SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2020

NSA: N712bn Presidential Amnesty Money Unaccounted For Says Dikkio appointed to clean the mess Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Babagana Monguno, has revealed that the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty

Programme’s fund totalling N712 billion released since its creation could not be accounted for.

Monguno disclosed this yesterday while speaking with State House correspondents,

after he led the new Chairman of the Amnesty programme/ Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Col. Milland Dikkio (rtd), on a visit to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Monguno stated: "The predatory instincts of certain individuals came into the fore and the programme was turned upside down.” He said there was a lot of corruption, waste and mismanagement

within this period, claiming that N712 billion was wasted and basically unaccounted for as a result of endemic corruption.

The NSA said the original intention of the programme

was to address various issues bedevilling the people of the Niger Delta region.

He listed those issues to include ecological, security, Continued on page 5

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EndSARS Protests TurnViolent in Osun, Abuja, Commotion in Lagos Buhari appeals for calm, orders IG to implement reforms Festus Akanbi, Chiemelie Ezeobi, Rebecca Ejifoma, Ayodeji Ake in Lagos, Kingsley Nwezeh and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja What began as a peaceful

protest by motley of interest groups against the excesses of officials of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in some parts of the country, snowballed into violence in Abuja, Lagos and Osun

yesterday after the police allegedly fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse protesters.

A worried President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday evening appealed to Nigerians for calm after a meeting with

the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu over the protests. He also directed the IG to commence the reformation of SARS. In Abuja, trouble started when the protesters, who

were marching towards the Central Business District and shouting anti-SARS slogans were confronted by a detachment of policemen, who shot several cannisters of tear gas to disperse them.

Several videos shared on social media showed some of the protesters bolting away from the tear gas, with the policemen giving them a Continued on page 5

Ondo Votes: Ajayi May Tilt Balance in Akeredolu, Jegede’s Rematch INEC pledges free, fair poll Police deploy 33,783, promise maximum security Chuks Okocha and James Sowole in Akure Tension remains very high across Ondo State as 1,478,460 voters file out in 3,009 polling units across the state this morning to decide who takes charge of the administration of their state in the next four years.

The election is a straight fight between incumbent governor Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

However, the incumbent Deputy Governor of the state, Agboola Ajayi, contesting under the banner of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), is expected to play the role of a decider, whose extent of inroad into the strongholds of the two leading candidates –

Akeredolu and Jegede - may decide their fortunes.

Akeredolu is from Owo in the Northern Senatorial District, Jegede is from Akure in the Central Senatorial District, while Ajayi is from the Southern Senatorial District.

An analyst noted last night: “Ajayi will determine who wins today. If he is able to take votes from Akeredolu’s strongholds and he is unable to do same in Jegede’s, then Jegede will win. On the other hand, if Ajayi is able to take substantial votes in Jegede’s stronghold and fails to do same in Akeredolu’s, then Akeredolu will win. It all depends on whom Ajayi takes votes from. He could tilt the victory either way.

Akeredolu’s running mate is from the Southern Senatorial Continued on page 5

Police Commission Dismisses ACP, 9 Senior Officers... Page 6

ROTIMI AKEREDOLU

Strengths Incumbency advantage Enjoys Federal might Huge war chest Legacy projects across the state Backing of APC governors across board Rich political experience Weaknesses Unending internal wrangling in Ondo APC Perceived as corrupt Wife as unofficial ‘deputy governor’ Backlash of PDP’s victory in Edo State Economic hardship under APC’s FG a disadvantage

EYITAYO JEGEDE

Strengths Broad support base across the state Backing of all PDP governors Favoured in Ondo Central with huge votes Rich political experience A strategist and bridge builder Energetic and focused Weaknesses Product of Zone that has produced two-term governor Perceived as weak on policies Deemed stubborn and uncompromising

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

PAGE FIVE ONDO VOTES: AJAYI MAY TILT BALANCE IN AKEREDOLU, JEGEDE’S REMATCH District. He also has the strong structure of the Senator from the area, Ajayi Boroffice, three House of Representatives members and seven House of Assembly members. Substantial votes from the Ondo South seemed guaranteed for the incumbent governor, in addition to his Ondo North votes.

Jegede's running mate is from Okitipupa Local Government, in the Ondo South District. So, he is also guaranteed votes there, in addition to his Ondo Central.

Police Deploy 33,783 Personnel Meanwhile, incidents of violence and intemperate use of language had characterised the campaigns leading to today’s election.

As at press time, toughlooking security men were seen on the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, while residents, security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have continued to plead with the political parties for a peaceful poll.

Several trucks and bus-loads of security personnel were deployed to various local government areas of the state yesterday afternoon. The Ondo State Police Command has also withdrawn policemen attached

to high profile politicians.

Security agencies have assured the people of maximum security, urging them to troop out with confidence.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has already authorised the deployment of 33, 783 personnel to secure today’s election.

The personnel comprise Police Mobile Force (PMF) units, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Anti-Bomb Squad (EOD), Conventional Policemen, the Armament Unit, personnel of FCID and the Sniffer Dogs Section.

He said the police deployment would be complemented by an additional 3,500 manpower that will be drawn from other security agencies.

The IG said the personnel would be deployed to secure the 3,009 polling units in 203 Wards spread over the 18 Local Government Areas of the state.

He said: “Political actors and law-abiding electorate that are desirous of a peaceful election in Ondo State can rest assured of optimal security as they exercise their electoral rights.

“We are, by the deployment, sending a strong warning that the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are resolute to bring recalcitrant characters threatening the process to justice

no matter their status in the society or political affiliation.”

Adamu had earlier deployed the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Research and Planning, Adeleye Oyebade to administer the general security arrangement for the election.

Also deployed to assist the DIG are the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Federal Operations (FEDOPS), Department of Operations, Force Headquarter, Karma Hosea Hassan and eleven 11 Commissioners of Police.

According to the police, restriction of vehicular movement in and out of the Ondo State will commence from midnight, till 6pm today.

However, those on essential duties on genuine course will be granted passage.

A statement from the force HQ Abuja on the restriction reads: “The IGP reiterates that the vehicular restriction order, among other things, is aimed at preventing political actors and trouble-makers from freely engaging in unpatriotic acts - circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs, movement of political thugs from contiguous States to Ondo State and disruption of the electoral processes, etc - which are inimical to the dictates of the electoral laws.

“The IGP calls on residents of the Sunshine State to go out

in their numbers on the day of the election and exercise their franchise. He assures that adequate security arrangement has been emplaced to secure the public space for the election.

“The IGP also enjoins the citizens to bear any inconveniences arising from the restriction order, noting that the order is part of necessary sacrifices we all have to endure to nurture and sustain democracy in the country. He however warns that anybody who engages in snatching of ballot boxes, vote buying, vote selling, hate speeches, and any other act capable of compromising the integrity of the electoral process will be brought to book.”

INEC Promises Free, Fair Poll The Chairman of INEC, Prof Mahmood Yakubu has warned his staff against electoral fraud.

In a statement he signed, the INEC chairman also charged the staff of the commission to resist all temptations that could lead to electoral fraud and that would compromise the outcome of the Saturday election.

He said: “We must consolidate on our recent achievement and account for every single vote cast on

10th October in a transparent manner which will ensure that only the choice of the electorate prevails.

“I, therefore, implore all of you to resist any form of temptation and let your individual actions be guided by the extant laws and good conscience.

“Always remember that any unethical action by one lNEC official is capable of rubbing off on all of us. Remain vigilant, principled and committed to the mission and vision of the Commission.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has also assured Nigerians that today’s election will be free, fair and credible.

The president said he had taken a special interest not necessarily because his party was involved but because his focus and attention had been to ensure that the nation maximises every given opportunity to raise the bar in its desire to deepen democracy.

Civil Society Groups Protest Presence of APC, PDP Governors A coalition of over 400 civil society groups under the aegis of the Transition Monitoring Group has raised the alarm over the presence of serving and former governors from the

APC and the PDP in Ondo State, claiming that their presence could undermine today’s election.

The TMG chairman, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, at a pre-election press briefing in Akure said, “the refusal of these governors to leave the state constituted a threat to the peaceful and credible conduct of the election.”

Some of these governors are still in the state after their grand finale rallies on Wednesday in Akure and Ondo town.

The TMG leader said they could use their immunity to get involved in malpractices like vote-buying, intimidation and could also sponsor political violence.

‘Chief Returning Officer not from Ondo State’ INEC yesterday said the Chief Returning Officer for today’s election is not from Ondo State as speculated by the PDP. It also said that the Chief Returning Officer whom it refused to name is also not from the Obafemi Awolowo University as claimed. The commission said that the Chief Returning Officer is billed to resume duties Friday October 9.

Continued on page 8

NSA: N712BN PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY MONEY UNACCOUNTED FOR among others.

He stressed that the principal idea for setting up this programme was actually to look at issues of development and security.

Monguno said: "When this programme was set up 11, 12 years ago, and I remember very clearly because I was the Chief of Defence Intelligence and we thought that sticking to the original timeline of three years for the programme was okay. That is, the agitators would have been fully compensated, trained,

and would have acquired all the necessary skills and then become more productive to the people of that region."

The NSA noted that unfortunately, so many things happened, and three years became 11 years and now going to 13, adding that this was because of the inexplicable changes that catapulted the whole programme into other issues that were originally not intended.

Monguno said, "Now, we realised that if the focus of the people, who are supposed

to drive this programme, are to capsize the programme by allowing their own personal interest to come in, then, we are all going to be in trouble because the Niger Delta is in trouble and consequently it will extend to the rest of the federation.

"Therefore, I had to take this step to advise Mr. President that this waste cannot go on. This programme is not supposed to be an open-ended one. There is no place on the surface of this earth where programmes that are supposed

to be palliatory will continue forever. At the end of the day it will become a big problem and entanglement for the government."

The NSA stressed that it was because of this that Colonel Dikkio (rtd) was brought on board.

He stated: "Therefore, we decided to take immediate action by bringing in someone who can take a deep look at this programme and what resulted to flaws. A person with vast experience and we all know the experience of Col.

Dikkio in this type of issue.

"Someone to clean out the stable and stabilise the region for the people of the Niger Delta and I must also add that he has been receiving a lot of cooperation and help from some ministries, like the Ministry of Transportation and that of Environment.

Of course, as time goes on, other people will key in.

So, basically the endemic corruption that scuttled this programme and frustrated the people of the Niger Delta is going to be addressed as soon

as possible.

"Throughout his stay in the military, he (Dikkio) was involved in a lot of programmes like that. He has served in places like Sierra Leone, Liberia and Chad. The idea is to bring someone with strength of character and sense of purpose. He is someone who is able to deal with these issues in the short, medium and long term; someone who is not going to be pushed around; someone that will not succumb to socio-cultural political issues."

many parts of the country in condemnation of unlawful arrests, torture and murder by the unit. The movement initially targeted the federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, widely accused of unlawful arrests, torture, and murder, but has since broadened to include the Police Force.

While the SARS unit was suspended on Sunday, groups such as Amnesty International said the government had not gone far enough, pointing to previous unsuccessful attempts to ban the force. Several Nigerian celebrities have joined the protest.

Their demand to proscribe SARS was in spite of the reforms instituted by the presidency and the Inspector General of Police, a move the protesters termed cosmetic.

Observers said a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, where he reportedly said some of the protesters were clout chasers looking for online validation may have further fuelled the crisis.

out a probe of the allegations against SARS, including killing, maiming and dehumanising of Nigerians.

The House also asked the Commissioner of Police in Lagos to protect the #EndSARS protesters in the state and ensure that they are not molested.

ENDSARS PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT IN OSUN, ABUJA, COMMOTION IN LAGOS chase.

Many of the protesters were injured as they scampered from the scene, while some of them were badly beaten and arrested by policemen.

One of the protesters in Abuja, @BrianJDenis, tweeted, “Police officers have opened fire on us with live bullets at Central Area, Abuja. Some people are injured.”

The showdown yesterday was a far cry from the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed on Thursday when some activist groups marched to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where they were received by a representative of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu.

In Osogbo, the Osun State capital, protesters chanting antiSARS songs caused gridlock at the Ola-Iya junction. It was learnt that the protesters threw stones at the security operatives, in a bid to resist any attempt to stop them.

The security operatives, who initially took cover beside their Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed at the junction, later shot indiscriminately to disperse the angry youths.

In Lagos, it took the intervention of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu to dislodge protesters camping at the Lagos State House of Assembly to protest against SARS’ brutality.

The protesters were said to have relocated to the Alausa section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which they blocked, leaving many commuters stranded around the Alausa and Berger areas.

The placards-carrying protesters barricaded the highway from the Secretariat bus-stop, opposite Magodo Phase II, a development which caused serious gridlock that extended to the Otedola Bridge, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

President Buhari met with the IG over the protests at the Villa yesterday and directed him to reform the SARS. The president also appealed for calm in a series of tweets after the meeting.

He tweeted: “I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt.

I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people.

“The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, and ensure erring personnel are brought to justice.

I appeal for patience and calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known.

“The vast majority of men and women of the Nigeria Police Force are patriotic and committed to protecting the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, and we will continue to support them to do their job.”

A statement by the Force Headquarters said the IG condemned what he said was an unprovoked and violent attack on policemen and damage to police operational vehicles and other assets by "ENDSARS"

protesters in Ughelli, Delta State.

The statement said the incident resulted in the death of one Corporal Etaga Stanley attached to ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, Delta State.

It disclosed that the policeman was attacked and brutally murdered by the protesters, who also left another Policeman, Sergeant Patrick Okuone with serious injury, sustained from alleged gunshot by the protesters.

It said the protesters also carted away one service AK47 rifle with breach No 56-2609008 and 25 rounds of live ammunition that was with the deceased at the time of the incident.

The statement signed by Force PRO and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Frank Mba, said the IG, who described the incident as "cruel and unwarranted" warned that the force would no longer tolerate any attack on its personnel or any member of the law enforcement community by any individual or group protesting under any guise.

The IG said protests by citizens remained a legitimate means for airing their concerns and views but insisted that "it must however be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the confines of the law."

Adamu, while "condoling with the family and friends of the late Corporal Etaga Stanley, who paid the supreme price in the service of our dear nation, equally commended the officers of the Delta State Police Command for exercising restraint in the face

of the immoral and unjustified provocation."

Meanwhile, the IG has directed the Commissioner of Police, Delta State to carry out a discrete investigation into the incident, identify the perpetrators and bring the culprits to book.

Act Now, Demonstrators Tell Buhari Some of the protesters in Lagos charged President Buhari to address their demands on proscribing SARS over their incessant acts of brutality and human rights abuse.

They threatened to take the protest to Murtala Mohammed International and local airports, Lagos, should the government fail to accede to their request within 24 hours.

They made this demand yesterday, which marked the third day of their protest against SARS’ operatives.

EndSARS Protest Trend Meanwhile, #EndSARS protest has started trending worldwide, thus drawing global attention with it clinching number one spot in different countries, including the United Kingdom.

The development is said to have spurred Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly those in the UK, United States and even Canada to begin their own protests, starting from today.

Anti-SARS protesters have held several protests in

Lagos Assembly Wants SARS Scrapped The Lagos State House of Assembly, in an emergency plenary session yesterday called on the federal government to scrap SARS. The speaker, Mudashiru Obasa called for the session after protesters besieged the assembly and even camped overnight.

After extensive deliberation, the house resolved that the National Assembly should carry

LASG Pleads for Patience The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also appealed to Lagosians for patience over the SARS crisis.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso said: “Governor Sanwo-Olu is discussing the issue with the Police authorities and hopes that the matter will be resolved in the interest of our teeming youths and in the spirit of democracy.

“The government, therefore, seeks the patience and understanding of all those concerned. Steps are being taken to correct the wrongs that have been identified. Let us remain peaceful as the authorities are addressing the issue. The Lagos State Government will do everything possible to ensure that human rights of all Lagosians are protected at all times.

“The Inspector-General of Police should be allowed to handle the matter, having intervened and issued directives that address the major causes of the infractions that have pitched the people, especially youths, against SARS.”

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Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Atiku: 2021 Budget Proposal Contravenes Fiscal Responsibility Act Urges Buhari to recall the budget Chuks Okocha Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Former vice president and the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the 2021 appropriation bill before the National Assembly, stating clearly that it contravened the Fiscal Responsibility Act. President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday presented the appropriation bill before a joint session of the National Assembly But reacting to the appropriation bill, Atiku in a statement he personally signed said that budget bill contained a number

of issues that were very grave and perhaps disturbing that could have dire consequences to the economy when implemented.

According to the former vice president, “The budget deficit in the proposal is N5.21 trillion. This amount is just over 3.5% of Nigeria’s 2019 GDP. This is contrary to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, which provides in Part II, Section 12, subsection 1 that: “Aggregate Expenditure and the Aggregate amount appropriated by the National Assembly for each financial year shall not be more than the estimated aggregate revenue

plus a deficit, not exceeding three per cent of the estimated Gross Domestic Product or any sustainable percentage as may be determined by the National Assembly for each financial year.�

Atiku said that Nigeria had a GDP of approximately $447 billion in 2019 and that three per cent (3%) of this amount is $13. 3 billion, which at the current official exchange rate of N379 to $1, gives you a figure of N5.07 trillion.

He thus said, “So clearly, the budget deficit of N5.21 trillion, as announced by President Muhammadu, is above 3%

of our GDP and is therefore in contravention of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007. “Even more disturbing is the fact that our GDP has fallen sharply from its 2019 figures, and has been projected by the World Bank and other multilateral institutions at somewhere between $400 billion and $350 billion. Meaning that in actual sense, the N5.21 trillion budget deficit is actually far above the 3% threshold stipulated by the FRA. “That this escaped the notice of the Buhari administration shows a glaring lack of rigour in the formulation of the

Budget. A very disturbing development,� the former president explained.

Furthermore, Atiku said that the deficit showed the precarious state of the national finances, which had since been overburdened by excessive borrowing on the part of the Buhari administration.

He said, “it has not escaped my attention that the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007 makes provision for the National Assembly to raise the threshold of the budget deficit from 3% to a higher figure. However, if this is done, they will be serving this

administration’s interests, not Nigeria’s, because the Act says that such a threshold must be sustainable. Is it sustainable when our budget makes almost as much provision for debt servicing, as it does for capital expenditure?�

According to Atiku. “As such, I call on the President, to recall this budget, and recalibrate it to reflect the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, and the current economic realities of the nation.

To do otherwise will not only be unpatriotic, it will also be catastrophic for our nation’s economy.�

ASUU Vows to Protect Varsity Autonomy With Blood Kemi Olaitan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜

The National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, yesterday said scholars in public universities in the country were ready to protect incessant attacks on university autonomy by the federal government with the last drop of their blood.

Ogunyemi in a release made available to THISDAY in Ibadan yesterday, entitled, ‘On President Buhari’s No IPPIS, No Salary’, said the statement by President Muhammadu Buhari that only employees of the federal government on IPPIS would get salary as at when due, was “meant for civil servants and university lecturers are not civil servants.�

The ASUU boss disclosed that the union had an understanding with President Buhari on January 9, 2020 to develop University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), which would be sensitive to the operations of the university system, respect autonomy and accommodate peculiarities.

He said in view of this, the President could not have directed his statement to the union since he agreed to the development of system sensitive software to management personnel and payroll.

Ogunyemi stated further that the union had spent millions of naira to develop the UTAS which has been presented to the Federal Ministry of Education while awaiting its presentation before the Ministries of Finance as well as that of Budget and National Planning.

He maintained that the more reason why the reported ‘NO IPPIS, NO Salary’ statement could not be directed to lecturers since the issue had been settled with the President to develop UTAS. He said the union would not fold its arms and allow the gains it made during several years of struggle slip through the antics of

government agencies who want to subsume the university system under their control The ASUU boss maintained that “the idea of seeking clearance from the Head of Service or the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is alien to university operations because it will halt its flexibility.�

According to him, “Mr. President did not say government will not pay ASUU members for not enrolling in IPPIS. The directive on IPPIS was meant for civil servants and university academics are not civil servants.

We have an understanding with government to develop an alternative platform which would be sensitive to the operations of the university, accommodate the peculiarities of the university system and respect the autonomy of our universities as obtained globally. “The idea of seeking clearance from the Head of Service or the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation is alien to university operations because it will halt its flexibility. The University Miscellaneous (Provisions) (Amendment)Act (2003), which government gazetted as University Autonomy Act (2007), has vested the powers of managing personnel and payroll system issues in the hands of each university’s governing council. ASUU has gone beyond the debate on this matter. On 9th January, 2019 when we visited Mr. President who is Visitor to all federal universities, we reached an understanding that ASUU would develop its proposed University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for testing and adoption for managing personnel information and payroll system in the universities. We have since done that and presented to the Federal Ministry of Education.

What is left is to present to other major stakeholders, particularly in the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

COVID-19: 151 New Cases Recorded

Nigeria recorded 151 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 59,992 with 51,614 discharged and 1113 deaths.

RESHAPING AMNESTY‌ L-R: Coordinator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Colonel Milland Dixon Dikio; President Muhammadu Buhari; and the National Security Adviser, retired Major General Babagana Munguno, during Dikio’s visit to the Presidential Villa , Abuja...yesterday.

PSC Dismisses ACP, Nine Police OfďŹ cers over Misconduct Kingsley Nwezeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday approved the dismissal of an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), nine senior police officers and the reduction in rank of nine others.

The commission also approved the punishment of severe reprimand for eight officers, reprimand for 10 and letter of warning for three other officers.

Three officers were, however, exonerated.

A statement issued by the Spokesman of the commission, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, said the

commission took the decision at its 9th Plenary Meeting which held in Abuja on Monday, 28th and Tuesday 29th September, 2020 and presided over by its Chairman, Musiliu Smith, a retired Inspector General of Police.

He said at the meeting the commission treated 43 cases of police misconduct where it dismissed one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), two Superintendents of Police (SP), three Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP) one of which is a retired officer and four Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP).

It further directed the prosecu-

tion of six of the officers notably one ACP, one SP, two DSPs and two ASPs. “The dismissed ACP, Magaji Ado Doko was found to have engaged in acts unbecoming of a public officer, disobedience to lawful order, discreditable conduct, unlawful use of authority and scandalous conduct. “One of the dismissed SPs, Ogedengbe Abraham was found guilty of negligence/ loss of government property, disobedience to lawful order and act unbecoming of a public officer while the other dismissed SP, Mallam Gajere Taluwai was found guilty of discreditable conduct and act unbecoming

of a public officer,� it said.

The three dismissed DSPs were Okunkonin Daniel, Abisoro Obo Irene and Theresa Nuhu, who is already retired. The ASPs were Sanusi Rasaki, Uwadala Ehis Oba, Ferdinand Idoko and Igolor Godsent Ogheneruona.

The commission also compulsorily retired SP Talba Mohammed for acts unbecoming of a public officer and dishonesty.

The plenary meeting also approved the reduction in rank of Muhammad Sani Muhammad from CSP to SP for unruly behaviour, gross insubordination, gross misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a senior police officer.

FG Unveils New Universal Health Coverage Platform Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Federal Ministry of Health said it had resolved to establish a Nigeria Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Elderly Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), multi-stakeholder partnership coordination platform aimed at improving the health and Well-being of women, children, adolescents, and the elderly.

Addressing a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja yesterday, the Minister

of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the present poor health indices in the country were not acceptable to federal government.

He said that it was in realisation of government’s vision to achieve universal health coverage, that the federal Ministry of Health was repositioning its approach to partnership to maximise impact for better outcomes.

He said: “Our health indices are unacceptably poor, with a Maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 1,000 live births, Under-

five mortality rate of 132 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality rate of 39 per 1,000 livebirths.�

The minister however noted that the present administration had made modest progress towards improvement of child survival and safe-motherhood.

According to Ehanire, the impact was achieved through provision of ready-to-use therapeutic food and sustaining FP2020 commitments to ensure availability of family planning services to women of reproductive age amongst other things.

In addition, the minister said that the operationalisation of the National Health Act and the Basic Health Care Provision Fund would greatly improve access to quality healthcare for the vulnerable, particularly at the primary healthcare level. “We have resolved to establish a Nigeria Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Elderly Health Plus Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) multi-stakeholder partnership coordination platform, to be launched on Monday 12th of October, 2020.

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NEWS Kidnapped Ex-Nasarawa Commissioner Regains Freedom Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL...

L-R: Diocesan Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical, The Most Rev’d. Olusina Fape, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi, at the 13th Synod of the Anglican Church, Remo Diocese, held at the Cathedral of St. Paul, Sagamu.

Court Sentences Port Harcourt Serial Killer to Death by Hanging Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt A Rivers State High Court has sentenced the Port Harcourt serial killer, Gracious David-West, to death by hanging for the murders of nine young women.

David-West murdered his nine female victims and attempted to murder the tenth, Benita Etim, in different hotel rooms across Rivers State between July and September 2019.

When the convict was arrested and paraded by the police in September, 2019, he confessed to killing seven young women; one in Lagos; one in Owerri, Imo State; and five in Rivers State.

Delivering judgment on the convict yesterday, the trial judge,

Mr. Justice Adolphus Enebeli, convicted the serial killer of the charges against him, saying that the convict be hanged by the neck till he was dead.

The second defendant in the case, Nimi ThankGod, a manager of one of the hotels in Port Harcourt where one of the victims was killed, was however acquitted and discharged by the court on grounds that the state prosecuting counsel failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused committed the offence ThankGod, who faced a one count charge bordering on misconduct with corpse, was accused of evacuating the corpse of one of the young females killed in her

hotel room where she served as a manager and dumped the body at a dumpsite along Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt in August, 2019.

Counsel to David-West, Vincent Chukwu, had pleaded with the court for leniency on the grounds that his client was a father of three young children.

However, the state prosecuting counsel, Chidi Ekeh, said the first defendant (David-West) did not deserve any leniency as he did not show mercy to his victims and urged the court to ensure justice in the matter.

Speaking with journalists outside the courtroom, the lead state prosecuting counsel, Ekeh, said the judgment would serve as a deterrent to other persons

with such intensions of crime, adding that the second defendant was let go because it was difficult to prove to the court that the accused committed the crime.

Ekeh said: “With respect to the second defendant, she escaped by the whiskers, not that the offence with which she was charged was not committed, but it was difficult to determine who exactly did it as the witnesses who would have ordinarily provided that answer suddenly disappeared from the state until date.

“I am happy that this judgment was given, it would serve as a deterrent to all such persons with such disposition who are always taking to crime to know that there are consequences.”

Seven Family Members Die from Suspected Food Poisoning Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ ÏØÓØ ÓÞã A family of seven has been reported to have died after taking a meal suspected to have been contaminated in Benin, Edo State.

The incident as gathered, occurred at No. 40, Otete Street, off Textile Mill Road, Ogida quarters, in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

A visit to the victim’s house met the entire place deserted except for few sympathisers seen outside the compound.

Speaking on the incident, one of the residents of the area who lives opposite the deceased house, Mrs. Christy Igbinadolor said she was in her house that morning when a man came to ask her about the whereabouts of her

neighbours which she advised him to go to the house and knock at their door and if there is no response, he should go to the police station and report.

“This morning, when I woke up, I sat outside and I saw one man who came to ask me where are these people (the victims) and I replied him that I am just waking up from sleep.

“I told him that I just sat down here reading my Bible. I said I have not seen them this morning but the only thing I see, is that, when I woke up last night, there was light in their house but when I woke up this morning, there was no light again.

“So, from there, the man went to the compound and knocked at their door. And I asked what happened, he said it is their senior

brother in Port Harcourt, Rivers State who called him to come down and find out what was going on.

“I told him that when there is no response, the only thing he should do is to go to the police station and report.

“So, the man went to the police station and when he came back, he came with some policemen and some members of the man’s church.

“So they broke the door and found out that some of them have died. So, they carried them to the hospital.

“So, I asked them to call their father. So they called their father and when he came, he went inside the house and found out that his children were lying on

the floor.

“They dragged about five of them out. Some of them have babies because one of the man’s daughters came with her children.

“The man’s children were grown up and they were the ones staying in the house while two of the man’s children were staying with the man’s late wife but they decided to come and mourn their mother here in Benin when this incident happened,” she said.

Similarly, another sympathiser, Mrs. Rachel Anyanwu, said the man who has lost his children to food poisoning, lost his wife five days ago and that those who had been rushed to the hospital were his children and his relatives who came to sympathise with him over the loss of his wife.

Asagba Approves Cenotaph in Honour of Asaba Massacre Victims Precisely 53 years after the first black-on-black genocide now termed ‘’Asaba Massacre’’, the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien yesterday approved the construction of a fitting cenotaph in memory of the victims.

Recounting snippets of the encounter which he said “obliterated two generations of all the educated people in Asaba.” HRM Edozien also demanded for the establishment of a federal university in Asaba.

Although Gen. Yakubu Gowon who was the then Head of State when the massacre was perpetrated had apologised, several years after the war, the Asagba regretted that ‘’although we accepted the apology, the proper official apology and compensation has yet to come.’’

“An event of this magnitude has impacted the Asaba community and that is why we are remembering this

sad history. It is our prayer that a federal university be established in Asaba in recognition of this event,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan, HRM Oba Saliu Adetunji sympathised with the people of Asaba on the genocide remembrance and prayed that for the bonds between Asaba and Ibadan to grow by leaps and bounds.

In her remarks, a red-cap chief

of the Palace, Chief Theodora Giwa-Amu, echoed the sentiments raised by Ify Iloba on the recognition of female victims of the massacre, which the monarch took cognisance of.

Responding, the Chairman of the 2020 genocide remembrance planning committee, Chief Chuck Nduka Eze, announced the approval of the Asagba for the erection of a fitting memorial cenotaph at Ogbeosowa Square to honour the fallen heroes.

The kidnapped former Commissioner for Higher Education in Nasarawa State, Chief Clement Uhembe, has regained freedom after spending three days in the kidnappers’ den.

He was released by his abductors and reunited with his family in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, last Thursday at about 9p.m. after payment of an undisclosed ransom.

Gunmen had at about 8:30p.m. of last Tuesday, kidnapped the former commissioner, who is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the Federal University of Lafia, at his residence at Akunza Migili, an outskirt of Lafia metropolis, and demanded N30 million as ransom for his release.

Chief Uhembe, while recounting his ordeal in the hands of his abductors to sympathisers at his residence Thursday, said he saw hell in the kidnappers’ den as he was chained for three days without food.

He recounted: “My abductors chained me throughout the period I was in captivity and warned me not to talk too much, because I was trying to make them see reason why they should denounce their criminal ways and find legitimate means of livelihood.

“I had trekked for about six hours with them from my house where they picked me to a thick forest around the Adogi area of Lafia.

There are many other kidnapped victims, abducted from different parts of the country, who are still being held in that forest. I observed that they have a very strong network and a unique way of communication within the forest.”

The university don further revealed how he was handed over to another set of the abductors on reaching the forest on the fateful night.

“They run shift. Some of them will go out and abduct their victims and hand over the victims to another set of people upon reaching the forest. Those ones are responsible for chaining and monitoring the kidnapped person(s).

“The kidnappers camping in that forest are in large numbers. Those of them that came and abducted me were 10. Out of this number, eight were armed with AK47 rifles while the remaining two had machetes and other sharp objects,” he narrated.

According to him, “the kidnappers were specialists in their form of crime, who understand and could speak almost all the local dialects in the state.

“My experience in the kidnappers’ den is something one will not wish even his worst enemy to pass through.

I really saw hell.

“They told me they were misinformed by their informants about my financial status. That the information given to them about me was that I am rich, I receive N1.5million from the state government every month and that I own a flashy black car.

“The kidnappers also told me that on reaching my house they observed there was no light and my fence has no gate so they began wondering the kind of rich man that the entry point to his compound has no gate and was living in darkness,” Uhembe further revealed.

He thanked God for sparing his life and appreciated the state government, security agencies, his colleagues, friends and relations for their prayers and support towards his safe released.

Ondo Votes: Ajayi May Tilt Balance in Akeredolu, Jegede’s Rematch

Continued from page 5

This was disclosed exclusively to THISDAY by the National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, while explaining that the speculation and kite flying relating to the appointment of a Returning Officer for the Ondo election shows a limited understanding of the processes and procedures of the Commission.

Okoye said: “The Commission does not take dictation from political parties, groups or individuals in the appointment of its ad-hoc staff as well as Collation and Returning Officers.

“Moreover, the Commission will use the z-pad to upload polling units results into the INEC Result Viewing Portal and this will be available to Nigerians in real time.

“Furthermore, by the time the collation of results moves from the polling units to the ward and local government collation centres, all serious political parties are already in possession of the results and the

collation of results at the State Collation Centre will be done publicly and beamed live to Nigerians.”

Ondo State has 3,009 polling units, 203 registration areas in all 18 local government areas of the state. It has 1,822,346 registered voters while 1,478,460 of PVCs were distributed and 343,886 of PVCs remaining uncollected.

The Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Rufus Akeju who confirmed this, also expressed confidence that the commission was fully ready and prepared for the exercise which he promised would be free, fair and transparent.

Akeju said: “As we speak, everything required statutorily had been put in place for the registered voters in the state to vote for candidates of their choice on Saturday.

“In Addition, adequate security has been put in place by the commission in collaboration with security agencies through the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to secure the voters.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

08054699539

Buhari Should Stop Piercing Nigeria’s Diversity

M

y favourite from the long list of speeches and presentations to mark Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary was by Hassan Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto.

His declaration that President Muhammadu Buhari was making it difficult for Nigerians to celebrate our diversity was authentic and thought-provoking. Kukah faulted the current composition of the Nigerian leadership “with Muslims occupying leading positions across various political institutions.”

He says the current arrangement where the president, those in charge of affairs at the National Assembly, as well as the chief justice are from the same religion, hinders celebration of diversity and betrays the principle of federal character. Kukah adds: “Reflecting federal character should be like viewing ourselves in the mirror and celebrating our diversity because the table is big enough to occupy everyone.

But when you don’t have that and you put all your apples in one basket, naturally you cannot make headway, because you’re violating the Constitution and thinking that we are in a democracy.

“This President, Buhari, in my view in the last few years, has made it very difficult for us to celebrate diversity. And Nigerians will concede that a reward system that is so skewed, whether in favour of men, women, Christians or Muslims is unacceptable because when it was time to vote, all of us came out to vote.”

For me, it should about respect for the Federal Character law entrenched in our Constitution to protect that diversity. If Federal Character is reflected in all appointments, religious diversity will be taken care of. Kukah ought to have added that Buhari’s appointments into key federal departments and agencies are dominated by people from a section of the country, thus, also mocking our diversity. Nigeria’s tribal, ethnic and religious diversity ought to be our strength. But under Buhari, diversity has become our biggest weakness. The last five years have been horrendous, with our president using divide and rule as a political tactics. Buhari’s clannishness and religious bigotry is legendary.

The biggest sin the Buhari administration has committed against this country is the division created with clannishness and religious bigotry.

He reflects this in his appointments with so much impunity. We have never had it so bad in all our years as a country. Buhari has spent almost six years stoking our fault lines with no respect for Federal Character in his appointments.

I am not sorry to say that this is the most clannish government in Nigeria’s history. The military, para-military and key federal departments/agencies are largely headed by people from a section of this country. As a result, hatred and bloodshed across ethnic and religious divides have assumed an unprecedented dimension, with our fault lines persistently stoked. This is certainly not the Nigeria of our dream.

I always weep for my beloved Nigeria whenever I flip through the list of people heading key agencies and see that they are just from a section of the country; agencies like NPA,

Buhari

DPR, NNPC, PENCOM, NIMASA, UBEC, NSC, TETFund, FIRS, NCC, NBC, SEC, CAC, Customs, REA, TCN, AMCON and the rest.

Buhari needs to be reminded that Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution is very clear on federal appointments: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.” Unfortunately, our President does not give a damn.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was apt when he said: “At no time in our history, except probably during the civil war, has Nigeria been so fractured in the feeling of oneness by the citizenry.” The ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, concurred in September 2016, saying “Nigeria has never been as divided as presently, since it’s amalgamation over 100 years ago.”

Can Buhari honestly say that he has delivered on his promise of building a united Nigeria in the last five years? He was elected President of the whole country, but has ended up being President of a section of the country.

His skewed appointments largely reinvigorated the clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria.

This takes me to vice president Yemi Osinbajo’s tantrums on the so-called merit in

appointments. I heard him saying for the country to attain economic growth and development, the dominant principle when appointing people into public offices should be merit rather than federal character. He said: “I need to make this point because time and time again, we get arguments around whether the appointment of persons into public institutions should be based on federal character. The dominant principle should be merit.”

If Osinbajo has nothing soothing to offer about the lopsided appointments of his principal, then he should remain silent. Buhari is abusing our Constitution regarding Federal Character. This is the truth. This Professor of Law should know better. In any case, there is no segment of this country that cannot produce meritorious manpower for federal departments and agencies.

The main reason Nigeria is sliding is because mediocre people have been appointed

by Buhari to head most of these agencies.

So what merit is Osinbajo talking about?

Pastor Tunde Bakare captures this aptly: “No nation anywhere can survive or embark on predictable progress when mediocres are in charge…The Bible says when the blind leads the blind, they all end up in a ditch.

But we’re in a nation where the blind leads the seeing.”

The lack of respect for our diversity, with skewed appointments, has also been largely responsible for the clamour for Nigeria’s breakup by some people. However, I disagree with these breakup campaigners. Separation is not the way forward for Nigeria. I often laugh when these people and groups go about canvassing for disintegration. I don’t want to mention names so as not to confer any importance on them. They noisily present the fantasy gains of disintegration as if it is magic and paint an impending state of Eldorado.

It’s so difficult to phantom how a break up will solve all the problems of the new countries that will emerge. Are they saying that once Nigeria breaks up, there will be food on the table for everybody in the new countries? So, when we break up, corruption will be history, and there will be quality security, healthcare, education and housing for all in the new countries? That our roads will be paved, and that democracy and Rule of Law will reign? There will be no more inter-ethnic hostilities?

Arguing that all our problems will be over once Nigeria breaks up is preposterous. That is, to borrow the words of Pastor Adeboye, trying to solve the problems of Nigeria as if it is a simple equation. Every God-fearing Nigerian must rise and bury this break up campaign by extremists. Let us all shift our struggle towards appropriate restructuring of Nigeria, with substantial devolution of powers to the federating units, resource control, and a centre with not more than five items.

The struggle for restructuring should be for justice and equity in Nigeria and not for balkanisation of this great country. It should be a struggle for true federalism, constitutionalism, freedom, Rule of Law and not setting brothers

Yari Should Respond to Sleaze Allegations The former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, is yet to respond to the sleaze allegations against him by incumbent Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle. It’s already 10 days since this allegation was made and Yari is still wordless. A massive N107 billion was allegedly stolen from the state’s treasury by the previous administration headed by Yari.

Matawalle who made the allegation in a tweet shared on October 1, said a committee set up to probe financial mismanagement in the state made the discovery. He promised to ensure that the stolen money is recovered.

Since Matawalle says he has all the facts and figures, he should just hand over the case to the EFCC and stop unnecessary social media campaign. Zamfara’s money must be recovered.

Yari’s tenure was riddled with malfeasance. I remember that a Federal High Court in Abuja had in 2017 ordered forfeiture of N500 million and $500,000, suspected to be bribe given to Yari by the consultant engaged for the Paris Club refunds by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. The EFCC in an affidavit alleged that the N500 million was diverted to offset Yari’s personal loan obtained from a mortgage bank. It also alleged that another firm, Gosh Projects Limited, got $500,000, which was allegedly used for the purchase of building materials for Yari’s hotel project in Lagos. The sums had already been recovered from the two firms, before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba gave the forfeiture order. Matawalle must also recover the N107 billion stolen.

Yari

against brothers. It should be a struggle to convince all Nigerians about restructuring and strive to make others share the convictions.

The approach and language must be civil, respectful and harmonious.

I am in support of a united Nigeria where everyone enjoys justice, equity and peace regardless of faith, ethnicity or gender. This is why I have teamed up with decent people pushing for the nation to be restructured without hate speeches and reckless words, such as “break up”.

Let us all learn from the tragic story of Republic of South Sudan. Prior to the country’s independence, the late John Gerang’s Sudanese People Liberation Army and other so-called freedom fighters regaled the people with stories of prosperity and justice once it became an independent country. They got the independence, but few months after, South Sudan became worse than what it was in the bigger Sudan. Massacre, hunger, disease, poverty and malnutrition now pervade the land, no thanks to a gruesome fratricidal war that cropped up few months after independence.

Suddenly, they are no longer brothers. This is food for thought for all of us this morning.

Enenche

John Enenche, Please, Relocate to Baga Many will never forget Joseph Goebbels who was Minister of Propaganda of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. His job was to dish out fantasy progress stories for Hitler, particularly during the World War ll. He did this to the detriment of the Germans. The manner the current Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, General John Enenche dishes out stories about the “progress” of the military in the war against Boko Haram leaves me wondering whether he worked with Goebbels during those dark years of Germany.

His stories of how the military “neutralised” scores of terrorists are never ending. What about those videos of aerial bombardments of forest, resulting in the “neutralisation” of hundreds of Boko Haram fighter? We hardly see the dead bodies. That is why the “neutralised” terrorists repeatedly come back to hunt down our soldiers and civilians. Enenche recently issued one of those strange statements on the situation near Lake Chad, after he alleged that ISWAP fighters and some of their leaders had converged on some structures concealed under the thick vegetation of the area, preparing to launch an attack: “The ATF dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships to engage the location. The attack aircraft scored devastating hits on the settlement, killing several terrorists and destroying their structures.”

That was Enenche. The “neutralised” terrorists are back in Baga killing people. He often leaves me wondering if the terrorists have fighters running into thousands. This man has reduced his Public Relations job to propaganda. Nigeria doesn’t deserve this. The military must genuinely kick out Boko Haram. As for Enenche, he should relocate to Baga since it is now the safest in Borno State.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER Ëž OCTOBER 10, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Regina and Ned Nwoko woko o

Things Falling Apart?

Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels and her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko, are giving fans reasons to suspect that their relationship is facing some crisis. Early this week, they suddenly un-followed each other on Instagram. Ferdinand Ekechukwu digs in

Regina i with i h Ned N d Nwoko N k

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ OCTOBER 10, 2020

11

SUPER SATURDAY Regina and Ned Nwoko: Things Falling Apart?

Regina, Ned with their baby

J

ust about a y year ago, g precisely p y October, 2019, a movie titled The Enemyy I Know was p premiered in Abuja. j The flick, which gulped g p millions of Naira, was produced by p y Nollywood y p personality y Rita Daniels. Purportedly p y bankrolled by y her in-law, Ned Nwoko, the movie has Rita’s daughter, g Regina, g who is Nwoko’s youngest y g wife, as Zara, the lead character. The Enemyy I know is a dramatic tale of billionaire Anthony y Adewale who died under suspicious p circumstance, leaving g members of his family scrambling g for his wealth.

Barely yay year after the cinematic narrative, a real life drama connecting g the lead cast and a crew appears pp to be playing p y g out. This time, it’s about Regina g Daniels and Ned Nwoko’s union which seems to be in crisis. The Nollywood y actress and her billionaire husband, Ned recently had fans talking g about their marriage g for the umpteenth p time but for a new reason. This was after the couple p un-followed each other on popular p p photo sharing g app, pp Instagram. g The development p came a few weeks after the mother of Regina g sent a strong g warning g via a video message g to actress Chika Ike, to leave her daughter’s g husband alone or face her wrath. Chika had equally q y reacted that she was not interested in becoming g a seventh wife to anybody. y y Regina g fans took to the social media to react to the development. p As is common with many y celebrity y couples, p un-following g each other on social media platform p is usually y the first major j sign g of trouble! This has left their fans anxious on what could be going g g on behind the scenes. It is not clear why y the Regina and Ned decided to p pathways y on Instagram g as both parties have remained mute about the

development. p Regina g and Ned got g married in 2019 although g she was criticized for becoming g the sixth wife of a 59-year-old-man y but her mother supported pp the marriage g and stood by y her.

Regina g and Ned Nwoko welcomed their first child back in June 2020. The traditional ceremony took place p on May y 26, 2019, in Aniocha LGA, Delta State. While some people p p were worried that things g might g have turned sour between them, others felt that un-following g each other was a publicity p y stunt and claimed that Regina g actually handles her husband’s p page. g Could it really y be the marriage g is in crisis? Or could it be a public p ity y stunt as many y celebrities would always do just to trend? Time will tell.

Of recent, a report p had emerged g that Regina g took to social media to lament not having g reliable friends. The mother-of-one took to her Snapchat p to pour p out her mind, saying y g she wished she had friends that could be there for her like she does for them. The y young g actress added: “It is only y your family y that can be there for you y anytime.” y The report p was on the heels of another report p which claimed that one of Regina’s g best friends, Cassie, was a threat to her marriage g and alleg gedly y tried to seduce her hubby. y The situation got g Regina g infuriated and allegedly g y threw Cassie out and deleted her photos p on her Instagram g account.

The source said: “Cassie is so in love with Regina’s hubby g y Ned Nwoko and could not control herself around him. One day, y someone caught g her alone with Ned and it looked ‘somehow’ as she had a strange g look and Ned allegedly g y had a wet look on his Jalabia. Regina g had been warned about Cassie but she did not listen and always y maintained that she trusted her. Even Ned, had advised Regina g severally y to advise Cassie to dress appropriately but she always dressed like Regina

egina g isn’t one to shy y away y on social media; hence it wasn’t long g before she initiated her husband into the fierce world of celebrities where nothing g is hidden. Ned, once speaking g on his marriage g to the popular p p actress acknowledged: g “When I met her, I didn’t even know who she was because I don’t watch movies, whether British, Nigerian g or American. Also, I am not a social media p person. Up p until that time, I didn’t have Facebook or Instagram g accounts. So, I didn’t know about Regina g until she came to my y house with her family y on a tour. My y house in the village (Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State) is a tourist attraction of sorts

around the house and wore very y skimpy py outfit.

The person p (Regina’s g mother, Rita Daniels) who met her friend with Ned alone raised the roof and insisted Cassie must leave the house.

The source contacted Regina g to find out if the allegations g were true and she respectfully p y told her that her problems p with anyone y whether true or not should not be a topic p for the internet. “I explained p to her that my y job j as journalist j is to balance what is whispered p with her own side of the story y if she is willing g to give g it and she said: ‘There are many y fake stories about me that I can’t explain p all but from now on any fake stories about me will be handled.’

“I asked her about all the rumour and she said: ‘it’s about my y life and I don’t want to talk about it.’ I asked her why y her hubby y Ned Nwoko chased Cassie away y and she replied: p ‘I sent her away y not my y husband.’ I asked her if it was true that Cassie her former best friend had tried to seduce her hubby Ned Nwoko and she said she never did that.

Regina g told the source further: “The case is different. It has nothing g to do with my y husband or anything; y g she is not that kind of person.” p The marriage g to the former House of Reps p member, Ned, no doubt has remained a thing g of public attention. Even though p g there is a major j age g disparity p y between Regina g and her husband, Ned, the two have never been shy to publicly show their affection.

Regina g isn’t one to shy y away y on social media; hence it wasn’t long g before she initiated her husband into the fierce world of celebrities where nothing g is hidden. Ned, once speakp ing g on his marriage g to the p popular p actress acknowledged: g “When I met her, I didn’t even know who she was because I don’t watch movies, whether British, Nigerian g or American.

Also, I am not a social media p person. Up p until that time, I didn’t have Facebook or Instagram g accounts. So, I didn’t know about Regina g until she came to my y house with her family y on a tour. My y house in the village g (Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State) is a tourist attraction of sorts.

“I liked her when I saw her, especially p y when I found out that she was from that p place. I had always y wanted to have somebody (a wife) from my y side.

We were introduced to each other and one thing g led to another. That was when I found out she is a very y decent g girl. I have always y said that I wouldn’t marry y anybody y y who isn’t a virgin g and that is very y important p to me. When I found out that she was a virgin, g it reinforced my decision to marry her. I married all my wives as virgins.”

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

COMMENTARY

HOLD YOUR MEMORIES WITH PICTURES

Save your Photos Day is a reminder to go back to our photographs and relive the best memories of our lives again, writes Amine Djouahra

P

hotography has grown to become one of the most important and accessible way of capturing and sharing memories over the decades. Memories that are made every day whether it is fun and special family moments, or documenting important world events, Save your Photos Day is a gentle reminder to go back to our photographs and think about how we can organize, protect and share our memories better. Today anyone can print high-quality photos and create memories at home.

It used to be that we were able to capture one moment at a time and share it on piece of paper as a photograph. Part of the excitement was being able to hold a slice of life in your hands while sharing the resultant emotion. Going from black and white photography to colour, only served to bring the memory closer to how it looked, since we live in a world filled with colour. These advances in technology, inspired people to do more with photography as the media for capturing the images took great strides forward. We moved from an era where one could take one image needing people to freeze for up to 30 minutes at a time – to being able to take several images of some action in a second.

According to the Bond Capital Internet Trends Report 2019 people generated over a trillion new images annually in 2017 and shared over a billion images monthly in 2018. It is undeniable that technological advances have given us the potential to generate an incredible number of images. Technology has also developed ways of helping us store these images or memories, saving us from being overwhelmed with where to stack our photo albums. Along with the physical photos we now have hard drives, SD Cards, online storage platforms and even the cloud. We are also able to use social media platforms

THE SIMPLE ACT OF SHARING A MOMENT PERSONALLY IN AN ALL TOO DIGITAL WORLD IS STILL AS SPECIAL TODAY AS IT WAS WHEN PEOPLE FIRST LOOKED AT BLACK AND WHITE IMAGES OF THEIR LIVES

like Instagram or Facebook to store our images, which can be automatically catalogued by date, location and caption to help manage our photo memories. It is important and at times a challenge to keep our extensive personal archive virtually up to date and to be able to cherish the captured moments any time.

We currently enjoy all these modern platforms for helping us manage the images we capture, keep and share with friends and family, often with click of a button. However, in all photos, some images are more special than the rest but are constantly in danger of being lost in the flood of images we interact with daily. Perhaps it is time to look back to where it all started, when special memories could be held in our hands as photographs and shared with the next waiting pair of hands.

The simple act of sharing a moment personally in an all too digital world is still as special today as it was when people first looked at black and white images of their lives.

For Save Your Photos Day 2020 in a challenging year, take a moment to slow it down and take time to look through the images on the, SD cards, hard drives, cloud storage or social media accounts. Select those precious memories and print them out and place them in a special book which you can keep nearby. Invite some friends and family over to share these special memories and stories that they contain, to relive the best moments of our lives all over again. Don’t forget to take more photos while you share these old memories, and please share the link to the photo album so everyone can print out their own albums when they return home.

Djouahra is Sales and Marketing Director at Canon Central and North Africa.

BUHARI AND THE ANTI-CORRUPTION AGENCIES Sola Akinyede canvasses the need to build and strengthen anti-corruption institutions

T

he Commission shall in the discharge of its functions under this Act not be subject to the direction or control of any other person or authority. Section 3(14) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act- 2000 (ICPC Act).

Following the removal of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the Chairman of the EFCC, it was obvious that some forces that were against the good work of Ribadu were at play. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee overseeing the EFCC, I thought it necessary to protect the structural and operational autonomy of the EFCC by amending the EFCC Act by importing the Section 3(14) of the ICPC Act into it. I also tried to create provisions to ensure transparency and accountability in the EFCC by having a ‘Guard the Guard’ provision- an advisory board composed not of politicians but respected and distinguished persons of integrity as an advisory board to the President on the EFCC as is the case in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, these proposals did not go beyond second reading before I left the Senate.

Provisions to preserve the independence of anti-corruption agencies are standard global best practice. For example, Article 36 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) a treaty which Nigeria and 169 other United Nations member states have signed and ratified, mandates Nigeria to set up a specialized body to combat corruption and ensure that such bodies are granted necessary independence so that they can function without undue influence.

According to the International Standards and models of anti-corruption Institutions prescribed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) independence that guarantees structural and operational autonomy is not only fundamental but a mandatory legal mechanism aimed at preventing political interference. Two of the world’s most successful anti-corruption bodies, the 68- year- old Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau of Singapore and the 46year- old Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong are independent and report only to their Prime Minister and Head of government.

Recently, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu was ambushed in front of his office and whisked to the Presidential Villa to face an investigative panel on the allegation of corruption and ‘insubordination’ allegedly to Abubakar Malami SAN the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF.) Even DPOs invite suspects to the police station, they don’t abduct them in front of their offices or houses.

Under the EFCC Act, the Chairman of the Commission is not subordinated to anyone.

He is appointed by the President subject to confirmation by the Senate and is required to submit an annual report to the National Assembly. Magu was detained for nine days without a court order contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. Initially, the activities of the panel were held in camera with his lawyers complaining that the evidence of those testifying against him were not made available to them – a 15th century practice

known as trial by ambush. And recently two of his lawyers were allegedly ejected from the venue of the panel (which has just been converted into a Judicial Commission of Inquiry) on the grounds that there was ‘only one seat for his lawyer’. It is not unusual for a person to engage a team of lawyers, one to cross examine, one may be a strategist while one takes records. In its defence of these tactics which are reminiscent of a village customary court, the Presidency says no one is beyond scrutiny. Correct. However, there are laid down processes for that scrutiny which must be in consonance with the rule of law. While these body blows may be aimed at Magu, the more serious collateral damage (including to staff morale) is to the institution –the EFCC. However, more ominous than this collateral damage are events which show that the AGF appears to be bent on taking personal and total control not just of the EFCC but of all other anti-corruption agencies contrary to the provisions of the law and the international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a party.

Although the AGF has denied that he does not need any law to give him control of the EFCC, there is presently an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Amendment Bill seeking to give the AGF the following powers: One, limit the power of the President to appoint the Chairman and members of EFCC unless he the AGF recommends. Presently the president can appoint the chairman and members without recommendation by anyone.

Two, the position of the chairman has been split and downgraded into the position of a Director-General with a chairman of the board above his head as against the present position in which the chairman is an independent chief executive reporting to the president. Apart from the fact that the most successful anticorruption agencies in the world are headed by chief executives who report to the head of government, with the present economic situation in the country, creating the position for two people is a waste of resources. The whole idea appears to be to diminish the position so that the Director-General will be easier to control.

Three, currently, the EFCC Act requires that the Commission submits an annual report to the National Assembly. The proposed amendment is that the annual report cannot be submitted to the National Assembly unless it is first submitted to the AGF. What if the actions of the AGF are negatively impacting the EFCC? Why must the AGF be the person to submit a report prepared and signed by the EFCC? Is it for him to vet and approve the contents?

Four, under Clause 45 of the Bill, the AGF will have the power to prosecute EFCC cases, making it mandatory for the files to be handed over to him and intervene at any stage of the proceedings including the appeal stage.

Five, he is also given the power to transfer persons from the Ministry of Justice or

other agencies or private institutions to the Prosecution Department of the EFCC. By virtue of this power, the AGF can transfer the staff of a bank or a private law chambers to the Commission without going through the employment process.

Six, under the bill, it is only with the approval of the AGF that the EFCC can approach INTERPOL for assistance. Why is the AGF also seeking to assume the EFCC’s investigative powers?

That the AGF is the major beneficiary of most of the amendments in this bill, makes it difficult for one to believe that he has nothing to do with it.

To make things worse, in October 2019, AGF Malami arrogated to himself in respect of EFCC, ICPC, NDLEA, all anti –corruption agencies and all law enforcement agencies the following powers under what he called Assets Tracing, Recovery and Management Regulations 2019 which has been gazetted.

Overall custody and management of final forfeited assets (section 3f); approval and appointment of Asset Managers (section 3g); management of forfeited assets in foreign jurisdiction (sic) (setion 3j); all final forfeited assets received by all anti– corruption agencies and all law enforcement agencies shall be handed over to the office of the AGF within 60 days from October24 2019.

Under Section 11(7) where the funds recovered belong to a state government or local government, the AGF in collaboration with the Finance Minister shall negotiate not less than 30% of the funds as ‘administrative charges’. Nigeria is a federation, neither the National Assembly nor even the President has the powers to seize the assets of a state government under the guise of administrative charges. How then can a minister by a mere regulation without the approval of state representatives or the National Council of States seize state assets?

Section 31(2) of the EFCC Act and Section 38 of the NDLEA Act are very clear. They both state that forfeited assets shall be disposed of, or sold by the Secretaries of both the EFCC and the NDLEA and the proceeds paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation. Section 31(4) of the EFCC Act and 38(4) of the NDLEA Act are also very clear. They state that the AGF may make regulations for the disposal or sale of forfeited assets. The purpose of that section is to ensure transparency and guide the secretaries by ensuring for instance that such assets are valued by independent and honest professionals. The two laws do not give the AGF the power to appoint asset managers, take custody of and manage forfeited assets. What qualification does the AGF have to manage assets in foreign jurisdictions? It is instructive that the position of Secretary of the EFCC has now been defenestrated by the proposed Amendment Bill perhaps so that the AGF take over his powers to sell forfeited assets.

The National Assembly makes laws that Secretaries are to sell or dispose of assets and pay proceeds into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation, the AGF without going back to the National Assembly takes

over the functions of the National Assembly, alters those laws and says that the assets must be kept in his custody for his management and to appoint asset managers and auctioneers. With regard to the Section 26(2) of the ICPC Act under which the AGF is claiming to give himself the power to take over forfeited assets, that section does not give him such powers. The section simply states that the prosecution of an offence under the ICPC Act shall be initiated by the AGF. Indeed, section 3(14) of the ICPC Act unequivocally states that in the discharge of its functions, the ICPC shall not be subject to the control or direction of any other person or authority. I believe that the AGF is a person and his office an authority. A regulation must be in consonance with and cannot alter or override a law made by the National Assembly.

It was in the exercise of these powers that the AGF confirmed that he appointed as an auctioneer, to sell forfeited diesel and crude oil on behalf of the federal government, a company being prosecuted by EFCC for allegedly stealing 12 metric tonnes of crude oil. It is ironic that this is coming from a minister who has given himself the power of inter-agency coordination. If the EFCC was in charge of appointing the auctioneer as provided by the EFCC Act, they would not have appointed a company they were prosecuting.

It is obvious from all these that the Buhari administration still does not understand that one of the reasons why we are in the throes of violent insurgency, kidnapping and banditry is systemic corruption which is still raging (as shown recently by events in NDDC and NSITF) arising from the failure of government and that unless we build and strengthen our anti-corruption institutions, these problems will continue to get worse. According to a UNDP report, the lowest scoring countries on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Somalia, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Libya are all facing intense conflicts characterized by violent extremism, insurgency and terrorism.

Again this year, the Global Terrorism Index, a comprehensive study by the Institute for Economics and Peace analyzing the impact of terrorism on 163 countries covering 99.7% of the world’s population ranks Nigeria as number three only after Iraq and Afghanistan with Syria, Pakistan and Somalia performing better than Nigeria. President Buhari has just launched Agenda 2050. Just as Vision 20:2020 was not a vision but a mirage, Agenda 2050 is likely to be a mirage and will be dead on arrival unless we combat systemic corruption, systemic and institutional waste by the elite in the three arms and three tiers of government.

Niger Delta Development Commission, North East Development Commission and all other Development Commissions that may be created for other zones are going nowhere until we build and strengthen our anti- corruption institutions.

Senator Akinyede OON, was Chairman, Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics, Financial Crimes and Anti-Corruption in the Sixth Senate

13

͚͸˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

An end to impunity?

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Laycon and Gov Abiodunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gesture

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hen Mahatma Gandhi remarked: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no placeâ&#x20AC;?, he must have had me on his mind. I do not aimlessly follow the crowd; rather, I weigh my options before making a decision. Why? If you do not know where you are going, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll follow them to where they are going. By implications, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get lost. Yes, it is easy to get drowned and lost in the cacophony of this world.

Any objective person who took the trouble to pore through the controversial action of Governor Dapo Abiodun in honouring Olamilekan Moshood Agbelesebioba popularly known as Laycon, which has predictably generated a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cacophony from hired and unhired attackersâ&#x20AC;?, would come to at least three conclusions. One, Mr Abiodun is a governor who is deeply passionate about the youths, in spite of his human failings. Two, he is happy that the name of the state has, again, surfaced both nationally and internationally for positivityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; informed. Three, he believes that a youth who brings honour and attention to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; positivelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; deserves the attention and honour of his state government in order for his fellow youth to emulate his culture of excellenceâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; that made him one of the brightest students in his department upon his graduation from UNILAGâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and his trait of patience that restrained him from engaging in a fisticuffs when he was in the Big Brother house.

Moreover, given the raging storm of reactions and counter-reactions that has greeted the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action, at least three conclusions are evident. One, many of those who comment on or react to the event have actually not read the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press release. Two, Nigeria is deeply polarised and many people only view issues not on their merit but from their parochial, political, ethnic and religious standpoints. Three, the future is ominous if nothing is done to douse tension and reduce the skyrocketing sentimental blood pressure.

Like the unnecessary furor that greeted the publication of â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a Country: A Personal History of Biafraâ&#x20AC;? (2012) by the late raconteur, Chinua Achebe, the level of public discourse has been reduced to its lowest ebb. There is no rigour and misreadings are now the rule rather than the exception. It was after reading the work that one came to realise that many claims about the book are incorrect and that rather than play to the gallery, it is always good to seek oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truth. But the constraint is that we are not a reading nation, we are only a talking/chatting nation.

Though many people have excoriated the

governor for rewarding Laycon whom most of them used their thousands of nairaâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; hard earned moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; to vote in order for him to become the winner of the reality show, BBN. Fascinatingly, the coming of Laycon to Ogun State was hugely attended by a large number of youths from within and outside of Ogun Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; acceptance.

On his passion for the Youths of Ogun State, the governor wrote on his Facebook Page, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have appointed the winner of the Big Brother Naija Lockdown, @itslaycon Youth Ambassador of Ogun State in addition to house and cash gifts.

I relayed this development today, when I played host to Olamilekan Moshood Agbelesebioba AKA Laycon in my Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta.

The appointment and gifts are a celebration of Layconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good character, intellect and virtues which were proven to the whole world on live TV as better choices than vices. A proud son of Ogun State, Laycon displayed the essence of focus in the face of temptations and provocations.

This is the true Ogun State spirit, and it indeed confirms that this earned him his academic achievement at the University of Lagos.

Entertainment and academics mix finely for a good result. So I urge parents to let their children explore outside the classroom. We are therefore now finalising plans to establish in Ogun State, an Entertainment Village for artistes and artists to nurture their skills and talents.

Folorunso, Fatai Adisa, Corps Member, Abeokuta 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 NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

Strategy to Depopulate Christian Communities

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he concern expressed by the report of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inter-Party Parliamentary Group (IPPG) regarding well-construed Islamist genocidal purging of settled agrarian Christian communities of Nigeria was right on the mark in its timing because of the strange silence that the local Christian body, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has fallen into. Methinks CAN has not done much to condemn the spate of killings and bring international focus to bear on these activities. Yet, when well-meaning outside bodies like the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IPPG expressed grave concern over the apparent complicity of the Nigerian state apparatus in these targeted killing sprees, agents of the sitting governments were quick to throw salvos of denials in the way of the British, obfuscating and dodging the real issues. Truly, a strategy of Islamic jihad in its myriad formats (political, economic, sex, scorched-earth, etc.) in these modern times is barefaced denials that this jihad is actually ongoing. Meanwhile, as government agents engage in dishonest posturing, playing with words and offering banal and very simplistic explanations here and there, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fieldâ&#x20AC;? agents who conduct these jihadist operations step up their violence away from prying eyes and witnesses. These days, too, the jihadi command-and-control structures get to hire very influential media persons to manage the information dissemination end of things; stuff like, ah, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Northern Nigerian Christians are rigged up for a promising future.â&#x20AC;? On ground, the reality is simple arithmetic; progressively kill in small batches every other day and soon youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d overwhelm their capacity to re-produce to maintain an even and a steadily growing population. The net result is progressive decline in the numbers of settled Christians in the areas where jihadi activities are fierce and intense. More troubling to note is the view that a jihad is a religious obligation that must be carried to its fullest conclusion; objection to this or a call for moderation is â&#x20AC;&#x153;apostasy.â&#x20AC;?

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

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

Vice President or President?

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here has been much discussion about the US election in the media concerning what happens if the next, elderly, President does not complete their term. From having watched both the disgraceful Presidential debate and the better Vice-Presidential debate it would seem obvious that both of the VP candidates could easily fill the role and perhaps better than the main candidates.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾OCTOBER 10, 2020

NEWS

Alpha Beta Fires Back, Says Apara Sacked for Misconduct Former MD yet to account for N6bn Festus Akanbi Controversies trailing the activities of Alpha Beta, a consulting firm in Lagos took a new twist yesterday with the management of the company describing its former chief executive, Mr. Dapo Apara as a fugitive hiding from prosecution over some misconducts and that his allegations against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu showed that he was bent only on creating sensational headlines to deflect attention from his alleged criminal activities.

Alpha-beta is a consulting firm handling the computation, tracking and reconciliation of Internally

Generated Revenue (IGR) in Lagos State in return for a commission, a service, which Apara alleged was fraught with fraudulent activities.

However, in a swift response to the report on a legal battle initiated by the former CEO, the current Managing Director, Akin Doherty who was also indicted in a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said in a statement that his predecessor was removed for fraud and unethical practices.

Claiming that the company was yet to be served any notice from the court, Doherty described the development as an extension of his (Apara’s) campaign

of calumny launched to avoid the consequences of his fraudulent conduct over the years.

According to the statement, “The fact is that Dapo Apara turned to blackmail after his removal as Managing Director of Alpha Beta for fraud and unethical practices. While he was MD, Apara used his position to siphon huge sums of money from the company including but not limited to fraudulently converting $5 million; money allegedly used to pay for cloud-based services that were eventually discovered to be worth less than $300,000.

“Mr. Apara, who was a signatory

to all the bank accounts of Alpha Beta from inception until his removal, received all his payments and entitlements until June 2018 when he was removed after his fraudulent misconduct was discovered.

“In July 2018 further evidence of his fraudulent and unethical practices was uncovered, including the revelation that he converted approximately N6 billion belonging to Alpha Beta to his personal use. This fraud was reported to the authorities. When it was discovered that Mr. Apara had fled the country, he was invited to return to Nigeria from his hiding place in Dubai to render account.

Be Interested in Governance at Home, Omosule Tells Nigerians in Diaspora Tobi Soniyi Nigerians abroad should show more interest in what is happening at home instead of just criticising the authorities, the facilitator, Nigeria Diaspora Network, Mr. Funmi Omosule has said.

Speaking during a telephone interview from his base in the United States of America, Omosule, who was recently appointed by the Nigeria Diaspora Network as its international facilitator, said Nigerians living abroad were expected to be engaged in the development of their fatherland.

He called on them to show more interest in governance at home to enable them to bring their international exposure to bear on these policies.

“Unfortunately, the majority of Nigerians in the Diaspora are too far from the workings of the government back home. This has to change because Nigerians in Diaspora, if well organised and effectively coordinated can change the game at home,” he added.

According to him, Nigerians abroad can undertake many projects without the government.

He, however, noted that because the federal government wielded too much power, approval of the government in Abuja was often required to get things done in local areas.

He said: “One of the reasons it is difficult for many Nigerians in the Diaspora to set up in Nigeria is the fact that you need Abuja mostly for official paperworks and approvals for big time set ups unlike if we have a decentralised system where you only need local authorities to get things done within the locality of the site of whatever projects to be set up.”

By continuing to give ease of doing business the priority it deserves, he expressed the hope that the federal government would ultimately make it easier for Nigerians in Diaspora to come home and start projects.

Omosule also observed that many Nigerians abroad did not trust the government at home.

He said: “Since 2008, I have been interacting with Nigerians in the Diaspora and one major take is the issue of mediocres running the show and dominating the political landscape at home.

I did my best persuading professionals in the Diaspora to come and assist the governments of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan between 2000 and 2015 but majority are of the opinions that there are too many dirty political leaders betraying public trusts and Nigerian masses are asleep and not demanding accountability from the leaders as it is done abroad.

IPMAN Tasks Stakeholders,Youths on National Assets in Niger Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri

LAST RESPECTS...

L-R: Nneka Oranusi; Kossy Ebunilo and Stella Ogburu, representing Mass Communications students of (1992 set) Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, at the funeral service of their colleague and Chairman, Oyibo Joseph at his home town, Amutu, Ezi-Nze, Udi LGA, Enugu State... yesterday

Gold Purchase: Mines Minister Delta to Halt High HIV Infection, Chides Zamfara Governor Launches Self-Testing Programme Kasim SumainainAbuja you meet the criteria, we give you a The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite yesterday in Abuja chided the Governor of Zamfara State over claims of ownership of mineral resources in his state, warning that mineral product remain exclusively to the federal government.

The minister, while briefing the press on the fourthcoming 5th Nigerian Mining Week, stressed that what the governor was doing was right but the way he was portraying it to the media was wrong.

Adegbite, said, “I had a meeting with the Zamfara people yesterday or day before yesterday, they need to get their narrative right to the public.”

He noted that though, anybody could buy any mineral product in the country including corporate individual, subnational, states or local government so long as you go through the process.

He further stated: “We have what we call private mineral buying centres, we issue licences, in fact, anybody that is interested should come to us and once

license to purchase the mineral and that is the angle the Zamfara Government is exploiting.

“From their own fund, they are buying gold from their people and I spoke with the governor, you need to explain these to the people properly. It’s not as if they are cornering the resources that belongs to the federal government.”

He added: “all mineral resources in country is vested in the federal government and that is in the exclusive list and that stays. And the right royalty should be paid to the federal government.

“People feel that some parts of the nation are cornering the wealth of the nation to themselves which belongs to all of us and I will always say this, everybody has partake in the lunch of the Niger Delta’s people, we have taken from the oil and gas and it has been used to develop this country and the mineral wealth of this country will also be used collectively to develop this country and not exclusively by one section,” Adegbite stated.

Omon-Julius OnabuinAsaba

Delta State Government has launched the HIV Self-Testing Programme with a vow to scale up all response measures for arresting the relatively high HIV prevalence rate in the state, which places Delta as being among the highest in the country.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, in an address at the occasion, reiterated the commitment of the Okowa administration to collaborative efforts and adoption of strategies that would reduce the rate of new HIV infection in the state and Nigeria.

While expressing optimism about the efforts being made by the state government in collaboration with other stakeholders, the SSG warned against complacency as much needed to be done to rid Delta of high HIV infection.

Quoting from a 2018 survey, he said that a total of 1.9 million Nigerians

were living with the virus while the national prevalence rate stood at 1.4%.

“The Nigerian HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) in 2018 gave as the most comprehensive and reliable results in recent times and the results established a baseline for understanding the epidemic in our country. The key finding from the NAIIS indicate that the National HIV prevalence is estimated at 1.4% with a total of 1.9 million persons living with the virus in Nigeria.”

Nevertheless, Ebie said that he was optimistic that the launch of the self-testing strategy would, due to its numerous benefits and ease of usage, “reinforce existing strategies and boost case-finding for HIV and AIDS in the state.”

He further said that it was gratifying to note that Delta State had “successfully progressed from approximately 23,000 to 40,000 persons on treatment within 10 months and have achieved 90% viral suppression.

APC Chieftain Asks Court to Disqualify Akeredolu, Others Alex Enumah in Abuja With barely 24 hours to the conduct of the gubernatorial election in Ondo State, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Kalu Kalu, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja, to restrain the APC and its governorship candidate, Mr. Olurotimi Akeredolu from

participating in the poll.

Outside Akeredolu, two others the plaintiff also wants to be prevented for upcoming elections in the country are the APC’s candidates; Mr. Abiru Tokunbo and Mr. Frank Ibezim contesting for Lagos East and Imo North Senatorial Districts respectively.

The aggrieved chieftain is

seeking the exclusion of APC’s candidates from further elections pending the determination of the suit challenging the dissolution of the Comrade Adams Oshiomholeled National Working Committee (NWC) by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on June 25 this year.

His grouse is that the APC is

presently being administered by a caretaker committee, rather than the elected NWC. Respondents in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/736/2020 and filed on October 9, 2020 are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Chairman of APC Caretaker Committee and Governor of Yobe State Mai Mala Buni.

The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo, has called on stakeholders and youths of Niger Delta to listen to voice of wisdom and ensure the protection of national assets in the region.

Okoronkwo spoke yesterday when the Senior Special Adviser to the IPMAN on Product, Pipelines Monitoring and Special Assignment, Ibrahim Haliru, visited the Delta water ways in company of a team of security led by the Sector A Operating Officer, Delta State, Joshua Abata.

The IPMAN President commended the Nigerian security outfits for their utmost cooperation, and civil-military collaboration which

has yielded expected positive results.

He urged the youths to be aware of the grave danger associated with illegal oil bunkering and pipelines vandalism.

Okoronkwo advised the youths in the region, especially those in Delta State to form clusters as their services would be needed when the proposed modular refineries eventually come to life.

Also, Prince Emmanuel Boru, Head of Surveillance, Waterways, IPMAN, stressed that it is the mandate of President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the spate of illegal oil thefts and pipelines vandalism.

He expressed appreciation and acknowledged the leadership qualities of the National President of IPMAN ,Elder Chinedu Okoronkwo with the belief that with him at the helms of affairs, IPMAN will achieve his goals.

HURIWA Drags Enugu Commissioner toAnBuhari over Community Land advocacy rights group, Hu- Isiagu and Umunnajingene and man Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) body has asked President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly’s leadership to intervene and investigate Enugu State Housing Commissioner, Mr. Vitus Okechi over alleged suppression of some communities in the state over some parcels of land.

The group which said the community reached out to them alleged that some powerful people in government with the aid of the commissioner were forcefully divesting their rights from their ancestral lands, their resistance of which was capable of leading to social strife.

A statement by the Chief Executive of the group, Comrade Emma Onwubiko, said Ugwuaji community in Awkunanaw alleged that without negotiating with them, the said commissioner bulldozed his way into a communal land belonging to four villages in Ugwuaji Awkunanaw to wit: Umunnugwu, Ndiaga,

in the process, allegedly damaged properties worth billions of naira.

“Based on our Clients’ brief, the essence of this letter is to kindly bring to your knowledge the ongoing alleged dastardly acts of forceful seizure and attempt at compulsory acquisition of lands of the citizens of Ugwuaji Community, vandalisation of private properties, alleged conspiracy, threat to life being meted out on our Clients occasioned allegedly by the Honourable Commissioner for Housing - Hon. Vitus Okechi requesting that you, in your magnanimity, assist in reaching out to all the security agencies in Nigeria which includes but is not limited to; The office of the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS). The Code of Conduct Bureau, The Public Complaints Commission, The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), amongst others.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍŽË&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

15

NEWSXTRA

Banking Sector Credit Rises to N18.90tn Nationwide

t Lagos accounts for 78.94%, borrowers jump to 2.59m from 1.76m James Emejo Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;

The total banking industry credit to customers in the 36 states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) rose to N18.90 trillion in the second quarter of the year (Q2 2020), compared to N18.56 trillion in the preceding quarter and N15.44 trillion in Q2 2019, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated yesterday.

According to the Selected Banking Sector Report: Quarterly Geographical Distribution of Credit by State Q1 2015 to Q2 2020, released by the statistical agency, Lagos State recorded the highest credit by geographical distribution with N14.92 trillion or 78.94 per cent of total credit, while Yobe State recorded the least credit facility with N13.8 billion, accounting for 0.07 per cent in Q2 2020.

The FCT accounted for N564.10 billion of industry credit within the review period, while Abia accessed N97.15 billion, as well as N92.85 billion.

The NBS, however, pointed out that credit per state may not necessarily reflect the level of economic activity in the state.

"For example, all the oil majors are operating outside Lagos but their credit is booked

in Lagos. Similarly, Dangote Cementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loan may have been booked in Lagos but their major activity is outside Lagos," the report noted.

The report stated that the total number of borrowers increased by 47.35 per cent to 2.59 million in 2019 from 1.76 million in 2018, while the number of credit facilities increased by 55.54 per cent to 3.18 million in 2019 from 2.04

million recorded in 2018.

Remittance inflows contracted by 2.06 per cet in 2019 to $23.81 billion from $24.31 billion recorded in 2018, while total remittance outflows increased by 33.87 per cent to $90.6 million from $67.68 million in 2018.

Total number of individuals who registered for National Housing Fund in 2019 stood at 220,935, while total amount of

money given out as mortgage loans stood at N77.61 billion in 2019.

Further breakdown of borrowers in the banking industry showed that borrowers increased by 47.35 per cent to 2.59 million in 2019 from 1.76 million in 2018, while the number of credit facilities increased by 55.54 per cent to 3.18 million in 2019 from 2.04 million in 2018.

Buhari: We'll Soon Subdue Kidnapping, Banditry Adedayo Akinwale Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039;

FOR SAFER HIGHWAYS L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; the Chairman, Federal Road Safety Commission,

Mallam Bukhari Bello; the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi and an oďŹ&#x192;cial of the agency, during the inauguration of the administrative block of the FRSC Academy, built by Enugu State Government, in Udi Local Government Area of the State.

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that armed banditry and kidnapping that had bedeviled Katsina and other Northwestern states would be overcome, the same way the farmer-herders attacks were subdued.

The President stated this at a meeting with Katsina State Elders Forum at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

In a statement issued Friday by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said, "President Buhari also broached the issue of armed banditry and kidnapping that had

bedeviled Katsina and other Northwestern states and gave assurances that the situation will be overcome in the same way the farmer-herders attacks were subdued."

He said that Nigerian farmers stood to reap the benefits of his governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reforms as he continued to accord the highest priority to agriculture, describing it as the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employer of labour and engine of growth.

The President stressed that his administration would continue to take steps to enhance output and productivity by ensuring the availability of cheap agricultural credits, farm inputs,

fertiliser and the introduction of latest technologies.

He equally told the meeting that he had charged his ministers of Agriculture to Works with the states to rediscover the lost animal grazing routes and reserves as a means to ending the frequent outbreak of violence between farmers and herders.

Buhari noted that the choice of practicing farmers as Ministers in charge of Agriculture, first Chief Audu Ogbe and now, Alhaji Sabo Nanono, was a reflection of his strong wish to protect the interest of farmers and the attainment of national food selfsufficiency.

Fayemi, Catholic Bishops Eulogise Pioneer NOUN VC's at Funeral Nigeria-Bangladesh Relationship, Window Victor Ogunje Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Friday, paid glowing tribute as the former (and pioneer) Vice Chancellor , National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN), Prof. Afolabi Ojo, was buried.

The Professor of Geography and indigene of Ado Ekiti, died recently at the age of 90.

Speaking at the funeral rites held at Saint Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Ado Ekiti, Fayemi described Ojo as one of the country's finest and iconic scholars, who promoted scholarship during his lifetime.

Fayemi said Ojo's sterling qualities and unrivaled academic attainments coupled

with unassailable integrity earned him the NOUN's VC. The governor added that the people of the State and Ado Ekiti community would miss sorely, Ojo's patriotic zeal and sense of industry , which he said was largely responsible for the national and global respects he commanded as an academic.

"Professor Ojo remained one of the best academics Ekiti ever produced. He was so patriotic not only as a scholar, but as a community man."

Fayemi described the late scholar as a vanguard of anti corruption, adding that he was a man who was unwaveringly committed to his faith and stood for everything that

Odu'a Group Declares N890m ProďŹ t Kemi Olaitan Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;

The Chairman Oduâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Investment Company Limited Board, Dr. Segun Aina, has said the conglomerate made profit before tax of N890 million for the 2019 financial year.

He made the disclosure at the company's corporate headquarters, Cocoa House building, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while addressing the company's shareholders during its 38th Annual General Meeting (AGM) He maintained that the company's 2019 profit before tax of N889.71million was five per cent higher compared with 2018 profit

beforetaxfigureofN849.34million and that the conglomerate also paid a dividend of N320 million for the 2019 Financial Year 2019 and N1.53 billion as cumulative dividend paid since 2015.

According to him, "2019 Profit Before Tax of N889.71million was 5% higher compared with 2018 Profit Before Tax figure of N849.34million. The prudency of Management and its budget monitoring processes coupled with increased efficiency and productivity reduced operating costs and boosted profitability of the company in the year under review.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

the Ekiti man represented in values and education.

"He was in the first generation of the Ekiti academics, which earned him a reputation worldwide."

In his homily, Bishop Emeritus, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Most Rev. Michael Fagun, said: "Late Prof. Ojo, was a man of faith, who loved the people, a generous man, who is alive in the hearts of his students and the academic world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I still see him, very much alive, but we are not here to mourn Professor, but we are here to celebrate a man of authentic faith, who eminently contributed to the birth and growth of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti.

for Cultural Diplomacy, Says Runsewe Charles Ajunwa The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has said that the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and the Republic of Bangladesh has created a strong bond and opened a window for cultural diplomacy between the two countries.

Otunba Runsewe who disclosed this in Abuja, during a farewell ceremony organised by NCACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Management Team for the outgoing High Commissioner

Nigeria Needs Leadership, Policy Strategies Review, Says Otti Emmanuel Ugwu Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039; worthy of celebration but at the same time it should serve Having failed to achieve as opportunity to reflect on the desired goal of national why the nation was still lagdevelopment 60 years after ging behind in all indices of independence, Nigeria should development.

He said that Nigeria should now review its leadership and governance strategies, a financial borrow a leaf from those nations expert, Mr. Alex Otti has said. that were at the same level with He made the call on the heels her at independence but have of the diamond jubilee celebra- gone far ahead while Nigeria tion of Nigeria's nationhood, remained rooted far behind. which has been stretched to next The former bank boss noted year, noting that there was no that it was by dint of hard work way a better result would be and visionary leadership that recorded if there was no change Nigeria's contemporaries such as the Asian Tiger nations, were of strategy.

Otti stated that as a milestone able to gallop past Nigeria in 60 years of independence was all facets of development.

of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Bangladesh, His Excellency, Mr. Md. Shameen Ahsan, said the harmonious diplomatic relationship shared with Md. Ahsan will remain evergreen.

The NCAC boss revealed that during his stay in Nigeria, the outgoing High Commissioner culturally cemented the relationship that existed between

CHANGE OF NAME

Nigeria and the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of Bangladesh as evident in her attendance of the eleventh and twelfth editions of the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC) and other cultural events organised in Nigeria with robust display of her countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cultural endowments.

CHANGE OF NAME

16

Ë&#x153; Ëž OCTOBER 10, 2020

TRIBUTE

Olufemi Kayode: A Brother and Mentor Like No Other Eyitayo Lambo

I

first knew Professor Kayode only at a distance. That happened exactly six decades ago at Okene, Kogi State, in 1959 when he was in Form 6 and a highly admired Head Boy at the Provincial Secondary School (PSS). I was a first year student in the adjacent Government Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Training College (GTTC) but we attended the same church on Sundays. Although I did not relate with him closely, I saw him as a very good looking, neatly dressed, very articulate, outgoing and always smiling young man. I earnestly desired to be like him.

I did not see him again after he left Okene PSS in December 1959 until 1965 at the University of Ibadan. He graduated in June 1965 in the Second Class Upper Honours Division in Economics but stayed behind to undertake his postgraduate studies in Economics. I was admitted to read Economics at the University of Ibadan in October 1965 and I was assigned to Tedder Hall, his own Hall of residence for not just his undergraduate but postgraduate studies. I introduced myself to him when we met in the Hall and he was very happy, not just to see me again but that I had come to read Economics at the University of Ibadan. He was in the Postgraduate wing whilst I was in the C wing of the Hall. Thereafter, he started relating with me as a brother and also willingly assumed the role of my academic mentor, adviser and personal â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tutorial masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He constantly monitored my academic progress and succeeded in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;infectingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; me with his passion for the discipline of Economics. He was away to London School of Economics (LSE) and Harvard Business School (HBS) during my second and final years of undergraduate studies. After his return to Nigeria, he was very happy to hear that I graduated in the Second Class Upper Honours Division in June 1968.

The next phase of our relationship was 1970-1974. He was already back from LSE & HBS and had become a lecturer in the Department of Economics whilst pursuing his doctoral studies at the same time. I was a Graduate Assistant but also registered in the Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree programme in the Department. He continued his mentoring role that he had started earlier. He and his wife were very happy when I got married in September 1970.

Before my wife and I proceeded to the United States of America for further studies in 1971, we had a set of twins but we painfully decided to leave them behind with my parents in-law in Owo so that we could concentrate on our studies. We also decided to take the financial burden of taking care of our twins off my parents inlaw by remitting some money for their upkeep through Professor Kayode every month.

However, he never waited to receive our remittance before sending money to my parents in-law every month. Because of our limited financial resources, we defaulted in making some remittances particularly in the last year of our stay in the United States. Professor Kayode kept on sending money to Owo promptly every month. By the time we came back in 1974, we had defaulted for a few months and when we wanted to pay him the outstanding amount later in 1974, he declined to accept the payment.

From 1974 to 1984, we were both colleagues in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan. He had already obtained his PhD in 1972 and had become a senior member of the academic staff by the time I returned to the Department in 1974. He, however, did not relate with me like a senior colleague but like a friend, a brother and a mentor. He was generous in offering wise counsel whenever I sought it. He was a great encourager and was one of the people that put â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodâ&#x20AC;? pressure on me to complete my PhD on time.

During this period, we had become very close family friends; not only did I relate closely with him, my wife related very closely with his wife and our children bonded very well with theirs.

When I was offered appointment as Foundation Professor of Business Administration by the University of Ilorin in 1983, I was not really keen on moving from Ibadan to Ilorin. Professor Kayode knew that such a movement would negatively affect our day-to-day interaction, yet, after doing a cost-benefit analysis of the movement, he advised me to take the offer, particularly because of the potential satisfaction that I could derive from a successful pioneering effort. That contributed immensely to my final decision to move to Ilorin in 1984. Professor Kayode worked closely with Professors Ademola Oyejide (my Head of Department then) and Bode Aiyepeku to ensure that my movement was smooth. That eventually happened in August 1984 and I

Kayode

have never regretted that movement to the glory of God. Professor Kayode was the first Director of the Consultancy Services Unit of the University of Ibadan. He occupied the position from 1978-1984. He involved me and at least three other colleagues (Folabi Soyode, Demola Oyejide and Ibi Ajayi) very extensively in the relevant consultancy projects executed in the Unit throughout his tenure. This helped me in developing and strengthening my capacity in undertaking consultancies and it also provided a very robust additional source of income for me and my family. This enabled us to do many things that would have been impossible if we had relied totally on our salaries.

A good example was our annual vacation to London with our children most of the time. Throughout the period, there was never an urge for me to go to the Central Portersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lodge at the University of Ibadan at the end of every month to check whether my pay slip was in my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pigeon holeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (mailbox) or not!

When I went on Sabbatical Leave from the University of Ilorin in the 1990/91 session followed by a Leave of Absence in the 1991/92 session to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO-AFRO) in Brazzaville and ultimately decided to take early and voluntary retirement from the University of Ilorin and continue my services with the WHO-AFRO, Professor Kayode did not initially see that as the best of the options available to me. Subsequently he did, particularly when he was offered a short-term consultancy by my organization and he saw me at work during the period. We had the opportunity of interacting very closely during his one-month consultancy.

At the end of his stay, he was fully convinced that I took the right decision to move out of the academics to become an international civil servant. He was then surprised when I told him in 1999 that I was going to take an early and voluntary retirement ( seven years ahead of the mandatory retirement age) at the end of that year. I think the statement that I made that caused him to give up trying to talk me out of my decision was, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Egbon, there are times one needs to leave the known for the unknown and ask God to help one.â&#x20AC;? The â&#x20AC;&#x153;unknownâ&#x20AC;? then became â&#x20AC;&#x153;knownâ&#x20AC;? in 2003 when Professor Kayode was involved in the evolution of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;knownâ&#x20AC;?.

Two years after leaving the WHO, I received an invitation to be the Director of a two year health programme (Change Agents Programme for Health Sector Reform) in Abuja, funded by the Department for International Development, United Kingdom (DFID-UK). I was still on that job when President Obasanjo was re-elected in 2003. Given his decision to bring in some technocrats into his Cabinet, he set up a Search Committee to help him head-hunt for some technocrats that he could consider.

Professor Emmanuel C. Edozien (my teacher, mentor and another great â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vesselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that God had used to impact my life) was a member of the Committee. Professor Kayode called to inform me that Professor Edozien wanted a copy of my curriculum vitae because he (Professor Edozien) would like to present me as one of the possible candidates to be considered. I flatly rejected the proposal. Professor Kayode tried to persuade me for three

days but I did not bulge. He later suggested that I should call Professor Edozien and explain myself. I did but was insistent on the position that I took with Professor Kayode earlier. When Professor Edozien realized that I was determined not to change my mind on the issue, he then said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tayo, I am not even sure at this point if the other members of the Committee will accept my recommendation and, even if they do, the final decision would rest with President Obasanjo.â&#x20AC;? He then suggested that I should just give him the CV and let us wait and see what would happen later. At that point, I could no longer further resist â&#x20AC;&#x153;succumbingâ&#x20AC;? to the desire of a man who had played such an important role in my life in the past. I, therefore, sent my CV to him through Professor Kayode. What happened after is now history.

Throughout my tenure as the Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2003-2007), Professors Kayode and Aiyepeku served as my external â&#x20AC;&#x153;Think Tankâ&#x20AC;?. I always bounced my innovative ideas on them and they provided very prompt and useful opinions that shaped my thinking. They did that at no cost; they were both only very keen on seeing me succeed as Health Minister. Whatever success was achieved during my tenure as Minister, I owe these two genuine brothers and friends and some other people my utmost gratitude and appreciation.

There is another very important testimony about Professor Kayode and his darling wife also of blessed memory. We had our first children (twins) in 1971 after which we were away to the United States for further studies. We planned not to have any children while we were in the United States of America. But, shortly after we returned and settled down in Nigeria for a couple of months in 1974, we desired to have our next child. This did not happen for almost a year. Our unfulfilled desire was causing us some anxiety. We did not tell anybody about this except God. During the last quarter of 1975, Professor Kayode told me that they (his family) were going to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort to spend a long weekend and he invited my family to come along with them. We readily accepted the offer. As it turned out, we enjoyed the four to five days that we spent there. It was a very relaxing environment. Shortly after that never-to-be-forgotten vacation, my wife got pregnant and we had a bouncing baby girl, Abimbola, in August 1976 to the glory of God. It was sad losing Dr. (Mrs.) Clara Modupe Kayode three years ago and, of course, the passing of Professor Kayode on August 10, 2020 has bruised our hearts beyond imagination even though we knew that his health had been failing lately. As Christians, my family had accepted the reality that God called them home at their appointed time and to Him be the glory for their impactful lives.

From the foregoing, it is clear that our intimate relationship progressively happened over a period of almost 55 years. What started as a relationship between a vibrant young Olufemi Kayode and I blossomed to become a family relationship. He developed (along with his loving wife) genuine love for me and members of my nuclear as well as extended family. The Kayodes demonstrated this by generously giving of their time, money, wisdom, experience, etc. to us. Over the last 50 years, Professor Kayode has been a great confidant, encourager, motivator, burden-lifter, problem-solver, counsellor and family supporter.

Knowing Professor Femi Kayode has been one of the greatest blessings from God to me and my family.

With his demise, I have lost all my academic mentors! My loss started with the passing in 1994 of my foremost mentor, the erudite Professor Ojetunji Aboyade who was my Head of Department during my undergraduate years (1965-1968) at the University of Ibadan. That left me with the trio famously referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;the 3 Musketeers of the Department of Economics, University of Ibadanâ&#x20AC;? (Professors Emmanuel C. Edozien, Owodunni Teriba & Olufemi Kayode). Professors Edozien and Teriba had earlier passed on in August 2019 and April 2020 respectively and Professor Kayode has now followed them. It is disheartening to lose the trio within a year but I thank God for using them as â&#x20AC;&#x153;vesselsâ&#x20AC;? for the development that had taken place in many areas of my life in the last 55 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dear Egbonâ&#x20AC;? as I fondly called you, I celebrate your life today and will continue to do so until I take my exit too. Indeed, you lived a life of meaning, purpose and fulfillment. During your lifetime, you impacted the lives of numerous people including me and other members of my family. May the seed you had sown in the lives of all of us yield bountiful harvests for your children, grandchildren, etc to reap in Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Name. Amen. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Lambo is a former Minister of Health

Kwara Express Staff Seek Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Intervention on Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s N36.9m Debt Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

he staff of Kwara Express, a transport company owned by the state government have appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to offset their debt profile of N36.9million in order to allow the company to continue its services to the people of the state.

The staff said that the debt profile include three months staff salary, cooperative deduction

and MDG deduction, among others.

The staff had embarked on series of protests in the recent time over their demands from the management, a development that has led to the temporary closure of the transport company by the management.

Detachments of anti-riot police team, Civil Defence officers were serially used by the management to disperse the protesting staff before they went on strike. The strike is still in force as at the time of filing this report.

The striking workers under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and

Recreational Services Employees, the state chapter in a statement issued by its Chairman Comrade Abdulganiyu Salman and Comrade Saliu Suleiman respectively made available to journalists in ilorin on Friday also urged the governor to improve their condition of service.

Other demands of the workers include, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to grant vehicles for their fleet of operation; total rehabilitation/ renovation of the whole dilapidated structures. Other demands include the need to revert the repealed edict so that the organisation can move back to Ministry of works and transport.

Plus Paul Orajiaka I Was Stubborn Growing Up but Used My Stubbornness Positively

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

PLUS

I Was Stubborn Growing Up but Used My Stubbornness Positively What was your growing up like? grew up in Warri, Delta State. My dad was a woodcarver. Growing up, my dad would always ask us to come to his workshop to learn different crafts every weekend. Back then, you would find children running around after school from Monday to Friday but my dad would insist we must be in his craft shop. Even during our long holidays, we must do an internship at his workshop and learnt the craft like the apprentice working with him. My routine then was school, dad’s workshop and practicing my new skills.

My father and all his brothers were all craftsmen.

My family is renowned for wood carving. It runs in our genes. Virtually everyone in my family who had grown to become a doctor, lawyer, engineer, first learnt a craft from my father. My brothers and I had our own special section in my dad’s workshop where we produced our own crafts. Every month, my dad would sell the artwork and keep 30 per cent of the money for himself, 30 per cent for my mum who was the salesperson in the showroom and 40 per cent for us. We produced artworks for expatriates in Chevron and customers in faraway Europe and Asia.

I

You are a very successful businessman, how did you learn your business skills?

I grew up quite entrepreneurially because I was involved in producing and selling artworks even as a young boy. I took this skill into secondary school where I always came first in national art competitions. My team back then in Igbinedion Secondary School, Edo State was always on top at both state and national art contests. We had a lot of awards and recognition based on the art skill I took from my dad’s workshop.

Who did you inherit most of your traits from?

Your mother or father?

Interestingly, my dad. This is because of the kind of person he was. He was a disciplinarian who did not want his children to be running around after school.

From childhood, my father taught me how to multitask by working in his workshop on weekdays and weekends even while schooling. This kind of nature has helped me even in adult life. When I came to Lagos with the plan to travel to the United State of America, for my first degree, I was denied a visa at the embassy. After that misfortune, I settled in Idumota Market with my brother-in-law where I started my business. For long, I didn’t have any passion to go to school because I was making cool money in the market. At a point, one of my much-respected uncles said to me, ‘Paul, you have to choose between being a quality man and being a wealthy man. Any fool can make money and be wealthy but not any fool can live a quality life. You need to go to school and have the knowledge to enable you to scale up your business.’

I took his advice and eventually gained admission to study accounting at the University of Lagos. I got into school when my mates were graduating. Managing my business and attending classes was not easy but the lifestyle I learnt from childhood and also going to my dad’s craft shop, really helped me.

Who were you closer to between your parents?

I was closer to my mum because my dad was quite a disciplinarian. His hard-line posture on things, his level of discipline and the way he marshaled us into conforming to some basic training never went down well with me.

When I became an adult and moved to Lagos, everything he had told me, that advice I took for granted all began to play out. As a young boy, I was never close to my dad but he was doing his job. I thought he was an enemy but today we have the most wonderful relationship.

Orajiaka

Businessman, Paul Izuchukwu Orajiaka, born into a family of woodcarvers in the present day Anambra State, was stubborn and adventurous growing up. Though, not born with a silver spoon, he was determined quite early in life to be the very best in all his endeavours. This global entrepreneur’s knack for sound quality education pushed him to acquire numerous degrees from Ivy League schools which include a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy Schools, a Master in Business and Management Research from the University of Reading, United Kingdom and an Executive Master in Business Administration from Lagos Business School of the Pan Atlantic University. Orajiaka, who has indicated interest in the 2021 governorship election in Anambra, is the founder of Paul Orajiaka Foundation, and Chief Executive Officer of Auldon Limited, a company renowned for high quality educational, re-creative and play toys, with client base spanning major departmental stores across Africa, America, Asia and Europe. He successfully grew a $100 start-up toy business to a preferred global toy company, which has received recognition from the Forbes Magazine. Orajiaka tells Charles Ajunwa about his growing up, family and business

Did you ever get into trouble as a young boy?

Being adventurous as a little boy got me into trouble several times with my parents. I had always been as adventurous as wanting to leave home as early as possible the moment after secondary school. I was such a stubborn boy. I wanted to go to the US. I told my father that I’m never going to study in Nigeria. I wanted to have my first degree in the United States at the age of 16 but because my dad and I were always having one challenge or the other, it wasn’t easy. We were never the best of friends. It is now I understand he was only playing his roles. Today, as a father of four beautiful girls, I’m replicating that same practice to my kids. Being adventurous was always something I wanted and it was one of the reasons I wanted to leave home for the US, but as God would have it, I didn’t make it to the U.S. I stayed back in Lagos. I didn’t want to go back to Warri because of my dad’s ways of discipline. I felt I was mature and independent enough to go to the United States and take some of my dad’s craftworks to start my own business based on the level of business acumen I had learnt over time. One of the things I would have done in the United States was doing my business while studying.

Were you stubborn or the gentle kid in the family?

I was a very stubborn child. I will say I am one of those people who used that stubbornness on the right side; talk of business, lifestyle, and relationship. For me, it’s a good thing if a child is stubborn. One of my business partners from Hong Kong said, ‘If you have

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

19

PLUS

God showed me what my wife would look like and... a child that is stubborn, you should be happy.’ For a stubborn child, there are two things involved. Either he uses that stubbornness to make something out of his life or uses it to become a liability to the society. So it is for you the parents to tilt that stubbornness to the positive side.

Have you ever had a near-death experience either as a child or an adult?

While growing up, we were so adventurous in the aspect of being too playful.

So we loved acrobatics. We would somersault like 30 times with and without our hands. We were doing it from anywhere.

We always had competitions as seen in the Olympics. We also played barefoot.

There was a day I wanted to outperform everyone. The way to become the winner is to do a skill that others could not do. So I wanted to spin twice in the air as seen in the Olympics but when I somersaulted, I turned in the air the first time landed.

I took off again, went very high, spun the first time and while in the air I tried to turn the second time but landed with my neck and passed out. All my friends took off. My elder sisters were shouting. I woke up in the hospital on the same day.

My forehead was bruised. According to my sister, my neck went inside. They had to administer first aid to resuscitate me.

What would you say have been your most painful experience in life so far?

The most painful experience which turned out to be a blessing was when I went to seek for a visa but was turned down three times. It was so painful that it felt like the world should end. I felt hurt. I went for an interview with nine of my friends. Everybody got the visa except me who was denied. I felt America was my last hope to make my life count. When I look at life today, I would probably say God wanted me to stay back and see what our people lacked and how I could bring a solution to their needs. If I were in the United States, I wouldn’t be so conscious about the plight of my people.

I take it in good faith that one plans the future but the future doesn’t necessarily follow the plan. In the end, it is how God designs what will be for you that will play out. Today, I sit in my home and they bring the visa to me.

That same school I wanted to go to, First Valley State College now a university, I ended up attending the best university in the world, Harvard. That same America I wanted to go and felt my life would end if I am not there, I have all my kids as American citizens - all born there. My wife studied in the U.S. My whole family is in the U.S., siblings living in the U.S. Share a bit of how your success in business began When you become diligent with yourself and work, people will start seeing you. For us, we were just doing our thing and adding value in terms of our business model. We were promoting ethnic-related toys because we sell toys. The toys promote cultural values, teaching the African child how to be proud of their skin colour and heritage.

We were also adding a lot of social element into these products in terms of the doll clothes made by local women, the packaging being done by students of Lagos State college.

I think we are making a lot of impact on the society and our business model is beginning to resonate with these big media houses. We are making a huge success. We are selling all over the world and it has attracted people to see our business to have a social impact, a business that have the love of the people, for example, while making money we were also impacting lives. That for them was a big plus.

Right now, we have other publications coming out in December. We just sit and they call us from all over the world. We are not resting until we reach our goals.

We will continue to work and impact our channels across Nigeria, in South Africa and in Ghana and now we will continue

by moving to Kenya. You can’t have this level of growth and not have people see you. Even our business partners will call us from the UK, Belarus and tell us about their interest to get into the Nigerian toy business.

We have had fantastic partnership with people we don’t even know. For instance, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with one of the biggest toy manufacturers in Europe. They organised our visa in one hour when we went to their embassy. We travelled the next day, stayed about a week, toured their toy company and signed an MoU. We wouldn’t have had that kind of opportunity if we weren’t there in the limelight. So many of them are like that, inviting us from all over the world, Asia, Holland, Ukraine. I think what we are doing is resonating with people and they are seeing the impact that our toy company is making globally.

Who is your role model?

My character strength is from my dad.

He was a disciplinarian. Mum would always be very subtle and kind to you but my dad was such a man that I look up to in terms of his level of discipline.

I would say I’m a reflection of my dad’s personality. Today, I think when it comes to discipline it has to do with the moderation of lifestyle. My dad doesn’t drink alcohol. I don’t do such. I never saw my dad live an immoral life that is very

common with successful men. I also grew up not having that kind of lifestyle. On health grounds, my dad never smoked for once. I decided that it was the best way for me to live. Also, seeing him as someone who was successful showed that he had a lifestyle that was rewarding.

For me to be a successful person and be like my dad, I just needed to follow his footsteps. These things didn’t rub off on me alone. I have eight siblings. We are nine kids. I can tell you, everybody is having a wonderful career, a wonderful family. It shows that an apple doesn’t fall far from the source.

How have you managed your success and prominence?

Like I told you, discipline is part of me. I’ve always been a very busy person.

Sometimes they say some successful men are very busy persons they still have time for such lifestyle. Funny enough for me, it’s not something I can manage.

From early childhood, school and my dad’s craft shop, growing up, my focus was my business and then my studies and then my God. This triangle doesn’t have a space for the women. To date, my wife still tells me that my business is still my first love because of the level of commitment and passion I bring into my business life.

How did you meet your wife?

I was so focused on my business that I

never had time for women. When it was time to get married because I had been so far from anything that had to do with relationship, women and stuff like that, I had to tell my sisters- I love and respect them so much. They have known me from childhood to date. They understood the kind of woman that would fit into my nature. I told them, ‘ladies, it’s time to help me look for a wife’. They went all out to look for this woman. Do you know the funny thing? I had a dream once that I got married (traditional). The dream was so real that the name of the girl I got married was Ify. I woke up at midnight and wrote that name. I still have this paper. The date and the time, 2004, are still by my bedside to date. Since I was living with my sister, I told her, “Sister Ngozi, I dreamt that I got married. The girl’s name is Ify.” My sister said, ‘really’? I replied ‘yes that the dream was so real.’ I got married in 2011. My sister was out looking for this Ify. Eventually, other girls were coming - Chioma, Chioma, Chioma. In fact, we were calling them by different names, Chioma UNN, Chioma Covenant, this and that. Just to differentiate them. Until she found Ify and came to me and said ‘Paul I found that Ify.’ That was where all the story started and it was so good that the dream came through, how it played out, what my wife looked like was exactly what I married as a wife. That is why when I look back and see my kids I’m too glad that God showed me who my wife would look like and then we had evidence to back it up that this was truly your wife. I’m so fulfilled and happy.

What attracted you to her?

First of all, I’m an extroverted kind of human being. I’m always excited, outgoing and passionate. With my kind of personality, I wouldn’t want somebody who shared the same extroverted kind of traits too.

Her calmness attracted me to her so there would always be that balance in a home.

You don’t have to be a firebrand and your wife a firebrand. The house would go in flames. So she was a good contrast. When I saw my wife I saw her calm and gentle demeanour and I said this complements my personality.

I’ll say my wife and my daughters are my immediate constituents. I mean when I see my daughters I’m just always happy.

Sometimes when I have a bad day at work, I would close early because once I get home and see my wife and daughters, those tensions ease. I remember one classic example.

The day was going so wrong that I wasn’t happy being in the office. I just packed my bag, closed my laptop and went home. When I arrived, I said hello to my two older daughters and to my wife and went to the twins’ room. Their room was upside down. I don’t know what they were doing and they said they were trying to arrange it. Ordinarily, I would be upset that their rooms were messy but when I saw them I was just so happy. I sat by their bed while watching them arrange their room.

Orajiaka and family

I was closer l tto my mum b because my dad was quite a disciplinarian. His hard-line posture on things, his level of discipline and the way he marshaled us into conforming to some basic training never went down well with me

How are you giving back to the society?

As a private individual, I and my organisation have been creating social impact through our social entrepreneurship business model which has won us numerous national and global awards.

However, a greater impact at a larger scale can be achieved when people with proven capacity and integrity run for public office so as to be at the helm of things to deliver public good.

My wealth of experience in practical entrepreneurship, are some of those skills I intend to bring from the private sector into the public sector by campaigning for an elective office so that I will be part of the crafting solutions to the numerous problems plaguing us as a country. Stepping out of my comfort zone to the muddy waters of Nigeria politics is a necessary sacrifice I want to make for a better society, because, to live and remain ignorant of the event around you is to live in bondage.

To be aware of ills yet desire no change or not being conscious of how to improve the lives of your compatriots are itself sad and failing to do so is living a worthless life.

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Basketmouth Pops Up With ‘Papa Benji’ In upcoming web comedy series, ace comedian, Basketmouth fuses the fabrics of his life encounters and experience in various layers to make the show titled Papa Benji, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ff his The Zing Network production company, comedian Bright Okpocha, known as Basketmouth has released a near six minutes trailer which offers an insight into his Papa Benji comedy series that promises to be an interesting one scheduled to premiere October 31, 2020. With comic characters such as Nedu Wazobia, Broda Shaggi, Buchi, Senator and Basketmouth himself, Papa Benji is quite relatable. The online comedy series follows the life of its eponymous character, Papa Benji, an industrious Igbo man who took a loan to start his pepper soup joint, which attends to many other interesting characters that come into the joint.

To the comedian, during a radio interview, the fabrics that make Papa Benji is of layers. It is a true story of his life experience and encounters in various layers fused together to make the show. The Papa Benji joint is real pepper soup joint back then in Kirikiri town where the comedian used to live.

He brought back some people to life through the show and these people and events he names after the characters and places featured in the show. The comedy series, the comedian says, has been in the ‘making for two and a half years, adding, “I cooked it for two years, Papa Benji is situated in a pepper soup joint – beer parlor, lounge situation”.

In the introductory episode of Papa Benji, a narrator tells the plot with a twist. But first, the characters that make up the Papa Benji series.

Papa Benji’s wife, Mrs. Obioma Engwuowu, is a failed fashion designer who owns a shop right in front of their building. She has two friends who come to her shop to gossip. She hardly makes any

Lead cast of Papa Benji comedy series

sales but she believes strongly in her fasting and prayers. And now Benjamin Jr., he’s a first year student of University of Lagos. He’s a perfect description of what they call a Marlian. He loves music, dresses hip, sags his pants and all his friends are upcoming musicians.

Now, let’s meet two best friends – Mr. Jiminus (Basketmouth) and Papa Solo (Buchi), always at each other’s throat.

They are both pensioners and regular customers at Papa Benji’s pepper soup joint. Mr. Pius (Nedu Wazobia), also known as ‘Short Bread’, always right there during the arguments and fully in support of anyone who’s buying him drinks.

There is Kunle, also known as K-Money (Broda Shaggi). He’s the

son of the landlord at Papa Benji’s residence. Kunle is a wannabe Americana. He was arrested and jailed in America for drugs. People at home always wondered where he had been since he left the shores of Nigeria.

But he lied to people back home that he was working undercover with the secret service all the while.

Papa Benji is the story of the Egwuonwu family, their pepper soup joint and their son Benjamin. Peter Egwuonwu owns one of the pepper soup joints back then in the 60s.

Nobody really knew the secret to his recipe except Benjamin his son.

He would always spend time in the kitchen with his father because of those little pieces of meat his father will give him to taste. One

very cute thing about Benjamin was his dream; his dream to become a banker. He wanted to be able to invest in his father’s business and expand the pepper soup business way beyond his father’s imagination.

And everything came to pass.

Benjamin went to the University of Benin to study banking and finance.

He came out with a first class and then went to University of Lagos for a Master degree and came out with a distinction. And guess what? He became the head of the investment banking unit. He invested in his father’s business. How about that for a great story? Only if it was true.

The truth is Benjamin’s parent’s died in a car accident while on their way to the village for a burial.

StarTimes Launches Premium Nollywood Channel In line with its commitment to offer premium content, StarTimes has collaborated with a notable Nollywood production company, Big Idea Mediaworks, to launch PBO TV, a 24-hour entertainment channel dedicated to top-rated Nollywood movies, series, sitcoms, music and late-night comedy shows.

PBO TV is on basic bouquet on channel 184 and smart bouquet on channel 017, the same bouquets housing recently launched Hollywood movie channel, TNT Africa.

PBO TV went on-air on October 1.

The channel promises to be explosive with top-rated Nollywood stars on

display.

Among the movies showing in October are June featuring Uche Jombo, Vector Tha Viper, Chinyere Wilfred, Empress Njamah; Mad About You featuring Blossom Chukwujekwu, Linda Osifo and Annie Macaulay Idibia; Being Annabel featuring Oma Amadi, Ken Erics and Desmond Elliot; and drama series including Tough Love featuring Nkem Owo, Sola Sobowale, Timini Egbuson and Sharon Ooja; Life of a Single Mom, a series featuring Mofe Duncan, Gregory Ojefua and Mercy Macjoe, among others.

“PBO TV celebrates the rich diver-

sity of African culture with original and exclusive content” Gabriel Nworah, CEO of The BigIdea Mediaworks Limited said.

Tunde Aina, COO StarTimes Nigeria said: “In July, when we announced the adjustment of our bouquet prices due to persistent naira fall, we assured our subscribers that as a business, we would continue to make it a priority to broaden our content offerings to meet a variety of their interests without compromising affordability.

“Since then, we have continued to delight our subscribers with MORE value at the best price in the Pay-TV

market. At first, we launched top Hollywood animation channel, DreamWorks; followed by Spanish football league, La Liga; the FA Community Shield; the exclusive broadcast rights for Bob Arum’s Top Rank boxing events, whose current stable of champions include Tyson Fury, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Terence Crawford, Oscar Valdez, Gilberto Ramirez and Jose Ramirez; Hollywood movie channel, TNT Africa; the recent season of popular sitcom, Jenifa’s Diary; and the latest addition is PBO TV, a channel dedicated to premium entertainment. More is coming.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

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Simi

Simi Delivers Distinctive Sound in ‘Restless II’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Studio Brat lead act, Simisola Ogunleye (Simi) has put out her highly anticipated EP titled “Restless II”. Her fourth studio project, “Restless II” is a 16 minutes, six tracks EP, which features UK female rapper, MS Banks, AfroSoul singer, WurlD and her multi-talented husband, father of her child, Adekunle Gold with productions from Sess and Oscar. The 32-year-old singer took to her social media pages to announce the release of the project penultimate Friday. The EP is a follow-up to her polarizing album, ‘Omo Charlie’ Champagne.

An opinion goes that the greatest victory on Restless II EP is the complete change of sound from the trite Oscar-

produced Simi sound that formed the basis of the smash hit, ‘Duduke.’ While the song was a hit, it was obvious that Simi needed a complete change of sound and she has delivered that change of sound in an amazing fashion. Most of all, the EP is a lesson in clarity of songwriting without a symbolism/ metaphor overkill. It clearly passes its message of terrible timing of affection between an emotional guy and a confused, slightly possessive girl.

So far, the Restless II EP has attracted pretty rave reviews. Tracks on the body of work include ‘No Longer Beneficial’, ‘There For You’, ‘City Lights’, ‘Triggered’, ‘Undeserving’ and ‘Bites The Dust’. Packed with a medley of genre like Afro-pop, R&B, Afro-soul, Folk, these captivating narratives tracks

of ‘Restless II’ EP, the EP followed weeks after the singer signed a deal with Platoon, a UK-based record label owned by Apple Music, for the release of the project.

Simi had while signing the deal examined factors which shaped her successful foray into the music industry. “I’m a singer and songwriter. I’ve been singing for a decade now. The influences I had in music especially when I was young were Lauryn Hill and Asa as well. I love Adele,” she said.

The ‘Duduke’ crooner has continued to pull the strings since she gained prominence in 2014 after releasing ‘Tiff’, a song that made the 2015 Headies. Simi started her career as a gospel singer, releasing ‘Ogaju’, her debut studio album, in 2008. She launched

Studio Brat, her own record label, in 2019.

In June, the songstress welcomed a baby girl with Gold, whom she married in 2019. Prior to that, Simi had dropped her sophomore album “Simisola” in Sept, 2017.

Simi welcomes “Restless II” with the world premiere of the EP’s lead single ‘No Longer Beneficial’. According to Simi a multi-talented music act who isn’t just a singer, songwriter, producer but also a sound engineer, “I mixed these songs, so trust me when I say you need headphones for the full experience”.

Further take on confirmation of the conception of the EP comes when Simi sings, “Hard guy don fall, never thought I’d be infatuated like this…”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

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Niniola’s Wearing a New Look Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Niniola Akpata is a seductive diva with copious amounts of sexual appeal that not a few men would be able to resist and she carries it pretty firmly. Her songs tell erotic stories that integrate dance and melody to bring a sweet secular music sensation. She expresses her sexuality boldly. This has come to define her persona overtime.

Anything contrary to her status image would sure elicit interest. Recently, the Afro-house singer has a bold and interesting new look. She shared the new look on social media. The singer/songwriter took to her Instagram page last Wednesday, where she shared a photo of herself with a new hairstyle. “Meet my Twin Sister. So I had a haircut and can’t wait to colour my natural hair... N:B Still rocking my wigs,” she wrote.

Arguments on social media have always been around what kind of music Niniola does and who her fans are. With most people propounding that she only sings for girls who loves rough sex and those who cannot do without it. Still, even without a proper grasp on her messages, one can confirm that Niniola’s graceful sex appeal gives a hint of what her music is about, sexual redemption and all the rituals that the libidinous woman would elegantly bear in the hands of a man she is

sexually involved with.

Niniola, as an artiste has patiently crafted her way to become one of the highly rated feminine force in the Nigerian music industry. No one has been able to effortlessly weave sexuality into their music and makes it seem typical the way Niniola has done. A Twitter user had once said “Niniola looks like sex.” Whatever that means but have you heard Niniola sing conventional songs? Think deeply.

Following her debut album which came in 2017, Niniola is back with a sophomore offering, ‘Colours and Sounds.’

The 15-track project explores dominantly Afro-House with only a few tracks in pure Afrobeats. A quick check of the reviews for the strides she had made, a second album was anticipated to be a statement of profound impact. The phrase, ‘Colours and Sounds,’ further heightened appetite of fans for the new body of work from the acclaimed Queen of Afro-house.

Her root genre (sound) she describes as afro house though she tends towards other genre of music like R&B, inspirational rock, hip hop, folk and afrobeats.

The genre of ‘house’ is characterised by fast-paced dance music and repetitive rhythms. Fans of Niniola would agree that this is the style that has defined her music over the years with infusion of elements of Afrobeats.

Niniola

S Gee

I Allow My Mind Explore Sounds in Meditation Shittu Ganiyu, known professionally as S Gee or by his alter ego, Sweet Melody, is a singer, songwriter and sound engineer. Born and brought up in Oshodi, Lagos, S Gee picked keen interest in music early, bopping to the sounds from his father’s wonderful collection of vinyl records of music stalwarts of the ‘70s and ‘80s, especially King Sunny Ade’s. As he grew older, he started frequenting music studios in his neighbourhood, perfecting his sound with huge influence from the sounds of R&B king, R.Kelly and Nigerian music legend, 2baba. He talks to Tosin Clegg about his journey so far, his new management, future projects, and much more I was born into a polygamous family of many children I remember vibing to my father’s collection of music by King SunnyAde and Haruna Ishola. When I was in Secondary School, at Mafoluku Grammar School, I discovered Remedies, especially Eddy Remedies because of his voice. When Plantashun boiz came along, I became hooked on 2face. I am still in awe of his music mastery. I did a diploma course in computer science at the University of Agriculture,Abeokuta and applied for a pre-degree at the Olabisi Onabanjo University and got to 200 Level but due to some very painful circumstances of life, I couldn’t complete the programme. I have been doing music ever since then and I still intend to study music and mastering because music is all that matters to me.

As a child, I was quite a bright student but, honestly, I was only interested in football and music. Music won my heart in the end. It’s a love affair that will last forever. I don’t think life would mean anything to me without music. Music is the vibration and reverberation of life for me. It is the only thing that gives my existence true purpose. So, I guess I am on that ladder to my childhood dream.

Looking back, it all started in my primary school but, as time wore on, it became more pronounced in my secondary school days. I remember that there was a competition in my school and I was supposed to perform, but I couldn’t make it to the event because I took ill. However, as fate would have it, I got mini-opportunity when they returned from the competition. As a small crowd gathered, I quickly used the opportunity to do freestyle and

voila, and got a rousing ovation. Then and there, I knew music was for me.

the fabric of time. That I was here and I didn’t go without a bang. I have always been ready for it.

Endless hours in the studio and whatever good effort it takes, I am ready to give it.

My kind of music and why I would sayAfrofusion but I like to think versatile instead, because music is too diverse to be restricted to just one genre. Good music is good music, regardless of genre. The composition, arrangement and production must hit nerves and minds of listeners regardless of language barrier.

New management and how it’s like working with them I have been friends with the SonyJojo family long before we decided to sign a deal. SonyJojo Entertainment has helped in several of my projects, even without an official deal, and the family believes in my music. It is one thing to have a team or a managementdealbutitisanothertohaveateamwho will be your fan, supporter, motivation and catalyst.

When you get that, count your blessings and make the most of it. That’s what SonyJojoEntertainment is to me. In Spanish, we say “Mi Familia!”

I am presently working on some singles that will move to an EP I hope it will drop by the end of the year, depending onthebestdecisionbymyteamandthemanagement.

I am also putting finishing touches to the visuals of my song, IyanuMashele remix which features QDot Alagbe.

How I get inspiration for my work As they say, like begets like. Good sound begets

Ganiyu

good sound. I let in a lot of good sound from great artistes. I allow my mind explore sounds in meditation. It not only comes in handy for my work, but it is also very therapeutic. In addition, I draw a lot from experiences and aspirations and challenges that I encounter. My sound is different, as I say to myself from time to time. My space is there in the industry and I can’t wait to disturb and disrupt… for good.

My goals and how I intend working to make them happen The goal has always been to leave an unforgettable impressioninthemindsofmillionsofpeoplewithmy music. Let it be that my voice reverberates through

Challenges in Nigeria The challenges we have always been facing are the promotion structures. I’ve learnt that while talent is important, it is never enough. Promotion is key, but we don’t have proper structures. We just have a few groups of people doing things the way they feel it should be done. Promotion in Nigeria is like the Wild Wild West. The whole setup has swallowed dreams and buried them in the bottomless pit of obscurity. Royalty system in this country is another source of frustration.

There’s zero tracking and data collection. Worst still is that most artists don’t even know about these royalties. The bodies that are in charge of this are more than happy to keep it that way. This is so that they can continue to feed fat on the ignorant. What I feel can be done is to build a structure and get people informed about these structures.Alabourer deserves to reap the sweetness of his sweat.

Artistes,producers I would love to work with I would love to work with Don Jazzy. His sound mastery is legendary. I will also love to work with Sarz, Pheelz and Masterkraft. In five years, I hope to have grown to a level where I am a role model to acts coming up. I would like my music to have such an impact, that it would inspire the artistes in my Oshodi neighbourhood to reach for their limelight.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

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‘A Soldier’s Story II’ Set for Cinema Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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he sequel to award winning actionpacked Nollywood film, A Soldier’s Story, is set to premiere in December, 2020. Ahead of the release of the sequel to the 2015 award-winning film, the producer has released it teaser which opening scene depicting a bombed scene somewhere “in Lekki Lagos”.

Directed by Frankie Ogar and produced by Martin Gbados, the sequel titled, “A Soldier’s Story: Return from the Dead” boasts of a star-studded cast from Nollywood and Hollywood.

According to Gbados, “Soldier’s Story is a trilogy like Bourne Identity, each one with a life of its own but with the same cast and sequence. The next one is A Soldier’s Story – Return from the Dead and then A Soldier’s Story – Never Say Goodbye. We have just finished shooting A Soldier’s Story – Return from the Dead. This will surpass anything ever done in Nollywood, as it is quite a huge project that involved both Hollywood and Nollywood actors.

“The Film has Eric Roberts, popular Hollywood actor playing a major role in it. We also have Somekele Idalamah, Daniel K Daniel, and even veteran Nollywood actors like Segun Arinze and Alex Usifo, just to mention a few. This is the biggest film project ever to come out of Nollywood. A Soldier’s Story is a story of bravery, blood and betrayal, a story of love and sacrifice.

“When Frankie Ogar, my business partner, director and writer of A Soldier’s Story decided to do this movie, we felt we had to do it well, to make sure that the sacrifices that have been made and still being made by Nigerian soldiers are captured in the movie. These are

A scene in the movie

men who risk their lives every day to make sure we live our own lives safely. Nigerian soldiers have been known for their peace keeping missions across Africa and beyond and we felt it was time to appreciate them through this movie.

“It is to show the world their sacrifice, which a lot of people take for granted. Pertinent to mention here that in America, their soldiers are celebrated because they believe there is no greater honour than a man laying his life down for his

people. Our military men and women deserve more from us and we need to care for their loved ones.”

A Soldier’s Story: Return from the Dead is set in two African countries: Nigeria and the fictional Watz Republic, as it explores the thematic concerns of love in uncertain circumstances, war, terrorism, insurgency, women’s rights, and emigration.

In Watz Republic, Regina (Linda Ejiofor) confides in her friend, Zaya

(Somkele Idhalama) to look after her younger brother while she goes after the desires of her heart. As Regina leaves for Nigeria, Zaya and the citizens of Watz Republic pick up the remains of war and begin the process of healing when crude oil is suddenly discovered in the country… In Nigeria, Regina and Major Egan find themselves living under the radar after they escape an assassination plot to take out Major Egan.

Benhandsome Working to ‘Blow’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Benard Kudaka’s deportment is disarming upon meeting him one on one. He insistently approached this writer for a piece to showcase his musical talent.

Like they say in the streets, he wants to ‘blow’. But it takes more than just an article or two, but talent to put him on the spotlight. Armed with the swag of a budding hip-hop act, there’s something about him that sticks out intermittently in between conversation; his comportment. His visage aside, he is just passionately driven to sing.

He has shared a couple of singles via WhatsApp as he seeks attention. “My Name is Benard Umaru kudaka,” he introduces himself. “My stage name is Benhandsome Kudaka aka Notym.” It is not uncommon to see a budding act struggling with alias.

Looking at his image, ‘Benhandsome’ would do for that. Born and raised in Southern part of Kaduna, the 28 year-old-dude is experienced as disc jockey, he claims. It seems true from his narrative. After his O’level he had worked in a bar while disc jockeying.

“The bar operates only at night,” he adds. It was at this point he got interested in pushing further his musical feature. Benhandsome once performed at a show. “The first show was at Gamji Gate Kaduna where up-coming artistes like me perform every Sundays. The first day I perform there was not that easy for me, because I was not that confident on stage,” he recalls. Though “I started my musical career 2007, started going to the studio for record in 2009 my first song recoded was title Bam, Bam”, he says.

But not so apt with the language in speaking and writing which he needs to work on. His mother is a lover of music and she used to compose songs and sings in his native Ikulu dialect. “She sings cultural songs.

She was a very good lead vocal,” he continues. “I came from very poor background but I use my handwork to sponsor my music career”. The last born in a polygamous family of ten children, his dad was married to two wives and they bore him four boys, six girls. His family background has shaped the life he lives today.

To foot his bills and upkeep, Benhandsome works as a painter. How much does that really pay him to support and sponsor his music grind for a career? “Sir I can’t tell because I’m just a daily anytime they call me for a job. But sometimes I get a small contract.” Good enough for him, he has a friend who owns a studio where he spends his leisure time. So at free sessions, he records his songs. That takes off him studio session costs. Among his collection of recorded songs Benhandsom has got just one track release and its title ‘Musical Soldier’.

The song speaks to encourage the youth to keep on hustling. “If no pain no gain,” he quips. Little wonder Music superstar Davido who continually keeps his grind rolling irrespective of his super-rich family background is his role model.

Benard Kudaka

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Speak, Not Tell, Volumes

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ORLD Teachers (Teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) Day: 12 states didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t submit nominations for awards, says FGâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śon this remarkable occasion of your 58 years Birthday (sic) anniversary.â&#x20AC;? Why not simply â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;58th birthdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to avoid the inherent clumsiness? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe punishment include (includes) castration for male convicts and bilateral salpingectomy for female convicts.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kaduna State has led (set) the pace in responding to a serious problem that requires drastic measures to curb.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am proud of your landmark and unprecedented people oriented (people-oriented) achievements recorded during your eventfully (eventful) years as the governor of IMO (Imo) state. (sic)â&#x20AC;? What else would have been the focus of the purported achievements if not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śyour immense and valuable (you mean â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;invaluableâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;?) contribution to national issues on the floor of the senate tells volume (speaks volumes) of your believe (belief) inâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your detribalised (detribalized, preferably) and philanthropic lifestyle is one to be envied as it cut (cuts) across all religion (religions) and tribes (ethnic groupsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;modern trend) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Court orders re-arrangement (rearraignment) of ex-AA national chairâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigerian Business Founders (Foundersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) Coalition send (sends) SOS to Buhariâ&#x20AC;? (PAGE 2 BUSINESS, September 30) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Court suspends Enugu panel of inquiry on (into) landâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Vice President (Vice-Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;compound word), Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and former

Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, recently made case (a case) for more investment (investments) in education.â&#x20AC;? The same principle applies to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;vice-chancellorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and other similarities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe introduction of specialised technological trainings that willâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Trainingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is uncountable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;ŚNigeria is still a beautiful country with great potentials (potential or potentialities) for greatness.â&#x20AC;? Get it right for the umpteenth time: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;potentialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is non-count. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The yearnings for the special status for Lagos is (why?)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue will continue to be a major source of concern for current and former leadership (leaderships) of Lagos.â&#x20AC;? (Politics & Power, September 30) An aside: what of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;former and current leadershipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dozzy Foundation on Health is yet another testament of (to) your selfless service to humanity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Foundation speaks volume (volumes) of your passion for the health and well being (well-being) of the downtrodden.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We pray that God in his (His) infinite goodness will grant you many more years and good health.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;As we look forward to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it is good for us to focus in (on) areas we have competitive advantage.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śboth our male and female teams failed woefully (abysmally) to qualifyâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

Finally, we take the last entry from the Editorial under review: â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is why smart nations do everything possible to maximize their potentials (potential or potentialities) in sports.â&#x20AC;? For the second time round, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;potentialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is uncountable, unlike â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;potentialityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;...the Supreme Court put to rest every other discussions.â&#x20AC;? (Politics & Power, Sep-

tember 29) Either every other discussion or all other discussions, depending on context Wrong: â&#x20AC;&#x153;people-oriented governmentâ&#x20AC;?

Poser: is there any government that is beast-oriented or object-oriented? All governmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;bad and goodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;are people-oriented. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Incorporating ESG principles into job-creating businesses ensure (ensures) sustainable business operationsâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

Some media professionals ignorantly use the phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;armed banditsâ&#x20AC;?. This extract will suffice: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Zamfara State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effort towards finding lasting solution to armed banditry and cattle rustlings suffered a setback as...â&#x20AC;? The dictionary defines a bandit as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a member of an armed gang that robs peopleâ&#x20AC;?. It means a bandit is usually armed; therefore the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;armedâ&#x20AC;? to qualify him is out of place. On the contrary, a robber is someone who â&#x20AC;&#x153;takes property from a person or place illegallyâ&#x20AC;?. A robber may or may not bear arms. If he does, he is an armed robber liable to the death penalty upon conviction.

As we can see, the distinction between a robber (armed or unarmed) and a bandit is clear.

The nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier independent radio station, RayPower, reported in the business segment of its Nigeria Today newscast last Thursday, October 1, 2020, that the country â&#x20AC;&#x153;SLIDED into recession...â&#x20AC;? Its editors and correspondents, and indeed media professionals, should note that SLID is both the past tense and past participle of SLIDE. It is not in the same word class as GLIDE and GLIDED. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the first time since the scandal broke, Senate, yesterday, admitted paying only N62.5 million to purchase a bullet-proof Range rover Sports Utility (Sport-Utility) Vehicle (SUV) for the office of its president.â&#x20AC;?

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Police arraign alleged fake lawyer in courtâ&#x20AC;? Where else would they have arraigned the buffoon? Yank off â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;in courtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! â&#x20AC;&#x153;2 jailed 4 years over (for) rapeâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your (our) children.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We rejoice with you on your 65 (65th) birthdayâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not only do we rejoice with the celebrant (celebrator) for partaking in abundant graceâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will grant you strenght (strength), good health and wisdom.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śas you strive to contribute your quota in (to) building a more vibrant democracy for the benefit of our dear country.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;With people (a person) like you working with our dear president and other patriotic Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ondo governorship poll may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.â&#x20AC;? What is the difference between â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;underhand dealsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sharp practicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;muchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;manyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;In doing so (a coma) some of the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supporters may certainly have overstepped the bound of proprietyâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? From the other side: the bounds of propriety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reactions to this position have been pouring in, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly elating that most share same position.â&#x20AC;? This way: most share the same position.

October 1, 2020, Independence Anniversary: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.â&#x20AC;? A/the majority of Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;Ś.

TRIBUTE

The Ogun Dispute Resolution Example Razaq Elegbede

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earning by the organised labour for improved conditions of service is a normal feature in any democracy. The labour unions have the political power to canvass their economic objectives. The organised labour expects the government, be it at the federal or state level, to provide improved working conditions.

And this is made possible by both parties honouring agreements reached at the negotiation table.

To an extent, a government that does the bidding of the organised labour is always on a winning streak and earns the overwhelming support of the unions in its policies and programmes. In this connection, the recent truce reached between the Ogun State government and the organised labour comes as no surprise. Indeed, developments have made it imperative to narrow down what was initially taken to be the genesis of the industrial dispute emanating from the passage of the State Pension Law of 2006 (as amended in 2013), but which subsequently snow-balled into a major showdown.

On his assumption of office as the fifth governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2019, Prince Dapo Abiodun hit the ground running.

The governor didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t betray the trust and confidence reposed in him by the good people of the state. He promised to improve the welfare packages of both the public and civil servants who form the engine room of the day-to-day running of governance. He entered into a social contract with them to ensure prompt and timely payment of the wages and salaries on/or before the last working day of the month, whether Federal Account Allocation (FAAC) or Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) come on time or, not. He has made good his promise. This is why the recent seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the Pension Reform Bill that was passed by the State House of Assembly has left a sour taste in the mouth.

The passage of the Bill into Law was misinterpreted: it was only to correct the perennial conflicts between the Ogun State Pension Law of 2006 (as amended in 2013) and the Pension Reform Act of 2014, with a view to addressing the anomalies that characterise pension practice in the state. The governor demonstrated the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;omoluabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trait and soft-pedalled on the passage of the bill. A popular Yoruba adage says â&#x20AC;&#x153;He who knows he is guilty of an offence doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay long on his knees.â&#x20AC;? The administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to carry the Organised Labour along, before passage of the bill, and the letter of protest dated August

Abiodun

31, 2020, were noted. The governor swiftly tendered an apology for peace to reign.

And in the next line of action, Abiodun did the needful.

Taking cognizance of certain mechanisms that had emerged overtime, and the new approaches being worked out to reduce the effects of conflict in the state and prevent the effects of costly expressions of industrial discontent, he constituted an all-encompassing team. The team was made up of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunboh Talabi; Head of Service, Alhaja Salmot Otun; Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu, Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr Dapo Okubadejo; Accountant-General, Permanent Secretaries (Bureau of Service Matters, Establishment & Training, Budget & Planning, Bureau of State Pensions, Bureau of Local Government Pensions), Solicitor-General, among other top state government functionaries.

It interfaced with the organised labour on a more agreeable mechanism for conflict resolution. In particular, the organised labour was expected to make its input so that the bill could be returned to the House of Assembly for review.

No serious-minded leader would want to toy with workers.

The workers have pressed for the review of the Pension Reforms Bill; payment of leave bonus, including the inherited backlog; payment of accumulated gratuity beginning from 2011 to date; gross salary payment, which include remittance of deductions; and clearance of promotion of three years (2018, 2019 and 2020).

On the government side, it was envisaged that acceding to the demands of the workers with the implementation of the new minimum wage would put the administration in a tight corner, with an increase in the monthly wage bill to N1.04 billion. Also, the immediate payment of three years leave bonus would amount to approximately N9.2 billion, while the payment of gratuity of three years would amount to approximately N24 billion and with an additional payment of about N1.2 billion resulting from an underpayment by the last administration to some categories of retired personnel.

At the negotiation table, the Secretary to the State Government averred that the government had begun the payment of gross salary payment and regular remittance of deductions from staff salaries. According to him, other demands, included the outstanding three-year promotion (2018, 2019 and 2020) for immediate disbursement which is N32.5 billion and an additional N2 billion on top of the current wage bill.

A cursory look at the financial implications of the demands of labour in comparison to the budget size will see a glaring demonstration of the government as accommodating of the demands as possible, even in the face of the manifest of COVID19-induced constraints and uncertainty. The socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on the economy of the state forced the administration to review its 2020 budget down by as much as 38 percent downward.

After extensive deliberations on each of the demands on September 18, 2020, the two parties unanimously resolved to implement the new minimum wage from October 2020; payment of gratuity, with N500 million earmarked for the clearance of gratuity on a quarterly basis, commencing from January, 2021; commencement of the process of the outstanding promotions (years 2018, 2019 and 2020) with immediate effect; suspension on the proposed Year 2020 Pension Amendment Bill; a review of other demands; and a plea for no reprisal of any kind to be meted out on any person(s) for his or her role(s) in the just concluded industrial dispute resolution.

If not for the timely deployment of collective bargaining, an â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Elegbede wrote from Igan-Alade,Yewa North LGA, Ogun State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 10, 2020

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POLITY

FRC, CISLAC, OXFAM Harp on Fiscal Responsibility The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), with support from Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Oxfam recently held a one-day retreat for FRC sub-national personnel with the aim of addressing policy and institutional framework for strengthening fiscal prudence, transparency and accountability within the framework of the Financing for development in Nigeria. Sunday Ehigiator reports

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igerian Fiscal regime has been marred with lots of issues such as financial imprudence and malpractices by public institutions, both at Federal and Sub-national levels; the unbridled borrowing culture at all levels of government as well as incapacity of the regulator to use the big hammer of sanction to defaulters. To right the wrong and strengthen the problems that will awaken the stakeholders to their responsibilities, The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), with support from Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Oxfam Nigeria held a one-day retreat for FRC Sub-National personnel. The retreat held on Wednesday September 30, 2020 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State paraded top government officials from the South-south geo-political zone as well as representatives from other states.

In attendance were chairman of the FRC, Victor Muruako; Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the representative of the Country Director of Oxfam, Nigeria, Henry Ushie, among others.

The retreat aimed to identify gaps and institutional challenges, among other issues, that have weakened the capacity of the Fiscal Responsibility Initiative at the sub-national levels to effectively execute their mandates and harvest a robust agenda/recommendations for creating new and/or strengthening the various existing Fiscal Responsibility Commissions in order to effect beneficial changes in the fiscal management systems.

According to the organizers, the retreat became imperative because the FRC, which was set up by the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA), is charged with the mandate of promoting prudent and transparent fiscal management in Nigeria. But the current maladministration of public resources, incessant borrowings and consequently high debt profile, rising fiscal budget deficits, socio-economic decline and widening poverty and inequality are dividends of the extant fiscal responsibility framework and its prevailing deficits both at the national and sub-national levels. These framework deficits, funding gaps and a lack of institutional support, amongst other issues, have weakened the capacity of the FRC at both levels, to effectively execute its mandate.

In his opening remarks, Rafsanjani said: “We wish to chart a course on how to entrench accountability in the management of our public finance in Nigeria. We count it a commitment that your interest is in this; to have a framework, strategy and system which reduce the losses alleged in the country through public institutions.

“The FRC in one way or the other has a mandate to curb these menace that is not giving us the desired result in the acclaimed fight against corruption in Nigeria. We are here to educate ourselves on the reason why we should support and strengthening of this institution and also cascade it to our different states. This is the best way towards ensuring that our resources are prudently managed especially now that we do not have all the resources. It does not make any sense that we borrow recklessly and also spend recklessly; it is not in any way to our best interest as a country.”

In his welcome address, the Acting Chairman of the FRC stated that concerns regarding the country’s continuing challenge in mobilizing adequate revenue have made it imperative for a collaborative engagement of all stakeholders

L-R: Eze Onyekpere, Ada Kene-Uyanwune, Victor Muruako and Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani at the retreat held for FRC Sub-National personnel in Port Harcourt…recently in fashioning out a way forward and proposing a better and more prudent management of the nation’s resources with a view to addressing macro-economic stability.

“The need for this interaction cannot be over-emphasized given the present tough economic challenges orchestrated by Covid-19 pandemic and also noting essentially that more than half of our national resources are expended at the States and Local Government levels.

“This retreat would take us through (a) an Overview of the Fiscal Responsibility act, 2007, (b) Accountability and Transparency within the Fiscal Sustainability Plan, (c) Strengthening States framework: identifying opportunities for collaborations, (d) Revenue Generation in the post Covid-19 economy and the Operating Surplus Template. States will also be expected to update on their respective fiscal sustainability plans.

“The retreat will also review the implementation of the FRA/ FRL at both the federal and state levels with a view to adopting strategies on how to improve the implementation of Fiscal Responsibility law in their respective areas of jurisdiction. This is in a bid to completely draw a line from our ugly past.

“It is instructive to note that prior to the advent of the FRA, 2007 that Nigeria’s fiscal climate was marked by the absence of clear fiscal rules, uncoordinated fiscal relations between the arms and tiers of government, reckless borrowing and debt overhang, poor savings culture, disregard for transparency and accountability and corrupt practices, resulting in chaotic and unhealthy economic outcomes.

“In the last 11 years plus, the Commission has worked at putting these reforms on the right footing. This has by no means

been an easy task. Our experience as a reform-implementing agency has demonstrated that much more than strong laws are needed if we must effectively break with the past habit of financial profligacy.”

While presenting a paper titled “Fiscal Sustainability Plan: Accountability and Transparency and Debt Management,” one of the speakers, Eze Onyekpere challenged government at all levels to “open up their books” if they had nothing to hide.

“We borrow without thinking of how to repay. We borrow based on political exigencies. We borrow to spend on unbankable projects,” he bemoaned.

He stated that the sub-national Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) was designed as an economic and public finance management tool with key objectives of improving accountability and transparency; increasing public revenue; rationalizing public expenditure; improving public finance management and ensuring sustainable debt management, adding that publication of budgets, quarterly reports and other fiscal data will not only promote transparency in governance but also build public trust and understanding of the key fiscal challenges.

“The impression out there is that Nigeria is a rich country only burdened by its corrupt public officers, but this is far from the truth as the country is virtually dirty poor when compared with her peers. This public belief fuels the refusal to pay PAYE, grumblings about increase in VAT, removal of petroleum subsidy and introduction of cost reflective electricity tariff.

Transparency will facilitate the drive to increase tax ratio of the GDP,” Onyekpere asserted.

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Police Step into HealthPlus, Alta Semper Feud Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

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he Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigeria Police has invited Mrs. Olubukunola George, founder of pharmaceutical retail firm, HealthPlus, the subject of an ongoing dispute with her foreign investment partner, Alta Semper Capital LLC UK. George, according to the letter of invitation sighted by this medium, is scheduled to appear at noon on Monday, when she is to be quizzed for alleged involvement in “Unlawful Seizure, Conduct Likely to Cause Breach of Peace and Threat to Life”.

Dated 8 October and signed by Musa Adze, Commissioner of Police (Anti-Fraud), FCID, Abuja, the letter read: “This office is investigating the above-mentioned case in which your name has featured prominently. In the light of the above you are requested for an interview with the Commissioner of Police, Anti-Fraud Section, Force Criminal Investigations Department, Area 10, Abuja, through ACP Elaigwu O. Gabriel.”

As of the time of filing this report, it was unclear if George had received the letter.

Police sources said the invitation arose from a petition by Alta Semper Capital with which George has been locked in a dispute for about a year. Sources at the FCID said the foreign equity firm’s inability to take over the company, following its announcement of George’s sack as CEO on 25 September, forced it to adopt other measures.

Chief among these, they disclosed, was an attempt by Alta Semper to sack Prudential Guards Limited, the security firm hired by HealthPlus. In a letter dated 28 September and signed

by Afsane Jetha and Zachary Fond, both Alta Semper directors, the equity firm said it had terminated the contract of the security firm with immediate effect, ordering it to withdraw its personnel from HealthPlus premises as well as hand over the keys to Jetha and Fond.

George responded to the letter by petitioning the InspectorGeneral of Police, alleging threat to her life and HealthPlus properties.

Those familiar with the strained relationship between the

parties disclosed that they are unsurprised by the police invitation to George. They disclosed that her office was visited by a team of policemen on Thursday while she was not in the office.

A HealthPlus source said she could have been arrested if she was in the office and wondered why the police are involved in a purely civil matter. “This is a purely civil matter and it is surprising that the police, especially the anti-fraud unit, are interested. It is even worse that there is a pending injunction restraining our equity partners from what they are doing. They have disregarded the injunction. Hearing of the suit that led to the injuction is billed to resume on Monday. It is telling that the police want her to come on Monday. That they have ignored the pending injunction is also telling, as it suggests they have the backing of one or two influential Nigerians working against a Nigerian business,” he said.

George has retained control of the company because HealthPlus management maintained that there is a pending Federal High Court motion on notice for interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain the directors and shareholders from changing the leadership of the company.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 10, 2020

POLITY

How Masari is Tackling Flooding in Katsina Francis Sardauna chronicles the interventions of the Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari in mitigating the perennial effects of flooding and other ecological challenges in the state.

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t is no longer news that torrential rainfall with sporadic and increasing intensity orchestrated by climate change and human factors have, in recent years, led to severe flooding and erosion in most parts of Katsina State, including the state capital.

Other perennial challenges that hitherto bedevilled the state include, but not limited to, erosion, desertification, deforestation and excessive heat, which have negatively affected the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry and development drive in most parts of the state. These natural phenomena often lead to loss of lives and property, farmlands, roads, commercial and educational structures. They contribute to the spread of communicable diseases among rural dwellers in communities and villages engulfed by the disaster.

The ecological predicaments may not be unconnected with factors which include the nature of settlements in flood prone areas, blockage of drains and river channels, low elevation and poor upstream reservoir regulation on neigbouring states’ rivers.

Having been fully briefed on these environmental problems, Governor Aminu Bello Masari, on assumption of office in 2015 promised to explore effective urban planning, developmental control, drainage designs, dredging, construction of drainage channels and environmental education to mitigate all climate change-induced problems confronting the state.

In line with the governor’s promise, the revolving and proactive steps being explored by his administration had drastically stemmed the effects of flooding and other environmental challenges on residents, property and businesses in the state. He reactivated the State Ecological Fund Law (No 5) of 2005 which pave the way for statutory deductions of two per cent of the monthly allocations due to the state and the 34 local governments from the federal government to end the perennial ecological problems across the state.

The reactivation of the 2014 amended law has given the governor an opportunity to accord priority to environmental issues, believing that ensuring a secured and healthy environment is paramount to qualitative education, improved hygiene, potable water supply and sustainable agricultural production.

Masari, therefore, swung into action by deploying N8 billion to tackle the ecological challenges of flood, drought, erosion, waste

management and climate change, which had endangered the lives and property of the citizenry.

He successfully constructed flood and erosion control structures in 122 sites, covering over 150 communities across the state. These projects include 88,537m of combined reinforced concrete line, block line and masonry line drainages; 1,910m of retaining wall; 360m length of drift; 104 culverts and 1,550m of embankment.

Similarly, in Katsina, the state capital, 21,139m of combined concrete line, block line and masonry line drainages, as well as 24 box culverts were also provided. These interventions in the metropolis enabled residents of Kofar Kaura, Sabuwar Unguwa and Kofar Kwaya to ply their roads during the rainy season.

Another milestone achievement by the Masari-led government in the metropolis is the construction of pedestrian crossing and expansion of water channel between Nayalli Bridge and Adeleke Bridge. In fact, the successful completion of the project enabled the state government to secure approval from the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to assist the state with other ecological projects.

To eradicate the menace of indiscriminate dumping of refuse and ensure pollution management, the state government has purchased five refuse evacuation vehicles with 105 refuse containers imported from China and placed in designated refuse collection centres in major cities of Daura, Katsina and Funtua.

The governor, in his bid to ensure environmental safety, also procured and fabricated additional 75 refuse collection containers at the cost of N37,500,000 and 70 knap sack sprayers and 15 fogger machines for pest vector control, in order to curtail mosquitoes in the state, at N8,800,000.

The administration also recruited additional 231 casual staff and increased the monthly stipends of the over 2,000 casual staff of the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) from the usual N4,500 to N7,000 to boost their productivity. Additional working tools, such as diggers, shovels, wheel barrows, rain boots, hand gloves, apron, among others, were procured for the workers.

These numerable achievements, perhaps prompted the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Hamza Suleiman to inform reporters at the Government House while unveiling the state government’s scorecard under his ministry, that the Masari

administration has tackled the ecological challenges in the state.

Suleiman, during the ministerial briefing, said the restoration government of Masari believes that a safe, clean and sanitised environment is key to quality education, improved and sustainable agricultural production, availability and quality of water supply, good health and poverty reduction.

Thus, he said despite the inability of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises of resettling and compensating Jibia flood victims, the state government, in collaboration with the NEWMAP had since commenced the construction of stormwater drainages and culverts to forestall further occurrence of the natural disaster in the local government. He said: “Following the 2018 floods in Jibia town, which claimed lives and property, the World Bank, through NEWMAP, tagged the provision of stormwater drainages and diversion channels in Jibia as an emergency.

Under the NEWMAP project, the state government has paid cash contribution of over N500 million.

“Thus, the state engaged a reputable consultant that produced the designs of the project at over N662 million. The first phase of the project involving the construction of stormwater and drainage management has been awarded and work commenced in August 2020.”

Suleiman, however, lamented that the 2018 flood caused by torrential rains on Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic killed more than 50 persons and destroyed property worth billions of Naira, adding that two years after, 22 persons were still missing in the disaster despite efforts to know their whereabouts.

He added that the government, in synergy with NEWMAP, also awarded a contract for the construction of stormwater and drainage management scheme in Funtua, Katsina and Malumfashi to reputable consulting firms that appraised and produced comprehensive designs for the projects at over N67 million with 18 months completion timeframe.

Under the same NEWMAP project, Suleiman said some communities across the state were also supported to adopt sustainable land use practices through piloting the reduction of trees being cut.

It also empowered 204 youths with tricycles for waste management and conveyance of goods.

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PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Corporate Affairs Manager (West/Mid-West), Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Tayo Adelaja; Director of Cooperatives, Ogun State Ministry of Community Development and Cooperative, Mr. Samuel Mustapha; President, Obaloluwa Cooperative Society, Ota, Mrs. Oluremi Oloyede; Brewery Manager, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ota, Mr. Rotimi Odukudu; and President, Rising Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society, L-R: Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji and widow of Late Imagbon, Ijebu-Ode, Mrs. Omowunmi Iyabo-Kayode, during the launch of Nigerian Breweries Plc’s Em- Chief Allen Nwachukwu, Mrs. Charity Allen Nwachukwu, during the Abia Speaker’s visit to commiserate powerment Programme for youths and women in Ota, Ogun State...recently with the family over the death of the Abia State PDP chieftain

L-R: Vice Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr. Tafa Zibiri Aliu; Chairman of Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr. Abayomi Orenuga; Honorary Secretary of Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr. Abiodun Olaleru; and former Chairman L-R: 9mobile Experience Centre Manager, Ropp House Abuja, Kate Agishi; winner of one million naira promo, Moof Ikoyi Club 1938, Rear Admiral Adetoye Sode, at the 82nd Aniversary of Ikoyi Club 1938 held in hammed Kudu Umaru; and 9mobile Regional Sales Manager Retail North, Mr. Yusuf Isah, at the 9mobile Mega Millions Promo prize presentation in Abuja...recently Lagos...recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.10.2020

NEWS

CONTINUING THE SODJE DYNASTY PAGE. 29

Randy Waldrum Will He Take Super Falcons to New Heights?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 10, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Falcons

Randy Waldrum

Will He Take Super Falcons to New Heights?

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has lived up to his promise of acquiring the services of a world-class manager for the Super Falcons after seasoned coach- Randy Waldrum was on Monday named as the coach of the Nigerian senior female team. But the fact that the American will still retain his job as head coach of Pittsburg University women’s team, meaning he would not reside in the country, the same condition that led to the non-renewal of the former coach of the team-Florence Omagbemi’s contract, who led the team to victory at the 2016 African Women’s Nations Cup in Cameroon however leaves much to be desired

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday confirmed American Randy Waldrum as head coach of the national women’s team of Nigeria, Super Falcons.

The Falcons have been without a substantive trainer since Thomas Dennerby left his position after the team’s Second Round ouster at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

The 64-year-old Waldrum, a midfielder in his heyday, previously worked as the head coach of the United States U-23 national team and also served as the head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago between 2014 and 2016.

He has worked majorly with American collegiate women’s teams with the last being the head coach of University of Pittsburgh before his announcement as the new coach of the Super Falcons.

Waldrum is expected to team up with a retinue of local coaches including former Super Falcons’ goalkeeper and Captain Ann Chiejine, who will serve as the first Assistant Coach, while Wemimo Mathew Olanrewaju will serve as the second Assistant Coach and Auwar Bashir Makwalla will be goalkeepers’ trainer.

Pitt’s Randy Waldrum will mentor soccer players on two continents when he begins his duties as coach of the Nigerian senior women’s national team.

“Very excited to head up the Nigerian women’s national team and look forward to working with this amazing team! Gives me a

chance to reconnect with some of the players I know! Big thanks to Pitt for allowing me the flexibility to work with them,” he tweeted.

Waldrum, who has been Pitt’s women’s coach since 2018, will lead the Nigerian Super Falcons in its quest to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. It is however still unclear when he will begin coaching in Nigeria.

“I’m very excited to be appointed to coach the Super Falcons,” Waldrum said in a statement. “I can’t wait to help them qualify for the World Cup. Also, I’d like to thank (Pitt director of athletics) Heather Lyke for allowing me to do this and understanding the benefit for the Pitt women’s soccer program.”

The Super Falcons have won nine of 11 Africa Cup of Nations titles and have participated in every World Cup since 1991.

Waldrum was coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national team from 2014-16 and the U.S. U-23 national team that won the Four Nations Cup in 2012 and ‘13 and the Three Nations Cup in 2012.

This season, Waldrum has led Pitt to a 6-2 overall record, 1-2 in the ACC. The NFF president is hopeful the new coach will help the nine-time African champions become a global force in women’s football.

“We envision a new Super Falcons squad competing favourably for laurels at the global level, and I believe the new technical crew led

by Mr. Waldrum can take us to that level,” Pinnick said.

Deep concerns emerged over the American’s

terms of engagement with Nigeria hours after the University of Pittsburgh hinted he will retain his headship role with Pitt Panthers.

However, the former coach of Houston Dash and the University of Notre Dame has immediately moved to declare his full-time commitment to guiding the team to long-term success.

“I want everyone to know that I am extremely excited about being your coach for the Super Falcons,” Waldrum told Goal.

“It’s been a dream of mine for some time now. I appreciate Mr. Pinnick and his faith in me and our staff to bring the Super Falcons to new heights.

“I also understand the full commitment that it takes for my time, for training camps, games, scouting, player management, staff development, and of course team development.

“These expectations are very clear and I’m anxious to get started. In fact, I will be the one pushing the federation for more opportunities to prepare and train, I’m quite sure.

“I’ve already been working and have a 10-year plan I’m anxious to share with the federation in order to prepare our young players in the country now for future years as national team players.

“Our stars of the 2027 and 2031 World Cups are between 10-12 years old currently, so let’s get them in the proper environment now.”

It would be recalled that United States-based former Super Falcons handler, Omagbemi

Waldrum

turned down an offer by the NFF to return to the team’s technical crew after she was asked to relocate from the United States to Nigeria. In spite coaching the Super Falcons to winning the 2016 African Women’s Nations Cup trophy in Cameroun, the NFF refused to renew her contract.

Omagbemi, who captained the Falcons for 16 years, was also once an assistant coach of the Falconets.

The African champions were scheduled to face Niger or Togo in June to earn a qualification ticket for AWCON, but CAF postponed the qualifiers due to Coronavirus pandemic.

Pinnick confirmed then that the process of recruiting a top tactician was ongoing while he also blamed the delays on the Coronavirus pandemic.

“We ought to have done this by now because like I said, it is out of our hands now,” he said on Channels TV. “We contracted PwC as a consultant to advertise and get us a world-class coach and they were in the process of doing that before the Coronavirus started.

“We had given them a deadline. We wanted them to appoint a coach before the end of April, so that the coach could start work immediately.

“The good news is that we have a lot of coaches that have shown interest if I mention their names you will be shocked, but I won’t. We will give Nigerians the best.”

It now remains to be seen whether the choice of Waldrum is the best for Nigeria, as anything short of a victory at next year’s AWCON and a semifinals berth at the World Cup would not be acceptable by sports-loving Nigerians.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

‘One Has to Adapt to African Mentality to Succeed in Nigeria’ Before Gernot Rohr was appointed head coach of Nigeria, the team were at a low ebb, having failed to qualify for either the 2015 or 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Indeed, many were questioning their ability to make it to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, especially after they were drawn in an extremely tough group alongside Algeria, Zambia and Cameroon. Despite these difficulties, Rohr rejuvenated the squad by calling up top European-based players such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.These talented youngsters helped the Super Eagles reach the World Cup unbeaten and to impress at Russia 2018, where they only missed out on the knockout phase after narrowly losing their final group game to Argentina. In conversation with FIFA.com, Rohr spoke about his coaching career in Africa, his ambitions to reach Qatar 2022 with Nigeria, and his desire to lead the Super Eagles to the quarter-finals for the first time.

You’re one of the few German coaches to have worked and succeeded in Africa. Why is that?

I always try to work in an effective and respectful manner, particularly adapting to the African mentality.

You’ve coached in five different African countries, namely: Tunisia, Gabon, Niger, Burkina Faso and now Nigeria.

What are the unique characteristics of each country?

I started my African journey in Tunisia at Etoile du Sahel. This was my first experience in Africa before switching to national teams. In Tunisia, I witnessed first-hand the high standard of organisation and sports facilities, given that the club has won the African Champions League. It was a good experience for me. After that, I had my first taste of coaching a national team with Gabon where I learned a lot and had wonderful memories. We developed so much in that period, thanks to the former Minister of Youth and Sports, who made our task easier because he knew football well.

We reached the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, when we made the knockout stage before losing to Mali in a penalty shootout.

African qualifiers for Qatar 2022.

What do you think of your group and opponents?

We have three opponents in the group and have to respect all of them. Liberia are a team that can’t be underestimated as we saw when we beat them in a friendly. As for Cape Verde, they have players of Portuguese and Brazilian origin, and they can beat any team. Central African Republic are an unknown quantity for us, which makes it more difficult. I think the group is tough, but we believe in our capabilities. Given that we qualified from the group of death for Russia 2018, we’re confident we can make it this time as well.

Are there teams you want to avoid in the final qualifying round, such as Algeria and Senegal?

There will be fierce competition regardless, but when we play without fans we’ll miss the excitement. I hope fans can attend games next year as this will make the matches more enjoyable.

After that prolonged Covid-enforced hiatus, are you in contact with the players, and do you have an idea of how to prepare for the upcoming period?

We’re in constant communication with the players, the technical staff, the trainers, the video analyst, and all the coaching staff. Every week we see the players and travel sometimes to meet them as well. Recently, I visited [Kevin] Akpoguma, who plays for Hoffenheim.

He made the decision to play for Nigeria after representing Germany at youth level. I also keep in touch with Nigerian football officials, with whom I successfully negotiated a contract extension until Qatar 2022, on the condition that we qualify. It’s definitely been a unique period.

You were then appointed head coach of Niger?

In Niger, they wanted to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, and we were able to do just that after we beat Guinea.

We put in good performances at the 2013 finals in South Africa, a very hot country where we saw temperatures hit 47 degrees. Despite playing on very hard pitches, the players showed great determination and solidarity. I have fond memories of my time in Niger. As for Burkina Faso, we went through a difficult time in 2015 when politics took a heavy toll on sports, so I decided to leave after just one year.

Then you moved to Nigeria after they had failed to make the 2017 AFCON. How did you rise to the challenge there?

Nigeria is different from its predecessors in terms of culture and language.

There are 200 million people living there. After they failed to make the Cup of Nations, they needed to rebuild the squad, so I decided to call up relatively unknown young players who had just turned 18, such as Iheanacho and Iwobi.

My assistant and I were able to create harmony and balance in a squad spearheaded by our captain [John] Obi Mikel.

Despite the squad’s youth, you led Nigeria to Russia 2018 after winning a difficult group that included 2013 AFCON champions Zambia, 2017 winners Cameroon, and 2019 champions Algeria?

We had a great first game in Zambia, which gave us a fantastic start. We fielded a young squad that included Iheanacho and Ndidi in addition to Iwobi, who scored. We were 2-0 up by

Rohr

the end of the first half. We had a wonderful goalkeeper in Carl Ikeme, who had a great game, but unfortunately his career was cut short due to illness. We then beat Algeria on home soil, which moved us to six points, whereas our opponents had just the one. We continued our successful run by beating Cameron 4-0 and defeating Zambia to finish the qualifiers unbeaten, before we forfeited our game against Algeria (Nigeria fielded an ineligible player) despite the actual game ending in a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria performed well at Russia 2018. Did you feel that your team deserved to qualify for the knockout stage?

Yes, we deserved to qualify. We played very well particularly against Iceland, and we had a goalkeeper who was only

18. Against Argentina, we needed a few more minutes to hit back [after their late goal], and small details made the difference in the end. We almost got a second penalty, but VAR denied it. What we did in Russia was very encouraging nonetheless.

After that, Victor Moses, Obi Mikel and Odion Ighalo announced their retirement from international football. How did you feel about their decisions?

We were sorry Moses retired. The same applies to Obi Mikel and Ighalo, because they’re fantastic players. They decided to retire for family reasons or to play in China and focus on their club careers, and we respected their decisions.

We’re just a few months away from the start of the second round the

If you make Qatar 2022, will taking Nigeria to the quarter-finals for the first time be your main goal, especially with this new generation of players?

We’ll take it one step at a time. First we need to qualify, and if we do that, we’ll look at our group at the finals. We’ll try to progress to the knockout stage, which we got very close to two years ago. We have to work hard to achieve that.

As a long-time coach in Africa, which national teams do you think are favourite to qualify for Qatar 2022?

You’ll get the answer if you look at FIFA Ranking. I think the top five teams in the Ranking will make it.

Finally, what message do you want to send in these pandemic times?

I hope all the players and fans stay healthy and safe. I also hope life will go back to normal so that fans can travel and attend matches, which will in turn bring football back to life.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R Dr. Sanusi Mohammed, General Secretary - Nigeria Football Federation; Pharmacist Benjamin Udebuani ; Business Development Manager, Emzor Pharmaceutical, North Central at the product presentation to NFF in Abuja

Iga Swiatek will slug it out with Sofia-Kenin in the 2020 French Open women’s final

No Regrets Choosing Nigeria over Holland, Says Troost-Ekong Nigeria international William Troost-Ekong is determined as ever to make his countrymen proud.

The defender, who has 42 international caps to his name, has played for the West African giants in the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup and African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Troost-Ekong was picked in the Nigeria squad by Coach Gernot Rohr for friendly matches against Algeria and Tunisia on October 13 The new Watford player was born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and he believes he made the right choice to play for the country of his father’s birth.

“Even my Dutch family are re-

ally proud. It means a lot to them for me to represent such a big nation. It’s massive,” Troost-Ekong told the club’s official website.

“Hopefully I get to do it some more. The last few games, yeah I’ve been made captain.

“I’ve always been quite vocal and a leader in the team. We’ve had some great captains inAhmed Musa, who is still officially our captain and John Obi Mikel before that.”

Troost-Ekong played once for the Netherlands Under-19s and twice for the Under-20s.

Before switching his allegiance to Nigeria and winning his first cap as a 21-year-old in a 2-0 win over Chad in 2015.

“I always try and learn from these guys and push the team in the right direction,” he added.

“It’s a really big thing for me. I started my international career with the Dutch younger teams, but as soon as I heard about Nigeria wanting me to play for them, I jumped at the chance.

“I’ve never looked back. It was a special moment to play for Nigeria as I know how much it means to the people. I feel it’s my way of giving back to a country that has given me so much.”

The 27-year-old recently joined English Championship side Watford from Italian Serie A club Udinese.

Spartak Moscow Wooing Moses Russian Premier League side Spartak Moscow are interested in signing former Nigeria international Victor Moses according to reports in the Russian media.

Championat.com claims that the Muscovites are close to completing a deal for Chelsea winger Moses.

The former Crystal Palace and Wigan Athletic man was linked with a return to Inter Milan, where

he spent the second half of the 2019-20 season, but the transfer window shut in Italy and England without the transfermaterialising.

The2013AfricaCupofNationswinnerhastomoveontopasturesnewas heisnotintheplansofmanagerFrank Lampardforthe2020-2021campaign andwasrecentlyomittedfromtheclub’s ChampionsLeagueroster.

Previously, Moses spent time

on loan at Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham and Fenerbahce.

Emmanuel Emenike, Okon Essien and Samuel Ogunsanya are the Nigerian players who have featured for Spartak Moscow’s first team in the past.

Spartak Moscow are the record winners of the Soviet Top League / Russian Premier League, with 22 titles to their name.

Suarez: Barca’s Treatment Made Me Cry before Atletico Move Luis Suarez says he cried over the way he was treated by Barcelona before leaving for Atletico Madrid.

TheUruguayforwardendedasixyear spell at Barca in September and says he was stopped from training with the first team before his departure.

“Those days were very difficult. I cried because of what I was having to go through,” said Suarez, 33.

“I was hurt most of all by the way they did things, because

one has to accept it when a cycle comes to an end.”

Suarez joined Barcelona from Liverpool for £74m in 2014 and became the Spanish giants’ third all-time top scorer with 198 goals, winning four La Liga titles, four domestic cups and the 2015 Champions League in the process.

He netted 21 goals in 2019-20 - his lowest tally during the six years and, after not being involved in Barca’s pre-season matches, he left with one-year remaining on

his contract.

Atletico paid a nominal fee of no more than 6m euros for Suarez.

“I didn’t take the club’s message that they were looking for a solution for me in order to mix things up very well,” added Suarez, who has two goals in three games for Atletico.

“Not everyone knows what happened but the worst thing was going to training and being sent to a different group from everyone else because I was not allowed to play in practice matches.

#EndSARS: Balogun, Ikeme, Ogu Back Nigeria Youths Nigeria players Leon Balogun, John Ogu, former goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and Chelsea loanee Malang Sarr have joined youths in the country in calling for an end to police brutality.

Nigerian youths took to the streets in large numbers on Friday to protest against the activities of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), a unit in the Nigeria Police Force.

Unlike other security outfits,

SARS officials do not wear the usual police uniforms but they reportedly harass the public while discharging their duties across Nigeria.

After several injustices which include extortion and killings, youths are demanding a total ban of their operation, after previous efforts by the government to reform and reorganise the unit.

Earlier this year, a Remo Stars

defender Tiyamiyu Kazeem was shot dead by a SARS officer after an encounter in Ogun State, the South Western region of Nigeria.

Although they are not part of Gernot Rohr ’s team for yester day’s international friendly game against Algeria in Austria, Balogun and Ogu have joined their voices in saying ‘enough is enough’ to the activities of the operatives.

French Open 2020

Kenin Stands Between Swiatek and First Grand Slam The French Open women’s final will be contested between Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin and Polish teenager Iga Swiatek after two contrasting displays in their semi-finals.

Swiatek, 19, needed only 70 minutes to beat Argentine Nadia Podoroska 6-2 6-1 to reach her first major final, while American Kenin, 21, overcame Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova 6-4 7-5. Fourth seed Kenin produced controlled tennis but had to save 10 break points against the two-time Wimbledon winner.

She has yet to play Swiatek on the main tour, but faced each other on the same stage in the juniors four years ago.

“I lost, but it was a close one,” said Kenin.

“Sofia is on fire this year,” said Swiatek after her win over world number 131 Podoroska. “I don’t want to think about it - I’m just happy I’m in the final.”

Having overwhelmed Romanian top seed Simona Halep in the fourth round, Swiatek will not fear Melbourne champion Kenin.

Kenin defended brilliantly against Kvitova and will have to produce a repeat performance against a Swiatek forehand which at times reached 80mph-plus against Podoroska. The teenager produced 11 groundstroke winners on that side, out of a total of 22. Podoroska, the first qualifier in the Open era to reach the French Open women’s semi-finals, also has a strong forehand side but was never given a chance to get into her rhythm.

The 23-year-old’s only bright moment came in the fifth game of the second set when she broke the Pole, although she needed four bites at it. Swiatek broke back straight away before serving out for victory at a cold and breezy Philippe Chatrier.

“I’m surprised,” Swiatek said of her run to the final. “But I always knew if I was going to reach a Grand Slam final it would be the French Open. It’s like a dream come true. “I wanted to play this match as if it was the first round. I didn’t want to think it was a semi-final because it would have stressed me out.”

Swiatek is only the second woman from Poland to reach the final at Roland Garros - the last was Jadwiga Jedrzejowska, who finished runner-up in 1939.

The second semi-final was a contest between an American player, who played a game of percentages and the Czech, who went for broke with her groundstrokes. Kvitova produced more winners (28-23), but also made more errors (31-20) than her opponent. The experienced Kvitova, a semi-finalist in 2012 who has never reached the final, was a double-break down in the opening set. She stated that she felt nervous before her quarter-final match against Laura Siegemund, and that appeared the case in the early exchanges on Philippe Chatrier.

The two-time Wimbledon champion got one break back in the sixth game, which featured one extraordinary moment when she turned her back to celebrate thinking she had won the point before having to react to Kenin’s shot that had crept over the net. She then had a second chance to break, but the Australian Open champion produced two brilliant serves to get herself out of trouble en route to taking the set.

A fifth opportunity to break the Kenin serve presented itself in the fourth game of the second set, but an error cost the Czech. A game later more errors handed her 21-year-old opponent break-point, which was taken with a forehand winner.

The 30-year-old finally broke back at a crucial moment, when nerves crept into Kenin’s game as she served for the match. But from despair it was delight as the American let out a yell when she broke back straight away, before finally getting over the line. “Petra is such a tough player,” added Kenin. “She’s got an aggressive game and a huge serve. I’m super proud of myself.

“It was a great match and I’m so happy.”

If Iga Swiatek’s victory over Simona Halep showed she can beat the very best, her two subsequent victories over qualifiers have proved she can also win when expected to. The 19-year-old said she tried to treat this semi-final as a first-round match. She was comfortably the better player, and is yet to drop a set.

Sofia Kenin’s movement and resilience stood out in her win over Petra Kvitova.

Kvitova paid for a very slow start, and Kenin dealt better with both the wind and the break points she faced.

The final feels too close to call, and that is despite the world number 54 coming up against the reigning Australian Open champion.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 10, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

TAI SODJE

Can He Continue the Family Dynasty with Eagles?

When you mention the Sodjes, football readily comes to mind and the family, notably Efe and Sam had contributed their quota to the Super Eagles. With the Tai Sodje taking the English U-18 Premier League by storm, scoring in each of his four starts, including a hat-trick, the question on the lips of observers is whether the national team would soon have another Sodje in its fold

T

he Sodjes were once household names in Nigerian football circles, with Efe starring for the Super Eagles at the 2002 World Cup in Japan/Korea, while his brother was at the heart of the Nigerian senior national team for many years.

Just when the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer fans thought they have seen the last of the senior Sodjes, another has emerged in Tai Sodje.

Though, the 17-year-old England-born Nigerian seems to be toeing the path of England, his uncle, Sam has vowed to convince his godson and nephew, Tai, to pledge his international future to Nigeria over England.

Aged 17 and a first-year scholar at Manchester City, Tai is literally in the form of his life, scoring in each of his first four starts for the Citizens in the U-18 Premier League, with the highlight of his performance being the hat-trick he scored against Liverpool on September 26.

Capable of playing as an attacker and winger, Tai has been likened to Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his similar playing style and goalscoring prowess.

Sam has acknowledged that Tai is more English than Nigerian but he wants the highly-rated teenager to follow in the footsteps of his uncles by playing for the Super Eagles when he comes of age.

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team via YouTube, Sam Sodje said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a young nephew who is half English, half Nigerian, whom they see as an English player but definitely I will convince him and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy for me to convince him because weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a good set up in Nigeria at the moment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His name is Tai Sodje, he plays for Manchester City, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 17 years old, top, top striker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to sell him, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to sell himself, he scored a hat-trick last week against Liverpool U-18s so heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a player Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking to see him play for Nigeria because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different from me as I grew up in this country so I wanted to play here but he has been to Nigeria once. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more of an English boy than Nigerian boy but heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got uncles like myself that can tell him how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dream come true to play for Nigeria.â&#x20AC;?

Former Sheffield United youth-teamer Tai Sodje is the leading marksman in the U-18 Premier League North and South with six goals.

Tai has had a blistering start to the 20202021 season in terms of goals after finding the net in each of his first two games in the U-18 Premier League.

Despite the fact he is a first-year scholar, Manchester City U-18 coach Carlos Vicens included the Anglo-Nigerian frontman in his starting lineup against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton and he repaid the managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith.

On the opening day of the season, Tai Sodje curled home from 10 yards to give City a 3-0 lead, his first official goal for Manchester Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U-18 team.

The following weekend, he scored a crucial equaliser on the stroke of halftime as the Citizens were forced to a 2-2 draw

by Everton.

Several Premier League clubs including Newcastle United, Liverpool and Everton expressed interest in the services of the Sheffield United Academy product before City won the race for his signature in 2015.

The promising striker rose through the ranks and was rewarded with his competitive debut for Man City U-18s while still a schoolboy.

The Sodjes sporting family were in the news last year for the wrong reasons after three of the brothers were jailed for siphoning cash from their foundation,

UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Crime Agency said.

Efe Sodje, Stephen Sodje, and ex-rugby player Bright Sodje, were found guilty of diverting cash from the Sodje Sports Foundation (SSF) set up in 2009 to help children in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oil-producing Niger Delta region.

They were jailed for 18, 21 and 30 months respectively by a judge at the Central Criminal Court in London in 2017.

The NCA said the brothers used their status and business connections to garner support and donations but failed to remit the funds to the charity.

The brothers used around ÂŁ63,000 raised from charity events between 2011 to 2014 for their own gain, according to the NCA. They organised charity football matches and black-tie dinners over the period to raise funds, but none of it got to the children, the agency said on its website and donors also sent around ÂŁ34,000 to their accounts.

The Sodjes are a family of 11 siblings born in Greenwich, Southeast London to Nigerian parents.

Efe played professional football for several clubs in the UK and represented the Nigerian national team at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Tai is expected to continue the football dynasty for Nigeria where his uncles stopped.

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 ˾ 10, 2020

OCTOBER ͯͮ˜ ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How to Clean Your Car’s Air Filter Keeping your car clean on the outside protects the paintwork; keeping it clean on the inside makes it a nicer place to be. Keeping it clean under the bonnet can help maintain its performance and save you money.

If you’re looking to take the next step in car cleanliness, have a think about cleaning your air filter. Filters prevent dust, dirt and debris from being drawn into the engine through the air intake pipe, and they need to be cleaned fairly regularly to maintain the performance and efficiency of the engine.

Here, we show you how to clean a car air filter so you can save money and do it yourself. We’ve also covered the essentials of air filter maintenance, so you know when and how to approach the job.

Cleaning the air filter is easy if you have a good idea of where everything is positioned under the bonnet of your car. You can use a couple of different methods to get the job done, and we show you how in our step-by-step guides below.

The new BMW 128ti

New BMW 128ti Built for Unfiltered Driving Pleasure

T

he new BMW 128ti is positioned as an unfiltered driving machine directly below the all-wheel-drive range-topping model.

Market launch will take place in November 2020, according to a statement by the automaker and can be ordered through their sole representative in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors.

The new BMW is designed to deliver highly engaging driving pleasure. With its specially tuned M Sport suspension and Torsen limited-slip differential, the exclusively front-wheel-drive compact sports model has an unwavering focus on providing highly engaging driving pleasure.

It is therefore aimed at a young target group whose sights are set on BMW’s signature driving pleasure. The BMW 128ti is powered by a 2.0-litre engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and 195 kW (265 hp), and brings exclusive distinguishing features to the exterior and interior. Sport tyres are available as a no-cost

option for the 18-inch Y-spoke 553 M bi-colour light-alloy wheels (reserved exclusively for the BMW 128ti) and add further intensity to the car’s sporty driving characteristics. So equipped, the new model offers an extremely sporty and driverfocused dynamic profile to go with a high level of agility. Its strong and distinctive attitude makes the BMW 128ti an emotionally stirring machine.

Fleet-footed, direct and uncompromising, it is the perfect car in which to experience unfiltered driving pleasure.

Atrue “Turismo Internazionale”. The character profile of the BMW 128ti makes it the perfect car to breathe new life into a long tradition at BMW. Since the 1960s the “TI” (later “ti”) badge has stood for “Turismo Internazionale”, marking out particularly sporty members of a model range.

The successful history of the TI models began in 1963 with the BMW 1800 TI and reached its first major pinnacle in the form of the two-door BMW 2002 TI. Formula 1 driver, Le Mans winner and DTM champion Hans-Joachim Stuck teamed

up with Clemens Schickentanz to win the first running of the legendary Nürburgring 24-hour race back in 1970. In the late 1990s, the BMW 3 Series Compact – in BMW 323ti and BMW 325ti form – epitomised the philosophy of the super-dynamic compact car.

Exterior has sporting looks with exclusive accents.

The new BMW 128ti is based on the M Sport model specification available for the BMW 1 Series. This means it has a distinctive front apron with specially sculpted air intakes and the rear apron from the M Sport in High-gloss Black.

The BMW 128ti underscores its standalone character with striking coloured accents. The special covers for the outer air intakes carried over from the front apron of the flagship BMW M135i xDrive and the trim for the Air Curtains (High-gloss Black elsewhere in the 1 Series range) are in a sporting red colour, like the air vents exiting the rear wheel arches in the rear bumper.

All-New 2021 Hyundai Elantra Premieres in Hollywood

H

yundaihasofficiallylaunchedits all-new 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood with a special event today broadcast around the world. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2021 Elantra showcases Hyundai’s latest ambitions, including a Sensuous Sportiness design identity, hybrid electric vehicle technology, and segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The car also provides exciting driving dynamics and the most progressive in-car experience in its class. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter.

The 2021 Elantra is an all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan with new vehicle platform. It has longer wheelbase, wider stance, lower roofline; Elantra is called the Avante in the Korean domestic market; Second Hyundai vehicle with Sensuous Sportiness design identity; an everyday exotic four-door-coupe look with innovative molding and engineering technology; First-ever Elantra Hybrid; More than 50 MPG (Hyundai estimated) combined fuel economy on hybrid model; Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connecting easy; Hyundai’s optional Digital Key allows Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via a smartphone or NFC card; Production to begin at Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the fall with shipments to dealers in the fourth quarter; An enhanced natural-language voice-recognition system with Speech-to-Meaning® and Deep

All-New 2021 Hyundai Elantra MeaningUnderstanding™technologiespowered

by Houndify, and lots of feature controls; Standard SmartSense safety and convenience technologies; Two available 10.25-inch multimedia screens under one piece of glass.

“While some manufacturers no longer see the value in the car side of the business, we’re doubling down by offering an all-new model with both gas and hybrid powertrains,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor

America. “We’ve sold more than 3.4 million Elantras here in the U.S. and more than 13.8 million worldwide, and the new, captivating look is going to bring excitement to a whole new generation of buyers. Then once inside, they’re going to love all of the progressive features.”

The all-new Elantra is a compact sedan that the next generation wants to drive. It is for customers that are pragmatic and sensible yet disruptive and always questioning traditions.

Locating the Air Filter: You will find your car’s air filter on top of the engine where it’s easy to reach. If you can’t find it, take a look at your car’s manual, which should label all the different engine components.

Don’t have the manual? Head online, as there’s likely to be a digital version or a YouTube video showing you where it is. Failing that, you should ask a mechanic to point it out next time your car is in for a service.

Removing the Air Filter: Air filters are normally found in a plastic or metal housing, which you’ll need to open up before you can remove the filter. In newer cars, they’re normally just clipped down, making them easy to remove, but you might need to unscrew or unbolt a section of the housing if your car is older.

When you’ve opened the air filter housing, it should just be a case of pulling the air filter out.

Cleaning theAir Filter with aVacuum Cleaner: The easiest way to clean a car air filter is with a vacuum cleaner. Connect the hose attachment to your standard household vacuum, and you’ve got the perfect tool for getting into the ridges of the filter itself. Vacuum both sides of the filter for about two minutes, making sure you’ve got all the visible dirt and debris. When you’re done, hold the filter up to a bright light, as this will show any bits you might have missed. Go over the filter once more, then you’re ready to replace it.

Cleaning the Air Filter with Water: If your car’s air filter is very dirty and you have a bit more time on your hands, you can clean it with water. Cleaning an air filter with water takes a lot longer, especially when you factor in the drying time, but it will get you great results.

Start by filling a clean bucket with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Submerge the filter in the water and swirl it around, using your hands to aggravate dirt and dust out of the filter material. Then, remove it from the water and shake off any excess, before rinsing it under running water.

When it’s clean, place the filter on a clean towel and leave it to dry. Depending on where you dry it, the filter could take up to 24 hours to dry completely, so make sure you give it enough time before you plan to use your car again.

Remember – the filter must be totally dry before you replace it. If it’s even slightly damp, it could cause serious engine problems because dust and particles will cling to it and block the airflow. Make sure it’s bone-dry before replacing it.

How Often ShouldYou Clean a CarAir Filter?

Aim to clean your car’s air filter every 15,000 miles or so. Your car’s manual will recommend a service schedule for the air filter, so you should stick to it. You may need to clean the air filter more often if you live in a rural area, where there’s usually more dirt and dust on the road. (Source: Simoniz)

Did you know?

77% of crashes happen less than 20km from your destination as you relax and become more vulnerable to distraction. (Source: MasterDrive).

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

35

AUTO WORLD

New Jaguar XF: Luxurious, Beautiful, Connected

T

he dynamic new Jaguar XF features enhanced exteriors, an all-new interior incorporating luxurious new materials, and seamlessly integrated, connected and future-proof technologies. New XF showcases contemporary British design and engineering at its best.

A next-generation, 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium turbocharged diesel engine and thelatest2.0-litrefour-cylinderIngeniumpetrol engine power the new Jaguar XF, providing enhanced efficiency with strong performance.

The exterior features a new front bumper with larger and lower air intakes for increased visual width. This visual width is enhanced by a wider front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents now feature the iconic Leaper emblem, demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail found right across the vehicle.

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with ‘Double J’ Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures are available with optional Pixel LEDtechnology.WithAdaptiveDrivingBeam capability, which evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, the system can create varying light beam patterns byselectingdifferentLEDsegmentstooptimise

visibility without distracting other drivers.

PremiumLEDtechnologyisfittedasstandard across the range and is available with Auto High BeamAssist on SE and HSE models. The technology uses the forward-facing camera to automatically switch between high and low beam, ensuring that oncoming drivers aren’t dazzled.Animated Directional Indicators are also available as an option upgrade.

Design enhancements at the rear include a wider bumper and body-coloured rear upper valance,whichvisuallylowerthecar.Darkened rear light surrounds now also feature on the XF. In R-Dynamic specification, the new XF features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look, while all models are available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.

Tactile and luxurious interior The XF has an all-new interior with heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and greater serenity and refinement. The new cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and with greater focus on the driver.Anew sporty centre console, faster in profile, sweeps up to the dashboard incorporating an optional wireless device charger with phone signal booster (in selected markets).

The new Jaguar XF

Mercedes-Benz Reports Positive Unit Sales of Cars, Vans in Q3

M

ercedes-Benz has said the recovery of its worldwide retail passenger car sales continued in the third quarter despite on-going challenging conditions.

Global sales of 613,770 passenger cars in the period of July to September were higher than in the prior-year quarter for the first time this year (+3.9%) due to the positive development in China and rising customer demand in many other markets, the automaker said in a statement.

The attractive model portfolio and numerous measures taken by dealerships to respond best possible to customer inquiries and interest even during the COVID-19 pandemic provided additional sales support in the third quarter. In order to meet the high level of customer demand at short notice, dealerships’ inventories were reduced worldwide.

China continued to be the main driver of MercedesBenz passenger car sales as the market continued its rapid recovery in the third quarter (+23.4%). In Germany, the domestic market of Mercedes-Benz, sales in the past three months were higher than in the prior-year quarter for the first time this year (+4.0%).

“Demand from our customers in the third quarter was significantly higher than we had assumed in March and April in view of the challenges posed by the pandemic. We are pleased with customers’

positive response to our models and the increasing demand in many markets. However, the third quarter also shows how regionally diverse the situation still is in the markets and for our dealerships. We will therefore monitor developments very closely in the fourth quarter, but the current level of demand is encouraging”, said Britta Seeger, Member of the Boards of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for Marketing and Sales. “Rising orders received in particular for plug-in hybrids with the three-pointed star are a great customer feedback on our growing portfolio. From July to September, we had the first quarter so far with more than 10,000 xEVs delivered monthly by Mercedes-Benz Cars. The high demand for the electrified models has been sustained, especially in Europe.”

Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans unit sales Mercedes-Benzsold1,548,859premiumandluxury vehicles worldwide in the first three quarters of the year, thus continuing its upward sales trend (-10.2%).

At the smart brand, global unit sales were still below the previous year’s level due to the changeover to purely battery-electric drive; a total of 22,006 two- and four-door urban microcars were handed over to customers in the first nine months of the year (-74.9%). Mercedes-Benz Cars thus delivered a total of 1,570,865 cars of the Mercedes-Benz and smart brands from January to September (-13.4%).

Mercedes-Benz vehicles

How Black will These Ember Months Be?

W

hen I wrote a fortnight ago on, ‘’How to Nail Killer Drivers which was followed by ‘’Death Penalty for Killer Drivers’’, I never had the faintest premonition that the Akaeze and Felele tragedies would occur. In the two write-ups, my position was that killer drivers who cause the death of innocent road users should suffer a measure of the consequences of the outcome of their recklessness.

My position was in support of that of His Excellency, Bello Mattawale, the Governor of Zamfara State.

Although I did not receive reactions from any of my readers except my Law teacher, I know there are observers who viewed my position as hard lined.

Now that we have lost over forty lives in two fatal crashes, I do wonder what the position of these observers would be especially if they lost a loved one in either of the two crashes. If the Akaeze crash was tragic, the Lokoja crash was equally tragic in terms of the magnitude. I was privileged to be driven in the same vehicle with my colleague who is the Zonal Commanding officer in charge of Kogi State when the news filtered in. I am still in shock at the damage and the casualty figures. The casualty according to the FRSC stood at twenty Felele, along the Lokoja-Koton Karfe route in Kogi State. The vehicles involved

SAFE DRIVING with

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

included one tanker, five cars, three trailers and two motorcycles caused by speed violation and break failure, another causative factor that are human induced.

There were other crashes within the same period such as the crash which occurred at Iyanamama along Olooru-New Jebba road in Kwara State recorded a crash on September 23, 2020 caused by speed and loss of control involving a Mitsubishi bus recording one death and three injured; In Ihiala, Anambra State, a crash occurred opposite Amorka mortuary along Ihiala-Owerri road on the 6th of sept involving a TYT Sequita caused by wrongful overtaking. The Ihiala crash led to the death of two people while in the FCT which is under my watch, a crash on 22 september,2020 caused by loss of control involving a Honda killed one occurred.

The question to ask right now is if these crashes are unique to this month and other Ember months?

Are there any myths about the Ember months? I know there are those who believe that the Ember months are the most critical and risky months when more crashes and deaths occur. My brother and oga,Jide Ojo wrote that the Pentecostals opine that it is the period when satan embarks on in-gathering of souls by causing mysterious deaths, accidents, calamities and catastrophes. They therefore call for lots of prayer and fasting, vigils and organise crusades to frustrate the “plans” of Satan and enemies who do not want them to see the New Year.

I know there are no myths about the Ember months. It is the month of plenty activities; farmers harvest time, lots of festivities, marriages, burial ceremonies, chieftaincy celebrations, housewarming and many other festivals are often fixed for the last four months of the year because it is assumed that the rains would have subsided. Like my friend and oga wrote, many corporate organisations also grant annual leave to their staff as well as close for the year by mid-December to enable their workers to observe the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

You can call the EMBER months, months of supposed awoof and plenty celebrations. Schools are also usually on break throwing up school people who would use the period to outdo each other on the road for those whose parents can afford a car.

Since the period signals the end of the year, the end of budget year for government as well as private organisations, the season is marked with plenty travelling occasioned by hike in fares. The season

to put it better experiences increased motorisation across board. My oga Jide further says that ‘’ It is customary in Yorubaland, even in Igboland, to buy ‘Aso Ebi’ and also give gifts to people as a mark of gratitude to God Almighty and to family members to holding the home front. It is also a time when people who can barely move a vehicle without learning the ropes of driving would take the risk of driving their newly bought car to join the league of car owners. All of these are further compounded by the heightened irresponsible driving all in the name of making it home before the D-day. Drink driving is also prevalent within this period because of the merriments and partying. Like I once wrote in this same column, there are no demons waiting to shed blood during the EMBER months. The reasons behind the crashes and deaths are our irresponsible driving habits.

This is why Zone 7 of the Federal Road Safety Corps comprising the Federal Capital Territory and Niger have since September, conceptualised numerous interventions such as operation Panther as well as operation RED, to check growing recklessness. While Operation Panther targets use of phone while driving, driving against the flow of traffic and overloading among other traffic infractions, operations RED is conceptualised to checkmate the growing incidences of traffic light violations which between January to September, 2020 stands at one thousand and five hundred and eighty-one. With the perceived public support and cooperation, we are hopeful that collectively we would be able to reduce the spate of crashes and deaths during the season.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ OCTOBER 10, 2020

PEOPLE Kingsley James

Why I Dropped Out of Banking Kingsley James, the Chief Executive Officer, Indoor Design and Concept Limited (IDCLng), a 360-degree production company, which has handled some of the biggest red carpet events in Nigeria among other landmark projects, speaks with Festus Akanbi on his job experience, his family and the company’s journey in its five years in operation

Y

ou are a lawyer and an accountant. At what point did you decide to go into the branding and printing business?

When I graduated from the University of Jos, I actually wanted to be a businessman. I started my first job at a commercial bank, which my father ‘bullied’ me into accepting. It was at that time the banking industry was trying to be sophisticated by recruiting young ladies and guys with sharp suits but when I resumed, I wore Timberland boots and didn’t tuck in my shirt and my boss then told me I didn’t belong there. In four months, I left. I then went to an Information Technology company and started learning how business is done. I was there for two years before moving to Lagos to join Paul Usoro and Co which was the leading law firm in the telecoms sector then. I was there for about nine years because the job was paying well, I was being exposed to big businesses and opportunities for the company but all along, my business kicks did not go down. Later on, I saw an opportunity at Digiprints (a company involved in advertising and branding) at a time that digital printing wasn’t popular in Nigeria. I worked there from 2002 to 2015. Even though some of the boys under me were leaving and starting their own thing, I promised the owner of the company that I would serve him as a matter of principle because I am a man who also wants to be served.

You noted that your father persuaded you to join the banking industry against your wish. What else can you say about your family background?

I have got one of the best fathers ever. He is not a Femi Otedola or a Dangote but he is a man who protects his name. My father didn’t have enough, so he suffered a lot to get us to where we are today. We lived in Jos at a point and my father told me to accompany him to go and collect a debt after staying two days without food.

We trekked from Jos town to Bukuru.

But when we got to the debtor’s house, the man was not there. So, we trekked back to Jos. When we got home we collected bread and tea from one Mama Mary on credit for two days.

He went back to that woman to ask for another set of food on credit. That was the first time I saw my father cry and I told myself that if it was up to me, he would never cry again. I told myself that I will never be poor if it is up to me. It pushed me to become what I have become.

How did you meet your current wife?

My current wife, Adeola, was one of the ‘boys’. She was a producer and rolled with all of us when boys go out.

She was one of the female-male that rolled with us, so we didn’t think we would get married to each other at all.

I was married before but lost my wife.

So, there was no thought anywhere

might have meant nothing to her but it meant a lot to me because, in the eyes of the public, it is very rare.

James that I was going to marry my current wife. I am a weakling for beautiful and intelligent women and my wife is both. She is very arresting. We started a conversation again. It lasted for about two years and we decided to get married five years ago, the same year IDCL started. We have a kid together but I had other kids before that time. I was jobless but she decided to marry me in spite of that. People who know my wife know she is completely sophisticated. She wasn’t brought up in this country. How she ended up with me, I can’t even fathom. Each time I look at her, I just wonder and say, ‘God, thank you.’ I’m just grateful for the grace that God gave me to have her around.

How does it feel being married to the daughter of a popular veteran broadcaster, Mrs Bimbo Oloyede?

My mother-in-law, Bimbo Oloyede, and I have gone almost everywhere, including the house of a former president. The Oloyedes brought up their children in a manner that makes them understand that everything is transient and that they should build themselves and not ride on their parents’ achievements. They don’t see themselves as superstars. But you can’t play down the hard work that earned them that name. When she left Channels TV and a party was organised for her, her boss, John Momoh, said she was the only broadcaster he knew that had no single scandal. That

We’ve grown from just a printing firm to a company that is now involved in five or six different kinds of businesses. So, as an organisation, we have grown vertically and horizontally. We have also experienced tumultuous times; we are happy that we survived them all. Indeed, we even survived the latest one that is global, which is the COVID-19 pandemic. So, we are here to God be the glory. It has been a fantastic journey

What were the challenges you faced when you started your company?

I had a very tough beginning. The business is very capital intensive.

I had a proposal of almost a billion naira for what I needed for the business. I was confident that there wouldn’t be any problem because I believed I had the market in my hands, despite the little competition at the time. I was optimistic that people would invest heavily in the idea. I went to banks and individuals but not a single person supported me or the idea. So, I went to a microfinance bank and took a loan at 11 per cent interest per month to buy my first machine.

But, that loan did not pay for the machine. I went to a gentleman called Akin Oduwole, who gave me the machine on half payment. So, I used the rest of the loan to pay for a small office space to start something. For the first two years, I was servicing loans.

Another microfinance bank said it could offer me a loan at an eight per cent interest rate, so I quickly closed my loan with the previous bank. I also moved to another microfinance bank that gave us a five per cent interest rate per month. That was how we kept running at the beginning until we were able to pay back the loans. We started growing and then we opted out of the microfinance bank. Then we moved to commercial banks and we had a bit of a problem with them too.

They told me that I didn’t have an account with them or they did not know me or my business so they couldn’t give us loans. Those are the things that kill businesses in Nigeria. However, the market trusted us and we started growing. I think our banks are not wired to support businesses and it saddens me. A lot of dreams are dying not because they are not good ideas or viable but because the banks’ position today starts with a question - what if the idea fails? The bank doesn’t come with the position of what if the idea succeeds. And those two positions are very strong.

How would you describe IDCL’s journey five years after?

It has been fantastic. We have looked at the brighter side of the business. We’ve grown and expanded.

We started as a two-man entity. We’ve grown to a direct staff strength of over 50 and we have an indirect staff strength of over 150. We’ve grown from just a printing firm to a company that is now involved in five or six different kinds of businesses. So, as an organisation, we have grown vertically and horizontally. We have also experienced tumultuous times; we are happy that we survived them all. Indeed, we even survived the latest one that is global, which is the COVID-19 pandemic. So, we are here to God be the glory. It has been a fantastic journey.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͸˜ 2020

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Firm Restates Committment to Youths

L-R: Digital Marketing Executive, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Miss Oriola Oluwadarasimi; Group Public Relations and Events Manager, DufilPrima Foods Plc, Tope Ashiwaju; Big Brother Naija 2020 Finalist,Emuobonuvie Akpofure “NEO”; and Digital Marketing Executive, Indomie, Edien Omotola during a courtesy visit and cheque presentation to the 2020 Big Brother Naija Contestants at Indomie office in Lagos

FoodCo Launches new Outlet, Doubles Footprint Growth Leading omnichannel retailer, FoodCo Nigeria Limited,has doubled its branch network in two years, just as its unveiled a new store in Ajah Lagos, to strengthen its presence in the state.

FoodCo latest store makes it the 13th brand outlet in the south-western region, where FoodCo currently operates.

The launch of the Ajah outlet followed the unveiling of FoodCo’s Ologuneru Plaza in Ibadan, Oyo State, two weeks ago.

Chief Executive Officer of FoodCo, Ade Sun-Basorun, stated that the development was stirred by the company’s vision to build new structures for growth in Nigerian retail, in addition to making modern retail more accessible to customers.

He said that the new store houses general merchandise, grocery, quick service resturant and entertainment centre.

He said: “Rolling out two stores in two

weeks is simply a continuum in what has been a consistent and successful expansion that has seen FoodCo double its foot print in two years.

“The business has equally been commited to bringing affordable great products to customers both offline and online, leading to its investment in creating Nigeria’s first true online supermarket which affords residents of Ibadan and Lagos to get access to full assortment of modern retail from the comfort of their homes”.

Sun Basorun added that the company’s investment in customers service has sustained the business over time.

“As a brand, we are deeply commited to helping our customers save money and there is no time they need to do that more than during the challenging economic cycle.

And having been around for 38 years, the FoodCo brand is wrapped around a rich

legacy of outstading customer service driven by innovation.

“Sun Basorun further added that the choice of Ajah is in line with the brand’s strategic approach to deepen retail penetration particularly among emerging communities who prefer the convenience and comfort that modern retail offers.

“We are optimistic that investments such as these will translate to a win-win outcome for all stakeholders within the ecosystem as well as re-inforce confidence in the Nigerian market amid the current global economic challenge and unique circumstance of the local environment,” he added.

Founded 38 years ago in Ibadan, Oyo State, FoodCo is the oldest among the ten top retailers in Nigeria and operates the largest supermarket chain brand in the south-west, outside Lagos.

Firm Introduces Digital Bank App for Local, Int’l Markets A new digital bank app, ‘VPD. Money ‘ has been launched into the market to eliminate banking and foreign exchange transactions’ costs.

Chief Executive Officer of VPD.Money, Michael Femi Simeon stated that the new solution would also stir local and international trade.

Simeon said that VPD.Money, formerly branded VoguePayDigital, is the first African digital banking app that enable its users to have multi-currency wallet linked to their card experience.

He said that the platform would not only improve user-experience but would also reduce the cost of transactions for individuals and businesses.

According to him, the innovation was developed to enable African small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and individuals to transact easily within Africa and globally.

He noted that VPD.Money rewards users with discounts in form of cash backs.

He said, “Presently, only 15 per cent of intraAfrican trade is taking place. We are determined to maximise the African trade potential.

“Users have access to pay for cable TV subscriptions, electricity bills, events, cinema bookings and access to food vendors.

“They will also receive cash back on most of the embedded services within the app. The spirit

is to help users save on ‘save as you spend’ basis.

This is especially crucial in the Covid-19 era.

Simeon said VPD.Money sought to reduce transaction costs by 80 per cent and offer support tools for businesses through a pending ‘Business Account’ feature.

“The new platform aimed to combine the benefit and strength of a virtual wallet, a bank account and card experience in order to create a true borderless account, leveraging on modern solutions such as digital onboarding experience (KYC), AI, machine learning, RegTech and partnerships. This is a birth of a 21st century financial services experience.”

Lagos based Beauty and Fashion Enterprise, Adebizz Fingerz, has vowed to strengthen investment in youths to promote self employment.

The Chief Executive Officer of the beauty outfit, Abisoye Alagbe, stated this just as she was announced winner of Red Carpet Queen Pageant, an international Reality TV Pageant that seeks to help young girls who desire to pursue profitable career as red carpet hosts, Television presenters and commercial models, amongst others Alagbe’s excellent performance in the outing fetched her prizes like N500,000 worth of skincare training, mentorship and product launch scholarship by COC international Beauty School, amongst others.

Commenting on the win, she said, “I intend to encourage other models by being a role model.

Meaning, beyond the red carpet and behind the scenes, I intend to be the best I can be. So I can make us all proud.”

The 24 year-old entrepreneur, who recently got herself a multi million Naira SUV on Nigeria’s independence day to celebrate success and hopes, also disclosed plans to launch a cosmetic brand after completing her skincare academy scholarship at COC International Beauty School.

Novarick Homes Becomes Member of SA’s Green Building Council Novarick Homes and Properties Limited has been inducted a member of the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).

According to a statement by the publicist of Novarick Homes and Properties, with the induction on July 23, 2020, it became one of the first Nigerian real estate companies to be inducted as a member of GBCSA. The GBCSA is a non-profit organisation and is one of the 75 members of the World Green Building Council. They work with members to inspire and build an environment in which people and the planet can thrive. The community consists of passionate and collaborative planet shapers that operate across the commercial, residential and public sectors; who ensure that buildings and homes are designed, built, and operated in an environmentally sustainable way.

The Chief Executive Officer of Novarick Homes, Noah Ibrahim, during the company’s induction stated that through the activities of the organisation, Novarick Homes will be exposed to advisory services, events, and networking opportunities, as well as education and knowledge-sharing resources that will effectively position the company in the real estate industry. The company through this membership seeks to also accurately grasp business opportunities that are related to sustainable and green building activities.

Ibrahim said, “Novarick Homes is dedicated to achieving sustainable development goals through its business activities. Climate change is one of these goals; climate change represents one of the major global issues of our time. The company places this as one of the most topmost priorities and is contributing its quota in addressing this, by the conservation of any environment it finds itself.

Stakeholders to Discuss Business Firm Unveils Brand Ambassador to Survival Strategies at Book Launch Strengthen Market Presence Stakeholders from business backgrounds will be gathering at the launch of a new book “You Too Can Become A Success” to enlighten on business sustainability, as COVID-19 ravaged the world.

The book written by Helen Oritsejafor explores various options for a successful business.

According to the author, the book is an eye opener that encourages readers to desist from the attitude of self-pity and commit to determination and hard work.

“The book encourages people to change their defeated mindset to a success-based mindset, while working virtuously with God will yield such a life.”

Oritsejafor said that the book launch will hold alongside the 6th edition of the CEOs Company Mentorship Class, which will be done virtually.

She added that the master class will expose business

owners and corporate heads of organisations to professional secrets of building successful strong foundations for their establishments and close knowledge gap.

Oritsejafor said these are times when strengths of companies and businesses would be put to test on their ability to rise above challenges.

She stated that the idea of the class was to enlighten corporate heads of organisations and business owners on the rudiments of survival in the midst of economic, financial or administrative setback. “it is important for solid strategic measures to be adopted to keep establishments running and become even stronger in the near future, as the growth, sustainability and importance of the establishment is key.

Diva World Trading Service, marketer of Diva food products, recently in Lagos, unveiled Nollywood act, Ebele Okaro as its Brand Ambassador.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mrs Ifeyinwa NnannaMba stated that the choice of Okaro as the company’s ambassador was deliberate and strategic.

“The company settled for Ebele considering some attributes peculiar to us and the actress. Her charisma and personality all speak to her selection. Ebele is prominent both home and abroad and we felt her presence will be a plus to our brand visibility.

“We plan to dominate 95% of the Nigerian food market which we know we can achieve by identifying with someone of her calibre and charisma,” she said.

Accepting the offer, Okaro commended the brand’s originality and preference for quality.

She said, “Many people are used to buying and eating imported rice among other imported food items. As for me, I am so much for Nigeria. When I was informed of the deal, I was elated and much more happy being identified with the company’s quality range of products like rice, plantain flour and more.”

38

Ë&#x153; Ëž OCTOBER 10, 2020

FAJ/JOE

THEFRONTLINES

Maradi Rail Line: Buhari, Stop this Misadventure

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T

his is my second commentary on the same subject matter, the fi first was published last weekend and I am again compelled to follow up in the hope that truth and reasoned argument would eventually prevail over parochial sentiments by canvassed by the present administration.

Alot has been written about the desirability or otherwise of this project. Majority of the commentaries are against the extension of this rail project to Niger republic because it serves no meaning economic benefits fi to Nigeria.

However, the federal government has been very adamant and hell bent on seeing through this project at the expense of tax payy ers money with President Muhammadu Buhari insisting that the rail project to Niger is in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest. This is standing truth on the head.

The most revealing truth about this project which again provoked this commentary was revealed by Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Remember it was Amaechi who first announced that the federal executive council (FEC) had fi approved the award of contract for the rail line to Niger Republic few weeks ago. An announcement that provoked the deluge of criticisms and vituperations from a cross section of Nigerians..

During the week, Amaechi also made a startling revelation.

At a meeting with Nigerien Ambassador to Nigeria, Alat Mogaskia, he said the federal government is going to contact the governments of Nigeria, Chad, Burkina Faso to intimate them of its intention to extend the rail project into Niger Republic. This evidently means that while our own government had approved the project, allocated funds, those to benefit fi from the project are unaware.

According to Amaechi, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are trying to build a rail up to Maradi, we want to meet the State Governor over the infrastrucc ture where it would be located because we plan to construct rail stations and a warehouse. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since the contract was awarded, this is the fi first meeting we are having to see what we really need to do to get the rail into Maradi, I plan to do a letter by Monday to the Minister of Transport in Niger to help us seek approval from the State governor or federal government to enable us to construct the rail to Maradi.â&#x20AC;?

Mogaskia in his response assured that â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are really behind the development, the matter is not too late for the Nigerian government to intimate the Niger government about the project.

The most important person in the parliament is from Maradi

Amaechi, Minister of Transportation

and he welcomes this idea. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On leaving this place now, we will immediately contact all the relevant bodies in Niger, they will all be sensitised about the project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatever presentation we are making today will get a good reception for a quick response, so that the project can go ahead,â&#x20AC;?

Mogaskia assured.

It is very clear from these exchanges that the federal governn ment has a hidden agenda by choosing to engage in this project without carrying out due diligence. It has also raised a lot of moral questions bothering on where our Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loyalty resides.

What does he mean when he says the project is in our national interest? Since when has the siting of a project in a foreign counn try becomes our national priority? Is our President Nigerien or Nigerian? Is he loyal to Niger or Nigeria? Who carried out a business case to determine the viability of this project?

There are those who believe that this unilateral decision taken

by Buhari is fi first to pave the way for easy in nflux of more fulanis from neighbouring countries into Nigeria. They also argue that the rail line to Maradi is compensation to the Nigeriens for their

Let The Killers of Orobator Dig More Graves

B

y some stroke of providence, I came upon a sad story tucked somewhere in our newspapers. It tugged at my heartstrings for days. Basically, the news report epitomises for me our abject lack of vision, hard-headed misplaced priorities, and a clear indication that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardly any morsel of dignity within our humanity to fertilize anything worthwhile for generations to come.

It was reported that about the time Nigeria was celebrating her 60th Independence with some dodgy un-emblematic logo... about the same period the newly re-elected governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, was gyrating across the nation in grateful genuflections to regional tin-gods and newly minted godfathers, on account of his hard-fought victory, captured â&#x20AC;&#x153;by-force-by-fireâ&#x20AC;? - at the jaws of popular defeat... About that same period, an academic staff of Tayo Akpata University in Ekiadolor, Edo State, Friday Orobator was hatching plans to take his own life, and put an end to what his existence had become - a tedious, miserable, beggarly life supported merely by kind-hearted friends and colleagues during bouts of illnesses, and the insufferable daily grind of surviving with a family left to hang dry in the air, for lack of funds, and hardly any hope of a change in misfortune.

Orobator was a principal lecturer in the Department of Adult Education of the former Edo State College of Education, and for 13 months (not weeks, mind) he had not received his paychecks from the same state where political dogfights for power grab must have gulped billions of naira within the last three months of electioneering manoeuvres.

On that same October 2, when Orobator was putting finishing touches to his suicide plot, by hanging himself inside his apartment in Obakhazbaye area of Edoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital, Benin City... the nation was raging on all sorts of distractions - including the needling â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;mis-yarnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s October 1 speech, excoriatt ing Nigerians for grumbling about rising cost of fuel pump price, when it was much more expensive in Saudi Arabia! (the paucity of thought and reflection that lent itself to that sentiment have been adequately dealt with by sundry commentators).

No digress. It may not be difficult to imagine the perplexing gloom that pervaded the home of Lecturer Orobator during that baleful Independence day broadcast by both the President, and his governor. In sharp bursts of exasperation at the confounding, detached rhetorics of his governor and president, his gaze must have fallen on his new born baby who arrived at such a

deplorable moment in his chequered 50-something years. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not unreasonable to imagine that the optics of both Buhari and Obaseki churning out disproportionately untenable statistics and achievements, when for over a year, no government cared to cater for his health and living conditions.

For months on end, Orobator had depended on his friends in Lagos and Edo, according to his colleagues, to take care of a stubborn health condition, and keep his family afloat. When his union colleagues mounted a campaign to demand for their â&#x20AC;&#x153;abandonedâ&#x20AC;? salaries before the September 19, 2020 governorr ship election, they claimed that their efforts were frustrated by hints from official quarters that their effort was nothing but a â&#x20AC;&#x153;political agitationâ&#x20AC;?. How politicians could swipe a dismissive hand over agitation for payment of withheld salaries as being â&#x20AC;&#x153;politicalâ&#x20AC;?, while political office holders were jumping from one party or posts to another without regards for decency or decorum. Not one of them â&#x20AC;&#x153;criss-crossersâ&#x20AC;? complained of being owed salaries for one week!

When sympathisers saw the body of Orobator that October 2 afternoon, as it was been conveyed to the morgue, with the killer rope still on his neck, the unspoken worry was: how would Orobatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and four children survive the ignominy of suicide, of lack occasioned by governmental irresponsibility, and the emotional devastation of living without their husband and father.

Yet, we will not be surprised, when in the usual cavalier ineptitude of knee-jerking governance, the state government rouse themselves in days ahead, and commiserate with the bereaved family, by not only paying his 13-month salaries, but flying the kite of supporting the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education up to tertiary level, and such other sweeteners (which no one hold them accountable for after the media charade).

All these belated efforts, if they dare to repent for their inglorious negligence, will simply to douse the nonchalant disregard of a state government to the safety and welfare of its own workers. Of course, there are sundry vital governance actions and imperatives that have been left to slide because of partisan politics and such other demons that politicians toy with in the guise of power play.

May the families of Orobator, and his grieving colleagues made near destitute by circumstances beyond their control, acquire the stamina and subtlety to interface with a bullish government which sees a 13-month long unpaid salary as â&#x20AC;&#x153;no big dealâ&#x20AC;?! May the vicarious killers of Orobator, who stride the land pompously in tinted motorcades, find the will to pay those

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

overwhelming support in the 2015 and 2019 presidential polls.

To be sure, projects of this nature abound all over the world.

For instance, the European infrastructure corridor linking various EU countries has been in existence for decades funded by the EU. Recently, an ambitious project â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is the EU funding instrument was launched for strategic investment in transport, energy and digital infrastructure.

In the transport sector, CEF is dedicated to the implementaa tion of the TEN-T and aims at supporting investments in cross-border connections, missing links as well as promoting sustainability and digitalisation.

During the period 2014-2019, CEF Transport awarded EUR 23.3 billion in grants to co-fi -finance projects of common interest, out of which EUR 11.3 billion was transferred from the Cohesion Fund.

In Asia, The Belt and Road Initiative, formerly known as One Belt One Road or OBOR for short, is a global infrastructure dee velopment strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in nearly 70 countries and international organizations.

In Africa, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now the African Union (AU) also launched an infrastructure development plan aimed at linking all African states by road and rail networks and quite a lot has been achieved in this direction.

The new Kenya born African Unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high representative of infrastructure and development, Raila Odinga says he intends to oversee the construction of 60,000km highways linking the entire continent and the Trans-African highway project commissioned in 1971 to open up continent for trade.

He assured that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Primary projects will be an 8,000 kms highway linking Cairo (Egypt) to Dakar in Senegal. Another 8,0000 kms road will stretch from Cairo and Cape Town (South Africa). A 6,000kms road linking Mombasa (Kenya) to Lagos (Nigeria) is part of this ambitious project.â&#x20AC;?

Raila said he believed land transport was an integral part of the continentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic growth, added that he intended to have another 4,700kms road between Dakar and Lagos built. He explained that out of nine highways proposed over four decades ago, only the 4,500kms road between Dakar and Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Djamena in Chad had been constructed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My belief is that having reliable road infrastructure and railways linking all corners of Africa will open up the continent and make it a gateway to the 21st century. Through my new position I am determined to take Africa to economic indepenn dence,â&#x20AC;? affi ffirmed Raila.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

who work honestly and for long hours developing our most important tools for advancement - the human capita! Or else, they should dig more graves, and expand the reaches of the communal burial grounds for the next wave of epidemic they are incubating in Edo, and such states ruled by irresponsible potentates!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ta La Se...?â&#x20AC;?

All sorts of emotions trigger all sorts ideas. For me, encounters with dirt, or dirty habit, in real life or on television, brings up a swell of revulsion...which often set me thinking on ways to mitigate the offensive acts, and create a clean and decent environment.

Few day ago, while walking in my neighbourhood, a young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s action of flinging a half empty bottle of water, absentt mindedly, on the roadside...right opposite me! I was beside myself with a sharp flush of a corrective frown on my face... He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even notice. It was pointless admonishing him without some power of coercion (what with children of nowadays not disposed to regarding greying beards as something to tremble before)... So, I chewed in my animus... and started wondering if we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t empower and pay hundreds of thousands of Litter Lieutenants (mobile waste control officers) who will reside, operate and maintain coercion within each neighbourhood such that anyone who throws or drops any piece of rubbish on the floor, streets, in public and semi-private spaces, will not only be forced to â&#x20AC;&#x153;take him Wahalaâ&#x20AC;?... but also pay a token as fine/ levy so as to drill the message home very well.

Every where you go, dirt, litter, rubbish...every where... We have no control or discipline in keeping our environment clean - and some get irritated or offended when you advise them to stop dropping stuff in public space!

Yet, we complain when our gutters and drainages overflow... flooding our roads and homes... Drowning our children, and making raining season, which ought be a blessing, a season of distress and disaster, for some of us.

Leads me to wonder aloud: Ta la se? (Whom did we offend?)

Who did this to us?

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 10, 2020

SPORTS XTRA International Friendly

Again, Desert Foxes Confirm Superiority over Super Eagles Beat Nigeria 1-0 in Austria

S

uper Eagles of Nigeria’s hope of revenging their 1-0 loss in the semifinal of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt suffered a setback as Algeria defeated

Nigeria in yesterday’s international friendly encounter in Austria, thanks to Ramy Bensebaini’s lone strike in the opening 10 minutes.

The Borussia Monchenglabach defender fired the reigning African champions to victory

at the Jacques Lemans Arena after pouncing on a loose ball from a corner-kick in the sixth minute.

FC Midtjylland midfielder Frank Onyeka was handed his debut appearance in the middle of the park while Porto left-back

Zaidu Sanusi made his bow for the team.

Algeria, on the other hand, were led by Manchester City playmaker Riyad Mahrez and Metz midfielder Farid Boulaya made his debut.

A few minutes after Bense-

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi closed down by two Algerians during yesterday;s international friendly encounter between Nigeria and Algeria in Austria

FRENCH OPEN 2020

Djokovic Sets Nadal Final as Spaniard Aims to Equal Federer’s 20 Grand Slam It will be a battle of the wit in the final of the men’s 2020 French Open when the first-two ranked tennis playersNovak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal clash tomorrow.

While, the world’s number two dismissed Argentine Diego Schwartzman in three straight set in the first semifinals, top seed Djokovic withstood a gutsy fightback from Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up a French Open final against his long long-time rival.

The Spanish second seed is going for a record-extending 13th title and the 34- year old has only lost twice on the Roland Garros clay in his career and won all 13 of his semi-finals there.

If Nadal lifts the Coupe des Mousquetaires trophy yet again, it will see him equal Swiss rival Roger Federer’s all-time leading record of 20 men’s Grand Slam titles.

“It is always very difficult against Diego until the end,” said Nadal.

“I am happy with the way I played, I think I have been improving and it was a very positive match for me.”

Everything is unfamiliar about this French Open: the tournament taking place in cooler weather after being moved because of the coronavirus pandemic, a new roof over Court Philippe Chatrier, floodlit matches going long into the night and a sparse, restricted crowd of up to 1,000 fans.

Heading into the tournament, Nadal said a lack of usual preparation for his favourite Grand Slam, the autumnal conditions in Paris and a heavier new ball provided him with the “toughest test” which he had ever faced at Roland Garros.

Aside from a tricky start against Italian teenager Jannik Sinner in the quarter-

finals, it has actually been smooth progress for the Spaniard, who has yet to drop a set over the fortnight.

However, a truer test of the 19-time major champion’s real level will come on Sunday as Djokovic will be standing on the opposite side of the net.

Djokovic is one of only two men - along with Sweden’s Robin Soderling - to have beaten Nadal at a tournament which the left-hander from Majorca has dominated since 2005.

Djokovic will be meeting Nadal for the 56th time in their careers - no two men have played each other more and will contest their ninth Grand Slam final against each other.

The Serb, meanwhile, knows a victory will move him to 18 major titles - within one more of Nadal and two adrift of 39-year-old Federer.

My Dream is to Play for Madrid, Says Pogba Paul Pogba says there has been no contact from Manchester United over a contract extension and that “all football players would love to play for Real Madrid”.

The French midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the current campaign, although United do have an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The 27-year-old said: “All football players would love to play for Real Madrid. It is a dream for me, why not one day?”

“I am in Manchester and I love my club. I am playing in Manchester, I’m having fun and I want to do everything to put the club where it deserves it. I will give everything to the max, like my team-mates.

At the moment, I am in Manchester and I am concentrating about getting back to my best form.

“I think there will be a moment when the club will come and talk to me and maybe offer me something, or not. So far, nothing has happened.

I can’t tell you something that I don’t know.”

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now under pressure to deliver trophies after making multiple key signings, according to football writer Andy Mitten.

United have spent well over £250m on players since Solskjaer took the job permanently in March 2019, including big-money moves last season for Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

baini’s opener, Everton’s Alex Iwobi tried to equalise for the Super Eagles after a fine team movement but his effort went wide off target.

William Troost-Ekong led Gernot Rohr’s side in Austria as Ahmed Musa started from the bench, however, the new Watford signing received the first yellow card of the encounter after bringing down Brentford’s Said Benrahma in the 26th minute.

In the 35th minute, Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was forced to make a fine save off Mahrez’s free-kick after the Man City playmaker was brought down by Sanusi just outside the penalty area.

Nigeria’s brightest chance in the opening 45 minutes came three minutes later, with Sanusi linking a cross to Onuachu in Algeria’s box but the Genk striker’s effort was parried away for the corner by goalkeeperAlexandre Oukidja.

Algeria preserved their lead into the break but Benrahma was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on Samuel Chukwueze on the stroke of half-time.

Nigeria were forced to make their first substitution immediately after half-time due to an injury to Samuel Kalu, who was replaced by Nantes winger Moses Simon.

Just after the technical changes, Tyronne Ebuehi hit a shot from outside the penalty area but it went wide across the face of goal.

The Benfica loanee was next to go off for German-based defender Kevin Akpoguma to make his Nigeria debut in the 67th minute, while Kelechi Iheanacho replaced Onuachu.

Rohr’s men intensified their efforts for an equaliser as Ahmed Musa was introduced in the 75th minute for Chukwueze but they could not hit the target.

Meanwhile, former Golden Eaglets captain Samson Tijani was thrown into the fray to make his Super Eagles debut at the age of 18 as an 85th-minute substitute for Iwobi.

After yesterday’s loss, Nigeria will turn their attention to their second international friendly encounter against Tunisia on Tuesday.

They will be hoping to secure a win before their double-header AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone in November.

Speaking at the post-match, Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr said that he will take some positives from the defeat toAlgeria.

“This is a very good test for us. There are positives to pick from a tough game like this,” Rohr said.

English Premier League Announces Pay-per-view Fixtures The Premier League has announced that additional nontelevised fixtures in October will be made available via payper-view in order to ensure fans of each club can continue to watch their team, and also to generate some revenue in light of no matchday income for clubs, with the continued absence of fans in stadia.

The 20 clubs came to the interim decision after a meeting on Friday in order to “enable all fans to continue to watch their teams live”. The decision follows Government-imposed restrictions on supporters attending matches, which mean all games currently take place behind closed doors.

Under the new agreement, current live matches selected for TV will remain in place and be broadcast as normal. In addition, the other five matches not selected will be made available to fans on a pay-per-view basis accessed via Sky Sports and BT Sport’s existing Box Office platforms.

It will be reviewed in line with any decisions regarding the return of fans to stadiums, the Premier League said.

“Football is not the same without supporters at matches,” a statement read. “The Premier League and our clubs remain committed to the safe return of fans as soon as possible.”

Rashford Honoured with MBE on Queen’s Birthday England and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has become an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

The footballer, 22, campaigned for the government to allow about 1.3 million children to claim free school meal vouchers in England’s summer holidays during the coronavirus pandemic.

Rashford, who has asked Prime Minister Boris Johnson to extend that scheme, said the MBE was a “nice moment”.

Great North Run founder Brendan Foster has received a knighthood. A Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion, Foster competed at three Olympics for Great Britain before beginning a commentary career in 1980.

He founded the Great North Run - the UK’s biggest running event in terms of participation - the following year, and went on to cover nine summer Olympic Games for the BBC, retiring from commentary in 2017.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours list was originally scheduled to be published in June, but it was postponed by the prime minister to allow nominations of people who played crucial roles during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Aminu Shagari on Buhari Government “There is no aspect of this administration where traces of cluelessness, nepotism, deception and divisive tendencies are not glaring. We are tilting towards becoming the most terrorised place in the world.”

– Aminu Shagari, three-term House of Representatives member and son of the late President Shehu Shagari, on his disappointments with the Buhari government.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

After We End SARS, More Battles Ahead

F

ellow Nigerians, the resistance against the oppression of mostly defenceless Nigerians by officers of the Nigeria Police special squad, known as SARS, came to a deafening crescendo this week. It was never a prophecy foretold. However, thanks to the young men and women who put up amazingly coordinated protests in a few major cities, the #EndSarsProtests hashtag trended and resonated in far-flung places. The movement has gathered momentum and it is imperative that it is kept going. If we sustain this social galvanising of our people against police brutality and intimidation, I foresee that it will be the precursor for successful engagements with those in power on the many more battles that lie ahead, and the manner in which we can crush those who would abuse us and our sensibilities, and even threaten our lives.

It is somewhat distressing and disappointing though that some influential Nigerians, including my humble self, bore the brunt of the misplaced aggression of some social media warriors who couldn’t differentiate between their true friends and their imagined enemies. They accused us of not supporting their agitation for an end to SARS viciousness and cruelty to all Nigerians, a campaign I joined since last week, after Mr Omoyele Sowore and I spoke. Anyway, my simple, polite advice to my young friends is that they should learn some patience, in order not to make the mistakes we made in the past by alienating many people from the struggle through pre-judging and mis-judging them.

I see the same pattern unfolding at an alarming rate. Many of our young ones tend to see successful Nigerians as their enemies who they must drag into the protests by force. I remember Fela Anikulapo-Kuti dragging and dissing Chief MKO Abiola, going to the extent of singing a song, “International Tief Tief” in which he lampooned and lambasted a much maligned and misunderstood man. The same Abiola became a beloved public icon, our martyr for Democracy whose sad demise heralded this present democratic dispensation that has endured for longer than any political dispensation or military that the country has ever had. Abiola suffered many years in prison, more than many of the less successful citizens who were incarcerated around the same time could have done. Unlike them all, he paid the supreme sacrifice for the emancipation of Nigerians and Nigeria by having his life snuffed out at the peak of his life. He blatantly refused to give up his mandate and he paid the ultimate price. What a great shame. The easiest way to lose and waste a struggle is by fighting the wrong people and targets. The rich also cry, but many of them cannot do so publicly, not because they are supermen or because they are scared, but because to do so might weaken the resolve of those who may look up to them for inspiration and encouragement.

Some are known to have funded many struggles incognito. A struggle is always bigger than street protests. Indeed, there are several people in the armed forces and our law enforcement agencies who are much more frustrated than you and I about the nefarious activities of SARS and others who give the military and police the bad name.

Back then to SARS. The issues are much bigger than many can imagine. As I tweeted last week, the Nigeria Police has become a menace, and indeed pestilence to our country. Every department needs to be overhauled while some should be collapsed and merged with others. The name of SARS can be changed pronto, but can the reckless characters be removed and replaced soon or immediately! I doubt it because there are senior police personnel in collusion with politicians using the notorious police department to cover up their different disreputable and despicable activities.

Our Police need urgent retraining and

IG Mohammed Adamu reorientation. They require serious education.

Moreover, they also deserve our love and support.

They are too poor and sometimes have to purchase items with which to do their duties including, uniforms and shoes. I practically weep when I see policemen in rubber slippers carrying out their official duties. Where has the pride in the impeccably and fastidiously turned out policeman gone? They live with their families in squalid conditions not even fit for those who have offended against the laws of the country that they have sworn to protect.

It is little wonder that they lack self-respect and self-esteem. They have turned into bullies as a way of making up for those deficiencies.

We need to be systematic in dealing with our intractable problems. Anger alone cannot solve the problems. I read somewhere that “anger often beclouds reasoning”. We should not, and cannot, just chase the Police off the streets. We must replace them with worthy alternatives. Otherwise hardened criminals will capitalise on the obvious lacuna and wreak unprecedented havoc on our society at large. In a mob action, no one knows who is real or not. We may also not even share the same motives and motivation. The organisers of the anti-SARS campaign should therefore beware and be cautious. What will stand them and us in good stead is for them to design a powerful template moving forward.

Beyond SARS, there are still many bridges to cross. Nigeria has witnessed man’s inhumanity to man ceaselessly because we’ve failed to tackle the root causes of the problems that bedevil us. A lot of us have become second-class and third-class citizens in our own country. Many of us are not bothered if the bridges collapse once we have crossed to the other side. Indeed, some are only too willing to pull the ladder up after themselves, so others cannot cross or reach their level. That is the extent of one Nigerian’s wickedness to the other. We worry more about primordial sentiments like ethnicity and religion while we neglect the issues of fairness, justice and the rule of law.

We are selective in what concerns us and fail to unite against the repression and subjugation of our fellow citizens.

I pray that this latest protest would metamorphose into a bigger struggle for an equitable society. I pray it would galvanise our people into electing the best of Nigerians and not the dregs of our people. Lack of merit on all fronts is a major cause for concern and the bane of our society.

Each of us know the problems and even know the solutions, but we are not ready to make the necessary sacrifice. Successive governments have improved in their expertise in blackmailing and silencing those who may want to criticise their failure and incompetence. I hope the youths will spread their wings across the whole country and unite us in moving progressively towards redemption for our nation. The standard refrain on the part

of government is to describe the protests as the handiwork of disgruntled elements or Southern irredentists who wish to break up the country.

Nothing can surprise me again if this government could send its goons to go after a revered man of God like Pastor E. A Adeboye for saying what should be obvious, that Nigeria is likely to implode and disintegrate if the country is not urgently restructured.

We need to revamp our infrastructure and try to convince President Muhammadu Buhari to concentrate on Nigeria before wasting our scarce resources on Niger Republic and other African countries of that ilk. Our institutions of learning are in tatters. Our public hospitals are disgraceful.

Our utilities lie in ruins, yet we are being asked to pay even more and more for them. Our security network has tragically become the butt of morbid jokes, just as Nigerians lose their lies

wantonly and shamefully. Our social, economic and political infrastructure are in an abject state.

In short, we presently lack nearly all the indices of human development. This has been long in the making and is not the fault of this present administration alone. Although the truth is that this Administration was swept into power based on its avowed declarations and proclamations that it would work miracles and change our lives for the better. It has failed spectacularly to do this. But for our ambitious, but still deprived, private sector, I wonder where our country would be today.

We should not move on after this relatively successful protest without planning for a better future. We should grab this opportunity that has presented itself on a plater of gold with both hands. We should use it judiciously and let it be a springboard for launching a new and better Nigeria. God help us.

From The Archives... rigs and supplies for British Petroleum Ltd. Chief

I stumbled on a 1965 Time Magazine article on emerging Nigerian millionaires and it made me sad that our country was truly on the path to greatness until some unproductive elements reversed the epic journey. This story should inspire a new generation of serious-minded Nigerians...

“Africa: The Nigerian Millionaires Along with pride in status and problems of self-government, independence for the 31 nations of black Africa means the emergence of black businessmen. A few flourish on cottage industries, that are the early stage of every economy; some are the opportunistic agents of the colonial companies that formerly ruled them.

Now, however, more of Africa’s new businessmen are not only university-trained and experienced but surprisingly sophisticated in trade and finance.

In Equatorial Africa, it is no longer unusual to see a $200,000 letter of credit emerging from the folds of a native robe. Nowhere is the new African businessman doing better than in Nigeria, black Africa’s most populous and most prosperous nation. With a population of 55 million and an economy that grows 4% each year, the number of Nigerian millionaires is growing almost as fast as the country itself.

Peanuts & Petroleum. Even before Britain withdrew five years ago, Nigeria had a flourishing trade, exporting peanuts, cotton, palm kernels and cocoa and importing in exchange manufactured goods, foods and tobacco The first native millionaires made their money by competing with the white man for his trade. Among Nigeria’s richest businessmen is Alhaji Sanusi Dantata, 46, who buys and ships much of the rich Kano region’s peanut crop.

Dantata’s agents last year bought 84,000 tons from small farmers, paid with traditional handfuls of coin counted out in dusty village squares. Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu 66, knighted shortly before independence, started off by importing dried fish for resale to the non-fishing Nigerians then decided to ship the fish inland himself instead of leaving the job to others. He also amassed the country’s largest fleet of “mammy wagons,” the trucks that carry Nigerians (including market women, which gives the trucks their name) from place to place.

In today’s new Nigeria, businessmen are more likely to succeed by producing new goods or services. Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, 59, known as “The Black Englishman” for his impeccable manners and imperturbable air, began by importing cuckoo clocks and marble statues. He now controls or owns part of ten companies, including a tanker fleet and a charter airline. Emmanuel Akwiwu, 43, earned law degrees at Cambridge; returning home just as Nigeria’s oil boom began he organized a company that now has 70 vehicles, hauls oil

Shafi Lawal Edu, 54, who is president of Lagos’ chamber of commerce, has built a fleet of eight oil tankers. He owns a silver-blue Rolls-Royce, but usually drives around in a Mercedes—thinks it is less ostentatious.

No Need to Clash. Many Nigerian businessmen have taken advantage of the novel opportunities that inevitably accompany broadening prosperity.

Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, 63, a onetime farmer, developed a business to produce bicycle tires for the growing army of bikes, has done so well that he is adding a $1,700,000 plant, plans eventually to harvest his own rubber from his 5,000-acre plantation. A former office worker, Ade Tuyo, 63, cast around for a business that would have ‘first priority in people’s spending” opened a bakery that today has four shops and makes 115 products. The firm’s unusual name—De Facto Works Ltd.—was shrewdly chosen by Tuyo to impress Nigerian bankers with the fact that he was seriously in business Bayo Braithwaite, 36, one of Nigeria’s younger businessmen, left a British insurance company to found a firm that would write life insurance on Nigerians which the British underwriters avoided.

So successful has Braithwaite been that his African Alliance Insurance Co Ltd occupies a six-storey Lagos home office and has 300 bush-beating agents.

Braithwaite lives in an elegant house in suburban Ikoyi, where glass and concrete are deliberately intermixed with African folk art to prove that “the two need never clash.”

So, it is, too, with Nigerian business. The Nigerians feel that they and their onetime white masters need never clash. “The time is coming,” says Timothy Odutola, “when we will produce more than we can consume and we will have to look outside Nigeria for markets” Against that time, Nigeria is seeking joint ventures in Europe and the U.S., has also concluded negotiations for eventual associate membership in the European Common Market. Already it exports more to the Market than to its old master, Britain.”

These men were visionaries. Some of us were lucky and privileged not only to hear the stories of Alhaji Dantata, Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu, Sir Bank-Anthony, Chief SL Edu, Chief Timothy Odutola, and Bayo Braithwaite, we were old enough to actually know and meet some of them.

Their stories remain an evergreen inspiration for Nigerians. It is a constant reminder that while we may be nearing the nadir, there is a peak that we can aspire to and attain. This summit has been reached before when times may be described as dark and dire. We should therefore be capable of doing much better when we are ostensibly richer and more prosperous.

I believe the best is yet to come for our Nation...

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