in accordance with extant laws.”

Cases of jungle justice are on the rise in Onitsha, since the killing of policemen has forced men of the police force out of the roads and shutting down most police stations.

Tension Grips Umuahia as Gunmen Attack Chinese, Kill Escort, Driver Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in ×ßËÒÓË Two persons including a police officer were yesterday shot dead at Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State following an armed robbery attack on an expatriate.

It was gathered that the hoodlums struck at about 11.15am at the Mission Hill area along Osa road where they attacked the occupants of a Toyota Highlander jeep, identified as a Chinese expatriate, his driver and a police escort.

Sounds of gunfire caused pandemonium in the city as people ran helter skelter in search of escape routes while

shop owners hurriedly closed up. Roads were deserted as commercial drivers withdrew their vehicles.

Police spokesman, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, who confirmed the incident, said that both the police escort and the driver of the expatriate were killed instantly.

He told THISDAY that the armed criminals. were suspected to have trailed the expatriate, who is a Chinese, to and from the bank where he had gone to withdraw large sum of money.

According to him, the hoodlums struck at a point where they found it convenient to carry out their nefarious operation and then made away with

the money after killing the policeman and the driver. The expatriate was left unhurt.

The PPRO said that the armed robbers escaped after the snap operation. He urged the general public to give the police credible information that could lead to the arrest of the criminals.

It was gathered from an witness that the armed men, who were on the trail of the unsuspecting expatriate and his companions, struck at a traffic hold up along the exit lane of Osa road.

According to him, the hoodlums on noticing the traffic jam, took the other lane and drove rapidly to a point where they

took position and waited for their target stuck in the traffic jam.

He said that “there was no escape route for the victims” as their vehicle was sandwiched among other vehicles in the traffic jam, including a truck which was in its front.

“They(armed men) didn’t waste time, they just shot the policeman and the driver snatched the money and ran into the deep valley near Okpara square.

The incident spread panic in the capital city and most shops closed while banks shut their gates as sounds of gunfire and gas fumes filled the air.

The Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has assured the Corp members posted to the State of Maximum security and improve welfare.

Tambuwal stated this yesterday during the swearing in of 2021 Batch A stream 2 Corp members at Wamakko permanent orientation camp, The Governor represented by the State coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Philip Enatonme Enaberue , he enjoined the Corp members to be law abiding and be good ambassadors of their families and the state they came from.

“First of all let me congratulate you for the success recorded in your various courses of study that qualified you for call up for national service he added.

He noted that NYSC scheme was of the most enduring organisation in the country stressing that its vital role in sustaining national integration, social development and promoting a

just and egalitarian society cannot be overemphasised.

He further stated that they were to see their participation in the preparatory stage of the one year national service as fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of our great nation..

“Seize this rare opportunity to develop Nigeria and Nigerians into a great and dynamic economy he stated.

He implored them to be aware that the three weeks period of the orientation exercise would place much demand of their strength , discipline, tolerance and level of sacrifice.

The Governor urged them to adhere strictly to COVID19 approved guidelines on the camp by washing of hands regularly, wearing of facemasks at all times, observing physical social distancing and the likes and also enjoined them to sensitise their host communities on the negatives impact of COVID19 to mitigate its spread

Adamawa Links Toungo to National Grid After 30 Years After 30 years of existence, the Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State became the last of the 774 local governments in Nigeria to be connected to the National Electricity Grid.

The state Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony at the Local Government Headquarters in Toungo, said his joy knew no bounds as the project was finally delivered to the people.

“Two years ago, I led a campaign. On this same spot, I saw your gloomy faces. I made a promise to reverse the trend, change your story and put smiles on those gloomy faces.

Even after I made the promise and commitment to deliver on the abandoned electrification of Toungo your apprehension was apparent,” he told the audience.

As Fintiri led Senator Bello Tukur, a former deputy governor of the state and a serving member of the National Assembly to unveil the project at the local government headquarters, he explained that though he promised to deliver the project within six months but could not meet

the target.

“Even though we did not meet the dateline as promised, because we underrated the enormity of the challenge of settling down to the quantum of work required and the socio-economic variables, especially the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has dealt a heavy blow on the world today,” he said.

The project is phased into two-parts with the first spanning from Ganye to Toungo and the second part, which is the one from Toungo to Kiri. The first phase of the electrification project is a 33Kv main line from the Ganye TJunction to Toungo linked to the Yola Electricity Distribution Company main station with 11 KV low tension in Gamu installed transformer and LT distribution lines in both Gamu and Toungo.

The Chairman of the local government, Mr. Kefas Calvin who could not hide his emotions, said the people of the area had been in a carnival mood since Thursday when they heard about the inauguration.

Ex-Agitators Back Dikio’s Reform of Amnesty Programme Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ Itsekiri Ex-agitators Forum and Itsekiri National Development Initiative have thrown their weight behind the reforms embarked upon by the Interim Administrator of Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Col. Dikio Milland (rtd) which has restored peace in the Niger Delta region.

The two groups, in a press statement issued yesterday at the end of their general meeting in Warri, noted that the Amnesty boss had brought his wealth of experience as a retired soldier and his knowledge of the region to reflect in the management of the amnesty programme since

he assumed duty.

According to the statement signed by Comrade Dennis Mene (National Chairman) and Comrade Akatakpo Omatseye (General Secretary), the groups noted that the initiatives introduced by Col. Dikio had restored the confidence of ex-agitators in the amnesty programme and restored peace in the Niger Delta region.

“We, indeed, commend Col. Dikio Milland for the reforms he has introduced into the programme within a short time such as the prompt payment of Bush stipends; payment of In-training stipends to Beneficiaries-in-training and the online application for all ex-agitators in the database of the Office.”

SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22,2021

NEWS Asaba Declaration: Group Demands End to Attack on Senate President Bennett Oghifo

LAST RESPECTS …

L-R:Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi and the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Priscilla Emehelu, during the funeral rites of Mrs. Catherine Nriani Ortuanya, the late mother of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, held at Ohodo, Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state, yesterday

Bagudu: Everyone Free to Seek Any Position in APC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has declared that everyone was free to aspire to any position in the party in line with provisions of the party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In a statement issued yesterday, Bagudu also said the defection of the Governor of Cross River,

Prof. Ben Ayade, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was as a result of President Muhammadu Buhari’s sterling qualities and that his fair-mindedness is endearing patriotic Nigerians to the party.

He stated: “APC belongs to all Nigerians. Everyone from every part of the country is free to aspire to any position in the party in line with provisions of our party’s constitution and the

1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

The guiding philosophy as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto is economic, social and political development of Nigeria.”

Bagudu stressed that the decision of Ayade to join the APC was a testament of the party’s capacity to mobilise all Nigerians, consistent with the vision of the founding fathers to ensure that the APC is a platform to unite

all Nigerians.

He said the coming of Ayade into the APC further reinforced the process of membership and leadership recruitment at all levels.

According to Bagudu, “Given all his achievements in Cross River State, Mr. Ayade is only coming home where he belongs.

APC is indeed the party that will provide him and his people, and indeed all Nigerians the viable platform for political aspirations and negotiations.

Cross River Remains PDP State, Insists Imoke ChuksOkochainAbuja Former governor of Cross River State and the leader of a stakeholders’ group in the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Liyel Imoke yesterday allayed the fear that the defection of the incumbent governor, Ben Ayade could take the state from the grip of the PDP, pointing out that although the cross carpeting of the governor was regrettable, Cross River State remained a PDP state.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Imoke said the

exit of the governor from the party did not come as a surprise, warning, however, that the state would not be a personal estate of anybody.

“We join the National Leadership of our party to wish him well in his new found adventure. We understand that the people of Cross River State who have stood firmly with the PDP since 1999 and other lovers of Cross River State are deeply disappointed by this move made by a governor who has won all his elections under the platform of the Party,” Senator Imoke said.

Imoke, who was a former

Minister of Mines and Steel stated: “Given the overwhelming support which he enjoyed under the PDP and the fact that PDP has strong grassroots support in the state, we affirm that Cross River State remains a PDP state.

“An overwhelming majority of Cross River State people are PDP members. Our key stakeholders, members of the National and State Assemblies and Strategic grass root mobilisers are still members of our great party. We as a party therefore remain virile and strong. Our shell remains uncracked.”

He said that the leadership of Cross River State under the aegis of PDP since 1999 has led the state to a pedigree of progression and seen to the attainment of all the lofty achievements the state has been known for.

Hence, he said, “the events of the last 24hours in our state avail us an opportunity to restrategise and realign ourselves with the fundamental models of PDP in Cross River which was characterised by a trajectory of growth and development geared towards the path of greatness.”

Looters List: Court Orders FG, Lai Udi/Ezeagu Group Lauds Ugwuanyi Mohammed to Pay Uche Secondus N20m on Peace, Development Festus Akanbi Reprieve came the way of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus on Thursday when a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt ordered the federal government and the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to pay a sum of N20million damages in a defamation suit filed against them by the PDP Chairman.

The Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, in a judgment delivered during a virtual court sitting, said Secondus successfully proved his case that the defendants jointly and severally defamed him by publishing his

name on the looters’ list in 2018.

The PDP National Chairman’s name had featured in a March 2018 publication containing names of some Nigerians which the Minister of Information and Culture had claimed looted the country’s treasury.

In protest, Secondus, through a pre-action letter by his lawyer, Emeka Etiaba (SAN), demanded the retraction of the publication as well as a payment of N1.5bn damages to him within 72 hours, failing which he threatened to go to court.

He later filed a libel suit marked PHC/1013/2018 against Mohammed and the Federal Government, urging the court to declare that the respondents defamed him by putting his name on the looters’ list.

The people of Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas of Enugu State, under the auspices of Udi/Ezeagu Progressive Alliance, have declared their support for Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, describing him as “a man of peace” and non-sectional leader, who has entrenched good governance and created an enabling environment for peace, politics without bitterness, development and businesses to thrive in the state.

Speaking when the group paid a courtesy visit to the governor, at the Government House, Enugu, the Director-General (DG), Ozo Onyebuchi Ani, thanked God for the wisdom He gave Ugwuanyi to govern Enugu State success-

fully, at this di΀cult period the country is being confronted with various economic, security and public health challenges.

Ani said that “if not the wisdom God gave to you, we don’t know how our state would have survived”.

The DG who applauded the governor for his administration’s transformation agenda, especially in the rural communities, also commended him for the way he handled the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak in the state.

“Your swift intervention helped civil servants in the state not to feel the full impact of the pandemic; we say thank you sir”, he said.

Agroup, known as Advocates of the Garb (AOG), has condemned what it believes are attacks of the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan for speaking against the position taken by governors of the Southern states of Nigeria during their meeting at Asaba, Delta State, recently.

The group, in a press statement issued and signed by its Chairman, Joshua Thomas and Secretary, Musa Rabilu wondered why the Speaker of the House of Represenatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who “also faulted the governors’ on their position on national security, was not been attacked.

In their statement titled, ‘Asaba declaration: Time to stop the unwarranted attacks on the President of the Senate’, the group said, “We have noticed with dismay, the growing attacks on the person of Dr Ahmed Lawan, the President of the Senate ever since his timely caution against the resort to regionalism by governors from the Southern part of our dear nation.”

According to them, Speaker Gbajabiamila called on all to

“imbibe the spirit of oneness, togetherness, unity and love.

“The Senate President was also explicit in his opposition to the resort to regionalism for an issue that should be nationally resolved.

“We should avoid regionalism.

We are all leaders and we are in this together. The solutions to our challenges must come from us regardless of what level of government we are, whether at the federal, state or the local government level. I believe that Nigeria is going to come out of these challenges stronger,” Lawan said.

The group said another voice of reason was that of Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Governor of Nasarawa State who also supported the position of these leaders.

“Without doubt, Dr Lawan and Rt. Hon. Gbajabiamila see the entire country as their constituency given the high offices they occupy and therefore, see the ruse of these governors in playing the regional card in these very challenging times when all leaders across party divide should take a bipartisan position in tackling the hydra headed monster of insecurity.

Shina Peller: Nigeria’s Political System Must be Restructured to Produce Good Leaders Hammed Shittu in Ilorin A member of the House of Representatives, representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/; Itesiwaju federal constituency of Oyo State, Hon. Shina Peller has said that the political parties in Nigeria should be restructured to produce credible leaders from the 8,809 wards in the country.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on the sidelines of a two-day youth leadership programme tagged “Get Involved Leadership Training, he organised, the lawmaker said “Nigeria does not need new political parties to effect right leadership for the country.”

Peller, who is a member of House Committee on Army, also said “the war against insecurity in the country rests on the collaborative efforts of all Nigerians,” adding, “we must stop blame game on anybody and we should all work together to end the menace in the country.”

The lawmaker said the foundation for the selection of political leaders by the existing political parties in the country was faulty.

Peller added, “It was when I joined politics that I began to dissect the political structure of Nigeria. I also realised that the political structure from the ward level is laid on a faulty foundation.

“This weak foundation has been responsible for the production of the persons at the helms of affairs.

This is the truth. If the country elects the best person as president, he cannot perform well, because the foundation is wrong. There is a huge gap between the age group that is making policies and the age group that the policies will affect.”

The lawmaker, who described the 8,809 wards in the country as the strongest level of the nation’s political system as well as the foundation, said that there is urgent need for political parties to put right structures there, adding that, “the foundation, as it is, is wrong.”

PMB Condoles Senator Sani Musa, Family over Death of Father Laleye DipoinMinna

President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with Senator Sani Mohammed Musa over the death of his father and top traditional title holder in Minna emirate of Niger State, Alhaji MusaTanko Bawa ( Iyan Minna) saying the deceased was a “thoroughbred civil servant who devoted his life of service and honesty to the development of the Northern Region.”

Buhari in the message presented to the family in Minna on Thursday also said the “Iyan Minna was a committed civil servant, who exhibited the values of discipline, integrity and devotion wherever he found himself, he will surely be missed.”

The President urged the children and other family members to take

solace in “the life of service and integrity which the late Tanko Bawa lived and uphold his memory by continuing the good works he left behind.”

The three-day prayer for the repose of the soul of the deceased was held at the family compound in Minna yesterday with prominent politicians and people from all walks of life in attendance.

Several Islamic clerics recited verses of the Holy Quran at the Fidau before praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

In the meantime, the Niger State Government has sent a condolence message to the Sarkin Sudan Kontagora, Alhaji Saidu Namaska over the murder of his son, Bashar Saidu Namaska, by bandits on Thursday.

SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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MAY 15, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

BETWEEN OBASEKI AND EL-RUFAI Charles Iyore contends that the Obaseki/El-Rufai position offers an opportunity for a fresh start

T

he clockwork of modern states is so complex and interconnected that a spanner in the works anywhere could create many unintended consequences and grind it all to a halt. Unfortunately, we have had many spanners thrown-in since 1988.

We must all be grateful to Governors Godwin Obaseki and Nasir el-Rufai, for providing critical reference points for this analysis of the state of the nation. It takes courage to do what they have done, against the ruling elite culture, of silence.

What they have both said as sub-sovereigns, is that we are carrying public spending round ratios that are not sustainable. The responses from labour, government and the deafening silence of the fourth estate of the realm, must be cause for worry.

Like or loathe them you can neither question their patriotism, because they are in public service at great personal cost, nor their capacity for process analysis, because they have come to their jobs after demonstrated ability in their professional callings.

Many in the nation, jointly (as institutions) or severally (as individuals) wake up every day in a predatory mode, equipped with sharp gaming skills and seeking to take advantage of their chosen targets, others just drift around without purpose. That is the operational mode of most trade and exchange in the country, such that the serious fraud offices can no longer cope with cases of persons and institutions seeking redress.

That outcome might seem remote to the query of Obaseki and El-Rufai but they are actually closely linked to the underlying malaise of our economic mismanagement.

There is low productivity because of the lack of currency (uniformity) in the reward mechanism of our production (our currency cannot hold value). Our currency cannot hold value because we have deployed hydrocarbon foreign exchange earnings as liquidity anchor for domestic currency operations since 1989, in total disregard of prudent reserve provisions. This is why the Naira has not been able to find its trading level in the global community of currencies since 1989, and continues to provide a one-way bet for local and external currency speculators.

This arrangement has turned the CBN into our economic Tsar, lording it over the treasury and holders of banking franchises, whose survival is tied to allocations from the CBN of both local and foreign currency.

This destabilizing effect means that our markets are without stalls and have not developed beyond being open bazaars. Open bazaars cannot accommodate items from long-term production planning and their regulatory boundary values will as a consequence become blurred.

One of the major fall-outs of that arrangement is that individual and institutional savings tend to be held in foreign currency as hedging instruments against local currency instability. (Bloomberg Report) The drying up of local savings means that it is difficulty to form capital in the capital markets and credit pricing (interest rates) in the money market will go through the roof without moderation from capital market sources. This will systematically shut-out value adding industrial production and silence the machines (The graveyard silence of our industrial estates and textile mills). The medium and small scale

WHAT THEY HAVE BOTH SAID AS SUB-SOVEREIGNS, IS THAT WE ARE CARRYING PUBLIC SPENDING ROUND RATIOS THAT ARE NOT SUSTAINABLE. THE RESPONSES FROM LABOUR, GOVERNMENT AND THE DEAFENING SILENCE OF THE FOURTH ESTATE OF THE REALM, MUST BE CAUSE FOR WORRY

businesses in the value chain are also victims and the countryside is soon quickly decimated.

The capital markets have not formed significant capital since 2008, save for circulation in notes and the forced circulation of the available liquidity in various asset classes, mostly in secondary market trading.

Innovations in ETFs and other derivatives will improve movement of trading indicators but fail to drive growth in the economy.

Against that background we need to understand why it all seems too much for the political class to manage and why Obaseki and El-Rufai, in their loneliness are seeking for more technocrats to join them in the political fray.

The economy via the treasury has gone to sleep on the sweet ether of the central bank’s indulgence over 32 years, and only knowledgeable remedial action will wake her up.

The first move towards reversing this trend is for all the subsovereigns (not in regional formations) but together, begin to hold the national institutions to account, along the lines of Obaseki and El-Rufai.

That must be followed by the elected members at all levels of government taking on the responsibility of representation and championing local actions for improving community resilience. They must correct ratios that allow 90% of revenue to be spent on the 2% in government employment, through productive engagement.

I had a ring side seat in 2011, when patriots got together to field questions at the ascetic general in his bid to steer the ship of state, I was also in the locker-room, when the church became broader by merger in 2014. I can vouch for the key promoters of his choice, in their commitment to changing the nation’s fortunes and their belief that the general would bring his moral authority to bear of the affairs of state.

A general once on the saddle is only as good as his brigade commanders, what happened there after has been reported wildly to the effect that new faces, far from the battle lines became brigade commanders and the war victorious (First lady in her quip).

That, however, is not the full picture, as the constituent units of the broad-church left their flanks open, with team building methods seeking strange loyalty oaths, only fit for the mafia. Many technocrats whose livelihood were not dependent on political patronages drifted away.

This is why the Obaseki/El-Rufai position offers an opportunity for a fresh start. The leadership class must call itself to responsible action and line up behind them. Their action cannot now be described as threat of regime change, just like the #Endsars protest was branded.

The Chief of Staff must offer to the sovereign, the many permutations and combinations for unlocking value from the available resources needed to deliver economic growth. It is on the basis of that clarity, that the Presidential Economic advisory team will offer workable options for creating sustainable ecosystems. This hopefully should deliver even development across the country and closedown ungoverned spaces.

I am sure by now it has become clearer, what critical role money in its management plays in the affairs of state.

We need to understand the concept of money to develop.

Iyore is Partner, DNA Capital Darenth Kent, England

IT’S THE PEOPLE

Here, democracy is government of ‘my’ people rather than of the people, writes Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku

A

cross the land today, and in many political circumstances, we all hold President Muhammadu Buhari responsible for our collective tragedies. A symptom of the sickness in Nigeria today is a certain level of insecurity not before experienced, and eloquently expressed through kidnappings for ransom. While the governors across the land collect almost a billion monthly to secure their states, we all look to the chief security officer of the land, Muhammadu Buhari, for action, reprieve or respite. As our naira steadily declines in the face of an egalitarian world economy, which is dwindling revenue from oil, Nigerians hurl of manner of insults at Buhari.

After all, didn’t he make all of those fantastic promises prior to being elected for his first and second terms?

Didn’t he give the impression that as a former military head of state that he had the muscle and chutzpah to deal with security issues in Nigeria?

It is well though that we fault him. But in all these, is Mr President the one at the offices in public and private establishments, at local printing shops where the proprietors are unable to deliver on simple assignments? Recently, I gave a very simple assignment to a printer. We agreed on a timeline for him to complete the assignment. On the appointed date, I deliberately didn’t make the long journey to pick up the job. When I showed up two days later to pick it up, he hadn’t as much as started the job talk less of putting finishing touches to it. There were many excuses – no light, the job is a small and there were other much more important jobs waiting in the wings to be completed. ‘Please be patient’, was the failure mantra. I wanted to use the job to seal a business deal on an agreed date and time, and because of that printer’s error, I lost the bid.

Days before, there was also a technician who I gave a job to, to fix a broken air conditioner. As we discussed before he took the job, he was full of insults for Muhammadu Buhari, and for the downturn of the simple things of life – water, light,

transport fares, and food. After he finished the job, I discovered the air-conditioner was badly fixed, and called him up to take a second look. As we say, na there we still dey two weeks after’.

These appear to be isolated happenstances and an indication of my bad luck with these artisans.

But not really though. As I write this at the Protea Hotel in Benin City waiting to participate in a workshop organised by the French Embassy on the return of stolen Nigerian artefacts from Europe and the Americas, I recall an earlier incident that took place last year at the Benin Museums. I had written a research work, Looted Nigerian Art: Before their Return, and which has already been published by Amazon. Buoyed by its serialization by the Guardian newspapers of Nigeria, I took it to the Museums, with the hope that the document can at least help chart a course with the return of those priceless art works. The Museum basically tossed the document aside and practically shooed me off.

But here I was with Matthieu Bragato, Manager, Campus France Nigeria. He took a look at my document, and after he flipped through it said ‘Ah Bob, this is nice’. That was the first tonic. Thereafter, he handed me his card, took a few photos of the pamphlet and assured me he would speak to his boss whether or not to allow me share my document to their participants. His boss did not allow me to but they sat with me, and in a very courteous tone, asked me what I really thought about the Savoy-Sar Report initiated by Emmanuel Macron, French president in 2017. I have subsequently written Matthieu Bragato an email, and he has forwarded my treatise to the appropriate quarters at the French Embassy.

At the printer’s and the technician’s and the museum scenarios, President Buhari was not there to supervise these instances of breach of trust, dereliction of duty and the shoddy treatments we all mete to ourselves. If there’s a national malaise

from where Nigeria need refabricating, we need to redefine what we really mean when we say that Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Many years ago as a young boy, I determined I was going to be president of Nigeria and replicate the Jerry Rawlings of Ghana example in Nigeria.

Rawlings had gathered together Ghana’s political elite who he believed were responsible for the slow motion in his country and executed them all.

Luckily for me though, I expressed this idea to an elderly person. Over 30 years after, I can quote word for word what he told me as response. He said: You will not be able to do anything my boy. After you get to be president, the first set of people to visit you are your people, people from your village. They will tell you: “Our Son, thank God that God has put you there for us. This is our time to eat, grow fat and be empowered. Please open the storehouse and let’s have our fill before others’’ In that very naïve state, I told this elderly person that if my village people ever came to me as president of Nigeria with such a proposal, I would arrest them all. ‘Then prepare to die early. As a matter of fact, you will never be able to visit your home again, and you will be declared an outcast.

Your children, and their children will be persecuted for many generations to come’, he said to me.

That scenario was to play out again so many years after at the Federal Capital Territory offices in Abuja wherein I held an informal position as PA to a top shot. President Yar’Adua had been ill. Prior to his illness, he had created a Niger Delta Ministry, a move that endeared him to most of us from the Niger Delta. But while some of us prayed for his recovery, there were people who prayed for him to die. ‘We want him to die so that it can be our turn.

Come to Aso Rock, and see what his people are doing to us’, one of the persons praying for Yar’Adua to die told me. And as matter of fact, when the

man from the Niger Delta became president, he too became clannish, as if people from his village had visited him. He made certain appointments not because of merit but for clannish considerations, and was to be known to empower most of his kinsmen with the safety and security of key national assets.

If there is evidence to back up claims that Goodluck Jonathan’s people took over Aso Rock, there is none so far that his successor’s kinsmen have been thronging to Aso Rock seeking favours.

In spite of that though, Buhari has taken clannishness beyond this millennium, rubbishing his quote of belonging to all and to none. First, he made his kinsmen his cocoon – almost all were Hausa/Fulani.

Then in the appointment of the security machinery of Nigeria, personnel were nearly all Hausa/Fulani.

For all other parastatals and MDAs, the famous body language of Muhammadu Buhari is such that he favours his own people rather than the Nigerian people – fueling speculations that in building a rail to Niger Republic, that his real people are Nigerien rather than Nigerians.

As a consequence, democracy becomes government of MY people rather than of THE people. It is what is fueling these agitations of, for succession, especially when the body language of the incumbent indicates that his people have paid him a visit in his closet and told him in clear terms that now is their time, and it is God that has put him there for them, not for Nigeria or anyone else.

And therefore, we need to begin to interrogate the concept of people in the context and course of taking Nigeria forward. There are pastors, imams and very many interest groups today who promote the slow motion our country is passing through today simply because the person in power is either a Muslim, Christian or our religious brethren or sisthren.

Etemiku, editor in Chief of WADONOR, and is deputy executive director of CERLSI.

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MAY 15, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

For enhanced capacity

Malami, Southern Governors, and Ban on Open Grazing

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he 17 Southern Nigeria state governors who met to adopt the policy of a ban on open grazing must have rummaged extensively on the implication of their collective action. Whilst this ban is a blessing in disguise for the health of the remaining and threatened forested land areas of the South, these governors truly reasoned that the ones who come in-country as “cattle herders” from the Sahelian Zone to the north of Nigeria are truly foreigners in the first instance of consideration and, next, they are veritable jihadists who have settled Christian agrarian communities and rural church buildings in their gun-sights. If the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, holds that these hordes are Nigerians, albeit Northern Nigerians, then our national problem is simplified because every bona fide Northern Nigerian has a “state of origin.” If Mr. Malami argues for the killer Fulani horde and mentions Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi and some more states up north as the homesteads of these Fulani, then the 17 Southern Nigeria state governors can rest easy and just let Mr. Malami know that each of those states of the North dwarfs the landmass of many sovereign countries and knowing that the transitional vegetation nature of these states that are sandwiched between the rainforests of the deep South and the Sahelian signature of the far North translate to fertile agricultural plains of these Northern states we may retort in justified indignation,“what the hell do the roving Fulani want in Nigeria’s south?”

The killer gangs have provided a clear answer to this question by their terrorism.

It should have been obvious to Mr. Malami that the Asaba Declaration by the Southern Nigeria state governors was a “civilised and a gentleman’s ultimatum.” Yes, it was simply that: “O ye North, ye hold exclusive administrative and military power at the moment. If ye North will save Nigeria, let us do it now by re-defining the roles that the constituent parts of this nation shall each play to ensure that Nigeria is secured from foreign invaders and Nigeria is primed for positive economic progression.”

But the North is having none of this.

Somewhere in its consciousness, the North has been primed to believe it was bequeathed by some divine privilege to ride roughshod over some “bush heathens” who are necessarily damned here and in the hereafter. It is a shame that Mr. Abubakar Malami is a firm believer

of this belief and it does not bother him if the North initiates Nigeria Civil War II to be fought principally on two prongs, one front against the “unbeliever Biafrans” and the other against the “unbeliever Oduduwans.” After all, aren’t “believers” enjoined to “fight and fight” until the “impure and corrupted” system is “purified?” Fight the North must and fight they shall, if we must use the format of an expression coined by Winston Churchill, the wartime Prime Minister of Great Britain. No ban on open grazing! No re-structuring of Nigeria!!

As the Chief Law Officer of Nigeria, Malami should know it is seditious inviting killer foreign Fulani villain in-country to perpetuate genocide. Um, on a serious note, what matters most to Malami and his ilk? National interest and cohesion or religious jingoism? It is a fact of our time that religious jingoism of the kind that thrills Malami arrests development and perpetually pits a reasoned segment of a country against the other howling and raging segment. Everyone who cares should do a study of the Old Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, and many more suchlike entities.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Edevbie as an Exceptional Leader

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good leader is that man or woman who is born to lead or acquires the skills along the way. He is not a saint but possesses saintly inclinations.

He loves unconditionally. He’s detribalised. He has religious tolerance. He has the ability to manage people and resources. He is a man of vision with sound mind to see what most people find difficult to decipher. He is a man of modest means who has managed his life prudently and is humble in success. He is very educated not by just going to school but by being exposed to great knowledge about the complex world in which we live.

He is God-fearing without being a religious bigot.

He is an ideologue who’s flexible enough to consider other principles of governance where applicable. He is charismatic and must be a good representative of his people wherever he goes. He is eloquent and can communicate with his people effortlessly. He is inspirational and can galvanize his people into dreaming big. He is trusted to the extent that his people are ready to make any necessary sacrifice required of them. He is a man of the people, in short.

Why do we need one leader and not many leaders?

The answer is simple. No nation is governed by a multitude but by one powerful and clear-headed leader whose ideas and ideals percolate down the entire fabric of society. He knows his onions and is ready to risk his all to succeed glowingly where others failed woefully.

Other leaders would naturally queue behind him to tap into his uncommon wisdom, determination and resilience. History is replete with stories of such monumental

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

figures and the former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Delta State, Chief David Edevbie epitomizes one of such miracles and positive accident of leadership.

The lesson in his life is that change can never be a tea party. Edevbie is never interested in enjoying the paraphernalia of office but more concern about transforming his nation.

Through discipline and determination, Edevbie was able to build a reputation in the financial world as remarkable financial expert. He has placed his service above earthly treasures and pleasures.

David Edevbie has been a major promoter of nonviolent politics. He is a man that has practically stood against man’s inhumanity to man in the land. He believes in fair play and has sacrificed for the betterment of his larger society and humanity in general.

The life of Edevbie reflects how one tree can make a forest. He is that elusive man with the true capacity to transform our society from its penurious state to a prosperous haven.

At this time of our social political life, we need an exceptional leader like Edevbie. The land is filled with bitterness and volatile anger, our tolerance level is abysmal and extremely dangerous, we hate our next door neighbour from another tribe with such venom and only an Edevbie at any capacity has the capability with the help of God at this point would restore peace, love and joy to the land.

Allison Abanum is Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communication and Documentation to the Governor of Bayelsa State

The Rising Rate of Suicide

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he rate of suicide among young people has been a cause for concern. It is so pathetic that a young individual full of energy and a promising future will decide to take his own life all because of pressure, pain, frustration and depression.

Dear young people, life is not always pleasant. Life is not always a bed of roses, challenges are part of the building blocks for glorious destiny. So why are you running away from them? Giving up one’s life is not an assurance that you will find the peace you so much desire. You did not make the decision to be born. Your life is precious.

The Holy book made us to understand that our lives is not our own. It belongs to the Almighty God. He gives it and takes it whenever He wished. So why take what does not belong to you? Remember, many are in the hospital lying on the sick bed, fighting for their lives. They will pay anything to have the life, the health you’re enjoying right now.

Sapwavi Cyril, Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Venita ta Akpofu kpofur ure e

Biggest Influence On M y L i fe i s M y E m o t i o n Starting g out as a model and then veering g into other aspects p of entertainment has given g beautiful Venita Akpofure p streaks of success even as a vixen and as an actress. However, her prominence p soared following g her p participation p at the Big g Brother Naija2019 j (Pepper pp Dem) edition, thus p pitching g her strongly g y on her first love, acting. g She shares more about her career, personality, motherhood and interests in this conversation with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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s a model, actor, vixen They have all equally taken a hearty part of me; can’t say which one has taken more than the other depends on which segment of my life you are talking about.

Journey into the industry I started in this industry by auditioning through an agency helmed by Kelechi Amadi-Obi. That is where I began my modeling and from modeling I go into everything else.

Influence, BBNaija Exposure and Impact The biggest influence on my life is my emotions; how I feel about myself, how I feel about those around me, how I feel about where I am. Going to the Big Brother House definitely had great impact.

Overall, there were some negative parts of it but there’s too much positive to overlook any of the negative.

On acting and getting movie roles I love to do what I do. I’m very passionate about acting. It’s been nice and refreshing to be able to get back to work. Obviously coming out of the house and with a lot going on and taking on roles and ambassadorship and influencer-ship but primarily my first love is acting and I intentionally, I’m focusing more on getting back to my home turf.

Interest/profession off showbiz / entertainment Would be interior décor or health and beauty…

High and low moment in life High moment obviously the welcoming of my children and low moment is quite a few but that’s like a distance in my memory I don’t focus much on that.

Being in the limelight as fulfillment I do not consider being in the limelight as fulfillment in any way, shape or form. You can’t get instant gratification but it’s very temporary. Fulfillment comes within doing things that actually add to who you are or a longer journey of who you are becoming Juggling motherhood and set life It’s actually quite funny, it’s exciting. And the dynamics is always changing. It can sometimes be stressful, it can be difficult. But it’s definitely not boring and I’m not going to change it for anything else.

Connecting and channeling my voice I have channeled that in a positive cause and positive narrative so I am doing a lot of you know undercover philanthropy of my own and I keep that personal because I’m not doing it for clout per se.

Venita with her kids

Take on sexual harassment I think it’s a really disgusting thing to do. Harassment against women is not necessarily only sexual; sometimes it can be emotional and mental. You just have to draw your line quickly. If you are somebody who’s going to give anybody trouble they would try to stay away from you. So knowing about voicing what you are comfortable with or not okay with is a combination of questions.

Growing up and fond childhood memory I really, really enjoyed playing around my grandparents’ compounds and playing with my little brother we used to chase lizards. I just missed not been able to worry about somebody, different things that are so important.

Notion of showbiz not place for decent women It may be valid if it’s 100years ago. It’s definitely not the case for the modern day African woman, no.

Likes and dislikes; hobbies; turn on, turn offs; phobia; favourite food, favourite colour Venita is a very beautifully passionate soul who is

That is not the case for the modern contemporary African woman, no.

very open, simultaneously very guarded. Venita is vibrant, she likes noise, she likes passion, she likes spice, and she also likes peace of mind and inner growth. She dislikes dishonesty and deceptiveness.

Hobbies – I like to go to the spa. Once in a while I do a bit of yoga. And I love to just create content and creative I love to design; I love cooking and feed you know practicing recipes. I hate spiders as well as cockroaches. I love pounded yam and ogbono soup. My favourite colours are red and black. Venita is a powerhouse, she is a phoenix, she’s a unicorn, and she is all things legendary and beautiful.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

08054699539

Killing Nigeria with Senseless Loans

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he 2021 federal budget is N13.8 trillion.

It has a deficit of N5.6 trillion and this will be funded, largely, through external borrowing. Over 30 per cent of the funds for this budget 2021 will be loans. This is why President Muhammadu Buhari is asking the National Assembly to approve N2.3 trillion ($6.18 billion) external loan to enable him fund part of the 2021 budget. The loan is part of N4.6 trillion federal lawmakers had earlier approved for his government as contained in the 2021 Appropriation Act. About 33 per cent of budget 2021 is set aside for debt servicing. Is this nonsense making sense? This is the level Nigeria has degenerated while binge-borrowing. Budget figures of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have become voodoo numbers. They persistently bamboozle Nigerians with humorous numerals. The long and the shot of all these confusing figures is that Nigeria is in serious financial mess compounded by binge-borrowing by the Buhari government. This country parades a long list of creditors - World Bank, African Development Bank, French Development Agency, Islamic Development Bank, China EXIM Bank, China Development Bank, European Investment Bank, European ECA, KFW, IPEX, AFC, India EXIM Bank, International Fund for Agricultural Development and the rest of them.

Last Tuesday, Buhari went to the lawmakers with the same comical story that the foreign loans would enable the federal government fund critical infrastructural projects in transportation, health and education among others. To what extent have previous loans in the last six years impacted on the economy of this country? Of course, most of the lawmakers won’t ask this critical question. They are largely rubber-stamping legislators. The few lawmakers that challenge Buhari’s binge-borrowing lack the numbers to stop the garbage.

This government is obviously unperturbed

by Nigeria’s rising debt profile and the adverse effect of excessive borrowing. Nigeria’s debt servicing is already a problem, eating deep into dwindling revenue. That was why the federal government spent a scandalous N1.57 trillion on debt servicing in the first six months of 2020. As more debts mature for payments, the pressure on revenue rises. For me, the way forward is to cut off unnecessary loans. Why take loans for railway, power and airport projects? The standard in sound countries is for government to create an enabling environment for the private sector to play leading roles in developments of areas like railway. Rational governments work to free resources for health, education and other welfare sectors. In Nigeria, we are busy diverting our limited resources to areas better handled by the private sector.

A modern government should also be seen promoting Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) models for projects, using local and international companies. The Chinese government should have been approached for a BOT agreement for the railway, power and airport projects they

Buhari

gave us loans for. If they truly love Nigeria as they claim, they will cuddle it.

Just glance through some of the projects this government and previous Nigerian governments have been funding with loans and you will agree with me that most of them should be privatesector-driven: Nigerian Railway Modernisation Project (Idu-Kaduna section); Abuja Light Rail Project; ICT Infrastructure Backbone Project; Airport Terminal Expansion Project (Abuja, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt); Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project; 40 Parboiled Rice Processing Plants; Railway Modernisation Project (Lagos-Ibadan section); Mambilla Power project; Supply of rolling stocks and depot equipment for Abuja Light Rail Project and modernisation of NTA. Besides, the interest of Nigerians is never prioritised in the loan agreement with China.

Critical things are signed away by our governments in these deals. Between 2010 and March 31, 2020, 11 of such loans were obtained from the China EXIM Bank. They all have a seven-year moratorium, 20 years tenor and obtained at 2.5 per cent interest rate, with varying maturity dates.

First, the Chinese determine the cost of projects (whatever amount put forward is accepted), then, give us loans tied to the projects and the projects must be executed by Chinese firms alone. We don’t have a say in anything other than to repay the loans. That was how the Chinese decided that the Lagos to Ibadan railway would cost $500 million. It is being executed by a Chinese firm in conformity with the agreement Nigeria reached with the Chinese government. So, they import all sorts of equipment and manpower for the project. Our people are largely used as manual labourers.

China clearly uses such loans to boost its exports of goods and services at the detriment of Nigeria. When they charge 2.5 per cent interest, they know what they are doing. Some naïve Nigerian officials celebrate this. The Chinese have their neo-colonial plans well-laid out but this government is too blind to see it. The truth is that if we throw these contracts open and

pick the best contractors for the jobs, Nigeria will actualise the projects cheaper, without compromising quality.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) persistently warns Nigeria and other third world countries that mounting debts to China are dangerous. It stresses that Chinese creditors create some instability or vulnerabilities. Those managing Nigeria’s economy must spend quality time reading IMF’s caution.

The Buhari government thinks about accumulating debt and not about the repayment implications. The N2.45 trillion for debt servicing in the 2020 federal budget was almost 25 per cent of the budget size. There was a report in 2018 that the Buhari government was spending 69 per cent of its revenue on servicing both local and international debts. I thought government officials would come out to dispute this figure.

It did not happen. The following year, in the 2019 budget, over N2.1 trillion was for debt servicing. No country can attain development with this kind of humongous debt settlements. If we are not careful, Nigeria may be plunged into insolvency by the huge repayment commitments.

Our country’s revenue to debt repayment ratio is evidently horrendous. Agents of this government dubiously harp on debt-to- GDP ratio, instead of the lucid debt-to-revenue standard.

The remark of the former Vice-President (Africa) of the World Bank, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, on this is instructive.

Back in 2018, Ezekwesili said: “The Federal Government is digging in instead of digging out. Already, the debt service to revenue is so high. Today, it is 69 per cent. 69 per cent of revenue is used to service our debts. That is not a sustainable situation. I see the government quote all the time ‘Debt to GDP ratio’, but that is like a blunt instrument in an environment where your GDP is not reflective of your productivity.

We measure your productivity by the revenue the GDP generates in the form of revenue of government that comes as a result of the GDP. Your debt to GDP is three per cent and you think that gives you the legroom to borrow and borrow. No, that is not your instrument. Your instrument is your debt service tool, which is the revenue.”

Also, I can clearly remember the then Chairman, Senate Committee on Debts, Shehu Sani, remarking that if Nigeria must borrow, it must borrow responsibly. He added: “If we must bequeath to the future generation a pile of debt, it must be justified with commensurate infrastructural proof of the value of the debt. The payment plan of this debt will undoubtedly last the length of our lifetimes and possibly beyond.

We must leave behind a legacy that will appease and answer the questions the next generation of Nigerians will ask.”

The Buhari government must genuinely tackle diversions by revenue-generating agencies in order to increase its income and reduce loans.

This is the way forward. These agencies can

Customs Boss, Hammed Ali Should Step Aside

Ali

If the Buhari government is truthfully fighting corruption, then, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, retired

Colonel Hameed Ali, ought to have been asked to step aside for thorough investigation of his activities. Allegations of corruption in the NCS pour daily. It was not surprising seeing the Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, Francis Fadahunsi, renewing his call for the removal of Ali. This Senator is a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and surely knows what he is saying.

He remarked: “If the Buhari regime could suspend the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza BalaUsman, for alleged fraud, it should also be bold enough to suspend the NCS boss.

Massive corruption is going on under Ali’s watch and the country is losing so much money due to this.”

Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East District, cites non-remittance of proceeds of seized goods and those auctioned, to government’s purse, saying there was the need for

the NCS to be “thoroughly” investigated.

Fadahunsi adds: “Concerning the seizure and disposal of contraband goods, Ali has not rendered any returns in the past six years. The amount estimated from these runs into trillions of Naira. He has also not made any public auction according to the Auction Sales Code. The CG has not audited his accounts in the past six years. If he says he has done that, let him publish the audited report. Let him also publish what he has made on the auction of seized goods since he resumed. That should be subject to a forensic audit. He has never told us what he made from overtime cargoes and containers.”

These are weighty allegations coming from a sitting Senator. I expect any government truly fighting corruption to dig in.

Unfortunately, it may never happen. The Buhari government’s war against corruption is skewed. It’s a paddy-paddy arrangement.

safely fund federal budgets if they meticulously remit surpluses. The situation at the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), as reflected in its recent presentation to the Senate’s Joint Committee on Finance and Planning, represents the corruption, mismanagement and ineptitude in virtually all federal revenue-generating agencies. The DPR was queried by the Senate for sending meagre sums into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is another culprit when it comes to diversion and wastage of revenue. It deducts huge amount of money from revenue collected, under all manner of headings.

Last Wednesday, the Fiscal Responsibility Commission revealed that some ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government were withholding about N1.2trn. Clearly, this country has no business taking loans to fund its budget if the revenue-generating MDAs are well managed. With a good government, the corruption, mismanagement and ineptitude will be tamed, and these agencies will provide enough funds for government.

The other day, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila raised the alarm over the continuous diversion of revenue by government agencies. He vowed that the House of Representatives would stop MDAs from diverting revenues they are supposed to remit to the Federation Account. Gbajabiamila also specified that the failings of the revenue-generating agencies pushed the federal government into seeking loans to finance infrastructural development. Nothing happened thereafter. Gbajabiamila and his cohorts were just showboating.

For now, this country is in a mess with foreign loans. Is this the change Nigerians voted for? I don’t think so.

Yahoo Boys in Government

Abiodun

One of the factors dragging this country back is the domination of governments at all levels by fraudsters. Some of them are even governors and ministers. The case of a Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor, Abidemi Rufai, who was recently arrested for wire fraud in the United States, is just one of the large numbers of Yahoo boys at the corridors of power in beloved Nigeria. Everybody, except Governor Dapo Abiodun, knew that Rufai, well known as Sandy Tang, was a fraudster. You need to watch his video spraying wads of Naira and Dollars at parties to understand what I am saying. Rufai dominates social events, spraying wads of cash. If you see anybody acting like this, you should know that the person has not worked for the money. Rufai is an expert in using stolen identities for fraudulent claims, including pandemic-related unemployment benefits in the United States.

I just laughed when Governor Abiodun said he was unaware of Rufai’s “profession.” This fraudster served as the Deputy Director-General of his Campaign Organisation in the last election.

He is evidently Dapo Abiodun’s ally, who had no business being appointed as a senior aide, because of his obvious sham “profession.” This governor’s choice of Rufai is an embarrassment to the entire state. Abiodun should be apologising, not issuing duplicitous press statements. This talk of suspending Rufai is balderdash. If we don’t keep people of questionable character away from our system, this country will continue to lag behind. But how can this be attained when Yahoo boys largely call the shots in governments at almost all levels. Only a miracle can save Nigeria.

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SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22,2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Aki and Pawpaw’s New TV Series Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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lead cast of the new comedy series produced by the duo of Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Pawpaw, had via a post on Instagram, teased fans with behind the scene footage of the upcoming television programme titled ‘Fatty & Sons’. The cast, Nedu Wazobia, in the snippet, light-heartedly calls out their set names while they respond to him. Soon after, both star actors reposted the footage, thus confirming their involvement in the production with behind the scene photos shared on their social media platforms.

Iheme, popularly known as Pawpaw, first made the announcement through his Instagram page last Thursday as he posted pictures of himself and other co-stars with the caption, “You guys asked for a TV series; so, here you have it. This time, we are adding Amala and Ewedu to the menu. The title is ‘Fatty and Sons Autos’. Where Una go watch am?”

The new production follows Iheme’s recent Instagram post teasing fans with the hope of a return to the screens. Interestingly, both star actors never really took a break. They have, over the years, featured in a good number of blockbusters produced Asaba, with a few cinema appearances.

The comedy series is the duo’s first collaboration after a few years. Directed

by Ehizojie Ojesebholo, the sitcom follows the story of Fatai, a middle aged mechanic as he navigates his workshop, son and apprentices. The new TV series will feature other Nollywood stars such as Muyiwa Adegoke, Ngozi Nwosu, Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, Saeed ‘Funky

Aki and Pawpaw

Mallam’ Muhammed, Oluwatoyin ‘DatWarrigirl’ Albert, among others. The pair had earlier hinted about working jointly on a project like old times.

The original movie, which shot both into limelight and gave them their popular household names was “Aki na Ukwa”, where Iheme played the role of Pawpaw and Ikedieze as Aki. Ikedieze, on the other hand, continues

to star in the Rogers Ofime produced ‘The Johnsons’. From all indications, the duo is ready to deliver both a TV series and a movie as requested by their fans. As Nigerian filmmaker, Charles Okpaleke (Play Network), had only recently announced the remake of the 2002 classic on his Instagram page with a poster that reads, “Aki & Pawpaw…

Coming To Cinemas Soon.”

The 2002 comedy, which brought both actors to limelight, saw them star as mischievous twin brothers on a mission to ruin their father’s attempts at remarrying after their mother passed on.

Following the film’s success, the actors continued to star as brothers maintaining the stage names Aki and Pawpaw.

They have also cultivated a relationship beyond the movie industry.

Olakira’s EP Touches on Love, Romance With this new EP “4 Play”, ‘In My Maserati’ hit crooner, Olakira, born Adelusola Ebenezer Adefemi, is getting his music out right now as priority, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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n Olakira’s sophomore EP, ‘4 Play’ the Afro-Pop and dancehall sensation chronicles an incredible journey of sound in his next musical chapter. As projected by its title (corrupted as ‘Foreplay’), the EP has strong sexual themes which crest back and forth on topics of love and romance. The 6-track EP features the singer’s already released single “Sere”, which followed with an o΀cial video as well.

Other songs on the ‘4 Play EP’ include Gotchu, Call On Me, and Hot Night. With production credits to Sterry O, Drumatik, Simba Tagz, Mr Kamera, Qasebeatz, TBoy DaÁame, and Olakira himself. Poignantly, the EP also marks Olakira’s desire for some African recognition as he features African songstresses, Zuchu, Sho Madjozi and Moonchild Sanelly.

Olakira’s EP which opens with the fan favourite ‘Sere’ featuring Tanzania’s Zuchu, oͿers four beautifully crafted songs and two bonus tracks - ‘For life’ and ‘Summer Time’, featuring Moonchild Sanelly.

Gotchu’ is the second track of the EP; produced by Drumatik, a love song through and through

dipped in a splash of highlife, about reassurance and dedication to one’s love. With ‘Hot Night’, the internationally recognized “Shining Star” changes gear and switches things up while in ‘Call On Me’ which features South African Sho Madjozi, Olakira shows his production skills alongside Tboy DaFlame in rhythms from the south of the continent akin to Master KG’s ‘Jerusalema’ and Yvonne ChakaChaka’s ‘Umqombothi’.

With songs in Yoruba, lbo, Pidgin and English, ‘’4 Play’’ is indeed a conÁuence of African sounds and the multi-instrumentalist is the genuine article. Prior to the ‘4 Play’ Olakira, born Adelusola Ebenezer Adefemi, secured spots from an African point of view at No 6 on Top 20 Afrobeat chart UK with the release of the smash hit single ‘Maserati’ in 2020, and was hustling and bubbling in the Nigerian underground.

That made him one of the new artistes emerging from the country with a massive international following. In 2019, he released the impressive EP, ‘Wakanda Jollof.’

But since 2019, he’s grown in leaps and bounds - not least, due to his 2020 eͿorts which ended in a

smash hit in a year that was rough for most. ‘In My Maserati’ was released in June as the follow up to Olakira’s debut tape, ‘Wakanda Jollof’; though, he already scored his Àrst hit song, ‘Hey Lover’.

“Certain people thought it was Áuke when I dropped ‘Hey Lover’ and I need to prove to them that I have that talent,” said the 30 yearold singer in a recent interview. “I just kept recording songs because e dey head (it’s natural to me).

Like I told you, I like to spend time in the studio. In fact, it was too much. We should have just turned it into an album but I don’t want to rush things. Everything was just easy to record. Once you have the talent.”

A singer-songwriter, multitalented instrumentalist and also a music producer, Olakira is signed to U&I Music. His sound and songwriting is driven majorly by beats and women. He draws inspiration writing songs by just expressing himself. “It’s just me expressing my feelings. I love women, beautiful ladies out there. It’s more of love songs and how I feel about women. They are the beauty of the world. We can’t exist without them. Love Olakira is beautiful.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22,2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR Mayo Ayilaran

S’Court’s Ruling Has Restored MSCN’s Glory

The Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN), the pioneer in the collective management organisation/administration of musical products in Nigeria once straddled the nation’s entertainment industry like a colossus before its hegemony was challenged. However, the climax of the protracted legal battle was the Supreme Court’s judgement which gave the collecting agent, a go ahead to return to its eminent position. In this interview with Festus Akanbi, the Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, Mr Mayo Ayilaran speaks on the new dawn in the implementation of copyright laws in Nigeria, non-renewal of COSON’s licence, the implications of the apex court rulings, the state of compliance by users of musical contents and other issues

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owthatyouarebackontrackafteralmost a decade of inactivity, have you missed anything in the music industry?

Yes, we missed quite a lot but we also gained quite a lot because those experiences, those exuberances are period of training for us; the period of acquiring experiences. Rather than feeling dejected and abandoning the ship to escape, we stood and we are Àne-tuning the logic behind what we are doing. As at the time we were facing those challenges, we were not as deep as we are now. Those challenges made us so convinced about what we are doing. We are so convinced about the status of this organisation.

We are so convinced that those encumbrances that were placed on our path were for a short period and once we can surmount then, the sky would be the starting point because one of the issues was the confusion surrounding the concept of copyright vis-a-vis the person who can be called the collecting society or who can do the job of collection and distribution of royalties.

How will you describe the status of copyright administration?

If there were no breaks in the way we were going, we would have arrived at the Promised Land a long time ago because we were progressing gradually but those challenges halted our progress and even took us way back. In 1987, we carried our Àrst distribution (to artistes) from the money we were able to collect. In 1988, we were distributing money to artistes and the money was increasing gradually. Of course, we have not broken the barriers of negotiating and getting broadcasters to pay.As at that time, it was broadcasters who were paying the bulk of royalties to artistes across the world.

So, our broadcasters had not started.

The only broadcaster that started then was Daar Communication, which started when it got a licence to operate in 1994 and the Àrst thing Chief Raymond Dokpesi did was to get a copyright licence from us. Imagine if we had continued consistently on that, the story would have been diͿerent today. But now when we surmounted our challenges, we knew where we were, so it was not a case of having to start afresh or starting to learn the rudiments of the job.

We already know the rudiments but we just started and began to move forward.

What is the status of MCSN in copyright administration following the Supreme Court judgement?

We have been given a status that has largely become impeachable because the Supreme Court cleared the way for us from any other encumbrances that may be posed either by regulatory challenges andsoon.Themostinterestingthingaboutthisisthatwearetheonly one who has qualiÀed to be in that position. People were arguing with us that without the licence of NCC, we cannot operate, but we said we had been there before NCC was established. We had been there before the law that sets the rule for collecting societies came and that law cannot operate retroactively based on the provisions of section 50 of the act and the Supreme Court agreed with us. It

that the market can be good for everybody.

Mayo Ayilaran

was the Supreme Court that exempted us from being necessarily approved before we can operate but any other organisation that comes after that must submit to NCC. But we look at ourselves and say we cannot be bigger than the regulator. It’s better to be on the same page with our regulator so that the people that we are working for can beneÀt. So rather than raising our shoulders to confront the NCC, we said no, you are our bosses and carry us on your shoulders and they have graciously done that and we are working hand in hand to ensure that copyright administration moves smoothly in this regard.

How are you fairing as a monopoly given the failure of COSON to get its licence renewed, are you up to the task?

I won’t say that the problem COSON is having with NCC has placed us in a position of monopoly because the COSON is still in court Àghting its cause. We believe the market is free for anybody to enter but the question will remain, if you are entering the market, do you have the requisite qualiÀcations, and to be able to be eͿective in this matter, your requisite qualiÀcations are stated in the Copyright Acts clearly. Can you have the kind of repertoire that will make you relevant and competitive in the market? If you can have this, you can enter. So, it’s just like comparing DSTV with other television stations in Nigeria, ‘DSTV as far as we are concerned is a quasi-monopoly.

Bringing that to our situation, where we are today, we are not preventing anybody from coming to the market and that will also not prevent us from working together with whoever comes up so

Can you please talk about MCSN’s repertoire both local and foreign?

Before the crisis and the challenges that nearly crashed the organisation, our repertoire could be said to be 99 per cent of any work-musical, artistic, literary or dramatic, or audiovisual works were in our repertoire because by then when you hear any music from any part of the world, we controlled it.

We had a contract to that eͿect. If you are showing British or American Àlms, we had that contract that is the music in it. Even within Nigeria, the guilds that operate in Nollywood, that is Actors Guild of Nigeria and the Association of Film Producers, are all a΀liated to MCSN through contracts that are still valid. So, when the Supreme Court judgement came, it said everything we had including both the foreign is back to us. When they brought COSON, what they did was to destroy our repertoire and hijack them and take it over. It was like a war situation. When you go to war and you defeat somebody, you take the spoils of war. So, they took all our repertoires as spoils of war but they never knew we never surrendered neither did they realise that we were not vanquished nor dead.

In our state of hopelessness, we continued to struggle to come out top from the Supreme Court and once you record that kind of victory, the next thing is for you to reclaim your spoils of war.

One thing which people are yet to understand is that whatever COSON or anybody for that matter had done to the contrary to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court has become null and void because everyone is expected to return to status quo ante, which was the position we were before we went to court.

How can the lots of musicians be improved under the current copyright law and is there any aspect of copyright law that should be amended?

Presently, their interest is being well protected though at a slow pace due to the nature of how we operate. We do things by the process. For instance, if you are playing our music, for instance, we would not barge on you. We will Àrst make you understand why and what you have to pay. We will give allowance for arguments.

Some will say they bought the record they are playing and so there is no need to pay for copyright. It means we still need to explain to you before you realise the need to pay and begin to comply. And by the time you begin to pay, we have processes to determine how much is paid to musicians.

Multichoice is an example of such an organisation. We had been discussing with them for years but they were so reluctant to listen to us. It even got to a point that they were the ones who sued us, asking the court to stop us from asking them for any payment or from disturbing them. In the process too, we counterclaimed against them. At the end of the day, their case was dismissed and our counterclaim was upheld because the court asked them to pay us N5.95 billion. So, when we get this money, the beneÀt goes to musicians. We will determine how many years the money covers.

M-Net Launches Pop-Up Channel that Celebrates African Filmmakers To celebrate Africa Day on Tuesday, 25th May, MultiChoice is launching M-Net Movies AfroCinema, a pop-up movie channel dedicated to showcasing and celebrating contemporary African Àlms. The Afro-Cinema Channel will be available from Friday, 21 May, to Sunday, 30 May 2021, on DStv channel 198 to customers on Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga packages and GOtv channel 29 to customers on Max and Jolli packages.

The Afro-Cinema Channel is curated to

celebrate Africa’s cultural diversity, aptly reÁected and captured in the work that is being produced by Àlmmakers all over the continent.

Through collaboration and turning challenges into possibilities, local Àlm industries across the continent have produced award-winning productions that have launched the careers of many directors, producers, and stars while also taking the “for us, by us” African stories global.

“At its essence, Africa Day is about cel-

ebrating African unity and success as well as acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead.

The pandemic has hit the Àlm industry quite hard, and African Àlmmakers were not spared.

This Africa Day, we want to celebrate the talent and resilience of the continent’s Àlm industry with the launch of this festival of African Àlms where our audiences can enjoy AfroCinema from the comfort of their own homes,” said John Ugbe, Chief Executive O΀cer, MultiChoice Nigeria.

Some of the exciting Àlms to look forward to are Sunset in Makoko (Nigeria), Payback (Zambia), Back of the Moon (South Africa), Heritage Africa (Ghana), Joba (Nigeria), 94 Terror (Uganda), The Train of Salt and Sugar (Mozambique) and Ensulo (Kenya).

The Afro-Cinema Pop-Up Channel will be available via the DStv app to stream. Additionally, the pop-up channel Àlm collection will be available on Catch Up from Friday, 21 May, to Sunday, 30 May 2021.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22, 2021

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FAIRGROUND with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Lagos State, EbonyLife Place, Host Eko Star Awards

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agos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has once again partnered with EbonyLife Place to highlight an area of achievement in Nigerian arts and culture, along with support from Nigerian International Film Summit. The result is the Eko Star Film and TV Awards recently staged to recognise the considerable accomplishments of women in the film and television industry.

Despite being a male-dominated industry, film and television has seen remarkable successes for women in the last ten years. Of the top 10 all-time, highest grossing movies at the Nigerian box office, female producers - Funke Akindele-Bello, Mo Abudu, Jade Osiberu and Kemi Adetiba - are responsible for seven of them. Similarly, other areas of the industry, such as writing, editing and financing are dominated by women. To highlight this, the Eko Star Awards brought some of these heroines to the fore and celebrated them, along with their colleagues in acting.

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, who has been a champion of the award said: “Lagos State values the input of the film and television industry highly and we know that the contribution of women have

been instrumental to its growth. By recognising the importance of diversity in Nollywood and the role of women in creating real economic value, we believe that young women will be inspired to follow their dreams and the example of these icons.”

The invitation-only event was staged at Ebonylife Place, Lagos. Veterans of the screen and behindthe-scenes mingled with the current movers and shakers and rising talent. Generous applause greeted each award, as the women supported each other and celebrated their individual and collective accomplishments.

EbonyLife Place’s CEO, Mo Abudu is pleased to have hosted the event at the resort. She said: “It’s great to have Lagos State as a partner in important events like this. As a film producer, I know the challenges many of these women face in our industry, so it is critical that we recognise and support each other on our journeys.”

The Eko Star Film and TV Awards is the second of twelve-monthly events being staged by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in partnership with EbonyLife Place. The events are intended to highlight various aspects of Lagos arts and culture that have a significant impact on tourism and entertainment in the state.

L-R: Joke Silver and Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf

L-R: Nancy lsime and Mo Abudu

L-R: Chioma Ude and Mo Abudu

L-R: Ijeoma Onah and Toyin Abraham

L-R: Kemi Adetiba and Mo Abudu

L-R: Nse Ikpe Etim and Mo Abudu

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Princess Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, Mrs. Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf and Mo Abudu

L-R: Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Mo Abudu and Mimi Onalaja

L-R: Ijeoma Onah and Yolanda Okereke

Osas Ighodalo and Commissioner for Tourism, Arts & Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf

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SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY MAY 22, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

BUSINESSINTERVIEW/PERSPECTIVE Gbenga Okejimi

WorldRemit Remains a Catalyst for Economic Growth Gbenga g Okejimi j is the Countryy Manager g for Nigeria g and Ghana at WorldRemit. In this interview with Omolabake Fasogbon, g he speaks p about the role of remittances in Nigeria’s g economy post COVID-19 and how WorldRemit is spearheading initiatives for this purpose

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and non-cash investments, finance education etc. How has WorldRemit lived up to this expectation especially during the just concluded Ramadan fast?

This is correct to a very large extent. Remittances are one of the most convenient sources of development fi finance which have fostered the economic good for nations and citizens. Evidence has shown that remittances received are invested in essential aspects of life (like education, food, housing, healthcare and even savings and investments) that are required to sustain, promote better living conditions for people and improve their prospects. At WorldRemit, we understand the importance of providing support and our responsibility as a corporate citizen to fi find ways to deliver sustain nable initiatives that continue to yield results in years to come. Over the years, our social interventions have been built around Youth empowerment with a key focus on Education and Entrepreneurr ship.

We delivered an entrepreneurship programme that saw us partnering with 50 small business owners across Nigeria and other African countries. Through this programme, we provided business booster packs and digital business training courses to help develop the required skills to scale up and run their businesses successfully.

The training module was developed in partnership with the Nest, a pan-African tech incubation hub. We also donated iPads, laptops and other key supplies such as textbooks, reading materials, tables, chairs, snacks, school sandals and more to enhance the learning experience for individuals. Specifi ifically, during Ramadan, we provided community engagement in the diaspora by sponsorr ing grassroots events and projects in our “send” countries. This included sponsoring prayer times and in New York City, we provided restaurant vouchers to taxi drivers to use when breaking their fast.

emittance has been recognised as one of major drivers of Nigerian economy. The World Bank however reported that global diaspora remittances would plunge by an average of 14 per cent this year with SubSaharan Africa projected to shed six per cent, what would be the implication of this on the Nigerian Economy?

The important role of remittances in sustaining communities and creating opportunities for the less fortunate cannot be overstated. It is important to remember that these are projecc tions and by no means will a guarantee that money transfers decrease so steeply. It is also worth noting that the World Bank’s projections that remittances would fall to a number of countries including Mexico and the Philippines proved to be unfounded where the opposite actually happened. I remain optimistic that Nigerians in the Diaspora will continue sending support to their dearest back home with the same level of commitment.

The issue of Diaspora remittance leakage has been a major concern to the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) which recently introduced a new policy directing all International Money Transfers Operators (IMTOs) to pay remittance recipients in dollars in order to check the Infractions. Do you see this policy addresses the issue of concern?

First of all, let me say that we are very pleased with the CBN’s directive and as a matter of fact, we were the fi first IMTOs in Nigeria to implement the directive with our partners. This is because it enables us to provide more convenient options for our customers to receive money either through cash pick-up or bank transfer methods. It is even more exciting that while we are enabling our customers to send and receive funds, we are also supporting the Nigerian government to build the economy and creating a pipeline for much-needed forex infl n ow. To date, we have one of the largest bank pay-out networks for transfers to USD bank accounts in Nigeria.

Again, the CBN came up with the Naira for Dollar scheme which it recently extended till further notice, to further boost forex supply. How does WorldRemit receive this and how has this impacted remittance inflow in Nigeria so far?

We see this as another great and timely initiative by the CBN as the country implements initiatives to “build back better” from the setback caused by COVID-19. Since the initiative was ann

Okejimi nounced, we have seen improvements in forex infl n ows through offi fficial channels. There have been reports by authorized forex dealers indicating that the average weekly forex infl n ow has risen to $50 million compared to the average of $20 million during the same period in 2019. As a verifi ified IMTO in Nigeria, our customers will continue to benefit fi from this initiative. For us, it also means that we can continue to serve as an enabler for small businesses and the retail market to explore business opportunii ties across borders. In the grand scheme of things, we are a catalyst for economic growth by providing a platform to direct forex infl n ows to the country.

The term remittance is synonymous with ‘charity’ considering the definition by PWC Nigeria that -remitt tances“help poorer recipients meet basic needs, fund cash

What was the motive for and how has it fared?

As an organization that cares about the communities we serve, we saw that many businesses, especially small businesses, were experiencing certain diffi fficulties after the outbreak of the pandemic.

It was a wonderful opportunity to empower and encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to ensure that they could be better prepared to withstand the impact of the pandemic. Through the entrepree neurship programme, we provided tools that can be used to build on an idea and support businesses to scale especially through the challenging business environment presented by COVID-19.

Through this programme, we were able to support 200 small businesses in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Read d full f ll article l online l - www.thisdaylive.com h d l

Investment in Infrastructure: The GOtv Nigeria Example Palang Yakubu

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nvesting in Nigeria, as every prospective investor is aware, promises enormous dividends. On account of the country’s huge population, the largest on the continent, there is a vast market for any product or service. This makes investment commitment in Nigeria so appealing.

But reaping the dividends available from the large market, in most cases, requires the investor to face and surmount numerous intense challenges such as high operating costs, policy instability and often declining disposable income, which inhibits effective demand.

The requirements are much stiffer for investors with long-term investment commitments, who have to confront the country’s notoriously acute infrastructural deficit and fill the gaping gaps-all by themselves-and continue to do so. To take on the infrastructural challenges, particularly of the technological variety, requires near-blind faith in Nigeria and, of course, money. Tonnes of it, that is.

This is what I have seen with the approach of GOtv Nigeria, the country’s second digital terr restrial television (DTT) service provider, which launched in 2011. The operator was, so to speak, condemned to take the route it has taken, as it was a pioneer on a few fronts. It arrived at a time that migration from the analogue to digital broadcastt ing platform had become a major programme for around the globe, following the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) agreement of 2006 of which Nigeria was a signatory.

It also coincided with the initial expression of Federal Government’s interest in getting the country on the digital broadcasting train. In line with Nigeria’s aspiration to be part of the new

broadcasting ecosystem, GOtv Nigeria launched with the DVB-T2 decoder, the second-generation, ITU-approved hardware for digital television broadcasting. This made the DTT operator the first in the country to offer its subscribers the most modern broadcast technology which, unlike analogue, delivers premium audio-visual quality and a higher number of channels, including access to Free-to-Air at the expiration of subscription, as well as preventing signal depreciation in adverse weather conditions. The hardware (decoder and antenna) also offered ease of installation, as it can self-installed, making the use of an installer not absolutely necessary. With additional television channels the new technology offers also came auu dio channels, at no extra cost to the subscriber, on the GOtv platform. These came with the launch of Wazobia FM and Naija FM, making it the first DTT operator to carry such on its platform.

Further support for Nigeria’s digital transition aspirations also came in the shape of commitment to ramping up public awareness of the proo gramme, with GOtv Nigeria becoming the first DTT operator to support of National Broadcasting Commission’s (NBC) digital migration flag-off in Jos, with “Digilevelz Don Land, No Carry Last” campaign, which covered 26 cities across the country.

Making all of these available to the subscriber was no cakewalk. Nothing of the sort is ever is, I have to add. Mallam Ishaq Modibbo-Kawu, former Director-General of the NBC, famously noted that a major impediment to DTT network coverage in states where the digital transition programme of the Federal Government had been launched was topography.

“Coverage is related to topography. Take an example of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

It is a city of hills and undulating grounds. The signal distributor for Abuja has purchased feeder pillar transmitters, which will be installed for the entire Abuja and environs to be covered. The same thing applies in Plateau. The signal distribuu tor has to put feeder pillar transmitter in places like Langtang for the entire state to be covered,” Modibo-Kawu explained at the time.

Topographical hindrances were exactly what GOtv subscribers did not have to endure because the operator, running on the digital platform from the off, had already rolled out in about 50 cities across 26 states across the country. To make the service available to subscribers in zones across the country took heavy investments in digital transmission technology infrastructure.

In four years, 2011 to 2015, a hefty sum of $95.5million was sunk into the erection of 73 transmitter sites. The transmitter sites make available DTT network coverage for more than 50 per cent of country’s population.

To maintain the transmitter sites, which number grew as time went on, for effective transmission, the sum of N8, 178, 372, 223. 40 was spent on between 2014 and 2018. In 2014 alone, N572.2million was spent. The following year, the sum rose to N1.39 billion. It would climb, respectively, to N1.9 billion in 2016, N2.033 billion in 2017 and N2.28 billion in 2018.

The heavy lashings of money have ensured subscriber access to the operator’s service in about 70 cities across the country, making it, by a distance, the most expansive DTT network coverage in the country.

It is to this wide network coverage that the two companies licensed as signal distributors by the under the Federal Government’s digital switchover programme are playing catch-up

and may do so for much longer, given how sparse their respective coverage has been in about five years since they started operations. Experts have blamed their inability to provide sustainable nationwide DTT coverage on lack of finance and technical capacities. I am tempted to agree with the diagnosis.

The internet is brimming with complaints by Nigerians who have purchased the device recomm mended by the NBC as its digital transition vee hicle. In states where the switchover programme has been launched, the complaints have been heavy on partial or total lack of reception, making their set-top-boxes into something acquired for decorative purposes. In most of the states, signal is received only in the state capitals, leaving residents out of them out in the lurch. There are subscribers, who have complained of non-receipt of signal for as long as six months, as infrastructure provided by signal carriers have remained grossly sup-par.

Along with these investments in transmission infrastructure have been similarly hefty outlays in the shape of regulatory fees.

In 2019, Details Nigeria, promoters of GOtv Nii geria, paid N1.5billion to the NBC for the renewal of its DTT licence for another three-year period. It also paid the sum of N50million for the renewal of its Direct-to-Home (DTH) licence for another five years. In 2014, it paid N2 billion for a five-year DTT licence and N50 million for the renewal of its DTH licence for a further five-year period.

The various sums invested in the provision and maintenance of broadcast infrastructure as well as regulatory levies are exclusive of what was invested in bringing digital broadcasting to Nigeria.

–––Yakubu, a public affairs commentator, writes from Jos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

BUSINESS INTERVIEW

Iyke Idukpaye: Much of Information on the Internet, Not for African Small Businesses Iyke Idukpaye is the Country Lead of OZE Nigeria Ltd and has more than two decades of multinational experience in Banking, Strategy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Iyke is an alumnus of the University of Benin, Strathclyde Business School in Scotland, and City University of London both in the United Kingdom.

While in the UK, he was the Marketing and Strategy Projects Manager for an arm of global outsourcing giant, SERCO Group. Prior to leading OZÉ in Nigeria, Iyke founded “Dispacha”, an on-demand delivery platform which was Nigeria’s first completely online delivery service. Iyke was also the Group Business Integration Executive at one of Nigeria’s biggest banks with subsidiaries across Africa

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make decisions for loans to MSMEs within minutes of request being made. In addition, and with full integration, banks can whitelist the application to improve their brand and enhance the efficiency of their loan processes as well as achieve full automation of the entire loan process from origination to disbursements and then collections /repayments. For MSMEs users, the features include ability to input a sale or expense in as little as 3 clicks (even if you are offline!), apply for and manage a loan, send and receive payments (coming soon), mark transactions as unpaid or partially paid and send payment reminders, issue a receipt or an invoice and see your performance on a dashboard.

ho are the promoters of OZÉ and when was it founded?

OZE was founded in 2018 byMeghan McCormick and Dave Emnett as an innovative way to track the performance of small business entrepreneurs who had undergone training . OZE is supported by the Mastercard Foundation, Google, MIT Legatum Center and Harvard’s Innovation Lab where it was awarded the top Innovation prize in 2018. Additional prestigious awards include the MIT Fintech Award for Emerging Markets, the Zambezi Prize sponsored by Mastercard Foundation, and the Inaugural Inclusive Fintech 50. OZÉ was accelerated by Google’s Launchpad program.

What is the mission of the company?

OZÉ is on a mission to help small businesses grow. We envision a world where every small business in Africa has access to the tools, information, and capital they need to thrive.

Let’s start with tools. Today, many small businesses are keeping their financial records on paper or not at all. That makes it hard to make data-driven decisions or understand how your business is performing. We give small businesses access to tools like the OZÉ Business App which makes it easy for businesses to track sales, expenses, and customer information digitally. It’s then presented on an easy- to -understand dashboard.

Today, there is a lot of information available on the internet, but not much of it is tailored for African small businesses. We provide tailored recommendations, reports, and business education through OZÉ Coach. Also, many small businesses find it hard to get a loan for their business. We help small businesses become Idukpaye loan-ready and help banks digitize their lending process so that more businesses can access affordable loans.

What is your take about the economic direction of the country after the Pandemic?

I think the country is recovering from the pandemic induced recession that has plagued the entire planet and reduced output and consumption in almost every country and we live in an interdependent world today. So far the government is doing its best to spur consumption through direct intervention by the CBN and various other organs of government. When consumption drives production within the country the impact is seen in GDP growth which is already happening. Even though there are headwinds, I am confident that the focus of the government on ensuring that SMEs perform through new legislation, the various interventions by the CBN and Bank of industry loans will accelerate GDP growth in the longer term, providing it is sustained.

How can OZÉ help the government in the sustainability and growth of the MSMEs sector?

Digitizing transaction activities with OZÉ can increase the efficiency of the MSMEs and therefore reduce their costs of business. Efficient businesses always last longer than inefficient ones. Our business coaching modules educate entrepreneurs on the essentials of business management.

With education entrepreneurs can manage their businesses well and stay successful.

In view of the current focus on job creation by the Nigerian Government, how does your platform help government achieve Its job creation objective?

When businesses succeed, industrial output increases as well, and more jobs are created. There is a corresponding drop in unemployment and inflation as economic output overall grows. We all know that the MSMEs are the

Why is it relevant to a business owner?

It is relevant to a business owner because it helps her to make more money and also to form the habit of keeping records, use data to make better business decisions, keeps her financially organized, enables her to secure financial assistance from any financial institution or organizations that provide assistance to entrepreneurs.

fundamental core of any nation’s economy. If OZÉ enables the growth of one MSME customer then the business will need additional hands to manage the new growth. This has a ripple effect on government income from taxes as well as direct investment by entrepreneurs into their businesses.

How does OZÉ work and how can one access it?

OZÉ is a mobile-first small business app and software.

You can download our Android or iOS App from the Play Store or App Store or access our web app from your laptop or browser. OZE works by allowing you to digitally record your sales and expenses on your phone. The app helps you to send digital receipts and invoices, remind customers to pay what they owe you, access your business dashboard and so much more! If you need some education on business principles, or just want some advice or explanation, an OZÉ coach is just a click/tap away.

What makes OZÉ unique in the market?

OZE is an all-in-one platform where you can learn how to improve your business performance and then access the capital you need to grow your business. OZÉ is the first and only platform to directly provide banks and financial institutions with the ability to assess and provide capital to MSMEs efficiently, affordably, and with exceptionally low risk of default. As a result, entrepreneurs who use OZE are always regarded as good borrowers and receive affordable loans from our banking partners.

What are some of the features of the app?

OZE is a multisided application that links all the major players of the financial ecosystem required for business success in one place and that includes banks, payment service providers, Government agencies, NGOs, corporates and the MSMES. For banks, the features of the app include access to a platform to track loan portfolio performance, ability to

Do you have partners within the financial industry to achieve your goals?

Yes, we have recently commenced partnership with a new generation bank and we are also in talks with a number of tier 1 and 2 banks in the country. Apart from the financial industry we have recently partnered with the Coalition of Associations in Computer Village to provide OZE to thousands of their members who are mainly MSMEs. More partnerships will be announced soon.

What are some of the products the app offers?

We offer enterprise and retail versions of the platform.

Enterprise versions are targeted at Banks and organizations such as NGOs who would like to automate their loan or funding processes all the way from candidate or customer selection to fund or loan disbursement. With enterprise version we also automate the process of loan collections and repayment and can be tailored to meet the organization’s needs. For instance, if the bank of industry is going to disburse small loans to MSMEs, the OZÉ platform is the perfect solution to accurately determine candidates who are going to use the money well, be successful and pay back on the loan.

What prospects does it hold for businesses wishing to expand?

OZÉ can help a business manage more than one outlet. Our platinum plan allows an MSME to manage up to 5 stores in real-time as the transactions are happening. So, a business can expand with the same account and see all its business transactions in different locations.

How does OZÉ reduce loan default rates for lenders?

OZÉ entrepreneurs are better borrowers for several reasons: They have better cash flow. They capture a higher percentage of their receivables more quickly. They understand their business performance and can use data to choose what to sell to whom at what price making more profits and growing faster. They receive business education and have access to a business coach if challenges arise. They tend to be more diligent and serious than the average borrower.

OZÉ is better at assessing creditworthiness because we have access to a broad data set and process it, using a machine learning model developed by a PhD Economist from MIT. To date, we have been able to completely avoid defaults since we launched the application a year ago.

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˜ ˾ MAY 22, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

‘Repeat Again’ Wrong

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AILY Sun front page headline goofs of May 19 welcome us today: “RTEAN to assist task force (sic) clamp-down (clamp down) on motorcyclists plying highways” Phrasal verbs abhor

hyphenation.

“Buhari seeks France (France’s) help to fight B’Haram” “Under Section 5 (2) of the Terrorism Act, Patami can be charged for (with) activities because terrorism includes….” This is a hard fact!

Wrong: Nigeria flag; right: Nigerian/ Nigeria’s flag “Nigeria at war, APC raises alarm” No news; APC raises/sounds the alarm THE NATION ON SUNDAY headline blunders of May 16 take over from DAILY SUN: “Ademowo seeks prayers, counsels (counsel) for Nigeria” “Buhari holds Presidential media today” A rewrite: Presidential media chat holds today The Guardian of April 28 takes over from the preceding medium. We start from the front page: “Why FG awarded crude lifting (crude-lifting) contracts to indigenous firms, by minister” The incorrect extract implies that ‘crude is lifting contracts’!

“Lagos PDP wants Tinubu arrested over (for) utterances on Ekiti polls” “Police threaten to charge offenders over (with) inciting statements” “Minister commissions (inaugurates) Abia eye centre” The next two faults are from The Guardian Editorial: “Calling off the Kano rally, therefore, would have been a wonderful symbolic gesture, (irrelevant comma) that would have spoken volume (volumes) to Nigerians….” “…what the president is doing by his so-called unity rallies amounts to electioneering campaigns….” With ‘electioneering’,

you do not need ‘campaigns’ as the word is embedded in ‘electioneering’.

“But one of the detectives demanded for a stool….” Delete ‘for’. “…the battle over who should represent the oil rich (oil-rich) community….”

“The initiative, which has been scripted to tow (toe) the mode of the pilot run of cash-less (cashless) policy, would begin in Lagos, with no fewer than 1000 of the 1401 branch (1401-branch) network of the nation’s deposit money banks.” “…and to establish strong institution (institutional) frameworks….”

“After the initial hiccups, construction has been flagged-off (sic) on the estate….”

A rewrite: …construction has begun at the estate…. “…but constitute a hindrance for (to) future expansion and other developmental purposes.”

“Let us join hands together and make Lagos a place of pride for all.” Yank away ‘together’ in foreclosure of Elizabethan English!

“Sportlight (Spotlight) on outstanding furniture, marble, tiles and interior outfits” “To discourage people from continuing with unhealthy practices of disposing (disposing of) their wastewater into drains, government needs to build sufficient waste water (wastewater) treatment (wastewatertreatment) plants….” ”…which is just in few (a few) months (months’) time….”

“NIA sensitises on (to) compensation, counsels against touting” Still on THE GUARDIAN under review: “…especially as the country grapple (grapples) with internal and external security threats.”

“Obiano condoles (condoles with or consoles) Onyeanwuna family, as Anambra mourns late star” Will the state mourn a living star? So, yank off ‘late’!

“Obituary Announcement (delete

Nigeria and Her People: The End Is Near?

W

e have now come to the last leg of our marathon ‘wishful thinking’ - an exploration of ideals, actions and attributes that the people of Nigeria can embrace to produce and promote a truly great African country with global aspirations and commanding stature.

Eight weeks ago, at the beginning of this column’s journey (April 3, 2021) under the banner ‘Great Nation, Poor People’, we laid down some markers guiding our interventions. In ending this journey, it is advisable we peep at those markers to affirm our fidelity to the assignment. The future will attest to its impact or futility.

Few quotes will suffice for now: “While we admit that it will take much more than whining and lamenting about our poverty of civic aptitude, occasioned by sundry inter-locking incidents and failings of our nation-building actors, we must find the means and occasions to alert our people to the slippery paths we currently travel... In every area of our influence and authority, we must lead by examples, both in thoughts and deeds; in private and in public.”

“In taking this position, we are conscious of the enormity of our assignment, if indeed we want to get to a level where politicians will be afraid to make hare-brained campaign promises that can never be fulfilled; where governments, at all levels, know that their citizens will insist on holding them accountable for the successes or otherwise of their vaunted policies; where persons elected or invited to positions of authority and prominence understand that their stewardships will be thoroughly scrutinised and weighed based simply on performance and application, not on any base sentiments.

“However, we need to own up to our failings, and understand that current perplexities are not merely the handiwork of irresponsible and incompetent leadership; that many leaders are currently enabled, endorsed and actively lionised by vast sections of the followership. Even standoffish, siddon-look followership should not see themselves as immune or beyond reproach in this current dilemma….

“We will attempt to explore some of what we believe are the root causes of our present anomie; such as: the family and the home, our educational system and policies, politics and governance, public service and infrastructure, sociological perspectives, erosion of ethos and values, broken communication practices, and crimes as cornerstones of our informal economy.”

Today, and finally, we hone in on the enthronement and

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

‘announcement’): The Management and Staff of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board regret to announce the passing (passing away) of its (their) staff….”

An aside: is there any ‘timely death’?

DAILY SUN of April 28 follows with the next set of solecisms: “…Obi said that participating in such solemn celebration (a solemn celebration or solemn celebrations reminds (reminded) the faithful about christians (sic)….”

“Benue first lady assures on peace” Who did the First Lady assure?

“I am going into this contest knowing fully (full) well that I am the only candidate….”

The PUNCH of April 28 misled readers: “Boko Haram, an affront on (to) Nigerians” “Card fraud: CBN issues deadline for (to) banks, others” “Dangote Cement, LSBA collaborate on building collapse prevention” Get it right: building-collapse prevention “It cannot repeat itself again.” (Nollywood) Delete ‘again’.

There is nothing like ‘good riddance to bad rubbish’! I grew up to meet this awkward expression which is still being used by a majority of writers/speakers.

‘Rubbish’ cannot be good or bad—‘rubbish’ is rubbish (garbage)! And ‘good riddance’ is somebody/something you are happy to miss: Good riddance to insurgency/terrorism. Good riddance to my querulous lover!

(Thanks to Femi, 08136788881, for provoking this profound thought).

Sunday PUNCH of May 16 lost its journalistic essence: “He discusses why he decided to float an online media (medium).”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, of April 25 abused the English language: “… even as the Lagos State Police Command keep (keeps) mum over the matter.” “…the sixth country in (on) the continent.”

“VNL said attempts to play up religious or zonal sentiments in the state’s politics will (would) be counter-productive (counterpro-

glorification of criminality as a veritable business and political attitude. The sickening and frightening speck has ballooned to a massive log in our nation’s watery eyes. By the way, those eyes were initially ravaged by glaucoma, or whatever diseases imperil vision. Now, we have escalated crimes to the level of making some maniacal political statements and putative socio-economic re-engineering.

Our people no longer trust the speed and seed of the judiciary, and are even more distrustful of the police in enforcing the law and exacting justice. So we resort to jungle justice.

Ordinary Nigerians maiming, stripping naked, lynching other ordinary Nigerians accused of stealing petty stuff. Unforgivable errors as a result of hasty conclusions of lynch-happy idlers or mischievous calculations of miserable elements have led to terrible deaths or permanent brutal disfigurement of many a Nigerian.

We put tyres on the neck of a suspected thief or kidnapper, pour petrol on them; then stand by in morbid satisfaction, and watch as they writhe, and burn - perhaps thinking that a part of our problems has been solved? And as soon as the unfortunate victim dissolves into putrid gore, the mob disperses into ‘thin air’ - waiting for another ‘alert’! Yet, the chief destroyers of our commonwealth sit comfortably in the bubble of adulation and envy of the unknown mob - immune to the desperation of their existence. They are the ‘unlynchable’ - because what they steal is too much for the mob to wrap their petrol-and-tyre-loving mind around it.

One of the major igniters of criminality is the poor handling of crises all across board, especially by governments and their point men. When bandits begin to identify and associate with certain persons as preferred negotiators; when one governor rightly insists he would not negotiate with bandits (also loosely known as terrorists), and others sheepishly kowtow to demands after demands of these insolent fat cows; the signal is clear to the criminals: it’s time to put on the squeeze. Is it not evident that all over the country, the crime lords are holding court; over running police posts, and wielding weapons that mock the guns in the hands of our officers? And you wonder, why are criminals getting heavy ammunition, seemingly with ease and regularity, and the state appears left with crumbs?

The season of anomie is upon us, signaling that the end is near for this nation. Unless our government and legislators wake up “shaperly” and deal sensibly, effectively and immediately with these existential threats, we may find ourselves in an unfortunate quagmire that will take decades to overcome; if we indeed survive it. Kidnappers, like wire transfer fraudsters

ductive).”

“The South East’s vote of confidence on (in) Buhari” The Guardian of April 27 politicized grammar: “The President had commended Gen. Abdulsalami, former Head of State and other eminent Nigerians over (for/on) their comments condemning the insurgency.”

“Confirming this, the presidency, yesterday, said that the Nigerian elite, irrespective of their political leanings, is (were)….”

“Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former SSA to the ex-President on Public Affairs, in a telephone conversation, said ‘the responses of major stakeholders is (were) quite encouraging’….”

The next two kindergarten lapses are from The Guardian Editorial: “The crux of the matter is that both parties—the ruled and the rulers, (another dash not comma)….” “…avoidable deaths from fire outbreaks from the two sources” Just fire—there is no need for ‘outbreak’. “…this kind of problem would not have arisen if religious sentiments have (had) not been exploited unnecessarily….”

“There is a (There’s) life changing (lifechanging) power in the gospel” “International Malaria Day 2021: Framing the Post 2021 (post-2021) Agenda” THE NATION ON SUNDAY of April 25 harvested some misapprehensions: “The NUJ Ondo State Council has passed a vote of no confidence on (in) the state leadership of the NLC….” “…perhaps the worst in Nigeria’s history, would be do-or-die.” (COMMENT) ‘Do or die’ is hyphenated only when used as an adjective: a do-or-die affair. “…which literarily (literally) means….”

“My battle with career threatening ailment” Truth in defence of freedom: career-threatening ailment “The Girls (Girls’) Club”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

(euphemistically called ‘Yahoo-Yahoo boys’) have mutated and expanded boldly into every region, challenging the might of government and the safety of the people.

They go on rampage; reclaim their seized property from the legal custody of law enforcement agencies; sack police stations and chase ill-equipped policemen away from their duty posts. Stories abound in the media about entire settlements overrun by bandits or terrorists, foisting new regimes on the innocents, putting our people in harm’s way. And there has hardly been any repercussions to deter recurrence. The theatre of crises is like a huge field porkmarked by a thousand tongues of blazing fire - how many can an overworked military and police forces put out? How quickly? How judiciously?

The consequence of these upheavals may explain the current seperatist or secessionist demands across the country.

Frustrated by government’s inability to arrest the spiralling crime rate, lulled by wrong-headed ethnic profiling, emboldened by the seeming invincibility of bandits who make some governors quake with fear; and perplexed by the failure of our intelligence agencies to identify, expose and prosecute sponsors of crimes and terrorism; the cries to renegotiate the corporate MoU of the nation state have become more strident, more urgent, and more pervasive.

The logic is skewed but apparent: if bandits can display villainous wickedness by kidnapping and killing the innocents, and government run helter skelter to appease them, and spiritual leaders work hard to champion their ‘causes’; if blatant and consistent insurrectionist acts force the government to react by sporadic force of unguided arms, and later resort to political carrot and stick rapprochement - it seems clear to current agitators and frustrated Nigerians that inaction is tantamount to ignoble dismissal...that civility is an invitation to dishonour and stoic contempt... especially in this current climate of indifferent antagonism and misplaced aggression.

What sort of Nigeria shall we see in 2023? Historic!

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

POLITY

Speak Nigerians, Speak Eddie Mbadiwe

T

he vibes coming out of the Southern governors meeting in Asaba recently were refreshing as they were relevant. It was a burst of fresh air. The governors by this singular act have shown that when united, nobody and I repeat nobody can break them. This is not about party. It is not even about politics. Rather it is a matter of group survival in a hostile environment. The Governors all control their various Houses of Assembly so it should not be difficult to give legal teeth to their resolutions.

Good things do germinate from Delta so it is kudos to Governor Okowa and others who quietly choreographed this important meeting. Unlike most things Nigerian this one did not leak before it was actualized. If we must have a union, it must be a union of equal partners not masters and slaves.

My late uncle Dr K.O. Mbadiwe told me repeatedly to be at the dividing table and to make sure I do not take anybody’s share but let no one touch my legitimate entitlement. That’s all we ask for and nobody can fault this. There was also a rider my uncle called “ewelu ewelukwa” which simply means that one takes a second share when others haven’t taken the first. That is just sowing the seeds of conflict and ‘kata kata’. These cannot by any stretch of the imagination be called greed.

Sir Winston Churchill in one of his inspirational Radio broadcasts during the second world war when the future of Britain looked grey and bleak because the German Luftwaffe bombed London non-stop, in closing his broadcast said “If we must die, let us all die like men, not like chicken with their necks wrung –some chicken and some neck.” We ask Nigerians to speak up because we live in a society where a good majority of our people are deaf and dumb. They have ears but cannot hear and some have mouths but cannot speak. In fact some have eyes but have refused to see.

The general attitude is “Ba kwomi and anything goes”. More than twenty years ago, I wrote an article on why it was important to move cattle down south only in 30 ton trailers. That was purely from a nutrition angle many years before clashes between herdsmen and farmers. When you subject these animals to tortuous journeys of thousands of kilometers surviving on patchy grass and unclean water, they arrive at their destination skin and bones and you can in fact count their ribs. The other more important part is that during the long trek, due to mal nutrition the cattle deplete their reserves of essential amino acids so that by the time they are slaughtered, the meat is more or less tendon. This short changes both the cattle herdsmen and the consumer. Of course no one took that article serious and we are where we are.

There is no nation that does not have problems but with goodwill, dialogue and give and take all issues can be resolved standing on justice and truth. When one reads the list of Federal

Government appointments to the major offices in this country and sees the heavy weighting in favour of one part of the country, the question that comes to my mind is “Do the originators of these appointments sleep at night?” There is no way they can have peace of mind unless they are sub human. We do not need Col. Umar former Governor of Kaduna State to tell President Buhari that there is unpardonable discrimination in the land. It is crystal clear even to the blind. It is alright to harangue the nation that we are stronger together. Everyone agrees with that but we are building on a very shaky and roller coaster foundation. A house built on such foundation must collapse as we have seen in Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu and many other towns. This nation is bleeding and we must do everything to stop it. Human beings are very easy to lead but very difficult to drive. Examples are legion throughout history. Nobody wants any conflagration for the last one was messy, bloody and wasted millions of precious lives. For goodness sake let the playing field be level and accessible to all. Is that asking too much? Survival of the fittest is a biological truism.

Truth and justice must be the four beacons of the new country if we are determined that it will stand and grow. As Martin Luther King Jr put it just before he was assassinated. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Speak Nigerians Speak. This state of anomie and apathy cannot pull Nigeria out of the woods.

Rt. Hon. Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe writes from Abuja

Nigeria Seeks Global Efforts against Terrorism, Drug Trafficking Michael Olugbode in Abuja

T

he Federal Government has called on world leaders to strengthen international cooperation as part of efforts to successfully combat terrorism and drug trafficking, among other forms of crimes.

ThisisevenasNigeriaexpressedconcernoverincidence of illicit financial flows from developing to developed economies.

ThesewerepartsofthepositionspresentedbyNigeria attheongoingconferencebytheUnitedNationsCommissiononCrime Prevention and Criminal Justice, taking place in Vienna,Austria.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who presented Nigeria’s positions on items 6C and 7 at the meeting stated that while nations deepen cooperation and strengthen the processes of combating the financing of terrorism and prevention of terrorists from

benefitting from ransom payments, it is also important for them not to overlook the trafficking in illicit drugs.

Marwa said: “it is also imperative to keep an eye on, and control the proliferation of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and other substances of abuse that serve as conflict multipliers leading toescalationofboththescopeandintensityofviolentactivities.Nigeria isalsoworriedabouttheexistingandgrowinglinksbetweenterrorism andotherformsofcrimesuchascorruption,illicitfinancialflows,money laundering,illicittraffickingindrugs,cybercrime,traffickinginpersons and smuggling of migrants.

“We, therefore, call on states to strengthen international cooperation to combat these links by providing information, intelligence sharing, mutuallegalassistance,logisticssupportandmilitarycooperationand other forms of technical assistance to enhance the capacity of security personnel to combat this new and ugly phenomenon.”

Delivering Nigeria’s statement on item 6C on Wednesday, Marwa saidasnationsrenewtheirdesiretoimproveinternationalcooperation

to address all forms of crimes, “Nigeria urges all states, once again, to makesincereefforts,toaddresstherootcauses,whichinclude;poverty, economicdeprivation,inequality,drugabuse,andothersocio-economic factors. These factors have been found to be indirectly responsible for the increasing incidences of terrorism and other forms of crimes.”

Whilealsopresentingthecountry’sstatementonitem7onThursday, theNDLEAchiefexecutivesaid:“Nigerianoteswithgreatconcernthe incidenceofillicitfinancialflows,whichgothroughthefinancialsystems annually, particularly from developing to developed economies. To dissuade the perpetrators of this anomaly including financial institutionswhoactasenablers,statepartiesshouldensurethatillicitfinancial flows,whentracked,donotremaininthecustodyofenablingfinancial institutions but should be transferred into escrow account, preferably in development banks pending return to countries of origin. In this regard,wecallfortheimplementationoftherecommendationsofthe FACTI panel in support of asset recovery and the agenda 2030 for sustainable development.”

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Head, SME, Ecobank Nigeria, Emeka Agada; Executive Director, Commercial Baking, Ecobank Nigeria, Carol Oyedeji; Ex-Secretary, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Tejumola Abisoye; Head Partnership Strategy and Funding, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Ayodeji Alakija-Ajeh; and Director, Strategy, Funding and Stakeholder Management (LSETF), Charles Anyanwu, during the MOU Signing between Ecobank Nigeria and LSETF to support SMEs held in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Vice President,New Era Girls Secondary School Lagos Alumni Association, Adenike Bankole; SS2N Student, New Era Girls Secondary School, Akpan Rachael; one of the Donors and an Old Girl of the school, Shade Faseun; JSS2N Student, New Era Girls Secondary School, Magbagbeola Jadesola; and Principal, Senior School, New Era Girls Secondary School, Toyin Makinde, Mrs. Shade Faseun, at the handing over of computers and digital accessories donated by the NNPC...recently

L-R: Honorary Nigerian Consul to Finland and CEO Nigeria Climate Innovation Center (NCIC), Bankole Oloruntoba; Co-CEO, Farmforte, Osazuwa Osayi; Ambassador of Finland to Nigeria, Dr. Jyrki Pullkkinen; and Director, Farmforte, Charles Ojei, during a courtesy visit by the Finland Ambassador and his delegation to Freshforte, Farmforte’s flagship retail store in Lekki, Lagos...recently

L-R: Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, receiving a souvenir from Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, when the VC led a management team of MOUAU to the Speaker’s office in Umuahia...recently

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

POLITY

Youth as Catalyst for National Development Sunday Ehigiator reports that experts at the Rose of Sharon Foundation (RoSF), 2021 Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), recently held in Lagos, harped on the need for Nigerian youth population to be harnessed as a tool for national development

T

he United Nations (UN) recognizes youth as people between the ages of 15 and 34 years. Research has also proven that there are connections between youth, and national development. This was why experts at the RoSF, youth empowerment program themed; ‘Nigerian Youth as a Tool for National Development’, charged them to be resilient, and determined to make the best out of their lives so to improve the country and change all associated negative narratives in the country.

In her welcome address, the Founder, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, explained that YEP was a capacity building program for graduates, undergraduates, job seekers, working class and self-employed youth, who are concerned about being a catalyst for change in this country: “This is because the development of any country depends on the productivity and creativity of its youth.”

Youth in any society, according to Alakija, provide the labour force for the production of goods and services to take effect.

“According to the UN, Nigeria’s estimated population as of 2020 is 206 million, with a median age of 18 years. This means that Nigeria has a majorly youthful population.” According to her, the quantum of Nigerian youth population is a great asset for the Nigerian state, only “if they are harnessed and utilized in the right direction.

“They have the power to develop the country and move her towards greatness. On the other hand, due to their critical mass, negative behavior can also destroy the fabrics of the society. This is evident from the daily reports on the incidences of crimes in the newspapers, television and on the radio. When you look at the demographics of those involved in the social vices such as kidnapping, terrorism and other civil unrest, majority of the culprit are within the youth age bracket.

“They are also the ones mostly involved in migration through illegal and dangerous routes, and also the major target for those who want to carry out evil activities, because of their strength and usefulness. We all can’t leave the country, but if we all work towards building the nation, through positive, creative and productive activities, we can make this country a better place for living.

Alakija said: “Our pursuit at the RoSF is to change this current narrative, and provide tools for the Nigerian youth to develop

L-R: Strategic Partner and Senior Consultant, Tom Associates Limited, Temitope Jegede; Administrative Officer, Rose of Sharon Foundation, Mrs. Stella Oyesile; CEO, Wealthbuilders Investment and Advisory Services Limited, Dr Joe Mekiliuuwa, at the 2021 edition of the Rose of Sharon Foundation’s Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP), recently held in Lagos

themselves, and harness their skills, so that they can provide for themselves, families, and also develop the country. This is because any society that prepares and develops its youth for the future, not only secure the future development, but they will also be in the pipeline of leaders for the future.”

She concluded that it was imperative that our youth channel their energies towards activities that can build this country, through constructive and positive endeavors rather than those that can destroy it.

“Our youth are truly the leaders of our future, therefore, the youth have a greater role to play in national development.” she said.

Also speaking, Principal Consultant, Joe Mekiliuwa Consulting Services Limited, Dr. Joe Makiliuwa harped on the need for youth to skill up and develop themselves, so as to become too relevant to be ignored, and work towards a brighter future.

“We must prepare the youth to recognize their roles in the path of National development. You become leaders, not overnight, you become leaders by becoming good followers in order to get to the paths of leadership.”

He said it was not enough for the society to expect the youth to be good followers, “our leaders must be followable.

Makiliuwa said: “They must show good examples to our youth, so that our youth can learn the good path of leadership.

As a youth, you have. creative mind, you can think your way out of unemployment, you can think your way out of poverty, and that situation that you are in. God has deposited that ability in you.

Every youth is a bundle of talent. However, when four people have the same talent, what differentiates the four is how you develop your talent into a skill. It is the skills that differentiates you from the others. Discover the talent you have, that is the investment God has put in you, for your own breakthrough in life.”

Also speaking, Strategic Partner and Senior Consultant, Tom Association Limited, Mr. Temitope Jegede, said Nigerian youth must break away from divisive mindsets of tribalism, ethnicity, cultural barriers and religious device, if we must exploit the potentials of this country, we must see everybody as one.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

We are Committed to Establishing Best Faculty of Agriculture in Africa Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

I

t takes no time at all for fake news and hate speech to go viral across the world. The nameless and faceless voice trended all over the social media accusing Prof. Ernest Chukwusoro Igwe, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, of “undertaking the life-threatening suicide mission of transferring the 400-level students to the thick forest of Ifite-Ogwari for Fulani herdsmen to kidnap.”

The voice is purportedly that of a 400-Level female student of the Faculty of Agriculture.

Incidentally, towards the end of her “broadcast”, she mixes up the names of “Prof Igwe as the Vice-Chancellor and Prof Esimone as the Dean.” This may point to the fact that the voice may not belong to a student of the university after all.

In his defence, Prof Igwe stated that “the wicked, name-calling and malicious insults are based on a dish of lies with the purpose of disrupting and distracting the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof.

Ernest Igwe, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone from our singular goal of ensuring that the Faculty is positioned to be among the best Faculty of Agriculture in Africa.”

According to the resourceful professor, “I had thought of ignoring and avoiding this faceless, cowardly and retrogressiveminded name-caller, who is most likely fronting for some staff or some professional students (jobber) or themselves, but I did otherwise due to numerous calls I receive every hour from within and outside Nigeria, and friends and well-wishers requesting me to set the records straight for posterity.”

Prof Igwe explained that “the stakeholders on the relocation to Ifite-Ogwari were the University Management, Senate and Governing Council, Ifite-Ogwari community, Faculty of Agriculture lecturers, students of the faculty, university security and safety, etc.”

According to him, “All the stakeholders were fully aware and approvals and supports of each group obtained for the relocation of the faculty.”

He revealed that several trips to Ifite-Ogwari were undertaken by stakeholders including the students, and no objections to the trips were raised.

He said, “to ease the problem of accommodation, the university sought and obtained over 80 rooms with water carriage toilets where students were to reside free-of-charge for one year.

Additional 122 rooms at the Emengini Estate originally meant

Igwe

for the Orient Petroleum Estate were obtained free of charge for the students at Umueje. Provisions were made for adequate transportation of students within Ifite-Ogwari with the provision of additional three vehicles by the Vice-Chancellor.”

He stressed that the issue of Ifite-Ogwari being a den of the Fulani herdsmen is a dish of falsehood, stating: “Just three weeks ago, an illustrious son from a neighbouring town in Enugu State told me he had requested from Ifite-Ogwari people to teach his town their strategy that scares Fulani herdsmen from entering Ifite-Ogwari.”

He added: “Additionally, because of the proposed arrival of students to Ifite-Ogwari, the Hon. Speaker, Anambra State has made a personal donation of two Sienna buses for Police patrols.

The students are also part of the proposed Octagonal security apparatus arrangement for the university. Though security is not for public discussion, several visits were taken where our security experts did express their happiness with the security architecture.”

For him, “a place housing the Orient Petroleum, the biggest rice mill, and irrigation facility in South Eastern Nigeria as well as one of largest agricultural produce markets in Anambra State being regarded as a forest is not only insulting and mischievous but also

shows a mark of irresponsibility.”

He explained further: “Convinced that the 119.2 hectares of land at Ifite-Ogwari will not be sufficient for her robust plan for Agriculture as approved by the VC,” Prof Igwe said, “the Faculty of Agriculture with the approval of VC secured 200 hectares of land at Umueje, the next town to Ifite-Ogwari.”

It is noteworthy that the Faculty of Agriculture has been in a temporary location in Awka campus since its establishment in 2010 with virtually no physical development.

According to Igwe, “the Faculty of Agriculture through the university managed to secure an interim accreditation from National University Commission in 2017. The faculty was due for another round of accreditation exercise in 2019, otherwise, our students will be denied graduation. Determined to ensure that we obtain full accreditation since second interim accreditation is a failure, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone applied for and succeeded in obtaining a postponement to enable the faculty to do all within her capability to develop the Ifite-Ogwari Annex to an enviable standard worthy of full accreditation and to be one of the best Faculty of Agriculture in Africa.”

“To achieve this feat,” Igwe continues, “it is important to state a few of the milestone actions, despite obvious no-fund availability, carried out by the supersonic jet-speed Vice-Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone that included: Provision of funds for soil mapping and fertility tests to determine proper use of section of the 119.2 hectares of land at Ifite-Ogwari; Release of funds for the - Perimeter fencing of 119.2 hectares of land with palm seedlings; Establishment of two hectares of palm seedlings and four hectares of banana and plantain plantations and two hectares of guava plantation for the faculty; repair of two dilapidated tractors; release of N4.4m to Department of Animal Science and Technology for her farm activities; Release of N2.79m to Department of Forestry Management and Wildlife Resources for her farm activities; release of about N2.6m to Department of Crop Science and Horticulture for her farm activities; approval but not yet released of N6.9m to Department of Fishery and Aquaculture for integrated farms and procurement of modern Hatchery; award of a N35 million contract for the supply of reagents and equipment for the establishment of a FAG central laboratory; demarcation of the offices for admin and staff offices as well as laboratories, studio and classrooms; purchase of three brand new Innoson vehicles (Hilux, Sienna equivalent and 55-Seater Luxurious bus while the old ones are being refurbished.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

22.05.2021

Taiwo Awoniyi Closer to Anfield than Ever

NEWS

EYES ON TOP-FOUR PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi beats an opponent with his chest

Taiwo Awoniyi

Closer to Anfield than Ever His dream has always been to play for Liverpool since being signed by the Merseyside giants, but not securing a work permit culminated in his going on a seven-loan spell. With the work permit now granted, Awoniyi has a chance to play for the Anfield giants or at least play in England with three English clubs already scrambling for his signature

A

fter his exploits with the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria at the 2013 U-17 World Cup, he was seen as one of the youngest talents in world football, which led to scrambling for his signature by big European clubs. In 2015, Taiwo Adeniyi joined Liverpool and had a dream of making an impact with the Merseyside but it was not to be as he never got the chance to lace his boots for the Anfield side for once due to failure to secure a UK work permit.

All that may have changed now, after the Imperial Academy product, was granted the permit by the UK government during the week.

The 23-year-old whose loan to German club Union Berlin this season has been blighted by injury joined Liverpool on a long-term deal in August 2015 from Nigeria’s Imperial Academy, but has never played for The Reds due to his inability to secure a work permit.

It means Awoniyi, who is currently on a seventh loan spell outside of the United Kingdom at German side Union Berlin, is now eligible to be included in the Liverpool squad for next season.

“It’s been a long process but finally Taiwo Awoniyi can now focus on his

career either at Liverpool or somewhere in England,” a top official at Imperial Academy told BBC Sport Africa.

“He has the ambition to play in the Premier League and hopefully he can do that next season.”

Fit-again Awoniyi, who has a contract with Liverpool until June 2023, scored five goals in 20 appearances for Union Berlin despite an injuryblighted campaign in the Bundesliga.

Since becoming a Red, the forward has enjoyed loan spells with then German second-tier club FSV Frankfurt, Dutch side NEC Nijmegen, Belgian outfits Royal Excel Mouscron (twice) KAA Gent and Mainz in order to attract interest from national selectors and gain a work permit.

He totalled 137 games played while scoring 34 goals.

His most successful periods were with Royal Excel Mouscron in Belgium’s First Division, where Awoniyi spent two separate loan spells, making 47 total appearances and scoring 21 times for the Wallonian side.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, two sides set for relegation from the Premier League when the season ends are both said to be interested and would be willing to meet the Reds’ £8m asking price for Awoniyi.

If true, it would seem a decent return in the current market for a player who has yet to play in England and has averaged more than a club a season over six seasons that can’t have been especially easy for the young striker.

After this season, it is envisaged that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will run the rule over the Nigerian in pre-season training before deciding whether to retain him in the squad or sanction his departure.

Either way, it has been suggested that Liverpool won’t have problems finding a club for the striker as he has also been linked with Anderlecht, Stuttgart, Wolfsburg and Union Berlin.

Given his good performances this season, Liverpool have valued Awoniyi in the region of eight million pounds.

He disclosed his ambition to play for the reigning Premier League champions but he was left with second thoughts after another loan deal was agreed with Union Berlin in September for the entire 2020-21 season.

“It is my dream to play for Liverpool.

But me playing for Liverpool has to do with getting my work permit,” Awoniyi told ESPN. “Without it, there is no chance for me discussing about playing for Liverpool for now.

“This season was maybe a bit tough to make the decision because honestly,

I was hoping to leave permanently.

“Liverpool have been great, they have been so supportive and we always talk with the director and every time, they tell me to be patient.

“But the reason I discussed something permanent this season was just that I felt most loans I have been to; have not really been the way I want it.

“And I felt like it happens that way because the loan players get less of an advantage than the players of their own club.

“That was what made me think, okay, maybe it’s time to find a home with my family.”

Players moving to the Premier League for the first time from abroad always need time to get up to speed, even more so in a system like Klopp’s, and although many had guessed if he’ll sink or swim at Anfield.

“As a boy coming from Africa, even sometimes when you have nothing to kick, once you have the ball, you forget about most of your worries and you just keep on kicking,” Awoniyi said.

He believes he has developed his game and could earn him a place in Klopp’s squad.

An U-17 World Cup winner with Nigeria in 2013, Awoniyi has represented his country at all youth levels.

He played at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, netting twice and then helped Nigeria win the 2015 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

However, he missed out on playing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and was also part of the squad that failed to qualify for the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.

Awoniyi was close to earning a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles squad for March’s final two qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, according to coach Gernot Rohr but missed out due to injury.

It, however, remains to be seen if his granting of work permit would help him achieve his Liverpool dream or he will just take solace in playing in England.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Premiership Table

Though the Premier League title has been won and celebrated by Manchester City, while niegbour, United’s second position has been confirmed, yet, there is still a lot to play for as the trio of Chelsea, Liverpool and Leicester would have to wait till the last day of the league to confirm their place in next season’s Champion League

Man City Man Utd Chelsea Liverpool Leicester West Ham Tottenham Everton Arsenal Leeds Aston Villa Wolves Crystal Palace Southampton Newcastle Brighton Burnley Fulham West Brom Sheff Utd

37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

46 28 23 24 20 12 21 4 14 6 8 -15 -23 -18 -18 -4 -21 -24 -39 -44

83 71 67 66 66 62 59 59 58 56 52 45 44 43 42 41 39 28 26 20

PREMIER LEAGUE SUNDAY

Arsenal Aston Villa Fulham Leeds Leicester Liverpool Man City Sheff Utd West Ham Wolves

v v v v v v v v v v

Brighton 16: 00 Chelsea 16: 00 Newcastle 16: 00 West Brom 16: 00 Tottenham 16: 00 Crystal Palace 16: 00 Everton 16: 00 Burnley 16: 00 Southampton 16: 00 Man Utd 16: 00

La Liga TODAY

Alavés Celta Vigo Eibar Elche Huesca Osasuna Madrid Valladolid SUNDAY

Granada Sevilla

v Granada v Real Betis v Barcelona v Bilbao v Valencia v Sociedad v Villarreal v Atlético

17:30 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00 17:00

v Getafe v Alavés

17:30 20:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Wilfred Ndidi tries to outwit Tottenham’s Son Heung-min

T

he 2020-21 Premier League season comes to an end on Sunday, with the battle for Champions League football taking centre stage.

Chelsea and Liverpool have matters in their own hands, and victories over Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively should be enough for them to wrap up a top-four spot.

Leicester City are still in the running themselves, though, and a win over Tottenham Hotspur should be enough for them to capitalise on any slip-ups elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel wants his side to secure Champions League qualification in their final Premier League game against Aston Villa to avoid added pressure going into the European final on May 29.

Third-placed Chelsea are a point above Liverpool and Leicester City going into Sunday’s final games and a win at Villa Park will guarantee Chelsea a top-four finish before the Champions League final against Manchester City in Porto.

However, a fifth-placed finish will see Chelsea drop down to the Europa League unless they beat City in the final to qualify for Europe’s top tier competition.

“We will play 100 per cent, no matter what, to win,” Tuchel told a news conference yesterday. “The side effect could be a crucial one but we don’t want to play this final to qualify for the Champions League.

“We put in so much hard work, quality into the last months. We want to finish the game on Sunday ... But I don’t think that when we arrive for the Champions

League final that it would be in our heads to make it into the Champions League next season.”

Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard midway through the season, said the top four was their main target and a hectic schedule only made it harder for them to achieve that goal.

“Having a busy schedule made it harder. We had so many games and a tight schedule,” Tuchel added. “It was a complicated situation to reach the FA Cup final, go back to top-four race, then a semi-final in the Champions League.

“There are so many competitions and so many levels in these competitions. So it demanded a lot of different levels of concentration for us. It’s what we worked for and it’s still in our hands.”

Tuchel said N’Golo Kante and Kai Havertz could feature against Villa subject to a late fitness test while centre back Andreas Christensen, who missed the last three games with a hamstring injury, is back in the squad.

Indeed, Liverpool’s Manager Jurgen Klopp is trying to stay calm as his side is on the verge of pulling off a huge achievement by finishing in the top four.

Heading into the final game of the season on Sunday, at home against Crystal Palace, the 2019-20 Premier League champions know if they win it is very, very likely they will be in the Champions League next season.

Finishing in the top four after all of their injuries, all of their struggles, would be one of his best achievements as Liverpool boss.

Speaking to reporters after the 3-0 win at Burnley which set up what he calls a final

day ‘final’ against Palace after winning the ‘semifinal’ against Burnley, Klopp did his best to stay calm.

But when asked by ProSoccerTalk how pleased he was to be in this situation heading into the final day of the season, Klopp was clearly delighted his team have pulled things around.

“I couldn’t be more pleased. I never expected this. I don’t take things like this for granted,” Klopp smiled. “This season for us is an incredibly tough, tough season.

I think really weeks ago, I don’t know exactly when but I heard Valentine’s Day, February 14, was the last time we were in the top four. Yeah, because we didn’t win a lot of games until then. But now in the last 8-10 games, we are back on track.

“If we win on Sunday, then probably, it depends on the result of Leicester or Chelsea, then we are probably qualified for the Champions League and yeah, it is insane that we have come this close.

But we are not through. So, when you win the semifinal you go to the final.

That is where we are and we will give our absolute everything to win that as well.”

Liverpool have won seven of their last nine games and are unbeaten in that run, as they have surged from eighth place in the table to fourth.

If they win against Palace and Leicester don’t win against Tottenham with a swing of more than four goals in their favor, then Liverpool know they will be in the Champions League next season.

Klopp has referenced previous situations he has been in on the final day of the season, be it title pushed with Dortmund and Liverpool, top four

Harry Kane Mohamed Salah Bruno Fernandes Son Heung-min Calvert-Lewin Patrick Bamford Ollie Watkins Alexandre Lacazette Jamie Vardy Ilkay Gundogan Chris Wood Callum Wilson Danny Ings Kelechi Iheanacho Marcus Rashford Wilfried Zaha Matheus Pereira Emerick Aubameyang Raheem Sterling Tomas Soucek Michail Antonio Edinson Cavani

CLUB

GOALS

Tottenham 22 Liverpool 22 Man Utd 18 Tottenham 17 Everton 16 Leeds United 16 Aston Villa 14 Arsenal 13 Leicester 13 Man City 13 Burnley 12 Newcastle 12 Southampton 12 Leicester 12 Man Utd 11 Crystal Palace 11 West Brom 11 Arsenal 10 Man City 10 West Ham 10 West Ham 10 Man Utd 10

battles or even relegation scraps with Mainz, and how he always seems to keep things interesting for the finale.

A lot of those players have been in these kind of situations before, maybe not Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams, but that counts for a lot.

What has Klopp learned from those experiences that can help Liverpool handle the pressure against Palace, in front of 10,000 of their own fans at Anfield, on Sunday?

“Just keep going. Keep believing. Keep improving. Don’t put two games into one and think about this and that. Concentrate and stay focused on the next one. Don’t think about the game after that. All of these kind of things. You just have to keep going,” Klopp said. “That is what we do. It is incredibly tough for the boys and what they have to do at the moment. And you need to be lucky in moments as well, that is clear. For tonight it was good enough and we have to make sure we are good enough as well on Sunday.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Samuel Chukwueze...down but not out

Super Falcons pose for a group photograph after conquring Africa

Emery Gives Fresh Update on Chukwueze’s Fitness Ahead of Europa Cup Final Villarreal manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Samuel Chukwueze will sit out tomorrow’s La Liga clash against Real Madrid at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, Madrid.

The Nigeria national teamer has not figured for the Yellow Submarine since sustaining a hamstring-related injury during the first half of the goalless draw against Arsenal in the Europa League.

Chukwueze is now racing against the clock to

be fit for Vi l l a r r e a l ’ s f i n a l game of the season - the Europa League showpiece against Manchester United on Wednesday, May 26.

It is thought that the right winger is closing in on a return to action as he has resumed individual training.

Providing a fitness update on his squad, Emery stated: “First, take into account the available ones.

We are already working with Juan Foyth, but he has made it part of the training, so we are not

going to have him for the game yet.

“We had Vicente Iborra who, after a long injury, we are happy to have him with the group but he will not be there tomorrow either.

“Then we have the evolution of Chukwueze, who is going better but he is not with the group”.

Chukwueze has started 10 of the 14 matches played by Villarreal in this season’s Europa League, scoring once and registering four

Sparta Fans Charge Okoye to Stay One More Year Many Sparta Rotterdam fans have applauded Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye for his excellent displays all season long that helped the club finish eigth on the Eredivisie table.

Okoye signed for De Kasteelheren in the summer after departing boyhood club Fortuna Dusseldorf and shortly became the number one gloves for the Dutch side.

And despite starting the campaign on a terrible note, Sparta rallied to end impressively, with Okoye contributing his quota by

keeping 10 clean sheets.

Henk Fraser’s men qualified for the Eredivisie’s Europa League playoffs, giving the club the chance to make it to the continent for the first time in over three decades.

But a 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord at the Stadion Feijenoord on Wednesday aborted that dream and brought a disappointing end to an otherwise good season.

Still, Okoye took to his social media site to express his feelings about Sparta and the concluded season.

“A great season came to an end last night. Happy

to be part of this Club!! I thank God almighty for all he done for me,” wrote the 20-year-old.

And his post attracted quite a few comments.

While a Borussia Dortmund lover called on the German side to move for Okoye, some Spartan supporters urged the Super Eagles goalie not to leave the club just yet.

Okoye was named in the Eredivisie team of the season as the best goalkeeper in the Netherlands top-flight in only his maiden season in the country.

Atletico in Driving Seat for La Liga Title Live on StarTimes La Liga’s title-deciding final round will be played this weekend live.

Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid both go into the games with hopes of being crowned champions. Diego Simeone’s side are two points clear at the top and need a win to secure the title against Zinedine Zidane’s squad.

Matches will be aired live and in HD on StarTimes.

Surprisingly, only one of the two powerhouses of Spanish football is involved in the nail-biting finish.

Going into the final round of matches, Atlético Madrid are in the driving seat, as they lead their city rivals Real Madrid by two points. Barcelona, who are seven points adrift,

no longer have a chance to catch Atlético.

A victory on Saturday for Diego Simeone’s team at Valladolid will see the Colchoneros win their 11th title – and their first since 2014.

A draw or defeat would open the door for Real to repeat last season’s triumph. However, to stand a chance to do so, Los Blancos need to beat Villarreal at home in the Alfredo di Stéfano Stadium.

Should Atlético draw in Valladolid and Real beat Villarreal, both sides would have 84 points and Real would be crowned champions, irrespective of their result, based on the headto-head results between

the two teams.

Spain is one of the few countries in Europe where finals placings are decided on a head-to-head basis before the goal difference. And as Real won 2-0 at home and drew 1-1 at Atlético, Zinedine Zidane’s team will finish ahead of their city rivals if they finish equal on points.

The fact that Real Madrid is in contention with one game to go, is rather remarkable, given the fact that in February Atlético were six points ahead of their bitter rivals and had played a game less.

And next month, StarTimes is to broadcast all Euro 2020 51 matches live and in High Definition across Africa.

Waldrum Invites 25 to Camp for America Summer Series Tour

N

igeria’s Head Coach, Randy Waldrum has made a provisional list of 25 players for the upcoming Summer Series tour of the United States of America, where the nine-time African champions will play four-time world champions USA, Portugal and Jamaica.

Waldrum has made it known that 23 players will make the trip to the US, meaning two players will be dropped from the provisional squad.

Team captain Asisat Oshoala, fresh from becoming the first African player to earn a UEFA Women Champions Cup gold, tops the list with veteran defender Onome Ebi, youthful goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forward Rasheedat Ajibade also called. Waldrum has included 10 home-based players in the provisional squad.

Matches will be played at the BBVA Stadium in Houston and at the brand-new, $240million Q2 Stadium in Austin built by the newest club in the Major League Soccer, Austin FC. Both cities are in the State of Texas and the clash between the Super Falcons and the US Women A team will be the first-ever football match at the state-of-the-art Q2.

The glamour tournament will run between 10th – 16th June and will see the Super Falcons clashing with their Jamaican counterparts in Houston on the 10th before taking on Portugal three days later at the same BBVA Stadium. Their last match is against the USA squad, four-time winners of the FIFA World Cup and four-time winners of the Olympic football gold, at the Q2 Stadium on 16th June.

The USA is the only one of the four teams in the Summer Series that will compete in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The match against Nigeria will mark the first time the USA has ever faced the Super Falcons outside of a world championship and it will be just the third-ever friendly against an African country, with the previous two coming against South Africa.

Onuachu Favourite to Win Belgium’s Top Award Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has been named among the three finalists for the 2020/21 Pro Footballer of the Year award, after enjoying a stunning season with KRC Genk.

Theothertwonominees are Club Brugges Dutchman, Noa Lang and Beerschot’s forward, Raphael Holzhauser.

Lang, who only arrived from Ajax in the summer, is the elegant 21-year-old attacking midfielder whose 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions powered Brugges to the league title.

Holzhauser was the architect of newlypromoted Beerschot’s incredible rise to

the top of the league during the firsthalf of the season with the Austrian eventually contributing 16 goals and 16 assists in 34 matches.

Genk’s Onuachu, though, is the favourite for the prestigious honour.

The former FC Midtjylland star made the headlines almost every week as he smashed 33 goals to help Racing finish runners-up on the First Division A table.

The Pro League will present the prize to the winner on Monday at a traditional gala to be hosted at the JAM hotel in Brussels.

Man Utd Captain Unlikely to be Fit for Europa League Final Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he does not expect captain Harry Maguire to be fit enough to play in Wednesday’s Europa League final with Villarreal in Gdansk.

Maguire, 28, suffered an ankle ligament injury against Aston Villa on 9 May. The England defender attended a screening of Sir Alex Ferguson’s film at Old Trafford on Thursday without crutches, sparking hope he may be fit.

“He is walking but it is a long way from that to running,” said Solskjaer.

“We will give him every chance but I don’t think we will see him in Gdansk.

Steadily but surely he is improving but ligaments take time to heal.”Solskjaer said even if he is not fit, Maguire will

still be in Poland and play an important part in United’s preparations as they try to win their first trophy since 2017.

Speaking before Sunday’s Premier League last-day trip to Wolves, the Norwegian also said his side had made significant improvements this season in securing only their second runners-up spot since Ferguson retired in 2013.

However, he thinks the club need to be active in the transfer market this summer if they are to close the gap on champions Manchester City.

“I hope we will strengthen with two or three players we definitely need to challenge higher up the table,” said Solskjaer. “We are too far behind to think it will come by itself.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ, 2021

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Carney Chukwuemeka almost crowned his debut with a goal as his effort hit the goal post

Carney Chukwuemeka Still in Cloud Nine It was a dream come true for Anglo-Nigeria midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka after making his English Premier League debut for AstonVilla, making him the club’s third youngest player to star in the English top flight at 17 years, 211 days.

The Nigeria- eligible however rue his effort that hit the post

H

ighly-rated midfielder of Nigerian descent, Carney Chukwuemeka on Wednesday made his English Premier League debut as Aston Villa came from behind to register a 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur.

Chukwuemeka entered the game as a substitute in the 89th minute, replacing Marvelous Nakamba.

Wednesday’s clash was the sixth match that the 2003-born player has been named in a matchday squad for a Premier League game as he was previously a non-playing substitute against Leicester City, Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton and Crystal Palace.

Chukwuemeka, at 17 years, 211 days became Aston Villa’s third youngest Premier League player after Russian Hepburn-Murphy (16 years, 198 days) and Gareth Barry (17 years, 68 days) .

He was inches away from a debut goal when he hit the post with a low strike from outside the box.

It is no surprise that manager Dean Smith handed a professional debut to Chukwuemeka as Aston Villa are keen to integrate him into the first team squad sooner rather than later in a bid to fend off interest from bigger teams interested in his signature.

Chukwuemeka is thrilled to have made his Premier League debut as Aston Villa took on Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

The English midfielder of Nigerian origin described his maiden appearance in the English top-flight as the ‘proudest moment of his career’.

“It felt amazing,” Chukwuemeka was quoted by Aston Villa website.

“It’s every young footballer’s dream to make their Premier League debut and for me to do it was just a dream come true. It’s the proudest moment of my career so far.”

The teenager almost capped his debut with a notable goal, however, his low strike from the edge of the penalty area rebounded off the foot of the Spurs post.

“As soon as the opportunity fell to me, I just thought ‘let me hit it and try my luck’,” he continued.

“Unluckily it hit the post, so next time maybe…”

Meanwhile, manager Smith is excited with the performance of his team against Ryan Mason’s side – lauding his players’ ‘attitude’ as well as ‘quality’.

“I’m massively chuffed with the performance, the work rate, the attitude and the quality as well,” he said.

“We’ve had some performances like this throughout the season, Arsenal away, Liverpool at home…

“But there were a few questions thrown because it has been, and I can’t get away from it, it’s been an inconsistent second half of the season.

“But we’ve been missing our best player as well, in Jack Grealish.

“But I think, I believe, our first XI

can go and compete with anyone and because it’s our second season, we will get stronger next season as well; these players are getting better and better.”

Aston Villa occupy the 11th spot in the English elite division log having accrued 52 points from 37 outings.

They host Chelsea on the last day of the season.

For Chukwuemeka, he will be looking to cap a memorable season by helping Villa’s Young Lions lift the FA Youth Cup Final on Monday against Liverpool.

Meanwhile, German newspaper Bild, has reported that there are several top European clubs interested in Aston Villa’s Anglo-Nigerian midfielder.

Manchester City and Manchester United were previously linked with a move for the England youth international.

Barcelona and Paris St. Germain also want to sign Chukwuemeka, who has likened himself to Red Devils star Paul Pogba.

It has been suggested that Aston Villa could cash in on the 17-year-old if they receive a bid in the region of 15 million euros.

The aforementioned clubs must compete with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig for the services of Chukwuemeka.

The former Northampton Town schoolboy made his professional debut for Aston Villa in their 2-1 win over

Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, coming off the bench to replace Marvelous Nakamba in the closing minutes.

In the current season, Chukwuemeka scored eight goals and provided five assists for Aston Villa’s youth teams.

He is arguably the standout player in this season’s FA Youth Cup, helping Aston Villa reach Monday’s final against Liverpool after mustering six goals in four matches.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

32

˜ ˾ MAY 22, 2021

EVENTS On Wednesday April 28, 2021, dignitaries from all walks of life which included traditional rulers, captains of industry and members of the Muslim community converged on Lagos for the unveiling and presentation of a book titled “Islam in Yorubaland: History, Education and Culture” presented to the general public by the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).

Here are a few dignitaries that graced the occasion

President, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar II

Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

Chief Missioner, Ansa-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulraham Ahmad

Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi.

Ojora of Ijoraland, Oba Abdulfatah Aromire

Rev. Father J. E. Gerardus of the Catholic Society Missionary for Africa, Ibadan, Oyo State

Deputy President 1, MUSWEN, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti unveiling on behalf of the book presenter, Rear Admiral Jubrila Ayinla (rtd) at the ceremony

L-R: Oniru of Iruland, Oba Gbolahan Lawal and Chairman, Book Presentation Ceremony, Alhaji Fola Adeola

L-R: Former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule and Professor Emeritus DOS Noibi

L-R: The MUSWEN President, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo and MUSWEN Book Presentation Coordinator, Alhaji YKO Kareem

33

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

EVENTS

L-R: Chairman, Book Presentation Committee, Alhaji Lere Alimi, Chief Organiser, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Abdulmajeed and Member, Book Presentation Committee, Dr. Naheem Ekemode

L-R: Dr. Awelenje and Prof. Muibi Opeloye

L-R: Chief Imam, UNILAG Muslim Community, Dr. Ismail Musa and Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Prof. Muslih Yahya

L-R: Representative of Osun State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Binuyo, Representative of Baba Adini of Lagos, Alhaji Sikiru Alabi Macfoy and Rev. Father J.E Gerardus

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Isaq Oloyede

Cross section of traditional rulers at the unveiling ceremony

Former Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule (middle), Member, Book Presentation Committee (extreme right), Alhaja Olaniyan with cross section of Muslim Society Women

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22,2021

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How to Fix Car Window Sticking to Rubber

L-R: Head, HR, Coscharis Mobility, Mr. Victor Oni; FC, Coscharis Mobility, Mr. Olaleke Oyediran; Managing Director, Coscharis Mobility, Mr. Christian Chigbundu; and GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, during the Coscharis Mobility vehicle finance scheme launch… recently

Coscharis Mobility Offers Vehicle Finance Scheme

C

oscharis Mobility Limited and Coscharis Motors Plc., have teamed up to provide a unique Ànancial scheme to their customers and prospective buyer to ease payment for their

preferred vehicles.

Presenting the Ànancial scheme at a media parley, during the week, the Managing Director of Coscharis Mobility Limited, Christian Chigbundu and the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde said they were o΀cially unveiling “Our latest oͿering to once again delight both our numerous loyal customers and potential new converts.

“You will agree with us that scarcity of cash Áow with both individuals and corporate entities has been a challenge towards purchase of some necessities and needs courtesy of so many factors most especially the sudden disruption of the entire world courtesy of the COVID– 19 pandemic in 2020. Such needs clearly include the purchase of automobiles which is the solution we are oͿering Nigerians

today with our fantastic oͿer of “pick any vehicle brand of your choice from any Coscharis Motors showrooms nationwide and leverage on installmental payments courtesy of Coscharis Mobility”. Surely, you cannot aͿord to miss out in this window of opportunity to own a vehicle at this period with ease and peace of mind.

“This collaboration between two sister companies within the Coscharis Group is deÀnitely going to be a watershed within the auto sector in Nigeria going by the strong pedigree the two entities has as industry leaders in auto sales, aftersales and logistics amongst others.”

Coscharis Motors has an impressive portfolio as the exclusive representative of globally respected iconic auto brands in Nigeria like the Rolls-Royce, BMW, Mini, Jaguar LandRover, Ford, Renault and Morris Garages provides several options for discerning buyers to pick from as a matter of choice. Coscharis Mobility has the exclusive franchise representing the renowned respected brand when it comes to logistic business globally, which is SIXT in Nigeria.

This is how the service, Coscharis Mobility launched, works. The steps are simple: 1) Identify the vehicle of your choice in any of our Coscharis Motors showroom nationwide 2) Make an initial deposit ranging from 10% -30% 3) The vehicle will become yours then, 4) Pay the balance over a period of time The managers said Coscharis Mobility Limited as a leasing company and not a bank is showcasing these services with the following: a) Fast-track transactions b) Flexibility in terms c) Customised service d) Customer service e) Continuous support throughout the lease period.

The beauty of this partnership is to jointly delight our common stakeholders with combo of exciting options from the brand of vehicles to pick from coupled with ease of paying for them; from the premium brands to the budget brands. You will agree with us that this oͿer remains an oͿering that oͿers you nothing but value for your money as our pay oͿ line states.

Renault Giveaway Promo Extended to June

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oremost automobile company and sole distributor of Renault brand in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors Plc., has announced the extension of its Renault giveaway promo. The promo which was earlier scheduled to run till the end of April has now been extended to run till the end of June 2021.

The extension is in response to the demand of a good number of the company’s customers and prospects for more time, to enable them take advantage of the promo. According to Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications for the Coscharis group, “We understand that vehicle purchase is by no means an impulsive activity in this clime, especially given the current socio-economic realities on ground. Therefore, we accede to the demand of our teaming Renault customers and prospects to extend the timeline for the Renault giveaway promo, till the end of June 2021.”

The Coscharis Renault giveaway promo oͿers mouth-watering gifts for every unit of Renault Kwid or Koleos purchased within the period of the promo. The giveaways include, free ABRO Generator, 5% price discount, free insurance, free vehicle registration and Àrst 2 services free of charge.

Abiona also noted, “The promo is open to both existing owners of the Renault brand and others that are yet to have a feel of the iconic French brand. Aside the mouth-watering giveaways, Coscharis as the exclusive franchise owner of the brand in Nigeria promises to deliver the total brand experience beyond just the new purchase. We are equipped with the original parts, right tools to Àx the original parts and the certiÀed Renault technicians to deliver your total

aftersales experience throughout our workshop outlets located in all the six geo – political zones in Nigeria.

Prospective customers are also invited to take advantage our partnership with a number of leading Ànancial institutions to purchase these or any of our Renault vehicles now and pay later through a bouquet of available Ànance options.”

Renault Kwid The Renault Kwid is a compact car with the robustness and look of an SUV. It brings together the practicality of a compact car with

Renault Kwid

the speciÀcations of a genuine SUV: a sturdy and striking design, as well as economy and technological advances. Besides, its front grille, 14” wheel rims and door mirror shells give it a distinctive look when compared to other cars in its class.

Renault KWID’s interior space is a masterful blend of modernity and ergonomics. The car is roomy and comfortable for driver and passengers alike. And, for added convenience, Renault KWID is equipped with numerous storage spaces and a spacious boot (290 litres), making day-to-day life easier.

Power windows are a great convenience. However, they might sometimes have issues like switch failure, anti-pinch sensor error, motor going kaput, and also sticking windows.

Today we are going to talk about the problem of car windows sticking to the rubber on its sliding track. This is one of the most common problems people face with powered windows.

Fixing sticking windows can be as simple as using some silicone spray lubricant on the rubber tracks.

When power windows go up and down, they follow a grove of the rubber seal. This rubber seal acts as a sound and weather insulation.

But with exposure to sun and weather, the rubber might start deteriorating. This then becomes a problem when the rubber starts sticking to the windows, making it hard for the motor to move the window up or down.

Follow this procedure to Àx sticking car windows: 1) Roll the window all the way down 2) Spray the silicone lubricant between the rubber channel 3) Roll the window back up 4) spray the silicone lubricate on the edges of the seal 5) Wipe the excess lubricant. All Done!

Silicone lubricant is great for restoring rubber and plastic parts.

You can literally extend the life of products as silicone prevents cracking and makes the rubber supple again (think of it as a moisturizer for rubber). Plus, it’s water resistant lubricant so it won’t wash away easily when it rains or when you wash your car.

No wonder it’s an excellent car window seal lubricant. If the rubber grooves are too dirty then you can also use earbuds to clean the window tracks even further.

Can you use engine oil for lubricating rubber? No, deÀnitely don’t use engine oil because mineral oil might not suit the rubber. And even if it did, the oil will attract a lot of dirt and grime that will be di΀cult to clean from the tight grooves.

Can you use Bar of soap instead?

Yes, many people say that rubbing a bar of soap at the edge of rubber seal Àxed sticky rubber. However, the good eͿect only lasts for a short time because soap washes oͿ easily.

Is there any dedicated product for it? Although Silicone Spray works well for making car window operation smooth, we do have some dedicated products for this issue. One of them is 3M Window Channel Dresser.

Even if your windows aren’t sticking too much it’s worth it to spray just a little bit of silicone lube every year or so. Your windows might be sticking but the power motor might be compensating for it. This will tire out the motor eventually and it might go bad sooner. And while you’re at it, give few squirts inside the ignition lock.

(Source: MotoringJunction)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22,2021

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AUTO WORLD

Nigeria Loses N3.7 Trillion Due To Poor Cold Chain Logistics

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ue to wastage, arising from improper storage of foods, Nigeria is loosing a whopping sum of N3. 7 trillion annually.

Chairman, Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NIIT), Mr John Onojeharho who disclosed the Àgure while speaking on the topic: “Cold Chain Logistics” at the 8th Nigeria Annual Transport Lecture held at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja, on Friday, said the country would have saved such amount if proper food storage facility was in place.

He said “Nigeria is ranked 1 per cent in terms of cold chain management. The market is huge and if properly tapped, we can save $9 billion annually by avoiding food wastage through proper storage”.

Mr Onojeharho also advised that if the 15 million metric tonnes of perishable goods wasted annually were well preserved, inÁation will drop and there would be drastic improvements in the economy.

Informing that Nigeria ranks 110 out of 160 countries globally in the performance index of logistics, Onojeharho lamented that a lot of food products are lost due to bad storage system, advising that such anomaly should be addressed as food security is part of human existence.

According to Onojeharho, Nigeria is lagging

behind in terms of cold chain management, just as he appealed for urgent need for stakeholders to invest in the cold chain sector to assist the diversiÀcation eͿorts of the present government.

The transport expert attributed poor cold chain logistics to lack of good road infrastructure, continuity of the cold supply chain, high capital investment, power supply amongst others. He however, opined that e΀cient logistics are critical to economic growth and that when foods are properly preserved, it will bring about reduced wastage, increase income, create employment and add value to the products.

Also speaking, Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi commended Transport Day Newspaper, stating that the government is leveraging the transport sector as a backbone to industrialise and diversify Nigeria economy.

The Minister who was represented by Executive Director, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Agbaji Francis said these eͿorts are evident of the rail subsector where 859 km of standard gauge rail lines have been constructed and commissioned for commercial use in the last 5 years.

He assured that the Ministry is making eͿorts of implementing the 5 deliverables signed at the inception of the current administration of President Buhari led government and is also striving to leave a signiÀcant legacy in the execution of its priority.

L-R: Managing Editor of Transport Day newspaper, Mr. Frank Kintum; Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Olorogun John Onojeharho; National President of Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents, Hon Tony Nwabunike; and the Lagos State Coordinator of SMEDAN, Mr. Adeyinka Fisher, at the 8th Nigeria Annual Transport Lecture held in Lagos, yesterday

All-new Kia K5 Delivers Luxury at Exceptional Value

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he K5 luxury sedan since its launch in Nigeria, has continued to wow and creates head-turning experiences to people across the country. Its wide acceptance and awe are a testament to Kia’s commitment to design, quality, and the ownership experience and shows that the brand’s dedicated philosophy of building forward-thinking sporty sedans is resonating with customers and car enthusiasts.

K5’s aesthetically beautiful exterior and fresh new look are cited as reasons the premium midsize sedan remains appealing to all. The eye-catching design amongst other technologically innovative features put it atop the premium mid-size sedan segment in Nigeria and across the globe.

The impressive number of test drives K5 continues to reel in proves that the premium sedan holds an important place in a crossoverdominated market and has created a niche in the Nigeria market,” said Olawale Jimoh, Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria. Customers’ experience after taking the new K5 for a spin, proved that they are impressed with its unique style, well-organized interior, premium materials, sporty driving manners, and outstanding safety technology. “The K5 oͿers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the best option for car buyers. K5 has continued to give enthusiasts something to lust over at

an aͿordable price point as it oͿers the best blend of features and fun on a budget, making it the preferred option for car buyers in the country” said, Olawale.

“Kia has a longstanding commitment to innovation, quality and driver satisfaction, and we’re honored that the Nigerian market and car owners appreciate these values in our vehicles” said Debanja Paul, Assistant Vice President Sales, Kia Nigeria. The all-new Kia K5 is a fastback evolution of Kia’s global bestselling sedan, combining a striking new design with a driver-focused interior, cutting-edge technologies, and all-new powertrain options.

Evidently, the K5 won’t just play a central role in strengthening Kia’s presence in the global sedan segment. Almost a decade on from its game-changing predecessor, it also represents the latest milestone in Kia’s transformation into a creator of desirable, world-class cars.”

Lauded for roomy, high-tech interior, sharp handling and fresh new look, the all-new K5 pleasantly surprised the market with emotional design and luxurious ride quality. Greater levels of cabin, high-tech safety features, and revised chassis characteristics mean the K5 is more relaxing, conÀdence-inspiring and engaging to drive than ever before.

The premium sedan is available in all Kia showrooms nationwide and customers can walk into any of them to take a test drive of the luxury K5.

The K5 luxury sedan

Kill The Speed In Built Up Areas: #30km/H On Tuesday 18th May, 2021, I was privileged to be a guest on Kakaaki, the morning breakfast show on the African Independent Television (AIT). The mission was to raise awareness on the 6th Global United Nations Road Safety Week which was flagged off globally on 17th May 2021 and would run till 23rd May, 2021. Dr Sydney Ibeanusi, Country Director, the United Nations Decade of Action on Road Safety was also on the programme. The theme for this year is one that excites me among other themes. The focus is on cutting down speed which is identified as the number one killer globally. Excessive speed in built up areas is the sub focus with the theme, The Streets for life: #love30.

Before I dwell on the essence, let me first bring you up to speed on the how we have fared so far in Nigeria. The records provided by the Federal Road Safety Corps reveals that road traffic crash statistics comprising of casualties (persons killed and person injured) for the period January to December, 2018 in Nigeria was 9,741 road traffic crashes which resulted in an increase of 3.8percent from 2017. These crashes included 2,739 fatal cases, 5,849 serious cases, 5181 fatalities, denoting an increase of 1.2percent from 2017. The report also reflected speed violation as the major cause of road traffic crashes which accounted for 51.7percent of the total reported.

The Federal Capital Territory Command which is under my watch as Zonal Commanding Officer recorded the highest number of road traffic crashes in 2018 with 1,051 cases representing a reduction of

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

5percent compared with the figure in 2017. These crashes involved 6,069persons with 2,347 sustaining various degree of injuries and 281 deaths. Closely followed was Kaduna with 830 cases of crashes involving 6,804 crash victims out of which 3,300 sustained injuries while 679 died. States such as Borno, Bayelsa, and Cross River States recorded low crashes of 46, 53 and 56 cases respectively.

The snippet of speed related crashes that I have given is not just peculiar to Nigeria but cuts across other parts of the globe including the developed and low as well as middle income countries especially Africa. I have treated excessive speed severally on this page. I have tried to remind people and road users of the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations,2012 which specifies the speed limits on various roads as well as speed limit of various categories of vehicles. For reminders, the Regulations provides that the maximum speed in Nigeria is 100km/h.

The same Regulations stipulates that 100km/h is this maximum speed is for cars on the express while the limit for taxis and buses is 90km/h. The speed limit for articulated vehicles is 60km/h.

The same Regulations provides for the appropriate speed limit for built- up areas which is my focus and also the focus for the Global road safety week.

It provides a maximum speed limit of 50km/h for cars, taxis and buses as well, tankers and trailers are to do 45km/h while tow vehicles are 45km/h while towing and 50km/h when not towing. While the provisions explicitly spell out these rules, there are concern that compliance is a challenge while these signs according to some observers are rarely seen on some of our road.

The absence of appropriate road furniture was my concern when I wrote on a piece I titled, Naked Roads. In fact, a good friend who heard me on AIT on Tuesday could not stop laughing when I drew a correlation between roads without appropriate road furniture and a lady without her makeup. This is why the global clamor is to rejig the speed factor and tilt the trend of road traffic crashes and deaths in keeping with the United Nations Decade of Action which seeks to cut down road fatalities by 50percent.

I told you that street for life is the theme. The argument is that low speed streets where people and traffic mix makes for streets that are healthy, green and liveable and therefore saves lives. Low speed streets save lives and are the heart of any community.

The global plan is to engage policymakers to act for

low speed streets worldwide, limiting speeds to 30 km/h for cities, towns and villages worldwide. The strategy is a precursor to a 2022 meeting of World leaders where this message is expected to resonance for their buy in to demand reduction of appropriate speed in built up areas.

Before we dwell on the significance of the campaign thrust, it is imperative for us to first deal with certain myths and also facts behind this focus 30k km/h.

First, the UN maintains that addressing the risk of death in road traffic is fundamental to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically those affecting health security, sustainable cities, poverty, and reducing inequalities among and within countries.

Policies that tackle the of impact road traffic, and create environments for safe, sustainable and inclusive transport options, also unlock action for protecting the climate and gender equality too.

The UN also maintains that paradigm shift in how streets are designed, starting with low speeds where people and traffic mix, makes streets safe, accessible, enjoyable and equitable for all road users. It delivers multiple benefits for all whilst accelerating action across interlinking SDGs. The actions include infrastructure, design, enforcement, vehicle technology and public awareness.

I told you there are some myths that as a safety professional I would say are unfounded and without any basis. Let us deal with these myths as spelt out by the United Nations. I must however state clearly that the views are not mine but are lifted up to share with my readers especially parents who should be concerned over the safety of vulnerable road users such as children, aged parents, and people with disabilities.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MAY 22, 2021

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

CHI Limited Promotes Dairy Consumption with Hollandia Dairy Day Leading dairy brand, Hollandia, has held the maiden edition of its Hollandia Dairy Day. This event is a public interest initiative undertaken

by CHI Limited, makers of the Hollandia brand, to raise awareness about the nutritious value of dairy products and how daily consumption plays a key role in achieving optimum health.

The theme for this year’s event, “Dairy Nourishment to Support Healthy Living”, was informed by the need to highlight the role dairy consumption plays in our everyday nourishment.

Speaking, the Head of Legal/ Public AͿairs & Corporate Communications, CHI Limited, Mr.

Israel Dan’Auta, drew attention to the low dairy consumption Àgures in Nigeria and stressed the need for daily dairy consumption.

He expressed conÀdence that the “Hollandia Dairy Day conference will be an eͿective forum for discussing the way forward in dairy nutrition, setting priorities as well as connecting with today’s consumers at a deeper and more meaningful level.”

In partnership with health, nutrition and communication experts who were carefully selected, CHI Limited hopes to empower consumers to consider consumption of dairy products in their diets every day.

One of the guest speakers, Senior

Dietitian at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Cynthia Onyekwere, highlighted that dairy has been categorized as a major food group and has recommended daily portions for each individual.

She stated that despite this, the intake of dairy in Nigeria has been relatively low (10 to 20 litres per capita consumption).

She noted that dairy products provide good sources macro and micro nutrients such as calcium; protein, phosphorous, vitamin D and A. “One cup of yoghurt meets about a quarter of our daily protein needs, nearly half of our daily requirement of calcium and two third of our daily need of phosphorous. While a cup

of milk meets a third of our daily requirement of vitamin D and one sixth of our daily needs of vitamin A,” she concluded.

Another guest speaker, Amaka Okwesilieze Nwaora, a Nutrition Consultant/Public Health Expert stated that milk naturally contains many nutrients and only relatively few calories. “Regular consumption of milk and dairy products is recommended for all age groups as they are indispensable in every phase of our lives. Children need vital nutrients in milk to grow up in good health, while milk helps adults get the vital nutrients they need.

Older people need milk calcium for strong bones and teeth,” she added.

Kellogg’s Cornflakes Launches in Nigerian Market Foremost cereal brand, Kellogg Tolaram has expanded its footprint in the Nigerian market with the launch of new Kellogg’s CornÁakes.

The newly improved CornÁakes came in response to the consumers’ taste and demand.

Speaking at the launch of the product, Chief Marketing O΀cer of Tolaram Group, Mr. Girish Sharma stated that the new product has been specially fortiÀed to match up with global quality standards.

He said, “We want to appreciate everyone instrumental to this auspicious launch ceremony happening here today, most especially the Nigerian consumers. The product was Àrst introduced in 2018, then it was immediately withdrawn following consumers’ feedback on taste which was causally linked to technology and other local restraining factors.

“The team went back to the drawing board and have now come back to introduce the proudly made in Nigerian cornÁakes, which by every means matches up to the international quality standard in terms of taste, texture, look and feel as well as nutritional beneÀts etc” .

Sharma also solicited for consumers support to enable the company to continue to nourish Nigerians with innovative products.

He explained further that the Àrm is pulling out all the stops to make another success story out of the newly launched product.

“We hope it will be readily accepted by Nigerians as much as how the previous others were embraced,” he said.

Also present at the launch, President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi stated that the society was proud to be associated with the company, which he said has always placed premium on quality.

“We are excited to be a part of the launch of the world’s No.1 cereal in

Nigeria- Kellogg’s CornÁakes which has come with the proposition of healthy alternative breakfast packed with essential nutrition for everyone.

“The brand has certainly proven to be a manufacturing entity which operates with the interest of its consumers at heart.”

L-R: Deputy Director, Environmental Science and Technology Department, Mr Anum Isaac; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Edet Akpan; Minister of State Science and Technology, Mr Mohammed Abdullahi; Director of Conservation Programs, Small Mammals Conservation Project (SMCP), Mr Benneth Obitte; and Director of Research Programs, SMCP, Mrs Iroro Tanshi, during the visit of the SMCP’s delegation to the minister’s office in Abuja ... recently

New Horizons Produces Africa’s First MCCT in Abuja Information Technology firm, New Horizons Systems Solution has produced Africa’s first six Modern Classroom Certified Teachers (MCCT).

The teachers, numbering six emerged from two Nigerian schools namely- Great Height Academy and Start Rite Schools, both based in Abuja.

The two schools benefitted from New Horizons’ scholarship for teachers on MCCT training and international certification.

The programme is presently available to New Horizons partner schools in Nigeria and across the 80 countries where New Horizons operates globally.

MCCT idea was conceived

by Europe and North America including Canada; following the reset by Covid-19 where innovation and new skills were necessary for learning to continue to take place uninterruptedly.

MCCT certification exam will certify that a candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively facilitate learning by delivering content in a number of modalities, which can include face-to-face sessions, remote sessions, mixed learning environments and asynchronous sessions, using a variety of tools.

Benefits of the programme included: Mastering of Modern

Classroom, increase effectiveness, Professionalism development, earning of Vendor-Neutral Global Certificate and improved collaboration between trainers and learners etc.

The entire teachers of the two schools selected went through comprehensive MCCT Certification training facilitated by certified New Horizons Instructor and which series of screening tests were organized afterwards.

Nivea Extends COVID-19 Support to HiFL As part of its campaign to curtail the spread of COVID-19 globally, skincare manufacturer, Beiersdorf Nigeria through its foremost brand Nivea Men, has donated hand sanitisers to Higher Institution Football League (HiFL).

According to the organisation, the donated items numbering over 30,000 units aimed to keep the sport industry on the go while ensuring safety of sport stakeholders too.

While presenting the items, Managing Director of Beiersdorf, Mr. Godwin Harrison stated further that the gesture would support the organizers of HiFL, Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited (PSEM), to keep all football loving fans and participating teams safe.

He said, said, “The free donation of sanitizers is in line with Nivea’s global campaign to fight end the pandemic.

The sanitizers will be distributed free to thousands of youths, and we believe that the donations of sanitizers to HiFL will also sensitize the youths that comes to watch the matches on the need to stay safe.”

Receiving the items, Director of PSEM, Mr Sola Fijabi commended the company for the gesture as well as commitment to safety.

He said, “Indeed, this donation is to continue to create stories of extraordinary acts of care for all which unites people. This will go a long way to showcase a bigger and even more exciting league with NIVEA Men nurturing and caring for the teams and fans alike.”

Earlier in the year, PSEM welcomed Beiersdorf as it joined the league of sponsors of Nigeria’s largest private collegiate football competition.

FarmFix Plans to Apply Technology in Agriculture for Food Security The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of FarmFix, Damilola Oladehin, has said his company would use technology in achieving food security in the country.

FarmFix is an integrated farm and agro-allied business that is innovatively and technologically driven to, according to the management of the company, to ensure food security and sustainable returns on investment for the stakeholders or investors.

During a virtual press briefing held from their head office in Ibadan, Oladehin said that their company, FarmFix focuses on the entire agricultural value-chain, investment, production, processing, trading and exporting.

He said, “FarmFix is a leading agribusiness offering diversified farm products, services and profitable projects.

Our vision is to be a leading player in the agricultural industry space and investment destination for individuals and organisations that want to be involved in farming. Our

mission is to increase the nation’s food security while creating wealth for her people”.

Speaking on the unique selling point of the company, he stressed that though it was true that many other agro-investment companies may have reneged on financial returns accrued to investors, especially those who were not directly involved in farming, FarmFix was poised to regain trust deficit of agro-investors.

“Many companies have rushed into the business without any pedigree.

They say they are in the business of rice farming but all they do is buy in small quantities and rebag for sale.

At FarmFix, we are here to fix the problems mitigating against all stakeholders, especially investors.

“We have acquired various expanses of land around Nigeria for rice planting and have started harvesting in some of our farms, we are in partnership with a rice mill currently nearing completion and the business is fully insured by a leading insurance company in Africa.

9ijakids Partners Firms, Holds Virtual STEAM Festival on Children’s Day In celebrating 2021 Children’s Day, an Edtech company specialised in fun learning content and games development, 9ijakids has concluded to host a virtual STEAM Festival for children to make the occasion a memorable one.

9ijakids will be partnering with STEM-METS and EduFun Technik to host the two - hour event which is programmed to hold virtually.

According to the co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi, “a virtual STEAM fun festival is an online webinar intended to

get children excited, even as they experience the opportunities and careers that the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) has to oͿer.”

Not less than 1000 children between the ages of 7-13 would enjoy the privilege of participating in the programme.

Adewusi added, “The children will have the opportunity to feed their minds with hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities, (STEM) and discussions at the Children’s Day STEM Fun Fest.

ExpertTips SMEs to Benefit More from AFCFTA Market Square Opens New Outlet in Benin City The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is expected to bring huge gains to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and other countries on the continent, particularly if they explore technology.

This projection was by Amrote Abdella, the Regional Director, Microsoft 4Afrika, stating the AfCFTA is an exciting game changer agreement for the countries who are signatories. “It can play the role of unlocking innovation, growth and productivity across the continent, but signiÀcantly, for its SME segment, by translating spending power into economic

development. Cutting red tape and simplifying customs procedures could bring signiÀcant income gains for SMEs. By improving their ability to quickly scale up using digital skills, SMEs have the chance to capitalise on the potential trade boom.

“This is particularly important when we consider that SMEs represent about 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies, and these numbers rise signiÀcantly if we include informal SMEs. In emerging markets, most formal

jobs are generated by SMEs, which create 7 out of 10 jobs.”

Abdella said digital skills are essential for any organisation to grow, and we want to encourage technology adoption and skills development in every organisation.

Microsoft 4Afrika’s unconventional partnerships with with SMEs and Telco’s have proven successful in supporting SMEs on their path to success. The partnership with FirstBank, Vodacom, MTN and Liquid Telecom has facilitated extending cloud services to SMEs, supporting their growth. To date, 4Afrika has reached 1.7 million SMEs and brought 728k online.

Foremost indigenous retail chain of supermarkets, Marketsquare has expanded its footprint in Africa’s largest economy with the launch of a new outlet in Benin City. The newly launched outlet makes it the Marketsquare the 16th in the country.

The retail outÀt has grown so rapidly since it sets out in 2015 ,to become the Àrst choice of many shoppers in sourcing for grocery and fresh food products in several cities across the country.

Speaking during the launch, the Àrm’s Marketing Manager, Emmanuel Patrick Isangediok stated that the unveiling of the supermarket on May Day was strategic to further

enhance customers’ shopping experience in the city.

He said, “As the fastest-growing retail store, we have to ensure that Nigerians continually have access to great products that will help enhance their quality of life at the lowest prices. “We have put everything in place to ensure that Nigerians have access to modern and relevant retail shopping experience in a very convenient way to source for daily needs.

“We have also provided the opportunity for customers to shop on our online platform where they have the choice to pick up their already packed order inside the store or get it

delivered to their homes or o΀ces.”

While extending greetings to workers, he said, “we want to congratulate Nigerian workers on the occasion of the 2021 Workers’ Day. Their daily toil has contributed immensely to the development of the nation. We also celebrate our workers across all our outlets nationwide. They are the ones who give customers the best shopping experience that has endeared our brand to them.

“Our tagline, ‘Ànd more, pay less’ is a promise of our unwavering desire to get the best quality products to the customer at the lowest prices available”.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 22, 2021

PERSPECTIVE The Case against Hadiza Bala-Usman Mohammed Geidam

S

ince the suspension of the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, the need to draw attention to her various alleged infractions that led to her removal from office has become pertinent. This is because her supporters have been diverting attention away from the real issues. For example, Hadiza is said to have single-handedly awarded and approved contracts without the knowledge and approval of the supervisory Ministry of Transportation.

There is also the issue of her refusal to remit VAT deductions running into billions of Naira and in foreign currency denomination to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The suspended MD is accused of excessive spending that has led to excessive increase in administrative and operational expenses; extra budgetary expenditures of close to N1billion on hotel accommodation and under-disclosure of expenditures on hotel expenses and the diversion of funds of about N369.7 million through the Nigerian Port Today.

NPA under Hadiza was said to have blatantly contravened government policy on the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its records relating to CSR fell short of the level of compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Procedures were said to have been flagrantly violated while huge expenditures running into billions of naira could not be justified.

For instance in 2018 alone, the suspended MD spent a whooping five billion Naira on CSR projects. Many of these CSR projects were said to be bogus, filled with inflated prices and many unverifiable items. Multiple sources at the Presidential Villa revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari was shocked that there was very scanty evidence of compliance with public Procurement Act and that most of the CSR projects/programmes were astoundingly inflated. The President was said to have noticed that delivery of CSR items were not accompanied by delivery letters and that in lot of cases, there was no evidence of actual items delivered and evidence of the receivers that signed for them. Hadiza must tell Nigerians why and how N4.2 billion was spent in 2017 as against N29 million in 2016, an increase of 14,310 % for Corporate Social Responsibility projects.

Insiders alleged that Hadiza perpetrated huge accounting fraud, deliberately cooking the books to mislead the government and drive the NPA’s budgets ever higher, regardless of port necessity. Hadiza made excessive expenditure on pollution control. Only between 2016 and 2018, at least, a mind-boggling N20 billion of NPA’s financial transactions could not be traced, documented, or explained.

Contrary to the claims by Hadiza in a statement she signed in response to reports in the media, Bala Usman as MD of NPA had single-handedly awarded contracts, approved contracts, cancelled contracts, and initiated the bidding process to award contracts. She also approved and cancelled leases and concessions without the knowledge and approval of her supervisory Ministry of Transportation. This is procedurally wrong and a serious infraction against the public service rules.

One example that is been cited is that the suspended NPA Managing Director advertised for bids, and opened the bids on the Engagement of Technical Auditors on Dredging and Channel Management of Lagos, Bonny/Port Harcourt and Warri/Escravos Pilotage

NPA under Hadiza was said to have blatantly contravened government policy on the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its records relating to CSR fell short of the level of compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Procedures were said to have been flagrantly violated while huge expenditures running into billions of naira could not be justified

Bala-Usman Districts, even after she had been directed by the Ministry of Transportation not to award contract but for NPA to procure its equipment for this service. The ministry wanted NPA to carry out the service internally, which would save the country tens of millions of dollar.

Moreso, NPA had the capacity to do it, all it needs to do is to buy the equipment it needs to carry out the service.

But Hadiza completely disregarded the directive. She was in the process of awarding the contract before she was suspended. The contract runs into millions of dollars annually and she was about giving it out for about ten years, supposedly to her cronies.

Hadiza’s management style in NPA had also raised a lot of dust. She had been accused of having a cantankerous relationship with the board of NPA and a no-love-lost relationship with her supervisory ministry of Transportation. She had been accused of running NPA like her private empire and had shown disdain for the official communication channels with the ministry of Transportation. She showed no respect or regard for its officials. Inside NPA, her regime’s style was far more draconian. She practically took over and moved the Procurement Department that was and is usually under the Executive Director Finance and Administration and put it under her office. This gave her so much room to handle most of the procurement in NPA with little or no input from the Executive Director, Finance & Administration.

Hadiza’s relationship with the board of NPA was said to be very contentious. Nigerians got an insight into that relationship when a recently removed board member, Senator Binta Masi Garba disclosed that she was removed from the board (plotted by Hadiza) because she noted and questioned financial irregularities and infractions in the financial statements of NPA. Senator Garba said: “I was appointed into the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) sometime in March 2020. In January 2021, Senator John Akpanudoedehe and I were removed from the board and our removal was clearly orchestrated by the now suspended Managing Director (MD) of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman.”

“Before my removal, I was not comfortable with the way the board and authority were run. I consistently expressed my discomfort and displeasure with the way the MD was running the place and this, I have no iota of doubt in my mind made her to orchestrate my removal from the board. Note, I was removed without the knowledge of the supervising ministry/Minister of Transportation, which was very uncommon.

“My observations and complaints against the suspended NPA MD were more with the financial statements of NPA and I worried that if she continued so, there would certainly be trouble and her sudden removal (suspension) would be inevitable. I noted discrepancies, I raised observations, I asked questions but I was completely ignored and disregarded. Answers were never provided, until my removal was plotted.”

“When the board came in, its first meeting was in June 2020, with the aim of deliberating on the financial report. I made some observations on the report which, obviously, the MD, Hadiza Bala-Usman, was not

comfortable with. At the time, the report covered two years but I objected, pointing out that, under normal circumstances, procedurally and international norms, it should cover a minimum of three years. It was after my objection that the MD grudgingly and resentfully provided the third year’s report. I wasn’t really comfortable. I observed more discrepancies with the financials and asked questions about them. The MD was uncomfortable and even felt slighted by the objective comments and questions.

“Scrutinising the financial reports of the NPA is a very critical and very important aspect of my role and function as a member of its board, appointed by the President. I was not ready to abdicate that core responsibility.

For me, my board membership of NPA, like every other public office I have held, was a call to serve my country and I was prepared to give it my all. But the suspended MD felt offended by my observations, questions, spotting obvious inconsistencies and acted like someone with a lot to hide. Answers were not forthcoming and, when they did, were less than satisfactory.

“Some members of the board felt I was the only one holding the financial report back. I had to meet with the Minister of Transportation and I told him I wasn’t comfortable with the way and manner the board was being handled and treated by the MD and that I wanted to resign.

“The board chairman, Chief Akin Ricketts (whose removal as board chairman was also orchestrated by the suspended MD) and some other members, prevailed on me not to resign and that, if I did, it would send the wrong signal and would not be good for the President.

We settled down to work on it (the financial reports).

“After sometime, my uneasiness did not go away.

Again, I met with the Minister of Transportation and told him that I did not want to continue with the board with the way the MD was running the place. I met someone high up in the Presidential Villa and told him my own story and advised that the MD be called to order. I also met and made similar observations and complaints to the then Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasiru and the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mallam Zakari. Instead of making amends, the suspended MD’s next move was to go against the NPA Act by designing my removal from the board.

“The Act stipulates that it is the minister who should send names of appointees to the board to the President for approval. For someone to unilaterally go against the Act and the Minister that brought her on board was rather unfortunate. I made it very clear to everyone I spoke with about the situation in NPA, stressing that it was not about me but the system, rules and procedures, as well as the survival of our institutions. I could not keep quiet and watch the suspended MD run the NPA aground. I wished she had listened but she didn’t and opted to plot my removal from the board. Unfortunately, I have been vindicated.”

The argument that there was a procedural breach in asking Hadiza to step aside for the investigation to commence is completely wrong. She and her acolytes have pushed this false narrative. Constitutionally, the President has the power to hire or fire any of his appointees at any point in time. In this case, she wasn’t even fired. She was just asked to step aside for an investigation to take place. And the President and not the Minister did this.

A source in the administrative panel says the panel’s investigation will be more on the finances of the NPA – scrutinizing the Authority’s financial reports from 2016 to date, and a closer look at 2018 where there appear to be lots of suspected irregularities and infractions. “We are paying very little attention to issues of insubordination as falsely reported in a section of the media. Our focus is on the financials. We are more interested in scrutinizing NPA financials. That’s where our major focus would be”, a member of the panel said.

However, there are several accounts of insubordination, high-handedness and arrogance on the part of the suspended NPA MD, including favoritism in some cases.

Also, non-compliance with extant laws and rules guiding the Authority, in respect to contracts (process, terms, award and termination), as well as the administrative strategies adopted in the day to day running of the NPA, would be examined closely. There is also the issue of non-compliance with presidential directives and overriding communication channels obtainable in the Public Service.

The administrative probe panel seems not to be bothered and distracted by the daily barrage of propaganda for or against the suspended MD, but would focus on the inquiry, guided by the terms of reference in its setup, as approved by the President and the Ministry of Transportation.

Let the probe begin

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ ͺͺ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

TRIBUTE Tribute to My Only Son, Uchenna Michael Ozumba Mabel Ozumba

N

na Mummy as I fondly call you, l wonder how on earth I found the courage to write a tribute to you knowing fully well that a river does not flow backk wards. What a painful reversal of role?

UCHE who will write my own tribute?

Who will wrap wonderful music, laden with words of wisdom and love to the wicked world tainted by strife, fury, and envy? It has been two long weeks and even till now I still can’t believe that you’re gone. I keep looking at the door, checking my phone hoping at any given moment you would walk through the door or ring my number as you normally did. After all I waited for about twelve (12) years before your arrival in the first instance.

I miss all the memories we shared, of you running unexpected errands for me and all the promises you made to make my life better when you are all grown up. Your Sister, Nne Mummy and I miss that big smile of yours that melts our hearts, that loud infectious laugh that makes us laugh along with you and believe your promises. You would tease me about being Old School because I didn’t understand nor paid attention to modern technology but you were always willing to put me through whatever incompetence. Little wonder then, I didn’t realize early enough that you were a rising, shining star, such a big celebrity. You were a warm, generous, big-hearted son.

I am not at all surprised that you grew up to be such a passionate and compassionate young man. I see the life you lived and the legacy you have made and I am so proud of you, Uche. I wish I understood better and earlier in your short lifetime. Youths, Fans and the world you base farewell stand still for you. You’re indeed blessed and honoured even in death. Thank you for being my Son. There is so much to be said but not enough words to describe how I feel about your passing my Son. Sometimes I sit in silence and speak to God reminding him of his promises in revelation 21:4 but the Holy Spirit brings my heart to rest with the words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.

You lived life to the fullest and loved deeply, Uche.

Your legacy will be carried on by the countless many you have left behind, the countless many whose lives are forever changed because of you. Not even death can take that away from you. I thought having to lay my own child to rest was the most difficult thing a mother could ever do but how wrong I was. I thought having to lay my own child to rest was the most difficult thing a mother could ever do but how wrong I was, because to live a life knowing I once had you and no longer do is the worst of it all.

I prayed to God for a blessing and he give me you.

It has pleased God to call you back and I will honor this and not question God. The overwhelming love and support I received from your friends, families and even strangers has helped me through these sorrowful times. I felt your warmth and saw your smiles from every friend of yours who came up to me. This is entirely your doing and that is my testament that you lived a full life Nwa’m. Passion and dedication, That is your legacy, Uche, as profoundly painful as it is to try to move on without you physically by my side, I will do my best to move on because that is the lesson I have learnt from you. Doing your best with whatever you got.

Thank you for the life lessons. Thank you for 23 years of watching you grow Thank you for your hugs, kisses, smiles and promises. Thank you for enduring

Uchenna Ozumba

the health pains you had to deal with while on earth to be my child. Thank you for patiently explaining to me what was in ‘Vogue’. You showcased the need for job creation, skills / wealth development, entrepreneurship through Music.

Thank you for the times you shared, your talents and passion with me. The world will forever celebrate you, you carved a niche for yourself and left footprints in the sand of times.

Thank you for sharing your excitements and wins with me. Thank you for being the best you could possibly be and thank you for the honor of being called your mom. Most importantly, forgive me and

all members of my generation, the Old Schools for misunderstanding, and misinterpreting your actions.

I thank God for who you were Uchenna, my pride and joy. I miss you so much. it hurts but until we see again at God’s appointed time to see and hold each other, May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the lord. You are indeed a true testimony of the statement that “Not how long, but how well one lived” Your short live was impactful and a memorable one.

I will always love you, Rest in perfect peace, Uche Nwam.!!!!

––Mrs. Mabel Ozumba is a retired Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Education

This Bright Light was Dimmed – Sam Ekpe

W

e have lost a rising g star and a legend. g What a g great talent, I am speechless. p What a great g loss to our community. y These and many others from the entertainment community y were some of the cries of g grief, sorrow and regrets g that were expressed p in the social media on the sudden death of y young g Uchenna Michael Ozumba, (Zumbybrown), y a well-known rapper and rising star on the Nigerian music and entertainment scene.

This bright g light g was dimmed in the morning g of Tuesday y 4th May y 2021. Zumbybrown, y when the only son of his widowed mother Mrs. Mabel Ozumba, a retired Deputy p y Director in the Federal Ministry y of Education died from an asthmatic attack. And

POSTSCRIPT so ended the very y promising p g and enterprising p g life of a Nigerian g artist p poised to make his mark in the music industry. y Zumbybrown’s y stage g p performances on university y campuses p attracted huge g crowds of dancing gy youths. How could they y have known that their idol and his stage g appearances pp were only ya flash in the p pan and that he would soon disappear into thin air.

Uchenna Michael Ozumba was born 23 y years ago, g precisely p y on 31st January y 1998. After primary p y education in Lagos, g he attended Christ the King g College g (CKC), Gwagwalada g and El Bethel Secondary y School, Jabi, both in Abuja. j As a result of his health problem, his mother saw him through Elizabeth

University, y Akure in Ondo State, Bingham g University y Karu, Nassarawa State and Veritas University Bwari, Abuja, j all in a bid to ensure that he went through g less hassles arising g from gas g inhalation through g dusty y roads and for close distance to his mother’s care and attention.

However all these efforts have now come to naught g as he answered the final call two weeks ago. g To illustrate the depth p of her grief g and deep p sense of loss, his mother full of tears and melancholy y made the following g recollections of his life and times.

His remains will be laid to rest on Saturday y to rest in his hometown, Uruekwo, Enugwu g Ukwu, Anambra State on Saturday y May y 22, 2021. May y his very y dynamic y soul find p peaceful rest in our Lord, Amen.

–––Sam Ekpe p is a veteran journalist and media consultant in Abuja.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͺ˜ ͺ͸Ͱͯ

39

NEWSXTRA

Taraba Gov: Ayade’s Defection Embarrassing, Shocking to PDP Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has described Thursday's defection of his colleague,BenAyadeofCrossRiver StatefromtheoppositionPeoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the rulingAll Progressives Congress (APC) as not only embarrassing but also shocking to the PDP. Ishaku, who spoke with reporters yesterday at the State House,Abuja aftermeetingwith the Chief of Staff to the President, ProfIbrahimGambari,todiscuss issues surrounding Mambilla

Hydropower among other issues, declared "we are greatly shocked and embarrassed that hewillsuddenlydumptheparty forAPC,becauseallofusseePDP as alternative to APC".

He stressed that despite all attempts by the PDP National ReconciliationandStrategyCommitteeheadedbytheformerSenate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to ensure thatAyade remains in the party, he had other reasons for leaving the party.

According to him, a vibrant opposition is necessary to keep the ruling party on its toe so as

not to go astray.

Ishiaku said: “Well, I wouldn't know precisely the governor's thinking, because all of us are different And for him to leave to APC, I don't know the details of that I havenotseenhim.Butbethatasit may,Ibelievethatanydemocratic country must have an opposition, a viable opposition, and opposition in itself is good for democracy. If you don't have an opposition,thenthegovernment in powers can go astray and so I believeinthevibrantdemocracy with an opposition, if we have

an opposition it is good.

“But as to the reason why our colleague in PDP will depart, I don'tknowthedetails,andIcan't holdbriefforhim.Hecanstilltalk forhimself.SobutIwanttoassure youthatallthegovernorsinPDP are doing very well, very well in their respective states. Possibly because we're in an position and the pressure is on us and we are doing thebestwecan.Iwillinvite youtomystateinTaraba,tocome and see the beautiful works I’m doing there in all ramifications.

From education, agriculture, name it, we are doing a great

job, infrastructure etc” Asked if the Saraki-led reconciliation committee, that visited Ayade, did not do enough to convince him to stay, the Taraba state governor said: “Let me tell you, they have done a good job.

Avery good one. But it depends on the decision of an individual and what he actually hopes to gain. You may get the best of intentions somebody may not agree with you. And so that is the point, I think is more of the governor's decision as it affects him, and that nobody can hold brief on that.”

On the possibility of more PDPgovernors joining theAPC,

Ishakuemphasisedthat:“Idon't see that happening and like I said even his own was a shock to some of us. I don't see that happening.AndforNigeria,we shouldhopeforanopposition,a vibrantoppositionthatwillhelp to put and maintain the system going. Democracy without an opposition is not a democracy.”

OnthereporteddeathofBoko Haram leader, Ibrahim Shekau, he noted that there had been manyofsuchreportsinthepast.

His words: “This news has always been like that. Let’s wait and see if it is true and if it true then, we are hoping that the solution is in sight".

Osinbajo Bemoans State of the Nation, Optimistic About a New Dawn

IN HIS VINEYARD...

L-R: Synod Secretary Diocese of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Very Revd John Olanrewaju Solubi, The Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, The Most Revd Dr. Isaac Ayobami Olawuyi PHD and the 59th Annual Synod Diocese of Lagos, Guest Preacher, Very Revd Ayo Olu Oyadotun The Former Chaplain, Lagos State Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja at the 59th Annual 2021 Diocese of Lagos Diocese, Held at the Olorunda Circuit, Aguda, Surulere Lagos...recently

Supreme Court Reinstates Deposed Ado Ekiti Chief, Faults Monarch Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ The Supreme Court of Nigeria, has reversed the action taken by Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe on the removal of Edemo ofAdo Ekiti, Chief James BamideleAduloju.

The Apex court faulted the Ewi over the removal of Chief Aduloju as Edemo and installed one Dayo Fajemilua as replace-

ment.

Joined in the suit were: Dayo Fajemilua(1st respondent) and the Ewi of Ado Ekiti as second respondent.

TheSupremeCourtofNigeria in its Judgment delivered yesterday by Justice Samuel Oseji, affirmed Chief Aduloju as the authentic Edemo of Ado Ekiti.

Justice Oseji declared as a nullity, "the nomination and

appointment of Dayo Fajemilua asEdemoofAdo-EkitibytheEwi of Ado during the pendency of a court action,.

"I declare that Chief James Bamidele Aduloju remains the authentic Edemo ofAdo-Ekiti".

TheApexCourtalsorestrained the Ewi from suspending or deposing the reinstated Chief under no circumstance .

TheSupremeCourtalsoruled

that the actions of the trial Judge at the Ekiti State High Court, Justice I.O. Ogunmoye, which dismissed the case at the trial level amounted to abdication of judicial duty and lack of fair hearing.

In 2012, Ewi of Ado Ekiti removedChiefAdulojuasEdemo, sequel to a disagreement over landed property located along Ijan road in the state capital.

Social Media a Distraction to Nigerian Youths, Says Oyedepo

Nigeria-owned Video Platform Makes Giant Strides

Oluchi Chibuzor

Chinedu Eze

TheChancellorofCovenantUniversity(CU),Dr.DavidOyedepo has decried the negative impact of social media on the Nigerian youths stating it is distracting themfromfocusingonresourceful initiatives.

Accordingtohim,thistrendhad erodedtheabilitiesofthenation's emerginggenerationandhasled toanincreaseincybercrimesand other social vices.

The Chancellor stated this at theinstitution’s15thconvocation ceremony held in Ota yesterday, witnessed a total number 201 first class merit out of the 1664 grandaunts with first degrees and 254 higher degrees students.

Inhisremarksaddress,titled,‘A wake up call to generation on the wrong side of history', Oyedepo saidmanyyouthswerenotinvestingadequatetimeintoresourceful ventures but rather in the wrong usage of social media.

“Ialsorecentlydefinedplanning as programming to secure the presentandcapturethefuture.All of the above need time for implementation and that is the trap of socialmedia.Itunconsciouslyrobs people of their future by robbing them of their time.”

Oyedepourgedthatitwastime the nation dealt with the virus of social media before it causes the country to have zero number of heroes across all spheres of lives in years to come.

VIDYOUP, a video hosting, sharing and services platform headquartered in Lagos, has hit over30millionsubscribersacross Africa.

The company explained that VIDYOUPfocusesonthedelivery of different video contents by contentcreatorsallovertheworld across a range of devices.

Available contents include music videos, video clips, short and documentary films, audio recordings, movie trailers, live streams, and video blogs.

Most content is generated by individuals but media corporations also publish videos.

Besideswatchingandupload-

ing,registereduserscancomment on videos, rate them, create playlists and subscribe to other users The site was founded 30th July 2018 by Nkemjika Uzoma Temple(uzzyefizzy) and cofounded, built and developed

by Victory Solomon.

It’sthefirstAfricanandNigerian owned content hub which monetises for content developers and creators.Withover500advertisers patronising the platform every year because of how much traction/visitors the site enjoys on a daily basis, it has been tagged as thefastestgrowingvideosharing platform.

AllVIDYOUPuserscanupload videos up to 15 minutes each in duration.

“I feel upset, uncomfortable and unhappy about the demise of Grand Pa of Nigeria’s journalism.

For today’s event, we should be happy of his enduring legacy.”

TheDirectorofMayFiveMedia, Mr.RayEkpo,inhistributetoPrince TonyMomoh(April27,1939-February 1, 2021), described him as “JournalistofJournalists”,saying hewasamanofdignity.“Hewas professional to his finger nails…

Hemademanythingspossiblein journalism”.

On former Director General, FRCN, Mr. Ben Egbuna, John Momoh,Chairman,ChannelsTV, described him as the man with a “goldenvoice”andoneofthefinest journalistsandmediapractitioners.

“Selflessanduncompromisingin allthatisgood,Benwasathorough bred journalist, brilliant and innovative.” Lanre Idowu, CEO, Diamond Publications Ltd, describedMr.EddieAderinokun(July 1930-January3,2021)inhistribute asmulti-talentedinmusic,sports, poetry, saying he was fatal in his imaginationandcarefulinspeech.

Accordingtohim,lateAderinokun enjoyedmeetingstandardsinhis profession. “He was a noble soul thatrecognisedhisshortcomings.”

For former Publisher of Leadership Newspaper (May 1, 1962-ecember 11, 2020), Mr. Isaiah Nda-Isaiah, Mr.Azubuike Ishiekwene,Eitor-in-Chief,Leadership),describedhimasamanofbig ideaswithpatrioticspirits,saying helovedNigeriadearly.According to him, Nda-Isaiah spoke “truth to power, a bridge builder, down to earth pundit.” He said that late Isaiah believed that Nigeria was

better together.

Chairman,VanguardMediaLtd, Mr. Sam Amuka, in his tribute to Mallam Ismaila Isa (January 17, 1942-July20,2020),describedhim asasuccessfulbusinessmananda blessingtotheNigeriamedia.He saidIsmailawhowaserroneously describedasamemberofacabalin PresidentBuhari’sadministration, said he meant well for Nigeria.

FormerGeneralManager,Lagos State Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Bisi Lawrence (October 23, 1932-November 11, 2020), was described by Mr. Tony Akiolu, Managing Director, Daar Communications, as an inspiration and mentor whom he said mentored him for 30 years. “Aman of matchlesscourage,withhimthere was no cutting of corners, he was uncompromising and Lagos to him was everything.”

Consultant, Guardian Newspapers Ltd, Mr. Lade Bonuola, in his tribute to Chief Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, said he invested a lot on human development and kept public officials on their toes.

The event was attended by governors of Lagos and Ekiti states - Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun was represented by his deputy, NoimotSalako-Oyedele.Katsina StateGovernorAminuBelloMasari wasrepresentedbyhisCommissionerforInformation,Abdulkarim Yahaya Sirika. The Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, family members of the departed media leader, and media practitioners from all over the country were also at the event.

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Prelate Uche on Buhari’s Appointments “We don’t have a Federal Government; what we have is Fulani Government. For now, the President has not proved to us that this is not a Fulani government. Go and look at our security agencies, oil industry, NPA; all Fulani. Why? Are they the only people in Nigeria?

There is a hidden agenda.” – The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche, faulting President Buhari’s appointments.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari and His Many Liabilities

F

ellow Nigerians, I’m sure most of you are already overwhelmed by the endless deluge of bad news from Abuja. What makes it sadder is that for the first in a long while, President Muhammadu Buhari actually had what seemed a good international outing in Paris, France, where he was warmly received

by President Emmanuel Macron, CEOs of major corporations and some Nigerians in diaspora. How I wished his overzealous acolytes had allowed the old man to savor the modicum of success he recorded on a trip that was nearly marred at the beginning by some controversy over whether the events would hold or not.

While the President and his team from the Foreign Affairs as well as the Trade Ministries were busy working frenetically and feverishly on making the best of this trip, unlike when he was nearly picketed in London sometime ago, some members of his kitchen cabinet were busy messing up back home. This time, the latest scandal was an acerbic interview granted by no less a personage than the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), a very handsome man who at age 54 has achieved so much for himself and his family. He’s one of the most powerful men in Nigeria today and he has had his fingers in many pies. His word is supposed to be the law that everyone must respect and obey, and he is expected to promote justice and equity for every Nigerian and not for a particular tribe or faith. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be the case as Malami chose to touch the tiger by the tail when he spewed some profanities on national television without considering the repercussions. Since then, he’s known no peace.

Had he known, Malami would have navigated himself away from saying some of the things he said on Channels Television that evening. He was even lucky that the anchor of the program, Mr Seun Okinbaloye, a perfect gentleman, was charitable enough to have granted him some soft landing by not probing him deeper and opening him up for public scrutiny and odium. Otherwise, he could have roasted him with some hotter follow up questions. The obviously irritated, and easily irritable man, made no visible effort to control his anger about the raging debate concerning the senseless and mind-boggling spate of killings all over Nigeria which has necessitated the usually squeamish Southern Governors to voice out their frustrations and the unanimous decision to ban open grazing in the Southern parts of Nigeria.

Instead of Malami to sympathize with the victims of wanton killings, rape and stealing, he was busy comparing cattle rearing to a totally unrelated venture.

The Governors did not ban the Fulanis from doing their legitimate businesses. They were only restricted from wreaking further havoc on haplessly helpless Nigerians under the guise of traveling long distances with their cattle. Many of them have been confirmed to be some itinerant and incredibly violent Fulani nomads from other West African countries.

They appear to have been emboldened by the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Rather than

Buhari

place the blame for the security conundrum where it rightly belongs, some Northern elites prefer to blame others for their spectacular failure despite spending some outlandish budgets on fighting insurgency.

One of the key reasons Nigerians supported Buhari in 2015 was the fact that they expected him to be hands on and much more better and stronger than his predecessors. Even though he was not expected to know much about other items, like the economy, requiring serious attention, the general consensus was that Buhari was the best to save Nigerians from banditry, not to compound it. Sadly, six years after getting power, Buhari seems definitely more confused than President Goodluck Jonathan that was called unprintable names. But patience is very good and ultimately rewarding. The ways of God are definitely not the ways of ordinary mortals. The Buhari that was apotheosized to the level of an omnipotent ruler has become a hawk that cannot even snatch ordinary chickens!

So you can now imagine how Minister Malami rubbed pepper on our festering wounds by spitting his vituperation without any justification for doing so. The Minister displayed no empathy but complete arrogance.

Unfortunately, like all men of power, he forgot that there’s always a terminal date for all forms of tyranny when slaves will be forced to kick against the predators. Most leader hardly prepare for that auspicious moment. Tyrants always take delight in the weakness of their victims and they just assume they can never seek their freedom from servitude. This was Malami’s error of judgment and he’s paying dearly for it right now and the hullabaloo is not likely to go away soon.

Let’s thank Buhari for some favors he’s done for us. The most important one is that his government has pummeled us so much and trampled on us in the mud that he has now opened our eyes to the fact that “a man who’s down should fear no fall.”

Nigerians are now used to anything they throw at us. Such is life. But many are now determined to reject the perennial insults.

More and more people are now speaking up and I’m so proud of them. Some of our political leaders now understand the fact

that new power blocks are emerging from the grassroots and throwing up the Nnamdi Kanus, Gani Adams and Sunday Igbohos at grassroots levels. These men wield incredible influence on their people.

Only if the Malamis of this world knew how angered and bitter most Nigerians are, he would never have dared pounce on them the way he did in that interview.

Now, I can confirm that most Nigerians have lost hope in anything tangible coming out of Buhari’s government and they have decided to live and survive like orphans in the next two years. Malami thus misfired outlandishly when he compared the herdsmen to spare-parts dealers. He merely fell short of mentioning the Igbo traders who litter different parts of Nigeria. One could easily feel his, undisguised, deep seated anger against the Igbo, whose only “crime” was fighting to have their Biafra nation. They lost the battle eventually, lost millions of lives on both sides, lost their properties but never lost their pride and capacity for hard work.

There is nowhere you go today in this wide world that you won’t find Igbo people doing great work and performing wonders. But the North in particular never got over the killings, or more appropriately, the genocide that took place across the divides. 40 years after the civil war ended, we are virtually back to square one because we’ve refused to learn any lesson about true reconciliation.

Malami, wittingly or inadvertently, reopened the old sores. This he did at a time most Nigerians in the South are sick and tired of the unbridled arrogance they’ve had to endure for decades from their Northern counterparts.

If truth must be told, this master/servant relationship between the North and South has reached its final crescendo. It no longer matters to the people if the military continue to pursue defenseless citizens into their homes in the South East while studiously ignoring the main hooligans who have reduced a once great country to the level of Libya and Somalia with warlords in every part.

I’m sure the Malamis are misreading the situation in the South because of some Governors who have been joining the ruling party APC. Sadly, our politicians never learn from even our contemporary history. How can any reasonable soul jump into a party that has clearly divided Nigeria across ethnic and religious lines, pauperized the people more than ever, over-borrowed to fund government profligacy, and speedily leading us to avoidable war! Of what use is a Governor who jumped ship without majority of his people following him? Of what use is a party that is known and certified to use and dump its benefactors?

By this time next year, Buhari himself would have become a lame duck and would have carried a burden heavier than elephant and all those jumping now would soon realize that they’ve jumped from frying pan into fire! There is no miracle left for Buhari’s government to perform in less than two years that he couldn’t do in six years. If all the PDP Governors like, let them jump into APC. We shall wait patiently to sing their requiem, sooner rather than later. It won’t take too long. I remember in the twilight days of Dr Olusegun Mimiko in Ondo State when he jumped out of the Labour Party that gave him his gubernatorial tickets twice into PDP. I wrote an article that got him and his Commissioner for Information angry.

But he later told me that the pressure on him was much them but that I was indeed right and his wife had also cautioned him against the decision but it was too late then.

Those who think they can be protected by Buhari and APC would soon realize that they are actually not the President’s priority.

Anyone who has studied Buhari well would know he does not worry himself too much about others. APC has since locked out the Tinubus who gave their all to make him President. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole must still be wondering what hit him. Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has only escaped, so far, by the whiskers! But see how courageous people like former Governor Peter Ayodele Fayose, are managing their lives and able to speak up their minds instead of being manacled inside a tyrannical party. Is it not better to serve in heaven than to reign in hell?

A good leader must know his onions. If Malami had hoped to bully the Southern Governors into submission, he missed his target. Instead, he got what he did not bargain for when Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), Mr Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Mike Ozekhome, Chief Kayode Ajulo and others released a plethora of legal education and reorientation for his tutorials.

What the Malamis have succeeded in doing is to unite those who would never have worked together in the past. Unless the peoples of the South East, South South, South West and Middle belt have been spiritually sentenced to everlasting slavery, this is the best opportunity for them to work together. What can kill the union is the selfishness and egocentricity of some ambitious politicians who may refuse to join the search for consensus candidates.

If they can overcome this by agreeing to step down for a very good and generally acceptable candidate, no matter where he or she comes from, the battle is over!

Why the IG of Police Must Rescue Lagos Lagos State, the heartbeat of Nigeria, is under siege and it is terrible! The bandits have finally penetrated and ready inflict pain on the people who are already bearing so much under Buhari’s government. Most of the bandits themselves are complaining of lack of jobs.

I believe the solution lies in an urgent intervention from the top. Thousands of security personnel should be injected

immediately into the system before insecurity destroys Lagos. It is not easy to maintain a mega city like Lagos. The security architecture should immediately include heavy presence of intelligence officers.

Lagos is too precious and strategic and should not be allowed to perish like many other Nigerian cities suffering from all manner of debilitating challenges...

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