SATURDAY 12TH JUNE 2021

Senate President: Nigeria Needs Twitter Just as Twitter Needs Nigeria Micro-blogging site says it’s ready to meet with Nigerian government for ‘open discussion' Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Bennett Oghifo in Lagos President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan yesterday said he was optimistic that the row between the federal

government and Twitter over the suspension imposed on the micro-blogging site would be resolved soon, stating that Nigeria needs Twitter as much as the platform needs the nation.

On the same day, Twitter announced that it had contacted the federal government for dialogue and resolution of the crisis.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, titled,

"Behold the Silver Lining in Nigeria," to mark the second anniversary of the Ninth Senate, Lawan explained that the federal government was already talking with Twitter to resolve their differences.

The Senate President, in his reaction, the first since the federal government banned Twitter’s operations a week ago, said: “The honourable minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, informed

Nigerians that they are talking with Twitter to resolve this matter. Our belief is that Nigeria needs Twitter just as much as Twitter needs Continued on page 5

Bandits Kill Student, Abduct 10 Others at Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic… Page 8 Saturday 12 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9560

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On Democracy Day, Buhari Vows to Punish ‘Enemies of State’ Atiku, Tinubu, Saraki chart way forward for Nigeria Deji Elumoye and Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Festus Akanbi in Lagos President

Muhammadu

Buhari, in a national broadcast this morning to mark Democracy Day, vowed to ensure that the “enemies of state sponsoring crises across

the nation” are punished, adding that the trial of those arrested so far would start in earnest.

Also on the occasion of

Democracy Day, prominent Nigerians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; National Leader, All Peoples Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed

Tinubu; former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday called for genuine collaboration among

the citizens of Nigeria in the collective struggle to reinforce democratic governance in the Continued on page 5

Insecurity: In Search of Solution, FG Delegation Parleys South-east Govs Region's leaders reiterate opposition to secession Ugwuanyi: Meeting, a positive step towards solving our security challenges Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu Obviously disturbed by the intractable spate of violence in the South-east in recent times, the federal government yesterday sent a delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, Retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, to parley with the governors of the five states in the region in order to chart a way forward.

The closed-door meeting at the Government House, Enugu, also had in attendance other leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions in the zone, and after deliberating on the security challenges confronting the region in particular and Nigeria in general, they reiterated their commitment

to peace, unity and stability of the country.

The South-east has in the last six months witnessed large-scale arson of public buildings and willful killing of innocent citizens, particularly security operatives, including those of the Nigerian Police whose major facilities were attacked and burnt. Some offices of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) were burnt along with sensitive materials and inmates were freed from some facilities of the Nigeria Correctional Service in the zone.

The Defence Minister, Magashi, disclosed that the delegation would relay the commitment reached at the parley and other outcomes of Continued on page 5

It's Restructuring or Nothing, NADECO Insists... Page 61

SUPPORTING SECURITY AGENCIES...

L-R: Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba and Governor Dapo Abiodun, commissioning the vehicles and operational gadgets donated by the state’s government to security agencies in Abeokuta…yesterday.

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PAGE FIVE INSECURITY: IN SEARCH OF SOLUTION, FG DELEGATION PARLEYS SOUTH-EAST GOVS the consultation to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Defence Minister, who was accompanied by his Interior Ministry counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola and the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, explained that they were in Enugu for a consultative meeting with leaders of the South-east zone on the issues of instability and criminality, at the instance of President Buhari.

He added that the meeting agreed that there were fundamental issues that needed to be addressed in the South-east region.

The leader of the Presidential delegation stated that one of the issues is the farmers/herders conflict which he said “will be given the necessary treatment to stop this menace all over the country, from the perspective of national interest.”

Magashi revealed that the second issue they discussed was the problem of marginalisation, stressing: “it is well accepted and further discussion will continue

after we have met with Mr. President to see their grievances, and after, the governors will articulate the grievances, so that we can have further discussion on them.”

The Minister further disclosed that the delegation endorsed the Community Policing Model of the Southeast governors, adding: “it should be encouraged because we have set precedence in the Amotekun in the Western part of the country.”

He said: “We appreciate our discussions. We are most humbled and I think each one of us; the governors, the elders, the religious leaders, were able to say one or two things.

“We would put our heads together to see that peace and stability of this nation are brought back to normalcy in no distance time.

“We are appealing to the media to report the positive side of government and encourage us to pursue legitimate ways in which we can bring peace and stability

to this country.”

In an address at the meeting, the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of South-east Governors Forum, David Umahi, on behalf of the leaders of the zone, restated their commitment to national unity, saying that “this sincere commitment is a new dawn not only to South East but to entire Nigeria.”

Commenting on the ban on open grazing, Umahi said: “Just on a very minor specifics for the emphasis of our people, we discussed the issue of ban on open grazing and, of course, this delegation is in support of this ban on open grazing and we also informed the delegation that each of the South-east states has laws in this respect.”

The South-east Governors Forum Chairman noted that the commitment of the federal government towards addressing all the issues pertaining to herdsmen in the South East was very important.

He stated that the governors had agreed to

articulate all the grievances and concerns of the people of the South East “as spelt out by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo,” saying: “We are happy that there is genuine willingness for further dialogue on such issues.”

Umahi maintained that Ebubeagu was the only recognised local security outfit in the South-east, emphasizing: “No other security outfit is speaking for South-east and this is the position of Ndigbo.”

According to him, “We are committed to one united Nigeria; we have always mentioned this; all our leaders are committed to this and that is why we read it everywhere, a united Nigeria of fairness, equity and equality of freedom and this we have further expressed.

“Those who dish out hate speeches from our region, threat of violence or secession do not speak for South East.

I repeat, we the South-east people are not for secession, we don’t support it; we don’t call for it.

“We condemn the killings of security men and innocent people in the South-east and the governors are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of our people. We are supporting the security agencies. We finally appeal to our people to continue to engage our youths to eschew violence.”

Earlier in his opening remark, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State described the Town Hall meeting as timely and apt, expressing optimism that the outcome of the meeting would address the security challenges in the South-east zone.

Ugwuanyi, who stressed the need for all government structures to uphold the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, said that the consultation with the federal government delegation and critical stakeholders of the South-east zone, on the current security challenges, “underscores the centrality of this security responsibility

in our consideration.”

The Enugu State Governor thanked President Buhari for sending the Federal Government delegation to consult with the leaders of the zone.

Other South East leaders at the meeting were the Governors of Abia and Imo states, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Hope Uzodinma, respectively; Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb. Prof. George Obiozor, former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani, Senator Ike Ekweramadu, Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Toby Okechukwu, Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Edward Ubosi, former Governor of old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, Chief Nnia Nwodo, among others.

Atiku, Tinubu, Saraki Chart Way Forward for Nigeria

collective struggle to reinforce democratic governance in the country, despite the intimidation, harassment and rights violations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Federal Government.

ON DEMOCRACY DAY, BUHARI VOWS TO PUNISH ‘ENEMIES OF STATE’ country.

The President in the Democracy Day broadcast reviewed his administration’s six years in office and concluded that much still needed to be done by him for Nigerians “despite the score of achievements recorded so far.”

Buhari said: "I will be the first to admit that in spite of our efforts and achievements which are there for all to see, there is still much more to be done and we are doing our best in the face of scarce resources and galloping population growth rate that consistently outstrips our capacity to provide jobs for our populace."

He disclosed that security challenges facing the nation are being tackled frontally but added that “some criminally minded people” are thwarting his government's efforts.

The President said: "When you elected me as your President in 2015, you did so knowing that I will put an end to the growing insecurity, especially the insurgency in the North East, but the unintended consequences of our scattering them in the North East pushed them further in-country which is what we are now facing and dealing with. We will, by the Grace of God put an end to these challenges too.

"Unfortunately, like in most conflict situations, some Nigerian criminals are taking

undue advantage of a difficult situation and profiteering therefrom with the misguided belief that adherence to the democratic norms handicaps this Administration from frontally and decisively tackling them. We are already addressing these obstacles and we will soon bring some of these culprits to justice".

He expressed his commitment towards providing an enabling environment for a free, fair and credible electoral system while his tenure lasts.

The President however advised Nigerians to play their part by getting involved at any level by “supporting a democratic system that works for all and not for a section or a select few and demand accountability from your elected leaders".

The President adds: "My commitment towards bequeathing a sustainable democratic culture remains resolute, my pursuit of a fair society remains unshaken and my desire to see that Nigeria remains a country for each and every one of us has never been stronger."

He also said his government was not against the campaign by some people for constitutional amendments to address the issue of marginalisation but stressed that the legislative arm has the constitutional power to address such matters.

The President said: "In responding to the challenges that this period imposes on us, government also recognises the need to acknowledge notions of marginalisation and agitations for constitutional amendments among various segments of our population.

"While this government is not averse to constitutional reform as part of our nation building process, everyone must understand that the primary responsibility for constitutional amendments lies with the National Assembly.

"This body which, as I said, is the arm of government responsible for constitutional changes has concluded the preliminary stages of amending and improving our constitution in a way that the majority of Nigerians will be happy with.

Government is however willing to play a critical role in the constitutional amendment process without usurping the powers of the National Assembly in this regard".

On his administration’s achievements, the President said they include: "Interventions led by Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria driving economic growth over the past six years, targeted mostly to the agricultural, services, infrastructure, power and health care sectors of the economy.

"In the manufacturing sector the CBN – BOI N200

billion facility financed the establishment and operations of 60 new industrial hubs across the country, creating an estimated 890,000 direct and indirect jobs.

"The CBN’s N50 billion Textile Sector intervention Facility increased capacity utilization of ginneries from 30% to nearly 90%.

"The Economic Sustainability Plan – our rebound plan for the COVID-19 pandemic developed in 2020 is currently being executed. The plan is primarily focused on the non-oil sector, which has recorded phenomenal growth contributing over 90% to the GDP growth in Q1 2021.

Though marginal we have recorded GDP growth over two quarters; Q2 2020 and Q1 2021. This is evidence of a successful execution of the ESP by the Federal Government.

"My vision of pulling 100 million poor Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years has been put into action and can be seen in the National Social Investment Programme, a first in Africa and one of the largest in the world where over 32.6m beneficiaries are taking part. We now have a National Social register of poor and vulnerable households, identified across 708 local government areas, 8,723 wards and 86,610 communities in the 36 States and the FCT".

Also on the occasion of Democracy Day, prominent Nigerians, yesterday called for genuine collaboration among the citizens of Nigeria in the collective struggle to reinforce democratic governance in the country.

Atiku, in a special message to commemorate the Democracy Day, described the historic June 12 election of 1993 as a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, insisting that the most important lesson of June 12 is that Nigerians should be united in the defence of democracy and “resist the divide and rule tactics of the enemies of democracy.”

On his part, Saraki, who described democracy as the best system in evolving a modern government and that it remains the most acceptable globally, however lamented that Nigeria’s democracy has not given birth to good governance.

In his Democracy Day message, Tinubu called on Nigerians to defend democracy, saying good democratic governance is the only solution to various challenges confronting Nigeria.

The PDP, in a statement enjoined Nigerians not to give up in the genuine

Atiku: We must not lose Lessons of June In a statement he personally signed. Atiku said: "It is undoubtable that the historic June 12 election of 1993 was a dark chapter in Nigeria's chequered political history, but we shouldn't lose the lessons as we build our democracy to greater heights.

"On the occasion of 2021 Democracy Day, I'm proud to join Nigerians in the celebration of this important day in our recent political history not only because I was part of those challenging moments, but also because of my unshaken belief in democracy.

"Although the annulment of MKO Abiola's election was a major setback, my consolation is that it made Nigerians more united to resist dictatorship and entrench democracy."

The former vice president said that the illegal cancellation of the results of the 1993 presidential election was not a personal loss to Abiola, but a loss to Nigeria and its democracy.

Continued on page 63

SENATE PRESIDENT: NIGERIA NEEDS TWITTER JUST AS TWITTER NEEDS NIGERIA Nigeria.

“We believe that the matter between Twitter and the federal government of Nigeria will be resolved. But beyond that, I’m an optimist; I believe all of us have learnt our lessons.”

Lawan also took an overview of the nation's current security and economic situations and concluded that “this is the worst shape Nigeria can find itself.”

He described Nigeria's rising debt profile as “necessary burden.”

He said: "I believe this is the worse level we can get, we can't get worse than this; it can only get better."

He noted that in the last one week, leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Abdusalam Abubukar, religious leaders

and others had been coming together to proffer solution to the problems bedeviling the nation.

"I believe we are going to have a reversal of this situation. We should not be despair, we should be optimistic. Other countries were like this before and they came out, we will come out," Lawan said.

Explaining why the National Assembly shouldn't be described as rubber stamp, Lawan said: "This is a regular music. There is always a price to pay for everything. By the grace of God, I am 22 years in the National Assembly. As a student of the legislature and parliament generally, I understood there is need for partnership and cordial relationship between us as

legislature first.

"When I was elected, senators across divide voted for me. They wanted a bi-partisan chamber. We were able to bring ourselves together in both formal and informal way. The next one is our relationship with the House. Apart from confirmation, every legislation requires concurrence. We have been on the same page.

"The next level is the level of the National Assembly as an institution working with the executive arm of government."

He disagreed with the insinuation that the current constitutional amendment programme of the National Assembly was another round of jamboree, saying, "It's not a jamboree. There were amendments in the past. The

Not-too-young to run was part of the amendment.

"The National Assembly passed the state assemblies’ autonomy but what happened?

The state assemblies turned it down. We need the local government to function.

The bulk of the people are in the local government. The National Assembly is honest.

What we are doing is honest, if we make mistake, call us to order. 108 senators and 359 House of Representatives members will vote to achieve consensus."

According to him, it was high time Nigerians stop misinterpreting the resolve of the 9th National Assembly to work cordially with the executive arm of government.

He said: "This Senate and the National Assembly

have shown exceptional patriotism in seeking solutions to the challenges facing our dear country, and in the interventions we have made to some emergencies that confronted us in the last two years.

"We have been resolute in our approaches, committed in our deliberations, and forward looking in the regulatory frameworks that we proffered, cognisance of our goal as legislators eager to leave a lasting legacy."

Twitter: We Are Ready to Meet with Nigerian Government for Open Discussion Twiter in a statement posted yesterday said: “Today marks

one week since Twitter was blocked in Nigeria. We have informed the Nigerian government that we are ready to meet for an open discussion to address mutual concerns and see the service restored.

We remain advocates for the free and #OpenInternet everywhere. #KeepitOn.” The Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed announced the suspension a week ago after the government alleged that the micro-blogging site was being used to undermine "Nigeria's corporate existence through the spreading of fake news that have "violent consequences."

This was after Twitter took down a controversial tweet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2021

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

Bandits Kill Student, Abduct 10 Others at Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic Pregnant undergraduate among abductees

John Shiklam ÓØ ËÎßØË One student died while 10 others were abducted when bandits raided the main campus of the Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State on Thursday night.

A young pregnant student,

Fatima Muhammad was among the students abducted, according to an account by one Radeeyah Beentu Musah, who said Fatima was abducted along with another course mate, simply identified as Hauwa.

The dead student, an HND II Statistics scholar, was shot by

Only N’Assembly can Deal with Issues of Restructuring, Federalism, Says Buhari Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday broke his silence over the contentious issues of restructuring and true federalism/devolution of power, saying they were constitutional issues which only the National Assembly could handle.

He, however, stressed his belief in devolving more power to the people.

President Buhari spoke while receiving in audience members of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by CoChairmen, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. Samson Supo Ayokunle, at the State House, Abuja.

The President said: “On the contentious issue of restructuring or true federalism or devolution of powers, like you all know, this is a constitutional matter with which only the National Assembly can deal.

“I remain an unapologetic believer in devolving power to the people and that is why I signed the Executive Order granting autonomy to State Legislature and Judiciary.

Unfortunately, this was met with some resistance at the state level and led to a more than two months strike action that has cost the country a lot of pain.

“Luckily the National Assembly has nearly completed the constitutional review process, which I hope would address some of the burning issues agitating the minds of our people.’’

He assured that efforts were already on to create a more conducive environment to address both direct and indirect causes of challenges including areas of job creation and employment generation, while appreciating religious leaders for their significant roles in national development, particularly in shaping perspectives.

“Your role is critical in putting the correct perspective out to Nigerians,’’ he said.

On security, the President told the religious leaders that the government was already going after financiers of criminal elements, who also supply them with arms, but were constrained by the strike by

Judiciary workers.

According to him, “Fortunately, this strike has been called off and prosecution of some of these people would soon commence, while our security agencies expand their network in closing in on the others”.

President Buhari assured that the administration remained committed to “quickly pushing this dark side of our history behind us and we are currently making sure that funding would not hamper our efforts.’’

According to him, the last Federal Executive Council meeting approved some funds for the security agencies, which would be put to judicious use.

“As I mentioned yesterday, in Lagos, we would not relent in our efforts at clearing these criminals from all parts of our land including the forests,’’ he said.

President Buhari said government had the major part to play in providing security, adding: “but besides the imperative to abide by democratic processes is the important aspect of support of the citizenry to the security agencies by providing relevant and timely information.’’

“I must confess that I am more pained than anyone can imagine with the on-going security challenges because, like you noted during your meeting, they have increased the hunger, pain and anger in the land,’’ he noted.

The President thanked the religious leaders for their patriotism and commitment to ensuring peace and understanding.

His words: “I have listened to you and I am particularly happy that your meeting clearly identified specific and major roles for both the Government and the people of Nigeria. This is what has been lacking for some time in the national discourse on addressing our current security challenges.’’

In their comments, the Sultan of Sokoto, and President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) thanked the President for the onerous assignment of leading the country, advising government to fund the armed forces better to confront myriad of security challenges facing the country, block sources of illegal arms, publish names of those funding terrorism and try them.

the hoodlums and died in the hospital yesterday morning.

However, three of the victims were released yesterday morning.

The incident, according to sources in the school, occurred at about 11pm on Thursday at the campus of the institution located along the Zaria- Kaduna Express Way. The source said the bandits, who were in large number, shot sporadically upon entering the school.

“Those abducted included two academic staff and two children of one of the staff. The woman and her two children were the ones released yesterday morning,” said the source.

This is the second time the school is being attacked by gunmen. On November 15, 2020, bandits stormed the school in

the night and abducted a staff and his two children.

The Kaduna State Government yesterday confirmed the attack at the Polytechnic.

In a statement, Samuel Aruwan, the state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said security agencies had briefed the state government on the attack.

Aruwan said the security briefings indicated that the bandits invaded the staff quarters of the campus, shooting sporadically.

He said in the process, two students - Ahmad Muhammad and Haruna Duniya - were hit and both sustained injuries.

Aruwan said the wounded students were taken to hospital for medical attention, but “sadly, Ahmad Muhammad succumbed to his wounds and died early

this morning. Haruna Isyaku Duniya is still receiving treatment.”

Aruwan added: “Governor Nasir El-Rufai received the briefing with sadness and prayed for the repose of the soul of the student killed, while sending condolences to his family. He wished the injured student a speedy recovery.

“As at the time of this update, senior government officials and security agencies are conducting security assessments and interfacing with the management and students of the institution.

The public will be updated on further developments.”

Kaduna has witnessed a surge in kidnapping and banditry in recent times.

The latest incident makes it the fourth attack on a school in the state this year.

Meanwhile, some gunmen have kidnapped a three-monthold baby and five women at Anguwar Epe, behind Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Tungan-Maje, Abuja.

An eyewitness identified as Ishaku said the incident occurred around 10:23pm on Tuesday June 8. He said some of the kidnappers, who took strategic positions in the community, shot sporadically into the air to scare neighbours and security agents from coming after them.

Ishaku also said that the kidnappers had already left with their victims before policemen arrived.

He said: “They came through the big mountain behind the Epe, positioned themselves and invaded two houses and whisked away a three-month-old child alongside five women.”

BIRTHING A COMPLEX. . .

L-R: Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services, Mr. Bala Wunti; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva; Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mallam Mele Kyari; and Director, ZED Energy, Mr. Onesie Obende, at the Execution of Brass Petroleum Products Terminal held in Abuja...yesterday.

Obasanjo: Why I, Other Leaders Met in Abuja Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË

Former Nigeria’s President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has given reasons why he and other prominent leaders and elderstatesmen met in Abuja on Thursday.

Obasanjo who spoke to some journalists at the lobby of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, in Abuja yesterday gave more insight into what was discussed at the Thursday meeting.

He said that the agenda of the meeting which lasted several hours included issues ranging from “security, economy, welfare, well-being and unity and progress of Nigeria.”

He said:” We are made up of former Heads of State and President, former Chief Justice of

Nigeria, former National Security Adviser. It also included organised Labour, academia, women and groups representatives. Those who couldn’t be physically present sent apologies like the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Professor Wole Soyinka, Emeka Anyaoku.

“We acknowledged the letter written in response to our own letter informing the President about our meeting and his goodwill message that the outcome of our meeting will be of interest to him.

“We spoke frankly amongst ourselves after discussing relevant issues of security and economy.

We were long on statements but short on action.”

However, when asked about the outcome or resolution of the

meeting, he said: “We decided that our communique won’t be issued until after submitting our report to the President.”

He said that Nigerians would soon understand the motive of the meeting of the coalition through its actions.

“Actions on our part and other people’s part that are of immediate requirements, you will be seeing them.

“We pledge to ourselves to change the narratives, we have to start building confidence and be reaching out. From now on, you will hear from our actions on the outcome of our deliberations.”

Obasanjo said the leaders who met under the auspices the Committee for Goodness of

Nigeria (CGN) had agreed to present its communique to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), who, he said, was duly notified of the meeting and its agenda before its commencement.

According to him, members of the group agreed in principle to formally present their resolutions to President Buhari before making it public.

Among those present at the Thursday meeting included, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan; former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), and former National Security Adviser, General Aliyu Gusau (retd).

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COMMENTARY

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: LESSONS ON LEADERSHIP The victory of Chelsea holds lessons for everyone, writes Olaoluwa Fadairo

T

he Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions league is the most prestigious club competition in Europe as of date. It came about as a new version of the European cup in 1992/1993 session. This years’ competition started with 32 teams who played in the group stages with only two teams Manchester City Football Club (ManCity) and Chelsea Football Club emerging as finalists. A total of 250 matches were played in the competition and incidentally Mancity had the highest attempts at goal (170) while Chelsea the Champions in this year’s competition committed the most fouls (182) but then also one of top five teams with highest goals in the competition.

Looking at the entire competition there are key learning points for leaders and would be leaders which I will share in this piece.

First, in all human endeavors discipline as well as focus are key success factors that cannot be relegated to the background. You may not know many things but whatever few things you know or do be the best at it. Chelsea went into the competition not well prized to progress far and in the finals the team was the clear underdog. However with the team’s competence in defense and counter attacking football they emerged victorious. This brings to minds the story of the fox and the hedgehog by renown author Jim Collins. The fox knows many tricks but the fox knows one big thing. The fox in its cunningness will come against the Hedgehog using diverse tricks to prey on the Hedgehog but the latter at any time will shoot out its defensive spike. Leaders, individual companies and countries that will succeed must focus on its distinctive strength and competence and be the best of what they are to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. You don’t have to be everywhere doing everything after all you are not an Atlas.

Do not get complacent when you succeed or despair when you fail. The two managers parading their teams in the finals have a lot of contrasts. Pep Guardiola who manages Mancity had won the competition many times with his old club Barcelona while Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea got his first final with old club PSG but lost in 2020. In the world that changes faster than the speed of light where assets become

LEADERS, INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES AND COUNTRIES THAT WILL SUCCEED MUST FOCUS ON ITS DISTINCTIVE STRENGTH AND COMPETENCE AND BE THE BEST OF WHAT THEY ARE TO SUCCEED IN TODAY’S EVER-CHANGING WORLD

liabilities, and strengths easily become weakness the things that cumulated in past successes will not in any way guarantee future success. Success is not an entitlement you need to work it. Failure on the other hand is a pathway to success. Thomas Edison made 5000 attempts to create the light bulb. In the word of Winston Churchill, success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts.

Permit me also to say history has a great place in everything we do. Before you get involved in project do your research and be sure you get acquainted with your planned project or investment. Research shows that from year 2000 till date no team making its debut in the final of the UEFA champions league ever wins.

For example in 2019 Tottenham Football Club played its first final but lost to Liverpool while in 2020 PSG played its first final and lost to Bayern Munich and then now in 2021 ManCity plays its first final and also lost to Chelsea. Follow your money, don’t invest in what you don’t know or understand. History of the end of Ponzi investment is always a common bitter end.

Invest, build capacity and follow your dream.

Mancity invested a whopping sum of GBP62m to sign Ruben Dias, a world class defender as shown in his performance in the Premier and Champions leagues while Chelsea equally invested millions of pounds to sign Kai Havetz and other players to strengthen the team an investment some counted as ”wasteful”. But on the final day it counts as Havetz justified his club’s huge investment and trust by scoring the crucial winning goal of the day. Leaders should learn to empower their teams, value their contributions and help to play to their strength. Leaders must invest, empower and support team members to achieve team’s goals and objectives.

While congratulating the Chelsea Football Club, the manager and the vivacious and vociferous supporters of the Club, it is needful to say success creates new expectations and challenges and leaders need to build momentum to create both an enduring and sustainable success.

Fadairo is a Finance and Tax Expert based in Port Harcourt

NIGERIA AS W/AFRICA’S AUTO MANUFACTURING HUB? Siaka Momoh argues that the country has what it takes to be one

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hy not? With a population of about 200 million, Nigeria, the most populated and the richest in the West African sub-region should no doubt be an automobile manufacturing hub for the sub-region.

But big Nigeria cannot because of its infrastructural deficiency.

The automobile industry requires huge supply of power to work. It also needs flat steel sheets with which vehicle bodies are built.

Nigeria has neither of these two.

Nigeria’s power supply is not only inadequate but epileptic. Our steel industry is lame duck. Even if it is working, it is not designed to manufacture flat sheets.

The plan to develop the Iron and Steel Sector began with the Yakubu Gowon regime with the formation of National Steel Development Authority (NSDA) in 1971. Basir Borodo, former president, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria who has been a player in the Nigerian industrial sector for over 40 years, attested to this in an interview with yours sincerely.

The mandate of the authority was essentially to develop the steel sector. What followed was the formation of various steel companies during the General Murtala Mohammed/Obasanjo Regime. These companies started realizing their potential during the Shagari administration. The companies include Ajaokuta Steel Company, Kogi State; National Iron

Ore Mining Company Itakpe, Kogi State; Delta Steel Company, Ovwian, Aladja, Delta State; Jos Steel Rolling Company, Jos Plateau State; Katsina Steel Rolling Company, Katsina State; Oshogbo Steel Rolling Company, Osun State; National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency, Kaduna State; National Metallurgical Development Centre, Jos Plateau State; and Metallurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, Anambra State.

A mouthful; but they never realised their full potential.

The Western World, through their institutions, the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), are responsible for the stalling of the steel projects. Development of the Steel Industry in third world countries which includes Nigeria, to them, is uneconomical and so should not be touched, should not be considered. They drew on the sham David Ricardo theory of comparative cost advantage that Africa should not develop steel industry but export their raw materials to the metropolitan West and buy finished steel from them. The Soviet Union agreed to develop the Iron and Steel Industry for Nigeria; the civil works given to the West grounded it.

Ajaokuta has gone through many hands. The plant was 90 percent built by Russia’s Tyazyproexport and designed to use local ore and imported coal. Nigeria signed a concession agreement with Isp at unit Global Infrastructure Holding Ltd. to revive the uncompleted 1.3

million tonnes-per-year mill after the collapse of an earlier $3.6 billion 10-year deal with UK-registered Solgas Energy Limited. What we witnessed thereafter was the plundering of the plant’s machinery.

The point has also been made that Nigeria does not have the market to sustain automobile manufacturing.

Nigeria, informed industry players have argued, with a population of about 200 million, buys only 70,000 new cars and 350,000 used cars annually. It is argued Nigeria should buy about 1.4 million cars yearly.

But it is not impossible to join the automobile manufacturing club if the gaps cited here are closed. We must however take our time. It is not something we should do in a hurry. We have the South Korea experience to draw from. The South Korea’s automotive industry is currently the fifth-largest in the world measured by automobile unit production and the sixth-largest by automobile export volume. It started with mere assembling of parts like Nigeria did. These were parts imported from Japan and the United States.

And today, Korea is among the most advanced automobile-producing countries in the world. Annual domestic output first exceeded one million units in 1988. In the 1990s, the industry manufactured numerous in-house models, demonstrating not only its capabilities in terms of design, performance, and technology, but also signaling its coming of

age.

In fact, the Korean automotive industry began in August 1955, when Choi Mu-seong, a Korean businessman, and two of his brothers (Choi Hae-seong and Choi Soon-seong), mounted a modified and localized jeep engine on a US military jeep style car body, made with the sheet metal from junk oil drum can, and military junk Jeep parts, to manufacture its first car, called the Sibal. Today, Korea exports cars in numbers that overshoot the million mark, to the Americas. In 1990 for instance, Hyundai’s cumulative exports to the U.S exceeded one million.

So what do we do? Work on power and make it work. If power works, the steel industry will work, manufacturing industry in general will work, and the middle class will bounce back. In short, the economy will fly high. What will follow are strong purchasing power and more buyers for cars.

The Korean automobile industry also grew by leveraging on strategic alliances. We can do same and insist on technology transfer. We can also grow demand by growing the BRT transport model that Lagos State has commenced. Other states can start it. Ghana has bought into it.

Other countries in the West African sub-region can be made to buy into it also. All these mean bigger market for automobile.

Momoh, editor of EnterpriseNow, wrote from Lagos

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JUNE 12, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Worthy of praise...

Buhari: Insecurity, No. Infrastructure, Yes

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s a critic oathed to only hunt for faults?

Should he be impervious to hope, optimism and positivity or should he be amenable to fairness, truth and sanguinity – even if the facts are not in harmony with his public posture?

It is customary here once you are branded a ‘’critic’’ of the government you are expected to only breathe fire like a dragon – ‘’see no good, speak no good; – just attack and attack’’.

This is the fallout out of militarised socialisation – a hangover of military-era opposition.

During Nigeria’s military rule, scorched-earth activism/criticism was the definitive approach to the government and rightly so. Down with the Kaiser! If you betray any emotion for the Kaiser, then you are a traitor who must be hanged ‘’comrade-style’’.

I used to be that guerrilla critic; always hungry for an attack. And truly so, there were always reasons – good reasons. But I realised that if you prime yourself for complaints and fault-finding, you will always have reasons. You only see what you want to see. This does not vitiate the very important task of holding the government to account. No! Insecurity remains a detraction to the achievements of the Buhari administration.

While most of us agree that the performance of the government on security has not been impressive, very few may want to acknowledge the fact that President Buhari has made appreciable gains on infrastructure.

The Buhari administration has done well on infrastructure. It is a leap from where we used to be. We can agree that security remains a challenge but still acknowledge the good outcomes when we see them. At a time Nigeria was fortuned by favourable crude oil prices – in the past administration – funds for infrastructure were either diverted or frittered away. Contracts were awarded as a meal for political cronies. I am aware that the contract for a famous road in Abuja was awarded without a design – but funds were paid to the contractor who happens to be a cousin of the former president. That road was abandoned afterwards.

Let me get down to brass tacks. On rail, the 157km Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge rail was inaugurated Thursday. The benefits of this infrastructure are immense. The project is a relief for those who ply the tortuous LagosIbadan road. The 327km Itakpe-Warri standardgauge rail was completed and inaugurated 33 years after construction began. Abuja light rail was completed in 2018. Financing negotiations for Ibadan-Kano standard-gauge rail project are

also in progress.

Some road projects have been completed and more are in progress. Also, more than N360 billion worth of Sukuk Bonds was raised in 2017 for many crucial road projects across all the six geopolitical zones. New terminals for international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt were completed. The construction of new runways for Abuja and Enugu international airports was also completed.

Yet it appears insecurity is eclipsing the achievements of the Buhari administration in this area. The basic responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property. We can only ride on the train and use the roads if we are alive. In fact, road trips have become an attempt at self-murder. The roads are gravely unsafe. Security comes first in the hierarchy of needs. It is the nucleus.

The Buhari administration must do well to address insecurity – for its own reckoning. Any achievement it records in other sectors will be obviated and dampened by daily episodes of killings and kidnappings.

The administration will be cheered and applauded by more Nigerians for its achievements when it saves Nigeria from the grim reaper rampaging everywhere in the country.

Fredrick Nwabufo, fredricknwabufo@ yahoo.com

KASU Tuition Fees

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t is no longer news that Kaduna State government has increased the tuition fees of its higher institutions. Badly affected are the students of Kaduna State University (KASU). These students who came mostly from poor families are expected to pay N200,000 as their tuition fees as against N26,000 they used to pay. Disturbed by this development, last week, the students staged a peaceful protest to call the attention of government on the need to reverse its decision or at least reduce the tuition fees. However, hope was lost when representatives of the students met with government officials and all appeals fell on deaf ears as both secretary to the state government and state deputy governor turned down the request of the students. Prior to the meeting between representatives of the students and government, the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) reported that over 75% of the KASU students may drop from the school due to the hike in tuition fees.

Going back memory lane, when Governor El-Rufai came on board in 2015, his government promised to make education affordable to the people in the state. Sadly, his hurriedly packaged education policies instead of improving education has made it worse. The state government should have consulted widely or looked at the worsening economic condition of the poor before coming up with the new tuition fees. The increment of fees by 500% while other states like Oyo and Jigawa are

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 DIRECTOR 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

subsidising is unacceptable. Many students may be forced out of schools as predicted by ASUU. No one can rule out that frustration may force these poor students to become criminals.

It is when parents and students are lamenting, weighing options for survival that succour finally knocks on their doors. Lawal Adamu Usman, a philanthropist and politician of great repute, worried by the unjustifiable increased in tuitions fees, through his foundation doles out N30 million as scholarship to KASU students. Although this is not the first time he is reaching out to students in need, the huge amount set aside by his foundation has received commendation from the parents and ASUU. The scholarship has come at a time when all available options have been explored by the parents to force government to reverse the obnoxious policies to no avail. On Monday 31 May, a portal that will allow students to apply for the scholarship was opened to every students from the 23 Local governments of the state.

Within a day, no less than 3500 students applied.

Interestingly, according to Lawal Adamu Usman, every student who met the requirements will get his registration paid. Without mincing words, in the history of Kaduna State, no individual could have done what Mr LA is doing to alleviate the suffering of common man Lawal Adamu Usman has never held any political position but he touches lives of poor people in many ways. No wonder he has become a darling of talakawa and his name rings a bell in all the nooks and crannies of Kaduna State.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

Getting the Message Out There

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arely has a piece of clothing been such a symbol of change than with the two first ladies. America has moved from Melania Trump’s jacket emblazoned with “I Really Don’t Care, Do U?” to Jill Biden’s “Love”. As to the transition of Presidents we have moved from chaos and disunity to control and working for unity.

This change in approach is a hope for the future of America and thus the whole world.

The change in having a woman of colour in the VP role also provides a hope for a better future.

The reality is of course that there is so much more to be done but at least this time the Presidential team is on task rather than on twitter.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2021

NEWS JUNE 12…JUNE 12…JUNE 12…JUNE 12… JUNE 12…JUNE 12…JUNE 12…JUNE 12

US Cautions Citizens in Nigeria over Protests Ferdinand Ekechukwu Ahead of June 12 nationwide protests planned by several groups in the country, the United States Mission in Nigeria has warned its citizens to exercise caution during the protests which will take place in several parts of the country, including Lagos, and Abuja where government events are scheduled to take place today.

It said likely that the protests in Abuja would take place at the Unity Fountain, Wuse, Berger Roundabout, Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Airport Road, and British Circle.

While in Lagos, the likely locations would be Lekki Tollgate Plaza and Gani Fawehinmi Park.

The embassy advised American citizens to keep a low profile and avoid the areas where the protests

will hold which calls suggest they may begin as early as 07:00a.m.

This was contained in an advisory posted on the Embassy’s website yesterday.

Titled, ‘Demonstration Alert: U.S. Mission Nigeria (June 11, 2021) – Nationwide Protests on Democracy Day’, it read, “Several groups have announced their intentions to protest nationwide on June 12, Democracy Day. Police presence and response can be expected nationwide, including in Abuja where government events are scheduled to celebrate the national holiday and in Lagos where simultaneous protests are planned.

“The likely locations for the protests in Abuja will be at Unity Fountain (Hilton Hotel area), Wuse, Berger Roundabout, Aguiyi Ironsi Way, Airport Road,

and British Circle. In Lagos, the likely locations for protests will be Lekki Toll Gate and Gani Fawehinmi Park. Calls for the protests suggest they may begin as early as 07:00a.m.

“Actions to Take: Avoid the areas of the demonstrations; exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests; monitor local media for updates; keep a low profile.”

The planned demonstrations aimed against maladministration, insecurity, the suspension of Twitter and other issues. Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has suspended its planned June 12 nationwide protest.

The President of the association, Mr. Sunday Asefon, announced the suspension in a statement made available to newsmen

yesterday in Abuja. The statement titled, ‘NANS Suspends June 12 Protest Over Concerns About Safety Of Protesters And Fear Of Possible Hijack By Politicians’, was aimed to forestall peace in the country.

According to the Asefon, the planned protest was aimed at decrying the insecurity in the country, especially the serial abductions of students. Asefon, however, said some politicians with “different agenda” have perfected plans to hijack the protest to “ventilate their political opinions and sentiments”.

However, some others like the #RevolutionNow led by Sahara Reporters Publisher, Omoyele Sowore, are expected to hold a rally tagged, ‘Buhari Must Go’ which some state governments have kicked against.

Disregard any Sit-at-home Order, Directs Lagos CP Sunday Ehigiator The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, has asked Lagosians to disregard any sit-at-home order by any group who intends to carry out a protest in the state in commemoration of the 2021 Democracy Day today as the command was not aware of any planned protest in the state.

The commissioner gave this directive yesterday, via a signed statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

CP Odumosu asked Lagosians to “disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups which is being circulated in the social media and go about their lawful businesses as the police

and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”

In another development, the statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police had formed special squads to go after traffic robbers who had been terrorising innocent members of the state, and rid the state of such “miscreants.”

CP Odumosu equally released some crime fighting equipment and modern communication gadgets to the squads for efficiency and better service delivery as some of the identified areas like Eko Bridge, Apongbon, Cele, Ijora, Ojota/7up, Mike 12, Surulere etc, “must be cleared of miscreants and traffic robbers with immediate effect.”

Glo Congratulates Nigerians on Democracy Nigerians Must Defend this As Nigeria marks the 22nd anniversary of its return to civilian rule, Globacom, has congratulated the government and people for sustaining the country’s democracy in spite of present challenges.

In a goodwill message on the occasion of 2021 Democracy Day, Globacom congratulated Nigerians for keeping faith with our democracy and supporting the nation tenaciously all through the years.

The company observed that democracy, globally acclaimed as the best form of governance, had taken root in the country in the last 22 years, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure that it was not only sustained but becomes well nurtured in the years ahead.

Re-affirming the role of peace in the development of a nation, Glo stated that Nigeria was a nation of resourceful, diligent and

hardworking people who were making laudable footprints across the globe, adding that “Nigerians should be determined to sustain peace and unity of the country and promote national development”.

It also advised Nigerians to continue to support government at all levels in the country to build structures that would enable the country fulfill the dreams of its founding fathers.

It would be recalled that

prior to declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the landmark event was celebrated on May 29, being the day the military handed over the reins power to a democratically elected government in Nigeria.

The present administration, however, moved the celebration to June 12, the anniversary of the 1993 annulled presidential election adjudged the freest and fairest in the annals of elections in the country.

Our Commitment to Progressive Reforms, Electoral Promises Unwavering, Says APC Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that its commitment to progressives reforms, electoral promises remain unwavering.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, stated this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja He said that it was the President Buhari-led admin-

istration that declared June 12 as Democracy Day in its unwavering commitment to democracy as contained in the APC mission statement and vision.

Akpanudoedehe said ahead of the planned APC National Convention and indeed the 2023 general election, stakeholders have continued to support the committee’s efforts to strengthen unity in the party and make it a more formidable nation-building

machine.

The secretary stressed that this would lead to the delivery of more dividends of democracy across the country.

He said, “As Nigerians mark the 2021 Democracy Day, it is important to note that Africa’s most populous country remains the largest economy on the continent under the leadership of President Buhari, with a GDP of $514 billion as published in the latest World Bank report

and this is in spite of lower oil production caused by the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy. “ The party noted that in the six years of the Buhari administration, Nigeria had witnessed unprecedented renewal of vital infrastructure designed to support the continuous expansion of the Nigerian economy, facilitate domestic trade, enhance social interactions and promote ease of doing business

Police Warn against Protest in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Muhammed Ali, has warned that the command would not tolerate any protest to mark this year’s June 12 in any part of the state today.

A statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, said the planned protest was being organised by criminals to cause unrest in the state.

Ali, in the statement, said he had deployed police detectives across the state to thwart such protest, which

he claimed, was not in the interest of the existing peace in the state.

“The Delta State Police Command is aware of the planned protest by some agitated members of the public on 12th of June 2021, and is also aware that this protest is being staged by criminally minded individuals, hiding under the guise of peaceful protest thereby causing havoc in the state.

“The command under the watch of CP Ari Muhammed Ali, will not allow any miscreant to distort the already existing peace in

the state.

“Members of the public particularly residents of Delta State are to be aware that on no account should any group be seen, gathering or carrying placard in the name of protest, as such will not be allowed in the state.

“Officers and men of the command have been placed on red alert and have been ordered to arrest and deal decisively with any criminally minded elements who wish to go against this order.

“The command is more than ever willing to go after any miscreant who

might be found wanting.

The Commissioner of Police is urging members of the public to partner with the police to see that those who try to bring disunity in the state and our dear nation be arrested and brought to book.

“Also, it is pertinent to state that undercover police detectives have been deployed across the state for the purpose of arresting any person or persons staging any form of protest. The command is committed to maintain and sustain the peace the state is currently enjoying,” it added.

Democracy, Say Babalola, Senators Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ A legal icon, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and the Southern Senators Forum, have appealed to Nigerians not to allow the current democracy to be truncated by their inactions.

They said the country was still grappling and searching for true democracy that begun in 1993, where the late MKO Abiola won the freest and fairest presidential election that was annulled by the military.

Babalola, in a statement yesterday marking the June 12 election, said the operation of the country’s democracy and its success would determine whether Abiola died in vain or not.

Babalola, who was the Counsel to the late Abiola while struggling to reclaim his mandate, said: “June 12 is of utmost significance in Nigerian history. It was the day when MKO Abiola, a wealthy, popular philanthropist and politician was overwhelmingly elected by Nigerians.

“After the annulment, I made a prophetic statement that ‘this is the beginning of a journey the end of which nobody knows.’

“Today, many years after that prophetic statement, Nigeria is still on the search for true democracy which began on June 12, 1993.

“To prevent Nigeria from total collapse, it is my humble view that it has now become necessary to immediately address the critically important issue of National Conference to draft a peoples’ Federal Constitution similar to 1963 Constitution based on Parliamentary System of Government.

“Finally, one may ask whether the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day by the federal government has so far yielded any result and whether Abiola died in vain or not? Time will tell.”

The Southern Senators’ Forum in a statement by its Chairman, Senator Michael

Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day, appealing to them not to despair or exhibit despondence about the country’s parlous and debilitating political and economic situations.

The statement said: “The forum congratulates all Nigerians on this heartwarming feat. Since Nigerian Independence in 1960, Nigeria has not practiced democracy, ranked as the best form of government, this long.

“The cacophony of confusion caused by widespread insecurity and mutual distrust can only be healed when we are united. Secession agenda, nepotism, ethnic and religious upheavals would only stoke the fire and push us to the verge of destruction, if we fail to moderate our tempers and act wisely at these trying times”.

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups says it would not participate in the planned nationwide protests, alleging that members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra were set to turn the protests violent.

The Northern group made this known at a press conference in Kaduna yesterday.

CNG Spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, who addressed journalists on behalf of the group, said it was not in their tradition to jump onto a flight without knowing its actual destination.

Suleiman said, “We can’t drag the North into an agenda that is not properly stated and for which we are not even contacted. This is in addition to keeping the North away from the trap set by IPOB to sponsor infiltration in some northern states to turn the protests violent. In the event of any ugly incidence, the anti-North schemers would then hold the region up as the volatile section of the country.

“Another reason for our nonparticipation of CNG and all our affiliates and organs is the fact that we do not recognise the legitimacy of June 12 as Democracy Day in the first place.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ UNE 12, 2021

Elma Mbadiwe Mba badiwe

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SUPER SATURDAY

I Don’t Really Fancy Talking About My Personal Life Elma Mbadiwe has, for some reasons, been tipped pp as one of the actresses to watch out for in 2021. Perhaps her interpretation of roles in a number of movie features earned her the spot p lights. Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes about his recent encounter with the fast rising actress

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Elma

lma Mbadiwe is “Not your role model,” her bio says to her 12.7k followers as @capt_elma on Instagram. This could be that she doesn’t think she has arrived at that level of fame yet.

Because people see her and recognise her as a face on television but she wouldn’t say she’s famous as such. But still lead a pretty normal life which she’s intentional about. If you have seen recent Nollywood blockbuster movies like Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story (where she plays Adaugo) and Quam’s Money, this black beauty is no stranger to you then. True to type, she’s for herself, and does things her way.

Elma’s path to limelight was via Ndani TV’s “Phases” and delivered as expected.

“I can’t say that a particular movie launched me into the limelight; rather I’d say it’s a collective effort of everything I have done. When one person sees what I have done, they tend to call me for other works,” she said in a recent interview.

Known for her famous role as Tallulah in the movie, “Unbroken” and Laraba on E.V.E, the two movies were African Magic Shows.

But ‘Unbroken’ where she played Talullah was the movie that brought her acclaim and the significant amount of attention she attracted from fans because of her character’s involvement in a love triangle on the show. She said: “Filming Unbroken has to be one of the best things to ever happen to my career and life, actually because I got to meet and become friends with amazing people, from the cast to crewmembers.” Elma thought the role had its strain, she learnt to take it one day at a time and in good strides that even after shooting, her fans couldn’t stop raving about it.

She adds: “The role was challenging but I learnt to take it one day at a time, and focus on the good, and now that we’re done shooting and the fans keep raving about it, I can only be grateful to God, and the executive producer, Aunty B (Biodun Stephens), for the opportunity”.

This reporter recently encountered her following his request for a chat. The feedback was delayed. Eventually, she responded quite appreciative having been reached directly via her mobile number.

“Good morning, thank you for reaching out.”

She enquired: “When is this schedd uled?” She followed with an apology though, adding. “...I usually shy away from interviews.” Being in the business where publicity is the livewire one quickly reminds her that no interview is unnecessary in a space that would often throw her up to the media/press so to shy or want to may not help. “Lmao I totally understand. I’m not shy oh, I just won’t do it unless it’s absolutely necessary... because I don’t really fancy talking about my personal life,” adding “And tbh, I often dislike the perspectives and methods of reporting…” which borders on sensationall ism.

But in a way she wants it her way subtly in exchange. She notched a bit of

hesitancy to proceed with the offer to chat.

“However, I have a new project coming out soon; I’ll speak to the producers and find out when exactly so that we can schedule both releases together.”

It doesn’t have to be published together so it doesn’t work. She can say or make mention whatever her new project is all about. And leave the rest for me to have it covered. “Nah not published separately but I can’t say anything about the project till the release. Release is scheduled at the end of the month.”

Elma is armed with a BSc in Mass Communication from The Redeemer’s University, and also Diploma in Acting for Screen from Royal Arts Academy. She has always wanted to be an actress and did a few jobs as a child. She fondly remembers watching old Nollywood movies and recreating the characters. She started playing drama in church stage. It wasn’t rosy for her getting into Nollywood after school and didn’t want to sit at home, “so I had to use my contact. I did my internship at SoundCity, and started working there as a producer and production manager before I started getting movie roles to feature in.”

Her challenges at the beginning are the same everywhere in Nigeria, she recalled.

“It’s harder for people to give a new entrant a chance. When I came into the industry, I didn’t know anybody; I had to go for several auditions. Sometimes, the producer would have finished casting, at other times, they would want someone already popular and that keeps me wondering that if we keep casting for movies like that then there will be no new faces. We will have to keep recycling the old actors. But I am grateful to producers who gave me a chance even when nobody had seen my face before. I went for an audition with Africa Magic and I am grateful to them for giving me a chance and I have done several other jobs for them.”

Elma, since joining Nollywood, has already carved a niche for herself and is currently one of the most sought after actresses to watch out for. She is creative and highly talented thespian known for good interpretation of roles in movies. She easily fits into any character assigned her in most movies and does it very well. Once speaking about the young thespian a year ago, veteran actress and TV presenter, Ireti Doyle reminisce her encounter with the fast rising star on set of a movie: “Today was kind of special... In 2017, she was one of the participants in the maiden edition of my #MasterTheCraft class...”

Ireti adds: “Fast forward to 2020 (in that beautiful way life tends to bring us full circle) she arrives on set as my opposite.

Far be it from me to take credit for any of her achievements- that’s entirely as a result of her hard work, grace, time and chance. I did ask however if the workshop was beneficial in what, if any way. She said it gave her access to information which in turn made her more confident and this she believes has helped on her journey. I’m glad! You know what they say...‘information is power’.... @capt_elma welcome aboard Lady...may you have a beautiful ride!!”

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SATURDAY JUNE 12, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 12, 2021

INTERVIEW Sam Hart

Ikpeazu Has Given Abia a Facelift Director General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency, Mr. Sam Hart, is passionately driving Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s vision for made-in-Abia products. In this interview, he tells Charles Ajunwa about the rationale behind the recent Aba Business and Leadership Summit organised by the Abia State Government in conjunction with Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, how Ikpeazu’s approach to governance has changed the narrative about Aba in particular and Abia in general

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community, the young businessmen come together to come and discuss this issue. It’s a very important issue, it’s one that I believed that the nuggets that were left behind by the speakers should be able to guide the businessmen in Aba. In my opening speech, I gave an example of a bakery that didn’t produce for a day because the owner was not feeling well and for that there was no production that day.

Apparently because he was in charge of inventory, he didn’t restock, he didn’t open the store for them to carry flour. The key was in his pocket. You can’t sustainably run a business that way. I’m in charge of marketing in Abia State so I need the companies that are producing goods in the state to be vibrant, to have structures to be resilient and be able to survive shocks and stress and last for a very long time because that will make my job easier and also create economy for the state and ensure that people remain in their jobs. My agency creates jobs too because if these businesses are vibrant and I’m able to make them sell more of their products, it means they would expand and hire new people. That means they will take people off the streets and reduce the burden on the state because an economically vibrant state takes pressure off the government. Government would still fulfill its responsibilities of course but you don’t have a situation where everybody is reliant on the government for one thing or another if the business is booming and vibrant. It’s because the government is carrying so many things at the same time that is why you see them struggle with project execution sometimes.

our agency is saddled with the responsibility of driving development in all sectors and marketing Abia State globally. How has it been so far?

I head the Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency as the Director General.

Basically, what we do is to find new markets for products that are made in Abia State and enforce quality for the same products. This is basically in continuation of the vision of Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to ensure that goods made in Abia State are given the best exposure and they are of course of the best quality. It’s a twin mandate agency to guarantee quality of goods that are made in Abia State and also to expand the existing markets for those that already have the market and find new markets for those that do not have markets. The essence of this is that, you know that there was a time everybody was coming to Aba to buy things. Aba was really budding, and after a while Aba fell off because it lost market share, there were some infrastructural challenges and quality was also a problem. People do not trust the quality of what was coming out of Aba and because of that Aba lost its edge. But since Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu became governor, he was now able to restore that edge of the Aba products by passing branding. He took it up, marketed made-in-Aba and all of that.

My agency is the focal agency that is driving that conversation globally.

Talking about made-in-Aba products, what is the level of buy-in into this noble idea?

No administration has placed Aba on the map the way Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu administration has done. Aba has never had it this good with exposure, with marketing and with the drive. It has been tremendous. The Aba producer is now an international person apart from the well-known China that shoe makers were taken to, to go and learn how to make shoes. We have been to The Gambia, we have been to the UK, we have been to Rwanda, we have been to the United States of America and we have been to Egypt. We have been to all of these places with either shoe makers or fashion creators. The creative sector in Aba and Abia State has never witnessed this level of unprecedented big screen marketing and branding led by the governor himself who is the chief marketer of the state and the products that are made here. Since he became governor everything he has worn has been strictly made in Abia State and he has gone. Not just Aba but Abia State because we saw him wear Akwete and he wears things that are made in the state basically. He has been quite fantastic, he has restored the image and the pride of people of Abia. One of the reasons Aba fell off the radar was that the Aba producer was not proud of his creation because people were looking down on him. It was a thing of derogation to say you were wearing made-in-Aba and it got to the level that something that was faked was soon called madein-Aba. But we have turned that narrative around, changed that conversation and ensured that respect is given to all the products that are made-in-Aba and Abia State. That is the contribution of the Ikpeazu administration to the psyche of the producers in Aba. Governor Ikpeazu has been visiting many prominent Nigerians and organisations with the made-in-Aba products. Has this in any way changed the psyche of people about made-in-Aba products?

We have influenced every society the world over, not just Nigeria, and that is why you have celebrities, you have 200 million followers on Instagram, 100 million followers on Twitter because influence matters and people follow people that have influence and people listen to them. If kim Kardeshiam was to tweet wearing a shirt made by a producer in Aba, the person would run out of his home. The whole world would want to wear what Kim Kardashian is wearing, be it Obama or whoever. So, we identified political influencers, cultural influencers, social influencers and other groups. We decided that we are going to meet them to market this made-in-Aba brand to them, convince them to endorse it. We went to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Otta, Ogun State. The thing is that, it’s aggressive marketing and we come looking for you. We went to former President Obasanjo and presented some shoes to him; he wore them, endorsed them and praised them. The next time he went out and still told everybody that he is wearing shoes that are made-in-Aba. That is exposure. We went to the National Assembly, we saw then Senate President Bukola Saraki and he has been a supporter of this project from day one. He came that day even dressed in made-in-Aba attire which he acknowledged was brought from Aba with a red cap. For a couple of days afterwards he was wearing strictly stuff that was made-in-Aba. So that was political influence, his colleagues knew about it, they got to pass the Public Procurement Act which ensured that purchases from publicly funded agencies

Hart had to explore local availability before going for foreign made goods. So these things have influenced policies and it wasn’t only Aba that was benefiting but because of our advocacy, because of such political work even other people will still benefit – the furniture makers will benefit from the work that was done. The governor was able to enter the presidency, even President Buhari in his New Year message of either 2016 or 2017 promised that the federal government was going to pay more attention to the creative sector. For example, Aba, it was clearly written in his New Year speech. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been to Aba four or five times on different issues but all concentrated on the made-inAba campaign.

We got footballers like Nkwankwo Kanu who came on board endorsed made-in-Aba. We got Nollywood actors and actresses like Uche Jombo, Chinedu Ikedieze and Rough Corn Nwa Aba. We also got musicians. All of these endorsements meant that influential people were endorsing the Aba brand and the conversation went viral. We got the Forth Foundation to fund a campaign that put us on CNN. CNN was running proudly made-in-Aba for close to six months because as a government we couldn’t pay for it. It was beautiful. The effect on the economy of Aba cannot be quantified.

At the just concluded Aba Business and Leadership Summit, the speakers emphasised on the need for technological transfer of knowledge in doing business.

My agency is very proud to have driven the Aba Business and Leadership Summit in conjunction with the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA). I took the proposal to the governor, he endorsed it and asked that we proceed. The essence is that being that my agency is responsible for marketing Abia State, I do a lot of work in Aba which is the commercial headquarters of the state. So I come across a lot of companies that used to be quite renowned but suddenly they packed up and you don’t hear of them any more due to death, retirement or incapacitation of the founders of the business. So it was something that bothered me and it was a malaise, I didn’t like it and I knew that we needed to find a solution to it. That was how we came about the convening of this summit and thankfully we leveraged relationships and we were able to get for governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, Prof.

Barth Nnaji, Prof. Pat Utomi and many others. We wrote to all of them inviting them and I followed up. It was quite beautiful to have such array personalities from the academia, the business

Many young businesses in Abia State complained that the Bank of Industry no longer assists them with funding. Have you made any intervention on their behalf?

I like the presentation of Dr. Cosmos Maduka at the Aba Business Summit. Part of what he was saying was that the youths give a lot of excuses and he used himself as an example. He said that he stopped education at Elementary 3, he had N200 and he has every excuse not to have succeeded but he was determined, he kept moving and today, he is a Forbes listed multi-millionaire in dollar terms. The home truth is that I worked with federal government agencies. You saw all of them at the summit- Bank of Industry, Export Promotion Council, Central Bank of Nigeria, Export Import Bank to Rural Electrification Agency. The ones that give cash, the problem that our people have is accurate documentation and they believe because it’s federal government is giving the money, they think it’s a national cake. So they just want to come and collect their own and come back.

When they are told procedures or told to provide certain requirements they do not complete their application and don’t go through with the process. You see them start mumbling that they tried and they didn’t get it. It’s not entirely true. I told you about the confusion, why the CBN governor is saying that South Easterners are benefiting from interventions, South Easterners are complaining that they applied and they were not given. But I have an interface with BoI, CBN and there are criteria for assessing these facilities. This is part of the work my agency is doing. Most of the businesses are not even formalised, you are applying for a federal government facility or a federal government development institution with a private account, with your wife’s account and you do not have a record. Even if it’s Okeke & Sons Ltd most of the turnover they collect one million naira to make shoes, they carry N900,000 immediately in cash to go and give to the person selling leader, the person selling soles, person selling buckle and the remaining N100,000 they put it in their pocket and go home with it. So there is no record of the transaction but if they had collected that one million and put it in the bank and even issued a cheque to the shoe man it creates a turnover. When you are now approaching BoI for 10 million naira, BoI will see that in a month you have done business of N20 million, N5 million even if it’s not your money. The truth is that an amount of money has passed through your account. It’s not rocket science or a tall order any more. When you provide a private account, a savings account as your account to be used for the transaction and they look at it, you pay in N20,000 today and you remove N10,000 tomorrow. They don’t think that you are serious or you can handle the amount of money. Meanwhile, this is a person that does huge turnover but he doesn’t have proper records, he doesn’t bank, he doesn’t keep financials, provide your team he doesn’t have any of these things. Our people are impatient with some of these proper business models. That is part of the challenge that was identified at the summit that leads to loss of business with demise of the founder.

The lending institutions too have their own blame because they should make some of these requirements a little less stringent because you cannot be telling a businessman who wants to expand his business that he should go and bring this and that and he is supposed to go to FIRS to collect his tax letter identification number.

Meanwhile, the federal government says that businesses with less than N25 million you don’t have to pay taxes. At the end of the day you find out that the deadline has expired or his application is incomplete.

Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

DIASPORA Paschal Mbawuike

A Washington Lobbyist Building Powerful Global Relationships ÒÏ ßØÓàÏÜÝÏ ÓÝ ÑÙàÏÜØÏÎ Ìã ÞáÙ ÏÞÏÜØËÖ ×ËÝÞÏÜÝ˝ ÜÏáËÜÎ ËØÎ ÚßØÓÝÒ×ÏØÞ˛ ÒÏØ Ë ×ËØ ÒËÝ ÚÜÙàÏÎ ÒÓÝ ×ÏʵÖÏ Ìã ÒÓÝ ËÍÞÓÙØݘ ÒÏ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÍÙ××ÏØÎÏÎ ËØÎ ÑÓàÏØ ÎßÏ ÜÏÑËÜÎݲ ÒÓÝ áÓÖÖ ËÎÎ Ó×ÚÏÞßÝ ÞÙ ÒÓÝ ×Ù×ÏØÞßט ÞÒßÝ ÝßÝÞËÓØÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÞÏ×ÚÙ ÞÙ ÍËÜÜã ÙØ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ËÜÎßÙßÝ ÞËÝÕ áÒÓÍÒ ÞÒÏ ÍÙ×ÚÖÏâ ËÜÞ ÙÐ ÒÓÝ áÙÜÕ ÎÏ×ËØÎݲ ÒÓÝ ÓÝ ÞÒÏ ÍËÝÏ áÓÞÒ ØÓÞÏÎ ÞËÞÏÝ̋ÌËÝÏÎ ÓÑÏÜÓË˪Ý ËÝÍÒËÖ ÌËáßÓÕÏ áÒÙ ÒËݘ ÐÙÜ ÝÏàÏÜËÖ ãÏËÜݘ ËʵËÓØÏÎ ÑÖÙÌËÖ ÒÏÓÑÒÞݘ ÌÏÝÞÜÓÎÓØÑ ËÝÒÓØÑÞÙØ ËØÎ ÌßÔ˘ ÖÓÕÏ Ë ÍÙÖÙÝÝßݘ Tony Ailemen ÜÏÚÙÜÞÝ˝

P

aschal Okechukwu Mbawuike, fondly known as Mr. Wonderful by friends, has for several years attained global heights while having a strong presence in his country, its politics and business. He could rightly be described as a. key stakeholder among Nigerians in the Diaspora and a Washington power broker. Mbawuike is very shy and quiet and known to a few, yet a friend to many. He sits on the crest of a leading corporate entity, Cohen and Woods International, a Washington-based Africa focused consulting firm, founded by Ambassador Herman J. Cohen, former Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, under former President Bush One. Like many other Nigerians in the United States, he has also remained a very quiet rain maker.

Mbawuike, who is abreast with key government decision makers in Nigeria and the continent of Africa, has impacted strongly in the transformation process of the Nigerian economy through a partnership between corporate Nigeria and Cohen & Woods International. Cohen & Woods is a US based Africa focused consulting outfit founded by Ambassador Herman Cohen, a former Assistant Secretary of State for Africa under the Bush One Administration. Having first served as US Ambassador to two African countries, it is understandable why Ambassador Cohen founded a global outfit that is first and foremost focused on African affairs, businesses, the economy, politics and culture of the people.

In his capacity as Vice President of Cohen & Woods, Mbawuike has traversed continents selling his ideas on how to add value to lives by seeking for new thresholds and methods of doing business. Last time, he was in Nigeria Mbawuike was involved in a lavish fund raising party for Jeremaiah Useni a former military governor of Plateau State and the minister of the Federal Capital Territory under maximum ruler Sani Abacha. Useni was making a second bid as governor of Plateau State. He lost but Mbawuike kept the friendship and extended his wide reach of contacts with politicians and the big wigs of corporate Nigeria inclusive of the current deputy governor of Imo State and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu among others.

With a boss like Cohen, Mbawuike has been around Africa as a deal maker for several years, as a Senior Vice President for Business Development and Strategy. “As you will recall,” Mbawuike observes, “Ambassador Cohen played a key role in the US- Africa relations for over five decades, serving as US Ambassador to Senegal, Uganda and Congo DRC. Cohen, who also served as a junior officer in The Gambia and Zambia, is fluent in French and some Swahili. Under his watch as a former top US / Africa diplomat, he over saw to the peace process in Angola, between Jonas Savimbi and former Angolan President, José Eduardo dos Santos .

“He also over saw the peace process in Mozambique, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It was because of these efforts that he became a close friend of former Nigerian President, General Ibrahim Babangida.”

Mbawuike recalls visiting General Babangida and his late wife Maryam who he misses dearly, with Ambassador Cohen in 2004 at their Minna home, a visit which was brokered by the late General John Shagaya, former ECOMOG Commander in Liberia and former Nigerian Internal Affairs Minister, under General Babangida. The visit afforded them a rare opportunity to also meet with former Nasarawa State Governor, now Senator representing Nasarawa Central Senatorial District, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, at his Keffi guest house, two nights in a row.

Ambassador Cohen, also popularly known as “Hank” is regarded as the African Crown Prince, in Washington. He is a man who knows who to call and whose phone call from his office overlooking the Potomac River in Washington DC, will delay major decisions in most African capitals. A case in point, was about ten years ago, when Ambassador Cohen’s phone call, restored a US energy company, Hyperdynamics Corporation’s contract in Guinea Conakry, after it was kicked out of its exploration concession due to some under table dealings, involving a Chinese Company. Ambassador Cohen is a founding member of the Corporate Council on Africa, a trade association that promotes trade between the United States and Africa. Membership includes USAID, ExxonMobil, Chevron Corporation, Caterpillar and Pfizer Corporation, the Aliko Dangote Group and Zenith Bank Plc, and the Ethiopian Airlines. Cohen an author of several books that have

Super lobbyist Mbawuike with Dr. Mima Nedelcovych, chairman and CEO, African Global Schaeffer, builders of Dangote Sugar Refinery

helped to shape global diplomatic practices including Intervening in Africa: Super power Peacemaking in a Troubled Continent, The Mind of the African Strongman, Conversation with Dictators, Statesmen and Father Figures, as well as United States policy Toward Africa, Eight Decades of Real Politick, amongst others, has also been rewarded with several international awards. They include the Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy and American Foreign Service Association.

Mbawuike, the Amaimo Ikeduru born Imo State indigene, had after his secondary education at the Amaimo High School, got engaged at the old National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) where he served as a Meter Reader. At that early age however, his aspiration was to play a bigger role in the power sector. This dream fired his zeal to advice energy companies in Africa.

In 1983, young Mbawuike moved to Boston at the prompting of an uncle, a long time US citizen who had this messianic willingness assisting many of his kinsmen keen on living the American Dream. While in Boston, Mbawuike was admitted to Chamberlain College and later Howard University Washington DC, where he read Political Science and Television Production.

It is appropriate therefore, if you refer Mbawuike as a key stakeholder among Nigerians in the Diaspora, and. a Washington power broker, for that has been his forte for nearly three decades of working for Cohen & Woods, Mbawuike is seen as an active yet very shy and quiet, strategist known to many as a rain maker. in brokering deals and lobbying Washington, America’s seat of power, for the many African businessmen and politicians seeking for one form of partnership or the other as well as endorsements.

Although he was off the radar for some time due to health challenges, he is back with more reasonable actions and remains the most sought after Game Plan tactician in making deals. For many who may still be having difficulties in fathoming why people go the length and breadth of every circumstance to have access to this young Nigerian, the answer is not farfetched; his relevance in global deal making and his bloody, bold and resolute disposition of not taking ‘No’ for an answer.

He believes in business, you do not get what you deserve; you get what you negotiate for, as only the size matters. Apart from the strong connections he has cultivated over the years among influential persons, in and out of governments around the world, working with Cohen & Woods, Mbawuike has a nature that guards his valour to act in safety.

On politics, Mbawuike who is not aligned to any party but believes in freedom of speech, recalls his encounter with the APC national leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu in 2013, in the build up to the 2015 general elections.

Tinubu was in Washington canvassing support for the APC and Mbawuike had the rare opportunity to meet with him at the Corporate Council on Africa where he (Tinubu) gave a speech.

The meeting was brokered by Ambassador Howard Jeter, former US Ambassador to Nigeria, and a very close friend of Mbawuike.

In attendance were a few selected key stakeholders, including Ambassadors Cohen and Robert Perry, a former Vice President of the Corporate Council on Africa. Mbawuike recalls walking out in anger because the then Nigeria Deputy Ambassador, (names withheld), resorted to purring vituperations on Tinubu, rather than addressing issues raised, even as he openly boasted to Americans that “Jonathan will be reelected.”

He went ahead with more attacks on Tinubu, the following day, at the Woodrow Wilson Center, in the Reagan Center, in Washington DC, forcing Mbawuike to respond by saying that in democracy, everybody has got a right to free speech.

He added that it was indeed Asiwaju Tinubu’s right to be heard, by making his own case, while the people should be allowed to judge and decide. That former deputy Ambassador to Washington later went on to become the Nigerian ambassador to the Federal Republic of Gabon. The spirit of true democracy, he explains, should be the mantra to the 2023 elections, where everyone should vote according to his conscience but only if the prevailing insecurity is halted soonest.

Mbawuike argues he is fully committed to the Nigerian project, for the records and is not a member of any political party in Nigeria, but has friends, admirers and mentors across the board.

In his own words, “Nigeria is our only country and we must not allow it to fail.”

The young Nigerian rising star enjoys the game of political influence than sex, a true and wonderful salesman, who also wants all Nigerians including the government at the centre to put their hands on the deck to end insecurity in the country.

Mbawuike does not hide the accomplishments of his boss on the African continent and the networks he uses to reach Africa and its leaders. He adds: “Cohen’s commitment to Africa can be seen in his popular blog, CohenAfrica.com, his membership of the Council on Democracy and for several years a regular contributor to the Foreign Policy magazine, a frequent guest on CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Voice of America, (English and French), the French Television and the National Public Radio in the United States as well as Arise Television and TVC Lagos.. He is also a major contributor to the Strait Talk Africa, a Voice of America program that is broadcast in Africa, from Washington DC.” Adds Mbawuike: “As the CEO and President of Cohen & Woods International, which represents African governments and companies in Washington DC, Ambassador Cohen has also represented US, British, Australian and Canadian Companies in Africa. His emphasis, which is also the official recognition of the US government, is that electricity is the next powerful tool in the advancement of the continent’s economic success. As a result he created a partnership between Cohen & Woods International and Contour Global the biggest American British power company in Africa with Ambassador Cohen as Senior Adviser.”

Contour Global is involved in power generation in Togo, Senegal, Rwanda and Nigeria. In Nigeria, it is involved in Coca Cola bottling plant, in Lagos and Benin City, while also looking at opportunities across Africa.

Still on Nigeria, Mbawuike adds that Cohen believes “appropriate pricing of gas would attract new investors to the Nigerian power sector; he also insists it is ridiculous for Nigerians to be importing diesel generators at high prices, when low cost gas could lower the price of electricity by a power of ten. Cohen & Woods has been a crusader of improved power distribution and generation with interest in helping American businesses to partner with Nigerian investors in the power sector with increased availability of gas. That is where politics and business go together which also explains why Mbawuike connects closely with the high and mighty in Abuja.

“Advocates for the interplay of the forces of demand and supply in determining the exchange rate rather than a peg or official exchange rate. Says Mbawuike quoting Cohen: “If currency is maintained at an artificial exchange rate, the result will always be negative for the common man. Artificial exchange rates always generate a black market. Money traders know how to benefit from a currency black market, but the ordinary citizen always suffers.”

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JUNE 12, 2021 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SATURDAY COVER

Paradox of June 12 Nduka Nwosu

PROLOGUE

Three significant occurrences preceded the crafting of this essay or prologue. A mid-night study was a digest on national unity as propounded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. He argued persuasively that a small or diminished Nigeria would not be fun afterall, that is, in case the minions in anticipation of fiefdoms where they would wax and rule supreme after separation, are expecting anything to the contrary.

He laid his facts in a narrative that is unarguably the best I have read from him. A big Nigeria, is the canvas, the theatre of great dreams, he postulated. And in any case, fiefdoms were going out of style. Obasanjo was the modern day Wiener Spies, the art historian who chastised Wilhelm Brucke, Max Ernst and Auguste Macke, for venturing into France shamelessly and in supplicatory piety, to condescending coaches and role models of the French art movement.

The second occurrence was the Thisday and Arise Television’s superlative focus on Mr. President. The optics were non-pareil.

Whether the Star Wars and Steroids gave Mr. President a June 12 boost or not from remote and unknown circumstances, he was appealing as the new masquerade unveiled. His guarded smiles danced from one end of his cheek to the other, reminding one of Thomas Hardy’s character, Gabriel Oak in Far From the Madding Crowd.

Whereas Gabriel is presented as a young man of sound judgment, easy motions, proper dress, and general good character, his contrast almost altered all his fine qualities. Gabriel Oak is lukewarm regarding religion, what the Bible and I guess the Quran, detest in human character. Be for the Devil or for God. Do not stand in-between, according to the Book of Revelation.

Sadly that is where mankind is. Gabriel is presented as a man “who went to church, but yawned privately by the time the congregation reached the Nicene Creed.” If Buhari as a statesman yawned privately regarding what he hates or loves, he these days puts on a powdered face, with a wrinkled but subtle smile holding on to the same argument since May 29, 2015.

The rebranded Buhari is exactly a Gabriel Oak in character except that they share two uncommon traits in religion and name. He wears as always, his renown and fame like a pair of overalls comfortably, bestriding the world like a colossus that fate has imposed on him..

The third occurrence: the same Buhari was in Lagos after that world class exposure the next day and got a robust reception from the Southwest. It was like the coming home of the son of the land as he announced among other things he would mark

up the salary of policemen.

Three years ago Buhari became a born again with his pronouncements of June 12. That spirit of democracy can be revived and directed to the Southeast.

The born again Buhari needs to project June to the land of Biafra, the home of the rising sun. What does it cost but just that? Biafra sounds serene, eternal, beautiful and beloved in spite of its ruins. It projected and still does, the can-do possibilities of tomorrow for the Nigerian nation. We can leverage on that as a people.

Spread your smiles Mr. President like your friend Gabriel, and take another chieftaincy title in the spirit of reconciliation.

Promise the Igbo a birthday package: you would re-build a few bad roads traversing the major towns and connecting them to the Southsouth. What happened to the Second Niger Bridge and the port Vice President Alex Ekwueme initiated? Get the dredging on course and be true to thine own self. What about some key appointments in the military and government? Why not.

Sir Benjamin Franklin who made Freemasonry a second religion in America, was often referred to as the First American for his inputs into the American Constitution that designed strong institutions and weak governments. It was deliberate. Can Buhari in the spirit of June 12 look back and in 24 months from now become the leading advocate of Restructure-risation, not Fulanisation, and earn the coveted title of The First Nigerian? Plato in the Republic, putting words into his master Socrates, defined politics as a dirty game. Buhari can up the ante by re-defining politics as a game of subtle humour in a democracy.

When he suffered defeat from the US Supreme Court, not the electorate, Vice President Al Gore remembered what his father told him: defeat shakes the soul. Unlike Gabriel, Buhari shares similarities with Gore. We saw Buhari shed tears profusely lamenting he may never be president in his life time, accusing the Supreme Court of empowering the wrong candidate. His soul was shaken. Sadly Buhari seems to be gyrating in break dance, pounding his chest as a great kinsman of his people. This is a provincial legacy, not the act of great statesmen like Zik of Africa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello and the Right Honorable M.I. Okpara.

Now that he is on his way out, Buhari should at least leave the country not in pieces but with the peace he met when his sponsors dragged him back to the life he least expected. Biafrans shed tears when they anticipated a Republic that collapsed before their very eyes. Buhari and Biafrans should forgive each other. That is the true meaning of no victor, no vanquished.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

JUNE 12 ANNIVERSARY

Echoes of the June 12 Struggle What started as the struggle for the actualisation of the mandate given Bashorun Moshood Abiola at June ͹ͺ˜ ͹΁΁ͻ˜ ÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞÓËÖ ÖÏÍÞÓÙؘ ÍÙØÞÜÙàÏÜÝÓËÖÖã ËØØßÖÖÏÎ Ìã ÏØÏÜËÖ ÌÜËÒÓ× ËÌËØÑÓ΢ ÒËÝ ÍÙØÞÓØßÏÎ ÞÙ ÝÒËÚÏ ÞÒÏ ØËÞÓÙØ˪Ý ÎÏ×ÙÍÜËÞÓÍ ÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ ÞÓÖÖ ÎËÞϘ áÜÓÞÏÝ Festus Akanbi

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s pro-democracy activists, students, and political office holders gather today to celebrate the historical developments that altered the course of history in Nigeria, 28 years ago, the reality is that the Presidential Election of June 12, `1993 remains a watershed in Nigerian history.

It was President Muhammadu Buhari, who in 2019 decided to change the nation’s Democracy Day to June 12, in honour of Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the controversial election, and to placate the people of the Southwest region, who had recognised the day as symbolic right from the onset.

Analysts said the change carries heavy symbolism for a country that had known more years of being ruled by military men than by democratically elected leaders.

Indeed, June 12 carries huge significance for older Nigerians. It was on this date in 1993 that a presidential election was held for the first time since the 1983 military coup. It was an event many observers have described as the most significant in Nigeria’s post-independence political history. It is still viewed as the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election ever held in Nigeria.

It was an election superintended by the former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, who took over from Buhari in a bloodless coup in 1985. Coincidentally, it was a similar coup by Buhari that terminated the Second Republic government of Shehu Shagari on December 31, 1983.

So, on June 12, 1993, Nigerians – irrespective of ethnic, religious, class, and regional affiliations - defied bad weather to elect their president with the hope of ending eight years of military dictatorships.

Ominous signs However, events preceding the June 12, 1993 elections had been raising doubts about the seriousness of the military to return to barracks as the Babangida administration came under serious criticisms by the human rights and pro-democracy communities.

This was because the transition programme of the IBB military dictatorship had become interminable and endless; the deceptive dictator had lied his way through several postponements, thus by the time of the commencement of this particular phase of the endless transition, the general populace, including elements of the ruling elite, had long ceased to trust or believe the dictator; particularly after the series of banning which excluded the leading political elites from the transition process.

So when Nigerians trooped out to vote for the two candidates-Bashorun Moshood Abiola and Bashir Tofa- fielded by the two registered political parties, the Social Democratic Party and Nigerian Republican Convention, respectively, it was with a heave of relief and with the expectation of liberation from a long period of military rule. While Abiola picked ex-diplomat and former Chairman of the party from the north-east, Baba Gana Kingibe as his running mate, Tofa settled for Sylvester Ugoh, a Christian from the south-east, thereby creating a regional and religious balance.

Abiola was a businessman, publisher, politician, and aristocrat of Yoruba descent. He made his fortune through various enterprises, including communication, oil, and gas. He made his first, unsuccessful run at the presidency in 1983. By then, Nigeria had endured a great deal of political upheaval since its 1960 independence.

As election day drew near, some pro-democracy activists began to warn of some sinister moves by the military ruler to truncate the election, but the Babangida administration insisted the election would certainly hold.

However, the plot thickened on June 10, 1993, when an organization with ties to the military, Association for a Better Nigeria – led by Chief Arthur Nzeribe – obtained a high court injunction against the holding of the election based on alleged corruption.

Using Court to Scuttle People’s Mandate The judge, Justice Bassey Ikpeme (now late) who was described as a close associate of the then Justice Minister, Akpamgbo, did not hesitate in granting the injunction on June 10, two days to the election. Before this suit, the ABN and a shadowy “Committee of Elder Statesmen” co-ordinated by Mazi S.G. Ikoku and Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, had launched a series of campaigns in conjunction with Nzeribe’s ABN to prolong Babangida’s stay in office.

Alarmed over these devices, the Campaign for Democracy (CD), a pro-democracy outfit then led

by Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, headed for the court to restrain the ABN from its nefarious activities.

Joined as defendants in the suit were General Ibrahim Babangida and Chief Ola Olatunde, National Director of Operations of ABN. (It later turned out after the election that “Ola Olatunde” was a fictitious name). The third defendant was the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) promptly issued a statement, disregarding the court order, stating that the election would go on as scheduled.

When it became apparent that Bashorun Abiola was emerging as the winner from the 14 states results already released, the government and ABN hatched another plan.

They ran to court again to obtain an order to stop the further release of the results of the election.

And ready to play the good boy was Justice Saleh who in his chambers on June 16 immediately granted the order stopping further announcement of the result. Curiously, even though the motion to stop further release of the result was on notice, Justice Saleh granted it ex-parte without hearing NEC. From this stage, activities started to unfold at dizzying heights. NEC remained adamant. Its lawyer went to the Court of Appeal, Kaduna, armed with the full result which is filed along with its notice of appeal.

Resurfacing of Civil Unrest For the mass movement, the annulment was a vindication of its analysis of the inherent deception in the transition programme, and the implication was the elongation of the rule of the dictatorship.

Thus was the stage set for a monumental epochal and historic popular uprising and revolution of the Nigerian peoples.

In the aftermath of the election, the government proscribed or shut down media houses, and arrested journalists. The government issued decrees preventing court cases on the annulled election.

NEC’s activities were terminated.

There was a moment of relief when Abiola flew to London and Washington in August 1993 to seek international support for his presidency – he subsequently returned on 24 September. Soon civil unrest resurfaced in the southwest, with banks and businesses shutting down.

Riding on the back of the massive support he got, Abiola announced his readiness to disobey the law as the military refused to yield to pressures from local and international interests.

He said, “I might embark on the programme of civil disobedience in the country. If those who make the law disobey the law, why (should) I obey it? There is a limit to the authenticity one could expect from a military ruler who is anxious to hang on to power.”

Abiola’s statement threw the country into an unprecedented crisis. The Campaign for Democracy

Abiola spearheaded mass protests by calling for a five-day non-violent protest. However, the protests later turned violent, forcing Babangida to step aside after announcing a businessman, Ernest Shonekan as head of an Interim National Government, while General Sani Abacha was named as his Minister of Defence.

Abacha’s Iron Rule On 17 November 1993, Abacha toppled the interim government in a palace coup. He dissolved the legislature, as well as the state and local governments, and replaced the elected civilian state governors with military and police officers. He also banned all political activities.

To weaken Abiola’s camp, Abacha decided to appoint some civilian politicians into his cabinet.

The list included Abiola’s running mate Baba Gana Kingibe as Foreign Minister, Former Lagos governor, Alhaji Lateef Jakande as minister of works and housing, among others.

Abacha also proceeded to create a Constitutional Conference for a transition to civilian rule. The conference began on 18 January 1994, though one-third of the delegates for the conference were nominated by the government, and the PRC could veto decisions of the conference.

Abiola was arrested and charged with treason in June 1994 after he declared himself president and commander-in-chief. Abiola’s arrest led to protests and strikes by workers in the petroleum sector, banking sector, and academia for nine weeks. The strike by the petroleum sector paralysed the economy. The Abacha government subsequently arrested union leaders and dismissed civilian members of his cabinet.

As opposition to his iron rule gathered steam, Abacha’s government in March 1995 announced an alleged coup attempt. Olusegun Obasanjo, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Beko Ransome-Kuti were among those secretly tried and either sentenced to death or received lengthy prison sentences.

In October 1995, Abacha set a timeframe of three years to hand over power to a civilian government. Sani Abacha died on 8 June 1998; Abiola died a month later while in detention on 7 July 1998.

General Abdulsalam Abubakar who succeeded Abacha later released Obasanjo, who was later fielded by the Peoples Democratic Party as the Presidential flagbearer at the 1999 presidential election which he won.

Heroes of the June 12 Struggle One can hardly discuss the struggle for the actualisation of the mandate given Chief Abiola without a reference to people like the former deputy leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Abraham Adesanya who braced the odds to confront the Abacha regime at a time when his NADECO leader, Chief Anthony Enahoro had been hounded abroad.

The list also included Abiola’s wife, Kudirat, who was allegedly killed by Abacha’s hit man, Sergeant Rogers. There was also Chief Gani Fawehinmi, a fiery lawyer who suffered years of incarceration for his opposition to the military. Others include Frank Ovie Kokori, former secretary of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG,) who called out strikes that paralysed the country and put the military on edge. He was imprisoned for a long time.

Prof Wole Soyinka, Prof Humphrey Nwosu, the head of the National Electoral Commission that organised the controversial presidential poll, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu(rtd) former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu, and Ayo Opadokun, were among people who confronted the military.

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An Economy Gasping for Breath Festus Akanbi

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or those Nigerians old enough to feel the impact of a regime of double standards, high-handedness on policy issues, cronyism, and policy inconsistencies on business and economy, associated with the successive military regime up to the eve of May 29, 1999, it was a not a mistake that the coming of a civilian administration 22 years ago was greeted with incautious optimism.

However, 22 years later, the question is, how has the return of democracy improved the living standards of ordinary Nigerian?

It is an irony that Nigeria, which was once touted as a world investment destination gradually slid into the category of fragile states with investors running to the neighbouring country of Ghana for a more business-friendly climate.

Unfortunately, while investors are trooping to Ghana, Nigeria’s failure to stem the tide of insecurity and a feeling of hopelessness in the country have pushed it to the category of fragile states occupied only by Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to a report, “Poverty and Fragility: Where will the poor live in 2030”, co-authored

by Jasmin Baier; Marina Buch Kristensen, and Seren Davidsen, “The world’s attention to ending poverty needs to focus on fragile states, and within the group of fragile states, two countries stand out: Nigeria and the DRC. They will make up one-third of total extreme poverty in 2030 as the number of the extreme poor in both countries is projected to grow from 152 million to 178 million.

This is more than the total increase among all other fragile states combined.”

Rising Poverty Even if 2030 seems far away, the current assessment of the Nigerian situation, according to the World Poverty Clock, showed the country’s population of 211million people has a total of 105,097,856 people in extreme poverty, representing 51 percent of the population. It described Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world in terms of the number of people.

An individual is classified as living in extreme poverty if the person earns below $1.90 or N855 a day.

This figure is, however, at variance with the figures released by Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). NBS in May 2020 released its 2019 report on “Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria” and put the figure of Nigerians living in extreme poverty at 89.2 million. This represents 40.1 percent of Nigeria’s population of 205million as of 2020.

As of 1999 when the civilian administration resumed, the inflation rate was put at 6.62 percent but as of April 2021, Nigeria’s inflation rate, according to the Consumer Price Index report of the National Bureau of Statistics, had risen sharply to 18.12% in April 2021, with the attendant high cost of living.

Experts believed that outside the security situation, that fiscal indiscipline, failure to optimise revenues, cut cost and right-size government are the Achilles heel of this administration. There hasn’t been proper coordination of monetary, fiscal, trade, and investment policy and singular leadership of the related agencies by the presidency.

Economic Growth Nigeria had one of the world’s highest economic growth rates, averaging 7.4% according to the Nigeria economic report that was released in July 2019 by the World Bank. Following the oil price collapse in 2014–2016, combined with negative production shocks, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate dropped to 2.7% in 2015. In 2016 during its first recession in 25 years, the economy contracted by 1.6%.

However, a review of the key economic indicators for the Nigerian economy between 2014 to Q1 2021, suggests sub-optimal performance. In 2014, the Nigerian economy was growing steadily at about 6.5% until policy inconsistencies forced the economy into a self-inflicted recession in 2016. The government responded with an Economic Recovery Growth Plan (“ERGP”). The plan promised but was unable to stem the economic decline to deliver 7% growth by 2020 Since the 2016 downturn, the Nigerian economy has not grown beyond 2.5%, considering its population growth rate of 3.5%. Between 2016 and 2020, Nigeria lost $218bn (approximately 40% of its GDP).

Power Sector For whatever reasons, most of the rescue plans put in place for the power sector since the return of civilian administration have failed to bring the expected rejuvenation of the sector.

The reality is that the current electricity generated in the country is inadequate to meet the demand needs of households and businesses; as a result, Nigeria has a low per capita consumption of electricity. On most days, it is only able to dispatch around 4,000 MW, whereas power sector analysts projected 40,000 megawatts as the basic quantum of power needed to drive the economic transformation of the country.

This deficit is exacerbated by unannounced load shedding, partial and total system collapse, and power failure. To meet demand, many households and businesses resort to purchasing generating sets to power their properties.

Despite the power sector privatisation initiated by the Obasanjo administration, Nigeria has been unable to meet demand because of its policies, regulations, and management of operations.

Before the beginning of the Fourth Nigerian republic, power generation was mainly the responsibility of the federal government through NEPA. But reforms started in 2005 with the signing of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, which opened up the industry to private investors.

Despite the privatisation of the sector by 2014, the electricity customer population still stands at 7.48 million of which only 3.39million (45.3% of the identified customer population) are metered, leaving the unmetered population – the metering gap – at 4.09 million customers.

Oil sector This is perhaps the most sensitive of the various sectors of the Nigerian economy for obvious reasons.

First, Nigeria is a mono-economy, and issues around crude oil exploration, refining, fuel subsidy, and proceeds from oil sales have continued to shape the nation’s economy since 1999.

One of the issues that have been trailing the democratic dispensation in Nigeria is the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill.

Industry watchers had hoped that the fact that the National Assembly is controlled by the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party would break the jinx and lead to a quick passage of the bill following President Buhari’s electoral victory in 2019.

They believe given the PIB’s tangled history, the passage of the bill would represent a significant political victory for the president and send a message to international investors.

However, notwithstanding the plunge in global oil prices brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen crude trading at less than $40 a barrel and triggered a 60% slump in Nigerian government revenues, the PIB is still yet to become a law.

Fuel Subsidy Removing the subsidy on fuel is one of the most contentious socio-economic policy issues in Nigeria today. The results show that while a reduction in the subsidy generally increases Nigerian GDP, it can have a detrimental impact on household income, and in particular on poor households.

What fuel consumers experience has been a unilateral increase in the pump price of fuel from

Buhari time to time, with the attendant threat of industrial disharmony in the country.

Observers said this state of confusion has created loopholes being used by corrupt public officers and their collaborators in the private sectors to fleece the country.

But President Buhari believes his administration has instituted a regime of transparency in the operation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and by extension, the entire oil industry.

His confidence was bolstered by the fact that in June 2020, NNPC published its first audited financial statements after 43 years of operation.

Speaking at the virtual presentation of four books written by Ibe Kachikwu, a former minister of state for petroleum resources, Buhari said his administration has curbed corruption in the oil sector.

“The current transparency and accountability drive in the NNPC is a good indication of the success of our administration’s effort in stemming corruption and sharp practices in the petroleum industry.”

Analysts, however, pointed out that despite this vote of confidence from the President, the corporation’s failure to remit funds to the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) in May this year is an indication that all is not well still.

A letter from NNPC to the Accountant General said the company would withhold N111.96 billion ($294.3 million) of its April earnings. This deduction was required to cover the supply of petroleum products to Nigeria.

Fiscal Indiscipline Recently, an altercation between the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele over the allegation that the federal government was printing money to meet its obligations captured the desperate situation which the fiscal authority is facing.

According to the Chief Executive, CFG Advisory, Mr. Adetilewa Adebajo, “the biggest challenges during this review period were fiscal indiscipline and the perpetual budget deficit the government struggled to finance.

“The government admitted in its 2021 budget presentation, that it is now in violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which stipulates a value of 3.5% of GDP as the budget deficit ceiling. The unemployment rate more than tripled from 12% in 2016 to 45% by Q1 2021. Factoring underemployment and youth employment reveal higher numbers. As a result of sub-optimal economic growth and declining GDP, over 100 million Nigerians entered into poverty and Nigeria became the global poverty capital.”

Adebajo explained that Nigeria experienced a drop in the poverty rate to an average of 56.1% between 1999 and 2007. This, he said, could be attributed to the measures taken by the civilian government against administrative corruption, increased domestic and foreign investments, and some implemented agricultural policies.

He noted that these efforts were thwarted by subsequent administrations with devastating effects on the Nigerian population. Despite an average annual economic growth rate of 6% between 2004 and 2010, the incidence of poverty has remained high, increasing from 54.7% in 2004 to 60.9% in 2010. The high rate of poverty in Nigeria has reached alarming proportions.”

Experts believed that outside the security situation, fiscal indiscipline, inability to optimise revenues, cut cost and right-size government are the Achilles heel of this administration. “There hasn’t been a proper coordination of monetary, fiscal, trade and investment policy and singular leadership of the related agencies by the presidency,” Adebajo stated.

Another issue that has dogged the civilian administration is the sustained fall in the value of the naira. The steady fall of the naira value means degeneration of the spending power of Nigerians families and companies, which increasingly rely on imported foreign goods and services.

Today, dollar exchanges for N412 at the official rate could go as far as N480 at the parallel market, a development attributed to the acute shortage of the greenback and the corresponding erosion of Nigeria’s foreign exchange deposit.

Debt servicing According to the Debt Management Office (DMO) data in 2014, Nigeria’s total debt was $67.7bn, with domestic debt accounting for $57.9bn and foreign debt $9.7bn. By 2020, Nigeria’s total debt increased by 27.5% to $86.3bn, with domestic debt accounting for $53.0bn (a decline by $ 4.9bn or 8.5% from 2014 total domestic debt) and foreign debt accounting for $33.3bn (an increase by $23.6bn or 243.3% from 2014 total foreign debt). At this level of total debt, 80-90% of government revenue for Q1 2021 was going towards debt service.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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Victims of mass kidnap

Democracy Blighted by Insecurity Ahamefula Ogbu

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emocracy has come to evoke the feelings of utopia, albeit almost falsely, at least in expectations of an Eldorado in the oraganisation of society for man to live in. That probably explains the frenzied acceptance of Nigerians who have the penchant to celebrate anything from tragedies to positively memorable events, of the much vaunted return to democracy which saw the khaki boys back to their dilapidated barracks.

However, events were too soon to take a sordid turn that transformed in human psyche and reality so that the khaki colour soon returned in deeper combat dressing of camouflage as regular police no longer could handle the morphed security problems which made the security forces to change from protecting territorial integrity of the country to internal security. The police, ill equipped and more ill-motivated had abdicated its duties; leaving in its wake, a lot of ungoverned spaces which were taken over by non-state actors who to maintain their relevance, had to resort to extreme violence.

Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, there have been pockets of violence either state-sponsored or criminally engendered. What tested the will of President Olusegun Obasanjo was restiveness in the Niger Delta which later morphed into militancy; a sobriquet of resource control pressure that saw host communities tackling both government and oil prospecting and exploration companies.

Often, casualties were on both sides but mostly policemen who were killed and their weapons stolen. That mixed with stealing of crude oil from facilities which were moved in barges and sold to waiting mother ship anchored a bit offshore or exchanged for weapons with which they not only plied their trades but superintended their territories. That went on till some soldiers and policemen were killed in Odi, Bayelsa State, and Obasanjo felt the red line had been crossed and the result was what has come to be known as Odi massacre of November 1999, few months into his reign.

The town of Odi was razed by soldiers who said they were looking for the remains of their colleagues killed by natives.

Afterwards, kidnap for ransom which was isolated became the order of the day as oil workers were mostly targeted, especially foreign oil workers. Initially, some expatriate workers from certain countries were mocked as not having good kidnap values but it soon degenerated to kidnap of Nigerians and their children for ransom where it was alleged that even undercover police that were used to track or negotiate ransom payment started cooperating with kidnappers and collecting their cuts after negotiation and freeing of victims.

This was shortly followed by religious riots in Kaduna State which started with adoption of Sharia in February 2000 after Zamfara blazed the trail. It was later to spread to Jos Plateau State and raged till May with opposing faiths going for each other’s jugular. The riots from Kaduna to Jos were estimated to have cost 6000 lives in addition to properties, especially places of worship torched.

After that, the nation had a period of relative peace lasting from October 2000 to September 2001when insecurity again, burst the seams and Zaki Biam, the yam center of Nigeria was on fire. Some Tiv militia allegedly ambushed and killed 19 soldiers, President Obasanjo’s primary constituency and since he had set precedence in Odi, he again, scrambled soldiers to look for and “recover” the remains of the soldiers. What happened was another massacre which nearly brought to the fray, some serving and just retired military officers. As usual, houses were razed, women and children killed.

Casualty figures ranged from 200 to 500.

Meanwhile, while some states in the north toyed with sharia as state religion with the attendant riots over religious issues, a group pushed with radicalisation of youths and other adherents, preaching puritanically. Its leader resident in Maiduguri, Muhammed Yusuf named his movement Boko Haram which in Arabic is—Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad—meaning “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad. “Boko Haram,” a combination of the Hausa word “Boko,” which literally means “Western education” and the Arabic word “Haram” which translates to “sin” or “forbidden.” Though it was said to have been birthed in between 2001 or 2002, some insist it was actually started in 1995 as Sahaba which not only abhorred western education but would not countenance or recognise the secularity of Nigeria.

Until the first clash between its members and security forces in 2009, they had been conducting their affairs peacefully with little vitriol. The clash was said to have led to the killing of many of its members before the leader was captured alive and handed over to the police in whose custody he died. What followed from that encounter had plunged Nigeria into war-like situation with many parts of the country now under the control of terrorist groups Thereafter, though there were security issues here and there, there was none of national proportion until October of 2002 when an editorial matter in THISDAY was adjudged to have disparaged the Prophet Mohammed on the Miss World pageant.

Houses were burnt including offices of newspapers. Afterwards, things calmed down for nearly two years before a major security breach was recorded In 2004, the Yelwa-Shendam crises erupted as inter-faith clashes and heavy weapons were deployed by both sides destroying settlements and killing across faith. Soldiers were deployed. It was later to spread as far as Maiduguri in Borno State where over 50 people were reportedly killed.

When that issue died down, a cartoon in faraway Denmark said to have denigrated Prophet Mohammed again sparked riots and destruction in Maiduguri which again led to killings between Christians and Muslims.

Once Boko Haram birthed, a string of violent acts like suicide bombings became rife with members causing riots wherever they went. Suicide bombing, sometimes with improvised explosive devices which many thought were not possible in this clime now became a daily occurrence with some blaming political leaders for lacking in will and commitment to rout the insurgents. Churches were bombed and burnt, Police headquarters, the symbol of protection for the common man was also bombed, the United Nations building in Abuja, THISDAY Abuja and Kaduna offices soon were also bombed as sleep also escaped the north East.

Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Damaturu, Mubi, Madala, Bauchi, Wudil, Potiskum, Wusasa, Okene, Yola, Gombi, Wusasa, Sabo-Ngeri, Gujba and even Lagos were soon to bear scars of terrorism as attacks of places of worship and individuals, even check points became a signature and the democracy convulsed.

Of late, names like Konduga, Baga have become metaphors in human suffering with high casualty rates on security forces as they battle back and forth to control territories seized by the insurgents. Things got to a head when attacks on barracks and even super camps of the military were carried out boldly by Boko Haram fighters which government continually claimed had been technically defeated.

Each of the commanders and military chief that had high command positions had their places of origin or villages viciously attacked in an apparent move to deflate the confidence of the people in them being able to protect the people. New war machines procured by the government somehow through ambush or surprise attacks, fell into

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t A%&.0$3"$: #-*()5&% #: */4&$63*5: t Continued on Pg. 22 the hand of the insurgents and the war stretched. One will not even go into conspiracy theories of how a rag-tag army routinely makes military gains against a country reputed to have one of the best land soldiers and police in the world.

There were also the mounting invectives and threat of secession by the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) which dwelt in abuses and threats by its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, that has drawn federal fire to the South East. From its civil protest, it soon formed an armed wing allegedly to protect farmers and women from marauding herdsmen who inhabit the forests and rape anyone that they could lay hands on, killing many in the process. Presently, it is not clear if it has not overreached its protection mandate into other things that has further exacerbated the security situation of the country. In the South East region, the phenomenon of unknown gunmen has violently imposed itself on our lexicon and the region once reputed as the most peaceful in the country presently convulses in an orgy of violence. To the region, democracy plucks their youth untimely while suffering the double jeopardy of lacking in federal presence which the gunmen have serially taken out, especially office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It was not too long before the Boko Haram menace morphed into something more sinister and deadly both as bandits and herdsmen spread the terror from the North East to North West and North Central, even going South West and South East. This expansion added massive kidnappings, mostly of school children and prominent farmers; massacre of entire villages and towns.

The first mass kidnap of School children was in Chibok Science Secondary School where girls in their hundreds were taken away and till date, some are yet to be accounted for while Leah Sharibu that refused to denounce her faith was said to have been married off to one of the Boko Haram commanders and is said to have had two children in captivity.

Even as President Muhammadu Buhari was visiting his state, bandits struck and took away 300 students. Since then, more had been taken away either from schools, mosques or along the highways.

In neighbouring Kaduna State that hosts most military formations of the country, students of the school of forestry were kidnapped as well as those of Greenfeild University that had to pay hundreds of million as well as buy motorcycles for the release of their wards though some were killed by the bandits to prove they meant business. Those are apart from kidnap of individuals and massive killings in Kajuru which has become recurring.

It was not long before there was an outcry from Niger State that bandits had taken over some communities and hoisted their flags. Kidnap of children and forceful conversion of communities to radical Islam followed. The lowest perhaps that the bandits have gone was to go to a school in Tegina, Niger State where they took away 136 pupils, age three to 12, and are demanding ransom of hundreds of millions of Naira.

Communities are levied by bandits who some preachers have easy access to and meet to negotiate with them even under police and secret police protection but the authorities are unable to subdue them.

Although Delta, Anambra and Enugu states have had their share of killings by criminal herders, worst hit by bandits and herdsmen is Benue State whose governor, Samuel Ortom himself narrowly escaped death when he was attacked on his farm by bandits. Before then, killings of natives in almost all the local government areas of the state have been on mass scale. Figures that come in from the state now look like statistics instead of human beings daily bringing the man to tears each time he has to oversee mass burial of natives. Guma and Agatu stand out most on these.

Burial of soldiers killed in battle by Boko Haram

Benue indigenes displaced from their ancestral homes by herdsmen

Farmers killed in Borno State by Boko Haram The programme of the herders, Ortom has lamented was to displace natives and take over their ancestral land. Even those taking refuge at Internally Displaced Camps were pursued to the camps and

slaughtered; even as it is claimed that those killing Nigerians were herders from other parts of Africa and not indigenous to Nigeria.

However, body language and pro-

nouncements by some political leaders show partisanship as those complaining are told to “accommodate” others or that it was better for them to give up their ancestral lands instead of being killed.

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GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

12.06.2021

NEWS

ENGLAND, CROATIA RE-ENACT RUSSIA 2018 PAGE. 31

Valentine Ozornwafor Has He Won Rohr’s Heart?

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Valentine Ozornwafor Has He Won Rohr’s Heart?

Valentine Ozornwafor was in the heart of Super Eagles defence in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Cameroon in Austria

But for the spate of injuries in the Super Eagles fold ahead of the international friendly between Nigeria and Cameroon in Austria, Valentine Ozornwafor would not have been invited for the game talkless of playing. At the end of a lacklustre performance by the three times African Champions, the Turkish-based player was singled out for praise by Super Eagles Manager Gernot Rohr.The big question is whether Ozornwafor has won the heart of of the Franco-German tactician

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ith just one appearance for Turkish side Galatasaray in the just ended season, soccer loving Nigerians disapproved of the invitation of Valentine Ozornwafor for the Nigeria versus Cameroon friendly in Austria by Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr. But characteristic of the Franco-German, he stood his ground and went on to parade the 21-year-old.

Ozornwafor played in the heart of the defense and he justified his inclusion in starting line up for the Super Eagles.

Speaking to the media after the game, Rohr singled out the player for praises for a job well done.

“I’m very happy for Valentine; a lot of people did not understand why he was with us, he showed today the reason why he can play with us.

He did very well with his left foot in central defence,” Rohr said in the post match conference.

Football fans were against Ozornwafor‘s invitation to the team in the first place, due to his lack of first team football for his club Galatasaray of Turkey.

The 21-year-old has now made more appearances- two and played more minutes (91) for the Super Eagles than he did for Galatasaray-one appearance and eight minutes this season.

Ozornwafor was called up to the Super Eagles following a spate of withdrawals but his call-up was met with a slew of criticism. Critics pointed to the defender’s lack of minutes in the 2020/2021 season with just eight minutes for Galatasaray.

The 22-year-old made his Super Eagles debut in the first friendly game against Cameroon on June 4, coming on for William Troost-Ekong late in the game.

He made his first start for Nigeria in the second game against Cameroon and impressed at the back, helping the Super Eagles to a clean sheet.

“We had a problem in the defense, so for the first time we played Valentine,” Rohr told Super Eagles media.

“He did very well and we finished the match with Simon who is a winger playing left-back and we didn’t concede a goal.

“I’m very happy for Valentine because a lot of people did not understand why he was with us.”

“He showed today the reason why he can play with us, he did very well in central defense.”

Further reacting to the game, Rohr reiterated that result was not the most important thing for the Super Eagles from the two friendly matches against Cameroon.

“Like I said before, the result is not the most important, what is important is to test some players and see

new faces, which was the case again today,” he said.

“We didn’t want to concede a goal we wanted to score but we could not and when we are missing players like Victor Osimhen, Joe Aribo, Samuel Chukwueze, Samuel Kalu, Henry Onyekuru, it’s not easy.

“But the players did well, we had a lot of chances in this two games we couldn’t score but the match today was interesting.

“It was the last match of the season for a lot of the players, they came in the middle of the holidays to work hard for 10 days with us and the fruits of the work will come and I think we will be ready in September for the World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde.“ The Super Eagles will kick off their 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September with games against Liberia and Cape Verde and Ozornwafor will be hoping to retain his place in the Super Eagles for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Ozornwafor returned to Galatasary from Spanish side Almeria after a loan spell in the summer of 2020.

He had revealed that his loan spell with Almeria had run its course, with a return to the Turkish giants being the loan deal protocol.

“Concerning the speculation, Galatasaray is my club, my parent team, for now, the loan is over I just have no option than to return to my parent team, there are no argument about that, and no two ways about that I just gonna return back to my parent team that’s all,” the defender had told Brila.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

EURO 2020

EURO 2020

EURO 2020

EURO 2020

England, Croatia Re-enact 2018 World Cup Semifinal The Three Lions of England will be hoping to revenge their 2018 World Cup semifinal loss to Croatia as the two countries go for the broke in the opening Group B game of the Euro 2020 at the Wembley Stadium, London, tomorrow

England Captain, Harry Kane battle for possession with his Croatian counterpart, Luka Modric at the semifinal of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia

The summer of 2018 was a good one for England as they reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

However, their journey was brought to an end by Croatia at the semi-finals, extending fans’ wait for football to come home.

Euro 2020 is another opportunity, and it’s a big one as the final is being held at Wembley – as it was in 1996 when David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds penned that famous song. Qualification for Euro 2020 was straightforward, with England winning seven and losing one of their eight games, only dropping points against Czech Republic when top spot had been secured.

Croatia were made to work harder for their

qualification to Euro 2020 despite finishing top of Group E. Just five points separated Croatia and fourth-placed Hungary, with Wales and Slovakia sandwiched inbetween, and all four sides actually qualified for the tournament after the Nations League playoffs. It has been a strange period for Croatia post-2018 and their World Cup final appearance, as Zlatko Dalic’s side finished bottom of their Nations League group, only saved from relegation by a revamp. They then finished third in their next Nations League group, avoiding relegation thanks to their one superior goal difference over Sweden.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane has said the England side are still hurt by their defeat to

Croatia in the 2018 World Cup Semi-final.

The Three Lions are preparing to face the Croatians tomorrow in their first game of Euro 2020 as they look for to make up for their mistakes three years ago.

Gareth Southgate’s team fought valiantly, but fell at the penultimate hurdle back in 2018 and Kane has admitted the loss is still on his mind ahead of Sunday’s clash.

Kane spoke to The Official England Podcast about the upcoming game and England’s heartbreak in Russia.

He said: “Of course it’s a game that hurts.

It’s a game we wanted to win and we wanted to get to a World Cup final, but in football, it doesn’t always pan out how you want.

EURO 2020: An Experience Like Never Before for MultiChoice Subscribers, Says Mabutho Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho has promise DStv and GOtv subscribers an unprecedented experience as the EURO 2020 tournament kicked off yesterday in Italy through July 11.

The tournament which would be played across 11 cities involving 24 teams with the semi-finals and final taking place at the Wembley Stadium.

According to Mabutho, football lovers in Nigeria would be treated to a good time as MultiChoice Nigeria has promised to make the Euro tournament available on Dstv Compact plus upwards and on GOtv Max, Jolli and Jinja packages.

“DStv viewers can catch all the games on SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel, while GOtv viewers can watch on SuperSport La Liga channel. These channels have since been renamed “SS Euro 2020” from June 1 and are dedicated to the football event and magazine shows, available round the clock,” the Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria told THISDAY.

“We are very prepared and are ready to satisfy all our subscribers as we have secured the rights to all the games of Euros 2020.

Aside bringing all the matches to viewers, Mabutho said that there will be a lot of studio analysis by pundits who will be providing indepth previews and reviews of matches and also experts who will be looking at the technical aspects of the tournament. These pundits would be made up of mostly those who have played or coached the game at one time or the other. They are all experts in their own right.”

“Also we are creating more packages in order for more people to gain access to the games. It is a family affair and we are out to see that we satisfy as many families as possible.”

In order to attract more eyeballs to DStv screens, Mabutho said, “every football fan across the globe knows that the best football teams in the world come from Europe and from those national teams, we have individual players featuring for various clubs we watch every weekend. So the Euros provide a unique

opportunity to see these players who play against each other in their clubs come together under their national team setup. Nothing can be more compelling than watch.“ Ahead of the tournament kick-off, MultiChoice also ensured subscribers were treated to additional football content via the dedicated SuperSport Euro2020 channels, which opened from June 1 to 11, for archive content, documentaries, warm-up games, best qualifying matches, previous finals and best games from previous Euros.

Asked if the absence of fans in some venues would not diminish the excitement of the tournament, Maputo reacted thus: “In as much-as I agree that fans add a lot of excitement to the game but at the end of the day its about how the players express themselves technically and tactically. We are all hoping for a good tournament-fans or no fans.

Maputho is indeed not worried by the absence of some big names in the tournament due to injuries, saying it’s an avenue for some young talents to exploit.

“We just fell short in that moment. But it’s a game for us in a big tournament and Croatia are a great side. We’ll be focused on their team and trying to stop their threats and we’ll try to get on the ball and create chances.

“It’s the first game of a major tournament and that’s the most important thing is to look forward and just try to beat them on the day and get off to a good start.”

The England captain picked up the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup and despite being hungry to get the award again this summer he seemed to have his priorities straight ahead of the tournament.

He said: “Of course, I’d love to win another Golden Boot. More importantly, I’d love to be lifting that European Cup. “Whatever way we get there, whether it’s me scoring or others, it doesn’t bother me as long as we are winning games, that’s all I care about.”

England have already had changes to their squad with Brighton defender Ben White coming in for injured Trent Alexander-Arnold with less than a week until they welcome Luka Modric and Co to Wembley.

Kane is one of the few members of the squad that has been fit and available for both warm-up friendlies, but Southgate chose to rest the talisman against Romania, opting to keep the striker fit for the upcoming busy schedule.

Five years on from their magical run to the European Championship semi-finals, Wales begin their Euro 2020 adventure with a showdown against Switzerland in Baku today.

Both sides have ambitions of reaching at least the first knockout round in the pan-European competition, but Group A is arguably the most competitive of the lot.

Just eight members of Wales’s squad from the last European Championship finals remain, and not all are at the same level.

However, as showed during their qualifying campaign, when putting together a five-game unbeaten run to finish runners-up to Croatia, Wales remain a relative force.

The Dragons are effectively battling with Switzerland and Turkey for second place behind in-form Italy in Group A, and they can take confidence from recent results.

Wales have defeated a lot of similarly-ranked nations over the past year or so, including in the Nations League when finishing top to earn promotion to the top tier.

Losing their manager, Ryan Giggs, due to an impending court case is far from ideal, of course, but Rob Page has ensured a seamless transition in his seven months in interim charge. There were positives to take from the 3-0 loss to France last week, as strange as that may sound on the face of it, though the less said about the 0-0 draw with Albania the better.

Wales do not qualify for major tournaments all that often, but when they do they tend to leave their mark, reaching the quarter-finals in the 1958 World Cup and semis at Euro 2016.

That has not really been the case for Switzerland at this tournament, having been eliminated at the group stage three times before a last-16 exit to Poland five years ago.

La Nati will be confident of sealing a best-ever finish this time around, particularly if their recent form is anything to go by.

EURO 2020 FIXTURES TODAY

Group A: Turkey vs Italy (12:30 am, Rome) Group A: Wales vs Switzerland (6:30 pm, Baku) Group B: Denmark vs Finland (9:30 pm, Copenhagen) SUNDAY

Group B: Belgium vs Russia (12:30 am, St Petersburg) Group D: England vs Croatia (6:30 pm, London) Group C: Austria vs North Macedonia (9:30 pm, Bucharest)

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GLOBAL SOCCER

World Corporate Golf Challenge 2021 winner; ORM Oladapo (middle) and Bola Afolabi receiving their trophies in Uyo over the weekend

Danzinger Wins WCGC, to Represent Nigeria in Portugal Team Danzinger, represented by the duo of Bola Afolabi and O.R.M Oladapo has emerged winner of the 2021 of World Corporate Golf Challenge.

The event organised in Nigeria

by Falcon Golf Development Company (FGDC) was decided at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo over the weekend.

To come top in the competition Team Danzinger grossed total of 81-stableford points to beat the field of over 100-teams.

Danzinger started the game with an opening 42-stableford point and closed with 39-stableford points to top the field.

Their victory earned them an all expense paid trip to Portugal in November where the world

final of WCGC has been scheduled to hold.

Speaking shortly after being declared the winner, Team Danzinger promised to be a worthy representatives in Cascais, Portugal. They said apart from representing their company; Danzinger in the world corporate event, they will do all they can to launder the nations image as well.

With a combined score of 79-stableford points, the pair of Paul Erokoro and A. Ajibade came in the second position.

The team signed for an opening 37 and a closing 42 to duck in the second position.

In the third place were the team of Jide Aknyemi and

James Woo. The pair carded and opening 37 and a closing 37 for 74 total over two days.

Emma Owoicho and Ugo Nkwocha score of 38-36 for 74-stableford points placed them in the 4th position losing on countback to the third placed Akinyemi and Woo. Godwin Ekpo and Onofiok Onofiok, completed the top five winners in the competition.

In his remark at the event closing ceremony Remi Olukoya, the Chief Executive Officer of FGDC, promised to continue to work hard towards making the competition better.

Falcon Golf Development Company is WCGC franchise holder in Nigeria.

Lagos Judo Association Seeks Japan Support In its drive to grow Judo in the state, the Lagos State Judo Association (LSJA) is seeking the support of the Japanese government in terms of technical and material support.

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art, which has since evolved into an Olympic event was created in 1882

by Jigoro Kano as a physical, mental, and moral pedagogy in Japan and the LSJA chaired

by Sheriff Hammed believes partnering those that own the sport would help to galvanise the needed technical support to grow Judo in Lagos.

Speaking after leading LSJA onacourtesyvisittotheJapanese Embassy in Abuja, Hammed said the team was excited with the reception by the Japanese teamledbyitsSecretaryNakayoshiNami.“Wewenttotheowner of the sport with the sole aim of getting their needed support both technically and materially. Again, we used the visit to foster Lagos and the Japanese government relationship. We were well received while the

Recipients of the Chinese Community award with the Chairman, Chinese Community in Lagos, Dr Eric Ni.

mission promised to support LSJA having followed all our programmes in the last three months. We hope and believe this visit would surely change the fortune of judo in Lagos and Nigeria in general,” Hammed said.

In her remarks, Nami commended LSJA for its efforts in the last three months, while acknowledging that the mission has been following the efforts being made by the association with the staging of several im-

pactful programmes that can grow judo in Nigeria.

She however promised that the mission was ready to assist LSJAwhilechargingtheassociation to continue to work hard to unearth talents as Nigeria is blessed with talents in all sports especially judo.

There are assurances from the Japanese government to assist LSJA in their forthcoming seminar cum clinic for physical education teachers in schools.

ITC President Lauds Oyetola, Ooni’s Efforts in Sports Development The president of the first recreation metropolitan Club in Africa, Ibadan Tennis Club, (ITC) Prince Oluwole Peter Akinyooye has commended the Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola for his drive to develop sports in the state, vowing to complement his efforts in this regard.

Akinyooye told sports journalists in Ibadan that he was very impressed by the approach the administration of Oyetola was using to develop sport in Osun State which was fast yielding results.

“Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has set the pace for its tourism and sports development with the Vision 30-30 Reality master plan which is geared towards expanding the economic base of the state on a short and long term basis”,

Prince Akinyooye noted.

Adding that sports and tourism activities in Osun State had tremendously improved from where it was in the last four to five years, and he was going to join this sports developmental drive by replicating what he’s doing presently at ITC in Orolu Local Government where he came from.

ITC boss averred that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi had done very well in the area of sports development in Osun with his many initiatives which includes having a football club that is playing in amateur league, organising competitions among communities and sport’s clubs.

NBB of C President, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo (l) in company of two GOtv officials presenting a cheque of of million Naira to winner of GOtv Boxing Night 21, Rilwan ‘Babyface Babatunde

But for GOtv, Nigerian Boxing would’ve been Dead, Says NBB of C Boss Football may be the most popular sport in Nigeria but it was boxing that first placed the country in the world’s sporting map. By the turn of the century, however, boxing was already comatose. Similar to the biblical Jesus’waking up of Lazarus from the grave, GOtv boxing Night, which berthed in 2014 came up with revival plan the sport has been craving for.The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, tells Kunle Adewale how GOtv Boxing Night not only woke up boxing from the dead in Nigeria, but has also helped produce African and world champions

B

efore the berth of GOtv Boxing Night, most Nigerian boxers with national titles were not just too old but rusty as a result of lack of fights, therefore competing for an African title was beyond them.

Today however, the narrative has changed with GOtv Boxing Night. Many Nigerian boxers not only boast of African boxing titles but also have world title belts wrapped around their waists.

“Before 2014 when GOtv Boxing Night debuted, Nigerian boxing was no longer in existence, it had gone down completely. Nigeria which use to be one of the best boxing nations in the world could no longer boast of something positive about boxing, but thank God for GOtv Boxing that came to the rescue. “The situation has now changed positively. Boxing is now bringing back the glory Nigeria had in the past. It was boxing that first put Nigeria’s name on the world sporting map, but unfortunately, the game went down.

“Prior to this time Nigeria had produced great names in boxing such as Dick Tiger, Hogan ‘Kid’ Bassey, Nojeem Maiyegun, Rafiu King, Obisia Nwakpa, Samuel Peters and a host of other great boxers. After then, nothing became of boxing in Nigeria until GOtv came into the boxing scene with GOtv Boxing Night,” President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo noted.

In years past, boxing enthusiasts looked forward to boxing fights at the National Stadium, but it was no longer so for many years until GOtv Boxing came on board and now everybody is always looking forward to the GOtv Boxing Night and it has changed the face of boxing in Nigeria tremendously, Nigerian boxers are now rearing to go, because they realise that aside from the excitement, they are also making good money, which is making them to believe in themselves.

Ladipo hailed the Gotv Boxing NextGen search which is an initiative to develop boxers into professionals early in life.

“Before GOtv Boxing NextGen, most of the boxers that were champions in all the weight categories were already old and spent forces. But boxing is a game for the young minds, because by the time you get to 35-38 years you’re already a spent force and cannot do any meaningful boxing again.

“NextGen Boxing search programme has been able to produce young boxer of between 17 to 21 years and with the prospect of becoming world champions, which gives boxing in Nigeria a ray of hope. Today, we have promising young boxers some of whom have become not just champions of Africa but three of them right now are champions of the world in World Boxing Federation. “Boxing NextGen programme is a very good programe that should be supported, it’s a programme that if properly managed would bring back the lost glory of Nigeria boxing.

With that kind of a programme if it is religiously followed Nigeria boxing will surely come back,” Kadipo said.

Ladipo commended GOtv for the establishment of the Mojisola Ogunsaya Memorial Gym in Lagos, saying it would go a long way in furthering the development of boxing in the country, while appealing for more corporate organisations to toe the path of GOtv to develop boxing in the country. “We need world class gyms for our boxes and sports men to train and be at par with their counterparts in other parts of the world. With the Mojisola Ogunsanya boxing gym it would keep Nigeria boxers in shape for the battles ahead of them.

On how other cooperate bodies can support boxing in Nigeria, the former boxing promoter said: “We have to take a cue from GOtv. Boxing involves big investments . Investments put into boxing cannot be recouped through gate takings. What is collected at the gate is not enough to make the sponsors and promoters recoup their investments. We expect that cooperate organisations sponsoring and promoting sports should be encouraged by being given tax rebates, because anybody or organisation sponsoring sports is not only developing young talents but also taking miscreants, would-be armed robbers and kidnappers and other vices off the streets and thereby reducing crime in the country. Therefore, government should also give back something to these cooperate bodies sponsoring and promoting sports in the country.”

Asked if he was hopeful that the country could produce elite-level boxers in the nearest future, he said: “We are not just hopeful we are working towards it and I believe Nigeria will soon get to see the elite boxers who will become champions of the world very soon particularly with this programme of GOtv. In the last four years, you can count more than 20 boxing events sponsored

by GOtv and promoted by Flykites. These involve huge capital. To stage a GOtv Boxing Night it involves millions of Naira, it is capital intensive. And if it continues, I’m sure Nigeria will soon start to witness elite boxers that will become champions, and I hope other cooperate bodies will join GOtv in driving boxing in Nigeria.”

Ladipo could not just imagine what boxing in Nigeria would have been without GOtv Boxing Night and when the question was thus put to him on what he thinks the state of boxing in Nigeria would have been if GOtv had not come to the scene, he reacted thus: “We would not be talking of boxing any longer. Few other promoters that are promoting boxers in Nigeria are just emulating GOtv. Because if GOtv is not there, there would have been nobody that would want to do promotion. It is what they see of GOtv Boxing Night that is propelling them to want to do one promotion or the other. We should therefore see GOtv as the light. The bottom-line is that if not for GOtv we won’t be talking of boxing in Nigeria today.”

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Nmecha

Lukas Nmecha Will Fatherland Prevail?

Having starred for both England and Germany at age-grade level, but can still play for the country of his father at senior level, Nigeria football authority is courting German-born Lukas Nmecha to play for the senior national team, the Super Eagles. Will the three times African champions be the third country the Anderlecht loanee would be starring for?

L

ukas Nmecha, who was born in Hamburg, originally began his international youth career with England, turning out for theYoung Lions at all age groups between U-16 and U-21.

The striker qualified through residential purposes, having moved to the UK with his family at a young age, enrolling in City’s academy.

He scored England’s winner at the U-19 Euros in 2017 and Germany’s winner in the U-21 Euros last week and now Nigeria, the country of his fatherland, want Manchester City starlet Lukas Nmecha to play for them at senior international level.

Nmecha caught the eye for Germany at the U-21 European Championships and the striker scored the winning goal in the final and finished as the top goalscorer.

Nigeria, the birth place of his father, want to convince him to switch allegiances.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been trying to convince the Manchester City starlet to switch his national allegiances - a move that would see the young striker turn out for a third country.

Nmecha caught the eye at the U-21 European Championships, scoring the winning goal in the final for Germany against Portugal, as well as finishing as the tournament’s top goalscorer.

Nmecha scored the winner for England’s U-19s in their European Championship final in 2017, also against Portugal.

However, according to BILD, a third country has now come forward to ask for his services, with the Super Eagles looking to convince him to switch once more.

The 22-year-old qualifies through his father, who was born in Nigeria.

Nmecha has impressed this season while on loan at Anderlecht in Belgium’s top flight.

Nmecha scored the winning goal for

Germany in the U-21 European Championship final.

The forward scored 19 goals in all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s men as they finished fourth in the league.

His performances have attracted interest from across the continent, and it is reported that Pep Guardiola could be ready to cash in on Nmecha’s success.

Rated at around £7 million, it is thought City could be set to offload the academy graduate in a bid to raise funds for Erling Haaland.

The Nigeria Football Federation is taking steps to convince young Manchester City striker to commit his international future to his father’s place of birth.

Born in Hamburg to a German mother and a Nigerian father, Nmecha is eligible to play for both nations and England, where he relocated to as a child with his family.

Last year, Nmecha declared for Germany and was instantly included in their U-21 squad for the first time.

He became a hero a few weeks later when he scored four goals and emerged top scorer at the 2021 UEFA European U-21 Championship final to power Germany to the title. Nmecha scored the only goal in a 1–0 win over Portugal in the final of that competition.

Highly rated at City, Nmecha was sent to Anderlecht on loan last season and the young forward impressed as he scored 21goals in 41 games in all competitions for the Belgian giants.

His performances for club and country have kept him under the radar of both England and Germany, but none of the two European nations has given him assurances for the senior team.

The Manchester City youth product will not be at the Euro 2021 with any team.

Nmecha could, however, consider switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, with the African nation already qualified

for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and favourites to make it to the FIFA World Cup next year.

Shortly after he had moved from his birthplace, Hamburg, to northwest England with his Nigerian father and German mother, Nmecha’s talent was spotted by City, who quickly signed up the then nine-year-old, and the English Premier League champions have carefully honed that ability since. A Carabao Cup appearance in December 2017 marked his first-team debut for City, and was followed by two brief top-flight outings before he joined the senior squad for their 2018 summer tour of the USA. Pep Guardiola is impressed, especially as Nmecha happily allies his natural talent with an awareness that he still has much to learn. “Lukas has great prospects,” said Guardiola. “He’s hungry, he takes in everything you tell him.”

Guardiola is not the only one who has made an impact and had an impact made on Nmecha at City. “Vincent Kompany roughs me up in training but he’s really given me a lot of confidence because he’s played against the best strikers in the world and he’s telling me I can make it,” said Nmecha, who revealed the City icon now the Anderlecht coach regards him as “a little brother.”

“Kompany has told me what he doesn’t like playing against. If I hold it up against him I might lose the battle, so it’s more about running in behind and using my pace,” explained Nmecha. “I like going up against centre-halves, but I also like playing so I don’t want to overdo it. I don’t just want to be the big guy up front.”

Being taken into the mind of the defender by Kompany will only serve to make Nmecha a more formidable goalgetter. He struck 28 times at U-18, U-19 and U-21 level during the 2017/18 season, more than any other player in his age category in England.

When he replaced his idol Sergio Aguero for the summer tour of the USA at the end of that campaign, he scored again in a 3-2 win over a Bayern.

While his younger brother Felix, who is also on City’s books, chose to represent Germany, Lukas initially wore England’s Three Lions, but come the 2019 U-21 EURO last summer after three U-21 outings for England Nmecha was in a Germany shirt.

“I see Germany as my home. I lived in Hamburg until I was nine, and still have a strong connection to the city and the people.

I spoke about it with my mum, who is from Mönchengladbach,” he explained, adding a visit from Germany’s U-21 coach Stefan Kuntz to the Nmecha home in Manchester had played a major role.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12, 2021

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Broken Side Mirror: What are the Repair Options?

The all-new Hyundai CRETA

Hyundai Launches All-new, More Powerful CRETA Vehicle

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yundai Motor Nigeria has launched its all-new CRETA vehicle in Nigeria with a redesigned and more powerful SUV model set to create unparalleled driving experiences for customers across the region.

Unveiled during the press launch, the secondgeneration CRETA has been transformed into the ultimate sub-compact SUV for any terrain.

Building on the success of the Àrst model, the fresh-look CRETA is more spacious, boasts improved features and utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to meet the complete needs of working professionals, young peer group and families.

Central to Hyundai’s vision of delivering a superior experience is performance and the CRETA is installed with highly evolved powertrain engines, bringing incredible power and cleaner emissions.

Mr. Gaurav Vashisht, Head Sales and Marketing at Hyundai Motors Nigeria, said: “Developing high-quality vehicles are at the core of our vision and this is reÁected with the all-new Hyundai CRETA model.

“Since the Àrst model was launched, the CRETA

has become one of the most popular vehicles and the latest version is set to be a game-changer in the sub-compact SUV segment. From top to bottom, we have crafted the car carefully, pushing the boundaries to ensure that it stands out on the road and is equipped with a wide range of improved features that will deliver even more fun-loving driving experiences.

“Ultimately, the new CRETA is no like no other vehicle. It’s a true urban crossover with loads of versatility that is modern, sensuous and sporty in design.”

The all-new Creta comes with a choice of three engines. The Smart stream G1.5 (maximum power of 115ps/6,300rpm and maximum torque of 14.7kgf.m/4,500rpm) and the Kappa 1.4T-GDI (140ps/6,000rpm and 24.7kgf.m/1,500-3,200rpm) are both gasoline engines, providing better fuel economy on the roads.

OͿering more choice is the diesel U2 1.5 VGT (DSL) engine, which has a maximum power of 115ps/4,000rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgf.m/1,500-2,750rpm.

To match the performance, Hyundai has made signiÀcant improvements to both the interior and exterior including the size. At 4,300mm (length)

and 1,790mm (width), the outside of the CRETA is 20mm and 10mm bigger respectively than the Àrst model.

The masculine personality on the front is reÁected through the grille’s bold and rectangular latticework, holding a bigger and more striking H-logo as well as distinctive two-tier headlamps.

The addition of sinewy character lines over the clamshell-type bonnet also reinforces the masculine identity.

The quality of the exterior is replicated inside with the increase in size providing more space, comfort and convenience.

Fitted with an 4-speaker system, passengers can beneÀt from crisp and exceptional audio quality when listening to music on the go.

The premium interior is completed with a multi-functional 3.5inch TFT LCD cluster and the optional fully digital 7-inch supervision version, delivering information in rich detail with unprecedented speed and precision.

With the passengers’ safety the utmost priority for Hyundai, the CRETA is safer than before. The body structure is made of advanced ultra-high tensile-strength steel, giving it exceptional crash resistance.

MotoChekit/CARFAX Berths in Nigeria with VHR

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n Automobile Information Service Provider, MotoChekit, has berthed in Nigeria to help individuals and firms desirous of importing used vehicles (popularly called Tokunbo) make the right purchase decisions.

Promoters of the company, Segun Abiodun and Ayo Tifase said, at its inauguration in Lagos recently, that they were also out to help the Federal Government curb the unbridled importation of salvaged or junk vehicles.

They explained they were providing Nigerians with Vehicle History Reports (VHRs) at a reduced cost compared to what is obtainable in the Global VHR market.

Ayo Tifase said: “A large percentage of the Tokunbo vehicles imported into Nigeria are defective as most of them are Accidented and Refurbished”. Consequently, a lot of these vehicles develop copious problems when the buyers start using them. He added that, prospective buyers in Nigeria can save themselves some of these headaches if they avail themselves of Vehicle History Reports provided by MotoChekit. These reports provide pointers to some of these issues. He also added that VHRs have always been available in developed countries where Tokunbo Vehicles are sourced from, but that the reports are expensive when sourced directly, a situation that MotoChekit is here to change.

Asked why payment for VHRs should be made when they are readily available online, Segun Abiodun replied: “Information about vehicles cannot just be gotten by googling it. Free information on the internet comprises just basic information, it is not

comprehensive enough to aid decision-making on whether to buy a vehicle or not. “ “MotoChekit reports powered by CARFAX covers a wide range of areas that are key for decision-making.

They consist of Accident Data, which includes Accident History, Damage Severity (Severe/Minor), Damage Location/ Point of Impact, Records of Damage Repair, Airbag Deployment, Structural Damage, etcetera.

They also comprise Service History, which includes oil changes, tire rotations, open recalls, brake rotor replacement, transmission replacement, safety inspections

and so on.

“There is also what is called type of Use Information. This information tells you if the vehicle was personal, Rental, Taxi, lease, commercial or even used by security agents. MotoChekit reports also indicates the ownership history of the vehicle from the time it rolled of out the showroom as brand new to the most recent owner. It also includes the state(s) or province(s) it had been used, the length of ownership by its user(s), last reported mileage, odometer rollback, flood or lemon tile, etc.

L-R: Marketing Specialist, Motocheckit, Mrs Grace Abiodun; Chief Guest, Dr. Akin Akinola; and Marketing Developer, Motocheckit, Mrs Calista Emma-Anya, at virtual/physical unveiling of Motocheckit in Lagos... recently

You come out of the store and find the side mirror on your car is broken. This unfortunate situation is familiar to many. We need side mirrors for safe driving; what are the repair options and cost? The first question is which part is broken? The side mirror consists of several parts: Side mirror parts: The base (mirror assembly), mirror glass, cover and the turn signal (if equipped). For certain cars, the part might be available only as one complete piece. In some cases the cover is sold already painted, and in others it comes black and might need to be painted separately.

The quickest way to get the repairs done is to visit your dealership. Of course, it is a good idea to order parts ahead of time because it’s unlikely the dealer will have the side mirror in stock. Many people simply visit the dealership, so the parts advisor can see the damage and order required parts, as well as set up the service appointment. In most cases, you will probably be able to get it done the next day. The glass might need to be replaced even if it looks okay, because clips that hold the glass break easily.

Is the side mirror covered by the warranty? Yes, but the factory warranty only covers manufacturing defects and not accidental damage, scrapes or vandalism.

What are the less expensive repair options? Depending on your coverage and cause of damage, the side mirror might be covered by your insurance. Another option is to replace the mirror with an aftermarket or used part; both will be cheaper.

Broken side mirror glass can be replaced separately.

You can often find a used part on eBay or spare parts dealer’s shop. To find out if the part fits, you will need to know the model year of your car, as well as the options, such as whether the mirror is self-dimming or heated. Is there a built-in turn signal light? Does the mirror have a blind spot monitoring system warning light?

Meanwhile, if your broken mirror is hanging by the wires, it is a good idea to secure it temporarily so it won’t cause a safety hazard if separated or damage the wires or paint. How easy is it to replace a side mirror?

If the side mirror is attached to the small triangle in front of the glass, by the A-pillar, it’s usually easier to replace. Often it’s just three little bolts covered by a little plastic cover plus one electrical connector. Replacing the mirror that is attached to the side of the door takes more work, as the door cover and other parts will have to be removed.

Can I just replace the glass on my side view mirror?

Yes, if all the other parts are not damaged, the side view mirror glass can be replaced separately.

It is important to order a glass using the VIN number, because the part number will be different for different model years and options (Blind Spot Monitor, Selfdimming, etc.). In most cars, the glass just pops into the clips, but the plastic clips are very fragile and break easily, especially when cold. If you are planning to do it yourself, get the proper instructions and make sure the parts are at least at room temperature.

(Source: TESTING AUTOS)

OEM Representatives, Assemblers Expected at 15TH Lagos Motor Fair The 15th Edition of the annual Lagos International Motor Fair will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos from June 28 – July 3, this year. According to the Managing Director BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, “We have invited all the major automotive and allied sector manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, agents, etc. to participate in this very important edition and happily the response has been tremendous and we are expecting virtually all of them to actively participate. Each of the days of the event is loaded with activities and events that will make this edition remarkably rewarding to the exhibitors, visitors and other stakeholders. As part of the new normal all the COVID-19 protocol will be strictly observed and maintained at the Fair ground.”

Agwu said, this year’s edition of the Motor Fair would hold “despite all odds to ensure that the automotive sector of the Nigerian economy remains in the front burner of economic discuss in Nigeria having in mind the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the attendant negative impacts on global businesses and other social activities, as well as the uncertainties of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).” He stressed that it is in furtherance of the determination of the organisers to annually use the platform of the event to bring together major indigenous and global players in the automotive business to showcase capabilities and

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12, 2021

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AUTO WORLD

New Toyota LandCruiser Shines at World Premiere

T

he 15th Edition of the annual Lagos International Motor Fair will hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos from June 28 – July 3, this year.

According to the Managing Director BKG Exhibitions Limited, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, “We have invited all the major automotive and allied sector manufacturers, assemblers, dealers, agents, etc. to participate in this very important edition and happily the response has been tremendous and we are expecting virtually all of them to actively participate. Each of the days of the event is loaded with activities and events that will make this edition remarkably rewarding to the exhibitors, visitors and other stakeholders. As part of the new normal all the COVID-19 protocol will be strictly observed and maintained at the Fair ground.”

Agwu said, this year’s edition of the Motor Fair would hold “despite all odds to ensure that the automotive sector of the Nigerian economy remains in the front burner of economic discuss in Nigeria having in mind the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the attendant negative impacts on global businesses and other social activities, as well as the uncertainties of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).” He stressed that it is in furtherance of the determination of the organisers to annually use the platform of the event to bring together major indigenous and global players in the automotive business to showcase capabilities and potentials, especially as pertain to Nigeria. “In our mission and vision of making the event a world class

The new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser cabin global auto fair and to mark the 15 years of the Fair, we have packaged this edition to hold indoors. In fact starting from this 15th edition, the event will be hosted indoors. This is aimed at adding more glamour and aesthetics, and to protect products, exhibitors and visitors from harsh weather conditions.”

He called on the federal government to give the auto industry the special attention required so as to use it in driving the government’s economic diversification policy. “This is because of the enormous multiplier effects it has on any economy where it thrives.

Government should no longer delay in having a law

backed automotive industry development policy that would be strictly implemented. Such would fast-track Nigeria’s becoming an automobile manufacturer and a hub of its businesses in Africa; bearing in mind the great natural endowments and other comparative advantages the nation has in the sector.”

Mercedes-Benz CLS Looks Sportier With Greater Individualisation

W

ith a sharpened design, the modernised CLS will arrive in European dealerships in August this year. The front end in particular, with new radiator grilles and bumpers, expresses the dynamism of the four-door coupé even more strongly.

At the same time, the interior has been upgraded with additional leather and trim combinations as well as a new-generation steering wheel. A latest-generation diesel with integrated starter-generator expands the model range. A strictly limited special model of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption 9.0-8.7 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 206-199 g/km)[1] forms the sportily exclusive spearhead.

Thanks to a comprehensive update last summer, with upgrades to the driving assistance systems, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system and ENERGIZING Comfort, the CLS was already up-to-date technologically.

As a coupé, the CLS, together with all roadsters and cabriolets, belongs to the category of dream cars

at Mercedes-Benz. To date, more than four million examples have been sold to customers all over the world, including more than 450,000 CLS models since the launch of the Àrst generation in 2004. China was the largest sales market for the CLS Coupé in 2020, followed by South Korea, the USA and Germany. The reason most frequently cited by customers for buying the CLS is its design: Sportiness is the true luxury in this customer segment.

Now the CLS shows oͿ an even sportier look. The entry-level model with AVANTGARDE Exterior as standard features a new front apron with striking air intakes, two louvres at the sides, and a front splitter in silver chrome. The rear apron has a black diͿuserlook insert and a silver-chrome trim strip. Two new designs are available for the 19-inch light-alloy wheels: 5-twin-spoke or multi-spoke rims.

The CLS featuring the AMG Line Exterior signals its sportiness even more clearly: AMG styling components are Àtted in this version. These include an AMG-speciÀc front apron with A-wing in black, a front splitter in silver chrome, sporty, distinctive air intakes with vertical bars, and aerodynamically shaped Áics in high-gloss black.

The modernised Mercedes-Benz CLS

My Cycling Phobia Did you know that I own a bike? Did you also know that this bike dates back to when the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Osita Chidoka, initiated the first bicycle week as a way to promote non-motorized transportation in Nigeria in 2014? I am talking about the era when one of my adored politicians from the East and the former Transport Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe held sway as the bicycle transportation exponent. Would you be shocked if I confessed to you that since 2014 when I bought the bike and managed to ride along my colleagues, my bike has become a souvenir? Each time I am deployed, my bike moves alongside. Yet, it merely adorns my living room.

The nearest I have done in putting the bike to use is to gauge the bike to be sure that the tyres are in good shape. My phobia is worsened each time I spot Chidinma, my friend’s wife biking while I am busy with my usual morning routine walk to keep fit. It was therefore not strange when on Monday this week at the commencement of the 2021 Bicycle week celebration, I confessed to my colleague that nothing will compel me to take my bike out to ride unless within my estate or when rapture takes place as we are told in the Holy Bible. If you are worried about me, please hold your peace and allow me deal with the benefits of cycling before dwelling on the worries of the Corps which has been expressed sarcastically by some concerned road users. Basically, we acknowledge the need for the appropriate infrastructure to be put in place such as the appropriate bicycle lanes among others. I hope to deal with others in my conclusion.

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

Despite my personal phobia which does not outweigh the benefits of cycling, please permit me to allow, Dr Sydney Ibeanusi of the Federal Minister of Health guide us on why we must ride. Since I am not qualified to speak on the health benefits, I will run excerpts of his paper hoping that you will find it as rich as I did. According to him, research shows that a 15 minutes vigorous activity a day increases lifespan by three years. At slower the pace, about 30 minutes is required to achieve the same benefits. Exercise, he noted has been shown to reduce obesity, improve oxygen capacity, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve other heart functions. While acknowledging the dearth in National Studies on the benefits of riding, he said that most studies are from global Literature.

What then are these benefits; Improved Longevity.

A Study from King’s College London compared over 2,400 identical twins. Those who did the equivalent of three to 45 minute ride a week were nine years ‘

biologically younger’ even after discounting other potential confounders, such as body mass index ( BMI) and smoking.

Dr Lynn Cherkas, the lead researcher, concluded that “Those who exercise regularly are at significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type two diabetes, all types of cancer, high blood pressure and obesity. “The body becomes much more efficient at defending itself and regenerating new cells.” Such a finding would go a long to improve the life expectancy in Nigeria which by 2012 estimation by the WHO stands at about 50years. In Places with highest longevity such as Japan, a good number of persons indulge in the habit of cycling.

Another benefit is in the area of Improved Cardiac (Heart) Function & Preventing Cardiovascular Dxs. Studies from Purdue University in the United States States that regular cycling can cut your risk of heart disease by 50percent. Similar findings were recorded in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. The most dramatic finding was a cut of 82percent in the risk of the faster cyclists dying from a heart attack during a 30 minute daily session of cycling. The British Heart Foundation found that 10,000 fatal heart attacks are avoided each year if people are fitter. Cycling just 20 miles a week reduces your risk of heart disease to less than 50percent, ( such as stroke, high BPo and heart attack. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels.

Riding a bike like I did, Boosts PULMONARY / LUNG FXN. An adult cycling uses 10 times the oxygen they would need to sit in front of the Television for same period. Regular cycling will help strengthen your

cardiovascular system over time, enabling your heart and lungs to work more efficiently and getting more oxygen where it’s needed, quicker. This means that you can do more exercise for less effort.

At a time and age when diabetes is rampant, those who ride are at less risk of Diabetes. The rate of type 2 diabetes is increasing and is a serious public health concern. Lack of physical activity is thought to be a major reason why people develop this condition. Large- scale research in Finland found that people who cycled for more than 30 minutes per day had a 40 per cent lower risk of developing diabetes. Cancer: Cycle away from “the big C” ( Cancer) It has been shown that if you cycle, the chance of bowel cancer & breast cancer is reduced. Evidence abound that any exercise is useful in warding off cancers, it has been shown that cycling is specifically good for keeping your cells in working order. Finnish researchers in a long- term study found that men who exercised at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes a day ( Cycling to work) were 50percent less likely to develop cancer as those who didn’t. Other studies have also found that women who cycle frequently reduce their risk of breast cancer by 34 percent. Apart from improved blood flow to tissues, Research shows that people who cycle to work have two to three times less exposure to pollution than those in cars.

Cycling improves strength, balance and coordination. It may also help to prevent falls and fractures. It is low- impact exercise that places little stress on joints hence cycling is an ideal form for persons with osteoarthritis. Please note that because Cycling is not a weight- bearing exercise, it does not specifically help persons with osteoporosis ( bone- thinning disease). It equally improves interpersonal performance & discipline.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

Law: Charge With, Not ‘For’

“N

LC wants minimum wage retained in (on) Exclusive List” “3 soldiers die, 1 critically injured in accident involving IBB (IBB’s) son” For GOtv communication/PR-cum-advert team: “UEFA Euro 2020: All games live, expert analysis (analyses) and magazine shows” “While there is nothing wrong with taking loans for infrastructure (infrastructural) projects….” “…his administration was faced with myriad (a myriad) of daunting challenges that included….”

From Bureau of Public Procurement: “Expression of Interest (EoI) on (in) the policy for....”

“What is good about their decision is that they did not look at political party linings (leanings)….” (Politics & Power, June 2) “…particularly when the pursuit of selfish pecuniary interests have (has)….” Pursuit…has (not have). This is known as Error of Proximity (EoP).

“Infidelity, abortion scares man away from wife” Error of attraction: scare.

The next three blunders are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of May 13: “…the PDP in the state congratulated the former governor of the state for (on) the victory.”

“Elumelu sets precedence (precedent) in impact investing (investment) in Africa” “GOC’s shoot-at-sight order undue interference with electoral process” (THISDAY Headline, May 12) Fixed expression: shoot-onsight order.

“40 persons charged for election violence in Osun” (Nigerian Tribune, May 12) Stock phrase: charge with (not for) “To serve is a priviledge —Fashola” Spell-

check: privilege.

“The INEC office was said to have been packed full, before a big bang was heard.”

(THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, May 30) ‘Bang’ does not need any qualification—small or big because of its inherent loudness and suddenness. “…As underaged voters storm polling booths’’ (Sunday Tribune, May 30) This way: underage voters.

“My grouse with INEC’s boss’’ (National News, June 8) My grouse about (not with or against)….

“INEC’s shodiness (sic) and senators’ apprehension” (Nigerian Tribune Politics, June 10) Shoddiness leads to sloppiness.

“Banks get 48 hours ultimatum” Why not 48 hours’ ultimatum?

“Ports, boarder posts bleed of revenue losses while the election lasts” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, May 11) Spell-check: border posts—and while elections last, preferably.

“For the many others who kept their heads low and still did their duties the best way they could, we say congratulations for (on) surviving the season of anomie.” (Leadership, June 6) “The occasion was to mark the anniversary of his release from prison in (on) the infamous Robben Island.” (Businessday, June 7) “All manners (manner) of evil (evils) have been blamed on the Nigerian police.”

(THISDAY, June 6) “They too would ask why the candidate put himself forward twice for the senatorial post, knowing fully (full) well that….” (Vanguard, June 6) “The government justified its decision to privatize all but a few of its public enterprises on the ground (grounds) that they have been….” (THE NATION, June 6) “The next set of Assemblies should comprise of people of sound knowledge of the law.”

Delete the ‘of’ preceding ‘people’.

“…if they are prepared to stand for the electorates.” Deregulating communication: ‘electorate’ is an uncountable (collective) noun. ”If Nigerians are to continue taking government’s moral propagations serious (seriously)….” “…the fate of other spheres of human activity are (is) inextricably tied to it.”

“If the police was (were) slow in apprehending the murderers….”

“President Buhari urged to embark on poverty alleviation schemes” News: povertyalleviation scheme. Take note of the hyphen.

“The chances of any fifteen to twenty-fouryear-old being murdered is (are)….” “…top office holders who are currently (sic/ unnecessary) facing various charges ranging from murder, embezzlement of public money and (to) blatant violation of fundamental human rights of many Nigerians.” “…suspected criminals caught by various vigilante (vigilance) groups who now do the job of the police.”

“When Obasanjo made known his intention to contest the presidential election under (on) the platform of the PDP….” “…he was going to do his possible best.…”

Issues in 2022 Budget: ‘Best’ does not require any intensification because of its superlative status.

“But the governor has stuck to his gun (guns), insisting that his action is perfectly constitutional.”

Next in the saddle is THE PUNCH of May 13 which goofed this way: “LG plans to employ qualified health officials” Would it have employed unqualified officials? Your readers are not moronic patrons!

“The minister had alerted the nation about (to) the activities of saboteurs within the system.”

“The NLC has however gone beyond mere condemnation of the policy to threaten

Once Upon A June 12

D

o you remember what you were doing on June 12, 1993? That was 28 years ago! Well, I still hold a rather grim memory of that day largely because of the deep searing disappointment, destruction and general dislocation that followed for months on end - all because some puny minds were too full of their self-importance and warped significance in molding the future of this country; and they messed up royally. Yet a forgetful, docile and abominably forgiving nation chose to move on, and moved up a number of these charlatans to positions of power in political structures they killed and maimed so as to frustrate their emergence.

Lest I digress...on the wings of accumulated animus against power terrorists and arsonists. On that day in 1993, I swore to vote, for the first time, and canvassed my environment to vote for the more agreeable duo of Chief MKO Abiola, and Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe - without partisan expectations. I, like many of my friends, didn’t even remember both candidates were Muslims. It was a no-brainer pitching an amorphous Alhaji Bashir Tofa against an Abiola. We didn’t really care that Tofa, from the populous Kano, picked his vice from the East, in Sylvester Ugoh, a Christian. It just didn’t matter.

It wasn’t that Abiola was a Yoruba like me, or a media personality, fun-loving, philosophical, humanitarian - passions that sat well with me. Not really. He just seemed to click all the boxes I’d arranged as sine qua non for my favourite African head of state. And he appeared genuinely eager to make a positive impact in pulling Nigeria up from the dumpsters the military had scrambled her into.

I queued under the heat...I can’t remember if it rained before we dispersed that day. But the semi-awkward voting pattern which shaved any sense of secrecy or privacy in balloting was bad enough...you had to queue behind either of the two candidates - Option A4 they called it. The elements favoured one man, in my area, thus ballot snatching, vote manipulation and other malpractices were hard to come by.

Over 80% of my neighbourhood, close to the old Punch office in Mangoro, Lagos Mainland East were for the billionaire publisher, and multiple chief.

Abiola won fairly, and handily, in my area...and as we learnt via live transmission of votes counted all across the nation, the man whose dexterity in churning colourful anecdotes and witty idioms, and who was not diminished by his speech impediment, won handsomely in all the four corners of Nigeria, including in Tofa’s Kano (52% to 48%). In the East, Ugoh’s candidacy didn’t help Tofa’s party that much… Abiola won in Anambra, and was pretty close in Imo and Enugu.

Apart from the feudalist enclave of Sokoto (20.8%) there is nowhere he scored less than 32% in the then 30 states and the

FCT - an incredible national spread unequalled since.

Then they struck… the spoilt-brats, and national termites decided their fathers’ land would be better tilled by one of them in whom they were comfortable! The 8.3 million votes of Abiola’s Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the almost 6 million votes of Tofa’s National Republican Convention (NRC) did not mean anything to the military rascals. That the election was manifestly free and remarkably fair did not strike them as a worthy legacy. They chose to popularize an abomination annulment.

Sadly, some of the destroyers and wasters of our commonwealth and posterity are still alive; with a rickety bunch shamelessly swaggering through the portals of democratic temples, pretending to be paying penance through observance of democratic tenets - woe onto all the perpetrators and enablers of the perfidies that arose out of the annulment of the June 12 presidential elections. May their names and ancestry be clouded in ignominy and levity ad infinitum.

The consequences of that glib dismissal of a people’s mandate, and the harassment, disruptions, murders, assassinations and brutalities that ensued left a troubled and weary nation thoroughly exhausted and dehumanized. Valiant efforts across the land to challenge the militant robbery of the people’s mandate was violently crushed, strategical lacerated by infusion of divisive politics, and ethnic jingoism… every trick and subterfuge to corrode and rubbish the emergent crystallization of pro-democracy alliances was lavishly dispensed: even as the economy and international image of the country suffered colossal hemorrhage in the hands of those vagrant nonentities.

After the needless shedding of young blood, mass carnage in the fold of the vibrant civil society agitators, and deft maneuverings of political vultures, some sort of contrivance emerged atop the unmarked grave of the stoic mad man who broke all rules of statesmanship in his bid to consolidate power on his puny head, Sani Abacha - who was extinguished indecorously on June 8, 1998. A political escapism was conjured after the convenient and mysterious elimination of the gallant man of his people, Abiola on July 7, 1998. Exactly one month apart, by some evil genius abracadabra! And 1999 was birthed.

So also did the different plumage of cadaverous ambitions surged in shameless carnival parade - people who had betrayed the military-must-go vanguard; people who rallied to grandstand at the podiums of the five leprous fingers (the fitting title Chief Bola Ige used in christening Abacha’s five imposed ‘political parties’). Suddenly, the same braggarts and vandals were at the Eagles Square jostling for privileges and positions in Abubakar Abdulsalami’s half-hearted transition meandering.

Like drunken sailors caressed into their doom by beautiful vengeful sirens...we stumbled into the fourth republic. Many were bruised beyond repair; some were traumatized into

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

government with a strike action.” Deregulation of English: industrial action.

“I have also come to the conclusion that the best way to remain sane in this country is not to take our rulers serious (seriously).”

“INEC was at a crossroad before the postponement.…” Sustainable democracy: at a/the crossroads.

“The other problem of inter- and intra-communal feuds continue (continues) unabated….”

Not proximity yet. “…especially as it has defiled (defied) all solutions by experts in the area of waste management….”

“Sadly, these have culminated into (in) communal clashes….” “…in line with our African view of being our brothers’ keepers.” Fixed expression: brother’s keeper (irrespective of plurality) “As a youth corp (corps) member in Kano in 1974/75, I do understand….”

“Buhari to re-open talks with Niger Delta leaders” ‘Reopen’ does not admit hyphenation.

“Sheath your sword” Spell-check: sheathe.

“If the recent discovery of the bodies of policemen and soldiers in the bush are (is) a measure of….”

“Stocks shake-off Easter euphoria, remain active” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

“What happens to genetically-modified seeds that make agricultural produces grow….” An unfinished agendum: ‘produce’ is non-count.

“Journalists attached to Abuja may eventually return home to their families with their properties (property)....”

“Military personnel are said to outdo themselves (one another).…”

“Excuse me if I am trivializing, via humour, an otherwise griefing matter.” This is scandalous! Noun: grief and verb: grieve. So, grievous

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

exile… and others who remained, like me, had lost the zeal to revamp and restart the rebuilding project - crushed by the mere sight of characters who ought to be in chains, seeking restitution for destroying the hope of a nation, now angling and seeking to lead and monitor the growth and prosperity of the same unfortunate nation!

Fast-forward to 2018. In spite of his well-advertised failings, somersaults and seeming inadequacies, one of the greatest acts of statesmanship performed by President Muhammadu Buhari was recognising the sacrifices, and anguish, and disillusionment occasioned by the annulment of June 12. Whether he did it as a genuine act of class penitence, and national reconciliation; or dubious political masterstroke to bolster his reelection bid in 2019, it didn’t really matter. His great act of atonement and exorcism of the evil done to this country, to Nigerians - dead, maimed or alive; to Abiola, his families and stable friends; and to the over 14 million valid voters...has enshrined his name in the portals of history as the man who did right by anointing June 12 as the proper Democracy Day; and Abiola worthy of accoutrements reserved for Nigerian heads of state!

Yes, absolutely nothing can replace the lives wasted in the battles to reclaim the stolen mandate of June 12; nothing can make up for the searing losses and diminution this country suffered in the hands of madcap adventurers who blew through our resources...but the tokenism offered, and homilies enunciated by Buhari that day, June 12, 2019 at the inaugural Democracy Day ceremonies, went a mile or two in restoring the hope of many in this country. That singular act, by executive order, which previous civilian presidents had been presumably afraid to touch with a long pole...made many proud to have survived the locust years of the military vagabonds, and their civilian co-philanderers.

We remember today, June 12, as a moment not really to rejoice or serenade a bemused and weary nation, on account of current disabilities, but a day to swell in hope that even if it took us 20 years to do the right thing, we eventually did the right thing. So shall it be for every area of our national being that needs clear-headed, bold and far-reaching actions and decisions. Welcome, to a new June 12.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 12, 2021

POLITY

Accessing life-Saving Health Commodities in Yobe State Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

T

he Yobe State Government on Thursday, May 27, 2021, held a breakfast meeting with State Commissioners for Health to share lessons learnt from its current collaboration with local pharmaceutical companies in its efforts to ensure the people of the state have access to essential health commodities at an affordable price.

Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Lawan Gana, in his welcome address, said the state government has benefited from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement brokered by the Africa Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC_ESM) in its procurement of health commodities directly from local Pharma and urged other states to key into the programme.

The journey began last year when the Yobe State Ministry of Health under the leadership of Gana, took the bold step to seek opportunities to procure essential medicines directly from local pharmaceutical companies through a PPP arrangement to ensure its people at the primary health care centres across the state have access to quality and affordable medicines. Due to the frosty relationship that has existed between Pharmaceutical companies and state governments, as a result of delayed or non-payment for drugs supplied, the Yobe State Government approached (ARC_ESM) to facilitate this partnership with specific objectives and terms.

ARC_ESM proceeded to engage the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) highlighting the objectives and the opportunities that emerge from such a partnership including the scale-up of the partnership model to other States.

PMG-MAN informed its members of this opportunity and ARC_ESM provided additional context to those who indicated interest. ARC_ESM also conducted a due diligence assessment of these organizations which included a supply chain assessment. A total of 9 Local pharma companies were assessed during the first round of assessments.

On August 10, 2020, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Yobe State Ministry of Health and three Local Pharmaceutical (LPs) companies – Fidson Healthcare Plc, Juhel Nigeria Limited and Drugfield Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited. With ARC_ESM and PMG-MAN serving as brokers, both parties ensured that the agreement was adhered to by both parties with prompt delivery of drugs to the state and payment by the state government.

In March 2021, 2 additional LPs and a local distributor signed an MoU with the Yobe State Ministry of Health - SKG Pharma, May & Baker Nigeria and Phillips Pharmaceuticals Nigeria Limited. At this point, the Yobe State Government

L-R: Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammed Lawan Gana, his colleague from Kano State, Dr Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani and Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu at the event

had become a beautiful bride being courted by various LPs in the country. This was due to three key factors - competent health professionals at the helm of affairs of Yobe State Ministry of Health, the political will demonstrated by the State Governor, Mallam Buni Yari who appointed and empowered the leadership of the Yobe State Ministry of Health to deliver on his mandate and the commitment from the state to ensure prompt payment to the LPs in line with the agreed timelines for supplied health commodities. If there were grey areas to resolve, ARC_ESM and PMG-MAN remained as mediators to address and resolve these between the two parties.

Subsequently, other states began to request similar arrangements. This necessitated the hosting of a breakfast meeting by the Yobe State Ministry of Health to share its experience and learnings while encouraging other States to consider a similar model to ensure the availability of essential medicines across their States.

During the breakfast meeting, Gana told his colleagues of the success story the PPP arrangement had become and how both parties now enjoyed an excellent working relationship.

He urged his colleagues to key into the arrangement for improved health outcomes for their states in particular and the country in general.

The Chief Executives of the invited Pharma Companies spoke glowingly of the trust that has now being built between YODMA and their companies and stated that they are ready to work with any state provided they would keep to the agreement. The Chairman of PMG-MAN, Dr Fidelis Ayebae and the CEO of SKG Pharma Nigeria Limited, Dr Okey Akpa were full of praises for the wonderful work done by the Executive Secretary of YODMA, Pharmacist AbdulAziz Mohammed. They both agreed that the professionalism displayed by Pharm Abdul-Aziz and the involvement of ARC_ESM was what convinced them to get involved with the partnership agreement.

The meeting had in attendance the host; The Commissioner of Health from Yobe State, other commissioners of Health from Ekiti, Kano, Cross Rivers, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger and Enugu States; senior government officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, including the National Coordinator of the National Product Health Supply Chain Management Programme, NPSCMP and Chief Executive Officers of Local Pharmaceutical companies including SKG Pharma, Drugfield Pharmaceutical Limited, Juhel Nigeria Limited, May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Orfema Pharmaceutical Industry Ltd, Jawa International Ltd, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Bond Chemical Industries Ltd.

Taking Development to His Community It was a day of celebration for the people of Iworo Community, in Lagos State as one of their sons and founder of Olu Kosoko Foundation, Prince Olu Kosoko unveiled a digital centre on the occasion of his birthday. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

here comes a time in a man’s life when he’s called upon to do that one thing that is unique to him and his abilities. Woe betides him if he fails because that would have been his finest outing. So this time, on the occasion of his birthday celebration on a recent Thursday, a young royal from Badagry, Prince Olu Kosoko, as his birthday gift to the good people of his community in Iworo and Badagry at large decided to drive further his development aspiration for the society by gifting a digital technology centre.

The launching of OK Foundation Digital Education and Academy (OKDEA) Programme in Iworo Community, Badagry area of Lagos State, marked a new digital footprint to the people.

This was borne out of Prince Kosoko’s desire to build people, build a sustainable community and grow the community which is getting the desired attention from the populace. The launching of this modern technology attracted guests from within and beyond the community and was suitably blessed by his father, the Oniworo of Iworo Kingdom, HRM Oba Oladele Friday Kosoko.

“So it was such a joy to see that it’s Olu Kosoko’s birthday and he says let us drive digital inclusion here in Badagry,” one of the special guests, Opeyemi Oke said. Oke who is currently serving as the Director General of Badagry Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture added that Olu Kosoko is very passionate. And wished there are more people who are as passionate as him about development in the town.

Oke adds: “His passion can drive an entire generation. He’s very passionate; he’s passionate about development, he’s passionate about the people… Olu Kosoko will come from the UK then he was living in the UK and every now and then come just to be part of development here in Badagry. I’m excited about it.

I’m happy about it that Olu Kosoko has come to set this up for the people of Iworo. And from here we are going to reach the world.”

R-L: Oniworo of Iworoland, Oba Oladele Friday Kosoko, Aremo of Iworoland, Prince Olu Kosoko, his mother Mrs. Atinuke Kosoko

The Prince, Olu Kosoko who appears the happiest person of the day during his remark said his personal commitment to create a new generation of young persons in African communities through strategic approaches on education, entrepreneurship, empowerment and environment protection gave birth to the digital center. “First, I want to welcome everyone to this milestone in the lives of Badagry, Lagos, Nigeria and Africa. I just want to get this done. And just start working. I’m one of the happiest persons today because today means a lot to me.

“I feel that my life is a life of purpose, my life is a life of people, my life is a life of potentials, possibilities, and place and I have grown up not just like this. What we are doing today here is not something that just started. I’m very proud that few years ago about 2006/2007 we came together with some very progressive young people in Ojo and I’m so happy I have few of the members here. So to see the journey 16 years ago is a thing of joy.

Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 12, 2021

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PHOTO NEWS

RELIGIOUS COUNCIL MEET PMB...

L-R: The Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero; President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Reverend Samson Supo Ayokunle; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI

L-R: The Oniru of Iru Land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal conferring the title of Erelu Bobajiro of Iru land on Princess Toyin Ojora Saraki. Standing with them are Olori Mariam Lawal and the former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki during the 1st Year Coronation Anniversary of Oba Oniru held in his palace in Lagos...yesterday Photo: Kunle Ogunfuyi

Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the UFC Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman a.k.a “The Nigerian Nightmare” during Usman’s visit to her office Abuja, Nigeria...yesterday

L-R: Engineer (Mrs) Yinka Ogunlere; Bishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev (Dr.) Sunday Ogunlere; Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunlere (celebrant); Tolu Ogunlere at the 60th birthday ceremony of Mrs. Ogunlere held at the Church hall of Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Blessing, Palm Avenue, Lagos… recently

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Public-Private Partnerships in Lagos State, Mr. Lukman Olumoh; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Relations, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi; former Director-General, PPP Office in Lagos State, Mr. Ayo Gbeleyi; and Director-General Office of Public-Private Partnerships, Mr. Ope George, at the PPP Lagos staff retreat held recently

L-R: Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc General Manager, Human Resources/Admin, Mr. Hassan Salisu; Dangote Industries Limited Group, Head, Learning & Development, Ms. Felicia Onyechi, Dangote Sugar Fleet Operations Staff, Mr. Jibrin Baba, a 20-year Long Service Award recipient; and Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Group Managing Director, Mr. Ravindra Singhvi, during the Dangote Sugar year 2020 Long Service Award ceremony held in Lagos...recently

L-R: Chief Risk and Compliance officer, MTN Nigeria, Cyril Ilok; Chief Human Resources Officer, Esther Akinnukawe; SeniorManager,EmployeeServices,MTNNigeria,FolakemiTaiwo;andGeneralManager,HumanResources Operations, Ajibola-Opeoluwa Caleb, at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA) Awards, held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Mr. Aliyu Baba Barau (NTA); Curator, Nsibidi Gallery Abuja, Dr. Cornel Agim; Director General, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe; and acting President of FTAN, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung,on a tour of Arts and Craft Gallery during the World Handicrafts Day in Abuja... recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 12, 2021

POLITY

The Beauty of Lagos, Ogun Joint Commission Femi Ezekiel

I

n any dynamic society, the business of governance is such that rapid development takes place when a political office holder, in the case of a governor, thinks outside the box to provide the necessities of life to touch the lives of the people. Unarguably, the recent inauguration and subsequent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Lagos/Ogun Joint Development Commission by the two governors, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu and Prince Dapo Abiodun, was an auspicious move long overdue to look into the myriad of problems and to fast-track various meaningful developments, such as physical planning, traffic, and transportation, urban renewal, water supply, sanitation, security, road infrastructure, revenue collection, amongst other opportunities which have eluded residents of border communities in the two states.

The commission is a baby of the two governors, no doubt about that. The inauguration and subsequent signing of the agreement would go a long way to setting the tone for the accelerated development of the neglected border communities that have been in dire need, owing to several years of conflicts, resulting in blame game by some state governments.

Oftentimes, the issue of revenue collection also leads to conflicts between states, which occasionally fight over ownership of the territories. The Commission is expected to saddle itself with the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes between the two states.

Governor Abiodun, in his welcome address, underscored the full operationalisation of the joint effort, a development he said underscored the readiness of both states to work together.

According to him, the official inauguration will further initiate and accelerate more projects necessary to aid ease of doing business, movement of people, goods, and services, as well as boost industrialisation in all the border communities. He believes this will also ensure the wholesome development of the states.

He noted that the success story was as a result of a formal and structured framework of the bilateral engagement that would soon get legislative backing.

“Yes, it is undeniable that we share historical and cultural affinities and long before now, successive administrations have mouthed and attempted to have some omnibus or spatial arrangement to have Lagos and Ogun states work together.

“But, again, never had there been a time that this was concretised or encoded nor, a law-backed structure, institutional arrangement; human and funding resource requirements formalised to actualise what remains the right way to uplift our people and also improve their prosperity.

“So, what we are signing today, is a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that takes cognizance of what had been

Abiodun

envisioned, leading to the establishment of the Prof Akin Mabogunje’s Committee on Redeployment of Lagos Megacity Region Plan 2005-2006.

“Between the two of us-my brother Governor and I, it is a mission accomplished and a dream come true to put into action the thought about our two states forging a common alliance to jointly tackle issues bordering on security, sanitation, traffic and transportation, waste management, water supply, land use planning, infrastructure development and maintenance, urban renewal and slum upgrading for the mutual benefit of our people and the generality of Nigerians.

“All these development imperatives have to be streamlined for us to be serious and focused. What is more? This MoU we are signing is a culmination of various efforts by state and non-state actors who have seen beyond the geographical delineation of our states. Already, some state-owned institutions, like the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), and others have always recognised the twin or siamese relationship between our two states and have always been grouped Lagos and Ogun as one zone under their respective high command.

“This MoU is, therefore, a manifestation of the common dream that the nation’s largest economy and the nation’s industrial capital are forging, because both are deliberate, focused, and

methodical to governance.

“Before now, together, we had jointly written, formally to President Muhammadu Buhari to release the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta and the Ikorodu-Sagamu roads, respectively, to us to jointly reconstruct. Another manifestation of our working together is the Adiyan Water Works that, though, is in Ogun State, is supplying water to the people of Lagos State, and will also be supplying water to Ogun State.

“We are cognisant of the fact that Ogun State is the only neighbour that Lagos has and that we are a natural overflow of Lagos. There is no way development in Lagos would not have a spiral effect or vice versa,” said Abiodun.

The governor stressed that Ogun State has a larger percentage of the population over-spill from Lagos State as witnessed in many of the border communities, like Ota, Akute, Alagbole, Lambe, Ojodu; Agbado; Mowe; Marewa; Isheri; and indeed all the eight local government areas that share boundaries with Lagos State.

In the same vein, the Sanwo-Olu, recalled the historical emergence of Lagos as a megacity with a population of well-over 22 million people and what the state government has done to realise its dream towards expediting action for greater synergy with other states, especially Ogun for sustainable socio-economic development.

He, therefore, described the MoU as a “game-changer” that would transform the urban agglomeration that Lagos State had attained. “In the light of the current global best practices, it has become imperative that the best way to accelerate socio-economic development in Lagos and Ogun states is by embracing a more collaborative approach for growth, development, and urban sustainability.

“The Joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a sustainable development agenda under which Lagos and Ogun states will combine resources to meet our present socio-economic needs and prepare for the future.

“Our commitment towards ensuring that Lagos becomes a 21st Century economy makes it imperative for us to strategically collaborate with our closest neighbour, Ogun State for the joint development of our states. The continued growth of our cities and the co-creation of value that encompasses good governance and urban regeneration,” remarked Sanwo-Olu. While appraising the novel idea of the two governors, an investment expert cum a broker, Prince Gboyega Isiaka, who was once a gubernatorial candidate in the state, patted the duo on the back for the initiative, a development, he said, would go a long way to address the myriad of problems occasioned by the long years of neglects of the various border communities between the two states.

Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

Why Is it Politically Convenient to Misunderstand Malami?

Sunny Amadi

I

t has not been the best of times for the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN); not because he has been found wanting on his duties but that he appears to swim against the tide on probably one national issue or two. To his traducers, it doesn’t matter if he is right or wrong, but for standing against the crowd on issues, he is unjustly vilified.

Malami’s case is not helped by the fact that he is a stickler to the rule of law no matter where the tide takes him quite unlike what people will advocate to bridle the conscience and sound politically correct. He might not be a politician or that he decided not to bring politics to his official discharge of functions.

He speaks from his heart and his deep appreciation of legal perspectives.

I honestly do not envy Malami, moreso in this perilous political times where crowd rather than correct interpretation matters, His case is further exacerbated by the fact that while he is still working for the progress of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration which he unwaveringly believes in, his colleagues have long started politicking for 2023; so sticking to good conscience has become an anathema for which reason he must be misunderstood even though what he says stands with the law and legal opinions.

A look at most recent examples might suffice. Malami was almost crucified when he opined that the James Ibori loot which Delta state pulled all plugs to frustrate its recovery should be used to execute federal projects and people started asking for his head on a platter. What they didn’t realise was that the federal government entered into agreements with host country of the loot who insisted that the money must not be re-looted and suggested they be tied to specific projects. If as the Chief Law Officer who spearheaded the recovery, he points out the clauses in the agreement for the return of such proceeds of crime, would that be too difficult to understand?

One can bet his life that if that money is returned to Delta State, it may find its way within a short time to the pocket from which it was returned to the federal government which would amount to a total loss to the populace, whereas putting it on well supervised projects would mean the country gaining what it

had lost.

Some people have alleged that the federal government needed to push for the repatriation of over $65 billion loot which had been discovered but would blow hot and cold by insisting that the conditions for the return of such funds should be discountenanced with the one already recovered. If those countries realise that Nigeria agrees with them on how to protect the funds from suffering its previous fate, but repudiate in implementation, would such countries be willing to deal more with us given the open breach of agreements?

The other issue for which Malami is being harangued is that he opposed the manner the Southern governors approached the ban on open grazing. While the governors approached the issue from social perspectives, Malami in his thoroughbred way of looking at issues viewed it from legal prism and drew an analogy which was even bent in an opposite direction he would never have looked at the issue from. There was an outcry even from legal luminaries some of who have started watering the grounds for 2023 briefs and therefore looked ahead in terms of proceeds than legal arguments or how to solve the problems for rule of law to guide operations of the government.

When he likened ban on open grazing and movement of cattle through certain means, his only submission was that sticking to the position of the Southern governors was akin to their northern counterparts sitting in a conference room to insist on how trade within their states would proceed, insisting that such would be in violation of the fundamental rights of the traders.

Next thing were treatises schooling him on areas never intended or covered by his position. Some even gave it ethnic coloration.

Because he used spare parts as reference point, people started accusing him of targeting Igbo as if they are the only ones that sell spare parts.

What those that were vilifying Malami do not know is that he has many close Igbo confidants that he works with and those knowing him too closely would laugh his accusers to derision.

Effectiveness, being cerebral and honest are beacons that Malami does not compromise but is race and colour blind; what should be the real meaning of detribalised. The only problem he appears to have now is being unjustly lumped together in the polarised Nigeria where his nationality is being heaped with all the blames which he is unjustly being given an unfair share

of. Being taciturn and not given to garrulousness, he took the criticisms with equanimity and refused to join the fray. Looking at the reality instead of the street level reasoning that has become popular, Malami kept quiet.

That having gotten no traction to tar Malami, the issue of a secret Memo to the President advising him to suspend the constitution and elongate his tenure was brewed. They didn’t even let the dust settle on the other matters when they traduced him with the one that runs against his understanding and training. The worst is that upon all the noise, no one of his accusers has been able to make reference to any document or quote even a passage of the said memo. People just went from suspicion to condemnation without proof, forgetting that suspicion no matter how strong does not translate to fact. What type of aberration would make the custodian of rule of law to sabotage or dump it and for what reason?

The same people had also earlier alleged that he had political ambition of succeeding President Buhari or running as Vice President with another candidate. At the last check, that does not breach any part of the constitution even if it were to be true. He has however like is in his character, ignored such rumour mill.

The pertinent question to ask is what do they gain by always taking him through the mills? Is it out of fear of his political pedigree of the pull him down syndrome as his clout may be threatening such minions behind the ugly mill?

Since anything that pertains his office has become grade A issues in Nigeria, it is no wonder that with the spat between the Presidency and Twitter which deleted president Buhari’s tweet on dealing with people disturbing and destroying valued assets of the country, it fell on Malami to handle the legal aspect. He therefore pledged to enforce the law which the government has put in place and that since Nigeria has banned Tweeter, anyone who violated that rule would have to face the laws of the land.

Some queried the legislation under which such offence would be charged which also betrays lack of knowledge on jurisprudence. He has a job to do and he will always throw in ––Engineer Sunny Amadi, a public analyst wrote from Port Harcourt Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12,2021

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

CITN Restates Commitment to ImproveTax System

L-R: General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; GM, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency, Afolabi Solebo; Senior Legal Officer, Lagos State Lotteries & Gaming Authority, Oyinkasola Kusamotu; MD, Lagos Ferry Services, Ladi Balogun; Chairman, Ikoyi – Obalende LCDA, Fuad Lawal; GM, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Damilola Emmanuel; and MD, Energy City Elivate 9ja, George Ogan, at the media launch of the ‘Smiling & Sailing’ raffle promo in partnership with Coscharis Motors Plc., in Lagos… recently

Amber Energy Drink UnveilsWeb-based Game Amber, a leading and premium energy drink on the stable of Amber Energy Drinks Ltd, has launched a web-based game called “Amber Rush” that seeks to entertain, relieve and reward its teeming consumers as part of activities marking its one year anniversary in the Nigerian energy drinks market.

The game which was formally unveiled last week is a major driver of the brand’s one year anniversary aimed at creating awareness, arousing interest while inciting more consumers purchase and also further bonding with the key target audience.

How To Play Have a can of Amber Energy drink, because you’re going to need

the energy Energized? Let’s go Get the URL i.e. rush.amberenergydrink.com Sign in and Let’s Play Fire each Amber logo that pops with energy by tapping it to Àll the Amber can.

When Àlled, see your scores, play again or grab your reward Hint: it gets faster at some point It will be recalled that Amber energy drink was introduced into the Nigerian market June last year in the thick of the Corona-Pandemic.

No sooner was it introduced than it began to gain traction in the market as well as lots of excitements.

Commenting on the new innovation, General Manager of

Amber Energy Drinks Ltd, Ms. Titilola Adedeji, said the game is a representation of what Amber stands for which includes stimulating the energy in consumers and tapping into the company’s TGs active lifestyle, social connections, and digital convenience.”

To play, gamers are required to sign up with their email or Facebook; choose an avatar, state of residence and phone number; sign in; then play the game by Àring each Amber logo that pops with energy by tapping it to Àll the can.

“Amber Rush also has a leader board, where you can win cash, merchandise, and product prizes weekly, and monthly. Amber Rush is a game that is here to stay.

Eventually, we would be hosting inter-state competitions on Rush.

We are basically trying to create a community of people that are like minded. You are only as good as your network, so even if you don’t see me and you are playing Amber Rush, we might be able to connect when we are playing on the leaderboard,” the General Manager added.

Amber energy drink is enhanced with a potent herbal blend of Guara, Amino acids and Vitamins. Guarana is natural CaͿeine used in beverages.

It was said to have been added to Amber to ensure that along-side all the vitamins and nutrients packed in the can, consumers stay alert, energized and healthy.

JCI Eko Educates Members on Financial Investments Junior Chamber International (JCI) Eko chapter has concluded its June business meeting with the education of its members on how to sustain Ànancial investments in a fast changing economic landscape.

The charity organisation, a notfor-proÀt NGO, also inducted a new member even as it announced that plans are underway for holding its national convention in October this year.

Commenting on the induction culture, President of JCI Eko, Mr. Kunle Adelakun said: “For you to be a JCI member there are some requirements you would have to

meet up. One, you must be between the ages of 18 and 40; you must have attended JCI Eko functions; you must be a part of the intending members training platforms, physically and on WhatsApp where intending members come together to be enlightened on the JCI Culture, philosophy, and creed.

These are the things that connect us all together not only in Nigeria alone but also in other parts of the world.”

The JCI Nigeria national convention brings together all local organizations under the JCI Nigeria umbrella to plan ahead,

hold elections of national o΀cers, and awards for local organizations that have performed “wonderfully well in 2021”. The convention would be hosted by JCI Atlantic.

In the same vein, the Director of Communications, JCI Nigeria described the Congress, slated to be held in South Africa as the “gathering of people beyond Nigeria. It is a gathering of young creative citizens from all over the world.”

The business meeting, tagged “Sustaining Ànancial investment” was launched to teach and advise members on the right savings principles, Ànancial discipline,

available investment opportunities, and the pros and cons of various investment options.

Speakers at the event include COO, Apel Asset Limited, Oladunni Olawuyi; Head of Marketing and Social Media, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Olumide Coker; and Product Specialist at Piggyvest, Bukola Willoby. The speakers admonished members to draw up Ànancial goals, understand the investment options that suit their income, and “most importantly’’ consult their investment advisers before venturing into any investment scheme.

Foundation Raises Support Indomie Announces Kick-off of for Sickle Cell Disease Independence Day Heroes Award The Azeezat Olajumoke Gbenro Foundation has restated its commitment to supporting the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in the country, just as its donated two multi-parameter patient monitors to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. The donation was in fulfilment of the foundation’s mission to improve healthcare provision for people affected by SCD. Coordinator of the Foundation, Dr. Bolanle Idowu while donating the equipment stated that the machine would aid in the treatment of those affected by SCD as well as women during labour and delivery.

She said, “By liaising with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in LUTH, a decision was made to get equipment that would improve maternal and perinatal outcomes of sickle cell patients in pregnancy and delivery. These monitors will support patient monitoring during labour

and delivery, detect early signs of complications and hence early intervention .This will contribute to a safe labour and delivery of a healthy infant.”

She explained further that the donation was one of the visions of late Azeezat Gbenro, a Sickle Cell patient whom in her honour, the foundation was set up to extend support to those affected by SCD and who may not have access to total healthcare.

She said, “The Foundation was set up in memory of Olajumoke Azeezat Gbenro, who went to meet her creator in January 31, 2021 at the age of 50.

In her short but very impactful life, Jumoke was a generous person who pursued charitable causes with a passion. she was particularly passionate about supporting those with health needs , especially those with sickle cell disease ,a condition she battled all her life.”

Dufil Prima Foods Plc., makers of Indomie noodles has announced the kick-off of the 2021 edition of its Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA), and is calling for worthy entries nationwide.

The IIDA initiative sought to identify, celebrate, and reward exemplary accomplishments of children who have shown uncommon courage and determination in dangerous situations. The award encourages excellence and diligence in children.

According to the organisation, entries for the award will cut across eight states across the six geo-political zones of the country.The states included: Lagos, Osun, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Enugu, Kwara, and Abuja, and will last seven weeks.

Speaking at the flag off of the 2021 search exercise in Lagos recently, Indomie Head of Marketing, Sukhman Kaur, stated that the initiative is highly significant given its goal to recognise children whose

best efforts are often overlooked in society.

She said, “This award initiative is a reflection of the importance and belief of our company in the extraordinary qualities of the Nigerian child which must never be ignored, but rather, celebrated. This is also in consonance with our core values and conviction that in every child lies the seed of greatness.

“Daily, our beloved Nigerian children make notable sacrifices at great risk to themselves, some struggle to survive despite the unfavourable conditions they found themselves in, and the reality is that such acts of bravery often go unsung because the players involved are minors.”

Kaur said that the organisation has been able to sustain the initiative over the last 12 years as a result of its commitment to continuously impact positively on the lives of its core consumers –children.

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has stated that the institute would continue to engage key stakeholders and other decision making bodies to promote a workable tax system towards a win- win situation.

The new President of CITN, Adesina Adedayo, stated this during his investiture as the 15th president of the institute.

Adesina in his acceptance speech promised to consolidate on the eͿorts and achievements of past leaders to move the institute to height..

The new President hailed the consistency of tax reforms implementation and the amendment of tax statutes as evidenced in the Finance Acts of 2019 and 2020.

He said, “These enactments have substantially addressed issues including blocking of tax loopholes, ease of compliance, administrative e΀ciency, access to information, and deployment

of technology.”

To further drive an eͿective tax system, he said the institute would strengthen relationship with stakeholders in the tax system like Federal Inland Revenue Service, States Internal Revenue Services under Joint Tax Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, the Academia as well as Organised Private Sector, amongst others.

In his keynote address, immediate past president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, charged the new President on accountability, objectivity and innovations as he stirred the aͿairs of the institute for another two years.

The immediate Past President, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice in her valedictory message extolled Adesina’s attributes and expressed conÀdence on his ability to sustain and improve on the legacy of the institute.

Mouka Donates Dreamtime Mattresses to Children Indigenous bedding brand, Mouka restated its commitment to children’s health, as it donated Dreamtime mattresses to children born on children’s day.

To mark this year’s Children’s Day, the Àrm also presented baby mat to the children’s day babies in diͿerent states across the country including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Edo and Rivers state.

Others beneÀtting states included: Kano, Kaduna, Enugu, Plateau and Gombe.

Mouka recently launched its Dreamtime range of children’s mattresses to bolster its stance on the importance of quality sleep for children.

“The mattresses are waterresistant yet breathable, thereby keeping children’s body comfortable through the night”, Mouka Chief Commercial O΀cer, Dimeji Osingunwa stated during the launch.

The Àrm was joined by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy

(NSP) to make the donation as items were presented to mothers of the new birth in their respective states.

Speaking on the initiative, Osingunwa stated that the company remained committed to adding comfort to the life of Nigerian’s across all age segments.

He added, “In addition to the water-resistant and breathable quality, the bed is made with the right density of foam to guarantee the child’s comfort.”

In his remark,Chief Medical O΀cer of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode commended the organisation for showing concern to its customers.

Bode, who was represented by the Director of Nursing Services in LUTH, Mrs. Oyegoke Adeduntan said, “On behalf of the management of this hospital, I deeply appreciate Mouka for these gifts and l pray for the continuous growth of the company.”

‘Fed Govt’s Ban ofTwitter Counterproductive’ A Non-Governmental Organisation, Face of WaziriNigeria, has urged the Federal Government to rescind its ban on twitter operations in the country. It described twitter as a socio-economic development tool that should not be sacriÀced on Áimsy basis.

A statement by the DirectorGeneral, Mr. Bukola Adeojo, noted the plausibility of twitter being used for disseminating divisive contents. He, however, said its positive impact far outweighs the negatives.

According to him, the current administration was a direct beneÀciary of the various social media platforms, coupled with the legitimate economic gains it has availed the ingenious and creative young minds across the country.

The statement reads: “Social media platforms like twitter have become veritable tools for governance knowledge sharing, political

awareness and socio-economic advancement in contemporary global communities.

“All elections and candidatea since 1999 have beneÀted profoundly by deploying these tools.

The current administration is one of the best beneÀciaries of social media in the country.

“More importantly, with the economic hardship in the country, twitter and other social media are major, if not sole means of income for millions of Nigerians.”

The group maintained that aside the harsh stance of government on a veritable platform like twitter, there are many avenues less cumbersome that could be explored to tackle the spread of divisive tendencies among Nigerians.

“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to rethink and reÁect its order because of the importance of twitter and other social media platforms as crucial development tools.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12, 2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Olamide Comes Through with ‘UY Scuti’ 11-tracks ‘UY Scuti’ is Olamide’s 12th studio album following ‘Carpe Diem’, his debut on Empire, a US distribution company and record label in 2020. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

O

lamide’s creative stream continues to flow ceaselessly with lyrical juices and that position him as the most consistent Nigerian artiste of the last decade. Barely eight months after the release of his 11th studio project, the YBNL Records honcho and rap star, real name Olamide Adedeji, is set to release his new album ‘UY Scuti’ on the 18th of June, 2021. The album will follow his international entry titled “Carpe Diem”, which was released in October 2020.

Same last year on February 10, 2020, the indigenous rapper released an EP with the title ‘999’. On his upcoming album, the singer confirmed the new body of work which the track list he made public last weekend (June 6, 2021).

The new album will include features from Phyno, Fave, Jaywillz, and Layydoe. And goes with the following in its 11-tracks: Need for Speed, Jailer, Julie Xchng, Rock, Want, Rough Up, Somebody, and So Much More.

‘Rock’, the lead track off the album is trending and gaining massive airplay since it dropped last month with its visuals directed by Clarence Peters. Ever since the release of his debut album “Rapsodi” in 2011, hardly has a year gone without a full body of work from the famous rapper who has got the pulse of the street.

Over the past ten years, BaddoSneh as he’s fondly called has endorsed certain acts and at other times, had signed them. While a few have since left him in acrimony, most retain respect for him.

Since he burst onto the Nigeria music scene with his monster hit single, “Eni

Eduro,” Olamide never remained the same. The song received critical acclaim nationwide and instantly shot Olamide to limelight.

At the time, he was signed to ID Cabasa’s record label, Coded Tunes alongside Seriki and Kayefi. Under the label, he released his first album, Rapsodi. The terms of his exit were amicable. Olamide then branched out and founded his own record label, YBNL (an acronym for Yahoo Boy No Laptop) under which he released his subsequent albums, including an album of same title (YBNL) in 2012.

His 2014 album Street OT, The Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Eyan Mayweather (2015), and The Glory (2016) were other albums he released. ‘UY Scuti’ will come as Olamide’s 12th solo studio album following ‘Carpe Diem’ which marked his debut on Empire, a US distribution company and record label.

Following his incursion into the international market, Olamide said: “Honestly, the level at which I am right now is very personal. I am just taking my creativity to the extreme, for my own good, and for my own sanity.

“I feel like I have been restricting myself all this while, and for my own mental health, it is high time to unbox myself and do everything I have ever dreamt of. In 2020, I feel like it is more of a rebirth year for me. I feel like a new artist. My new songs don’t sound like my old songs, maybe a few similarities.

I feel like I am a new person entirely like I am just starting fresh. What I am on right now is beyond being the voice of the streets.”

Olamide

Ria Sean Joins Aristokrat Aristokrat Records recognized Burna Boy’s precocious talent as a UK returnee in 2011. The label recently signed a budding act, Ria Sean. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports It was a delight to see Aristokrat Records unveil the new artiste to their ranks, a female powerhouse named Ria Sean. The label made this known via its o΀cial Instagram page a day before she dropped her new single titled ‘Lemonade’ on Thursday, June 3, 2021. The label expressed its excitement at having Ria Sean, a talented singer who has been buzzing underground awhile. It also implored fans to check out her latest single, “Lemonade” which is gaining airplay already.

The statement on Arisokrat’s Instagram page reads, “Welcome Queen @theriasean to the @ aristokratrecords family. We are excited to share all the great things you’ve been working on with the world.

Everyone please follow @ theriasean and support this young Queen on her journey

and click the link in my bio to stream her latest single ‘Lemonade.’” Ria Sean also expressed her excitement at joining the Aristokrat family.

She wrote, “Now look, I am living my truth S/O with my new family.”

Through her deal with Aristokrat Records, Ria Sean is signed to Island Def Jam Recordings. She is already known by many as an exciting talent, observers are keen to see what she and Aristokrat have in store for music lovers. Aristokrat is known for unearthing stars like Burna Boy, Mojeed, Ceeza Milli, and many more.

Real name Gloria Asene Enebi, Ria Sean is a singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Nigerian, she grew up singing in church. She embarked on her music journey professionally at the age of sixteen, drawing inÁuence from artistes such as Brandy,

Chris Brown, Whitney Houston and Frank Ocean.

Sean has a unique sound that is a fusion of Afropop, R&B with Lo-Fi undertones. In 2019, she was featured on the compilation album: Sounds from The Basement Gig – vol 1. Sean has worked with multiple artists like Leriq, Moelog, Adekunle Gold and Goodgirl LA. Following collaborations with the aforementioned artistes, Sean shared the video for ‘Lemonade’, a song which tells the story of the diͿerent stages of a toxic relationship. With a burst of soul, she declares her love as well as her disappointment: “What do you want? What do you need? I mean I could have been worse, I could have been mean when you tried me. Why this one makes you gimme space? Oh I don’t regret, did my best. Walai, Ria You burst my heart, walai.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12, 2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘Tenants of the House’ in Cinemas A fictional adaptation titled ‘Tenants of The House’, produced by a former house of representatives member, Dr. Wale Okediran, screens at the cinemas. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

“T

enants of The House”, a political drama that focused on the need for a peaceful resolution of the herders/farmers crisis in the country is coming to cinemas nationwide on 25th June. The movie is directed by Kunle Afolayan. The story is

by Dr. Wale Okediran who also serves as producer, and the screenplay is by Tunde Babalola. Okediran, a former member of the House of Representatives and author, described the Áick as a Àctional adaptation of his stay in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

The movie is inspired by his 2009 award-winning novel with the same title and adapted into screenplay to bring out the scenes of suspense, intrigues and thriller which scenes of a recent trailer for the movie depict. In the trailer a glimpse of the conÁict, against a political background manifests, featuring a mix of established and up and coming actors including Farouq Mohammed, Joselyn Dumas, Dele Odule, Saeed Funkymallam, Chris Iheuwa, Umar Gombe, Rashida Labbo, Abiola Ogunmowo and Deihler Musa, among others.

In Nigeria, the Fulani-farmer conÁict has been an unending nightmare, ravaging states in the South and North and leading to bloodletting and economic losses. The thrust of the Àlm, which exposed the nagging issue of herders/farmers conÁict and did not fail to address corruption in high places and political class, makes it germane at this material time. Right from the time ‘Tenants of The House’ premiered to privileged members of the lower chamber in Abuja in 2019, movie enthusiasts have shifted their attention to knowing what Okediran has in the o΀ng.

Apart from emerging as one movie that many people looked forward to

Wale Okediran

seeing at the cinemas, the brains behind the project and its producer, Okediran, was another factor that drew a large audience to the venue of its premiere then at the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

Giving news sources an insight into the

journey that birthed the movie from his novel, Okediran a member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007, would explain the idea behind the cinema project.

He said: “The idea for the Àlm was not

mine; rather, it was mooted by a friend of mine, an Irish Àlmmaker, Cashmere Hogan, whom I met when he came to do some work in Nigeria for a few days.

After reading the book, Cash believed that the story would make a good Àlm.”

Chike Celebrates Culture with ‘Roju’ Visuals Ferdinand Ekechukwu

“Boo of the Booless” Chike has Ànally released the video for his hit song ‘Roju (portmanteau of Romeo and Juliet).’ Shot in Lagos, the music video reminds one of the various traditional weddings in Nigeria with all the interesting rites. In this video, he celebrates enduring love and diverse cultures with a wedding extravaganza. The video is a perfect representation of a Nigerian traditional wedding ceremony.

Commenting on the video shortly after viewing it, a social media user posted “@ O΀cialchike I have watched Roju 10 times and all I can say is that, I love the way you promoted the three major tribes in Nigeria.

I hope everyone that watched the video sees how important being united is, hopefully I get to invite you for my wedding one day... amazing work. 100%.”

Another social media user wrote: “Such a rich visual; celebrating diͿerent Nigerian cultures. Couldn’t have come at a better time too… We’re a beautifully diverse people, it only we could leave prejudice and greed behind and truly work together to build our country. Thanks Chike.” The music video comes after the global success of Chiké‘s last single “Running (To You)” with Simi, which is currently the most viewed Nigerian music video of 2021 with over 13 million views on YouTube.

The visual spectacle for “Roju” is directed

by Pink for Pinkline Films. “Damn whoever Pink is that directed this is a genius. Captured everything and well edited. Showcased Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa cultures… Nigeria is blessed. We just need good leadership!” another viewer wrote. BOTB is a romantic afrobeat 14 track debut album released independently by Chike spelt Chiké to commemorate Valentine’s Day 2020.

To create a buzz around his music he leverages on strategic collaborations and network from the creation of project art by Mufasa studios to photography by Lexash to features

by Mi Abaga, Ric Hassani & Zoro to music production by Deeyaso (major producer), Vtek, blaisebeatz, Nervmix, etc amidst other connections and plugs that set the ball rolling.

A & R’d by Ogagus (ogaga sakpaide), who explained that love was the driving force behind his repertoire directions. The project begins with the love for ‘beautiful people’ on track 1, which has a GOT infused instrumental.

With Ric Hassani on track 2, they sing about saying hello to a babe ‘Nakupenda’.

On track 4 ‘Forever’ with MI Abaga, he continues from where he stopped in ‘one naira’ with Waje.

About Love from head to toe on track 6 ‘Roju’ he sings about Romeo and Juliet.

Without missing traditional cues on track 10, he sings about ‘Forgiveness’ and on track 11, he sings about ‘Faithfulness’. According to him, it has taken him four years to get from where he was to where he is now.

Chike

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12, 2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR Drea Okeke

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

I Keep My Content Relevant to What Followers Like Drea Okeke is a Nigerian-American content creator, entrepreneur and influencer. She is well known for her relatable comedic skits posted across social media.WithTikTok being her strongest platform, Drea was a Shorty Award 2019 finalist forTiktoker of the year. She has a passion for entertaining, but also for making a positive difference in the world. Drea humor encourages, educates, and captivates an audience of over 5 million supporters daily. She talks to Tosin Clegg about her brand becoming one of the biggest names in online entertainment, her content creation and more

now in my career. If I want to be successful, if it’s worth doing, and it is worth my time, then I’m going to do it right, and make it worthwhile. So, I put my all into everything I do and that’s why I make my content standout. I don’t just want to do what everyone is doing. I want to make sure I’m unique, I’m authentic, and I’m staying true. I go above and beyond from what everyone is doing in my industry. That’s one value that shaped me.

and moving to California to work as a full time engineer, I still used content creating as an escape mechanism to entertain my audience and myself.

Before I knew it, around 2018, I started getting more noticed online and in person for my viral videos online. I always love entertaining and making people laugh, so when I saw people drawing to my videos, l’m like okay this is deÀnitely the move and even more when I saw that there was revenue to be made. I began to get contacted by major brands like Coca-Cola, NetÁix, Google and more.

The best contents are ones people can relate to The most important factor in content creation is being authentic to who you are, and making people feel an emotion through your video. Either you teach them something; say when they come to your page, they get to learn a new recipe, what sorts of outÀt to wear, how to start a business and more. Good content should be authentic to you, it’s relatable, has some of emotional value to somebody and it’s important that you have fun while doing it because when you have fun doing it. People watching can tell oh, this person is having a good time making their content. I think the earlier challenges were staying consistent and I think a lot of us creatives struggle with that. Time management and planning is everything in this industry so we don’t get burned out. Current challenge right now is that the content creation space is saturated and all the content has been done, especially when it comes to comedy skits. I try to keep my content relevant to what my followers like as well as what I would like.

Journey into content creation My journey into content creation started by just making videos in college and it was just to kill time and distract myself from engineering homework because the classes were quiet di΀cult. It was an escape mechanism. Even after graduating

Short video content I’ve always been a fan of short video content and Tiktok was one of the only platforms that short form content was encouraged on, so I hopped early on it. Posted a lot of relatable comedy videos with a splash of my Nigerian culture in it consistently,

I grew up in Belgium, Nigeria and the United States ducation wise, my background was in Engineering, I obtained master degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Southern California. Growing up was an interesting experience especially in the United States because when I moved from Nigeria to New York, I had a strong accent.

Being that girl with an accent and extremely tall towering over all my peers made me stand out, and targeted for bullying. I was made fun of because of my accent, height and strong-smelling food I would bring to school for lunch. Fast forward to today. These same qualities that identify me - my culture, my height, my accent - are now things that have contributed to my success on social media.

There is a major demographic of Àrst generation kids who can relate to my videos where I bring a lot of things from my culture in my content.

E

Childhood dreams When I was thirteen/fourteen, I wrote in my journal that God, you gave everyone a talent that’s unique in their own way so God, please reveal to me those talents and help me to positively use those talents to impact myself and people around me.

Right now, today, collectively I have over Àve million followers across social media. I create content, I make people laugh, I educate people, I also have used the opportunity I have got through content creation to positively impact people’s lives as well so, truly I’m living my childhood dream.

Values growing up The values I got growing up are from my mum and she says anything worth doing is worth doing well and I live by that over the years even

Drea Okeke

and my page had a rapid growth to millions of followers. On success stories, Tiktok Áew me out to France in 2019 to speak at Cannes festival of creativity summit where I spoke to an audience of about two thousand. On stage, I spoke about my content creation journey and keys to marketing to the new generation in general. I got to partner with a lot of amazing brands like Amazon, NetÁix, Google, L’Oreal, McDonalds, Uber and other major brands. God has blessed me so much that, l’m so thankful for the platform and the opportunity for me to pave my way as a full time content creator.

Good thing also about Tiktok is, it’s such a global App and being able to be known globally is mindblowing because I remember in December 2019, I went to Dubai, and I got recognized in Dubai.

The good times outweighs the bad I think the bad is when I lose creative inspiration and I’ve learnt to take time oͿ and just relax and not put too much pressure on myself. Some good are deÀnitely all the good things l’ve been able to do through my career. While I was in Nigeria doing my NYSC, I was able to collaborate with a company called Geek-code Plane where we put together a robot programming event for young girls. The youngest one was seven and the oldest was sixteen and they were good at coding, and they coded their robots and had them race each other. I was also able to sponsor students’ school fees attending primary/secondary school in El-Gibor International Academy. The school is located in an underdeveloped community in Maramba, Abuja. The pandemic has made it very hard for families especially in communities that were already going through hardship before the pandemic. I’ve always loved the bible quote ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ I really hope that as God keeps blessing me so I’m able to bless other people.

WAP Signs Global Distribution Maj Releases Deal for ‘Knockout’ ‘Sweet Rocket’

WaleAdenuga Productions (WAP), producer of the 2019 comedy blockbuster – Knockout, has announced the signing of an MoU with Media Pros Africa, a Kenya-based international Àlm agency owned by seasoned industry player – Wangeci Murage, for the global distribution of the movie through various means; including, but not limited to VOD, TVOD, SVOD, Cinema, Pay TV, Free-to-Air, and Terrestrial.

According to Wale Adenuga Jnr., Producer of Knockout, “We are pleased to have Ànally come to a global distribution agreement with such a reputable organisation as Media Pros Africa, as well as Osezua Stephen-Imobhio’s Oduma Creative Worx Ltd, through which the deal was brokered. When Knockout was released at cinemas across Nigeria and Ghana, the response was overwhelmingly-positive, so with this deal, we can Ànally achieve our

Wale Adenuga Jr

desire of showcasing the movie to a wider audience.”

Knockout tells the comical story of what happens when news of a boxing competition, with a cash prize of $3 million hits town, and sends a group

of people into a hilarious frenzy as they devise mischievous means to participate and win. The clumsy boxer they choose, and the crazy characters they meet along the way results in a myriad of mayhem and madness.

Knockout has an impressive cast made up of diͿerent generations of superstars including Sola Sobowale (Toyin Tomato), Charles Okocha, ToyinAbraham, Chinwetalu Agu, Odunlade Adekola, Patience Ozokwor, Broda Shaggi, Ali Nuhu, Eniola Badmus, Papa Ajasco, Mama Ajasco, Pa James, Alinco, Miss Pepeiye, Ajasco, Francis Odega, Afeez Oyetoro (Saka), Nnenna, Desmond Elliot, Funky Mallam, Kenny Blaq, Woli Arole, Yaw, Tayo Amokade (Ijebu), Segun Arinze, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Josh2Funny & Bello Kreb, Jide Kosoko, MC Lively,Akpan & Oduma, and others; as well as some electrifying cameos by 9ice, Derenle Edun and Jaywon.

Singer/songwriter/performing artiste, Maj released his debut EP titled ‘Sweet Rocket’ via K2O Entertainment. Maj, armed with her uber Àne vocals, blended a simple sing-a-long with a hint of sensual lyrics narrating the everyday experiences of youth and their love lives in this new EP. Sweet Rocket was birthed with passion and assertiveness. With the focus track “Foreign Baby” and standout track such as “E No Mean Say” and “Hot Flame”. The 5-track project is sure a classic piece.

On the EP she said: “Sweet Rocket is inspired by love, money and everything in between. I’ve been working on it for quite some time.

There are Àve songs on the EP, and four of them are new songs plus a bonus track. All the songs are my favorites, but if I had to pick one,

Maj

‘Hot Flame’ would be it”. The EP was produced by Emmeno and Ciq and released on the 21st of May. Maj is set to rollout more projects this year.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Adesanya Stakes Title against Vettori Israel Adesanya returns for his third middleweight title defence, but he is coming off a loss for the first time in his MMA career. After going 20 fights without a blemish, he accepted a super fight with the light heavyweight champion. He was the favourite, but Jan Blachowicz proved you need more than skill to hang to with big boys and he put all his weight and experience to good use, subduing Adesanya and walking away with a unanimous decision.

Vettori finally gets the rematch he has been calling for since 2018 when they fought to a split decision. He thought he was robbed but he has done everything right since in the cage and has strung together five impressive wins in a row. He bounced back with two unanimous decisions in a row against Cezar Ferreira and Andrew Sanchez before submitting Karl Roberson. He followed that up with two more unanimous decisions over Jack Hermansson and Kevin Holland to earn the only fight he is interested in.

Their first fight was a close scrap, but Adesanya was more illusive and landed the better strikes over the three rounds. He landed 57 significant strikes to Vettori’s 46 attacking the calf and body with kicks and whipping punches through the guard.

Vettori landed some decent shots of his own with his chin keeping him in the fight. He also landed two out of his six takedown attempts and we can expect him to shoot in more this time around.

When Vettori did manage to get Adesanya down, he was able to control him but did not inflict enough damage before Adesanya got back to his feet. Vettori is expected to commit more his takedowns especially after seeing Blachowicz throw him around.

Vettori is clearly a good striker, but he cannot rely on his chin. Adesanya’s range, technique and accuracy will be too much over five rounds and he has only got better since amassing priceless championship experience. Vettori has also improved a lot since including his fight IQ, so we expect him to trade with Adesanya but pounce on a takedown at any opportunity.

There is no doubt, Adesanya will have been working on his takedown defence and get-ups after the Blachowicz fight. They were already decent, but Blachowicz just had too much weight and power.

Vettori is not on Blachowicz’s level, but he does have a weight and power advantage. The question will be - can the Italian keep Adesanya on his back.

It is expected he would take the Nigerian down, but he will not be able to keep Adesanya down for long enough to win three rounds. While they are on the feet, Adesanya is expected to be even more confident with all the range and data saved from their first fight. He knows what weapons Vettori has and he will be ready to leverage his six-inch arm and three and a half leg reach advantage again.

This will still be a close fight with Vettori assuming grappling control for portions of the fight and if he delivers a career-best performance and wrestles for five rounds, he has a chance. However, Adesanya’s piercing kicks to the calf and top of the knee will build up. Once Vettori’s movement begins to slow down, expect Adesanya to up the output firing off body kicks, head kicks and long punches to the dome. He will finish stronger, but Vettori’s granite chin is likely to force this to a decision.

May face Argentina, Brazil or Canada

Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo Torn Between Gunners, Magpies Despite recording 193 clearances, which is the most by any defender in the Premier League and also recorded the fastest sprint time by any center back in the top flight, his effort was still not enough to save Fulham from relegation.

However,Tosin Adarabioyo’s effort was not lost to clubs as Arsenal and Newcastle are jostling for the Nigerian-eligble defender’s signature and have less than a month to make clear their intentions Clubs interested in signing Fulham’s Nigeria-eligible central defender Tosin Adarabioyo have been given a deadline to complete the deal, according to reports.

The former Manchester City youth team captain has a release clause of 10 million pounds inserted into his contract.

The Daily Mail claims that the center-back’s release clause expires 30 days before the start of the 2021-2022 Championship season, meaning clubs have 26 days left to trigger the clause as the new season is set to start the weekend of August 7.

Adarabioyo has attracted interest from Premier League duo Newcastle United and Arsenal.

The 23-year-old had a great season despite Fulham’s demotion to the second-tier, finishing the campaign with the most clearances in the Premier League (193) and also recorded the fastest sprint time of any center back.

Before joining the Cottagers

on a permanent deal in October 2020, Adarabioyo enjoyed back-to-back loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn Rovers.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta knows Adarabioyo really well, the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City before he was appointed head coach of his former club.

Adarabioyo is available for £10million this summer due to a release clause in his contract, Sportsmail understands.

The former Manchester City centre-half was one of the Cottagers’ best performers in the Premier League last season, forming a solid partnership with Joachim Andersen in the heart of Scott Parker’s defence despite their relegation into the Championship.

But the 23-year-old is set to leave Craven Cottage this summer as it emerged he can join another club if a bid of £10m is tabled.

The news will be of interest to a number of Premier League clubs ahead of the transfer window, with Arsenal

and Newcastle believed to be among the clubs monitoring the defender’s situation.

Adarabioyo is expected to remain in the top flight next season following a string of impressive performances for Fulham.

His stats for last season were rated among the best in the Premier League for central defenders alongside the likes of Ruben Dias, Harry Maguire and John Stones.

The former Man City star was one of Fulham’s best players last season despite their relegation.

Indeed, Fulham received widespread praise for their defensive play last season - six teams conceding more goals than the Cottagers despite their bottom-three finish.

However, with Andersen’s loan spell from Lyon expired and Adarabioyo destined for a return to the Premier League - it is looking increasingly Fulham will be required to form a new central defensive partnership ahead of next season.

Adesanya and Vettori during the weigh-in

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SPORTS XTRA

Leicester Shop for New Midfield Battler, Prepare for Possible Ndidi’s Exit

L

eicester City are targeting Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma as a potential replacement for Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi.

Ndidi joined the Foxes from Genk in January 2017 and has been one of the team’s most trusted players since his arrival.

The 24-year-old is the glue that holds Leicester City’s play together, acting as a shield for the defence and breaking up the opposition attacking play.

Since arriving in 2017, no player has made more successful tackles than Ndidi in the Premier League. These performances have not gone

unnoticed, and Leicester City are already looking at a replacement should he leave this summer.

According to Fabrice Hawkins via GFFN, the Foxes want to sign Bissouma, who is also a target for Arsenal, as a replacement for Nididi.

Brendan Rodgers men have already brought in Boubakary Soumaré, but he is not seen as a replacement for the Nigerian star.

However, any club hoping to sign the Nigerian player may need to cough out at least 60m euros following a rise in his value. Ndidi’s current contract with the Foxes runs until 2024.

Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers once described Ndidi as “irreplaceable” amidst

increasing speculation that the Nigerian is a major transfer target.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been on Leicester’s books since 2017 and has established as one of, if not the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League.

He underlined this with a brilliant performance in the Foxes’ 3-1 home win over Liverpool in the Premier League, even providing an assist for the

final goal of the match.

The Super Eagles player is a wanted man in the European summer transfer window, with rumours that the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on signing him.

This is not news to Leicester manager Rodgers, who says he is delighted to have Ndidi in his team but acknowledges that his quality will see him linked with a move away from

the King Power Stadium.

“He’s one of the top players in world football. His quality in his football is improving all the time,” said the Northern Irish coach.

“He is irreplaceable for us.

He’s fantastic for a young player. What is pleasing as a coach, is that he wants to learn.

He will improve and get better.

I’m so happy he plays in my team.”

The transfer market value of

Ndidi has shot up to 60 Million Euros from 50 Million Euros, according to the latest update by transfermarkt.com This new value has pushed the Leicester City star to among the Top 5 defensive midfielders in the world. He is now on par with Liverpool ace Fabinho.

Ndidi is even valued higher than N’Golo Kante of Chelsea, who is ranked seventh among defensive midfielders with a value of 55 Million Euros.

Italy Beat Turkey 3-0 in Euro 2020 Opener Italy kicked off Euro 2020 in style with a dominant 3-0 win over Turkey as Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne both scored in the Group A opener.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli took to the pitch to sing the iconic ‘Nessun Dorma’ - the official anthem of Italia ‘90 - during a spectacular opening ceremony and Roberto Mancini’s side put on an emphatic showing.

Turkey managed to frustrate their opponents for 45 minutes but faltered badly

after the break as Merih Demiral put through on his net in the 53rd minute, following a tasty Domenico Berardi cross. That opened the game up which suited Italy’s aggressive and attack-minded style as Immobile in 66th and Insigne in 79th, added further weight to Italy’s margin of victory.

It was the first time in 39 European Championship matches that Italy had scored more than two goals in a game.

Amoo is Hammarby’s Most Valuable Player at N1.8b Former Golden Eaglets sensation Akinkunmi Amoo is now rated as Hammarby’s most valuable player after only 21 games as a professional footballer.

According to the latest market value updates by Transfermarkt, the Sidos FC product is the most expensive player in Hammarby’s ranks with a price tag of three million euros (around N1.8 billion in Nigerian currency).

In terms of SwedishAllsvenskan players, he is the fourth most valuable player and when it comes to Nigerian players

he is 32nd.

Amoo is having a productive season at Hammarby, with a goal involvement of eight (7 goals, 1 assist) in fifteen matches despite predominantly playing as a winger.

The 19-year-old, signed for a fee in the region of 200,000 euros, has seen his market value increase withsomanyEuropean clubs interested in his services.

Leicester City are said to be keeping tabs on Amoo, while Club Brugge and Borussia Dortmund are among his suitors in Belgium and Germany respectively.

UFC’S Usman to Build Academy in Nigeria Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria born Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight Champion, Kamaru Usman has disclosed his plan to set up a sporting academy in the country.

Usman, nicknamed Nigeria’s Nightmare, made this known during his visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja on Friday.

The professional mixed martial artist, who have been away from Nigeria for over a decade, said he was happy to be home, despite discouragement from individuals.

TheAuchi-born international sports celebrity, made known his intention of setting up an academy to train Nigerian youths on his expertise: kickboxing, boxing and mixed

martial arts.

Usman, while encouraging youths to work hard, noted that no impossibility is insurmountable if believed.

Receiving him, an elated Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that his homecoming, brings a message of hope, to signify Nigeria’s unity in diversity.

Dabiri-Erewa described him as a kind-hearted Champion, who wants to empower the youths of Nigeria, in his area of sports.

She called on other Nigerian Diaspora to follow Usman’s noble example, in contributing to the country’s development, in their various capacities.

The NiDCOM Boss stated that the Commission is ever ready to assist him towards implementing his vision.

Ndidi

FRENCH OPEN

Krejcikova, Pavlyuchenkova Battle for Maiden Grand Slam Manchester United could be deprived of Odion Ighalo before the end of the season after the Premier League reiterated its intention to finish the campaign.

All When both Barbora Krejcikova and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova set foot on Court Philippe-Chatrier today, they will need to compose themselves

quickly. The women will be in unchartered waters, and both will know that they are just two (or three) sets away from achieving their lifelong dream.

Neither has ever faced the other before in singles, nor do they know what it is like to be alone on court with a Grand Slam singles title being just one

win away.

The unseeded Krejcikova does have the experience of winning doubles Grand Slam titles in her corner, and Pavlyuchenkova that of her junior Grand Slam titles and triumphs A first senior singles Grand Slam title would mean so much to both

women. From round one, they have quietly gone about their business; both have knocked out higherranked opponents and surpassed many people’s expectations of them.

Now, it is all about which one can work with their coaches and team to get it right, just one last time in Paris.

Djokovic Ends Nadal’s Roland Garros Reign, Sets up Tsitsipas Final Novak Djokovic ended Rafael Nadal’s reign at the French Open with a four-set win in a classic semi-final which will be ranked among the all-time great matches on the Roland Garros clay.

Serbian top seed Djokovic won 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 in over four hours against defending champion Nadal.

The 35-year-old Spaniard, going for a record-extending 14th title, lost there for only the third time in 108 matches.

Djokovic, 34, must now recover to play Stefanos Tsitsipas

in Sunday’s final.

The 22-year-old Greek reached his first Grand Slam final by beating German sixth seed Alexander Zverev in a five-set epic earlier on Friday.

Fifth seed Tsitsipas must surely have been watching, like the rest of the tennis world was, as two of the all-time greats fought out a brutal battle for the right to face him in the showpiece.

The high-quality match was full of drama and suspense, twists and turns, throughout as it was played in front of

5,000 fans, who were allowed to stay despite France’s 11pm curfew as part of its coronavirus restrictions.

That decision came after a remarkable 96-minute third set which saw Djokovic hold his nervetowinatie-breakonwhich thewholematchseemedtohinge.

Nadal did break serve in the first game of the fourth set and led 2-0, but could not cope with Djokovic’s sky-high level as he quickly won the next six games to wrap up victory.

Djokovic looked shattered as he raised his arms in celebration,

then wearily broke into a smile as he prepared for the on-court interview given by the winner.

“To win against Rafa on this court you have to play your best tennis, and tonight I played my best tennis,” said the Djokovic, who could now win his 19th Grand Slam title and go one behind Nadal and Federer’s all-time men’s record.

“It’s hard to find the words to sum up how I feel.You tell yourself there is no pressure but there is. Pressure is a privilege - to test my game and my character in matches like this.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12,2021

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NEWS It is Restructuring or Nothing, NADECO Insists Segun James

EMPOWERING SECURITY… Security vehicles acquired by Ogun State government and handed over to the Inspector General of Police, Alikali Baba by Governor Dapo Abiodun in Abeokuta...yesterday

S’east Facing State Sponsored Terrorism, Alleges HURIWA A human rights body and advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) yesterday accused the federal government of engendering “State sponsored terrorism” on South East of the country and pleaded with all to help stop the programme.

Addressing the press yesterday, Executive Director of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko said, “we plead with you to inform the rest of the civilized world that the South East of Nigeria is a region that is now facing state sponsored terrorism with the direct link to Abuja’s seat of political power.

“Also this state sponsored terror-

ism targeting South East of Nigeria is happening because both the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Muhammadu Buhari and the governors of the South East of Nigeria have failed to do the needful to put effective security mechanisms to confront these terrorists for the reason that the armed Fulani kidnappers and herdsmen who are unleashing violence across all parts of South East of Nigeria are being pampered by the political powers that be in Abuja.”

According to him, the threat by President Muhammadu Buhari that he would visit the region with the treatment they faced during the Biafran war in 1967-1970 smacked

of hatred for Igbo and desire to engender ruthless violence on peace loving people.

He said the threats and hate exhibited on the tweets led to the pulling down of the material which further infuriated the President, making his to ban tweeter in the country as well as stepping up attacks on innocent citizens in Igboland with police and the military who were given a shoot at sight order.

“President Buhari then escalated his Coordinated attack against the South East of Nigeria by describing the region as “only a dot in the circle of Nigerian Map” just as he pejoratively referred to Ndigbo as IPOB as if he is unaware that the

ethnicity known as Igbo is not the other name for IPOB since IPOB is only a group of some Young agitators who are democratically agitating for self-determination.

“But President Buhari told Arise news TV categorically that IPOB is Igbo when he made the sarcastic comments that shows that he is either deliberately engaging in selective amnesia or willful forgetfulness. To say IPOB is Igbo is like saying Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association is Fulani.

“Buhari had during an interview with Arise TV on Thursday said that the, ‘IPOB is just like a dot in a circle. Even if they want to exit, they will have no access to anywhere.’

PANDEF Gives FG One Week Ultimatum to Inaugurate NDDC Board Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has issued a one week ultimatum to the federal government to inaugurate a board for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

It said the inauguration of the board for the commission was critical in the interest of the people of the region.

The Leader of the Forum, Chief Edwin Clark, gave the ultimatum while addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja.

The Ijaw leader noted that his desire was to see the best man appointed for the job, saying there was no need for the perceived power tussle.

He stated: “The two persons involved are from my state and are my children, but all I am interested in is for a

board to be inaugurated for the commission. And this should be done within the next one week.”

Clark added that the inauguration of a new board for the commission was critical to enable it to realise its mandate of impacting positively on the lives of the people of the region.

On the commission`s forensic audit initiated by Dr.

Cairo Ojougboh to audit the commission`s past records and verify projects before payments were made, Clark expressed hope that a new board would deliver a more acceptable audit.

He was of the opinion that the forensic audit which did not go down well with fraudulent contractors and some power brokers in the state had gulped so many monies.

Bandits Demand N10m for Abducted District Head, Wives Laleye Dipo in Minna

Bandits who abducted the District Head of Zungeru and two of his wives in Wushishi local government of Niger State last week have demanded for a ransom of N10m before they will be released.

Alhaji Alamu Madaki along with Hajia Aisha Alamu Madaki 35 years, and Habiba Alamu Madaki 38 years wives of the traditional ruler were kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday last week from the palace in Zungeru town.

THISDAY learnt that after holding the monarch and his wives for six days, the bandits

reached out to a family member during which they demanded for the N10m ransom.

The family member who is also the village head of Zungeru, Alhaji Tanko Madaki said the family contributed and oͿered the bandits N4.5m which they rejected saying that they (bandits) insisted on N10m.

“They threatened to take the district head to the Zamfara forests,” Madaki said adding that if they did that they would also increase the ransom to N20m.

He pleaded with public spirited individuals to come to the assistance of the family to avert the problem.

Madaki said no government o΀cial had intervened in the problem they were facing apart from the Wushishi local government chairman “who is a family member.”

The traditional ruler said the bandits in their various conversations were very uncompromising and said a lot of terrible things about the district head and his wives in their custody.

THISDAY gathered that all the family members were now said to be moving between Zungeru and Minna on daily basis.

“They leave in the evening and return in the early hours of the next day,” a reliable source

told THISDAY saying the action was because of fears that the bandits could again visit the palace to kidnap more people.

It will be recalled that in the early hours of last Sunday the district head and his wives were abducted from the palace in Zungeru.

The district head was said to be driving home when at the entrance to the palace he was accosted by the gun wielding bandits who forced him into the palace from where they picked him up with his two wives before driving them to unknown destination.

Pro-democracy group, National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) has said that the only way forward for Nigeria was through restructuring of the country along true federalism.

The group in a communiqué issued after a one day symposium held at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park at Alisa, Ikeja, said the organisation endorsed the Southern Governors’s resolution at their meeting in Asaba, Delta State, saying it had resolved to forward a strong letter to President Muhammadu Buhari to reiterate its rejection of the 1999 Constitution that was imposed by the military.

According to NADECO, in the communiqué signed by its secretary, Mr. Ayo Opadokun, since the ethnic nationalities have no independent institution for crisis resolution and redress of justice, it has resolved to transmit a letter of complaint to eight world personalities and institutions.

They are the United Nations Secretary General, the UN Security Council, the President of the United States and Speaker of Congress and Leader of US Senate; the European Union and Parliament, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and the House of Commons, the

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the President of Supreme Council of Islamic AͿairs of Nigeria, and two leading traditional rulers in each of the six zones.

NADECO warned that “any delay to prevent the occurrence of national crisis and upheaval in Nigeria with about 200 million citizens would be detrimental to the peace and wellbeing of its region.”

The umbrella pro-democracy group said only the representatives of the ethnic nationalities can write a new constitution for Nigeria, and not the National Assembly that is toying with constitution review.

Speakers included Dr. Fred Agbeyegbe, Dr. Amos Akingba, Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Olawale Oshun and Col. Tony Nyiam, reiterated the need to restructure the country or it might be too late for Nigeria.

Also at the symposium were Nelson Ekunjimi, Raji Oyewumi, Tessy Urabir, Linus Okoroji, Samanta Kanu, Dr. Kolawole Afolabi, Foluso Aminu, and many artisans and peasants.

A minute of silence was observed in honour of the NADECO leader, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, who passed on in January.

Immigration Releases New Requirement for Obtaining Standard Passport Oluchi Chibuzor The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), yesterday released a new requirement for those seeking to obtain the country’s standard passport for 32 and 64 pages booklet respectively.

This was contained in a statement released by the Service yesterday, which noted that applicants could make fresh (First) Application or reIssuance of Passport by paying N2,000 for address veriÀcation exclusives of bank charges.

However, the booklet which comes in two categories 32 pages and 64 attract diͿerent administrative charges inclusive of the applicants address veriÀcation fees.

“All fees are exclusive of bank charges, N2,000 Address VeriÀcation fee. Administrative charges are non-refundable and payments of passport fees for such cases are subject to approval of application. No age classiÀcation for 64 pages,” the statement emphasised.

For the 32 pages which has age categories between, 0-17 years, 18-59 years, 60 years and above booklet fess ranges from, N 8,750, N 15,000, N 8,750 respectively, making it a total of N10,750, N17,000, N10,750 for the diͿerent ages above.

While 64 pages has no age limitation, it attracts N20,000 for passport booklet fee in addition to the N2,000 address veriÀcation fee.

Kidnapped UNIJOS Lecturer Regains Freedom Seriki Adinoyi in Jos A senior lecturer with the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Jos, Dr. Dan Ella, who was kidnapped by gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday, has regained freedom.

Ella was seen on Thursday night along Jos-Bauchi Road after his abductors released him.

The gunmen had attacked his residence located near Haske Quarters in Lamingo community, Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

Chairman of the University of Jos branch of the Academic StaͿ Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Lazarus Maigoro, conÀrmed Ella’s release in Jos yesterday.

Maigoro said, “I can conÀrm

to you that our abducted colleague has been released and we thank God for regaining his freedom.

“But we are not happy over what is happening because this is the fourth time our colleague was abducted within this year.

“There have been security meetings and yet these abductions keep reoccurring. Early this year, one staͿ was kidnapped right inside the university quarters. Those in their private residence outside the quarters are not safe either. How do you explain this kind of situation?”

He again called on the authorities to Ànd a solution to the problem to stop further abduction of lecturers in the university.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 12,2021

NEWS

NNPC, NCDMB Sign N10.5bn Arts, Crafts Foster Economic Development, Says Runsewe Products Terminal Deal Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Zed Energy yesterday signed a deal for the establishment of a 50 million-litre petroleum products terminal in Brass, Bayelsa State.

The N10.5 billion project, the parties said, was expected to deliver an automated petrol depot with a two-way product jetty, a loading bay and six automated tanks for storage of 30 million litres of petrol as well as 20 million litres of diesel and kerosine.

A statement signed by the NNPC spokesman, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources,

Charles Ajunwa

Chief Timipre Sylva, who spoke during the event, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his strides in the Niger Delta, which he said is making a huge impact on the people of the area.

At the ceremony to mark the execution of a shareholders’ agreement between the three organisations, Sylva noted that aside the new project, several others had been located in the region by the current administration.

“I make bold to say today without any fear of contradiction that no president has impacted the people of the Niger Delta like President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Aside from what we are witnessing today, remember there is also the Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company, the Oloibiri Oil and Gas Museum and

the Oil & Gas Park in Ogbia, all under Mr. President,” the minister was quoted as saying.

Sylva added that the establishment of the terminal further demonstrates Buhari’s commitment to the enhancement of the livelihood of the Niger Delta people particularly, the riverine communities in Bayelsa State where people purchase products at exorbitant prices due to logistics challenges associated with transporting products to that area.

In his comments, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, said the corporation was proud to be part of the project which apart from ensuring products availability in all nooks and crannies of the Niger Delta, will also guarantee

the nation’s energy security and generate employment.

“This terminal will create 1,000 direct jobs during the construction phase, and over 5,000 indirect jobs during its operation. Considering the potential for employment when completed, this will deÀnitely reduce youth restiveness in the Niger Delta area and will also address the problem of illegal reÀning in the area,” Kyari stated.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Mr. Simbi Wabote stated that the milestone was as a result of strong inter-agency collaboration and public-private sector partnership.

“The NCDMB will continue to drive such partnerships across the industry to bring development in Nigeria,” he noted.

The Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has said that the Word’s Handicrafts Day should be used to reflect on World’s Craft Council and foster economic development of crafts through crafts-related activities in all regions.

Runsewe, who made the call at this year’s World Handicraft Day in Abuja, said since his assumption of office as the President of the World Craft Council, African Region, he had continued to work towards integrating key players in the Arts and Crafts sector towards promoting the best of African’s arts and craft products and popularising them all over the The NCAC boss said he has made INAC Expo a global fiesta where stakeholders all over the world meet to network and exchange views and experiences on global best practices in arts and crafts.

“Apart from robust and strategic engagement with foreign missions in Nigeria to create the required synergy beneficial to all, we have also led advocacy campaigns in South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Burkina Faso and so on,” Runsewe stated.

He reiterated the need for government to increase its funding to the arts and crafts sector as very little capital was needed by practitioners for takeoff, adding that oil is good but exhaustible while arts and crafts are inexhaustible.

The keynote speaker and former lecturer in the Department of Fine Arts, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Dr. Cornel Agim, who delivered lecture on ‘Economic Importance of Crafts’, enumerated the economic value of arts and crafts to include; creation of employment, creating new skills, building and amplifying the economic harmony through cultural exchanges as well as playing a major role in generating and sustaining a globally engaged economy.

Imo, Benue, Eight Others Yet to Implement Minimum Wage Ugo Aliogo

DEEPNING CULTURE… L-R: Oba Olusegun Adeyemi Ajasa, Awuse of Onigbongbo Kingdom; Mrs Mofoluke Oluwasanmi of the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture; Hon. Olufunke Rekiya Hassan of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Authority and Mrs. Osayande Osaro of the Centre for Black African Art and Civilisation, during the Language Arts and Culture Day at Chrisland Schools, which held yesterday in Lagos

Nigeria Remains a Great Country Police Confirm Killing Despites Insecurity, Obi Tells US Team of 5 Persons in Benue Charles Ajunwa The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday insisted that Nigeria remained a nation despite insecurity being witnessed in most parts of the country which he attributed to cumulative eͿects of bad leadership.

Obi, who stated this when he received a team of highranking members of the USA Consulate in Nigeria in his Onitsha residence, said the team had continued to visit him routinely in Lagos or Onitsha to exchange ideas with him on events around the world, especially Africa.

A statement from his media o΀ce, said it was a fruitful discussion on world economies and the need to improve education and healthcare delivery in Africa, as the critical components of economic development.

“When we get the eͿective leadership we desire, the

dynamics will change,” Obi assured them, while calling on them to encourage equity and justice in Nigeria as possibly as they can.

On the situation in the South-east, Obi said it was actually wrong to narrow it to the South-east as the entire country was troubled.

“The situation in the South-east is not as bad as it is portrayed. I can tell you that the actual cause of the crises are the leaders of this country, including myself. If the leaders have done well for the country, nobody will be agitating.

We have so many youths that do not know where the next meal will come from.

“The solution will be by the leaders- all of us- reviving the economy, increasing support to education and promulgation of policies that will lift our people out of poverty.

The team was led by the Head of Economic and Political team of the US Embassy, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth.

George Okoh In Makurdi

The Benue State Police Command have confirmed the killing of five persons at Northbank area of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the Police PPRO DSP Sewuese Anene,”The armed men invaded the village and shot them on their way to their farms” She said the corpses of the victims had been removed to Federal Medical Center Morgue while police teams have moved to the area to prevent further breakdown of law and order.I It will be recall that five people were killed. when suspected herdsmen bandits invaded and attacked Zongu community in Mbalagh council ward, Makurdi local government area Benue state.

The killer herdsmen in their usual way of attacking Tiv farmers invaded the

Zongu community and killed five people leaving others with various degrees of injuries.

Meanwhile, six persons were killed in the second attack that took place in Anyom community off Mbatyula Council Ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of the state on Wednesday.

The incident occurred between 3p.m. and 4p.m. at the community on Wednesday, a border town with Taraba State.

Sources close to the chairman, Katsina-Ala LGA, Alfred Atera, who confirmed the killings at Anyom, explained that the assailants stormed the farmlands of the victims, let loose their cows on their produce, killed and abducted some of the women whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The source said, “At the moment six people have been confirmed dead, while the whereabouts of some remain unknown.”

Despite the passage of new N30, 000 national minimum wage approved by the federal government since October 2019, 10 states consisting of Imo, Benue, Anambra Kano, Bauchi, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara are yet to implement the new national minimum wage, a survey by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has said.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, the Acting National President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Dr. Tommy Okon, said the association was working towards the implementation and would soon unfold its plans since the situation has gotten to a point of no return.

Okon, who gave an update on the implementation by some of the states, noted that Anambra and Taraba states had concluded negotiation, but had not begun implementation. He disclosed that Bauchi, Benue, Kebbi, Kogi,

Nasarawa and Zamfara states were still on the process of negotiations, while Imo State is yet to begin negotiation.

The ASCSN Acting President commended states that had concluded negotiations and implemented, adding that not only had Kano State commenced negotiation, but also reduced the salaries of workers.

Okon further explained that it was an aberration for any government to reduce or contemplate of not paying salaries that were passed into law.

He hinted that labour had exhausted all mechanisms in industrial relations and collective bargaining and would not hesitate to clamp down on recalcitrant states.

According to him, “The state government is saying they cannot pay and they have refused to tell us how much they spend on security vote with the level of insecurity in the country. They refused to tell us how many Personal Assistants they have, they refused to tell how much they have used to feed their dogs weekly.

Support Government for Quality Education, Okowa Urges Nigerians Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has urged well-meaning individuals and groups in the country to join hands with the government to make quality education more accessible to our people, especially our children and youths, because the requirements for delivering standard quality education demands that all hands should be on deck.

Okowa made the appeal during the inauguration of eight blocks of of classrooms, skill acquisition centre, science and ICT laboratories at St Columbas Grammar School, Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area of the state, noted that education remains the bedrock to development in any given society and must be given the serious

attention it deserves.

The governor, who was represented by the Chairman, Ika South Local Government Area, Hon Sunny Tatabuzogwu, expressed appreciation for the commitment of the former students as well as the parents and teachers for their respective contribution to the survival and growth of the school.

He noted that education was basic to human capital development and essential in equipping the children and youths for future responsibilities as parents and leaders, noting that spate of insecurity in the country called for concerted effort, more than ever before, “to prepare our children for responsible citizenship, and there is no better way to do that than to give them sound education and training that will make self-reliant.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͺ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

63

NEWSXTRA

Buhari: I’ll Not Stay a Day Longer in Office Than Expected Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË ËØÎ Festus Akanbi ÓØ ËÑÙÝ

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday vowed not to stay in officeadaylongerthanexpected.

He also promised to abide by

the constitution and the oath he took when he was being sworn in and expressed the desire to hand over a more prosperous country to his successor in 2023.

The President spoke during an interview he granted to the

Nigerian Television Authority.

He said the All Progressives Congress would do everything possible to remain in power for a longtime.Buharisaideverything possiblewasbeingdonetomake the party formidable.

He said, “We are doing all we cantomaketheAPCbeinpower for as long as possible.”

On the nation’s economy, Buhari expressed displeasure with its performance, saying its low performance had been

ENSURING SOUTH-EAST SECURITY...

L-R: Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma; former President of the Senate, Ken Nnamani; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Minister of Defence, Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi and and Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State after a security meeting with a federal government delegation with leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions in the South-east, held at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

of concern to him.

He also justified his hard stance against those causing crisis across the country stressing that no serious government would watch the state plunged into chaos.

ThePresidentemphasisedthat his administration was doing everything possible to improve the economy.

According to him, one of the steps taken so far was reaching out to the international community to allow their multinational firms to come to Nigeria and establish their presence by employing Nigerians through which the economy will pick up.

The President also said his administration “is poised to diversify the economy from reliance on oil and gas.”

On corruption, President Buhari said it was high time special courts were established in the country especially to try several corruption cases currently stuck in conventional courts.

"You have instances of cases lasting for as long as 10 years before they are determined and

in some cases judges handling the cases may die. But if there are special courts, there will be a time frame to conclude the corruption cases and not dragging on unnecessarily,” he said.

The President reiterated his warning to those engaged in violent and criminal acts in different parts of the country, sayinghisadministrationwould notsitbackandwatchthenation destroyed by anarchists.

He added that much more than he had threatened earlier, his administration would do to those bent on perpetrating confusion in the land.

On what he meant that his administration would speak to criminals in the language they understand, he referred to recent incidents in different parts of the country, including recent activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), banditry, kidnapping and terrorism, as well as the trails of the #ENDSARS protest as some of the examples of activities targeted at leading the country into chaos.

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According to Atiku, "Abiola, whom I stepped down for in the 1993 primary of the Social DemocraticParty(SDP)inJos,was agoodman,andhisonlyprimary reason for joining the race was to offerselflessservicetotheordinary Nigerians.Iwasdeeplypainedby thecircumstancesinwhichhewas arrested and eventually died in government'scustody.Suchgross injustice was unspeakably cruel.

"Sadly, the opportunism of some Nigerian politicians had contributed to the destruction of democracy, most of those who aided and abetted General Abacha's self-succession agenda were politicians."

Tinubu: We must stand up for democracy Tinubu, who is also a former governor of Lagos State, in a statement to commemorate today’s Democracy Day said, “Despite the troubles we face, (and those troubles are serious), wemuststandupfordemocracy lest we shall find ourselves fallingtooblivion.Democraticgood governanceofferstheonlyreasonable solution to the challenges confronting Nigeria.”

Going further, he said, “We muststandfordemocracytoday.

We must stand for it even more tomorrow. Ask this question 10, 20, 100 years from now, the answer must remain the same: the people of Nigeria stand for democracyandstandagainstthat which would chase democracy from our land.”

Callingforaunitedfrontagainst agentsofdestabilisation,theAPC chieftain said doing so will mean Nigerians are standing against those who traffic in insurrection and violence.

Tinubusaid:“Westandagainst thosewhosecommerceisbigotry and hatred. We contend against those who would render the people ignorant and poor,” Stressing the significance of democracy, Tinubu said: “We celebrate Democracy Day not only because we have come far

but to help give us the social fuel and encouragement to continue onwardbecausewehavefarther to go and even greater things to achieve as one nation and one people.

“On this day, let us remember MKO Abiola whose victory in the June 12th 1993 presidential election was stolen from him.

Yet he remained steadfast and surrendered his own life so that weallmightenjoythedemocratic victory that was taken from him.

Without his historic effort and sacrifice, this day would not be democracy day. It would be a downcastanddisappointingone.

Let us also remember all others who also sacrificed so much to bring democracy to this land.”

According to Tinubu, “We best honour these people not by reciting their names but by injecting the spirit and hope of democracy into our words and deeds.Inbecomingbetterdemocrats, we also become better at being Nigerians.”

He explained that one of the most profound and inspiring accounts that shall be written of our nation’s history “will be the chapter on how we moved from thedarknessofauthoritarianmilitary suppression into the light of democracyandtheestablishment ofpopulargovernmentbasedon the sovereign will of the people.”

He said: “On this memorable day, we mark, with respect, and honour the sacrifices that have allowed democracy to come to pass. We also celebrate in anticipation of a future in which our democraticinstitutions,concepts and practices take firmer root; transforming this society from what it is to what it can be.

“Thepagesofournationalbook inexorablyturn.Wehaveseenand experienced much. Victory and setback have entered and exited.

The departure of friend and foe we have witnessed. The song of peaceandunitywehavesungas one national family while others havepoundedthedrumsofwar and hate. Laughter and sorrow,

we have known.

“Throughitall,ourgazehasremainedfixedasifitwerefocused on a star in the firmament. Our roadhasremainedcertainforitis the only road we can reasonably tread. We have moved toward a better Nigeria and a greater democracy.

“Thispathhasnotbeenwithout peril. There are many who care not for the journey we take. They embarkonadifferenttrekforthey holdtoadifferentconceptofgovernanceandoftherelationshipof government to the people.

“Theydonotbelieveinanation where every person therein has substantiverights,freedomsand libertiesasGodintendedforallof his human creations regardless of place of birth, ethnic origin, social station or religious creed.

These people hate democracy and despise you for choosing democracy over them and their oppressive ways.

“They are violent and coldhearted. They love nothing, save the destruction of the happiness andpeaceofothers.Theywillnot go away quietly or in consideration of the compelling logic of democratic governance.

“Instead,theysetusupinhopes oflayingwastetothegoodsociety weseektobuild.Theylevyterror against us in vain hope that their violent impositions might cause us to lose our way. They raze villages,destroyhomesassaultand kill innocent people. They even attack important symbols of a just society including religious institutions, schools of learning and INEC offices as if they can snuff out, through violence, mankind’s will to worship God, seek knowledge or engage in participatory governance.

“However, with all that they do, they will not succeed. In trying to pluck a democratic and just society from our hands they are as mistaken as they are evil.Ourdemocracywasnothere establishedtobedestroyedbythe terrible likes of people such as these. Those who sacrificed their

lives for democracy did not give of themselves so that we would be turned back by terrorists or by those who seek to tear the nation asunderjustsotheymightimperiallyruleoversomesmallpartofit.”

Saraki: Our democracy has not given birth to good governance Saraki, who regretted that Nigeria’s democracy had not given birth to good governance, however, stated that it was noteworthythatNigeriasustainedthe semblanceofademocraticsystem for 22 unbroken years.

In a statement he signed, Sarakisaid."Thereisnodoubtthat democracy is the best system in evolving a modern government anditremainsthemostacceptable globally. However, the celebration today should also help us to raise the question of whether democracy is working to serve the interest of Nigerians.

"After all, it is known widely that democracy is not just the absenceofmilitaryruleortheroutine conduct of elections after which someindividualsareannounced tohavebeenelected.Therealend product of democracy should be good governance."

The former senate president said that it was obvious that in Nigeria,democracyhadnotgiven birth to good governance.

However, he said, "We have inadvertentlyoperatedademocracy, which instead of being the governmentofthepeopleisrather creating a distance between the people and what should be their government.

"Elections should be for the purpose of allowing free choice between competing ideologies, manifestos, policies, and programmes.

"Elections should not just be about putting people in office andwhentheygetthere,theystart groping in the dark or thinking about what to do and where to startfrom.Thisapproachhassetus backformanyyearsanddeprived ourpeopletheopportunitytoen-

joygoodgovernanceorearnwhat in the national cliche is known as ‘Dividend of Democracy."

Headded,“Today,ourcountry faces security challenges and the government is not able to adequately protect the citizenry.

Thereismassiveunemployment which has impoverished a high percentageofthepopulationand manycitizensarequestioningthe basis for the unity of the country.

Thesearepointerstothequestion ofwhetherdemocracyisactually working in our clime."

However, he said, since Nigerians have accepted that the best formofgovernmentisdemocracy, "wehavenooptionthantomake the system work for our country and her people. Thus, I appeal to all stakeholders to give peace a chance. This is because nothing can be achieved in the absence of peace.

The quest for peace places a burden on all of us who are leaders, both those in and out of government, to effectively shoulder our responsibilities to our country.

"We have two years to the formation of a new government.

That should mean two years for us to have brilliant ideas on issues of security, education, health, youth employment, revolutionising agriculture, human capital development, improvingcapacityfordelivering goodgovernancetothepopulace and fostering unity among the people.

"Itshouldbetimeforconsidering how to entrench discipline, equity, justice, respect for the law and accountability as part of our national ethos.

"We must start to think. We must pre-occupy ourselves with howtomakedemocracysurvive and how we can use it to better the lives of our people. I believe this is the best way to ensure we continue to celebrate democracy for many more years."

PDP: Nigerians Should Remain Law Abiding

The PDP, in a statement called on Nigerians to remain alert and law-abiding during the plannedJune12DemocracyDay anniversary and cautioned the APC to desist from its reported plots to use security forces and thugstoclampdownandunleash violence on citizens as witnessed in the #EndSARS protest.

In a statement by the party’s NationalPublicitySecretary,Kola Ologbondiyan also cautioned the APC to forget its alleged plots to use hoodlums to hijack processions and introduce violence, after which it will blame innocent Nigerians as a basis for their planned clampdown.

The PDP alleged that the Buhari-led APC administration had brutally violated all the known tenets of democracy and returned the nation to the dark era of military dictatorship, all in a bid to hold Nigerians under subjugation.

According to the PDP, "The brazen violation of statutory principleofseparationofpowers, disregard to rule of law, violent defilementoffundamentalrights of citizens, erosion of free speech and freedom of expression, as even being witnessed in the ban on Twitter; stifling of the press, attackonpeacefulprotesters,manipulation of electoral processes, violation of the independence of the electoral commission, abuse of court processes, disobedience to court orders and other violations, show APC's aversion to democracy and its tenets.”

ThePDPlamentedthatJune12, instead of being a day of celebration of democracy, had become a sad reminder of betrayal by the APC and its leaders.

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Ohanaeze Ndigbo to Buhari “The unprecedented lopsidedness of the Nigerian government in favour of the Fulani, to the exclusion of other ethnic groups, especially in the security architecture, will rather exacerbate the internal security challenges in the country” – Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, faulting President Muhammadu Buhari’s position on secession agitations in the South-east.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Why President Buhari is Not Getting it Right

F

ellow Nigerians, if I had any iota of hope or expectation left in me that our President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retired) has any chance of pulling some productive stunts in the less than two years to complete his second and final term, it evaporated and vamoosed into thin air a few days ago.

Let me start by congratulating the Thisday/Arise team that succeeded in persuading a usually taciturn and reluctant President Buhari to agree to speak to ordinary mortals at home instead of giving scoops to his favourite foreign journalists.

Trust me, it was a landmark achievement for which the Group Chairman, Prince Nduka Obaigbena must be applauded.

He once again demonstrated his famed daredevilry and nose for stories at the most opportune moment, at all times. The team of Segun Adeniyi, Reuben Abati, and Tundun Abiola, that he assembled also tried strenuously to ask all the right questions even if they got some wrong answers, for very obvious reasons.

I wish to disagree with those who have been disparaging the President and saying his performance was dismal and disappointing. In my view, the President performed above expectations given the seeming cold indifference with which he has come to be associated. As it is often said, water can only rise above its level. At nearer 80 than 70, the President cannot be expected to reinvent himself. He has never pretended to be a tech savvy wizard that modern leaders are expected to be. He has never shown himself to be anything more than a member of the analogue generation in imagination and innovation. He has little or nothing in common with the modern ways of life and it is clear that he is not prepared to ready to stress himself unnecessarily.

He is perpetually and stoically stuck in his mindset. That is a fact. We must also consider his health challenges for which God has been extremely kind.

I know you’re likely to ask me, so why did you guys support him in 2015? I will never get tired of giving my standard answer. One. We were tired of PDP after 16 years of profligacy and all kinds of bad behaviour that seemed to make General Abacha begin to look like a Saint. Two. In the days of tribulations, you sometimes run to the elders of the family in order to tap into their uncommon experience and wisdom notwithstanding their shortcomings.

We perceived Buhari to be such an elder.

Three. We reasoned that whatever is lacking in the President would be covered by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who is recognised not only as a cerebral and knowledgeable man, but also an outstanding and accomplished administrator, given his stint at the helm of affairs of the Ministry of Justice in Lagos State. Four. We expected the President to cooperate beautifully with some of the bright people in his Party, who know their onions and can guide him in the right direction. Five. We never thought in our wildest imagination that any leadership, no matter its background, would ever have the temerity and audacity to lead us back to the dark days of the

Buhari

military. Six. We expected the President to have accepted the reality that the world has changed so drastically since he was forced out of power in 1995 and it is virtually impossible to continue to run government in analogue fashion.

It would certainly be definitely unfair and unkind to conclude that the President was totally bad in his responses and that he could be excused by the foibles and weaknesses that we recognise have become notable chinks in his armour. I’m happy he answered all questions honestly, frankly and sincerely. He deserves to be congratulated as well for even finding the confidence and courage to sit through the obviously harrowing interview session. I will now try to dissect this much talked about scoop of the year.

Setting. I loved the relaxed setting and atmosphere. The President dressed down and the interview must have taken place in his official residence and not in the office. It was obviously organised and presented to put the President at ease in an environment that he was most familiar and comfortable with. There would be no need to be guarded because he was in his natural habitat. One could see this confidence playing out in the course of the interview.

Two of the very senior reporters, Segun Adeniyi and Reuben Abati were no strangers to the presidential villa where they had both respectively served as spokespersons to two previous Presidents, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. So, they came with intimidating credentials as brilliant journalists with verve and experience. The only lady in the team, Ms Tundun Abiola, the daughter of the winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential elections, Chief Moshood Abiola, is also a very brilliant and intelligent lady, one of the most admired presenters on television today. She combines beauty with brains.

Led by the Chairman, Nduka, it could only have been a perfect team operating in an equally perfect environment.

The session. The interview started well.

The questions poured in from every direction but in a decorously gracious and graceful manner, without being the pugilistic affair that it could easily have been. Though pre-

recorded, I doubt if there was much editing of the content. The President oscillated from one mood to another depending how lovely or irritable he interpreted or misjudged the questions.

The President was more vocal than I expected that he would be. He seemed prepared to answer as many questions as were posed without attempting to fudge. It was like one determined to lay bare everything on his chest and exorcise the demons. Nevertheless, many people complained of not hearing him loudly and clearly enough, and sometimes, even lucidly. However, I think that had to do with his natural accent and intonation and nothing sinister or amiss. Many people are also too bitter and biased to listen properly to what he was saying and the views he was espousing, and for that reason might not really have heard him.

On my part, I enjoyed the interview for the mere fact that he granted one at home.

And also, of course, because it answered several questions about the President’s health and well-being as well as his level of control. It is difficult now to blame others, and not the President, for the ills and woes from this government. Several myths were busted!

The President remained true to his old self and beliefs and refused to persuade anyone that he is a born-again Democrat, which was one of the borrowed garbs we dressed him in prior to the 2015 elections.

The man I watched was a proud, haughty and arrogant military officer, with no apologies for being a ruthless dictator.

The President reflected a deep disappointment, resentment and anger against the youths of Nigeria, whom he described as being overtly recalcitrant.

His view was one of whatever suffering they are going through must have been self-inflicted and they deserve to suffer for it. He would not empathise with them.

For me, the President probably considers the near collapse of the Nigerian economy as something which the populace and, especially the youths need to go through if they are to appreciate life. I am also sure that he sees it as a form of punishment for the pesky youths who have dogged his tenure with unacceptable and impossible demands almost as soon as he took office.

Let me chip in here that he is obviously misinformed about Twitter. A country with our multitude and army of unemployed you would never ban social media, especially Twitter which has become a veritable tool of international business.

The President is without any fear of contradiction or apology a Fulani irredentist.

He practically revealed that the itinerant Fulani herdsmen must be granted the rights of passage through the grazing routes established since the 1960s. This is a skilful way of telling the Southern Governors and whosoever is lamenting like the Biblical Jeremiah in the North Central to shut up. The President clearly does not seem to be concerned about the mayhem and carnage that these so-called Fulani herdsmen are leaving in the wake. Every Fulani is welcome in Nigeria regardless of the fact that most of the deadlier ones

migrated here uninvited from the Sahel regions and are thus not Nigerian citizens.

Once again, he made no effort to hide his pathological hatred for the Igbo nation, a people he sees as wholly Biafran. He kept his threat against them but no one noticed the same degree of venom against the people causing maximum mayhem in every part of the country. He told us to ask the military who are fighting the bandits. Unfortunately, we haven’t really seen much. As a matter of fact, we have lost most of our brilliant soldiers in the North than in the South East.

The President justified spending billions of dollars on over-stretching our resources to build infrastructure to and within Niger Republic. Again, no remorse, no apologies.

In a country that has not completed one of its most important motorways, the LagosIbadan Expressway, in the last six years, it is preposterous and unfortunate to listen to the Commander-in-Chief romanticize his first cousins in Niger Republic. He even told us the only way to defeat Boko Haram and banditry is to take good care of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. But should charity not begin from home? Or maybe it does!

The President stoutly defended his now infamous lopsided appointments by anchoring it on merit. One would have thought from this answer, that most people in the Southern States of Nigeria are certified dullards who couldn’t pass their professional or other exams and interviews. Since we know the reverse is the case, we can not only wonder how the President can sit with a straight face and make the kinds of statements that he did about his lopsidedness that is clearly hinged on unbridled nepotism.

And the President kept a straight poker face while justifying the biggest mistake of this government. Nothing has contributed more to the near disintegration of Nigeria than the feeling of those treated like second- and third-class citizens in their own country. That the President could seriously take the view that he did, and feel comfortable about it, demonstrates a personage who has been cut off from the outside world and whose depressing isolation is compounded by the fact that he has lost touch with reality. It is further distressing that the aides you have, who are at least blessed with some truth and knowledge of our excruciating conditions will not properly advise their Principal and set him on the right path whenever it seems he has derailed and needs to be reined back, out of monumental fear and trepidation. However, it appears that the President’s subordinates are content with the role of lackeys and silent clowns in order to remain unseen and thus keep their jobs.

Rome is burning and the Emperor is busy fiddling away and regaling his captive audience in the villa and outside with tales of his supremacy, mastery and position of maestro in ages gone past.

On Democracy Day, it is sad and depressing, a monumental tragedy, that we do not have a democrat in office as President. May God help Nigeria survive this misfortune and its backlash!

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