SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2019

Emefiele: CBN’s Monetary Policy Yielding Results for Economy We’ve been able to reduce inflation, build FX reserves, foster real growth James Emejo in Abuja Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele has again hit back at critics questioning its resort to unconventional

monetary policy tools in trying to proffer solutions to the challenges facing the Nigerian economy, insisting that the use of unorthodox methods had yielded greater results in getting the economy

out of the woods.

Speaking yesterday at the maiden convocation lecture of the Edo University Iyamho, the CBN governor explained that the apex bank intended to leverage unconventional

monetary policy instruments in improving local production of commodities, as growth in the country's agriculture and manufacturing sectors remained critical in government's efforts to create

a diversified wealth base for the country.

He said this would also help to insulate the economy against volatility associated with changes in crude oil prices.

Expanding further on the criticism over the use of unconventional means to reset the economy, particularly from the World Bank, Emefiele said: “When we began to utilise these Continued on page 5

EFCC, Europol, Interpol Smash Transnational Criminal Gangs… Page 53 Saturday 2 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8972

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Buhari: Nigerians Must Accept Reality of Patronising Domestic Products We must grow what we eat, consume what we produce Dike Onwuamaeze and Chris Uba

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), with a call on Nigerians to patronise President Muhammadu Buhari Made-in-Nigeria products and yesterday declared open the services.

The president, who was 2019 Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF), organised by the represented by the Minister of

State for Industries, Trade and Investment, Marian Katagum, said: “I want to use this opportunity to reiterate my call to Nigerians to patronise Made- in-Nigeria products and services. We must accept our

new reality of promoting home made products as it is evident that this is where our vision of new Nigeria will be relied.

“That is why I confidently emphasise that we must be a nation that grows what

we eat and consume what we produce. This has led to nationwide agro awakening as our most viable option for economic diversification as a nation.”

He stated that the economic

focus of his administration was to diversify from monoproduct economy to non-oil sector by using the private sector as an arrow head.

Continued on page 5

INEC Raises the Alarm about Likely Bloodbath in Kogi, Bayelsa Guber Polls Thugs already mobilised from within and outside the states to disrupt process IG Adamu pledges 64,241 policemen Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned of impending violence ahead of the Kogi and Bayelsa states governorship elections.

INEC’s Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, who gave the warning at the inter-agency security meeting between the Commission and security agencies yesterday, said there were indications that thugs had been mobilised from within and outside the states with the aim of either influencing the elections or disrupting the process on behalf of partisan sponsors.

But in a swift response, the Inspector General of Police, Adamu Mohammed gave firm Continued on page 5

FOR THE LOVE OF ARTS...

L-R: Dudun and Atedo Peterside, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Tokini Peterside (founder, ART X Lagos) and the CEO/Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, during the opening ceremony of the 2019 ART X Lagos…yesterday

16 Ex-Kwara Council Chairmen Arrested over Alleged Misuse of N4bn … Page 6

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PAGE FIVE BUHARI: NIGERIANS MUST ACCEPT REALITY OF PATRONISING DOMESTIC PRODUCTS “To achieve this, my administration has made concerted efforts at expanding the Export Expansion Grant (EEG), which is often given to deserving exporters while using the Bank of Industry (BoI) as a tool to promoting the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) guarantee scheme in an effort toward encouraging the growth of the SMEs subsectors.�

President Buhari also commended the LCCI for its consistency in organising the fair, which brought participants from inside and outside the country.

He also praised the resilience of the participants, especially the SMEs, whose commitment to the annual event has remained undaunted.

He said: “Trade fairs of this nature are vital economic tools for the realisation of my administration’s economic

agenda for industrial upgrade and economic development of the country. This may not only enhance business confidence but may also lead to great foreign direct investment into the country. “I have no doubt that the focal objective of this fair include showcasing of new products from our indigenous industries which will bring together wholesalers, manufacturers and consumers from all over the world to trade in a most robust manner while connecting businesses and creating value for the growth of the nation. “Let me reiterate here that the task of transforming Nigeria into an industrial giant and ensure an inclusive and sustainable path of job creation economic development cannot be achieved without the participation of the private sector. “My government, therefore,

welcomes all good-intended efforts like yours and others from the private sector in helping to positively change the narrative by holding hands with the private sector in this patriotic drive.�

Buhari noted that the increasing number of unemployed youths vis-Ă -vis the unavailability of white collar jobs had made entrepreneurship development a viable platform to empower these job seekers and economically empower them. “This has encouraged the Ministry of Industry to continue to push for the development of policies and initiatives that would engender conducive business environment. “Strengthening of the micro and small enterprises, which form the bulk of participants in this fair, can lead to great utilisation of local raw materials and capacity utilisation, encouragement

of rural development and building the capacity of business entrepreneurs. “It is also pertinent to mention that the vast majority of developing and developed countries rely mainly on the dynamism and resourcefulness and risk taking of the SMEs to kick start bankable projects for sustained economic growth. “The resolve of this administration is to leverage on this ideal. The federal government is fully alive to its mandate of providing systems that will guarantee growth of SMEs in ensuring that their products meet acceptable global standards,� he stressed.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the 33rd annual LITF with the theme “Connecting Businesses

and Creating Value�, is one the best in Africa “as most businesses at home and abroad look forward to the LITF as a great opportunity to market their goods and services.�

The governor added: “Such is the potency of the platform that the LITF has been providing over the years. It is commendable that the LCCI has been consistently providing major marketing support for networking and public advocacy. “Let me then assure the LCCI and the business community that the Lagos State Government will continue to be your partner in progress and ensure that the business environment is made more conducive for businesses and investments to thrive. Our commitment to promoting inter border business remains unshaken. We shall leave no stone unturned in making the state a

truly 21st century economy that support the growth of the local economy through the improved ease of doing business. “Our aim is to be Africa’s mega city and a melting pot for business and industrial activities in this sub-region. We will not rest until our state is transformed to meet the expectation of business.�

The President of LCCI, Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, said that the theme of the LITF underscored the importance of business in promoting the citizens’ welfare.

Ruwase added: “The force of globalisation has underscored the need to connect business as business linkages represent one of the best ways for SME’s to realise their competitiveness and acquire access to international market, finance, technology, management and specialised knowledge.

proxy groups or individuals in the council Area.

"No right thinking persons or organisations with genuine intentions to attract real development to an area will name its group Otita Force," Isaiah said.

He called on security agencies to beam their searchlight on the Otita Force and its activities in the interest of peaceful coexistence of the Brass people.

Baribote said Isaiah’s utterance on stockpiling of dangerous weapons was false.

"I humbly urge the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force and other conscientious law enforcement agencies to keep a close eye on the council chairman and his aides," the APC chief said.

In a related development, Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday maintained that the opposition APC could not garner substantial votes to win the November 16 governorship election, given a free and fair contest.

Dickson boasted that with the developmental strides made by the state in the last eight years, the people were now fully informed that the PDP remained the party of choice for Bayelsa State.

Speaking when he led the campaign trail of the PDP to Sagbama, Bayelsa West, the governor noted that the party was not in the area to campaign because he was convinced that the party had already won the election.

On the trail with the governor to Agbere, Ebedebiri and Sagbama towns were party

chieftains, state cabinet members, as well as the standard bearer of the party, Senator Douye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewhrujakpor.

He said: "With all your leaders, who have spoken, all of them who are here, have we not won already? I am not here because of campaign, but here to say thank you for all the support these constituencies have been giving to me and PDP from 1999 until date. “The candidates that you have, who are your sons are 100 times better than the candidate on the other side. What we have done in eight years, those on the other side when they had the opportunity for five years they couldn't even do 10 per cent of what we have done."

He urged the teeming crowd not to be frightened by rumours that the APC had concluded arrangements to deploy security forces to rig the election, noting that only votes and not guns will count on November 16.

"Don't worry; they too know that we are not with them. They would talk about using soldiers, don't worry yourselves, they would talk about using police to harass you, don't worry. “They will talk of SSS or DSS to harass you, don't worry. Election is with PVC, those security agencies don't have PVC to vote, you are the ones with PVC to vote in that community. So, on that day, no fight, no violence; come with your PVC and line up, refuse to be intimidated by anybody."

Dickson stressed that all those who were “misled� to leave the party were returning and asked them to take everybody back even at the ward level.

He said that others that hadn't returned to the party were regretting leaving the PDP because the APC has no place in the state.

adding that the closure of its borders will not only act as an incentive to boost production in the agricultural sector, but also help its neighbours to adopt measures to better run their economy and create jobs.

Arguing that though the country cannot afford to leave the borders perpetually closed, he said keeping it shut for a period of two years could drastically reduce the rate of insurgency, kidnappings and internet fraud as they would find agriculture more attractive.

The CBN governor noted that Edo State, for instance, could generate over 200,000 jobs and millions of dollars in foreign exchange from supporting cultivation and processing of palm oil.

He said: "During the peak of the oil crisis, Nigeria earned close to $23 billion from exports

of crude oil in 2017, relative to Indonesia, which earned close to US$22 billion from the export of palm oil during the same period.

"I am indeed delighted that following our intervention with palm oil producers, over the next few years, annual production of palm oil in Edo State alone would be in the realm of 350,000MT. Nigeria has vast amounts of arable land that can be put to good use in the cultivation of not only palm oil but also cotton, cocoa, tomatoes and rice to mention a few."

Nonetheless, he said the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), launched in November 2015, had been designed to build partnerships between small holder farmers and reliable large-scale agro-processors, with a view to increasing agricultural output, while improving access to credit for farmers.

INEC RAISES THE ALARM ABOUT LIKELY BLOODBATH IN KOGI, BAYELSA GUBER POLLS assurances to the commission that the Nigeria Police Force was equal to its mandate of maintaining law and order, stating that he would deploy a combine team of 64,241 police personnel to provide security during the election.

According to the INEC chairman, "There are already warning signals in the two states. Both are politically vol+-965*66*-+69atile. Elections have been severally disrupted by violence in the past. Our own risk assessment, which will be shared with the security agencies at this meeting, has identified some flash points.

"We are also concerned that thugs have been mobilised from within and outside the states with the aim of either influencing the elections or disrupting the process on behalf of partisan sponsors.

This calls for a robust response before the elections, on election day, and during the process of collation and declaration of results. “Nigerians expect that by now, we have learnt enough lessons from previous elections to ensure a swift security response to the increasing desperation by political actors to disrupt elections and subvert the will of the electorate.

"If that happens, many Nigerians will blame the electoral umpire and the security agencies.

We must continue to rise to this challenge.�

The INEC chair noted that despite the security threats, the commission was committed to the integrity of the process.

He added: “Over the last seven months, we have been working assiduously to ensure that we conduct credible elections.

We cannot undermine the processes we have so laboriously established.

"We are equally confident in the assurances we have received from the security agencies of

civil and professional conduct by their personnel deployed for the elections. We have been reassured by the security agencies that election day activities at polling units and collation centres would not be disrupted by the activities of hoodlums, neither will thugs be allowed to cart away results sheets or compel our Returning Officers to make declarations under duress.

"We are equally re-assured that security personnel will adhere strictly to the standard operational guidelines and deal decisively with misconduct by their personnel on election duty. We are equally confident that with the sheer number of personnel the security agencies are deploying in the two states, there can be no excuse for the processes to be undermined by anti-democratic elements."

Yakubu further stated that he was glad that yesterday's meeting was attended by the Resident Electoral Commissioners for Bayelsa and Kogi States, as well as the Commissioners of Police of the two states, adding, "they will brief us on the level of electoral and security preparations in the two States. “We will also discuss and finalise the security deployment plan for the two elections in line with provision of Section 29 (3) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) so that the security agencies are not perceived to be running parallel arrangement with INEC. Rather, it should be INEC’s plan for the election that we should all be implementing."

According to him, INEC would meet with stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible polls: "On Thursday November 7, 2019, the Commission is organising another meeting with stakeholders in Bayelsa State to be followed by another meeting on Monday 11th November 2019 in Kogi State. We will be joined by the

Inspector-General of Police, the Director General of NYSC and representatives of all the security agencies to listen to the concerns of stakeholders and fine-tune our plans in full consultation with the stakeholders."

The Inspector General of Police pledged that adequate police protection would be provided during the polls, adding that the police high command would deploy 35,200 and 32,041 police rank and file to Kogi and Bayelsa states, respectively.

The IGP promised that the police would cover every nook and cranny of the two states and nobody, no matter how highly placed would be allowed to disrupt the elections.

The Police Chief vowed: "The security of the two elections is highly guaranteed and no thug would be allowed to cause any security breach. INEC officers and offices and the Central Bank of Nigeria, where the sensitive materials are kept, would be protected and the elections would be peaceful. “Polling centres and coalition centres would equally be protected. We have taken care of the security breaches of the 2019 general elections.

The police officers will have name tags and their telephone numbers displayed for ease of identification. Vote buying will not be tolerated. They would be arrested and prosecuted according to the laws of the land.

A representative of the National Security Adviser, Sanusi Galadimma also pledged adequate security, adding that they were monitoring the security challenges and assured that everything was under control.

Arms Build-Up Allegation Rocks Bayelsa Towns

Meanwhile, the volatile Brass

and Nembe Local Government Councils of Bayelsa State were yesterday embroiled in allegations and counter-allegations of arms stockpile ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

Chairman of Brass, Victor Isaiah said he had information that “Otita Force�, led by the younger brother of a popular politician in Nembe, who recently defected to the APC was bringing in cult-related activities to the Island.

He added that “Otita Force� poses grave danger to the security of Brass people, especially vulnerable youths, because its operations were largely characterised by mindless thuggery, violence, cultism and extremist dispositions.

But reacting, the APC party chairman in the area, Baribote Baribote, described the allegation as ludicrous, warning the local government chief not to disrupt the relative peace of the area.

Speaking in Twon-Brass, headquarters of Brass, Isaiah alleged that the group, which he said was working for the APC, was embarking on the recruitment of youths to cause mayhem during the November 16 governorship election in the area.

He said the antecedents of the Otita Force and its members were well known as a mutation from the Isongu Furo cult group which, according to him, brought pains and sorrow to the people of Nembe.

The PDP chief, who also called for the ban of the group, noted that if their activities were not checked, Brass would be thrown into another crisis as it was witnessed some years ago, when the Isongu Furo cult allegedly held sway in Nembe and Brass.

"Brass LGA will not tolerate any form of activity from the Otita Force group or any of its

APC Cannot Win in Free, Fair Poll, Dickson Insists

EMEFIELE: CBN’S UNORTHODOX MONETARY POLICY YIELDING RESULTS FOR ECONOMY tools, they were initially criticised by adherents of conventional monetary policy tools.

"Critics asserted that our FX policies constitute exchange restrictions, rationing of FX, discretionary allocation based on priority categories, and a multiple currency practice.

"While there is sufficient evidence of significant reductions in our annual import bill, and increased non-oil exports, these critics assert that we are restricting trade and creating unfair competition.

"To our critics, conventional monetary policy requires that to encourage domestic production, we should impose higher tariffs and levies. However, our experience in Nigeria has shown that, these tools have never worked, given the various attempts by certain economic agents to undermine the success

of these policies."

Emefiele, who delivered the convocation lecture titled, “The Role of Monetary Policy Towards Economic Growth in Nigeria�, maintained that the favourable outcomes and strengthening outlook of the Nigerian economy was traceable to the timeous adoption on unconventional monetary policy tools.

He told a captive audience that the CBN had been able to reduce inflation, build FX reserves, maintain FX market stability, and foster real growth through the use of unorthodox policies.

However, he admitted that there are still challenges.

According to him, "The pace of population growth at about 2.6 per cent still outstrips real growth rate while inflation is outside our tolerance band.

"Unemployment rate and incidence of poverty remain

at unacceptable levels. Our economy still faces headwinds from expected declines in global growth and its resulting impact on oil prices and capital flows to emerging market countries."

Emefiele said these challenges required that the government strengthen its efforts at enhancing growth in productive sectors of the economy, which will help in insulating the economy from external shocks.

He further added: "Nevertheless, I am happy to note that much of the success we see today is due to the adoption of unconventional macroeconomic policies. Within the CBN, our unconventional methods (especially in the management of the FX market and our development financing) supported by the orthodox approaches (in the form of our timely adjustments of monetary

policy rate) have been able to optimally balance the delicate objectives of price stability and real output growth."

He said the apex bank would continue to devise ways of ensuring that an optimal mix of monetary policy is continually deployed to engender the overall wellbeing and prosperity of the Nigerian economy.

He added that the overall aim of the CBN remained the concurrent attainment of price stability, real growth, full employment, and poverty reduction.

Emefiele, further called on Nigerians to embrace agriculture as a more sustainable means of job creation as this would further stimulate the economy from external shocks.

He said the country must stand resolute in protecting its borders from smugglers and dumping,

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NEWS

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

SYNERGISING FOR DEVELOPMENT..

L-R: Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeriuka Onyejeocha; and Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, during a Special Plenary Session with National Assembly members of Abia origin on issues of mutual benefits, held at the Assembly Complex, Umuahia…recently

EFCC Detains 16 Ex-Kwara Council Chairmen over Alleged Misappropriation of N4bn Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Operatives of the Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have detained 16 ex-local government council chairmen in Kwara State over an alleged misappropriation of part of N4 billion loan and 10 per cent of the state internally generated revenue (IGR).

Already, the affected former council chairmen are currently being interrogated by the anti-graft agency and may be charged to court on Monday.

The ex-council officials in detention at the headquarters of the anti-graft agency in Ilorin include Mrs. Risikat Opakunle, Mr. Saidu Yaru Musa, Mr. Umar Belle, Mr. Ayeni Dallas, Fatai Adeniyi

Garba, Lah Abdulmumeen, Raliat Funmi Salau, Aminat Omodara and Muyiwa Oladipo.

Others are, Oladipo Omole, Abdullahi Abubakar Bata, Saka Eleyele, Lateef Gbadamosi, Oni Adebayo Joseph, Omokanye Joshua Olatunji and Jibril Salihu.

It was alleged that the former council chairmen, after securing the controversial loans, decided

to share N100 million.

The suspects had on February 7, 2018 written a N4 billion loan request to the Ilorin Sterling Bank Manager for the payment of the Salary Arrears of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Teachers, Local Government Staff and the Local Government Pensioners. It was gathered that provisions for the

N100 million for council chairmen was not appropriated in the loan request.

The detainees were also accused of diverting monthly 10 per cent of the internally generated revenue for their personal use, which was paid directly into their personal accounts against the financial regulations.

All the suspects, according to

sources close to the EFCC, in the course of interrogation by the operatives of the Commission, admitted that they shared N100 million from the loan and also received 10 per cent of the internally generated revenue.

They were said to have pleaded with the EFCC to give them time to pay back what they benefited from government’s money.

14 Firms Submit Financial, Technical Anambra Doctors Serve Obiano Strike Notice over Salaries Services Bids for OML 119

N’Assembly Approved Border Closure, Says Omo-Agege

Chika Amanze-Nwachuku

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Fourteen firms have submitted funding and technical services bids for the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 119, a twin offshore block operated by the upstream subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company Limited (NPDC).

Speaking at the public opening of bids for the funding and technical services entity (FTSE) in Abuja yesterday, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, represented by the Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services, Mr. Faruk Sa’id, stated that the OML 119 was one of the corporation’s critical projects which aligned wholly with the federal government’s aspirations of boosting crude oil and gas production, growing reserves, and monetising the nation’s enormous gas resources.

Although the corporation did not disclose the names of the firms that submitted the bids, a statement by its Ag. Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Samson Makoji quoted the GMD as saying that “the selection process for the potential FTSE was transparent and in strict compliance with extant laws and overriding

national interest.”

“The selection process for the potential FTSE was transparent and in strict compliance with extant laws and overriding national interest, adding that it was also in tandem with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the TAPE agenda of the NNPC,” Makoji quoted Kyari to have said.

In his remarks, the Group General Manager, Supply Chain Management, Mr. Abdulhamid Aliyu, assured the firms that the selection process would remain transparent and fair.

OML 119 is made up of a twin offshore block, Okono and Okpoho fields. The oil block is located approximately 50 kilometres offshore South-eastern Niger Delta.

The NPDC had revealed that Okono Okpoho alone was producing 91.90 per cent of the NPDC wholly owned operated assets or 49.4 per cent of the total NPDC production.

“Production from the NPDC wholly operated assets amounted to 9,781,195 barrels (or 53.75 per cent of the total NPDC production) with Okono Okpoho (OML 119) alone producing 91.90 per cent of the NPDC wholly owned operated assets or 49.4 per cent of the total NPDC production,” the company said then.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), has given Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano until Tuesday next week to approve increment in their salaries or have the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital grounded.

The chairman of MDCAN in the state, Dr. Chukwudi Okani, told journalists in a press conference after an emergency meeting of the body that they were afraid that many patients would lose their lives if they went on strike, but said there was no going back on the planned action if Obiano failed to act.

He said, “You will recall that on 8th July 2019, we suspended our strike after the state government reached out to us, and showed willingness to meet our demands.

“We constituted a committee that will harmonise our demands. We are disappointed that four months after, nothing has been done to address our yearnings.

“We are the least paid medical consultants in the entire country, and following our yearnings, the committee set up by the government to look into our plight adopted a template from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital.

“Up till now, nothing has been done.

We do not want to go on strike because

we know that people will die if we do, butatthesametimewecannotcontinue to live under this present condition, because our pay is nothing to write home about.

“GovernorObianohasuntilTuesday next week to do the right thing, else, we may not guarantee industrial action. And once we go to strike, we will not return until we see alerts on our phones, and we know that people will die.”

In a swift reply however, Obiano said that the doctors had no justification to embark on strike.

In a press release made available to THISDAY in Awka and signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C Don Adinuba, the government said, the notice of strike was a mere attempt to stampede the committee constituted by the government to accept uncritically its demands and recommend them to the governor for immediate implementation.

“Neither the news conference nor the threat was necessary. Both the government and resident doctors are basically on the same page.

“Governor Obiano has accepted that the state of affairs at the state teaching hospital is not good enough. He has directed that all doctors, and not just those doing their residency work there, who have not enjoyed any promotion in the last seven years be promoted subject to the required process.

The recent closure of the nation’s borders by the federal government has the backing of the National Assembly, the Deputy Senate President (DSP), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said.

The DSP who made this disclosure in his keynote address at the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung conference yesterday, stressed that the current restrictions in the movement of goods across Nigeria’s borders was in national interest and enjoyed the backing of federal lawmakers.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative and Plenary, Senator Omo-Agege emphasised that there was no rationale for breaching ECOWAS’ protocol, attacking Nigerians or allowing unjustified risks against Nigeria’s security and economic well-being.

He stressed the need for government to be pro-active to ensure citizens’ safety, adding that it focused on integration of the 15-member states’ citizens through measures that include policy harmonisation, peace and security, infrastructure development, and good governance in member states.

Said he: “There are however areas the parliament needs to take a closer and firmer look at; paramount is the issue of intra-regional, as well as intra-national security of member states.

“For example, there needs for harmony between the central economic integration tenet of free movement of persons as guaranteed

by Protocol A/P.1/5/79, and the rights of individual member nations to protect their interests where internal security is threatened as guaranteed in Article 10 of the ECOWAS Protocol on movement of persons which frowns at the presence of persons from another/ other member country(ies) prejudicing the rules and regulations of host countries. Together with other relevant Articles of the Protocol, it guarantees the right of such host countries to take measures to redress such anomalies.

“A good example is the current conversation on Nigeria’s action, consistent with the provisions of Article 10 and its sovereign right, of temporarily closing her land borders in response to serious irregularities attending the movement of goods and persons across our borders. We can recall that the ECOWAS Parliament in a recent resolution called on Nigeria to reopen these borders.

“Whilst we prefer to build bridges of regional integration, we agree with the Government of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari that all Member States have a bounden duty to comply fully with the letters and spirit of the Revised Protocol.

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Police Arrest Notorious Kidnappers In Brief in Kaduna, Akwa Ibom, Rescue 9 Help Desk on Sexual Harassment Okon Bassey in Uyo and John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested a notorious kidnapper and rescued eight victims, including a 13-yearold boy.

This is as a Special team of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu yesterday destroyed a building suspected to be kidnappers’ hideout in Ikot Ubo community, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State where they rescued a woman and arrested four suspects.

Yakubu Sabo, spokesman of Kaduna Command, said in a statement that the arrest of the notorious kidnapper led to

the rescue of the eight victims in different locations of the kidnappers’ den.

He said the operation took place on Tuesday and Thursday, adding that the notorious kidnapper whose name was given as Mustapha Ibrahim was assisting the police in investigation.

Sabo said the victims were rescued at Rigasa and Narayi, both in Igabi and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

He said further that the bandits engaged the police in a fierce gun battle following the discovery of their camps at Maguzawa and Gurguzu forests in the state, adding that many of the bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

The statement said: “On 29/10/2019 at about 2030hrs, a combined teams of Police Operatives from Rigasa, Nariya Divisions and personnel of the Command’s operation department acting on reliable tip off, swung into action and succeeded in arresting a suspected notorious kidnapper one Mustapha Ibrahim of Daura Road Rigasa Kaduna red handed, with a kidnapped victim one Abubakar Aminu a 13-year-old boy of Maraban Rido Village Chukun L.G.A Kaduna State on his way to deliver the victim to his gang members. “The suspect subsequently led the operatives to rescue two other victims in their criminal hideout namely: Ismaila Hussaini, Hussaini

Umar both residing at AdoGwaram area of Rigasa Kaduna. “The suspect is helping Police investigation. The Command is currently on the trail of other gang members for possible arrest and prosecution. “In addition to the above success, the operatives of the Command in continuation of the current onslaught against all identified Bandits Camps in the State, the operation at Maguzawa and Gurguzu Forests recorded another milestone today 31st October 2019 with the successful rescue of another set of five kidnap victims after storming some bandits camps at about 0130hrs and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

In an effort aimed at stemming the tide of sexual harassment, intimidation and other forms of abuse in our tertiary institutions, the Centre for International and Advanced Professional Studies( CIAPS) has inaugurated NgrCampus student help desk. Briefing journalists recently, in Lagos, the Director of the centre and a Professor of Strategic Studies, Anthony Kila said the platform would provide an avenue for expression of ideas and information for students facing such ordeal in tertiary institutions, adding that such confidential information will be kept anonymous. According to him , research had shown that students and indeed other members of our institutionsofhigherlearningfaceandwitnessvariousformsofharassment, intimidation, as well as other forms of abuse without having informal, but organised expert ears to talk to."

Court Remands Man for Incest, Rape

A 52-year-old staff of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Mr. Davies Noel, alleged to have committed incest and rape against his 12-yearold daughter , was yesterday remanded on the orders of an Ado Ekiti Magistrates’ Court.The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abdullamid Lawal, ordered the remand of the accused person, who claimed to be from Sierra Leone in prison custody. When the charges were read to the accused he pleaded not guilty to the charges.The prosecutor, Inspector Leramo Caleb, told the court that the accused committed the offences between the year 2018 and October , 2019. Leramo said the victim confided in an outsider at school who reported to the police. He noted that the accused confessed to the crime and the medical report conducted on the survivor shows that her hymen had been broken.

5 in Court over Adulterated Rice

Five persons have been arraigned in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital for allegedlydealinginadulteratedriceinthestate.Theaccusedappearedbefore Justice Anulika Okeke of the Federal High Court, Uyo on 17 count charges andpleadednotguilty.ThecasewithchargenumberFHC/UY/70C/19was brought against the accused by the Federal Competition and Consumer ProtectionCommission(FCCPC).Accordingtothecharges,thefiveaccused were prosecuted for advertising and displayed for sale defective, unsafe and re-bagged rice thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11 of the Consumer Protection Council Act, Cap C25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.The Court granted all the accused persons bail in the sum of N5 million each and their sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of Court.

700 BeneďŹ t from Free Health Mission The Chief Whip of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Bunmi Adelugba, has said the recurrent practices of self-medication were responsible for the deaths and health challenges being suffered by many Nigerians. Adelugba said this in Emure Ekiti yesterday during a free health and empowerment programme she organised for over 700 aged and widows in her constituency At the quarterly programme, aged, widows, artisans, entrepreneurs and the less privileged were assisted to set up or expandtheirbusinessesandalsoenjoyedfreemedicalservices toincrease theirlifeexpectancies.Addressingthebeneficiaries,Adelugba,representing Emure constituency, hinted that the move was to complement the Ekiti

NDE Train Youths on Agric

FOR CLEARER VISTA...

L-R: Chairman Nigeria-South African Chamber of Commerce (NSACC), Foluso Phillips; Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Managing Director, Phillips Consulting, Robert Taiwo during the October edition of the NSACC Breakfast Meeting discussing- Lagos and Ogun, partnering for the Future, held in Lagos...recently

Hoodlums Disarm, Injure 4 Policemen at Checkpoint Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Four policemen are reportedly lying critically ill in an undisclosed hospital following an attack by suspected hoodlums at a checkpoint they mounted at Bonsac Junction, Asaba area on the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha Expressway.

The policemen, who are attached to the Delta State Police

Command, were also said to have been dispossessed of two AK-47 rifles and two other guns by the hoodlums before disappearing.

The state police authorities however, would neither confirm nor deny the report of the incident, which occurred on Wednesday night at about 9.30p.m.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke,

told our reporter on telephone yesterday that he was still on annual vacation while the command's spokeswoman, DSP Onome Onowakpoyeva claimed that she was yet to be briefed about incident.

One of the injured policemen was alleged to have died of his injuries during the incident but a police source denied the death

of one the policemen.

The incident allegedly caused panic in the area as the hoodlums, numbering about 10, attacked the policemen with dangerous weapons.

Following the attack, a team of armed policemen allegedly later raided the area, arresting youths indiscriminately in connection with the incident.

Anambra Bans Day Movement of Petrol Tankers over Onitsha Fire David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Following the indiscriminate bursting into flames of trucks carrying petroleum products in Anambra State in recent times, the state government has ordered a ban on their movement in the state during the day.

Within two days, in October, the state witnessed three petrol tanker incidents, while one more happened on October 31, also in Onitsha.

The notice of the ban was contained in a press release by the state Commissioner

for Information, Mr. CDon Adinuba.

He said, "Anambra State Government has decided to restrict the time which vehicles laden with petroleum products can move in the state. With effect from Saturday, November 2, 2019, such vehicles can be allowed to move within Anambra State from only 8p.m. to 5a.m.

"The restriction is to enable agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defence the Anambra Traffic Management Agency and indeed all other

security, law enforcement and safety agencies to respond effectively and in good time to emergencies created by such accidents which sometimes result in conflagrations, as was the case in Onitsha on Wednesday, October 16, 2019" "The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force and all other security agencies have therefore been directed to religiously enforce the restriction order on the movement of trucks carrying petroleum products in the state.

"They have also been directed to ensure that such vehicles do

not exceed the speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour.

"Any violation of either the time restriction order or the speed limit will be punished accordingly. The protection of the life and asset of every person in Anambra State cannot be compromised," The release read.

The commissioner urged all stakeholders, including oil marketers, workers, tanker drivers and concerned persons in the downstream oil sector to bear with the state and help to adhere to this regulation which is made strictly in the overriding public interest.

The federal government has been called upon to provide the right atmosphere that will make farm produce to be appropriately priced, so that Nigerian farmers can live above poverty level. The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment ( NDE), Dr. Nasir Mohammed Ladan made the call in Oshogbo, while speaking through NDE state Coordinator, Mr. IsmailYekeen at the orientation and flag off of Sustainable Agricultural DevelopmentTraining Scheme (SADTS 2019),for 1,000 school leavers and unemployed graduates organised by NDE for unemployed youths, and other persons who have passion for setting up agro- allied businesses in Osun State. According to NDE boss, the prevailing crisis of development, which was a contributing factor to poor standard of living of farmers in the country, could be better managed, if the federal government could prevent a situation whereby prices and sales of farm produce are subject to market forces.

Eradicate Gas Flaring

The federal government has tasked Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State to develop strategy for the eradication of gas flare and development of gas reserves in the country. Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, gave the challenge weekend during the 2019 graduation ceremony of the institution held at Effurun, Delta State.

He urged PTI, established for the training of middle level manpower for the oil industries, in and outside the country, to also come up with a strategy or proposal to assist the federal government's agenda of zero loss of crude oil output. Chief Sylva said "the Institute has remained in the fore front of providing quality and technically relevant training, thereby delivering the technological need's required in the petroleum industry and of great importance to the federal government.

Old Boys Spend N4.2m

In order to contribute their quota to the development of their alma mater, Our Lady of Fatima College Old Boys Association disclosed that it had spent up to N4.2 million to improve infrastructure in the school.

Our lady of Fatima College was founded in 1960 in Auchi, Etsako Local Government Area of Edo State; the third secondary school in the entire Kukuruku Division now known as Edo North senatorial district. President of Old Boys Association of the college, Hon. Pascal Ugbomhe, made the disclosure at the Annual General Meeting of the Association through Ikuenobe Education Trust Fund. He said that in the year under review, the old boys of the school set up he Ikuenobe education trust fund to which members have graciously contributed money to the tune of Four Million,Two Hundred andThirty- fiveThousand, Nine Hundred and fifteen naira, sixty kobo.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 2, 2019

Army’s Prickly Operation Positive Identification

T

he Director of Operations and Training of the Nigerian Army, Major General E.O. Udoh initiated the controversy. He stated at a press conference on September 25 in Abuja that the military was extending Operation Positive Identification, first launched in the North-east, to the rest of the country.

The General said this would help checkmate terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic militia, cattle rustlers and other crimes across Nigeria.

When a post on social media on Tuesday, supposedly by the Army, announced that the prickly operation would commence on November 1, the military quickly dissociated itself from it, saying it was “fake news”.

They informed Nigerians that the security advisory should be disregarded. But the military authorities still did not deny the statement of General Udoh. The social media material termed “fake news” appropriately captured the plan revealed by General Udoh.

The Army did not also say that the plan had been abandoned. Army Chief, Tukur Buratai affirmed the prickly operation on Thursday when he told the House of Representatives that he would go ahead with it.

It is now clear that Operation Positive Identification would be extended to the rest of Nigeria and the planned operation would see soldiers accosting citizens on the streets or highways and asking them to produce means of identification on the spot. The opposition to the plan did not affect the takeoff date.

Nigerians are being warned in advance to carry a valid means of identification like national identity card, voter’s card, driver’s license and international passport, whenever they are going out, to avoid being seen as criminally-minded by the soldiers. A statement signed by Army spokesperson Sagir Musa back in September, urged citizens not to panic on seeing an increased presence of military personnel on the streets.

The speculations about the authenticity of the grumpy operation have been laid

Buratai

to rest. I had to call for the transcript of General Udoh’s press briefing/that of Buratai on Thursday and spent quality time reading them. Honestly, the Army under the leadership of Buratai has missed it on this planned nonsensical attack on the dignity of Nigerians. There is nothing wrong with the Army aiming to secure the country and protecting lives and properties of Nigerians.

But there is a lot wrong with accosting people and asking them to produce identity cards.

We are not in a police state. People without verifiable identity cards have not committed any offence. Besides, there is no law that says citizens must move around with identity cards.

The statement by the military that it had been taking similar measures to separate citizens from terrorists in the Boko Haramravaged northeastern part is garbage. The military claimed that people in the North-east had been cooperating with troops to make

the exercise successful by carrying with them valid identity documents. So, what has the Army achieved in the North-east with this?

Virtually nothing. Boko Haram and ISWAP are still rampaging, with civilians and soldiers killed daily. Military bases have been commandeered by the terrorists while millions of people are holed up in IDP camps because their villages and towns are still occupied by the terrorists.

Is Buratai saying he is unaware that it is unlawful to ask citizens to carry ID cards?

It is illegal to harass people without identity cards. So many Nigerians don’t even have identity cards for a number of reasons. The National Identity Card project is a failure.

Many have lost their jobs; so, they don’t have work identity cards. How many people have travelling passports? How many Nigerians have driver’s license? Buratai and his other security chiefs must adopt contemporary policing technique rather than coming up with unpolished and tyrannical tactics aimed at humiliating Nigerians. Law enforcement agents should go after doubtful people, based on intelligence. The military must not subject the entire country to unjustifiable harassment.

This idea of trying to intimidate, victimise and extort Nigerians must be shelved.

The Army Chief, if he still has warcapable hands, should move them towards the North-east to effectively combat Boko Haram, instead of looking for Nigerians without identity cards. This exercise is not within the purview of Buratai and his men.

For me, our security chiefs clearly lack ideas about how to fight insecurity in our dear country.

It is good that the House of Representatives has spoken out against the planned “operation show your identity cards.”

I fully concur with the House Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu, who raised a point of order of national importance at the resumption of plenary last Tuesday, urging the House to stop the planned operation, because “it would strip Nigerians of their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of

movement.”

Elumelu added: “If allowed, it would downgrade innocent Nigerians to suspects, while it would also instill fear, anxiety and panic in the entire polity. The nationwide operation would also amount to an indirect imposition of a state of emergency across the country by the Army. Such proposed military operations that involve direct contact and regulating of civilians could result in abuses and serious safety issues, especially at this time the nation is battling with the scourge of victimisation and extra-judicial killings.”

The position of rights activist, Femi Falana on the loathsome operation is instructive.

He described it as a subtle ploy to foist the obnoxious apartheid policy of the then white minority regime in South Africa on Nigerians: “It is a sad reminder of the illegal practice of the white minority rulers, which compelled Africans to carry pass books outside their homelands or designated areas under the apartheid regime in South Africa. Similar operations such as Operation Python Dance, Operation Scorpion and others conducted by the Army in civilian areas had recently led to reckless arrests, detention and extrajudicial killings of innocent citizens. Since majority of Nigerians do not have any of the Army’s approved means of identification, they would be subjected to unwarranted intimidation and physical attacks by armed soldiers, who would pretend that they were looking for criminal elements.”

Forces of good must put pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that this satanic military operation does not see the light of the day. We are not a subjugated people. Buratai and his men must perish this idea.

Untold Story of the Abduction at Engravers College

El-Rufai Few days after six female students and two staff of Engravers College, Kakau Daji, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State were abducted, Governor Nasir el-rufai told journalists at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja that he was on top of the situation. Many took him seriously and thought the kidnappers would soon be smashed and the girls/teachers Justice O. A. Onagoruwa of an Ogun State Magistrate Court in Abeokuta deserves commendations for dismissing the criminal charges filed against four of the #RevolutionNow protesters in the state. The protesters, Daniel Abraham, Festus Afofun, Kolawole Seun and Okoro Romeo were arrested on August 5 while participating in the national #RevolutionNow protest convened by detained activist Omoyele Sowore. They were charged with conspiracy, unlawful assembly and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. Justice Onagoruwa courageously agreed with the no-case submission made by defence lawyer, Inibehe Effiong and ruled that

freed. It did not happen. The governor was just showboating. Our lethargic security agents also disappointed the abducted girls and teachers.

There was no sign that they ever got close to the kidnappers. In fact, the girls and their teachers spent 23 days in the dungeons of the kidnappers.

The victims eventually secured their freedom, largely based on the efforts of the parents, concerned indigenes of the state and a retired Army officer, who mobilised funds to meet the demands of the kidnappers. The parents had earlier paid a ransom of N3.6 million for the release of the girls, but after collecting the money, the bandits refused to release their victims and made a fresh demand for a ransom of N10 million. They said they had spent the N3.6 million buying bullets and feeding their victims. At the end of the day, N13 .6 million was paid to the kidnappers. Yes, ransom was paid to secure the freedom of these girls and their teachers. Forget about whatever the security agents and Kaduna State Government have been saying. The retired military officer, who anchored the negotiation, had to mobilise his friends to raise a substantial part of the ransom. This was because it became obvious that security agents and the Kaduna State Government were lackadaisical about securing freedom for the girls and their lives were at great risk.

It is a shame that these kidnappers move around the Kaduna-Abuja Road unchecked.

The ransom was collected at a location on the road. After collecting the ransom, the kidnappers moved the girls and their teachers to the same Kaduna–Abuja Road, dropped them around Dutse village and called the parents to come and pick them. A police patrol team surprisingly got there before the parents, picked them and took them to the Toll Gate Police Station.

Now, it’s been eight days since the release of the girls. The story the police told the parents was that they were aware of the location of the kidnappers, but decided not to go after them, to avoid putting the girls at risk. Now that the girls have been released, I thought the police would have gone all out to nab the brigands. It has not happened. Like in previous cases of abductions, it may never happen. Those who inflicted pain on those children and their parents will most likely go unpunished. What a country!

This country is evidently in a mess with abductors. These gangsters have been raging for almost five years now unconstrained by our maladroit security agents.

Daily, kidnappers inflict pain on hapless Nigerians. Civil authority is evidently collapsing.

Last Wednesday, it was the turn of Justice Chioma Nwosu of the Court of Appeal, Benin, to suffer the humiliation. She was kidnapped in Benin and her police orderly (Inspector A. I. Momoh) killed by the gunmen. As at press time, she was still in the dungeons of her abductors.

Kudos to Justice Onagoruwa “the prosecution failed to establish any of the essential elements of the three counts.”

The defence lawyer remarked: “The ruling is a vindication of our position that the Nigerian government had no basis in law to have arrested, detained or arraigned citizens who called for revolution during the peaceful protest of August 5, 2019. I have consistently said that the case is a disgraceful attempt by the government

to silence voices of dissent. This is just the beginning of the end of the shambolic attempt by this regime to illegally deploy the judicial process in a dubious and immoral manner.”

The hero here is Justice Onagoruwa, for refusing to be intimidated by government.

Constitutionally, citizens have a right to protest peacefully. The arrest of #RevolutionNow protesters was unlawful.

Sadiq Abubakar

NAF Jets Killed 35 Terrorists?

I often shudder whenever the Nigerian Air Force reports that its fighter jets have bombed Boko Haram and ISWAP, without ground troops mopping up. They follow up with release of the figures of killed terrorists.

Last week, NAF did same, saying that its fighter jets had bombed Bukar Meram on the fringes of Lake Chad, killing 35 terrorists.

According to NAF, the bombing “followed intelligence reports that the location was used to provide logistics support for terrorists using fishing activities as a cover.” An attack aircraft was subsequently deployed “to bombard the insurgents in repeated strikes and the air strikes decimated many ISWAP fighters and destroyed structures at the location.”

NAF said before the strikes, over 35 terrorists were observed within the area and “35 of them were killed” during the raid.

Haba! How did NAF come about this figure 35 of killed terrorists without ground troops mopping up? With the way NAF regale Nigerians with stories of “repeated strikes” and “successful strikes”, Boko Haram should have been history by now. Honestly, I have very strong feelings that most of these so-called successful air strikes against the terrorists are just make-believe stories.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo

If I Could Take Anything from My late Father, I’ll Take His Brain

His Royal Majesty, King Ifechukwude Okonjo, the new Obi of Ogwashiukwu, Delta State, who doubles as the Managing Director of Chevy Chase Limited (a financial advisory firm based in Lagos) and son of the late Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo spoke with Chris Asika about his life, career and journey to the throne. Excerpt My late father was not just a teacher

M

y childhood days were all about intellectual competitions, especially when you are privileged to have two lecturers as parents.

My late father Prof.

Chukwuka Okonjo was not just a teacher but a motivator orchestrated by his coaching technique.

Growing up in an academic environment like University of Nigeria, Nsukka gives you the privilege to interact with other lecturers and their children.

Imagine having to interact with great academics like Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. James Ezeilo, (former Vice Chancellor of the University) and the rest.

They are not astronomically wealthy in material things, but academically rich.

That is the environment I grew up in and the setting was all about excellence.

Ghana was where I learnt tolerance

I was born in Enugu on June 1967, but had my primary school in Nsukka where my father was lecturing as at that time and later moved to Legon in Ghana in 1974 were I completed my primary school in 1979. As a child of two lecturers, we are used to moving from one place to another because of my father’s work schedules in different academic institutions he had to lecture. Ghana was where I had my formative years; where I learnt tolerance and a different view of the world having to stay with people of diverse culture and languages. I learnt that Ghana is matrilineal in their culture because women are the drivers of the society unlike Nigeria where our culture is male-oriented.

My father also worked with United Nations in Ghana and this also gave me and my siblings an opportunity to interact with the children of UN staff in Ghana where I became very docile.

We moved back and forth between Nigeria and Ghana.

In 1979 I was sent home to Nigeria to study at Federal College, Enugu, in Eastern Nigeria. The school which was a very beautiful school was known for its highly competitive academic excellence as at that time (reason my parents opted for it) it took me time to adapt but during my 2nd and 3rd year, I was already at home with the school.

My mum has always been a strong pillar

My mother was one of the first women to bag a PhD in Nigeria. My mother had her PhD in the United States aided by University of Nigeria Nsukka to study Sociology. My mum has always been a strong pillar of my family supporting my dad all through since she is also an academic and just like my dad, she travels to and from one institution to another carrying out researches and going on sabbaticals from time to time. Their union is one of a kind. Both were my first role models in life. My home was a typical classroom where academic work was just like every other household chores. At one point, I felt it was just a normal thing obtainable in other homes. My other teacher was my elder sister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

She, just like my mum, would mix

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY My father taught us to enjoy whatever we have... family dinners, breakfast or lunch with tutorials. It was fun those days.

My parents are my first role models in life

Just like I said earlier, my parents are my first role models in life. My father taught me something about set values and intellectual competitions. He was not interested in academic grades, but he initiates the process of crystallisation of knowledge. His emphasis is for you to ‘do the work and do it well; grades are just the crowning of your efforts’. It has affected me profusely because knowledge is the application of what is tested in the classroom. The process is the residual knowledge; the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Emotional Quotient (EQ).

The most successful people are not necessarily the brightest especially those who have other skills as an added advantage. Life is not a bed of roses; whatever results you get in life is how you react to what happens to you. Life is a process of default.

My career

I had two bachelor degrees in Economics and History from the University of Maryland, United States of America and subsequently bagged an MBA from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. I worked with Haliburton from 2001. I felt I did not like the way Africans were treated and I revolted. I took the company to court and I had an out of court settlement deal by my lawyer, Mr. Etigwe Uwa that gave me good money and I decided to invest in haulage business. As at 2004, I had built my first house in Igbuefor, Lagos and three trucks. I became bored doing the same routine job that is not intellectual in nature. I felt I have made enough profit so I sold off my trucks and went into partnership with my brother, Mr. Chukwuelozie Okonjo, who had a career with Arthur Anderson LLP, a world class accounting/auditing firm.

Together we founded George Town Consulting Ltd, a trade finance consulting firm. I was in charge of business development, while my brother was in charge of analysis and strategy. He is a very brilliant person with an MBA degree and we started with big jobs.

Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo with his family

My high and low moments

My low moments are when you have to deal with the fact that you have no control over issues especially when people sabotage you and get jealous of your achievements. I cannot necessarily say that I merited what I’ve achieved but things come to me naturally.

Sometimes when transactions don’t go through, some people get resentful, but I and my siblings were taught by our father to be multi-tasking. It is better to get one per cent of something large than 10 per cent of something small. Another low moment is when you don’t get paid after doing a job; people tend to fight you so as to avoid paying you. I don’t look at what the other man has, we all have different race. To some, it is sprint to the finish line, while others, it’s a marathon.

Highest moment

Highest moment of my life is when I spend time with my family. I grew up in a very close family. I have four daughters and my wife. She comes from a very similar background. She went to Queen’s College, Lagos. She has the same value set with me and my best support.

My Hobbies

I enjoy exercising four to five times a week; I enjoy running 50km a week. I enjoy healthy meals cooked by my wife. I love vegetables with shredded chicken, grilled fish and lots of fruits like pawpaw, water melon, oranges etc.

Journey to the Throne

The death of my father is one of the most painful experiences. He never wanted to be a burden to anybody. He had pneumonia and he knew he could live for more time but he gave instructions for his oxygen to be removed so nature will have its way. Watching him reminds me of my own mortality. He taught us to enjoy whatever we have. He did everything for us his family, made huge sacrifices, and gave us the best. If I could take anything from him, I will take his brain.

A man who gave me so much, I come from a family of stars, extremely brilliant siblings who gave me love and care I am the fifth child and the third son which naturally

should not place me to ascend the throne of my father.

But be it as it may, my eldest brother who would have naturally taken after my father, Mr. Chukwuma Okonjo is not fit health-wise, while Mr. Ikechukwu Okonjo, a lawyer with EFCC, who is also a pastor decided not to take the throne because of his beliefs which naturally made me the man for the job. I told myself as an African, let me discover the process; I believe that institution can be mordenised. My contribution is to develop that place to a flat structure were every person will participate actively.

Leadership Model

My plan is to set up committee to ratify the institution and set up an advisory board from all parts of Ogwashiukwu. I believe the Obi is the Chief Servant. I will bring on board my skills set to play. I will lay institutions that will deal with issues of developments; land issues, youth employment, healthcare, education, agriculture and spin offs that come from this, setting up of information and communication technology (ICT) centres for children, sports facility for the youths as an avenue of expression like basketball, volleyball, fitness gym and weight lifting.

For agriculture, we will push animal husbandry, rabbit farming, goat farming, new breed crossing with local breeds to improve the quality of meat, establishment of cooperatives like rice, palm plantations, banana etc. and creating food processing plants that will deal with yam, cassava for export market. Empowering the youth as a force in agriculture We will promote our culture by building our own MUSON centre, transforming Ogwashiuku from a passive recipients of disperse benefits into active agents of change and building road networks through direct labour.

The question is: what can we do together to transform Ogwashiuku? I see an Ogwashi with a television /radio station, university, as we already have a polytechnic with over 18,000 students.

All this I will achieve using models I learnt from my late father. Development can only occur in rural communities organically from within by harnessing the latent potentials of the said community by converting passive recipients of disperse benefit into active agents of change.

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Íş Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

HONOUR FOR A QUIET PHILANTHROPIST

Olusegun Adeniyi pays tribute to Aderemi Makanjuola, businessman and philanthropist who leverages his network for great causes

T

he Chairman of Caverton Offshore Support Group, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola, will today be sworn in as the Chancellor of Edo State University, Iyamho for a term of ďŹ ve years at the ďŹ rst convocation ceremony of the institution. According to the letter from the University signed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Emmanuel Aluyor, Makanjuola’s appointment was sequel to the approval by the Governor of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki. It is an honour well deserved for a man who has built a reputation for quiet philanthropy, especially in the much-neglected social sector in the country. It is also a strategic move by the university that can now leverage on Makanjuola’s global network for their development.

For all his wealth, Makanjuola shuns the limelight and lives a simple life, even as he clears medical bills for those who have no way of ever repaying him in any way while funding the education of several people. So, for many years, he has targetted his giving to the two most neglected areas in Nigeria: Education and health. In 2014, Makanjuola donated a 500-seater lecture hall to the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State while promising employment and internship positions for the institution’s students.

To mark his 70th birthday last year, for instance, Makanjuola donated a 500-seater lecture theatre to the Lagos State University (LASU) Ojo, Lagos. “Education is important and I believe if we have a good environment on campus, students will excel. I felt that I should do something because when you help people, you are helping yourself,� said Makanjuola at the occasion. Earlier in the same year, he had donated a 500-seater Lecture Theatre built in memory of his late mother (Alhaja Adiat Abegbe Makanjuola) at the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN) University in Offa, Kwara State.

Meanwhile, just two months ago, the management of the Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM) commissioned a multi-million naira Molecular Biology Laboratory built by Makanjuola. “We’re grateful to Mr Makanjuola for this donation. This is a befitting 20th anniversary for us. Because we run regular tests, a new laboratory is like raising the bar. Having molecular genetics laboratory is something we have long desired, but it is capital intensive,� said the acting provost of the college, Prof. Anthonia Ogbera who added that the facility would help in the diagnosis of diseases such as sickle cell disorder, pre-natal diagnosis, cervical screening, basic diagnosis and a lot of others.

It is remarkable that Makanjuola has within the past 10 years given away billions of naira to support educational and health development in our country without any structured foundation.

But his impact is being felt in substantial ways, and that perhaps explains why Edo State University targeted him for the position of Chancellor. That Makanjuola and a few of our wealthy people

FOR ALL HIS WEALTH, MAKANJUOLA SHUNS THE LIMELIGHT AND LIVES A SIMPLE LIFE, EVEN AS HE CLEARS MEDICAL BILLS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO WAY OF EVER REPAYING HIM WHILE FUNDING THE EDUCATION OF SEVERAL PEOPLE

are investing in tertiary education, especially in the area of critical infrastructure, is good for the country. Now that he is a university chancellor, Makanjuola can do more to help structure that engagement between the private sector and our public universities for more enduring results.

In many countries, donations from wealthy individuals and corporate bodies sustain and provide an important contribution to the social advances tertiary institutions like universities aim to deliver. But it goes beyond helping to build physical infrastructure to funding research that advances knowledge. For that to happen in Nigeria, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) will have to embrace transparency and accountability.

They will also need to show more commitment to their own career advancement in terms of acquiring knowledge than in perpetually engaging in what has become no more than unproductive unionism.

Investment in the social sector has been dwindling over the years and that is why it is important that we have philanthropists coming in with their money. But we also need a structure that will encourage more men and women of goodwill. That will necessitate putting in place fiscal measures in that direction by the authorities. That is what other countries have done. In the United States, for instance, individuals and corporate bodies may be entitled to charitable deductions of up to half of their adjusted gross incomes, if they donate to tax-exempt social sectors. We need such interventions in our country. As a University Chancellor, people like Makanjuola should help begin such a conversation.

In Makanjuola, Edo State University could not have made a better pick for their chancellor. He will bring to the campus his business acumen, his character, his generosity and most importantly, his simplicity. I recall when Makanjuola turned 60 some 11 years ago. His children had wanted to buy him a limousine and he turned down the offer. I will never forget my conversation with him. “At this stage of my life, what do I need such a car for? Who do I want to impress? I am grateful to God for His mercy and grace. If tomorrow I decide to wear slippers to visit my mother in Surulere, there is the likelihood that what most of the people who see me there would say is, ‘that is what rich people wear now’; not that I am too poor to have something better.�

Given the role he played as the pioneer chairman of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, which helped to raise funds to buy vehicles and security gadgets for the police, Makanjuola has shown very clearly that he can leverage his network for great causes. As he therefore becomes the chancellor of Edo State University today, I wish Makanjuola success in this most onerous national assignment.

Adeniyi is chair of THISDAY Editorial Board

MOBOLAJI JOHNSON (1936-2019) Tayo Ogunbiyi pays tribute to Johnson, first Military Governor of Lagos State

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he harsh reality of death as the predictable end of every mortal was driven home by Williams Shakespeare in one of his enduring works, ‘Julius Ceaser’, in the following words: “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear; seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come�.

Death is certainly an integral part of human existence. Either by spiritual insight or medical diagnosis some know ahead of time about the imminence of their death. But for others, deaths come so suddenly, tragically and at times so painfully.

This same death, which Shakespeare describes as a necessary evil, finally caught up with Brigadier- General Mobolaji Johnson (rtd) on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the age of 83. Johnson, the first Military Governor of Lagos State (1967-1966), reportedly died after a brief illness.

His death has since been described as a great loss to Lagos State and indeed the country as a whole. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu described the deceased as a dedicated Lagosian with massive contributions to the development of Lagos State in particular and the nation as a whole.

The departed illustrious son of Lagos was a constant source of support and inspiration to subsequent governors of Lagos State, especially from 1999 till date. He was always willing to offer his wise counsels and experience whenever the need arises. Even while it was obvious that his health could not really support such rigorous endeavour, Johnson

was a regular feature at every major Lagos State government ground-breaking events since 1999. Such was his commitment to the cause of Lagos State, and that is the exact reason why he would be sorely missed.

What is, however, soothing is that Mobolaji Johnson passed away at the ripe age of 83, having served God and humanity in various capacities and fields. A great administrator and rare humanist, Johnson touched and transformed several lives through his life of selfless service and industry. He was a symbol of decency, humility and integrity.

His life epitomised the virtues of honesty, fairness and justice.

As the first military Governor of Lagos State, he discharged his mandate equitably with remarkable dignity. His indelible record of service remains intact. The “Centre of Excellence� that we proudly proclaim today is a product of his vision for Lagos State when he conceived several landmark programmes and projects for the newly created state.

Even in death, the story of the development of Lagos to a model megacity cannot be told without a mention of this unassuming and worthy leader. Some of the impactful projects he executed as governor are still visible and have definitely outlived the man who did them.

In the realisation that Lagos State is the most populous and leading state in the federation, Mobolaji Johnson was determined to turn the state into the pride of the nation.

The policy thrust of his administration was shaped by his faith in the creative capabilities and unbounded energies of the people, especially the masses. Thus, his early days in office clearly showed him as a man who

brought resourcefulness, experience and dynamism to the task of solving problems that linger and hinder the progress of the people of the state.

Mobolaji Johnson was first appointed as the Administrator of the Federal Territory of Lagos on January 15, 1966 and later as Military Governor at the creation of the state on May 27, 1967. He recorded considerable achievements during his tenure. His regime witnessed an increase in revenue of the state from N36.7m to N99.7m. The increase was largely due to the revenue allocation formula that had just been introduced and increased revenue from crude oil, which was partly distributed to the state governments.

Under his leadership, the state government generated the larger proportion of its revenue from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). According to the government then, the IGR was known as, “sources under the control of the Lagos State Government�.

It was the Mobolaji Johnson administration that began the construction of Ikorodu and Mushin General Hospitals. It also modernized the General Hospital, Lagos, by building the new mortuary block, physical medicine department, sewage treatment plant and installation of a standby generator.

The administration commissioned the nurses hostel, doctors flat at Marina, Isolo and Harvey Road Health Centres.

Also built by the administration was the maternity annex at Onikan Health Centre and additional ward at Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital. It equally opened five new Government Colleges in each of the five divisions of the state.

The Johnson administration introduced the

harmonized teachers’ salaries and conditions of service to enhance the status of the profession and commenced the implementation of the Universal Primary Education (UPE).

The administration equally completed projects under the Lagos Water Supply phase1 Expansion Programme and designed the Ojo Water Works as an alternative to Iju Water Works, to serve Ojo and environs. Other strides of the administration are: construction of the Victoria Island Sewage Scheme for Ikoyi, Lagos Island, etc.; introduction of the regulations for motorcyclists to wear crash helmets; introduction of Traffic Courts; establishment of Agricultural Extension Works Stations; construction and commissioning of the Government Printing Press at Isheri road in Ikeja; and so on.

A diligent and dedicated military officer, Mobolaji Johnson began his military career at the Zaria Military Depot from 1958 to 1959.

He was a member of the United Nations Peace Keeping Troops, Congo between 1960 and 1961. He was promoted as 2nd Lieutenant in the Nigeria Army in 1961 while he became a Captain in October 1962.

His steady progression in the military saw him served variously as Deputy Commander, Federal Guards, Commander, Federal Guards, Deputy Adjutant and QuartermasterGeneral Headquarters, 2nd Brigade, Apapa, Lagos, Station Commander, Benin, Midwest (old Bendel State), Second in command, 4th Battalion, Ibadan, among others.

Having played his part in the stage of life, one could only wish him eternal peace at the bosom of the Lord.

Ogunbiyi is of the Lagos State Ministry of Information & strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

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ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

When will the roads be ďŹ xed?

What Atiku can learn from President Jonathan

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do not know much about sports, but I know what good sportsmanship is. Diego Maradona, the Argentine football shaman, was a great player, but he is not celebrated as much as Pele of Brazil. One fatal aw detracts from Maradona’s genius – hubris. Maradona is known to be a sore loser. He curses, barks and brawls in defeat. As a matter of fact, his ‘’legend’’ is stymied by his repulsive foibles and deportment.

Politics is like football. It is a game. One side wins and the other side loses. It should not have to be a hara-kiri – ‘’it is victory or death’’.

Nigeria has been good to Atiku Abubakar. He has thrived and flourished on the backs of the country. He was a former chief of customs; he was elected governor, and then, he became, perhaps, the most powerful vice-president in Nigeria.

Atiku has seen it all, and he has had it all.

I had expected the former vice-president to react to the judgment of the Supreme Court, which dismissed his appeal against President Muhammadu Buhari’s election victory, as a statesman. I was disappointed by his barb.

He did a “maradona bawl’’. ‘’The Nigerian judiciary, just like every estate of our realm, has been sabotaged and undermined by an overreaching and dictatorial cabal, who have undone almost all the democratic progress the Peoples Democratic Party and its administrations nurtured for sixteen years, up until 2015,� he said. “Today, the nail has been put on the coffin and the gains we collectively made since 1999 are evaporating, and a requiem is at hand.’’ Really, even if the judiciary has been ‘’sabotaged’’ as he said, Atiku has been a beneficiary of the good, the bad and the ugly in this supposedly flawed institution.

I recall in 2007, the Supreme Court was on the ‘’side’’ of Atiku in his mortal combat with former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The same court that Atiku vilifies today held that Obasanjo cannot declare his seat as vice-president vacant.

We are a nation in dire need of statesmen and not hangmen or agents of disruption. But I must contrast my view on Atiku’s bearings with the fact that Buhari would have said much worse or even done much worse if he had lost at the apex court.

When the president lost the 2011 election, he issued threats which led to an outbreak of violence across the north. I was in Kaduna at that time, and I witnessed the unrest -- stoked by a man who has sponged off the country all his adult life.

There is victory in defeat.

President Jonathan conceded the 2015 election to Buhari before the final collation of results was done.

He called Buhari to congratulate him on winning the election despite pressure from ‘’devious elves around the throne of power’’ to pervert the will of the people.

Really, no matter how some persons may try to trivialise what Jonathan did, defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. It takes strength of character to concede to

another. I had asked Jonathan if he regretted conceding the election to Buhari. I was gobsmacked by his response.

He said: ‘’Let me put it very clearly. If I have the opportunity in a similar circumstance, I will do exactly the same thing. I always say that if you want to take a public office you should be ready to make personal sacrifices. If you are not ready to help people, then you have no business going into politics. ‘’What we should also know is the process of building a society. People die in the process of a building a society. I have no regrets up to this time, no matter the circumstances; I have no regrets because what I did will continue to shape political discussions, not only in Nigeria but across the continent. Some people may not appreciate it, but as we continue to strengthen democracy, people will begin to look at conducts that are acceptable and some that are not. If the little contribution I have made will help to improve our democracy in the country and on continent, yes, I will do the same thing again.’’ Today, Jonathan is the toast of foreign missions and the international community. It is not the end of the road for Atiku. He is a big player in Nigeria’s politics. I suggest, as a statesman, he funnels his time, energy and resources into grooming young, dynamic Nigerians who can help steer the country to safety and progress.

Our politics should evolve beyond an old-boys club.

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

When Corruption Fights Back

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here is this question that always lingers in my mind, and I try as much as possible to ďŹ nd answers, internally. The challenges facing our country are issues that we discuss in our everyday engagements with families, friends, colleagues and acquaintances. The challenges are many; we have the challenges of insecurity, religious extremism, poor infrastructure, cross-border crises and economy, etc. When President Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 2015, the issues he promised to tackle are the challenges of insecurity, corruption and to revamp the economy. One troubling challenge is corruption. Corruption is virtually found in the citizens everyday life; on the streets, in schools, homes, offices, markets, mosques, churches, traditional and cultural organizations, agencies and departments of governments, by the youths, students, parents, teachers, politicians, security agencies, etc.

Now let us all take a sip at the question, mince it and chew it if we like and either swallow or spit it out of our mouths. What do we do when corruption fights back?

Corruption has created a setback to the development of this country. It has exposed us all to the dangers we fear might happen to us; of kidnapping, armed banditry, terrorism, money laundering, trafficking. Corruption has exposed us all to the ills of lack of progress and development. It is because of corruption that our roads are killing us, our hospitals, schools, mortgages, and virtually every sector of our economy is not being patronized by citizens and foreigners alike. That is why the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu said “it is a rainfall that beats everybody.�

When I think about the real fight corruption is waging against us all, I think about the laws that suppress the anti-corruption fight of the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies in the country. Some of these laws are so stringent that they don’t allow for setting up of anti-corruption courts. I think about the courts that adjourned alleged cases of corruption whose evidence had been brought to the open by prosecution. I think about the absence of the trial judges which cause an unnecessary delay in the dispensation of justice, may be it is “in the interest of justice� but this is not in the interest of the common man. I also think about the non-appearance of both prosecution and defense counsels in court, I think about the non-appearance of the accused and the witness and I said to myself, is this not corruption fighting back?

I think about the external lawyers who appear either for prosecution or defence whose aim is not the dispensation of justice but what they will get.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU an anti-corruption agency has been canvassing for the MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO support of the citizens, for the support of regional and DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI international bodies, civil society organizations, religious EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN bodies, youth groups, children and women and all and MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE sundry to fight the monster corruption. This will not only help us put force, strength and resources together but will help us in winning the fight as a team. I always remember the story of a dad while on his death bed told his children to unite and be their brother’s keeper. But after his death, T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D each child went his separate way and challenges of life EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA knocked them down one by one, they returned to their GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, senses and decided to work together and overcome their ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI challenges. When corruption fights back, I think about DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE those yahoo boys, mostly in their prime engaging in all DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH forms of internet fraud, the romance or love scam. Their ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO only thought is that anti-corruption agencies like the CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI EFCC are witch-hunting them. I think about the image DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO of our dear country on the global stage and the huge TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com damage it has caused on the image of Nigeria.

Abbas Abubakar Umar, Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşËœ ͺ͸͚Î

NEWS

Niger Delta Agitators Fault Dokubo, Want Him Replaced Ahamefula Ogbu

DEEPENING SERVICE...

L-R: CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. Dr. Demola Sogunle; Executive Director, NIBSS. Christabel Onyejekwe; and Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc. Mr. Sole Adeniyi, at the unavailing of Stanbic IBTC @ ease wallet, held in Lagos...recently

Endure Short-term Pains for Long-term Gains, Customs Boss Urges Nigerians 99 containers worth N2.03bn seized in Port Harcourt Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž The Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.), has urged Nigerians to endure short-term pains to enjoy long-term gains from the partial closure of the nation’s land borders.

This is as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) announced the seizure of 99 containers valued at N2.03 billion from its two area commands in Port Harcourt.

Addressing journalists after an inspection of the seized items at the Customs Area II Command, Onne, Rivers State, Ali noted that many Nigerians were complaining of hardship arising from the border closure.

He said many people had stated

that the time was not ripe for the closure of the borders as government was yet to provide the necessary infrastructure to encourage local production of needed goods.

His words: “There will never be a good time. The decision of closing the border is ripe, we don’t need to have 100 per cent electricity, good roads before we take the step. Most importantly is that we must be able to bear the initial pains in order to stabilise and have long term successes. “We don’t have to eat rice every day. There are other alternative food. I assure you that the price will stabilise and the ordinary farmers will have value for their farming business.�

The Customs boss also advised Nigerians to be wary of eating imported rice as most them cur-

rently in the market were expired and re-bagged, after polishing with chemicals. “All those things they are bringing into our country are aimed at bringing us to our knees. We must reach out to Nigerians for them to know the deadly effect of what they are consuming. “We are consuming expired foreign rice. When it causes cancer, we begin to find who to blame. What they (importers) do is that they polish and rebag the rice after polishing it with chemicals for unsuspecting consumers to eat.�

Ali also said there was need to dredge the nation’s ports to allow big ships access and to boost maritime revenue. “The problem with some of our

ports is that we don’t have a deep sea port. Most of the big ships when they come they discharge on the high sea because our ports are not deep and we have to use barges to go and evacuate them. “It is a big challenge that none of the five ports is deep. This is an issue government needs to tackle.

So the government needs to tackle to make the ports accessible for big ships and make the ports viable. “Dredging the Calabar, Warri, Cross River, and Lagos ports is an investment which government need to make to boost the maritime revenue.�

On people arrested for importing fake, sub-standard on expired goods, Ali said they would be prosecuted after full investigations to serve as deterrent to others.

True Federalism Only Solution to A’Court Throws Out Igbinedion, Agbonyinma, Ajimobi Appeals Nigeria’s Problems, Says Attah Arinze Gideon Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Attah, has said that the many challenges facing the country would not be addressed except it returned to true federalism which would guarantee states the power to control their resources.

Attah who spoke in Enugu during a ceremony held to mark the 20thAnniversary of the Igbo Youth Movement (IYM), said that when states were allowed to manage their resources without undue interference by the centre, it would help in their growth and development.

The former governor who presented a paper titled ‘How to Make Nigeria Work’, said that the major problem facing the country was with the system of sharing its resources, as the nation’s resources are not distributed equitably.

Attah who completely disagreed with the various suggestions for states to be merged, maintained that no state as presently constituted would want to relinquish power for any reason.

He said the best alternative would be for regional cooperation by the states to pursue development. ‘’If the various states that exist in the country have control of their resources without consistent interference by the centre, everyone will have a sense of belonging,� he said.

He called on the youths to work with the elders in their various communities in the bid to achieve the much desired true federalism which will guarantee sustainable development for all in the country. “If we get the new Nigeria we all seek today, it will be in the interest of every one of us. This is the more reason why we need to work together to ensure that our dreams are achieved as a country,� he said.

On his part, elder statesman and First Republic Minister, Mbazulike Amaechi, said that Nigeria was a country made up of corrupt and criminal elements whose activities had over the years, crippled the country.

He said the activities of those criminal elements were capable of sinking the country if nothing was done.

AdibeEmenyonuĂ“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Kemi OlaitanĂ“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜

The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City yesterday threw out the appeal filed by Ms Omosede Igbinedion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against Dennis Idahosa of the APC. The appellate court also dismissed the appeal filed

by Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonyinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC), that of Rt. Hon. Abubakar Momoh of the PDP and Idiake Patrick of APC. In Ibadan, Oyo State, the Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the decision of the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal which threw out the petition of the immediate past Governor of the State (Senator Abiola Ajimobi) against the victory of Senator Kola Balogun of the Oyo South senatorial district in the February 23, 2019 election.

Igbinedion, who is the candidate the PDP for Ovia Federal Constituency in the 2019 general election was challenging the deci-

sion of the lower tribunal which upheld the victory of Hon Dennis Idahosa of the APC. Hon. Agbonyinma (APC) was challenging the victory of Jude Ise-Idehen of the PDP for Ikpoba-Okha/Egor Federal Constituency seat.

While Momoh’s appeal was for the court to upturn the ruling of the lower tribunal which threw out his petition for lack of merit and upheld the election of Senator Francis Alimikhena representing Edo North senatorial district.

Deacon Idiake, candidate of APC had challenged the decision of the lower tribunal to uphold the election of Hon. Joe Edionwele (PDP) for the Esan West/ Esan Central/Igueben Federal Constituency.

Justice Aseimo Moore Ademein who read the judgment said all the appeals lacked merit and thereby dismissed.

He said parties are to bear their respective cost and said copies of the judgment would be made available by next week.

Contrary to claims by the Presidential Amnesty office that their parley with first phase camp leader of the scheme and other stakeholders in Calabar, Cross River State was successful and addressed issues, the meeting was inconclusive and never addressed any of their concerns for which they want him removed from office.

According to the national leader of the First Phase camp leader, Chief Selky Torughedi, aka Young Shall Grow, they had anticipated the meeting for a long time and were hopeful that they were going to address all knotty issues militating against the proper working of the scheme; only to be disappointed with the walk-out of the Coordinator, Professor Charles Dokubo. “The discussion started with the coordinator of the programme who emphasised that, he is ready to work with genuine agitators of the struggle to actualise the real mandate of the programme. “It was on that note that, the National leader of the Niger Delta agitators High Chief Dr. Selky Kile Torughedi aka General Young Shall Grow gave his remarks on behalf of his fellow comrades in the struggle after which the representative of His Highness, King Ateke Tom made his contribution by asking the coordinator to ask for the white paper

agreement signed by the agitators and the federal government on the proclamation of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty. “After the presentation by Young Shall Grow, the outlined key areas were handed over to the coordinator of the Amnesty programme Prof.

Charles Q. Dokubo as a working document.

Consequently, he hastily dismissed himself from further proceedings of the meeting and left unannounced, leaving every attendee astonished and aggrieved yet confirming the negative perception that he disregard and disrespect the leadership of the Niger Delta Agitators and the objectives of the Amnesty program, thus exhibiting attributes contrary to the development and promotion of positive qualities of a leader. “It is in that regard, we request the National Assembly to Save-Our-Soul from the loathsome snare of Prof.

Charles Q. Dokubo before matters get completely out of hand and might cause a necessary reaction that may be detrimental to the smooth running and existence of our country. “We declare and demand as follows: .A vote of no confidence in the National coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Program Prof Charles Q. Dokubo. “That the National Assembly call to order, audit and investigate the present administration of Prof Charles Q. Dokubo since its inception in 2018.

Abia Speaker Seeks Synergy with State ‘s Federal Lawmakers Emmanuel Ugwu Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă’Ă“Ă‹

Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has said that the time had come for members of the National Assembly from Abia State to synergise with their state counterparts for the overall good of the state.

He made the call during a special plenary of the state legislature held in honour of Abia members of the National Assembly, saying that all political office holders should put Abia first irrespective of the political party they belong.

The Abia federal lawmakers were represented by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha during the historic visit, signaling a new vista of cooperation among Abia politicians across the political divide.

Out of the 11 lawmakers from Abia in the National Assembly PDP has two senators and six House of Representatives members while APC has one senator and two lawmakers in the House of Representatives and APGA with just one member.

The Abia Speaker noted that even with the political pluralism of the state, lawmakers in the federal legislature should put aside their political differences and work as a cohesive body for the good of the people they represent. “This special session is in tandem with the legislative blueprint of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, emphasising the necessity to synergise with our Senators and House of Representatives members of Abia origin on issues of national importance and mutual benefits geared towards moving our dear state forward and providing the citizenry with dividends of democracy,� the Abia Speaker said.

He reminded the federal lawmakers of the need to attract federal

projects to Abia, noting that more federal presence were needed in the state in terms of road infrastructure and tertiary institutions. “Now that the budgeting process is in progress, it is expedient that we urge you to use its instrumentality to attract federal government presence to Abia our dear state,� he said.

Orji listed the federal roads in Abia crying for urgent rehabilitation/reconstruction to include: Aba - Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia - Ikot Ekpene Road, Uzuakoli - Ohafia - Arochukwu - Akwa Ibom Road, Umuahia - Bende - Arochukwu Akwa Ibom Road and Enugu - Port Harcourt Expressway.

He further pointed out the absence of “a conventional federal university and a federal secretariat in Abia� adding that these federal projects were long overdue hence the Abia federal lawmakers should work hard “to make it possible in the nearest future.�

While responding the two federal lawmakers respectively acknowledged the need for all political office holders from Abia to work together to move the state forward. “Your invitation to us across party lines is an indication that we can work together as Abians. As a member of APC, I hereby promise not to antagonise the governor and government of Abia State but to criticize them constructively whenever the need arises,� Hon. Onyejeocha said.

Senator Abaribe advised the state legislators “to remain focused on their jobs� adding that they should take their oversight functions very seriously and collaborate with the governor in the interest of Abia people. “That is what is expected of the Assembly in the discharge of their oversight functions,� he said, assuring the state lawmakers that “if you need any support from us, we are ready to give it to you.�

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2019 •T H I S D AY

Plus

The Money Laundering World of Hamza Koudeih, By EFCC

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FASHION FILE GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 20 pg. 29 pg. 36 pg. 43

Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri My Driving Force is to Live, Learn and Impact Generations Positively

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

PLUS

My Driving Force is to Live, Learn and Impact Generations Positively Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri is a mental health physician and advocate with over 15 years’ experience.

She is the Medical Director and Psychiatrist - In-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos. Kadiri’s clinic has been involved in the application of innovative clinical approaches to the management/treatment of a wide range of psychological, emotional, and behavioral related disorders. This woman is so many things rolled into one - physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, public speaker, publisher and movie and radio producer. Kadiri is passionate about creating mental health literacy in Nigeria and beyond. She does this through her Pinnacle Health Radio, an online health radio. She also runs a non-forprofit organisation called “Pinnacle Medicals Speakout geared towards promoting mental health literacy.

Kadiri shares her experiences about managing mental health with Azuka Ogujiuba I’m from a polygamous home

I

’m Maymunah Garuba, now Kadiri, from Edo State, born a Muslim and still practicing as a Muslim. My father and mother are still very much alive.

I’m from a polygamous home and the first of nine children from my mum.

All my siblings are married and of course my parents are grandparents.

My husband is also from Edo State. Coming from a polygamous home has truly shaped me to who I am today. You are surrounded with a lot of people, inclusive of extended family members. You see competition every day, you have to be humble, kind to others and be very respectful. I don’t know what competition is because as a child, we compete to excel in school, in life and to please everyone. My large family members have helped me to keep up with all the stressors of being a wife, mother, and career person. I had most of my sisters with me till they got married, so I had many hands helping with my children.

Getting university education in Sokoto State I went to Usman Dan Fodio University in Sokoto, the most peaceful university in Nigeria. I cried when I knew I was heading there to school because I grew up in Port Harcourt, but I eventually fell in love with this peaceful place. I was in Sokoto for eight years - six years plus ASUU strike. Guess what? My husband, when he decided to settle down and marry, he came all the way to Sokoto from Lagos to find me. There was a time he came on the night bus just to surprise me on my birthday. Some of my closest friends are found in the Northern part of Nigeria.

My parents are world’s best

Coming from the family I came from, my parents are world’s best, my siblings are the most supportive, marrying my friend, Mr. Yusuf Asamah Kadiri, because he has given me wings to fly and for the fact he is very supportive with what I’m doing and having die-hard supportive friends. Then of course, choosing this my area of specialty as a Psychiatrist (Mental Health Physician) with the impact I’m making in the lives of people globally is also amazing. These are my biggest high points in life, so I always say this, and I live daily on this quote: My husband, my hero, My children my future, My career my passion, In God, I trust.

My pregnancies are always very difficult.

Maymunah

My pregnancies are always very difficult.

I mean all three pregnancies. You may want to know why if one was difficult, I still went for a second and third time. You forget the pain once you see your baby.

Those that know me personally at these trial periods of my life pray and even fast for me. They know that something is really wrong because I was a very lively person, then all of a sudden, stops talking, does sign language, then I spit a lot carrying containers everywhere. So, yes, my pregnancies were really difficult but of course the only thing I was holding on to was that I was going to

give birth to a child and the thought of being a mum can’t be described unless you have been there.

Fears in life

To lose passion for what I live for is my biggest fear in life ...which is Mental Health.

I fear for me not to be able to impact lives because my driving force is to live, to learn and to impact generations positively. I still desire to globally impact more lives positively as a change maker. So, when people tell me that I’m a successful business owner, I tell them no, but a fulfilled entrepreneur.

My mantra is Get up, Dress up and Show up.

The best gift I remember receiving as a child Excess love is the best gift I received as a child. This I say to you with all smiles. I remember one day, my paternal grandmother had to tell my lesson teacher not to come back because I needed sleep and the school workload was already too much.

I received love from all angles till date. My family is the best.

My parents are the world’s best

My parents are Alhaji Aniru and Alhaja Meriatu Garuba. My father is the Imadu Deen of Auchi and a Muslim scholar. They are the world’s best parents. They have been very supportive of me. The only instance my dad thought I was making a wrong decision was when I said I wanted to be a Psychiatrist. He called for a meeting, but today, he is very proud of who I have become. He is a proud father of a renowned Nigerian Psychiatrist. He gives people my number when he notices they have a challenge. If I have a business decision now, aside from my husband, I call my dad because he is a great business man. I grew up seeing him as a business man and politician. Right now, he is back home carrying out his duties as an elder statesman. My mum, I don’t think I would have my three children if not for her support and prayers. She is still helping me till tomorrow. I say a big thank you to them always and may God continue to bless them.

Some of my movies

I was Executive producer of award winning movies like Pepper Soup (focused on drug abuse) and Little Drops of Happy (focused on depression, postpartum depression and suicide) and creator of the most innovative mental health app in Africa called How Bodi.

Suicide underreported in Nigeria

Due to our religious and traditionalist views, suicide is currently still being underreported in Nigeria. However, an increase in the rate of suicide can be penned to a host of factors. These may be economic, social or otherwise. In Nigeria currently, there are high rate of unemployment, maternal and infant mortality and number of out-of-school children. These issues are an offshoot of the high poverty rates that the entire nation is dealing with. The inability of members of the society to provide even the basic amenities for themselves and others can spiral into

NOVEMBER 2˜ ͺ͸͹΁ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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PLUS My Husband, My Hero, My Children My Future, My Career My Passion, in God, I Trust

Maymunah with her family

depression and ultimately suicide. Issues such as widespread social media use and high rates of stress have also been linked to increased suicide rates in Nigeria. The need to catch up with the Joneses and to put on a show that indeed all is well when it is not, has a tendency to take a toll on individuals and can lead to suicide.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 years old. The issue of social media has also been linked to these statistics.

This is in addition to issues like bullying and identity confusion which can put a strain on a budding young mind and can invariably lead to suicide. Additionally, they are also at risk for drug and substance abuse which can also lead to suicide.

Finally, the poor healthcare system and consequently, the lack of access to mental health care can be attributed to an increase in the rate of suicide. If people are unable to see when issues are still mild, the odds of it becoming severe and leading to suicide become higher.

There is also the issue of copycat suicide whereby, a publicly announced case of suicide leads to more suicide cases. For this, I will say the media has a huge role to play in reporting suicide cases responsibly. This is because you never know who is vulnerable and this can make them take their lives without thinking of the ripple effect. Copycat suicide has been glamorised and people see it as normal. Once we know of anyone with the warning signs or red flags, let’s listen to them non-judgmentally and help them find solution to them.

Parents shouldn’t dismiss their talk of suicide

People who die by suicide don’t want to die, but to end their pain. So, parents shouldn’t dismiss their talk of suicide as just threats.

If they notice any signs that they may be thinking about harming themselves, parents should help their children get help People who die by suicide don’t want to die, but to end their pain. So, parents shouldn’t dismiss their talk of suicide as just threats. If they notice any signs that they may be thinking about harming themselves, parents should help their children get help.

Some of these warning signs are talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, looking for a way to kill oneself, talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose, talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, talking about being a burden to others, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious, agitated, or reckless, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or feeling isolated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge and displaying extreme mood swings.

Speak out when going through challenges A suicidal person can be healed but you need to find out what made the person to be suicidal in the first place and that’s

why we keep telling people to speak out when going through challenges. Talking to a trusted family member, friend and even to a therapist helps. Most times, these individuals are depressed, hence the thoughts of suicide and completed suicide in some cases.

Domestic violence connected to mental illness When it comes to domestic violence, it is a risk factor for some people to develop mental illness such as anxiety, depression, among others. One of the factors is coming from a dysfunctional family setting where violence is the order of the day and in that space, the man is mainly the abuser while the woman is the abusee. The fact that there is domestic violence, this woman who is a natural nurturer, because we have the hormones (estrogen) and that is who we are, then begin to start nurturing the children with hatred, bitterness, resentment and this

is because of the violence they face from their husbands.

Why hit a woman in the first case?

The question is why hit a woman in the first case. Why not talk things out or you walk away. If given a second chance, it may keep on happening and the truth is, a woman beater may always be a woman beater and the question is why? It’s a whole lot of rot out there and you feel you can change a grown adult you didn’t train or don’t know what he is dealing with, this may lead to death.

So, I will say, leave because your life is precious, but if you must stay, find out why he is doing this and help him get the much needed help. They can be helped.

Global recognition

I am a Goldman Sachs scholar, Vital Voices Fellow, Ashoka Change Maker and global thought leader.

I have been recognised locally and globally for my movement in the field of health and wellness, especially mental health. I am a global affiliate of Work Place Options (United States and United Kingdom) and provides Critical Incidence Stress Management (CISM) and other forms of employee assistance programmes to corporate organisations worldwide. My driving force is to live, to learn and to impact generations positively. When not working as a Physician, I love to tour the world, work on disruptive innovations and talk fashion.

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Fashion File

Luxury Collection of ROA Handcrafted

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 2, 2019 with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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FASHION FILE

Luxury Collection of ROA Handcrafted ROA Handcrafted is a luxury collection of exquisitely crafted leather goods and accessories for the edgy woman with a stylishly bold persona. Its fascination with quality raw materials, hides and skin merged with a heritage of imperial craftmanship dating over a hundred years, guarantees its creed – Handcraft excellence, truly imperial.

The collection includes women’s and men’s leather bags, accessories and leather goods. Each piece is handcrafted to perfection.

To own a ROA item is to own a leather product that has been part of a remarkable manufacturing journey with passion and dedication at the heart of the process from start to

finish.

ROA Handcrafted recently launched its debut collection, Dawn.

The Dawn collection marks the provenance of ROA Handcrafted.

This collection features five imperial designs; Classic Lisa, Alluring Abi, Vibrant Madame K, Fabulous Jeni, and Gorgeous Kika.

Creative Team Photography: Emmanuel Oyeleke @emmanueloyeleke @eopstudios Creative Styling: TheStyleInfidel for @thestyleinfidelstudios Models: @Eniolaabolarin for @bethmodelafrica and @Ndidiodogwu Hair: @highdtosin Makeup: @beautybybellamere.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

PERSPECTIVE

Akeredolu Harnessing IGR for Ondo Development James Sowole reports that effort of the Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to increase IGR has led to an increase in money available to the state for infrastructural development

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he recent recession caused by the drastic fall in the crude oil prices in the international market and which affected Nigeria’s earning with the subsequent ugly effects on the money available for sharing to states from Federation Account, was what made many governors to realise the need to look inward to generate more revenue on their own.

The drastic reduction in the money shared to states led to non- payment of salary to many state workers with some states accruing up to one year salary arrears which compelled many to resort to borrowing of all sorts despite bailout by the Federal Government.

Facts have emerged that states were not generating the required IGR not because there were no avenues or sources to generate, but efforts were hampered by the lack of political will, lack of required manpower and various forms of leakages.

Ondo State also known as Sunshine State has experienced its own share of the recession and poor revenue, which led to accumulation of seven months salary arrears when the incumbent governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, was sworn in on February 24, 2017.

Akeredolu on assumption of office therefore declared that a lot needed to be done to increase state’s IGR, which was reported to be at paltry N700 million monthly on the average.

The governor then declared that the state Board of Internal Revenue must be reorganised and reinvigorated to shore up the state’s IGR which would be plough back into the state’s economy.

The efforts of the Akeredolu’s administration had not only resulted in increasing revenue drive, it had put the Sunshine State in the group of states that had achieved more than the double of amount they use to realise before this time.

The IGR of the Sunshine State has moved from about N10.2b in 2017 to N24.8billion in 2018. This leap jump in the IGR of the State pushed the state ranking from 20th to 9th states with the highest IGR in 2018 and first in terms of annual growth according to the Joint Tax Board (JTB) and the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

As at half year, a recent analysis on Channels Television shows the state is Number two after Rivers State in terms of year on year quantum growth in IGR for the first half of 2019 To further keep the tempo on the ascendancy, Akeredolu has approved all proposals encouraging deployment of ICT values into Tax collections in the state.

Besides this, the implementation of the state Land Use Charge Law 2014 has been made friendlier, with the employment of over 400 revenue officers to drive the scheme while the hitherto Ondo State Board of Internal Revenue has been granted autonomy in operations and functions.

A new head office is also being built to house the ODIRS to make the task of revenue collections easy and the current performance sustainable.

The result of the initiative of the government was revealed recently by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its six months (Jan-June 2019) report, which put the state IGR at N19 billion and which put the state among the 10 states with highest revenue during the period.

Adegbie

Akeredolu

This feat of the state in the IGR had been generating reactions and accolades from various stakeholders.

The member representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the National Assembly, Otunba Timehin Adelegbe has commended the Akeredolu led Government for the current strides in IGR generation.

Adelegbe, a banker and economist, was a former Commissioner for Commerce in the Sunshine State before he contested March 9, 2019 Election that took him to the House of Representatives. He said: “It was worthy of note that Ondo State generated a whopping N19billion of the total N691.11billion generated by the 36 states and the FCT inclusive in the first half of the year.”

Adelegbe, a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Budget and Appropriations specifically commended efforts of Akeredolu in revamping the state agencies directly involved in generating revenues, especially the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service under the chairmanship of Mr .Tolu Adegbie.

The lawmaker commended Adegbie for his brilliance and for bringing his wealth of experience gathered in the banking sector to bare and moving the half yearly performance from average of N5billion in 2016 and 2017 to N9billion in 2018 and astronomical N19billion in 2019.

Adelegbe stated that it was not surprising that residents of Ondo State were not finding it too difficult to pay their taxes, considering the quantum and massive infrastructural developments being witnessed in the state, especially road rehabilitations and constructions.

“The quality and quantities of infrastructures so far delivered across Ondo State by the present administration, has continued to marvel most of the citizens. This is sequel to the fact that cash inflow to the state treasury from the Federation Account is now far less than what some of the past administrations received and yet not much infrastructures were delivered for the comfort of the citizens to justify

the greater resources that accrued to the state.

“The prudent husbandry of state resources coupled with careful re-engineering of the state internally generated revenue mechanism, the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Administration has given good governance another rhythm to cheer”, Adelegbe said.

He added that the present up shoot in the IGR of the state was a big plus in the sense that it has empowered the state to meet its recurrent expenditure without stress, which has resulted in the regular payment of workers’ salaries and embarking on capital projects in major parts of the state.

He specifically cited some roads being constructed and rehabilitated within the state like Iwalewa Road, High Court Road, Oke Ogba and others in Akure metropolis, Sabomi Road in Ese Odo, Opasorun Road, Bajare/Okemayo, St. Joseph Road in Idanre, three box culverts at Oyinmomo Ishakunmi Road in Ikare, the 2.3km Ogbomo Ifedara, Ajegunle Streets and Howlet Road, Ifon, completion of dualized township road in Owo, construction of dualised township road in Ikare Akoko construction of Ijoka-Idanre road among many others.

“There is virtually no part of the state which is not witnessing one construction or the other. Most significantly is the Ore FlyOver (Inter Change Bridge) in Odigbo Local Government area, which is even a federal government road. The alarming rate of accidents on this road that has claimed several lives in the past made the governor to place priority on the project to safe lives and promote free traffic” Adelegbe stated.

As a businessman, Adelegbe said the current astronomical increase in the state IGR and infrastructural developments status of the state would encourage more investors to partner with the state. He charged the people of the state to give unalloyed and unflinching supports for the second term ambition of Akeredolu so that the people oriented servant leader can continue to attract and bring more benefits to the state, while promising to contribute his quota in terms of strong collaboration with the governor in moving the state forward.

MSMEs Should Champion Rebuilding of Borno, Says DBN’s MD Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

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icro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) should champion the rebuilding of troubled Borno State, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Mr. Tony Okpanachi has said.

The decade long Boko Haram crisis has left Borno State, the epicentre of the crisis, in need of several billions of Naira for reconstruction, rehabilitation and relocation.

Speaking at the maiden MSME Summit organised by Development Bank of Nigeria in Maiduguri, during the week, Okpanachi said: “Before the outbreak of insurgency, over a decade ago, Borno State had a reputation as one of the thriving nerve centers of the North-East, owing to the strength of its commercial, trading and export potential. It was truly an ecosystem where MSMEs thrived.”

He noted that regardless of challenges, the administration through their 10-Point Agenda that include growing the economy and entrepreneurship would, in conjunction with the Development Bank of Nigeria, go to great lengths to ensure that the rebuilding process continued with MSMEs at the fore.

Okpanachi said as part of DBN’s mandate of providing sustainable financing, Maiduguri was chosen as a veritable location to host the first ever DBN MSME Summit, which was a direct response to the layers of exclusion occasioned by insurgency.

The Bank Chief Executive, while admitting that it is “a new dawn for MSMEs in Nigeria,” said it was equally: “A new dawn for economic growth and development in Borno State and for the MSMEs.” He, however, lamented that the major challenge faced by the MSMEs was “their inability to structure and put together a bankable business plan which makes banks to view them as high risk and therefore unwilling to finance them.”

He said DBN would put together an immediate capacity building plan that would involve assembling a number of MSMEs in Borno State and making them go through an extensive capacity building programme, which will equip them with the relevant know-how and therefore make them attractive to the bank’s Participating Financial Institutions.

He said the bank’s team would need the support of the relevant ministry to make this a huge success, stressing that this initiative had worked in other parts of the country and that it was strongly believed that it would work in

Borno too.

He said: “We shall work with the State Borno Renaissance Micro Finance Bank (when it becomes fully operational) to explore the possibility of providing wholesale lending to them for MSMEs in Borno State.”

He disclosed: “In the current year, we have disbursed over N100 Billion to over 95,000 MSMEs cutting across various sectors of the economy. Additionally, 70% of loans were to women-owned/managed businesses and 51% so far are youth owned businesses. Here in the Northeast region of the country, our disbursement has been relatively low I must admit. In the last two years, we have disbursed N300 million to about 1,000 MSMEs. “Now, we are here in Maiduguri and hopes to continue to strengthen and deepen our reach in this part of the country in order to ensure no community is left behind.”

Also speaking at the Summit, the governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Babagana Wakil, said it was instructive and encouraging for the bank to have its maiden MSMEs Summit in Maiduguri where many are still afraid to travel to.

He said the state government was ready to work with the bank to achieve its objectives and bring succour to the people of the state.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

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FEATURE

The Money Laundering World of Hamza Koudeih, By EFCC He is a Lebanese, resident in Lagos and steeped in money. From his $1.3 million residence in Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower to his high-end automobiles, Hamza Koudeih oozes money-all of which he made doing nothing in the country but money laundering- which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says he has done to the tune of $19 million

T

hose who have followed the unraveling of a Lebanese man, Hamza Koudeih by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), would readily agree that it is misleading to judge a book by its cover. He is unassuming, comes off innocuous, and given to sedentary lifestyle.

In the swank 33-flight Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, where he nestles with his young wife, he chose the fourth floor. This is to earn him some distance, even from his equally upscale neighbours.

Within the vicinity of this Victoria Island, Lagos high-end real estate, Koudeih ensures that no more than a moderate whiff of wealth and affluence trail his path. This is to belie his ill-gotten wealth and the fact that he dwells in $1.3million worth of residence.

To a few who know him, he is no more than a boardroom technocrat, who pulls the stops in THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited. But the Koudeih whom many more do not know is a façade, an edifice of fraud; evil genius, a wise guy-a man much more than whom and what people think he is.

He amassed obscene wealth, doing nothing over the years in Nigeria barring crimes and criminalities, having fashioned a trans-Atlantic money laundering network. Within the local scene, he has high net worth allies that includes social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as (Mompha), whom the Commission picked up on Friday, 18 October, 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while he was on his way to Dubai, United Arab Emirate. Mompha’s arrest laid the path to that of Koudeih.

Investigations by the EFCC established that while Mompha, who camouflages as a bureau de change operator has used his firm-Ismalob Global Investments Limited-to launder about N14 billion, Koudeih through his THK Services Limited and CHK properties Limited has laundered about N19 billion.

Evidently, the two are kingpins in a criminal web of cyber criminals who through the three firms, laundered a jaw-dropping N33 billion.

Before the ring was busted, both men had featured on EFCC and United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) radar as a high valued targets in Organised Cyber Syndicate Network (OCSN) and particularly as honchos in a trans-national network of cyber criminals. These according to head, EFCC Cyber crime Unit (name withheld) were established

by Intel, gathered by the EFCC and the FBI in their recent joint operation, tagged, “Operation Rewired.�

Worrisome is that Mompha was able to successfully operate 51 fraudulent bank accounts, through which the monies were laundered even with the enhanced account tracking and surveillance which the Bank Verification Number (BVN), introduced by the Central Bank of Nigerian in February, 2014 provides.

Koudeih was not an easy picking for the EFCC. Armed with precision Intel, additionally gathered by the EFCC, its operatives tracked him to his lair in Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower and placed the piece of the real estate, where he has his apartment on a lockdown.

Koudeih’s world of crime is heavily reinforced with a string of top-notch security architecture that inures and shields him.

Aside surveillance cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV), that capture anyone that comes within range, his apartment is secured three times over with a triple reinforced fire-proof door, designed to withstand violent breaches, including bullet shots.

Apparently convinced that the EFCC was on wild goose chase for him, Koudeih and his wife refused to yield to all appeals by the operatives to open their maximum security door and let them in, so also the additional entreaties that later came from the tower’s chief security officer.

The pin drop silence that greeted the appeals of EFCC operatives was a dummy to mask their presence inside the apartment, but way down to the ground, Koudeih’s high-end cars, parked in his garage were enough to tell the operatives that he was

Hamza Koudeih and Mompha

in.

The lack of cooperation from the Lebanese as well as that from the owners and administrators of Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower left the EFCC with two options-beat a retreat or muscle through. It settled for the latter, reinforcing with men and breaching tools against the armoured door.

The operatives relentlessly deployed the tools against the door, expending more than three gruelling hours before they overcame. “It was very difficult to gain entry. It was almost like a standoff. We had to send for reinforcement of officers and breaching tools from the office. We had to breach the triple reinforced fire-proof door before we could get in,� head Cyber crime, EFCC, said.

Inside the apartment, the dÊcor, furniture and fittings speak of Koudeih’s high taste that would leave any Arabian prince green with envy. But puzzling is the hideaway between the ceiling and the deck in his bedroom. It provides no comfy, just enough to host and shield anyone while a search lasts.

The wife who was persuaded that her husband was safe and without traces above the ceiling told the prying EFCC operatives that the man they seek has

escaped through the window. It was a tale that didn’t stick-escaping through the window from that height with bare hands is stuff only for the fairytale Spiderman. The EFCC operatives were, therefore certain that Koudeih was available and within reach, but puzzled by the fact that he was nowhere to be found, even with the entire apartment having been turned inside-out, exposing a cache of voodoo objects, that was carefully tucked away.

A slight misalignment in the well manicured ceiling in the bedroom was the lead that unraveled the Lebanese. “We saw from the ceiling, how he climbed and followed it and helped him down. He had time to breach the ceiling and climbed because of the some much time we spent trying to get into his apartment. His apartment has cameras and CCT, so he saw us and knew we were from the EFCC,� head Cyber crime, EFCC, said.

Taken away were his laptop computer and telephone handset, which currently undergoing forensic check up in the anti-corruption agency. More good news is that his ring of trans-national cyber crime network had been busted and he will have his day in court.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

l-r: Executive Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi presenting the Special Recognition Award to Chairman, Troyka Group, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, on behalf of the University of Lagos Alumni Association at the Association’s Golden Jubilee Awards and Gala Night in Victoria Island, Lagos...recently

L-R: Chairman, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Mallam Bello Maccido; fellows, Managing Director/CEO, First City Merchant Bank, Adam Nuru; Commissioner for Finance, Osun State, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji; and President, African Export-Import Bank, Prof. Benedict Oramah, during the 2019 Investiture of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, in Lagos... recently

YouTube Initiatives to Promote Indigenous Content Video sharing platform,YouTube, has announced new initiatives to support the growth of YouTube creators in the country.

The initiatives, YouTube-driven promotional campaign, features upcoming content from top local YouTube channels and creators.

It also launched a partnership with MTN, which according to the company, would see creators provided with free data for three months.

The initiatives were announced in Lagos,

at an event attended by top Nigerian YouTube creators, entertainers, movie industry experts, influencers as well as media.

The YouTube campaign showcases a vast array of verticals and local content from genres like entertainment, food, beauty, comedy and sports.

At the event, creators were presented with MiFi devices and free internet access for the next three months to help them share more content, more conveniently.

MTN also introduced new offerings for consumers to take up so they can watch more of their favourite channels.

Speaking at the event, Google’s Country Marketing Manager in Nigeria, Olumide Balogun, stated that the company’s latest move also aimed to improve customers experience on the platform.

“Helping more creators to get discovered and succeed, and making it easier for more people to be able to access the platform through affordable data plans is important

to us.

We are committed to supporting creators to develop locally relevant content.

“In addition to YouTube Week in June and the Mr. Eazi emPawa Africa partnership announced in July, we have also awarded play buttons to creators as they hit subscriber milestones this year.”

Continuing, he reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting local artists and hosting training and skill acquisition programmes for improvement.

CIFF, Global Fund Sign $25m Deal on Health Service The Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) has announced an investment of $25 million to the Global Fund as part of efforts to tackle diseases such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis and Malaria, dedicated to scaling HIV self-testing.

The foundation made the announcement at the Global Fund Replenishment Summit hosted by French President, Emmanuel Macron in Lyon.

Speaking on the deal, Executive Director for Adolescence at CIFF, Miles Kemplay, explained that the foundation aimed to promote self-care by championing HIV self-testing and other methods.

He said these were some of the most powerful ways for youth, women and men to take control of their sexual and reproductive health.

“People deserve the choice to test when they want, where they want and how they want, he added.

Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands, reiterated that the CIFF – Global Fund partnership was designed to increase funding for country programmes that have ambitious HIV self-testing goals as well as put supportive policies in place for people to easily access self-tests.

“We applaud CIFF’s investment as there is an urgent need to engage people who

Interswitch Quiz Begins Airing Today Digital payment and commerce platform, Interswitch, will today, begin the airing of its InterswitchSPAK 2.0Television quiz competition.

The show is a segment of Interswitch SPAK Switch-a-future initiative, a CSR initiative that aimed to stir interest in the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects among Senior Secondary School students in Africa.

The competition is targeted strictly at SS2 students between ages 14-17.

Speaking on the initiative, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of the company, Cherry Eromosele, emphasised the importance of STEM in driving innovation in the country.

He said: “We cannot over-emphasise the importance of STEM to the progress of our country. At this point in our country, we need young people who will create new things and invent solutions,

thereby create entrepreneurial value and employment for themselves and others.

“This initiative is here to stay. We will continue to do our best in the area of STEM among secondary school students.

This is perhaps the boldest corporate effort yet to actively promote STEM education, especially among Nigerian secondary school students” InterswitchSPAK 2.0 began with a national qualifying examination from which the top 81 students out of 13,322 students from various schools across the country, qualified to compete in the TV Quiz Show.

Eromosele also informed that N12.5million scholarship prize was up for grab for all the winners while the overall winner will be awarded tertiary education scholarship worth N7.5million that would be spread across five years of study.

would not normally test in traditional settings. Self-testing is innovative and seeks to break the cycle of HIV transmission, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

“By accelerating access to HIV selftesting, we can get closer to controlling HIV as a public health threat.

More people will know their status so that those with HIV can start treatment while those who are negative can access prevention services,” he added.

Assistant Director-General at World Health Organisation, WHO, Dr. Ren Minghui, further assured that the investment would contribute significantly to scaling up the pioneering progress of

the Unitaid-funded Self Testing in Africa (STAR) Initiative.

He informed that the project was supported by WHO. “HIV self-testing is an innovative tool that enables people to take initiative, empowering them to find out their HIV status without delay.

WHO commends our partners, CIFF and the Global Fund for making this major new investment today.

“This will help millions more people to access HIV self-testing through national programmes.”

The Fund will be made available to a few countries that will potentially include Nigeria.

FoodCo Unveils Campaign to Mark 37 Anniversary Consumer Goods firm, Foodco Nigeria Limited, has launched a campaign, tagged: ‘My FoodCo Story’, as part of activities to mark it 37th year in the market place.

The initiative was designed to rewards customers who have remained committed to the brand over the years.

According to the company, the campaign will chronicle the company’s journey since inception in 1982 and encourage customers to share their most memorable experiences with the company, including available memorabilia.

Speaking , Chief Executive Officer Designate of FoodCo, Ade Sun-Basorun, explained that the campaign will last for nine days.

“We are happy to announce the start of activities commemorating our 37th Anniversary in November.

This year’s event is a special one for us as it also marks our market entry into Lagos. It promises to be an exciting period because we will be throwing parties for our customers born in the month of November. We are also going to be giving them an opportunity to share some of the memorable experiences that they have shared with the brand in our 37-year sojourn,” he said.

Recounting the story of the company from the days of humble beginning, he said: “We are part of a small group of consumer goods companies, that created the formal retail sector in Nigeria.

Our journey began from a small stall in Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State where we sold fresh vegetables and meat in hygienic conditions, as an alternative for people who

did not want to go through the hassles of shopping in the open markets.

“From inception, our business has been about providing customers their full range of needs at affordable prices.

We have kept that promise irrespective of season, and in turn, have been rewarded with a large base of loyal customers whose support is at the core of the growth we enjoy today.”

Sun- Basorun attributed the company’s achievements and recognitions in the retail space to customers support and consistency.

He hinted further that the campaign was designed as an integrated media campaign with only selected customers to be hosted to the anniversary party at FoodCo various stores.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

25

POLITY I Insist, We Are Sons, Daughters of Oduduwa, Not Yorubas Femi Fani-Kayode

I

just read the contribution of Professor Stephen Banji Akintoye, a notable and respected historian, to the burning debate about the origin and meaning of the word Yoruba. I scrutinised his arguments and I considered his sources. I welcome his submissions but I respectfully disagree with his conclusions.

I maintain my original position and I stand by what I wrote in my essay: I am not a Yoruba but a son of Oduduwa.

There are two demeaning and insulting names and words that the Fulani gave and used to describe southerners.

Firstly came “Nyamiri” (meaning ‘fetcher of water’) in reference to the people of the South-East and secondly “Yariba” in reference to the people of the South West.

The South East rejected that name but the South West accepted theirs. The name “Yoruba” derives from the word “Yariba” and it means “shady and unreliable”. I reject that strange name and label and I hope and pray that the good people of South Western Nigeria will see the wisdom in doing so too.

I am not a “Yariba” or “Yoruba” but an “Omo Karo Jire” or an “Ooduwan” and my language is not “Yoruba” but “Anago”. We are what we call ourselves. We are not “shady and unreliable”(Yariba) and we must not accept names that are given to us by our historical adversaries.

Any Omo Karo Jire or Ooduwan that continues to call himself a “Yoruba” is lost and does not know the implications of what he is doing to his own people. He is simply affirming and confirming an insulting label which has deep sinister, mystical and spiritual connotations.

The word “Yoruba” did not even exist until the 18th century and even then most of the tribes of the South West, including the Oyo’s, rejected it due to its origin and meaning. The word “Yoruba” is alien to our culture and not known in the Anago language. Ooduwans please take note.

The first time the word “Yoruba” was used as a generic term for all the people of the South West Nigeria was in the 19th century by Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther. He did us a great disservice there given the fact that it derives from the word “Yariba” which the Fulani used to describe our people.

The meaning of the word “Yariba” is “usurper, deceitful, shady, treacherous, cheating usurer and double-dealing bastard”. Once again I reject that name. The good people of South West Nigeria are “Anagos” or “Omo Karo Jire’s” or “Omo Oluabi’s” or “Ooduwans” and we are not ‘Yaribas’ or ‘Yorubas’.

I, FFK, a proud Ife, an Anago, an Aku, an Omo Karo Jire, an Omoluabi, an Ooduwan and a son of Oduduwa, will never answer to the name “Yoruba” again or use it to describe my people. We are better than that.

The British named our nation “Nigeria” meaning “area of darkness” and the Fulani named our ethnic nationality “Yariba”. Put together, this means “a group of deceitful, shady, treacherous usurpers and bastards from an area of darkness”. Is it any wonder that we are still in servitude and bondage? What a terrible combination. We have been snared by our names. May God open our eyes, may He help us and may He deliver us! We must start helping ourselves by rejecting these deeply demonic names, labels and terms.

We are FAR better than the baggage that those horrific names carry. If the Lord can change the name of Jacob (meaning ‘shady character, rogue and trickster’) to Israel (meaning ‘God contends’) then He can change ours too. If Jabez (meaning ‘one who was born in sorrow’) can call on the Lord to break the chains and remove the limitations of his name, to enlarge his coast and to bless him abundantly so can we. Remember: we are, what we call ourselves!

I read the contribution of a northerner by the name of Farouk Kperogi’s to this debate on Facebook and I marveled at his attempt to befuddle the issues and misrepresent my assertions.

Surely even intellectual dishonesty and historical revisionism has its limits. To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa and all other southerners, who are my primary concern, I say do not be fooled: the Fulani have been using the words “Yariba” and “Nyamiri” for over 200 years.

Quite apart from that I would appreciate it if someone would please tell this Kperogi that it would be better for him to read what I wrote than to go out of his way to purposely and maliciously misrepresent me. He claims that “it was reported” that I said “Yariba” and “Nyamiri” were Fulani words. Needless to say I never said or wrote that and if indeed it was reported in such a way in any medium then that is nothing but a case of pernicious falsehood, perfidious misrepresentation and pre-meditated and specious mendacity.

What I wrote was that the Fulani gave and used those words to describe the people of the South West and South East respectively. Contrary to his assertion, I did not say they were Fulani or Hausa words. Giving or using a name or a word does not necessarily mean that that name or word is native to the language of the user and giver. This appears to me to be obvious

Fani-Kayode and basic logic. The name could derive from another race or language entirely and you can still use it in yours as a term to describe others. This is especially so when you seek to demean and malign them.

As regards the meaning of the words, I would suggest that Kperogi reads a little more widely and he will discover what those that coined them actually meant. It is simply a question of historical and literary research. If you disagree with me on an issue or we have divergent opinions, it is no big deal but at least quote me accurately and do not misrepresent or misconstrue what I wrote.

More importantly, if you insist on criticising me or disagreeing with me on an important matter like this, you would do well to actually read what I wrote yourself and not rely on what “was reported” or what others told you that I wrote or said. This surely is a given when it comes to even the most basic, elementary and rudimentary form of intellectual discourse. The truth is that in his post, Kperogi has confirmed virtually everything else that I wrote about this matter other than the mischievous and erroneous assertion that I claimed that the two words in question were from the Fulani or Hausa language. I repeat, I never made that assertion.

He also dropped the ball when he said that Nyamiri was a word that was created during the Nigerian civil war. This is not true. The word has its origins in the Igbo language but its subsequent corruption, bastardisation, condescending connotation and insulting usage by the Fulani commenced as far back as the 18th century. Needless to say I stand by every word that I wrote in my article titled, “We Are Sons and Daughters of Oduduwa and Not Yorubas”.

I urge Kperogi and those that share his complex and inexplicable disposition to read it with a clear mind and actually learn something. I wish him well. Permit me to conclude with this.

One day all truth, no matter how bitter or hard to accept, will no longer be hidden and ignored and men will no longer be blinded by their own ignorance, pride and folly. The following is a simple and clear contribution to the “Yoruba/Yariba” debate and in my view the highly acclaimed, well-respected and distinguished author, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon, got it absolutely right.

The purveyors of falsehood, mendacity, historical revisionism, lies and perfidy in our midst do not want the sons and daughters of Oduduwa, the Aku’s and the Anagos to know the truth about the history of the name that they were given by the Fulani 100 years ago and they are desperate to suppress that truth. Unfortunately for them, the cat is out of the bag and the 100 dark years of bearing a name that is not ours, that has questionable roots and that has a malevolent and deeply insulting meaning will soon come to an end!

Is it any wonder that when great sons of Ooduwa, the Aku and the Anago, like Sir Adeyemo Alakija and Chief Obafemi

Awolowo established the paramount and leading South Western socio-political and cultural organisation in history they named it “Egbe Omo Oduduwa” and not “Egbe Omo Yoruba”.

Consider this: Yoruba does not exist in Ifa- Ifayemi Elebuibon.

A renown traditionalist and the Araba of Osogbo, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon said prior to contact with the Hausa/Fulani, the race is known as the people of Ife, saying it is unfortunate that the people failed to coin a word to call the race before coming into contact with the Hausas.

According to him, the Yoruba race is usually referred to as ‘aku’ in the very early stage because of the way the people greet each other. He agreed that the race was given the name Yariba from which it became Yoruba, saying the earliest leaders of the race failed to have a collective name. Elebuibon added that the race ought to be called the people of Ife, saying that was how Ifa referred to the race.

He said, “We are Ife people, it is rather unfortunate that we didn’t have one word to comprise all Yoruba before Fulani or Hausa gave us yariba to become Yoruba. Aku is the words they used for us in the beginning because we used to greet each other by saying ‘aku owuro’, ‘Aku asaale’ it is Aku people or Anago that other Africans referred to you.”

He opined that since the people originated from Ile-Ife, the race is ought to be known the people of Ife. “Actually since Yoruba origins is at Ile Ife ‘Eni fe abi ara Ile Ife Loye ka ma je’, we are indigenous people of Ootu Ife”, he added.

Let those that refuse to accept the bitter truth, no matter how scholarly, elderly or eminent, reflect on Elebuibon’s insightful and incisive counsel and words.

It was not only in the south that the Fulani gave those they viewed with disdain and contempt and that they sought to conquer strange and insulting names. In the Middle Belt, they tried to call the Tiv “Munchi”, The Ham/Nok people “Jaba”, the Baju “Kaje”, the Gbwagis “Gwari” etc. It is actually their stock in trade to either adulterate or give people derogatory names instead of the actual name of the person or place. We would all do well to learn the wisdom in rejecting such names because more often than not they are loaded with toxicity and they carry heavy baggage.

The greatest weakness of the sons and daughters of Oduduwa, the Omo Karo Jire and the Omooluabi’s is our kind, trusting, generous, charitable, liberal and accommodating disposition.

Many consider this to be strength but in a jungle and dog eat dog geographical expression like Nigeria, where only the strongest can survive, I consider it to be a weakness.

We forgive and forget past hurts easily and we open our hearts and doors to anyone and everyone and love them even more than we love ourselves. This is especially so with the Fulani. We love them to high heavens and constantly and consistently tolerate their excesses. We commend them when they hurt others and we keep silent and act as if it is no big deal when they hurt us.

First they gave the Oyos, that unfortunate name and then one hundred years later, despite strong protestations from the other Kingdoms of the South West, it was used to describe us all!

And sadly we accepted it with a smile on our faces! It is our ignorance, our child-like naivety and our gullibility that allowed that to happen and we must address the issue and right the wrong.

I am a student of European and indeed world history and I can confirm that throughout history and indeed up until today, the English have used the insulting words “Frogs” when referring to the French and “Krauts” when referring to the Germans. Can you imagine the French or the Germans ever accepting either as being their real name? This would never happen because they know who and what they are and they know that they are far better than “frogs” and “krauts”. They certainly would not take kindly to anyone referring to France as “Frogland” or Germany as “Krautland”.

Yet we in the South West are so naive and gullible that we accept “yariba” or “yoruba” as our name even though deep down we know its deeply derogatory and insulting meaning and even though we have identified and established its foul, dubious and nebullous Futa Toro and Futa Jallon origin and source.

Some eminent and respected scholars have even suggested that we should wear that awful name with pride! Not me!

It is this constant fawning over the Fulani and the desire for validation, acceptance and support from them that led to the loss of Ilorin in the first place and that, if care is not taken and if we do not retrace our steps quickly, will lead to the total and complete destruction of our people and race.

The Ooduwans, the Aku, the Anagos and all the people of the South West are proud and noble warriors with an illustrious history and great heritage: we do not need the Fulani or anyone else to endorse us, support us, encourage us or tell us who we are and we certainly do not need them to give us a name.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

POLITY Issele-Uku People in Abuja Roll Out Drums for Obi Nduka Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

T

he people of Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State living in Abuja have perfected plans to give their king, the obi of Issele-Uku kingdom, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, MNSE, a befitting welcome during his planned visit to Abuja on Saturday, November 9, 2019.

The ceremony, being organised by the Issele-Uku Development Union (IDU), is scheduled to take place at the International Conference Center in Abuja.

The event is themed: “A Celebration of Culture and Royalty; A Day with our King,” His Royal Majesty, Obi Agbogidi Nduka, MNSE. According the chairman of the Hosting Committee of the Issele-Uku Development Union Abuja, Mr. Pius Egwuyenga, the Issele-Uku people living in Abuja have decided to roll out drums to welcome their king to Abuja because they see the visit as a focal point to unite all the sons and daughters of Issele-Uku living in Abuja to rob minds on how to

attract federal government attention to Issele-Uku kingdom.

According to Mr. Egwuyenga, “Our handsome amiable king just came back from America where he went to rob minds with his subjects in America on how to attract foreign investors to his kingdom in order to create jobs and empower the unemployed youths in his kingdom. So, his visit to Abuja will compliment this very laudable effort.”

A press statement signed by Mr. Chas Nwam, who is also a member of the standing Publicity Committee of IsseleUku Kingdom, added that the Special Guest of Honour at this epoch making visit is the custodian of culture in Nigeria, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, and President of World Crafts Council, Africa Region, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, OON. The Minority Leader of the National Assembly, Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu will be the Chairman of the occasion, while Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, representing Delta North in the National Assembly will be the Guest of honour.

“All the captains of industries that are interested in developing Issele-Uku will

Obi Agbogidi Nduka with the Delta state Governor. Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa

be given the opportunity to meet and dialogue with the king and his subjects

on the best and modern ways to develop Issele-Wku kingdoms,” said Nwam.

NDDC Founding Fathers Applaud Akpabio on IMC Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

T

he Founding Fathers of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have expressed full support to the Niger Delta Minister Senator Godswill Akpabio on his action of setting up an Interim Management Committee for the Commission.

At a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday Prof Jasper Jumbo, who wrote the blue print for the establishment of both NDDC and its predecessor OMPADEC said that the founding fathers have no doubt that the Dr. Joy Nunieh-led Interim Management Committee will do a good job of attending to the needs of the long suffering people of the Region.

They observed that in the past few years, politicians had used the commission as a cash cow to further their political

Akpabio interests and warned those of them that wish to realize various political ambitions in 2023 General Election putting the use of the NDDC in their calculations that they will be vehemently resisted by the youths of the Niger Delta.

Prof Jumbo advised the leaders of Ijaw Youth Congress who called for the sack of the Niger Delta Affairs Minister to tread softly as the Commission had many challenges and obstacles that required an outstanding political leader with pedigree of the caliber of Senator Akpabio to tackle.

He called on the Federal Government to ensure that the Forensic Audit of the Commission from 2001 – 2019 should be conducted by knowledgeable professionals who should do a thorough job without any outside interference, in order that the nation will know exactly the degree of corrupt practices, number of abandoned projects and how billions of naira went down the drain instead of alleviating the sufferings of the Niger Delta people.

He further advised that instead of awarding contracts to the youths for water hyacinth cleaning, they should be trained in skills acquisition and given take off grants to establish small scale industries.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chief Operating Officer and Co Founder, Oncopadi Com. , Dr. Adaorah Momodu; President, Association of Medical Students, University of Lagos, Abisola Ajayi; General Manager, Lagos State Health Management Agency, Dr. Peju Adenusi; CEO, Ladybird Ltd. ,Mrs. Bumi OKe; and CEO, Medfyers Africa, Dr. Kunle Adeyemi - Doro, at the Association of Medical Students University of Lagos Academic Symposium, held at LUTH in Lagos...recently SundayAdigun

L-R: General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN),Comrade Isa Aremu; Executive Secretary (TETFUND),Prof. Suleiman Bogoro; President The Bridge Club, Abdul Hakeem Mustapha (SAN); Chairman House Committee onTertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman; and Vice Chancellor, UniversityofAbuja,Prof.AbdulrasheedNa’Allah,attheBridgeClubEducationSummit,Theme:‘RebuildingNigeria’sEducational SystemTowards Global Competitiveness’ held in Lagos...recently SUNDAYADIGUN

R-L: Permanent Secretary, Education District 3, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Dr. Yinka Ayandele; Managing Director/CEO, Megalectrica Limited, Mr. Chris Ubosi; Chairman, Ikoyi/Obalende Local Development Council Area L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Ore Famurewa; Consular General, Kingdom of (LCDA), Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal and Principal, Girls Senior Secondary School, Mrs. Oluseun Omotoye, during the of- the Netherlands, Jan vanWeijen; Managing Director, FCWAMCO, Ben Langat; and Executive Director, Finance, FCWAMCO,DirkvanBreen,duringacourtesyvisitbytheConsularGeneraltoFrieslandCampinaWAMCOinLagos...recently ficial inauguration g of ITLaboratory y Centre, donated by y Megalectrics, g in Lagos...recently g y KOLAOLASUPO

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

POLITY

Dickson

Diri

Bayelsa 2019: Dickson, Diri Plot Opposition’s Defeat Ahead of the November 16, 2019 Bayelsa governorship election and, in the face of antagonistic “federal might”, Governor Seriake Dickson has been vigorously leading the campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party’s flag-bearer, Senator Douye Diri. The party looks good to resoundingly retain tenancy of Yenagoa’s Creek Haven. Stanley Nkwazema writes

W

hile the ruling party at the center, All Progressives Congress has warned the federal government against releasing N7 billion to the Bayelsa State Government, being refund for Value Added Tax, (VAT), President Muhammadu Buhari has transmitted a letter to the Senate, seeking additional refund of N10 billion to Kogi State for projects it implemented on behalf of the federal government. Both states have scheduled gubernatorial poll on November 16, 2019.

In July, an elated Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, while performing the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a chapel at the Government House, Lokoja, announced the receipt of N30.8 billion bailout from the federal government. The natural import of these selective huge disbursements ahead of a major electoral contest, under whatever guise, is of key concern to many stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the apparent unwillingness to release the N7million refund due to Bayelsa State ahead of the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election, suggests that the state is on lock-down, courtesy of federal power.

Significantly, not many who work with Governor Dickson understand his way of thinking on many governance issues. Before the primaries that would usher in the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election, Bayelsans nursing the ambition of taking a shot at the ticket were not stopped from picking the forms from the PDP secretariat.

At the last count before the primary on Thursday September 4, 21 candidates paid for the forms at the cost of N27 million, enriching the coffers of the party to the tune of over N440 million. Almost half of that number came from Governor Dickson’s cabinet and staff, as well as others from the Restoration Group, which he leads. It was also understood that he assisted some of them to pay for the forms.

While so many candidates had the feeling that they were to be anointed, he never spoke on a particular candidate but told anybody who cared to listen that the candidate must be Ijaw in blood and in thinking. Some even went as far as dropping names and meeting those they thought were ‘closer than close’ to the Toru Orua-born lawyer, activist and politician.

Some alleged political jobbers and perennial contestants felt they could try their luck and cast their nets to make the big haul but emerged with zero catch. At the end of the day, it was Senator Douye Diri, the man from Kolokuma/ Opokuma who represents Bayelsa Central at the National Assembly that won.

The governor is facing a big battle to get Diri and his running mate through the election. He not only understands the fact that the election is an off-season poll coming outside the cycle of the four years and seven months after both men were elected Senators. Again, his reputation is at stake even as voters are beginning to realise that the choice could turn out to be the best for the state. If campaign

rallies and endorsements by various groups translate to winning the election proper, then the PDP candidates are beginning to impress the voters.

Although Diri is not known to be a billionaire - a former teacher, commissioner, Representative and now a Senator – he hardly boasts a formidable financial war-chest, in a contest that is considered ‘war’. But the scope of his goodwill is unmistakable. The governor is battling dwindling internally generated revenue and meeting up with so much debt. But his hard-won reputation as a feisty fighter is intact.

The opposition APC in the state is not, however, convinced that they could move to Creek Haven after Dickson. The in-house implosions and bickering over the choice of oil pipeline security contractor, David Lyon, have made it extremely difficult to sell the flag-bearer as their candidate.

Significantly, the gubernatorial candidates of the party, including former PDP stalwart and former Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Priye Aganaba Steven, Ebitimi Amgbare, Diseye Poweigha, Ongoebi Etebu are contesting the outcome of the primaries which they claim was a sham. Lopkobiri’s case against David Lyon comes up on Monday. A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa and presided over by Justice Jane Inyang has already fixed November 4, for commencement of hearing in the suit filed by Lokpobiri, challenging the governorship primaries conducted by the APC, on September 4.

As a fact, prominent members of the party in the state are not on his campaign trail and were not even available when the campaign was flagged-off last month in Yenagoa. The APC governorship candidate is incidentally not a well-known personality and worse, not even a popular choice. Many believe that ex-Governor Timipre Silva, now Minister of State for Petroleum who is backing him will bring out money to support him. But their house is divided.

Diri recently said: “I think, I have come a long way with His Excellency the Governor of Bayelsa State. Over the years, we have known long before he became governor.

We were all involved in the creation of our state Bayelsa; we are all founding fathers of our state. And so, for me, I know that he was going to play a key role in who becomes the governor after him. Much as the people will vote, but as a sitting governor, I realised that very early, when I started the move to Creek Haven.”

Interestingly, Dickson has deployed a philosopher’s attitude to chart a new way of dealing with problems of a complex and very difficult state like Bayelsa - easily regarded as the Jerusalem of the Ijaws. Politics is a game where people cook up all sorts of narratives to curry favour. Not with Governor Dickson. He listens, talks less but digests more information. Even when he is uncomfortable with flimsy excuses, he finds it expedient to call the person or persons concerned. Don’t be surprised when he asks you about a particular person from your locality.

Greed and unfaithfulness have come to define Nigerian politics and the state is indeed awash with transactional politicking. So many, curiously believe in the slogan of ‘let’s share the money’ at the expense of governance, infrastructure development, good governance, accountability and transparency.

Although politicians could turn around after grabbing as it intoxicates, but only Dickson and a few were convinced after the primaries that Senator Diri could continue with the template set in place by his group to better the lot of the state, when he bows out on the 20th of February, 2020.

He confirmed recently that “Not many people in the state were convinced that Senators Douye Diri and Lawrence Ewhurujakpor” the former Works Commissioner made a good pair for the task ahead. He stuck to his guns and saw to it that the people voted for them at the primaries. Many believed that he was rewarding loyalty, faithfulness and continuity beyond his days in office.

Questions about the governor’s love for education dissolves when it is understood that he was not privileged while growing up coupled with the fact that he had to travel several kilometers, to different communities to attend Secondary school. This affected and shaped his thinking. He has built 15 new modern boarding schools across the length and breadth of the state. He had to skip school for a period of time; due to lack of funds and so he had to pass the Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund and made education at that level free. He has built three varsities. The NUC has now accredited all the courses.

He also moved to establish the University of Africa, from a swampy sleepy village in Toru Orua and employed not only locals but many others from outside the country to handle the academic affairs. Besides, when he realised that multibillion Naira medical Centre built by the first civilian government of DSP Alamieseigha was being inhabited by rodents and miscreants more at odds with the purpose of taking care of the health needs of Bayelsans, he quickly assembled a team of consultants that now got the approval of the NUC to remodel the place which has now become the first fully accredited Medical University.

Before that, the nearest hospitals were miles away and in certain cases, due to the riverine nature, they had to paddle canoes for hours before they could access adequate healthcare, which informed his building health centers in all the local government areas and some communities cut off from local government headquarters. People died of avoidable illnesses, which they ascribed to witchcraft, but there now exists modern diagnostics centers.

The Traditional birth attendants are equally being trained and regulated in line with best practices. Following the recurring cases of adulterated and expired drugs and nonavailability of authentic drugs, the state has established a drug mart where hospitals and other institutions could buy and administer to patients.

Indeed the Seriake Dickson vision, which has powered notable transformations in diverse sectors of the state, can hardly be allowed to die. Little wonder, Bayelsans, including the bickering opposition, know the next tenant of Creek haven.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

POLITY/MILESTONE

Imperative of Responsible Budgeting in Ogun State Femi Ogbonnikan writesonthejustconcluded2020OgunStateBudgetandMediumTermExpenditureFramework

I

n an evolving modern democratic world, elected public office holders are accountable to the electorates. This is why the current administration in Ogun state has decided to involve the people in decision-making. Prince Dapo Abiodun, the governor, says it and does it. This rare trait is an embodiment of integrity the Yoruba people often refer to as, “Omoluabi”. In his clear demonstration of ability, rare feat, competence, trust, sagacity, resilience, prudence, resolve and commitment, he hasn’t reneged in his electoral promises to live up to expectations. His social contract with the good people of the state is aptly captured in his vision and mission statement which has undoubtedly and succinctly, translated to improving the qualities of lives, and serves as a beacon of hope of a better future ahead.

While addressing a mammoth crowd of stakeholders at the grand finale of a “Town Hall Meeting on the 2020 Budget and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2020-2022”, held in Abeokuta, on October 19, 2019, the governor noted that the current administration was poised to regenerate the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) across the state, especially with the takeoff project of the urban renewal housing scheme in Ibara, Abeokuta, located in Ogun Central, among other things.

Abiodun pointed that Abeokuta deserves the priority attentions and that the planned regeneration project would be such that will not be half haphazardly done. The new proposed mass housing scheme, he said, would cater for the teeming populace of the state, and the people that are willing to come, live and invest in the state.

“We are not here to witch-hunt anybody; we are not here to grandstand, but you all voted us into office to provide good and qualitative governance.

“Our vision is to create focused and qualitative governance, while creating an enabling environment for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to thrive; as fundamental to the creation of an enduring economic development and individual prosperity for the good people of Ogun State.

“We will not abandon inherited projects that have direct bearings on the development of the state”, averred the governor.

Besides, he disclosed that the government had sent a bill to the State House of Assembly for the setting up of the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGPWA) to increase the revenue drives of the state government through proper waste management. By and large, Abiodun underscored the importance of the Town Hall Meeting in all the three senatorial districts which he said afforded the people for whom the government holds their mandate in trust to have a say, especially as it is all about them. Specifically, he said that, apart from the fact that the Town Hall Meeting was a way, to once again, meet with the people of the state, it would also help to achieve a strategic allocation of resources towards the projects and programmes that would have the optimum impact on the people.

Through this process, the governor said sustainable develop-

Abiodun ment would be achieved, because the people themselves are the initiators of the development plan. Therefore, it would become easier to sustain and maintain such projects for the continued development of the state, because the people have taken the ownership of the processes and the projects.

The Town Hall Meeting has taken place in the three senatorial districts, with the maiden edition held at Ijebu-Ode (Ogun East) on Thursday, October 10, 2019, followed by Ogun West (Ilaro) on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, and the grand finale at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

While lending credence to the desirability and viability of the medium term expenditure framework to the economic sustainability of a state, the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the Governor, Mr Dapo Okubadejo, shed light on the imperatives of the concept as very much in line with the fiscal responsibility act and sets the tone for the preparation of the next year’s Budget.

According to Okubadejo, who until his appointment was a partner with KPMG Consulting Firm, the medium term framework sets out a policy that encourages state government to develop a medium term plans, about three to four year plans.

Anchored on the plan, he stated that the individual annual budget would be developed.

The reason, he adduced, for this is to essentially enable state governments, not think of short term, but to think of longer

term.

“So, that is the reason for that. It is a six-month programme and we don’t want a situation whereby we are not ready to present the budget. Normally, budget should be prepared well ahead of times, so that you will increase your chances of the effective implementation of the Budget.

“So, the first thing in the medium term sector strategy is to gather all MDAs, the heads of all MDAs to communicate the vision of the government, especially when a government is new so that they are well abreast of the vision; they are very clear about the strategic direction of the new government; they are also in tune with what the new government considers to be its strategic priorities. So, once you understand this, and how the government intends to deliver on these promises, priorities and vision, then, their job will be to go and develop the framework upon which to then, plan and deliver the budget so that the budget is not a budget of “no basis”. All along, budgets are prepared in several methods”, Okubadejo said.

The town hall meetings with the three senatorial districts, Ogun East, Ogun West and Ogun Central, it was gathered, was to gather inputs, with the vision of the government and the budget, while the planning department will put them together and come up with the Budget. The budget itself, he reasoned, is in line with the process whereby the executives would have to discuss the budget.

Chiefly at the Town Hall meetings, the traditional institution, political leaders, regardless of their leanings, religious bodies, students’ union movements, trade unionists, road transport workers, market women and men, physically challenged persons, lecturers, teachers, and other critical stakeholders inundated the governor with a torrent of requests for the rehabilitation of all township and rural roads across the three senatorial districts.

The last eight years of the immediate past administration, according to the stakeholders, were full of untold hardships and neglect, without recourse to improving their lots through the provision of basic necessities of life. In the overall, they demanded for the declaration of a state of emergency on all the roads in the state for rehabilitation, without further delay.

Coming next on the agenda was the issue of security of lives and property. Residents of Ogun Waterside, where kidnap cases have become rampant, called on the state government to make adequate provision in the budget for the procurement of crime-fighting equipment, especially speed boats, patrol vehicles and other gadgets.

Likewise, residents of international border towns and villages in Ogun West district sought the intervention of the state government in tackling the menace of herdsmen attacks on farmers.

Not left out, they requested for further placement of premium in the provision of the education and healthcare delivery service in response to ever-growing populace.

––Ogbonnikan is a Media Aide to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun

Isara Elected Superior General of Missionary Society Vincent Egede

T

o further strengthen the spread of the gospel worldwide, the fifth General Chapter of the Missionary Society of St Paul of Nigeria, recently elected Fr. Callistus Isara as its sixth Superior General.

The election was held at the headquarters National Missionary Society of St. Paul, Gwagwalada, Abuja, elected.

Fr. Isara succeeds Fr. Victor Onwukeme who was elected in 2013. Born October 14, 1966 in Ovu Inland, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State where his primary and secondary education took place.

He joined the Spiritual Year of the National Missionary Seminary of St. Paul in November, 1983 and completed his philosophy and theology studies in June, 1991. Fr. Callistus Isara was ordained priest an MSP priest on June, 22, 1991. After his one year pastoral experience in the Archdiocese of Calabar, Monsignor Godwin Akpan, the Superior General at the time sent him to the Catholic University of America, Washington DC, to do graduate studies in Pastoral Theology from where he graduated with a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1996.

He also obtained a Certificate in Advanced Clinical Pastoral Education from Eger Health Care Centre, Staten Island, New York, USA. He joined the formation team of the National Missionary Seminary of St. Paul, Gwagwalada, Abuja on October 1, 1996 where he served till 2004. After a Sabbatical year he was appointed Director of the Gaudium et Spes Institute -the Archdiocesan centre for prayer and renewal for Priests, Religious and Laity.

While he served at Gaudium et Spes he continued to lecture on a part time basis at the Seminary. In April, 2012, His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan appointed him Episcopal Vicar for Religious of the Archdiocese. He service at Gaudium et spes lasted till 2017 after which he went on Sabbatical in Ireland.

He was still in Ireland when he was elected the sixth Superior

Fr. Isara

General of the Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria.

He has served in a various leadership positions in the MSP which include Local Superior of the Seminary Community, Mission Superior, Nigeria North, and Regional Superior when Nigeria North was upgraded to a Region.

Fr. Callistus Isara assumes this leadership task with a lot of experience in administration, the academia, pastoral counselling, spiritual direction, human formation, ongoing formation for Laity, Priests and Religious and human relations in general which he will bring to bear in his new task. As MSP Superior General he leads 281 members of a dynamic missionary family serving in Nigeria, Botswana, South Sudan, South Africa, Chad, Malawi, Cameroon, Liberia, Gambia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, Italy, Grenada and the Bahamas.

His 12 years as Director of Gaudium et spes stand as testimony to his leadership acumen, innovative thinking and intellectual capability.

He introduced programmes to serve the spiritual needs of lay people, Clergy, Religious, married couples and singles. The

Desert Day of Prayer is a case in point. A monthly programme which served as a sort of spiritual battery charger for especially the busy working class, attracted a lot of participants from Abuja and beyond. It dealt with topical issues in the Church and society in General. The Retreat for Singles was another one.

Nigerian society sometimes stigmatises unmarried people, especially females.

The Retreat dealt with topics that highlighted the dignity of the single state and created an enabling environment for prayer, faith-sharing and reflection. Though it was not intended, some young singles met during these programmes and eventually got married. He also introduced the Pastoral Counselling Training Programme for Priests, Religious and Laity and the Spiritual Direction Programme for Priests.

He sustained and enhanced the monthly Priests’ Recollection for the Priests of Abuja Archdiocese and Training for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. He introduced the use of bulk SMS to invite and remind people of programmes which proved very effective. Other notable achievements of his tenure at Gaudium et Spes include the emergence and growth of a vibrant Sunday worshipping community, upgrade of the institute’s facilities like upgrading of rooms for accommodation, procurement of back-up generator for steady power supply, internet facilities, improvement in staff welfare among others.

Fr. Isara is also a man endowed with a keen intellect and the ability to transmit his thinking in a coherent and clear manner accessible to a broad spectrum of society. His research and presentations which cover a wide range of topics culminated in the publication of several books like Deepening our Faith Journey, Dignity in Relationship, Imitating Jesus Christ, Fidelity to Jesus Christ and Praying the Holy Rosary and a huge collection of unpublished work.

He serves with a leadership team consisting of Fr. Tony Anike, Fr. Jude Alih, Fr. Robert Kajoh and Fr. Solomon Bulus.

–––Egede, who wrote in from Abuja, served as General Secretary of Gaudium Et Spes Institute 2005-2010, as Editor of AFRICA (West African Edition).

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

02.11.2019

Tomiwa Dele-Bashiru Set to Re-launch Himself with Olympics Eagles

NEWS

KEEPING ON THE PRESSURE ON LIVERPOOL PAGE. 29

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Set to Re-launch Himself with Olympics Eagles Having failed to meet the cut at Manchester City due to the enormous talents at the Citizen’s disposal, Tomiwa Dele-Bashiru was left with little choice than to revamp his talent at Watford.

With an invitation to the Olympic Eagles, he is set to prove to the world he can be one of the best players

T

he Watford starlet, Tom Dele-Bashiru has joined the Nigeria Under-23 team in Cairo, Egypt.

The 19-year-old midfielder secured a move to Watford on a six-year deal after his contract with Manchester City expired in June 2019.

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles will kick start their U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals campaign in Egypt next Saturday and Dele-Bashiru is set to make

a statement with the competition.

The NFF released the following statement that read thus: “Another overseas-based professional in camp is Tom Dele-Bashiru, who featured for the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, at the FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Poland in the summer.

“The 20 –year-old midfielder plies his trade with English Premier League side Watford FC, and was born in the city of Manchester, England to Nigerian parents. He scored Nigeria’s third goal

as the Flying Eagles obliterated Qatar 4-0 in their opening game of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.”

In an interview with brila.net DeleBashiru said it’s a great honour to be included in the Olympics Eagles squad under the leadership of coach Imama Amapakabo.

“I have worked hard to be where I am right now, I just want to prove to the world that I can be one of the best and just to try my best for it. “It’s a great honour to play for this fantastic country,

I just want to give back and prove to the people that I’m worth the hype and he concluded that Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate anyone in the forthcoming competition in Egypt.

“We can’t underestimate anyone, we just have to give our best,” he said.

Following his debut for Watford in the Carabao Cup game after he ended his association with Manchester City, the Nigerian youth international said he was ready to take the Premier League.

The 19-year-old came off the bench to

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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Tomiwa

replace Ismaila Sarr in the 72nd minute for Javi Gracia’s side in their 3-0 victory over Coventry City for his first competitive match for the team on Tuesday.

Dele-Bashiru said he’s not ready to slow down after his debut and ready to help the club win their first premier league game of 2019/2020 season. “I’m happy to make my debut in the Cup and hopefully I can carry on improving and maybe help eventually in the Premier League as well,” Dele-Bashiru told the club website.

“I’d like to think I can help the team going forward. I like to play between the lines, create chances and make runs in behind. I would like to help the team, but that’s down to the manager, he picks whichever team he thinks is best for each game.

“I’ve learnt to improve the defensive aspect of my game because I’m more of an attacking player but it’s also good to have the other side of the game. He (Gracia) tells me to understand my positioning as well.”

Dele-Bashiru who is a graduate of Manchester City’s academy failed to enjoy enough playing time at Etihad

Stadium, but the Nigeria Poland U-20 World Cup revelation is thankful to Pep Guardiola for his development to an allround action midfielder.

“He was a good mentor, I owe a lot to him and he taught me a lot of things. At the end of the day, I felt like this was the best step for my professional career and I’m happy I made the decision to move. It was the desire to play first-team football; I think that’s the next step in my career.

“There is a pathway for young players at Watford. If you show that you’re good enough, I think the manager will show faith. Of course, I’d like to breakthrough in the Premier League, but I’ll just take each step as it comes,” he said.

The central midfielder made one appearance for the Premier League champions, in the Carabao Cup in 2017.

Dele-Bashiru, has represented both England and Nigeria at youth level and scored for Nigeria in May’s U-20 World Cup against Qatar. He becomes the Hornets’ second signing of the summer, following Craig Dawson’s move from West Bromwich Albion. The 19-year-old has risen through the youth ranks at the Etihad Stadium, making his debut away

at Leicester during the 2017/18 Carabao Cup campaign and featuring in the U-21s Checkatrade Trophy side last season.

He has spent time training with City’s first-tea m and has broken into Nigeria’s U-20 setup - making three appearances this calendar year, registering a single goal.

But with an abundance of world-class midfielders standing between him and a breakthrough onto the Premier League scene, Dele-Bashiru will seek new pastures at the expiry o f h i s c o n t r a c t .

H i s d e p a r t u re t h i s s u m m e r w i l l s e e C i t y l o s e y e t a n o t h e r p layer who has risen through their youth ranks, with Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz two of the most high profile players to have previously walked away from City - after refusing to sign new deals.

Sancho forced through an £8m move to Borussia Dortmund in August 2017, while Diaz completed a £15.5m move to Real Madrid in January.

Rabbi Matondo’s winter switch to Schalke 04, meanwhile, is further evidence that the Citizens are struggling to appease their talented pool of youngsters,

though Guardiola’s side will be entitled to compensation when he departs as they have previously offered him fresh terms.

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

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Man City Keep Pressure on Liverpool with Saints Visit Still trailing Liverpool by six points, Manchester City would be hoping to continue to keep on the pressure on the league leaders with the visit of Southampton to the Etihad Stadium for the second time in five days after first hosting the Saints in the Carabao Cup onTuesday

M

anchester City welcome Southampton back to the Etihad Stadium today in the Premier League, just four days after they knocked the Saints out of the

Carabao Cup. City have responded well since losing to Wolves at the start of the month, winning their last four games in all competitions, including back-to-back wins in the Premier League. However, due to the impressive form of rivals Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side still find themselves six points adrift of the Reds, who sit top of the table.

City’s win in midweek was their fourth in a row following the international break - a run that suggests that the club are close to hitting top form as they continue glory on four

fronts.

The Citizens are the Premier League’s top scorers this season with 32 goals from their opening 10 games, while Saturday’s opponents Southampton have the division’s worst defence, having conceded 25 goals already.

Those numbers will make pleasant reading for Guardiola’s side, who in the form of Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero boast two of the division’s most deadly finishers.

England international Sterling has starred for City this season, consistently beating defenders with his pace, creating opportunities for his teammates and regularly getting in behind opposition defences.

His speed and direct approach play down the left-hand side has been a thorn in the sides of many teams this season, and that is likely to be the case against a

Saints team who have struggled to defend effectively in the wide areas this season.

Kyle Walker is expected to return to the team at right-back and his lung-busting runs will be a source of nightmares for Southampton’s beleaguered defensive unit.

City will also have, statistically at least, a distinct advantage in the air against Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, with defender Nicolas Otamendi leading the way for the club in terms of aerial challenges won this season.

Interestingly, the Sky Blues have not lost a home game against a side starting the day in the relegation zone since November 2008.

Hasenhuttl’s men enter today’s game hoping for a response to their record-breaking 9-0 defeat against Leicester City last Friday, a game in which their attempt to mark man-to-man was torn apart by Ryan Bertrand’s early dismissal.

The one-man advantage that the Foxes enjoyed was the undoing of the Saints’ back three, who have looked far from convincing throughout the season thus far.

In midweek, the Saints did look much more organised, opting for a fully-fledged 5-3-2 that gave them numbers behind the ball at all times.

However, they still lost, a result which extended their winless run in all competitions to five games.

After winning their first ever match at the Etihad back in April 2004, the Saints have failed to register a win in the blue half of Manchester in their nine subsequent visits.

Although their Austrian coach is under severe pressure at the moment with the south coast club down in the bottom three, there are some signs that they could grab something from the game at the weekend.

For example, City had real difficul-

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 2, 2019

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GLOBAL SOCCER

ty breaking down Wolverhampton Wanderers a few weeks ago, eventually being beaten by the pace their opponents possessed on the counter.

That offers a blueprint for the Saints to follow, as although they are without influential and explosive winger Moussa Djenepo, they do have the likes of Danny Ings, Che Adams and Nathan Redmond at their disposal.

Likewise, as Norwich City showed in September, there will be chances to score against a City backline that is far from impenetrable.

Meanwhile, fans will be treated to a sneak preview of one of the EFL Cup quarter-finals today when Aston Villa welcome unbeaten league leaders Liverpool to Villa Park.

Two days after the clubs were drawn against each other for December’s cup contest they will do battle in the

league, with both sides coming into the game off the back of Wednesday wins which sealed their places in the last eight.

Liverpool will have barely had time to catch their breath ahead of this match following their crazy and chaotic cup classic against Arsenal on Wednesday night.

A brilliantly bonkers contest ended 5-5 after normal time before Liverpool won a penalty shootout which was actually lower scoring than the game itself, Curtis Jones enjoying the dream moment of netting the winning penalty in front of the Kop end on what was his home debut for his boyhood club.

Jurgen Klopp’s suggestion that it could have all been for nothing should Liverpool be forced to withdraw from the competition due to their Club World Cup commitments dampened

the atmosphere somewhat after the game, but even with a completely changed XI the result once again showcased the never-say-die attitude that has played a major role in them setting the pace at the top of the Premier League table.

Today’s match will be much more than just a dress rehearsal for the EFL Cup quarter-final, particularly with the prospect of an Anfield showdown against Manchester City on the horizon.

The Reds take on their main title rivals next weekend knowing that a win would be a significant step towards a first title in 30 years - even at this stage of the season - but they also have matches against Villa and Genk prior to that which will require their full attention.

While it is impossible to argue with a joint-record tally of 28 points from the first 30 available which leaves them six clear of City, it is some time since Liverpool delivered a victory as convincing as their league position suggests they should.

Over the last five league games the leaders have hung on to beat Chelsea, needed a goalkeeping howler to beat Sheffield United, required late goals against Leicester City and Manchester United and had to come from behind against Tottenham Hotspur to keep their fine form intact.

The ability to grind out results when not at their best is a priceless commodity and one which so often separates champions from the rest, but a comfortable and confident win by more than one goal is arguably overdue for a team who have been statistically as good as any the Premier League has ever seen over the past season-and-a-bit.

One reason behind that is perhaps their defensive record; Liverpool may have conceded the joint-fewest goals in the Premier League this season, but they have kept only two clean sheets in 10 games and, across all competitions, have not kept a shutout in six.

Klopp will be the first to stress that there are no easy games in the Premier League, particularly on the road, and Villa’s home record this season suggests that Liverpool may need to find answers from somewhere again today.

The newly-promoted side are unbeaten in their last five outings in front of their own fans including Wednesday’s victory over Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers, which set up that quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

Indeed, home or away Villa’s only loss in their last six matches came at Manchester City last weekend, and even then they gave the champions a scare during a goalless first half.

The eventual 3-0 defeat at the Etihad leaves them 15th in the table, just three points clear of the relegation zone, but Dean Smith will be relatively content with how their return to the top flight has gone so far.

Only Tottenham outside the top four have scored more goals than the Villans this term, although on the flip side only the bottom three have conceded more too, so there are clear areas for improvement.

A double-header against Man City and then Liverpool is as tough as it gets in the Premier League at the moment and if Villa can even come away with one point from those two games they will deem that a good return, so they could be out to frustrate the Reds from the off in this match.

In John McGinn, Anwar El Ghazi and Jack Grealish they have a midfield capable of breaking and getting goals, though, while Wesley could provide an important hold-up role if, as expected, Liverpool see the lion’s share of possession.

Premiership Table Liverpool Man City Leicester Chelsea Arsenal Crystal Palace Man Utd Sheff Utd Bournemouth West Ham Tottenham Wolves Burnley Brighton Aston Villa Everton Newcastle Southampton Norwich Watford

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

15 23 17 7 1 -2 3 1 0 -2 1 0 -1 -2 -1 -6 -9 -16 -13 -16

28 22 20 20 16 15 13 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 11 10 9 8 7 5

Premier League TODAY

Bournemouth Arsenal Aston Villa Brighton Man City Sheffield West Ham Watford

v v v v v v v v

ManUtd Wolves Liverpool Norwich City Southampton Burnley Newcastle Chelsea

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

v Leicester Tottenham

14:00 16:30

SUNDAY

Crystal Palace Everton v LA LIGA TODAY

Espanyol Levante Sevilla Madrid

v v v v

Valencia Barcelona Atlético Real Betis

12:00 15:00 17:30 20:00

v v v v v v

Mallorca Bilbao Alavés Getafe Eibar Sociedad

11:00 13:00 15:00 17:30 17:30 20:00

v v v

Napoli Inter Juventus

14:00 17:00 19:45

v v v v v v

Sampdoria Udinese Napoli Cagliari AC Milan Lazio

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 19:45

SUNDAY

Valladolid Villarreal Osasuna Celta Vigo Leganés Granada

Serie A TODAY

Roma Bologna Torino SUNDAY

Bologna Atalanta SPAL1 Torino Roma Fiorentina

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

GOALS

Jamie Vardy Sergio Agüero Tammy Abraham Emerick Aubameyang Raheem Sterling Harry Kane Teemu Pukki Sadio Mané Callum Wilson Mohamed Salah Marcus Rashford Bernardo Silva Sébastien Haller Wesley Ashley Barnes Mason Mount Jordan Ayew Chris Wood Danny Ings Neal Maupay

Leicester 9 Man City 8 Chelsea 8 Arsenal 7 Man City 7 Tottenham 6 Norwich 6 Liverpool 5 Bournemouth 5 Liverpool 5 Man Utd 5 Man City 4 West Ham 4 Aston Villa 4 Burnley 4 Chelsea 4 Crystal Palace 4 Burnley 4 Southampton 4 Brighton 4

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

GLOBAL SOCCER

GOtv Boxing Night Mini KB Godson Promises Explosive Return

L

ightweight boxer, Kabiru ‘KB Godson’ Towolawi, has declared that his return to ring action at GOtv Boxing Night Mini will be an explosive one.

Towolawi’s last fight ended in a sixth-round knockout he suffered in the hands of Adewale ‘Masevex’ Masebinu in a national light heavyweight title bout at

GOtv Boxing Night 16.

Speaking in an interview in Lagos on Thursday, Towolawi said he is desirous of making amends at the event, which holds on 16 November at the Rowe Park Sports Complex, Lagos.

“The defeat by Masevex was a bitter pill to swallow, but I’m happy for the opportunity to return and I promise my fans a

fantastic return by crushing my opponent,” Towolawi said.

He lauded the sponsors of GOtv Boxing Night Mini, describing it as an initiative that will help Nigerian boxers rack up more fights and improve their fight records in order to be recognised by international boxing bodies to compete for regional and global titles.

Boxers scheduled to fight at GOtv Boxing Night Mini include Rilwan “Real One” Oladosu, West African Boxing Union (WABU) lightweight champion; Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, West African Boxing Union (WABU) welterweight champion; Waheed “Skoro” Usman, former African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight champion; Opeyemi Adeyemi and Sikiru Shogbesan

Stanbic IBTC Commends 2019 HiFL Success, as Unical Lifts Trophy Stanbic IBTC, member of the Standard Bank Group, has expressed its satisfaction with the organisation and conduct of the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League (HiFL), which it partners as a major sponsor.

Giving this verdict was Head, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Sam Ocheho,whorepresentedStanbicIBTCat the finals of the collegiate football league, held last Saturday at theAgege Township Stadium in Lagos, said the bank was very pleased to have been part of the success.

The 2019 finals saw a repeat of last year’s matchup both for the third-place match and for the trophy. The University ofCalabar,Malabites,avengedits2018loss to defending champions, the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, UAM Tillers, 5-4 on penalties after a score draw in regulation time to emerge champions of the league’s second edition.

Unilorin Warriors equally exerted their pound of flesh on OAU Giants in a thrilling third-place playoff encounter, which also ended in a draw before the Warriors emerged as winners following a penalty shootout win.

Ocheho thus commended the

promoters of the competition, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, for once again successfully prosecuting the league virtually hitch-free, starting from the preliminary stage down to the finals. This year’s competition has seen an expanded field, with 32 universities featured in over 66 matches to decide the winner.

“Stanbic IBTC is very pleased with the successful prosecution of the second edition of the HiFL. The organisers have managed to build on the success recorded in 2018 to put on a wonderful competition,” Ocheho said. “As an organisation, we are known for delivering quality products and services to our customers and for our excellent people-oriented initiatives. So, we are always careful to workwithpartnerswhoshareourculture of excellence and adept management,” he added.

Stanbic IBTC said its sponsorship of the league is in line with its objective to provide genuine platforms of engagement for Nigerian youths, where they can showcase their talents and more importantly foster unity among them and contribute to youth development.

Rilwan ‘Babyface’ Babatunde parries a shot from an opponent during one of the GOtv boxing nights

India Cup: Ayomike, Akande Headline Tournament Field The excitement that has pervaded the return of India Cup; one of the most glamorous tournaments at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 will climax today as golfers engage each other in the final round of the competition.

Notable low handicap players like former India Cup Champion, Tim Ayomike, Dapo Akande, Akeem Lawal, Hetal Zahl and high flying Peter Eben-Spiff are some of the golfers expected to light up the field on Saturday in the race for the tournament coveted trophy.

Earlier in the week, the tournament produced champions among the Caddies and Staff of the Club. Sola Ogunoye with 80-gross score won in the Caddies eventwhileFavorEfenedowith94-gross score won in the Ladies’ category in the Caddies’ 18-hole round. Benjamin Emili topped in the Staff Category.

However, today’s clash among the big hitters will decide where the trophy would be heading.

Chairman of the tournament Orga-

nizing Committee, Sunil Thadani said the committee is happy the way the weeklong competition has proceeded so far.

Hesaidheexpectedakeenlycontested tournamenttoday,notingthattheinterest showed in the competition has been very encouraging.

Whilesayingthecompetitionwouldn’t havebeensuccessfulwithoutthesupport of sponsors and individuals likeAshish Gajjar, who has been working tirelessly, he said every one of them deserved commendation.

“We are grateful to our major sponsors, 7Up, Zenith Bank, OVH Energy, Indomie, DAG Motors, Olam Grains, Prestige Brands for supporting us. A special thanks to our partners African Industries and EmiratesAirlines”, Sunil said.

Expected to be in attendance at the events closing gala, which will hold on Sunday is the Managing Directors of the sponsors company and other invited guests.

2019 Nigeria Bankers Games Hot up The Nigeria Bankers Games –season 19 continues this weekend at the Yaba College of Technology Sports complex with another round of exciting group stage football matches.

In the parings released by MediaVision- organisers of the competition, Fidelity Bank will be seeking to build on last Sunday’s 5 – 1 victory against Wema Bank. Despite a brilliant performance by the match past winners, Sterling bank, they lost to First Bank on the opening day. The one customer bank will be desperate to avoid defeat against the 2018 overall champions on Sunday.

After picking up a 3 – 0 win against EcoBankontheopeningdayconfidence is high at the FCMB camp but the test against Union Bank, who are targeting

a first victory in the NBG 2019 campaign will be entirelydifferent.UnionBankcannot afford to slip up one more time.

Wema Bank will also be looking to get their 2019 NBG campaign started by picking up maximum points against First Bank after falling heavily against a free-scoring Fidelity side. First Bank, who had a decent opening game against Sterling Bank on matchday one will be desperatetotakemaximumpointsagain.

Meanwhile,UBAwill aim to continue their winning run against fellow African Giants EcoBank. The Pan African Bank will be targeting their first win in the NBG 2019 campaign against Africa’s Global bank who have continued their red hot form from the previous campaign.

L-R: Head, Global Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, Sam Ocheho; Team Captain, UNICAL Malabites, Ikponwosa Osarumen; and CEO, Higher Institutions Sports League (HiSL), Sola Fijabi, during the trophy presentation at finals of the Stanbic IBTC sponsored 2019 Higher Institutions Football League held at the Agege Stadium Lagos…Saturday.

Jorge Couto Joins Barca Academy Nigeria as Technical Director Jorge Couto, a Portuguese, a widely travelled experienced FC Barcelona camp coach has replaced Bernat Villa as the new technical director for the Barca Academy Group Nigeria, which is also doing excellently very well in terms of living her vision in Nigeria and in the sub – Saharan Africa being the first of its kind Couto’s appointment was recently confirmed by the global body after a rigorous and thorough screening exercise and trial sessions in Barcelona, Spain, as recommended by the Academy’s World Technical Board.

Couto, like Villa, a very well honed, experienced and seasoned professional, undoubtedly well-schooled in the academics and technical rudiments and the arts and science of the round leather game is acclaimed to be a stickler of discipline, reputable for excellence and professionalism, a great teacher of values and a good role model to emulate.

A father figure with humane heart.

During his meeting with the Academy’s Technical Team in Nigeria, he told

the media, that he is very humbled and highly honoured to be selected from scores of highly experienced, skillful and talented coaches with far better and excellence performance to succeed Villa who is now in the United State of America. An appointment he strongly believed is solely informed by Villa’s amazing projects seen to light in Nigeria, which the world governing body is now boldly and proudly using as reference and model for all her academies.

Furthermore, he argued that his appointment is a very challenging one and would not betray the trust of his predecessor and that of the promoters of the Academy in Nigeria.

‘The confirmation of my engagement by Blaugrana Group International, promoters of the academy in Nigeria is an honour and working to keep the standard of the former Technical Director is a challenging task and I believe with the support of the technical hands and other staff involved we would strive to maintain the degree o f the successes achieved so

far and work harder to do even more…’ he said.

He added that the good works Villa and his team did stood him and the Academy in Nigeria out, and winning a tournament even the Americans nor the Europeans had never won beamed a brighter and stronger limelight on the AcademyinAfricaandthewholeworld.

And to keep been in the biggest league of the academies worldwide, we must keep our game tick and tight, driven by positive ambition, respect, teamwork, effort in every sense of humility, with excellent(sportsmanship)asourguiding mantra.

‘With committed efforts and impactful ambition, working as a team, with the highest degree of sportsmanship we are boundtoconquernewgrounds,hoisting our flag high up on the mask of victory and learning, while molding character, teaching acceptable global values that would stand our brought ups out of the crowd of legends, anywhere, any time in the world….. We are here to make a positive difference…’ he emphasised.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Isaac Success

Isaac Success

Resumes Training With just two appearances for Watford so far this season before he was knocked out by a groin injury, Isaac Success recently resumed training with The Hornets but having fallen behind in the pecking order, the former Granada of Spain striker will need to work harder to regain his shirt at Vicarage Road

I

saac Success last week Wednesday resumed training with his English Premier League club Watford having been outinjured for over a month and has missed Watford’s last six league games.

The 23-year-old has now shaken off a groin injury and Watford announced his return to training last Wednesday.

“He will start training with the team tomorrow (Wednesday). He is feeling good. He has been working hard and we hope he can be like Capoue and Prodl and start modified training,” Alberto Leon, Watford’s head of injury prevention and rehabilitation told the club’s website Success was in inspiring form as he bagged a brace of assists in his second appearance of the season to help Watford convincingly overcome the challenge of Coventry City in the Carabao Cup. It was a most welcome win for a club languishing at the root of the English Premier League without a win or a point then.

Success is one of those players who had not seen much action this season until the game against Coventry City after injury hampered his pre-season preparation and he was not in top shape when the league commenced.

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

defenders.

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

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

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

Then as a talented teen, the Benin-born striker was the main star as the national team made it all the way to the final of the U-17 Africa Championships only to lose on penalties to the Ivory Coast.

Success got seven goals in just seven matches at that tourney.

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

year stay at the two clubs yielding only seven goals. Last season, Success only managed a single strike in 23 league appearances.

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

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

On the international scene, the 23-year-old has lost his place in the Super Eagles squad and he’s not even under consideration for a call up given the amount of attacking options Gernot Rohr has at his disposal.

However, the former Granada striker can catch the attention of the German tactician again by churning out good performances for Watford.

The Hornets sit at the bottom of the Premier League table with no wins in 10 matches and that could cause Javi Garcia to make some changes to the team by chopping out some of his underperforming stars.

Fringe players like Success are likely to be given the chance to improve the

team’s form and it is important for him to grab the opportunity anytime it comes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the women decided to blow the whistle on Success’s lackluster performance after 90 minutes, he angrily demanded his money back.

He was arrested in the hotel lobby after cops were called.

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

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

“Some people are meant to get a solution to their challenges easier than others. I just think it was a difficult challenge for me, I was not around the right people to put me in a position to get a solution quickly and come back to my feet again.

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

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

“I would like to say thank you to Javi Gracia and Watford that they had belief in me and have been giving me chances all season to build up my fitness level.

Now, I am in shape and ready to go any time.

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

It’s going to be a challenging 2019/20 season for every single forward on Watford’s payroll but how far Success flies or drowns will be determined by how he’s able to maximise the limited chances that will come his way.

It however remains to be seen if Success would ever found his groove at Watford.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

FAIRGROUND with

At Joseph Edgar's Book Launch

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

R

ecently at the Civic Centre, Investment Banker and Author Joseph Edgar presented to a distinguished audience his latest book titled Aaaaaarrrgh.

It was a very simple and civil ceremony chaired by the former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and graced by distinguished personalities.

Aaaaaarrrgh is his third book coming after the first two - Loudwhisoers and Loudwhispers, just because being a compendium of articles already published in his very popular Column, Loudwhispers in THISDAY Newspapers.

Aaaaaarrrgh this time was a marked departure as it was a memoir that chronicled his life in very exciting and humourous prose from birth to present day over 256 pages and in 65,000 words.

Dr. Reuben Abati and Dipo Soetan former President of the Association of Nigerian Authors Lagos chapter gave very succinct reviews of the book. These are some of the people at the event:

L-R: Presidential Candidate, ANRP, Mr. Tope Fasua; business mogul, Mr. Tonye Cole; and MD, THISDAY newspaper, Mr. Eniola Bello

Olisa Adibua

L-R: Former First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke and former Secretary General of Commonwealth and chairman of the occasion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku

Chief JK Randle

Bolanle Austen Peters

Yemi Shodimu

Dr. Rueben Abati

L-R: Kola Oni of AxaMansard; Joseph Edgar; and Mrs. Mofoluwake Edgar

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

FAIRGROUND

GTBank Fashion Weekend Begins November 9

I

ndustry leaders, style connoisseurs and fashion enthusiasts from across the globe will converge in Lagos, Nigeria this month for the 4th edition of the GTBank Fashion Weekend.

Scheduled to hold on Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of November 2019 at the GTCentre, Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, the 2-day event will put a spotlight on Africa’s emerging fashion industry whilst showcasing the talent and creativity of indigenous small businesses in the fashion space.

Since 2016, the GTBank Fashion Weekend has been at the forefront of promoting enterprise in Africa's rapidly growing fashion industry.

Over the years, the event has brought together renowned fashion experts and personalities to interact with hundreds of thousands of young Africans passionate about fashion and entrepreneurship.

This year, the GTBank Fashion Weekend, which is free to attend, will feature over 30 distinguished fashion leaders, designers and industry experts, whilst providing more than 130 indigenous small businesses with free stalls to showcase and sell Africa's finest ensemble of apparel and fashion

accessories.

Attendees at the 2019 GTBank Fashion Weekend will be treated to an exciting repertoire of fashion moments, from fashion and entrepreneurial masterclasses facilitated by internationally renowned fashion experts to enthralling runway shows that will present the latest in fashion styles and design trends.

There will also be pop-up stands where talented indigenous designers will display their works and interact with some of Africa’s most passionate fashionistas, an Arts & Crafts Village that showcases the beauty and dexterity of traditional African design.

Commenting on the 2019 GTBank Fashion Weekend, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, Segun Agbaje, said: “Africa is home to some of the most creative fashion talents on the planet, and we are delighted and proud to provide them with a global platform that connects them to the world. As we work towards the 4th edition of the biggest fashion showcase in Africa, our goal is to not only showcase the wealth of talent, innovation and enterprise that abound in Africa’s fashion space, but to also grow the continent's contribution to the global fashion industry by empowering

budding entrepreneurs at home with everything they need to thrive on the world stage."

He further added: “At the heart of the GTBank Fashion Weekend is our vision of promoting enterprise in industries where we believe that we can help small businesses grow and dominate. In fashion, as well as in food and the creative industry, we see not just the amazing talents and passion of our people, but how, by championing their entrepreneurial spirit, we can enrich millions of lives, uplift communities and grow our economy.”

GTBank has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s banking industry.

The Bank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions across its subsidiary countries and serves as a role model within the financial service industry due to its bias for world class corporate governance standards, excellent service quality and innovation.

The Bank is also going beyond the traditional understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility as corporate philanthropy by intervening in key economic sectors through non-profit consumer focused fairs and capacity building initiatives for small businesses.

Segun Agbaje

Gage Awards Unveiled The Gage Awards is poised to be the most coveted prize in the digital ecosystem in Africa as it will reward the very best of the digital world, including Businesses & Brands, Influencers, Apps & Web developers, entertainers and many more.

The first of its kind in Nigeria, the awards will be given in various categories of excellence on the night, under five key areas bordering on Entertainment, Innovation, Inspiration, Information and Business for the year in review-2019. This is a flagship event that would become a yearly tradition.

The award categories are; Social moment of the year, Special moment of the year, Online news platform of the year, Web series of the year, Online show of the year, Content creator of the year, Best data service provider, Online person of the year, Artiste of the year, Entrepreneur of the year, Content promoter of the year, best use of digital in financial service, online film/video of the year, banking Two of the GAGE Awards panelists Mr. Amaechi Okobi and Kamil Olufowobi having a app of the year, breakout app of the year, online campaign of the year, agency of the hearty chat at the award unveiling event

year, online comedian of the year, blog of the year, podcast of the year, agency of the year, app of the year and Best influencer endorsement.

Stakeholders and analysts have deduced that this award could be the most pristine awards in the Nigerian digital space because of its thorough auditing process. This process is machinated by their partnership with PWC; a quality assurance that would ensure a world class standard for the Gage prize.

Another oomph to the Gage prize is the quality of its academy; a panel of judges that constitute the hard-workers and achievers in the various industry who have expressed willingness to contribute to this history making project. The passion of this panel and their transmissible charisma would come to bear on the overall perception of the awards.

The Gage academy of judges include Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho, Tajudeen Adepetu, Obi Asika, Amaechi Okobi, Osayi Alile, KunmiDemuren and Kamil Olufowobi. These are industry leaders

in their various capacities who have mostly worked behind the scenes in creating business, social and economic landscapes in Nigeria.

The Gage Awards has been dubbed: “The Grammies of The Web” due to its long-term potential to put the Nigerian web players on the global stage. It would boost the pace of innovation and growth in the digital ecosystem in Nigeria by recognising outstanding players in the country's emerging digital industry.

The premier digital ceremony is set to identify, highlight and reward activities online that help shape the pace of human development in Africa and especially Nigeria, in innovation, information, inspiration, entertainment, and business.

Scheduled to hold February 22, 2020, at the prestigious Lagos Continental Hotel (former Intercontinental hotel), the Gage Awards promises a night of celebration filled with memories that would be captured by the web and shared all over the world.

Hennessy Artistry in Nigeria Celebrates 10th Anniversary Hennessy recently presented a limited edition of Hennessy Very Special, featuring a carafe decorated by the Nigerian urban artist known as Osa Seven.

This exciting tie-up marks the 10th anniversary of Hennessy Artistry in Nigeria, building on a decade worth of collaborations with emerging musical and artist talents from the country’s effervescent urban-culture scene. A trailblazing initiative rooted in culture and heritage, the Hennessy Artistry global concept centers on musical happenings combining a bold sound, visual innovation, and taste experiences that celebrate Hennessy's Art of Blending with local flavour.

Osa Seven has always made his personal culture a signature of his artwork, from his earliest illustrations to the graffiti monumental urban art that won him broader recognition. A pioneer in multi-disciplinary collabo-

rations, notably between visual art, music and dance, he is committed to setting an example on a community level and affecting positive change through self-expression.

“Today, I am focusing on opening doors,” Osa Seven explained.

“Creating opportunity seems like the right thing to do.

When I was younger, lots of people just didn’t believe that a graffiti artist could amount to anything.

You have to put in a lot of work and believe in yourself. It takes consistence and persistence. We paint words that will inspire children, like joy, happiness, collaboration, and peace — words that will take hold in their subconscious.”

A celebration of Nigeria’s rich diversity, this limited edition of Hennessy Very Special combines the artist’s vibrant personal aesthetic with the cultural values he and Hen-

nessy share: a love of heritage, local craftsmanship and various forms of contemporary art.

“Hennessy is the brand leader of cognac, and that is what I try to be with my art,” Osa Seven added.

“It’s easy for me to vibe with the House, because it’s always pushed me to express myself differently.”

Inspired by the people he meets, the places he travels, new sights, sounds and tastes — Osa Seven strives to engage his public on many different levels. Collaborating with Hennessy, he notes, will help him to elevate a message of community.

“That an international brand like Hennessy would participate in a project with an artist from Festac is inspirational — it will make people believe in themselves, want to give more energy to their career or their craft. It's a big win for artists of L-R: Osa Seven and Oluwole Awoleke all kinds.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

38

AUTO

L-R: Brand Manager, Ford, Coscharis Motors Plc., Felix Mahan; organiser, Auto Fair, Ifeanyi Agwu; Assistant Branch Manager, Coscharis Motors Plc, Abuja, Leticia Onuzulike; SA to the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Ahmed Bashar; a Ford enthusiast and customer, Rukayat Dahiru; and General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, during the official unveiling of the all new Ford Edge into the Nigerian market at the Abuja Auto Fair… recently

Coscharis Assures of Enhanced Ford Products in Nigerian Auto Market Stories by Bennett Oghifo

N

igeria’s auto market will continue to have its share of Ford Motor Company’s enhanced new products, Coscharis Motors, the auto company’s sole representative in the country, has said.

General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde stated this while welcoming guests to the launch of the new Ford Edge into the Nigerian automobile market, at the 2019 Abuja International Motor Fair.

Babarinde noted that Ford has continued to thrill the world with enhanced new products, employing deep rooted research into the desires of automobile consumers around the globe.

“We at Coscharis will always see to it that our

market never misses the opportunity to get its fair share of such highly innovative products.

“Inside and outside, Ford has added new aesthetic and functional features to make the new Edge a class leader. Behold the freshened fascia, wider grille and redesigned hood of the new Edge that helps it cast a more planted stance on the road; the low- and high-beam bi-LED headlamps that illuminate your view; the Sparkle Silver painted Aluminum wheels that fill the wells for a solid finish; and the 4-wheel disc Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) that helps bring them to a halt.”

Also, there is the Ford Co-Pilot360™, a suite of driver-assist technologies like Intelligent Access to get you in, Push-Button Start to get your engine going, and the new rotary gearshift dial to make it happen. This unique feature now comes standard on all new EDGE derivatives.

Depending on the variant of the new Edge you decide to choose, you will find all the above mentioned sophisticated features and more.

Little wonder, we love to describe the new 2019 Ford Edge as an upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) defined by modern sophistication.

Babarinde said, “With this launch today, Coscharis has once again enlarged the coast for SUV vehicles and increased the options for our customers to choose from a wide range of Ford SUVs, including Expedition, Explorer, Escape, EcoSport and now, the new Edge.”

The new 2019 Ford Edge upscale sport utility vehicle (SUV) is defined by modern sophistication. Athletic new front and rear styling reaches its ultimate expression – an exhilarating 250 horsepower of performanceenhanced pleasure.

Maximize space – never compromise on comfort

Mercedes-Benz GLB Boasts High Versatility, Exceptional Safety

T

heMercedes-BenzGLBisthehighly anticipated all-new addition to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup.

A durable and practical SUV with powerful proportions yet compact dimensions, the GLB provides a generous amount of space for up to seven passengers with an optional third row – a first from Mercedes-Benz in the compact segment.

The all- new GLB is equipped with the latest safety technology and the intuitive new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. Arriving in U.S. dealerships by late 2019, the 2020 GLB 250 will start from $36,600 and the GLB 250 4MATIC is priced from $38,600.* According to the automaker, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB offers an attractive new entry option to the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup, while also expanding the versatile MercedesBenz compact vehicle family. At 111.4 inches, the GLB’s wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than the GLA and 1.7 inches shorter than the GLC SUV. Featuring standard five- seat and an optional seven-seat configuration, the all-new GLB offers ample space and versatility for a variety of requirements.

The GLB’s strong proportions and off-roadoriented design reinforce its clear SUV character and high utility for a variety of driving styles.

Featuring an upright front section, short front and rear overhangs with optical underride guards and all-round protective cladding, the GLB clearly asserts its robust character

The Mercedes-Benz GLB

through its distinctive design.

With the standard MBUX interface, the GLB features exceptional in-car operation and communication capabilities. MBUX takes user experience to the next level by incorporating a powerful computer, brilliant screens and graphics, a customizable display, learningcapable software, and Voice Control with

natural language recognition. The available full color Head-Up Display and Augmented Video for Navigation further enhance this sophisticated system.

Thanks to its innovative technology, MBUX supports the occupants by making various operations within the cabin simpler and more intuitive.

With its rear 60:40 split seat folded flat, the new EDGE converts to a cargo hauler with ease. A convenient EasyFold® seat release for the rear seat lets you maximize cargo space with the touch of a button. Fold both sides of the seat back down for large objects. Or leave one side up to carry cargo and passengers side by side. And if your hands are full as you approach the rear liftgate, just kick your foot under the rear bumper. The hands-free foot-activated liftgate will rise on its own. This new EDGE is as versatile as you are.

Toyota Introduces Apple Carplay®, Android Auto™ on Select Vehicles Owners of select Toyota vehicles will be able to enjoy the convenience and functionality of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ with Toyota Australia’s roll out of the smartphone mirroring technology now underway.

Over the course of the past month, Toyota has upgraded its multimedia systems for Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility in new model Prius, Corolla hatch, Camry, and the all-new Granvia launched in October.

Toyota Australia Vice President Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley said the availability of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will offer customers the ability to access a number of apps on their mobile devices in a safe and convenient way.

“By offering Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility in our vehicles, we are continuing to refine our market offerings and provide our customers with the products and services that enhance their lives,” Mr Hanley said.

“The technology will allow our customers to stay informed, entertained and in touch with the wider world from behind the wheel, directly through the vehicles’ upgraded multimedia systems,” he said.

Existing owners of the all-new HiAce and RAV4 models will be able to upgrade their multimedia systemswithAppleCarPlay®andAndroidAuto™ free of charge from 1 November.

Owners of latest generation Camry, Corolla hatch, and recently upgraded Prius will also be able to upgrade their multimedia system with the new technology at their local Toyota dealership for $199 from 1 November as well.

Toyota’s upgraded multimedia system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ will also be standard on the all-new Corolla sedan and upgraded C-HR that are due on sale in Australia before the end of the year.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

39

AUTO

Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot Owner Announce $48Bn Merger is a smart move by both Fiat Chrysler and PSA to ensure their companies continue to be viable and relevant as the industry evolves.”

The carmaker with the most urgent need to combine in this case was PSA, which has fallen behind on developing clean cars. Electric vehicles account for less than 0.3% of its overall sales, and it had to pay Tesla (TSLA) for credits needed to comply with EU emissions standards. Fiat Chrysler has also trailed larger rivals in developing electric vehicles.

Even the biggest players in the industry are making changes. Volkswagen (VLKAF) and Ford (F) are working together to develop electric and self-driving vehicles, while German carmakers BMW (BMWYY) and Daimler (DDAIF) have formed a joint venture that will develop driverless technology. Honda (HMC) has invested in General Motors’ (GM) self-driving car unit.

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

F

iat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA Group have announced the terms of a $48 billion merger that would create the world’s third-largest automaker and help spread the huge cost of developing electric and autonomous

vehicles.

According to CNN BUSINESS, shareholders of each automaker would own 50% of the combined operation, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday.Abinding agreement could be finalized within weeks, the statement said. Fiat Chrysler shareholders also would get a special one time dividend worth €5.5 billion ($6.1 billion) as part of the deal.

The combined company would be based in the Netherlands, which is the current headquarters of Fiat Chrysler, although it will keep a head office for its North American operations near Detroit.

John Elkann, the US-born scion of the Italian family that founded Fiat, would be chairman of the combined company, while PSA chief executive Carlos Tavares would be CEO. The combined company would have roughly 410,000 employees and annual revenues of $190 billion. Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) and PSA(PUGOY) sold a combined 8.7 million vehicles last year, just ahead of General Motors (GM), which sold 8.3 million, and not far behind Volkswagen (VLKAF) and Toyota (TM), which each sold over 10 million.

The merger comes amid a global auto sales slowdown, which could worsen as economies around the world slow or even fall into recession.

Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot merger

At the same time, carmakers are scrambling to invest in the electric and hybrid technologies needed to meet strict new emissions targets in China and Europe.

The autonomous vehicles of the future also present a threat to traditional industry business models. The huge amount of capital needed to meet these new challenges has forced some automakers to find partners and turned others into acquisition targets.

Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds’ executive director of industry analysis, said the planned merger of Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA“isn’t really about product or expanding to new markets.” Rather, it’s about funding research into the vehicles of the future.

“The electrified, autonomous future everyone is waiting for just isn’t feasible without automakers merging and forming strategic alliances to share research and development costs,” she said. “This

A history of mergers It’s not the first time that PSA has used a merger to bulk up. In 2017 it paid $2.3 billion to buy GM’s European business, adding the Opel and Vauxhall brands as GM exited the continent. While GM lost about $22.4 billion in Europe over the 17 years before that deal, Opel and Vauxhall are now profitable for PSA. Teaming up during times of adversity is also a familiar strategy for Fiat, which started the purchase of US rival Chrysler out of bankruptcy a decade ago.

It completed the merger five years later. But even following that deal, Fiat Chrysler was still significantly smaller than many rivals, putting it at a disadvantage in purchasing muscle as well as spreading out the cost of research and development.

How Car Connectivity Enhances On-Road Safety and Convenience

O

ver the past three decades, the spread of the Internet has radically changed the world and everything it touches, including the automotive industry. Vehicle network connectivity features have changed the way we live, work and drive. Connected cars today have the power of 20 PCs and contain more than 100 million lines of code that can process up to 25 gigabytes of data per hour, and it is estimated that by 2021, there will be more than 380 million connected vehicles on the road[1].

Do you drive a connected car? If you don’t know, you’re not alone. According to a recent study by Kantar[2], 47 percent of respondents didn’t realize their vehicle included features that classified it as a connected car. Many other car owners were not aware the technology existed, while those who were aware either didn’t trust the technology or see how it could benefit their everyday lives.

Connected cars and the Internet of Things A connected car is a vehicle that is connected to the internet via a mobile data stream. This allows the car to connect and ‘talk’ to other devices,

such as smartphones, inside and outside the vehicle. Technology is already being tested that enables connected cars to communicate with other vehicles on the road, like ambulances, as well as with infrastructure, like traffic lights, helping drivers avoid accidents, traffic jams and other slow-downs.

Connected cars are part of a bigger technology trend called the Internet of Things, which is the connection of everyday devices via the internet.

These smart devices are everywhere, from refrigerators that can tell people when they’re running low on milk and automatically order more to mirrors that can give weather and news updates while people brush their teeth.

“Connectivity has been a key enabler for automakers like Ford to offer a greater level of comfort, convenience and safety to car owners,” said Kuda Takura, Smart Mobility Specialist at Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.

“As the technology progresses, we can expect a future with an all-encompassing ecosystem of interconnected devices and infrastructure, which will have a significant impact on the way we interact with the world around us.”

2019 Ford EcoSport

BMWs’ Harvest of Female Deaths Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly referred to as BMW is a German multinational company which produces automobiles and motorcycles. Automobiles which is our focus today are marketed under the brands BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce while motorcycles are marketed under the brand BMW Motorrad. The BMW models are fascinating and comes in different series. I have never owned one but have been privileged to drive one and must confess it is a delight to own.

However, this piece is not about the aesthetics of the BMW brand or as we would refer, about the BMW machine for those who are speed freaks but about how in the month of October which just ended , BMW became synonymous with deaths.

Within the month, two separate road traffic crashes occurred in two different states killing a total of six females and one male rider.

I know there were several other crashes that occurredacrossthecountryinthemonthofOctober; some minor and others fatal but I have chosen to highlight these two tragedies that I hope would provide grounds for us to take necessary caution as we enter November before the heightened motorization in December. The first crash occurred in Jos, the Plateau State capital while the second crash occurred at Uselu along the busy Benin-Lagos highway. Both crashes were fatal. The first claimed the lives of two while the second according to reports claimed the lives of four children of the same parents; all victims were females except for

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 the seventh who was the rider of the tricycle in Jos. Let me start with the crash which occurred in Jos, the Plateau state capital. According to reports, a young girl who was in her sophomore year at the University of Jos, studying Statistics boarded a tricycle with her friend who was also in her final year on their way to church. What was supposed to be a harmless journey in a tricycle, turned out to be a tragedy when a drunk guy driving a BMW, left his lane, climbed the road barricade, hit the tricycle commonly called ‘keke’ in which the two undergraduates travelled in, and somersaulted three times. The drunk driver whose birthday was on Sunday confessed to be drunk after celebrating overnight.

The report has it that the driver survived the crash but the keke rider died on the spot while the two undergraduates who were still alive were rushed to a nearby hospital where they were rejected for failure to produce a police report. Although they

were rushed to another hospital, both died before medical help could be given, having missed their golden hour.

The second crash occurred on a Saturday along the busyUselu/LagosExpresswayclosetothetraditional ground in Egor Local Government area of Edo State.

Report equally has it that a fast moving BMW car crushed four children of the same parents while crossing the road on an errand. Although another report claims three were of the same parent while one was a friend who accompanied them on the errand, I would rather stay away from the controversies and focus on the issues surrounding the crash.

Without attempting to pre-empt the crash investigation outcomes, I would for now focus on two critical issues involved in the two crashes that has left tears and mourning. Both crashes like I said earlier involved BMW cars. The brand in itself does not have any mechanical deficiency rather we are concerned with misuse of this global brand. Both reports and eye witnesses claim both drivers were speeding.

In the case of the Jos crash, the driver confessed to have taken a bottle too many; meaning we are on the surface looking at driving under the influence and excessive speeding as possibilities. There is also the tragedy of the rejection of the victims by a hospital on the grounds that a Police report must first be presented which I hope to handle subsequently.

Let me start with drinking/drugs driving. Driving is a serious occupation which demands total concentration. It is said to be the most dangerous

of all human activities…A recent WHO studies shows that 40 to 60 percent of all injury deaths are attributed to violence. This is particularly so for traffic accident involving alcohol. ALCOHOL misuse is usually on the high side this season. So too is drugs, whether legal or illegal. But do you know that an estimated 25% of those who drive after drinking get involved in accidents which are alcohol induced and that the chances of you being involved in an accident are multiplied 10times and that such Accident could be fatal depending on the level of alcohol. Like alcohol, drugs affect your driving behavior and can lead to some of the following individually, or in combination: slower reactions, which can make you react incorrectly, poor concentration and confused thinking.

An unconcentrated driver, is like a mad man with a sharp knife who knows who his next victim will be.Adrugged driver is over confident and has distorted perception of the event and situations around him. He is at risk of taking unnecessary risks which can expose him to unimaginable danger. He also has poor coordination, lacks the composure to put him together in an emergency situation.

He is restive and erratic, unable to be in control of his actions as he loses his composure, sometimes feigning ignorance and showing arrogance at the same time.

He also has blurred vision, dizziness and severe fatigue. Drugs and alcohol therefore increases the chances of road crashes but also their fatalities which was the case with the Jos driver who was driving under the influence and probably speeding above the limit.

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NOVEMBER 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

NOVEMBER 2, 2019 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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˜ ˞ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Large Numbers, Not ‘Number’

M

ORE than banking: “Access Bank’s nine months (months’) profit rises by 44% to N91bn�

(THISDAY Front Page Headline, October 26) The next two contraventions are from the same source as the introductory paragraph: “In apparent violation of the order of a federal high court in Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, yesterday approved the release of a list of successful candidates in the controversial recruitment of 10,000 police constables.� Get it right: 10,000 constables—the word ‘police’ is contextually otiose here. “A letter (In a letter) sighted by THISDAY, the Police (unnecessary capitalization) allegedly applied for the transfer of the suit between the Police and the PSC to Federal High Court presided (presided over) by Justice Okon Abang.�

Bank the ‘Eazy’ way: “You can get a facility of up to N500 million at an interest rate of 9% over a 10year (10-year) period to grow your business.â€? (Zenith Bank full-page advertisement, THISDAY, October 26) Africa is next door: “Available in multi currencies (multi-currencies)‌Cash pick up (pick-up) option available.â€? (Source: Access Bank) “HURIWA cautions EFCC over students (students’) harassment in Owerriâ€?

The next two paragraphs of dishonour are from a full-page advertorial by Gibraltar Group, THISDAY, October 26, 2019, Page 15: “Another feather to (in) your cap‌.â€? “The entire management and staff of (needless ‘entirety’!)‌felicitate with our amiable chairman‌on this well deserved (well-deserved) honour of....â€? “How Glo promo sprinkles sunshine into

(on/over) lives� (THISDAY Banner, October 26) “Toyota shows a serious future can be fun�

(Source: as above) Delete ‘a’ from the sevencolumn headline because it is an editorial sacrilege to include articles in headlines. “With a tasteful line up (line-up) of Nigerian stars‌.â€? â€œâ€Śupcoming give back (give-back) projects and more‌ “The singer and his wife, Lineo, welcomed the baby few (a few) weeks back.â€? “Last Saturday, celebrities showed up in large number (numbers) for the 13th edition of the‌.â€? â€œâ€Śa follow up (follow-up) to an epic 1992 movie, the focus shifts to Andy’s son, Nnamdi, who (a comma) like his father, is toeing the path of greed and flamboyance‌â€?

Lastly from THISDAY under review: “NFF denied (denies) abandoning Super Eagles (Eagles’) goalie, Uzoho�

THE GUARDIAN of September 9 nurtured two sub-headline blunders: “Southeast bound (Southeast-bound) passengers stranded at Lagos Airport� “Facilities at AOCOED excites (why?)

NCCE team� “I had it rough at (in) the beginning—Proprietress, Carol School� “CAF mourns late Somalia FA boss� A rewrite: CAF mourns Somali FA boss. Do we mourn someone who is alive? “CSR: Between philantropy and palliatives�

Brands and marketing: philanthropy� “...Toure’s kids’ gloves treatment of the Tuareg rebels (rebels’) insurgence as its main reason to....� (Editorial) All the facts, all the sides: kid gloves. “Woman arrested for killing mum� It is obvious that the sub-editor who treated this story has never heard of ‘matricide’! So, woman arrested for matricide.

“The elevation of some police officers and retirement (the retirement) of 13 Assistant Inspectors General has (have) led to some bad blood (delete the word preceding bad blood) in the force....� Elevation and retirement are distinct milestones that cannot be collapsed into singularity! “When Hafeez Ringim, then an Assistant Inspector General (a comma) was elevated to the rank of Inspector General (another comma) all his seniors (DIGs) had to retire.� Not true: they were retired to pave way for the Ringim ultimate disaster! “Your unassailable wisdom and sterling qualities have made you stand out as trustworthy and reliable leader.� Happy Birthday: a (note the article) trustworthy and reliable leader. “Your ability to work out (answer/do) knotty political puzzles...makes you worth (worthy) of emulation.� “Indeed, its (it’s) really a pleasure working with you....� (From The Senators of the 8th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.� Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “...the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State at (in) the April 2019 elections....� “Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.� All it takes are different accessories. “Assailant, vigilante member die in gun duel� Get it right: vigilance member. Alternatively: Assailant, vigilante die in gun duel. “Woman arrested with AK-47, 148 live ammunitions� The last word in the extract is uncountable. The Old English (Anglo-Saxon) period is gone! “This will remove the possibility of passing the bulk (buck)� No pedestrian English. “The organized private sector took the bull

Understanding Kogi’s Phantom Gifts

A

pparently, the possibility that his action may be seen as “poisoned chalice� has not crossed the mind of incumbent Kogi governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, 44. About three weeks to the November 16 governorship election in the state, a royal white Rolls Royce Phantom was presented to the paramount ruler of the largest ethnic Bloc in Kogi State, the Attah of Igala, Dr. Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II. The stately vehicle (whether brand new or UK-faily-used, we know not) is probably priced anywhere between 160m and 300m!

Ostensibly, it was a “joint project� of Igala sons (they didn’t mention daughters?) in government house and other political structures, led by the hard-working, tough-talking newly installed deputy governor, Edward Onoja. We were not told what the venerable Attah was celebrating, or if he complained about the lowliness of his serviceable cars.

Nonetheless, it was no great surprise that in response to the hefty Phantom gift, the Attah retaliated with a special chieftaincy “coronation� of his valiant Igala subjects, and their thoughtful friends. No one will bet against the “sure-banker� recipient of the most colourful traditional plumage. Of course, the governor’s head was adorned with the mouthful title of Oga-Onu-Ogu-Attah last Saturday.

While we cannot tell politicians how to run their business (scratch that to find campaigns), and it’s perhaps beyond us to suggest to royal fathers how to dispense with privileges, it is however important we remind ourselves that whatsoever we do today in positions we find ourselves will inevitably form part of the legacies (glorious or forgettable) we bury in shallow grounds of life. Our children and generations unborn will easily and surely dig them up to perpetuate their realities.

The clear and loud sentiment echoed by the lovey-dovey give-and-take romance between state and royalty in a politically charged atmosphere where the seat of power, the most viciously contested in the Confluence State, is simply this: the APC candidate in the election coming up in a fortnight is of Ebira stock (Kogi Central senatorial district), whose running mate has just been shoved up from being a Chief of Staff to the governor, to the deputy governor’s office, and he happens to be an Igala (Kogi East), the largest ethnic nationality in Kogi (in fact, they proudly claim the 9th position country-wide). Thus, making the two-pronged ceremonies in Idah a little tinged with political desperation and preemptively strategic penetration into the hearts and souls of the rustic demographics of Igalaland.

Of course, opponents and detractors of the flamboyant governor and his charismatic deputy will have a field day pointing to the duplicity and desperation of a governor who needed a N30.8b federal bailout in July to somehow pay workers salaries dating back to 2016! In fact, with the cries of

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

by the horn recently‌.â€? For a better society: take the bull by the horns. “Britain handed over the reigns of power to the politicians.â€? Modern English: reins of government. “One even wonders why government did not adopt that method from the onset (outset).â€? “This is true given the restricted and guarded comments from those who have been priviledged to view the clips.â€? Spellings count: privileged. “Government needs to put (get) its acts together and prosecute the kidnappers.â€? My own comment: get its act (not acts) together. “Vigilante group accused of murderâ€œâ€ŚGet it right: vigilance group. “Apart from all these, the debt recovery (a hyphen confirms class) level of the banks have not been any issue of interest to NDIC.â€?

Question CBN has to answer, debt recovery has (not have). “It is believed in some quarters that the Nigerian Police has‌.â€? THE NATION: the Nigerian Police have. “And the leaders, being new on the saddle of political leadership (another comma) were.‌â€? The challenges of good grammar: in the saddle. “Efforts by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his group to remove Akintola from office was (were) fiercely resisted.â€? Why the discord? “As a new democracy, there was (were) bound to be problems.â€? “In the course of the crisis, Awo and some of his lieutenants were arrested and charged for (with)‌.â€? “The ethnic colouration of the coup led to a counter coup (a hyphen) in July 1966.â€?

Spell-check: coloration.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

kins, across politics and blocs.

IN OTHER NEWS: Secret National Budget?

Bello

“hosannas� and “crucify him� coming from both sides of the divide on the issue of salary payments, no one is hundred per cent certain of the true status of owed workers salaries, allowances, pensions and gratuities...even the unceremoniously impeached former deputy governor, Simon Achuba, lamented publicly that he was owed allowances and other perks of office from 2017... his lawyer, Femi Falana, once quoted a sum of N819.7m.

So, what do we learn from this Kogi’s demonstration of expensive love? That politicians have no regard for the sensibilities of their people: if a Rolls Royce (which can hardly run a steady 70km per hour on any Igala roads) will bring votes from the largest ethnic bloc, what is N300m (even if it could easily pay 10,000 workers on minimum wage) to argue over?

Again, we are told by the love song churned out of Lugard House (governor’s office) that traditional rulers are still vital in political calculations of electoral penetration and destabilisation. This is a thesis that gives birth to tension, acrimony and suspicion between unexpected victor in the governor’s office and a miscalculated royal tumbling in partisan politicking.

My advice: It will serve the nation of Igala, her monarchy and political elites well for the Attah Igala to urgently speak of his gratitude for the Phantom gift, his readiness to conduct another chieftaincy “coronation� of leading opposition figures, among other “statements� highlighting his desire and wisdom of being a father to all sons and daughters of Igala, and their meritorious friends... irrespective of their political affiliations. And that, before November 16... even if no new gifts surface.

By such manoeuvre, our revered father, is how you maintain and nourish the reverence and adulation of your

Well, I suspect many of us are as bemused as Senator Jibrin Barau, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Appropriation, at the news that the 2020 budget defence before committees of the National Assembly are mostly conducted in secret or closed-door sessions. We agree with Barau that salient issues of the national budget, except perhaps portions bothering on national security imperatives, should be held before the media, as representatives of the people in an open, transparent and urgent atmosphere.

There is no reason under the sun that should excuse the failings and frailties of unprepared and poor managers of government ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, in providing answers and justification for every item on the appropriation bill. After 20 attempts at fabricating and panel-beating (not padding o) national budgets, should we not outgrow the cultish, cabalistic narrow-mindedness which has delineated this fiscal ritual, and open up the process to great scrutiny, and robust interventions beyond social media sensationalism and such mundane hysteria.

Help, Salamatu Needs Her Closure

I stand in support of the aspirations of the Nigerian girl-child. I queue behind the incredibly bold and inspiring agitation of Ms Salamatu Bello. She is a former student of Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, who was reported recently to have staged a one-woman protest around Kaduna streets, highlighting the plight of female students in Nigeria.

Bello alleged she was sexually abused while an ABU student in 2010. As it is usual in this confused, male-obsessed society, the alleged molester is still walking free and smug. In fact, the suspected lecturer has moved on to another university in same state.

In a volatile and patriarchal environment, Salamatu Bello has done her bit. The society in all its fragments and awareness should rise to uplift her campaign for closure and justice. Her claim and her alleged molester should be diligently investigated, and promptly prosecuted.

The young woman should not be doubly victimised, or discriminated against on any level, nor should her indignation be swept under the carpet - her voice, protest and closure will open the gates for other traumatised voices to break out, and allow the nation deal appropriately with its perverts and abusers. Health is wealth, they say.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tolani Lights Up Her Game with ‘Maybe Baby’ ASHLEY STEPHANIE I Like Men that Value Their Women and Treat Them with Care

pg. 46

Omoni Oboli’s 19 Years Love Story pg. 52

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tolani Lights Up Her Game with ‘Maybe Baby’ Talented singer/songwriter Tolani Otedola comes through with a video to her new single titled, “Maybe Baby.” The R&B tune shows the Afropop artiste and first daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, lay down her soothing vocals over a calming instrumental in the new work. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

A

fter three successive releases upon her entry into the music scene, with an EP in the making, Afro-pop singer Tolani Otedola (Tolani) has released a new single titled, Maybe Baby. This new song, prior to its release, premiered on the PGM Radio Show on Wednesday October 23 when the singer stopped by the Push Good Music Club to pay tribute to one of her music icons, Sade Adu on her 60th birthday. “Maybe Baby” is a sultry urban R&B record which showcases Tolani’s gifts as a singer and songwriter.

The song finds a “madly in love” Tolani detailing her romance with her love interest as she points out all the moves she wants him to pull on her. Tolani followed her new song with the video which was released Friday October 25. The singer/songwriter expresses her talent and voice effortlessly in the song. Remarkably, Tolani is doing her thing differently and boldly so in the music industry as much as she is very promising.

The singer lays down her soothing vocals over a calming instrumental in the accompanying visuals, directed by Mollana Burke – A JM Films Production turned out quite illustrative. The performance visuals to the beautiful R&B tune was highlighted with a male model to help visualise the lyrics. The sound reminisces one of the likes of Americas 90s R&B pop sensations Brandy Norwood and Monica Brown.

Tolani strikes an emotional cord on this lovely record as she sings from her heart for a wished love. The love thing is beginning to “enter,” after all – as we say in Nigeria. With Maybe Baby could be the hour of agreement for the Nigerian singer who appears to be telling a series of love tales. This is a follow-up to her duet with former Mavin star Reekado Banks, titled ‘Ba Mi Lo’, which means “Come with me”, the romantic song speaks on how everyone has had that person he/she is obsessed with but not sure if the feeling is mutual.

‘Ba Mi Lo’ song was inspired and written from a point of personal experience, as the singer once said there was once somebody she waited that long for but he messed up.

Back in April, Tolani had dropped the single Liar. Now, apparently, the “Liar” is out of the picture and the songstress – as in the persona in her latest song – is thrilled. So, “Maybe Baby.” Her songs are very personal. Tolani likened her forthcoming body of work in form of an EP to a diary containing personal experiences which she would love to share with her fans.

It is therefore not surprising the singer communicates realistic situations through music. Lagos born, London bred, Tolani takes influences from her multi-cultural upbringing which she focuses into a unique sound that speaks to a wide range of music audiences, which is evident in her music.

The pretty young lady learnt the rudiments of music in England and having completed her education, decided to take her music to the next level in Nigeria in 2017 with her debut single tiled, “Tenderoni,” featuring Skales.

Tolani has performed on many stages, including a pivotal set at the 2018 Lagos Fashion and Design Week and Pepsi’s Rhythm Unplugged. A bit reserved, Tolani had announced during her introduction to the Nigerian music audience that, “Generally, I call my sound Afro-pop. I look at

Tolani

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR Tolani Lights Up Her Game with ‘Maybe Baby’ The fact that you have not heard much about me was intentional. I was in the university and I went to music school too. I had to learn how to play instruments and how to write music very well. I also sang at gigs in the UK and got paid. Over there, that is how it works; you don’t just wake up and say you want to be a musician

Tolani

what is trending and incorporate it into my sound.” Tolani’s first set of musical releases are a blend of infectious African rhythms and soulful harmonies that offer its listeners a feel good-factor. Tolani is the first daughter of oil mogul, Femi Otedola.

According to her, “I was born into music; I love music even as a kid in school, church and any opportunity to sing. My family

is very musical, a household where there is always music playing namely Fela and Patra. My parents love music, my father especially.” Her musical influence drawn from a wide range also credits her hometown heroes Fela Kuti, Asa and Sade Adu, to artistes like The Pray, Aerosmith, Tracy Chapman, and Snoop Doggy.

For Tolani, who has a diploma in Music

and Master Performance from Tech Music Schools in London, some of her earliest memories were the times she spent in the car with her father playing loud music. “I think that was one of the reasons I fell in love with music. Even though my father is not a musician, he loves music. We grew up in a house where music was always played.”

Prior to her diploma in music, she studied

Psychology in her first and second degree at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

A rising star, Tolani, has been quietly building a music career over the past few years. The first of the Otedola’s three daughters has always wanted to do music even before she went to the university.

“My parents encouraged me to keep my passion but they wanted me to complete my university education first. They wanted me to have an alternative source of livelihood.

We all know that anything that has to do with creativity is not guaranteed; so, you should have a plan B just in case things don’t work out as planned.

“I am glad that they raised me that way.

Once I was done with my university education, they allowed me to pursue a career in music. Music is where my heart belongs.

I have always been artistic and I used to be a choir member in school and church.

However, I have not thrown away the business brain I inherited from my parents.

For an artiste to become successful, he or she must be a good business person as well.

“The fact that you have not heard much about me was intentional. I was in the university and I went to music school too.

I had to learn how to play instruments and how to write music very well. I also sang at gigs in the UK and got paid. Over there, that is how it works; you don’t just wake up and say you want to be a musician. You have to pay your dues. When I was at the university, I was in a band of four. I have been recording for years because I have a studio at home.”

Tolani says she will never take it personally if anyone attributes her success to her father’s fame: “If you tell me I am taking advantage of my father’s fame, I will not argue with you. I have already accepted that people will form their own opinions about me and I don’t intend to fight it. I will try to work hard and hope that my music speaks for me.

“It’s a mistake for people to think that since we were born into a wealthy home, we don’t need to work for anything. My father takes care of us, but his money is not ours. Parents like to support their children, but I don’t think they want us to depend on them forever. One day, my parents will not be around again and I will need to take care of myself.”

Billionaire Femi Otedola, is blessed with four children, three daughters and a son. His three daughters are involved in the entertainment industry. Florence is DJ Cuppy, Temi is a fashion entrepreneur/video blogger and Tolani, is a singer/song writer.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR ASHLEY STEPHANIE

I Like Men that Value Their Women and Treat Them with Care The Nigerian music industry recently honored Cameroonian-Nigerian singer and electrifying stage artiste, Ashley Stephanie by organising a grand premiere of her trendy music video, Tomber, at the IMAX Cinema, Lekki, Lagos.

The beautiful Afrocentric singer, songwriter who also featured in a blockbuster Nigerian movie, Don’t Get Mad Get Even, shares her inspiration, musical career, future plans and more with Tosin Clegg How year 2019 has been for me t has been very interesting so far. This year, I have been more focused on my content development and rebranding generally.

I would say almost 80% of my set-goals for this year have been met and I’m so sure to achieve all the rest before the year runs out, by the grace of God. We have a few more months to go and I’m very optimistic.

I

My plans for the rest of the year Musically and career wise, my plans are to share another track from my forthcoming EP with the world, touch more lives with my private charity initiative and generally remain focused in achieving the rest of my set-goals for this year. Tomber, my latest song has an amazing video shoot and many people speculated I bought a private jet. But actually, a very close friend of mine owns the private jet. I played the audio version of the song to her and her husband over dinner at my home. They both loved it and as a creative person, she started suggesting ideas to me. I shared them with the director and we brought the vision into reality.

I’m always inspired by the things that happen around me So far, this song wasn’t different. I see a lot of guys treat girls like trash just because they have it all, and feel they can afford to give her whatever she wants materially. I just wanted to encourage men through this song to love their ladies, and give them their hearts too, even if they can provide them with all the good things of life.

Also, ladies should care more about how well they are treated by their love interest; rather than the material things they can stand to gain. Yeah, so that’s the inspiration for this song.

It has been an amazing experience touring so far I have performed on stages of big carnivals in 16 countries so far, and the reception has been overwhelming. You know, I was built for the stage, built to entertain, and people sometimes, are so surprised to see me in one of these huge carnivals without even knowing my song. But my management has been incredibly instrumental in making these happen for me. Because of the reception, I have decided to record more songs that people in Central, West, South, North Africa and the rest of the world can relate to and sing along, rather than just focusing on recording songs that

give more vibe on stage like I did before.

I’m currently working on releasing an EP and that would be first quarter of next year and then follow up with an album later the same year. So, that’s the plan after the ongoing promotions.

What inspires and motivates me I get inspiration first from God Almighty and also, from the things that happen around me or to me. As for motivation, my greatest source of motivation is my undying desire to be able to contribute to the lives of those who can’t afford to pursue their dreams in what they truly aspire to be.

I have been featured in some movies I have been in two other movies before Don’t Get Mad Get Even. I have been getting a lot of offers to feature in films over the years; but, time wasn’t really permissive so I didn’t take them. But this one came at the right time so I took it.

Even in Hollywood, most musicians like Beyoncé, Kelly Roland, Jennifer Lopez, 50 cent, Jamie Fox, Tyrese and many more, make great appearances in movies. So, I see it as normal for any musician that has the talent, to play movie roles when given the opportunity.

Combining music with movies Very true, they are really both time consuming but, as I said, most big musicians that are very busy still do it. So, I will leave that to my management to balance. For me, love is a beautiful thing you know. I am a natural lover girl; so given a role like that was like living my normal life. It was challenging but yea, from the compliments, I guess I played it really well.

I believe private matters should be kept private But I like men that value their women and treat them with care, sincerity and with respect. Lies and fake people turn me off. I like honest people around me all the time. Love for me is being able to care about the welfare and feelings of others, like you care about yours. Everybody has been heartbroken at some point.

My future plans are limitless But, I will just summarise by saying, I will just want to work and get my music to the four corners of the world. Also, I’d like to positively impact more lives across Africa and the world, through my charity initiative.

Ashley Stephanie

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Gists The Rising Profile of Teemanay, New Vibe of Afrobeats Nigerian born Teemanay, better known as Young Icon, is an international Afrobeats artiste whose passion and love for music can’t be overemphasised. Teemany’s journey into the fiercely competitive music industry became official in November 2014 with the debut of his single titled “Girl For The Night”. The song was submitted for a radio competition in one of South Africa’s popular radio stations called UJ Fm 95.4, which led to Teemanay winning the award for best new Artist.

So far, Teemanay has released singles and an EP titled “Timeless”. He has also performed in many platforms, locally and across the globe. His latest song, “Vibez” is fast making waves and becoming peoples favorite, and he was lately nicknamed “The New Vibe of Afrobeats”- coined by his fans from his eccentric sounds.

Teemanany’s love for Afro Dancehall, as he calls it, has also pushed him to travel far and wide in search of a suitable environment that allows him to maximise his potential as an energetic performer and great singer with vocal dexterity.

Adding more robust feature to his music career, Teemanay also got nominated as “Best Promising Local Artiste” in Africa Entertainment Award USA 2018 and currently rated as New York’s favorite in original Afrobeats.

He is currently at the forefront of every African related concert throughout the city, from the Nigerian Independence Concert 2019, to African Restaurant week festival, to Ghana Entertainment Awards USA, to New York Fashion Week Festival, to performing at the just concluded One Africa Concert in New York, to headlining the Afrobeats fest of the Schomburg Center Of Museum Of Arts (New York City). According to the muli-talented artiste, his major goal is to promote the African culture globally through music, and to make an evergreen print in African Music History.

Teemanay

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Others Grace Priemere of ‘Diamonds in the Sky’ Star-studded Nollywood thriller, Diamonds in the Sky is a must-watch movie centered on the advocacy of cancer and its growing hold on Nigerian women. The movie is a tale of love, joy and disappointment, as three families struggle with life challenges that threaten their bonds. The intriguing story that follows reflects the title ‘Diamonds in the Sky’. The movie, a production of Femi Adebayo for Leah Foundation, was directed by Ace Producer, Kunle Afolayan, featuring top Nollywood stars Joke Silva, Adebayo Salami, Yvonne Jegede-Fawole, Ali Nuhu and Omowunmi Dada. Other cast in the acclaimed smash hit includes Ayo Mogaji, Kolade Olaiya, Bimbo Akintola, Femi Adebayo and Mogaji Majinyawa, Ebun Oloyede, Yemi Shodimu, among others.

In commemoration of breast cancer awareness month (Pink October) which is globally acknowledged, the first ladies of different states and their respective foundations, joined hands to form an alliance called First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) for creating awareness and battling of the deadly scourge. FLAC was unveiled at Harbour Point, Victoria Island on Sunday 27th of October, 2019. It was a two-part event where FLAC was unveiled and the breast cancer awareness movie, “Diamonds in the Sky” produced Femi Adebayo for Leah Foundation screened.

‘Mr Taxi’ Plans Lagos Launch with Ride Along Concert

Mayorkun

After launching in Enugu, Awka, Owerri, Onitsha and Asaba, e-hailing app, Mr Taxi is set to launch its operation in Lagos at the Ride Along concert scheduled to hold today, at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dubbed as one of the most anticipated concerts in the ember months, Ride Along concert, powered by Mr Taxi, will feature captivating performances from top Nigerian musicians, including Mayorkun, Reekado Banks, Marvelous Benji, African China, Faze, Jaywon, Djinee, Stereoman, Danfo Drivers and comedians including Dan Dee Humurous, Acapella, MC Shakara, Forever, Deeone, and Deestalker.

One of the highpoints planned for the night, is the unveiling of Mr. Taxi in Lagos.

The app has been praised by users in eastern cities as the cheapest, safest and fastest way to navigate the city. Speaking ahead of the launch party in Lagos, COO Mr. Taxi, Austin Nnaemeka Soundmind said, “We are counting down to the launch of Mr Taxi in Lagos and we are prepared to show Lagosians what it truly means to ride in comfort. We’ve been doing this in Eastern states but now it is Lagos time. It will be an unforgettable night filled with good music, comedy, celebration and amazing deals on rides.”

GOtv Expands Channel Offering For Customers Digital terrestrial pay-TV provider, GOtv, has announced plans to expand the the content offering of GOtv Max customers this November with the addition of new exciting channels. From 13 November, customers on GOtv Max package will get to enjoy four brand-new channels namely: TNT Africa, Discovery ID, Da Vinci Kids and Cartoon Network.

Speaking on the development, Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, said the new channels will provide the freshest of movies, series, documentaries and and kiddies programming to customers at no extra cost. “Our focus is to bring our customers the best entertainment possible. We carry out a research every month to understand what they’re watching and what they’d like to watch and make the changes accordingly. These changes will not only strengthen our DTT offering but also make great entertainment accessible to even more customers,” he said.

Cartoon Network is a leading kids channel which is a gateway to non-stop fun, laughter and adventure with well-known programmes such as Ben 10, Craig of the Creek, Powerpuff Girls and much more.

The kids will get to enjoy a brand-new Cartoon Network original series, Victor and Valentino, which premiers on 23 November on GOtv channel 67. The show depicts two mischievous brothers who go on adventures that put them in the path of some curious creatures.

TNT is a blockbuster filled channel with an array of film favourites for action movie buffs with non-stop classics starring iconic stars like as Jean Claude van Damme, Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Bruce Lee displaying their art this November on GOtv channel 16.

Da Vinci is a kids edutainment channel which illustrates the beauty and wonders of human curiosity and its explorations, be it in science, arts or innovation. The new channel, which airs on GOtv channel 86, provides a range of fun educational programming for kids and whole families alike filled with humour, imagination and meaningful educational takeaways.

Discovery ID on GOtv channel 52 showcases thrilling real-life drama and suspense, with gripping stories and dramatic reconstructions of everyday people behaving badly, all filmed in a contemporary and stylish format. Airing from 15 November is the enthralling series: Someone You Thought You Knew, which reveals stories about people who were murdered by people they trusted. For more information on the channel changes or to subscribe or upgrade, visit gotvafrica. com or use MyGOtv app on mobile phones, which is available for download for iOS and Android users.

Grace Gospel Music Ministers’ Convention Famous gospel artistes, Panam Percy Paul and popular preachers Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and Reverend Esther Ajayi are among the numerous dignitaries expected to grace the Gospel Music Minister Convention 2019 (GMMC2019) scheduled for 21 November at Edmark International Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.

This was disclosed by the organisers, Balm of Gilead Media. The theme of the convention is “Stewards of God’s Mysteries in Music).

Chief Executive Officer, Balm of Gilead Media, Mr. Gabriel Oladipupo, explained that the objectives of the convention include addressing the minister and his walk with God, the role of the minister in the life of the congregation, transparency, integrity and cultivation of values in the lives of the minister, role of money in Christianity and steps to becoming a firebrand minister.

He further noted that GMMC2019 will provide a good platform for gospel ministers to discuss means of becoming better custodians of God through gospel music.

The convention, he added, will also expose ministers to the spiritual mandate of their calling, create a paradigm shift in the thought patterns of gospel ministers by reiterating the need to be hundred percent dependent on God, highlight challenges facing Nigerian gospel artistes and proffer solutions to such as well as teach gospel ministers how to remain relevant.

Similarly, the convention will provide opportunity for ministers to become brands. Other dignitaries expected at the convention include ace broadcaster, Dr. Ambrose Olutayo Shomide, and Hon. Adeleke Adebanjo.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mercy Eke’s Victory Party Big Brother Nigeria 2019 winner, Mercy Eke, had her victory party in Lagos last weekend where the reality TV star stepped out for the event like an empress. She shared lots of photos from the event on her Instagram page which now has over 800,000 followers since she won BBN 2019. Mercy wrote: “Thank you all for coming out to celebrate with me last night and thank you to 800k followers; you all are amazing and I love you.” This is showbizflair’s pick from the photos sent out by marvelous Mercy.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER tNOVEMBER 2, 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Paul Okoye and His Twins

Singer, Paul Okoye, was seen hanging out with his twins Nadia and Nathan – early in the week. The singer shared adorable photo of himself posing with them before stepping out of the house.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR JAYWON

The only thing I could remember about that song was I know I was in a party with DJ XGee the last time I saw him, we were in a club and he was just playing like he always played and the next thing I heard was he committed suicide and all that. That was the only thing I could remember that could actually push me to do a song like that Jaywon

There Were a Lot of Things I Did Not Understand Until I Left Kennys Music Iledare Juwonlo, popularly known as Jaywon is one musician that has made a mark in the entertainment industry in Nigeria for over a decade with great songs like Facebook Love, This Year( Odun Yin), and Filebe. The former Kennys Music artiste shared some interesting moments on his new projects with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

recent chat with Afropop singer, Jaywon, to clarify a song which has been passed off as new single would lead to further discussion.

The song title, “My Way,” the artiste said, was actually not a new song. It’s an old song in one of his albums but someone recently dropped it online and it got picked up as new single. The Next World Music record label owner had collaborated with self-acclaimed ‘African Bad Girl’ Tiwa Savage on the song.

Like most of his previous songs, My Way was dished primarily in Yoruba language

and partly in English.

One had thought ‘My Way’ arrived following the massive success of his previous track ‘Aje’, which featured fast-rising singers, Barry Jhay and former YBNL affiliate, Lyta. Jaywon opened the year 2019 on an inspirational note with the release of both the audio and video to the song ‘Aje’.

Aje visuals feature a cameo from top music executive and former label boss, Kenny Ogungbe. Last year, Jaywon dropped his “Aje” single, a seemingly confessional that found the singer asking God for the better things of life.

While that single seems marred by a seeming use of suicide as an aesthetic to

give his already relatable lyrics some extra weight, the addition of younger, similar minded fuji-pop artistes, Barry Jhay and Lyta on the recently released remix, refocuses the song’s primary intentions. Aside refocusing the primary intentions, Jaywon has now deepened it with Aje Wazobia remix which will feature three different rappers from three different major tribes in Nigeria being Yoruba, Hausa, and Ibo. The artistes for the collaboration are Phyno, Zlatan, and Magnito from the north.

“Okay you see the Aje the first version; first of all I didn’t know I had a song like that…

I listened to the song severally if not more than a 100 times. I knew that song came

from somewhere I couldn’t place it you know. But I didn’t know what was wrong with me when I recorded the song because the lines there were just too deep. Then I realised it had to do with people committing suicide; people just giving up on their lives.

“The only thing I could remember about that song was I know I was in a party with DJ XGee the last time I saw him, we were in a club and he was just playing like he always played and the next thing I heard was he committed suicide and all that. That was the only thing I could remember that could actually push me to do a song like that. I feel like that’s what led to that song

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SHOWBIZFLAIR There Were a Lot of Things I Did Not Understand Until I Left Kennys Music

Jaywon

the original version. Then I was on tour with DJ Eni Money and in one of the schools we toured, we were outside.

“It was me, Lyta, Barry Jhay and Fireboy and we started free styling, doing acapella to the Aje song the moment I posted it on my Instagram, everybody was like ‘hey we want a remix, we want a remix’ and that was what led to that remix. That was when I realised how powerful the song actually is and I decided to say ‘no we are not going to stop’. Because for this message to get to where I want it to be, I had to drive another approach to it and that’s by doing some other kind of remixes to it because it’s not a

commercial song; it’s not the kind of song you go and do ‘shaku shaku’.

“I wanted everybody to have their own Aje experience and that was what you got with Barry Jhay and Lyta.” The song inspired over a thousand covers to that song that a young artiste from Ogun State became very popular with the Aje song.

“They played his own song to the Aje cover and the boy went viral with the same song.

I actually love the Wazobia remix more. So if you think that you have heard the Barry Jhay and Lyta ‘Aje’ you should wait for the Wazobia remix.”

For the afropop artiste, it’s been work,

work as he has been working lately towards an album which will feature artistes from the continent. “I’m actually trying to work on an album, just that I don’t know when I’m going to start to compile. But I’m working towards an album with different collaboration from different African countries as well like Ghana, Cameroon, Tanzania, Benin Republic and Sierra Leone.”

He has featured over 10 Nigerian artistes in his previous albums and feels otherwise this time.

The ‘Facebook Lover’ spoke further on his time with Kennys. “There were a lot of things I did not understand until I left

Kennys Music. But a lot of artiste doesn’t know that and they always end up in trouble. There were a lot of things I did not understand, a lot of things I didn’t know.

Like when I was under Kennys Music, ‘Keke’ tried so much to make sure I don’t keep friends, I don’t allow a lot of people come through. But then I thought he was trying to do me some bad things; I didn’t know he was only keeping my life safe for my own interest.

“He tried so much to protect me from a lot of people which back then I didn’t know he was protecting my life; I didn’t know he was protecting my career for me you know. But definitely there will always be bad time, there will always be good time when you working with people and I had my own good time in Kennys Music and I had my own bad time. But I’m very sure he’s proud of me today and I’m so proud of him. He still remains a father for me. And the relationship is there. I’m sure he’s really, really proud.”

Asked if it was the right decision he took leaving Kennys Music as at the time he did, and looking at where he is now and then setting up his own label as well. He revealed that starting his own record label has always been his dream and that’s his own personal thing, acknowledging that he didn’t leave the label until his contract expired. “So definitely I had to leave when my contract expired,” he quipped. For someone who has been in the industry where artistes come and go now for over a decade, it takes his guts believe to remain focused in the industry.

“The thing is about you it’s not about the industry. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t even care about the industry. I care about myself and my fans and the people that love me. I have had people like from six, seven, eight years ago said to me ‘you cannot make a hit song in this industry again; you are gone.’

“Just my thing whether you like it or not, if you don’t like it just pass. Even this people that you said came last year or two years ago and they are no more, probably it’s because they have always had this mind that ‘can I or can I not’.

“If you believe in yourself first, don’t wait for people to believe in you. If you believe in yourself, you move ahead. If you believe you can do this thing then continue working because the people you believe you think you need them to believe in you they have other people they need to believe in as well. So do your thing, work and work towards it will definitely work. It has worked for me over the years; it has always worked for me. I came from nowhere to Lagos for music and I’m here.”

The singer/songwriter had worked with various artistes like Reminisce, Vector and Reekado Banks; Phyno, Eedris Abdulkareem, Olamide and May D. He launched his record label named Next World Music in 2013 after his exit from Kennis Music.

The Kogi State star was honoured with the Best New Artiste at the Nigerian Music Video Awards in 2009. He also received Best Recording award at The Headies 2013 and the Tush Awards for ‘This Year’ song.

In 2009, Jaywon bagged a chance to perform at the packed Kennis Music Easter Fiesta, he made a huge impact and organisers of the event immediately stroke an interest in him. Later that same year, Jaywon signed a record deal with Kennis Music record label. He went on to be described as ‘Jaywon as one of the most recognisable voices in the industry.’ In December 2012, Jaywon released the ‘Odun Yi (This Year)’ single to critical and commercial acclaim in 2013.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Omoni Oboli’s 19 Years Love Story Actress Omoni Oboli and husband, Nnamdi Oboli gushed at their Wedding Anniversary, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

I

t’s not out of place that a handful of female celebrities desire to live actress/producer Omoni Oboli’s life. Some have openly confessed to this on different occasions. They wished they were her. But sincerely, what is it about her life that they cherish and wish to themselves? Her enviable successful career in Nollywood, her beauty perfect image of an ‘after three mother’ with grown up children first of which is about 18, Omoni is pretty young in her early forties with a husband who understands the nature of her job and happily married for 19 years.

This is a thing very uncommon in today’s Nollywood where celebrities wed today, divorce tomorrow.

For the couple, who have been blessed with three sons, the romance is still quite strong.

Love is indeed a beautiful thing and being blessed with the opportunity to spend forever after with the love of your life is something many people pray and hope for, hence the need for celebration. The Nollywood diva and her husband, Nnamdi Oboli, this week celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary on Monday October 28.

The Love is War star actress took to her social media space to share a photo of herself and her husband with beautiful words. She also hinted that she would be announcing her new business and she is excited that she picked the day which happens to be their marriage anniversary. In her Instagram post, she wrote sweet words to express how much she has felt loved by her husband, Nnamdi.

“Do you know what today is? It’s our anniversary my boyfriend, my lover, my baby daddy, my husband, my best friend. Happy anniversary bestie @nnamdioboli. It’s been 19 years of you loving me unconditionally.

Only you can be who you are to me. I’d go 100 more years with you my forever love. God was looking out for me when he sent you to me. I love you to infinity and beyond PS: I couldn’t have picked a better day to kick off my new business. Announcing soon but first #Omonifam. Help me bless God for sending me an almost perfect man.”

Her husband also took to his Instagram to shower her with praises and also thanked her for the many years of joy and love they have both shared.

“My wife! My best friend! My partner for life! It’s been a whirlwind since we first met, and then got married this day 19 years ago! I can’t think of anyone that could’ve been you to me. Can’t imagine a life without your smile and comfort and beauty I found my good thing the moment I saw you. I can say without a doubt that I always knew the decision to make you my wife was easy. But I’m under no illusion that it wasn’t a gift from God that made you my wifey. Thank you for the many years of joy and love you’ve shared with me.

I only pray that we will have many more glorious and blessed years together to see.

Happy Anniversary babe. Tell your husband he’s a lucky man #happyanniversary.”

The actress tied the knot in 2000. She met her husband when she started acting in 1996.

Four years later and just two weeks after they began dating, she at the age of 21, while he was 29, he proposed to her. Nnamdi Oboli is a life coach on marriage and relationships, a columnist for ‘Motherhood-In-Style’ magazine, and a strong believer in the sanctity of marriage as a necessary first step to attaining a greater society.

He is a University of Benin graduate of Optometry and the co-founder and M.D of Dioni Visions Ltd, a multi-faceted company with businesses including optometric practice and entertainment at its core. Nnamdi is a co-producer of several award-winning movies such as The Rivals, Render to Caesar and Being Mrs. Elliott.

Actress Omoni Oboli and husband, Nnamdi

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NEWSXTRA

EFCC, Europol, Interpol Smash Transnational Criminal Gangs 62 Nigerians arrested Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it collaborated with the police of six European countries (Europol) and the International Police (INTERPOL) to smash a criminal gang operating in five continents.

This is coming as the anti-graft agency said it recovered $16 million in “operation rewire” conducted with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The commission said it arrested

Says Mompha operated 61 bank accounts, laundered N33bn

200 cybercrime suspects in the “operation rewire” , including a social media celebrity and alleged internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha and his Lebanese accomplice, Hamza Koudeih who operated 61 bank accounts and laundered N14 billion.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja, EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, said the commission, in “operation triangle”, smashed the criminal gang operating in five continents.

“Also worthy of mention is the Operation Triangle, which saw Italian police and EFCC working closely to dismantle a trans-national criminal group operating in all the five continents.

“EFCC in close cooperation with the Italian National Police, as well as Spanish, Polish, English, Belgian, Georgian, Turkish and Cameroonian police, with the support of Europol and Interpol, and the coordination of Eurojust, carried out extensive investigations which resulted in the arrest of 62 individuals, seizure of 40,000

Euros, 30 smart phones, 10 tablets and 15 personal computers,” he said.

On the “operation rewire”, Magu said the commission and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, concluded the joint operation recently.

“The exercise was meant to dismantle the network of organised criminal gang that specialise in Business Email Compromise (BCE) schemes, designed to intercept and hijack wire transfers from businesses and individuals.

“The operation resulted in the

seizure of nearly $2.4 million, and the disruption and recovery of approximately $14 million in fraudulent wire transfers,” he said.

He said some of the Nigerians mentioned in the infamous FBI list of cyber fraudsters have been tracked, arrested and are being prosecuted in courts across the country by the commission.

“In October alone, the commission recorded over 200 arrests of suspected Internet fraud suspects in carefully coordinated operations across our offices.

“However, the major talking

point for us was the recent arrest of celebrated social media personality and alleged internet fraudster, Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha and his Lebanese accomplice, Hamza Koudeih.

“They were picked up in Abuja and Lagos respectively, through credible intelligence which flagged the suspects as kingpins of Organised Cyber Syndicate Network, OCSN,” he said.

The EFCC Chairman said, “Five wristwatches, valued at over N60 million were recovered from Mompha, at the point of arrest.

FG, Russian Export Centre Set to Revive Ajaokuta Steel Plant Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The federal government yesterday announced plans to collaborate with the African Export-Import Bank and the Russia Export Centre to ensure the Ajaokuta Steel Plant was rehabilitated for full capacity operations.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, who made the announcement, said that FG’s desire was to upgrade the facility to manufacture materials for possible export.

The minister, who disclosed this in Ajaokuta during his tour of the steel complex, informed that, the country was desirous of making the Ajaokuta Steel Company fully operational.

Adegbite’s visit, like that of his predecessors, which many said would turn things around, was welcomed with enthusiasm, was however cut short by same rhetoric of “we will revive Ajaokuta.”

He said during his inspection tour of the plant: “The plants are there and some of them are fully functional; the only reason Ajaokuta is still here is because the staff are being paid salaries over the years.

They have not only ensured that the plants are here, they ensured

their maintenance and functionality.”

Recall that the federal government recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Russia Trade, Investment Ministry on Geoscience Cooperation, where it spelt out the forms of cooperation expected, which included exchange of scientific and technical information; exchange of study visits and scientists; collaboration on research activities; joint organisation of symposia, conferences workshops and training programmes and other forms of cooperation as may be mutually agreed between the parties.

The MOU also spelt out expected areas of cooperation, which included research and development on basic geology; geological maps compilation and regional mineralisation correlation; methodology and technology on geochemical mapping and remote sensing.

The minister, on his first visit to the National Iron Ore Mining Company Limited (NIOMCO) had criticised the modification concession agreement on the re-operationalisation of the steel complex with Messrs Global Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (GINL) under the modified Concession Agreement (MCA) signed on 1st August, 2016.

Group Petitions N’Assembly over NPA’s Position on Secured Achorage A group, Association of Professionals for Safety in Shipping in Nigeria (APOSSIN) pushing for security of shipping services in the country has petitioned the National Assembly over the recent pronouncement by the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), instructing shipping operators to stop paying for personalised security services offered in the Secured Anchorage Area, (SAA) being operated by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with private firm, Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited.

The group noted that the directive was not only ill-advised but also counter-productive, stressing that NPA did not have the authority to make such pronouncement on an arrangement by another agency of government to deliver on its mandate.

The SAA is outside the port limits and hence not under the administrative control of the NPA. Security of the nation’s maritime domain statutorily rests on the Nigerian Navy. NPA by the pronouncement is interfering with the functions of the Nigerian Navy, a rascality that must be condemned by all well-meaning Nigerians.

Chairman of APOSSIN, Adewale

Adebayo Oluwafemi and Secretary, Emeka Peter Ikechukwu, pointed out that NPA had not been able to secure facilities around the port, yet it was after SAA that has brought some safety and trust for global shipping lines calling at the nation’s ports in Lagos.

APOSSIN further noted that this was made evident from the complaint by the General Manager of Greenview Development Nigeria Limited, Apapa - Lagos, Yakubu Abdullahi, of constant attack of its terminal by sea thieves.

They noted that it would not be out of place for NPA to concentrate in providing security for ships that were berthed at the nation’s ports first.

They explained that the “SAA is an initiative of the Nigerian Navy and OMS that has brought stability and security to ships calling at the nation’s ports.”

According to them, “SAA was created because of demands from ships making port calls to Lagos to give the captains extra comfort while at anchorage awaiting allocation of berthing space. The facility, we gathered is intended to collaborate government efforts and not a replacement.

EXPANDING TRADE ...

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat; CEO UBA Africa, Mr. Victor Osadolor; Representative of the President and Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Commerce, Mrs. Mariam Katagun and President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Paul Ruwase, during the Opening Ceremony of 33rd Edition of Lagos International Trade Fair “Title Connecting the Business, Creating Value”, in Lagos Friday KOLA OLASUPO

Mobololaji Johnson Architect of Modern Lagos, Says Fayemi Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and members of family of the late Brigadier-General Moboolaji Johnson (rtd) on the passing of the first military governor of the state.

The late Johnson, aged 83, was military governor of Lagos State

between 1967 and 1975.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, described the late Mobolaji Johnson as one of the architects of modern Lagos, who served the state with dedication and distinction.

Fayemi said the late Mobolaji Johnson served with honour and remained a man of honour till the very end.

“On behalf of the government

and good people of Ekiti State, the Land of Honour, I commiserate with my brother governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the government and good people of Lagos State on the passing of Brig-Gen Mobolaji Johnson, first military governor of the state and one of the finest to govern the state.

“This is a colossal loss, no doubt.

But, we are comforted with the fact that Baba lived a good life, impacted

many lives, worked conscientiously and made his mark in the development of Lagos and left behind a legacy of honour and a good name.

“We encourage his children and family to be consoled that Baba will be remembered for his good works and the impact he made.

“Our prayer is that God will grant him eternal rest and comfort the family,” the statement added.

Darling Created Memorable Looks, Experiences at Lagos Fashion Week Hair extension manufacturers, Darling Hair, shone like a million stars as well as changed the hairstyling game with the display of hair dos and extensions at Lagos Fashion Week 2019, the company has said.

It said that it collaborated with renowned fashion designers and hair stylists to create beautiful and iconic looks on the runway at the event.

A statement by the company said the annual event which took place from the 23rd to 26th of October 2019 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, celebrated the best of African fashion with a mix of exciting activities and played hosts to designers such as, Mai Atafo, Lisa Folawiyo, Andrea Inyamah,

Orange Culture, CLAN, Style Temple, Yuteerone, Tokyo James, Iamisigo, Maxvive to mention a few.

“This year, at Lagos Fashion Week 2019, Darling created exceptional backstage experiences for models and designers, hosted a runway show dedicated to showcasing a unique fusion of hair and fashion (modelled by trendy fashionistas).

Darling also created a beautifully and creatively designed Experiential space, hosted by Tomike Alayande, where visitors had a chance to receive complementary samples of the brands new detachable Kinky Straight and Afro Kinky ponytails.

“Fashion is very holistic and not

limited to clothes and shoes, hair plays a huge part in the fashion industry. Our participation in this year’s edition of Lagos Fashion Week was borne out of the need to celebrate the transformative power of hair in fashion and celebrate creativity of the different talents showcasing at Lagos Fashion Week 2019.

“We have invested our resources in carrying out extensive research to produce modern day hair pieces to bring the already beautiful woman to full bloom. At Darling Nigeria, we have taken modern day technology and combined it with our local hairstyles to bring about hairpieces that will enhance

hairstyles giving women natural looks, as well as, showcasing the modern beautiful woman,” Marketing Manager, Godrej Nigeria, Ayodele Otunjinrin concluded.

The highlight of Day 3 was the Darling runway show which included a display of exotic hairstyles, as Darling brought out its full arsenal of hair formats – naturals, weaves, braids and crotches modeled by surprise guests; Bolanle Olukanni, Kaylah Oniwo, Venita Akpofure and Idia Aisen.

Darling truly created experiences at Lagos Fashion Week 2019 that will remain memorable in the minds of many.º

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Witness: How AVM Dikko Converted NAF’s N1.2bn to Private Use Hammadama Bello, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar Dikko, before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, has told the court that the defendant allegedly converted the sum of N1.2 billion, belonging Nigerian Air Force to his personal use.

Dikko is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on seven-count charge bordering on money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N9.7 billion. Under cross-examination by the defence counsel, Dr. Onyeachi Ikpeazu, SAN, the witness who is an investigator with the EFCC, said

that funds meant for Air Force operational purpose were diverted by Dikko to his personal use.

The witness further revealed that not all the capital projects like building of and equipping of hospitals, Comprehensive School, Kano; Comprehensive School, Yola; building of Conference Centre in Kado, Abuja and the renovation of barracks, as well as the Air Force barricade, were sponsored from the tranche, earmarked for them. “In addition to the project listed above, the defendant Air Marshal Umar Dikko, helped himself by carrying out some project for himself, like his house in Maitama, which amounts to almost a billion naira,� Bello said.

He further noted that a case of alleged money laundering was established against the defendant following the results of investigations into properties linked to the former Chief of Air Staff.

Bello further revealed that that all directives regarding the disbursement of NAF’s funds came from Dikko to the Director of Finance and Accounts, who was assisted by the CFO, Group Captain Bukar Abubakar.

He stated that Abubakar was in turn assisted by Squadron Leader, Emmanuel N. Agbor and a number of other junior cashiers, adding that the former Air Chief gave directives in the absence of the Director, Finance and Accounts.

At the previous court sit-

ting, Bello had told the court how some properties were allegedly purchased by the defendant. “Although the defendant (Dikko) claimed he bought the property for N35 million, investigations revealed that the property was originally a guest house of the Nigerian Air Force, which was sold to one AVM Lex. “Upon questioning, AVM Lex confirmed that he had been approached by one Yushau, who told him that the buyer preferred to stay anonymous and N85 million (Eighty-five Million Naira), was paid to AVM Lex, for the property and another N75 million paid for renovation of the same,� Bello added.

According to the witness, the investigations also

revealed that the former Chief of Air Staff came from a humble background, rising from the position of a teacher, then a library assistant, before becoming a serving officer and then the Chief of Air Staff and wondered how he could have acquired such properties. “He (Dikko) was not a businessman while in service and would have to be Chief of Air Staff (at his last grade level) for 250 years to be able to afford the properties linked to him. “Investigations revealed that during Dikko’s tenure as Chief of Air Staff, he received N558, 200,000 million on a monthly basis, which he converted into dollars,�

Bello stated.

According to the witness, searches conducted on companies linked to the defendant at the Corporate

Affairs Commission (CAC), and several bank accounts, revealed that none of the accounts of these companies were used directly or indirectly for the purchase of the properties.

On the monies transferred to the account of Capital Law Firm, the legal agent engaged for the purchase of the defendant’s Asokoro property, Bello stated that investigations revealed a trail of about N900 million, which was paid in cash, as being payment for the property and N40 million in legal fees and additional monies (in dollars), were paid to the agent’s account for renovation of the property.

With the conclusion of cross -examination, Justice Dimgba discharged the witness and adjourned the matter for continuation of hearing.

Glo Records 2m New Customers, Regains 2nd Position

TALKING ABOUT THE ECONOMY...

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Edo State University, Iyamho, Professor Emmanuel Aluyor; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and guest lecturer, Godwin Emefiele and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki at the first convocation lecture of the university in Iyamho...yesterday

We'llContinuetoImproveOgun StandardofLiving,AbiodunAssures Idowu Sowunmi Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administration's resolve to continue to improve on the standard of living of its people and, especially its youths.

Abiodun said the state was not averse to new and better ideas that could boost the fortunes of the state through education.

The governor made this known at the 3rd Convocation ceremony of the Gateway (ICT) Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State.

He said that his administration had been connecting with individuals and corporate bodies to join hands with the state in building a prosperous future.

The governor noted that the end result of meaningful collaboration between

government, individuals and corporate bodies, would be an overall development of the economy of the state, which, he said would also translate to individual prosperity of the citizens.

"As a Government, we will continue on our part to improve on the standard of living of our people and make life more conducive for our youths. We are not averse to new and better ideas that could boost the fortunes of Ogun State through education and that is why we are constantly connecting with individuals and corporate bodies who may or may not share in our vision. We are better together. Nigeria is our country and Ogun State is our state; therefore, let us contribute our quota to its prosperity and we will in the long run, be the net beneficiaries," he said.

Four Rescued, One Missing as Two Storey Building Collapses in Ikoyi Bennett Oghifo

Four persons believed to be construction workers were rescued from the rubbles of a two storey building that collapsed in Glover Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday in the evening.

Public Affairs Officer– LASEMA, Nosa Okunbor said in a statement last night that “A total of four out of the five trapped construction workers in a collapsed two–storey building has been rescued.�

The statement said a total of four different 2-storey buildings, all under construction are in the Glover Court construction site, adding that “of the five people trapped in the collapsed building at the time of

collapse, the only construction worker reportedly still trapped under rubbles of the collapsed building is 24 year old Yomi, as all other workers have been accounted for.�

Okunbor said LASEMA “is still exerting all necessarily efforts to excavate the site in order to save the remaining trapped victim from the building that collapsed this afternoon at about 4.10pm.�

The agency appealed to Lagosians within vicinity of the incident to stay calm and allow emergency responders do their job.

Emergency responders present at the scene included LASEMA, LASG FIRE, LASAMBUS and LASBCA.

National telecommunications operator, Globacom, has increased its subscriber base with 2 million new users in Nigeria in September, said to be the largest in the country according to latest statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In the report for September, 2019, Globacom added a record 1,945,846 new subscribers.

With the addition, the company’s subscriber base leapt from 47,265,628 in August to 49,211,474, the second largest customer base in the industry.

Airtel which had briefly occupiedthesecondpositioninthe industry now has a subscriber base of 48,909,678 at the end of September, after adding 987,787 new customers, representing 50 per cent of Globacom’s new addition within the period under review. Its figure at the end of the preceding month ofAugust was 47,921,891. It is now the third largest operator in the country.

The NCC statistics showed that it was only Globacom and Airtel that added new subscribers to their networks, as MTN and 9mobile recorded a decline in active subscriptions for the month.

According to telecom industry sources, Globacom's record performance in September was buoyed by improved service delivery following continuous upgrade of its infrastructure.

AlthoughMTNremainedthe largest mobile operator in Nigeria, it lost 379,795 subscribers in the month under review. This brought its total subscriptions down to 65,328,104 from the 65,707,899 it recorded inAugust.

The fourth mobile operator, 9mobile, lost 268,159 subscribers in September, going down from 15,602,255 in August to 15,334,096 in September.

According to the industry regulator, the number of active mobile users in the country rose from 176.6 million recorded in August to 178.9 million in

September.

With this, the country’s teledensity, which measures the number of active telephone connections per 100 inhabitants living within an area, also increased to 93.8 per cent.

55

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 2, 2019

SPORTS XTRA Enyeama Reveals Retirement Plan after 20-Year Career Former Nigeria international Vincent Enyeama has confirmed plans to retire from football at the end of the 2019-20 season.

Although he is yet to find a new club since he left Lille in August 2018, the former Super Eagles captain, who retired from international football in October 2015, is hopeful of playing again when the winter transfer market opens in January.

Since he kicked off his professional career at Ibom Stars in 1999, Enyeama enjoyed tremendous success on the international scene and at club level with Nigeria clubs Enyimba and Heartland, Israeli Premier League sides Bnei Yehuda and Hapoel Tel Aviv and in the French Ligue 1 with Lille.

Aside from his laudable role in Nigeria’s triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations,

the shot-stopper was named the Caf Champions League Player of the Year twice (2003 and 2004), the Footballer of the Year in Israel in 2009 and he was also honoured as the best African player in the Ligue 1 in 2014.

“If I find a good project or a good team that wants to give me the opportunity, why not?

I still want to play, I still love the sport but then, at a point, you need to know when to say stop,” Enyeama told Get French Football News.

“For now, that point has not arrived for me so I will find something. This is the last year of my professional career. Yes,

by June that will be it. I’m waiting for the January window to come now.”

The 37-year-old had a brief training with Dijon during the summer and he has revealed why he did not seal a deal with the Stade Gaston Gerard outfit.

May face Argentina, Brazil or Canada

Fury Fears Ruiz Jr may Ruin All-British Heavyweight Fight with Joshua

Golden Eaglet hattrick hero against, Ibrahim Sa’id Uruguay celebrates his third goal against the South Americans

U-17 World Cup

Australia Halts Golden Eaglets Unblemished Record, Beat Nigeria 2-1

A

ustralia y e s terday at the Estadio Bererrao in Brassilia inflicted the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria their first defeat in the last group stage of Group B matches, in the ongoing U-17 World Cup in Brazil.

After beating Hungary 4-2 and Uruguay 3-2 in their first two group

matches, the five-time world champions were heavily tipped to beat their Australian counterparts, but Australia who were in dire need of a victory to stand a chance of reaching the Round of 16 after a faulty start against Ecuador and draw with Hungary, had a different game plan.

Australia shot into the lead in the 14th minute, but Peter Olawale, who was

Spurs Fans Charge Poch to Drop Ali against Everton DeleAlli appears to have fallen from grace in recent times, with the Spurs midfielder now just a shadow of his former self.

AftersigningforTottenhamasa 19-year old for just £5million from MKDonsin2015,Alliwasarevelation for the London side, leading every Premier League outfit to regret having not pursued the young midfielder.

Now though, the 23-year old has dropped off massively, with his form for Mauricio Pochettino’s side seeing him left out of recent international squads by the Three Lions.

It was announced earlier in the summer that Alli would miss the beginning of the new season, and since his return to match fitness, the midfielder has been used sparingly by the Spurs boss, and when he has played he has often failed to impress.

Given Everton’s storied history ofhelpingoppositionplayerswho are struggling with their form find theyfootingagain,Iwouldbeglad to see DeleAlli not start against us.

With Everton’s luck,Alli would have a storming game, so it would

perhaps be better if he were left out.

Not that I think it will matter muchanyway.Tottenham’ssquad is brimming with talent, although they have struggled massively with consistency this season, as have Everton.

Notoriously a tough fixture for the Toffees, this game will be the best chance in a while to get the upper hand over Spurs, who could equally beat Everton by four or five goals as they could lose by four or five. Let’s hope it’s the latter.

Dele Ali

an unused substitute in Nigeria’s first two matches equalised for the Golden Eaglets seven minutes later.

On resumption of the second half, the Aussies led again through a penalty and all efforts by the Nigerians to draw level proved abortive as the squandered the chances that came their way.

In spite of losing their last group game, Nigeria

had already booked a place to the round of 16, having garnered six points from three matches.

Australia would, however, have to wait for the conclusion of the group matches to know if their four points could carry them through as one of the best losers.

In the second Group B game, Uruguay defeated Hungary 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.

Anthony Joshua has his “blinkers on” despite Tyson Fury’s latest jibe as he prepares for his rematch withAndy Ruiz Jr, promoter Eddie Hearn has said.

Fury claimed “if he gets knocked out again there’s no chance” of an all-British battle against long-time rival Joshua, which Hearn admits “will always be a big fight”.

“This is the first time that we have ever gone into a fight where we couldn’t care less about Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder,” Hearn told Sky Sports. “The only thing that matters is beating Ruiz Jr. “Once you do that, everything will take care of itself because you’re the guvnor of the division. “That’s why it’s such a monstrous fight.

“Can he come back from defeat?Yes of course he can. But

it is so important to bounce back and beat Ruiz Jr, and go down in history. He is so focused, and so is Ruiz Jr. “Joshua has become a real student of the game in this camp, and he needs to do that to beat Ruiz Jr who is going to be confident, fast, powerful.

“This will be a historic moment for the heavyweight division.

“Those other guys can say what they want because, right now, we have our blinkers on.”

Joshua aims to avenge defeat to Ruiz Jr and claim back the IBF, WBA and WBO titles on December 7, in Saudi Arabia.

Fury, who appears at WWE CrownJewelonThursdaynight against Braun Strowman but plans to return to the boxing ring to rematch Deontay Wilder in early-2020, dismissed hopes that he might face Joshua eventually.

Ekiti Set for Inaugural Ikogosi 10km Race

T

he stage is set for the 1st Ikogosi Road Race scheduled to hold December 14 in Ekiti State.

The10kmracethemed“Ekitikete Lets Run” is organised under the Ikogosi Marathon initiative and is expectedtofeatureover5,000runnerswiththe male and female winners getting N 1m each.

The second to fifth finishers in the male and womenwilleachget500,000,300,000,100,000 and 50, 000 respectively while others in the top 10 will also get varying cash prizes. There will alsobelotsofconsolationprizesfortherunners.

“This will serve as a test run for want promises to be a very big event in subsequent editions. And we are grateful to Governor Kayode Fayemi for his commitment to en-

sure the success of this programme,” Race Coordinator, Muyiwa Babalola, stated.

Heinformedthatformscanbepickedatthe Olukayode Oluyemi Stadium, The Pavilion and the office of the commissioner ofYouths and Sports, Ado-Ekiti.

AtastakeholdersmeetingheldThursdayat theministryofyouthandsports,PermSecretary oftheministry,YemiOwoseni,whorepresented thecommissionerforSports,saidtheeventwill open Ekiti more to the country urging youths from all parts of the country to be part of the event. He said the event is part of Governor Fayemi’scommitment to develop the youths in the state through sports stressing that series Coordinator, Ikogosi Road Race, Muyiwa of sporting programmes will be unfolded in Babalola displaying the race form with Adeyemi Oweseni with an official of the race the coming year.

Emery to Sideline Xhaka against Wolves Arsenal manager Unai Emery saysCaptainGranitXhakawillnot beinthesquadfortoday’sPremier League game against Wolves.

Xhaka reacted angrily to being booed by home fans when substituted in last Sunday’s draw with Crystal Palace.

After facing criticism in the aftermath, the Swiss international said he “reached boiling point” as a result of threats to his wife and daughter.

“We need time to recover the

normality in him and for us,” said Emery. “He said sorry, he gave an apologytothesupportersandnow is time to focus on the match.”

Emery was asked whether the 27-year-old midfielder remained his captain but did not answer directly,sayinginstead:“It’snotinmy mind that he will play tomorrow.

I am thinking tomorrow he is not going to play.

“Now we need to focus 100 per cent on the match. Now we are going to train and at the moment

he is not in my mind.”

Xhaka has started all but one of Arsenal’sleaguegamesthisseason.

Hiswithdrawalafter61minutes against Palace was followed by boos and he reacted by swearing and removing his shirt before walking down the tunnel.

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said Xhaka owed Arsenal fans “a lot more” and should have apologised quickly after the incident.

Earlier in the week Emery also

urgedXhaka-a£35msigningfrom Borussia Monchengladbach in 2016 - to apologise.

When he did speak about the incident, Xhaka said the reaction to his substitution “moved me deeply”.

TheformerBaselplayeralsosaid hehadbeenupsetbycommentshe had received on social media and atmatchesrecently.Theyincluded ‘kill your wife’ and ‘wish that your daughter gets cancer’, he said.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Falana to Military

“Since Nigerians are not a conquered people, the degrading Operation Positive Identification should be stopped by the military authorities” – Lawyer and rights activist, Femi Falana, condemning a planned operation by the Army that will require Nigerians to show valid identity cards.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Verdict of Man

F

ellow Nigerians, the cookie finally crumbled for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar two days ago as the highest court in Nigeria, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, threw his case out of the window, in a jiffy. He had approached the Supreme Court for a reprieve from what he claimed was the hellish decision of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal dismissing his Petition on all grounds. He sought a declaration that he had won the last Presidential election against the incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari, and that INEC, Nigeria’s electoral body had manipulated his rightful votes and dashed what belonged to him to his opponent. He said that he had the INEC server to prove the dastardly machinations of the electoral body and that his Petition should not have been dismissed, but upheld. He also made other allegations about the qualifications of the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the elections.

His initial foray of laying his grouses before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal had met a brick wall and his case was brushed off in a manner that stunned many observers as the Tribunal had simply pooh poohed all his frantic declarations and arguments, dismissed them out of hand as lacking any merit. The story was virtually the same at the Court of Appeal. Two days ago, the Supreme Court put the final nail into the coffin of the case. It did so in spectacular manner, not even adjourning for Judgment but instead delivering a short judgment with full reasons to be given later.

I never expected the case to go otherwise.

As a matter of fact, based on my deep knowledge of Nigeria, and a little bit of the law gleaned from some neutral friends skilled in such matters, I knew the case would eventually run into a cul-de-sac. In series of tweets, I had pleaded with the Wazirin Adamawa to concede defeat immediately after the election and leave the fight to God to fight on his behalf. Personally, I did not see the recent Presidential election as a credible one and I said so publicly. The elections were over-militarised and many voters were disenfranchised. The results declared in some areas clearly left much to be desired, recording nearly 100 percent turnout in particular instances. Prior to the elections, it was obvious that the ruling government was not going to be as generous and charitable as former President Goodluck Jonathan. There were clear indications that the government was willing and ready to compromise and control the INEC, the Judiciary, the Police, the Military and any of the other appurtenances of coercion and power.

The results that were declared dripped of abracadabra. It was like telling Nigerians to go to hell. The government understood the weakness and inherent nature of Nigerians, which is timidity.

We do not have the courage or resilience of the people of Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Hong Kong and others. The few who take the risks often discover that they are on their own even before the chips are down. They are often dumped and discarded and deserted at the earliest sight of any resistance by the government. They are made to carry their own cross and the hero soon becomes the villain. This should not be the case, but that is a matter for another time.

This show of timorousness didn’t start in 2019, but began long ago. Most of those who died for Nigeria did so in vain, sorry for my brutal frankness but that is the sad truth. As soon as Buhari was declared by INEC as winner, I knew the game was over and no Jupiter was going to reverse that verdict. Naturally, it was a sad day for Atiku and his supporters, of which I am proud to say that I was an avowed member on this occasion.

It was certainly a sad day for democracy in our land. We would not have minded if Atiku had lost a patently free and fair election. Nevertheless,

Atiku and notwithstanding my strong misgivings, as a true and consummate Democrat, I was ready to accept the will of God. For me, as much as vox populi, vox Dei, so also vox Dei, vox populi – as much as it is said that the will of the people is the will of God which is the basis of democracy, more so is the will of God, the will of the people.

Who are we to question the almighty?

In line with my view that man proposes and God disposes, I suggested to Atiku to accept defeat and congratulate Buhari. However, I stated further that this should not debar his party from going to court to seek redress. All hell broke loose, as usual, once this suggestion hit the airwaves. The so-called social media experts descended on me like a ton of bricks. For them, what I suggested was sheer humbug and pure heresy. If abuses alone could change a hopeless government for the better, Nigeria would have become the best country on planet earth. The intolerance and rudeness of some of our friends is incredible.

They know it all and will not stomach any other views. But I saw beyond what they were seeing.

My explanation that Atiku needed to gain something out of nothing fell on deaf ears. And what did I wish for him? It was nothing other than statesmanship. But statesmanship comes at a huge price and sacrifice. It would not be easy, just remember the 27 years The Madiba, Nelson Mandela spent in prison before becoming the world’s greatest statesman. Those who would never contribute anything meaningful became the all-knowing advisers. They told Atiku he must fight all the way and to the death. This is akin to the kind of impractical pledge made by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to deliver Brexit on 31 October 2019 or die in the ditch.

As it is that day has come and gone and Mr Johnson simply ditched his pledge. He did not as much as move near even a drain not to mention a ditch! This was my reason for giving my timely admonition to Atiku. One must never burn all their bridges especially where the high stakes of politics is involved. I preferred his party to fight on instead. That’s their responsibility. Atiku should have detached himself at that stage, as simple as that. He and his Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, my dear friend, who enjoys my highest regards, should have stayed in the background and watched from the side-lines.

I knew how much the elections had taken its toll on them. They and their key supporters were harassed and blocked, here and there. They were hounded and arrested. It was like tying the hands and legs of a boxer in the ring while his opponent was free to throw heavy punches. Lord have mercy! Atiku and Obi suffered. They were oppressed and pummelled. But I knew going

to court was going to compound their trauma.

It was like throwing away the possibility of an honourable and distinguished points or majority decision for the humiliation of a technical knockout or straight knockout. There are times you must leave vengeance to God. In God’s time, everything will fall in place. After such a gallant fight, they should have retreated and hand over their battle to the greater one who giveth and taketh.

The pain of watching them go from court to court was unbearable for me. The temporary owners of the land had ensured a monumental blockade. The road led nowhere. It was virtually impossible for any court to reverse a Presidential election, in our unusual clime and circumstances.

Even the law does not seem to be on the side of the loser in a Presidential election. The odds are truly stacked against such a person. This was the meat of the lecture delivered by the distinguished legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun, at the University of Oxford, shortly after the elections.

Again, I didn’t need any power or gift of clairvoyance to know how the Supreme Court case would go, another dead end, a terminal one, and that was it. I expected our man to simply accept the final verdict, devoid of the stylish vituperation, and the veiled anger at the failure of the Supreme Court to declare him victorious.

As for me and my house, once you decide to go to court, it is like a game of football. The moment the referee blows the final whistle, the game is over, even if you feel cheated and robbed by all the officials including the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

Even now, at the end of the titanic battle fought through the Courts by the protagonist, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, I believe that he has failed to seize the initiative and the opportunity presented by the Supreme Court decision. His tirade and invective after the decision is not what I would expect of someone who aspires to be one of the world’s leading Statesmen.

His denigrating and disparaging remarks about the judiciary and the apex court in Nigeria was ill-advised. The judiciary is the last bastion of the people. Even though there may be faults here and there, it is clear that they have been doing their best in a particularly difficult terrain. They

have virtually become the whipping boys and girls of the Executive and veritable lambs of God who must carry away the sins of the world. Like journalists, everyone expects the sacrifice their everything while we sit comfortably in our homes.

I am aware that many PDP candidates have either had their elections confirmed or their appeals against electoral losses upheld. It cannot be the case that when court decisions favour you, then you trumpet the great admiration and respect you have for the judiciary, but when you lose, you harshly criticise the same institution. This was a chance for Atiku to call for the reform of those institutions he found wanting without heaping blames and subliminal insults on those presently occupying those institutions.

I would have expected Atiku to borrow a leaf from the distinguished and well-respected world statesman, Albert Arnold Gore Jr, former Vice President of the United States, who fought a similar battle all the way to the US Supreme Court. On 12 December 2000, the US Supreme Court, by a split decision, 5-4, decided that recounting the Florida votes beyond 12 December 2000 was unconstitutional. This meant that Gore had lost Florida by a meagre 537 votes and would eventually lead him to losing to George W Bush Jr in the Electoral College by only 6 votes. Gore conceded the election to Bush the following day even though he strongly disapproved of the US Supreme Court decision. As he stated, “for the sake of our unity as a people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession.”. I know that Atiku is a democrat and patriot which he mentioned in his release but he should have spared the rod on the Justices. He must understand that ultimately, this is not about him and his ambition.

It is a test of Nigeria’s fledgling democracy and the unity of its people for which he must stand up and be counted. God’s will is always done eventually and Nigeria shall rise again.

Having said all this, I must sign off by extending my sincere congratulations to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr Peter Obi on a good fight. The forces they battled were heavy and monumental. Atiku is a man and half, in my view. He is a case study in courage and confidence. May they and their families be blessed...

Dele Agekameh: And My Childhood Friend Died

Every now and then, everyone receives a piece of news that shatters him completely.

Such was the story that my childhood friend and Brother, Dele Agekameh, has passed on.

My initial reaction, naturally, was shock, then incredulity and denial and finally, grief. How can Dele die? A man I have known for nearly five decades. We both attended the famous St. John’s Grammar School, Ile-Ife where our paths crossed and were of course close friends with the children of the royal household of Ooni Adesoji Aderemi KBE, KCMG, where Dele’s father worked as Baba Aafin’s Major Domo.

Dele was treated by Baba Aafin like one of his last sons. Indeed, one of the last gestures of Ooni Aderemi, was to pay for Dele to proceed for further education in Greece even before he sorted out his own last born who was Dele’s friend and age mate. Baba treated everybody in his household in the same way, whether they were his children or his staff, and I recall that Dele lived with his father within the precincts of the Palace and moved to Atobatele, Ooni Aderemi’s stately mansion, a stone throw from the palace, when the highly revered monarch joined his ancestors.

It was impossible to be at St. John’s Grammar School, where I joined them from 1973-76, and not know Dele. His command of English language was second to none. He enjoyed grandiloquent and bombastic language, which was a reflection of his personality. Dele was warm and colourful.

As soon as he left Ife, he found a job and was offered an official car. Dele would drive to Ife and make sure he blew money on us his friends. He was so generous.

I wasn’t surprised when Dele subsequently found his way to Newswatch magazine and later Tell magazine. His stories and editorial interventions were always written from the heart.

We were both very busy and didn’t speak much, but every time we did, Dele was forever his effervescent self. He joked a lot.

I never knew he battled any ailment. Dele never liked to push his burden on anyone. He had passed on before I ever knew anything.

I was totally devastated that Nigeria has lost yet another brilliant son and I have lost a dear friend and colleague.

My condolences to the family he left behind.

May God almighty be with everyone of them.

And may his kind soul rest in peace...

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