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Emefiele: CBN’s Independence Intact, Primacy of Mandate Unbroken Says apex bank is an entity within the larger entity called Nigeria Obinna Chima Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday explained that the cordial relationship between the central bank

and fiscal authorities has not in any way weakened the independence of the Bank. Emefiele, who said this in an interview monitored on AriseTV, also allayed concerns of inflationary pressure, with

the recent uptick in the consumer price index (CPI), which rose to 11.6 per cent in October. In addition, the Governor reiterated his support for the decision of the federal

government to close all the country’s land borders, saying it would help in stimulating domestic production. Responding to a question on the independence of the central bank, Emefiele said:

“Let me assure everyone that the independence of the CBN as enshrined in the CBN Act of 2007 (as amended), is intact. At the same time, we have a responsibility as a monetary policy arm of government to

support economic growth and development.” He added: “The central bank is an entity within the larger entity called Nigeria. So, when Continued on page 5

Appeal Court Affirms Elections of Ganduje, Tambuwal, Lalong… Page 14 Saturday 23 November, 2019 Vol 24. No 8993

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Air Peace Founder Indicted for Money Laundering in US Bennett Oghifo and Chinedu Eze

MOVING APC FORWARD... L–R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, at the party’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja …yesterday godwin omoigui

The Chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has been charged with bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts in a scheme allegedly involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes. According to a press statement yesterday by the US Department of Justice, Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Georgia, the Air Peace’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was also charged with bank fraud and committing aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme. When contacted last night, Onyema said all the allegations raised against him by the US authorities were false. Continued on page 55

“Besides the age, I swear by the Holy Book I believe in, that I will go by the constitution and the constitution says two terms’’ – Buhari Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja and Seriki Adenoyi in Jos President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he would not make the mistake of attempting a third term in office. The President, who spoke at

the National Executive Council meeting of his party, the All Progressives Congress, held at its secretariat in Abuja, said apart from age, he was limited by the two terms stated in the Nigerian Constitution. The President also swore by the Holy Book that he would

leave at the expiration of his tenure in 2023. Buhari said: “I said you should read the Constitution because I am not going to make mistake or attempt third term or whatever term. Besides the age, I swear by the Holy Book I believe in, that I will

go by the Constitution and the Constitution says two terms. "I know I am in my last term and I can’t afford to be reckless because I'm not going to ask for anybody's vote. For that reason, I want you to read the Constitution and make sure that when the

Constitution says the election, as we did it the last time, from bottom to top will start in 18 months’ time or 20 months’ time, it is going to be done." The President therefore called on the party members not to take Nigerians for granted, saying: "They know

what they are doing. I don't think we have the money to give them so that we will buy their votes, or we threaten them by using the police and other law enforcement agencies to make sure that the ruling Continued on page 5

EFCC to Arraign Mompha, Others over Alleged N33bn Fraud… Page 15

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Non-Oil Sector Pushes GDP Growth Rate to 2.28%

James Emejo Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate increased to 2.28 per cent (yearon-year), in real terms, in the third quarter of the year (Q3 2019), compared to 2.12 per cent in the preceding quarter, representing an increase of 0.17 per cent. According to the GDP Q3 2019 report released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the growth rate in Q3 represented the second highest quarterly rate recorded since 2016.

Also yesterday, the Debt Management Office revealed that out of Nigeria’s total debt profile of N25.7tn as of June 2019, external borrowing accounted for about 32 per cent while 68 per cent is from domestic borrowing. The report by the NBS showed that aggregate GDP for Q3 2019 stood at N37.80 trillion in nominal terms, which was higher than the N33.36 trillion in Q3 2018, representing a year-on-year nominal growth rate of 13.30 per cent. The NBS stated that the growth rate was however lower relative to rates recorded in Q3

2018 by 0.28 per cent and the rates recorded in the preceding quarter by 0.71 per cent. The economy continued to be driven by the non-oil sector, accounting for 90.23 per cent of GDP while the oil sector contributed 9.77 per cent in the quarter under review. Daily oil production, however, increased to 2.04 million barrels per day (mbpd) in Q3 compared to 1.94 mbpd, representing its highest in more than three years. The real growth of the oil sector was 6.49 per cent (year-on-year) in Q3, indicating an increase of 9.40 per cent relative to rate recorded in the

corresponding quarter of 2018. The sector contributed 9.77 per cent to total real GDP compared to 8.98 per cent in the preceding quarter. Conversely, the non-oil sector grew by 1.85 per cent in real terms during the reference quarter, which is 0.20 per cent higher than estimates for the previous quarter. In real terms, the sector contributed 90.23 per cent to growth, slightly lower than the 91.02 per cent in the previous quarter. However, agriculture, which is the mainstay of the economy, contributed 29.25 per cent

real GDP during the quarter, compared to 22.78 per cent in the preceding quarter. According to the NBS, industries further contributed 22.17 per cent to growth while the services sector accounted for 48.59 per cent of the GDP.

Buhari further added: "My experience in the petroleum industry, from 1999-2014; crude oil production was 2.1million bpd, at the cost of $100 per barrel. It went up to $143. You know what happened when we came? It dropped to $37, $38 and militants were unleashed on the administration, production went down. "So, Nigeria was earning, virtually for 16 years on the average 2.1mbpdx $100×16 years. But look at the condition of the roads, the railway was killed. There was no power and if the infrastructure is good, a lot of Nigerians will not even bother who was in government; they will mind their own businesses because Nigerians are very competitive. But some of the roads were done during the good old days of PTDF. "Those of you that have the chance to watch the news will see the number of causalities between Lagos and Ibadan alone, the number of people killed on daily basis, the vehicles being destroyed. I think that for the Nigerian elite to keep quiet when so much evil was being committed, they haven't done good service to their country. "I have mentioned these negative things because I want you to accept that you are now in charge. I'm the President, but APC is in charge. But I am concerned about history, having been a governor, a Minister, Head of States, in detention, attempted presidency three times, I succeeded the fourth time, went to Supreme Court three times, I don't think any Nigerian politician has much to tell me.� Earlier, the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, said that while the APC-led federal government had not been able to solve all the problems, there was no doubt that Mr. President had tackled the issue of the economy,

anti-corruption and security efficiently. He lamented that the party lost Zamfara, Sokoto, Bauchi, Adamawa and Oyo states due to internal party crisis, but he was quick to stress that the party won Bayelsa, Gombe states and that the party had the highest number of lawmakers in the National Assembly. The APC chairman also said that all the pending cases before the court, especially Sokoto State’s would be pursued to a logical conclusion.

Oshiomhole's Sack

68% of Nigeria’s N25.7tn Debt is Domestic, Says DMO Meanwhile, the Debt Management Office yesterday disclosed that out of Nigeria’s total debt profile of N25.7tn as of June 2019, external borrowing accounted for about 32 per cent

while 68 per cent is domestic. It also said the federal government was responsible for 80 per cent of the debts. The Director-General of the DMO, Ms Patience Oniha, made this known when she appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts. She said: “As of June 2019, our debt profile was N25.7tn; this includes the federal and state governments and the Federal Capital Territory. We call it the total public debt. Out of this total, the Federal Government is responsible for 80 per cent of the debt.�

BUHARI: 3RD TERM NOT ON THE CARDS party wins. I insisted on free and fair election. That was why I went to all the 36 states and the FCT when people said that I'm so sick, some people said I was dead." Buhari emphasised that he was impressed with the number of people that turned up during the 2019 electioneering campaigns, adding that the number was more than what anybody could pay or intimidate. The President stressed that he would like to maintain that respect and relationship with Nigerians ahead of 2023, while also assuring that he would hand-over power to whoever wins the election, though he said he hopes it would be an APC candidate. Buhari urged the party to ensure that those elected are endorsed from polling units, to wards, to local government to states, to the national and should also ensure they are respected in their respective constituencies. "This is the only way we can make this party survive. This is the only way history will be kind to us, that we have led with absolute concern for the country and for the people. If for any other reason, you divide the party at any constituency and it caused its failure rather than victory, history will not recognise you as a leader at any level at any time." Buhari also called on members of the APC NEC to reposition themselves and make sure they dominate their respective constituency politically ahead of the 2023 elections. He said history would not be fair to them if the party collapsed at the end of his term, adding that history would be fair to them all if the party remained strong, not only at the centre, but also making democratic gains. According to him, "People

will reflect with nostalgia that once upon a time, the presence of APC made a lot of difference, people made sacrifices, they worked very hard, and that the sacrifices are physical, material and moral to make sure that we maintain leadership, politically. This is what we should all aim at and make sure that our constituencies follow us to achieve this great objective." The president stated that what happened to the APC in Imo, Bauchi, Sokoto and Zamfara states during the 2019 elections were really unfortunate, and appealed to all party members to read the constitution of the party, understand it and stick to it. Buhari also commended the 9th National Assembly for their commitment and harmonious relationship with the Executive, “especially the way they have been deliberating on important issues�, adding that the government is making a lot of progress with it. He stressed: "Yesterday (Thursday), I had to mention the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature and I told you that there were times I called the Senate President and the Speaker of the House and told them on one-to-one basis that to sit on the budget for seven months is not politics and it is not hurting the president, whoever he is, it is hurting the country and the people who you sworn by the constitution to serve wholeheartedly." The president lamented that people had failed to appreciate what his administration had done, considering what it inherited when it came on board in 2015. He noted that he went public several times to make the Nigerian elite understand that the 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did not portray the Nigerian elite as a “conscious group.�

Protesters Clash over Oshiomhole On the same day, it was a free-for-all fight in Abuja, as protesters demanding the sack of the National Chairman and those rooting for him clashed openly. Security agencies had restricted movement in and around the party secretariat due to the NEC meeting of the party held yesterday, which President Buhari attended. The restriction of movement forced the anti-Oshiomhole protesters to lay siege in front of Valencia Hotel, beside the party secretariat, in continuation of the demonstration they started on Thursday morning. The situation degenerated to a frightening level when the pro-Oshiomhole protesters stormed the street and engaged the anti-protesters in a free-forall, brandishing cutlasses and freely hauling heavy stones, big sticks and other available weapons at each other. The situation was brought under control when security agents at the NEC meeting venue intervened immediately and released teargas to disperse the protesters.

Aggrieved NEC Members Call For

In another development, some APC NEC members yesterday called for the sack of Oshiomhole. Addressing a press conference after the NEC meeting of the party in Abuja, the aggrieved members lamented that most of the goodwill acquired by the party, by reasons of its religious adherence to the provisions of its constitution and the tenets of internal democratic practices had taken a downturn, “principally due to dictatorial and despotic tendencies of Oshiomhole.� The Zamfara APC Chairman, Lawan Liman, who addressed the briefing on behalf of the aggrieved members, said they had wanted to raise a motion, but the Oshiomhole refused to allow anybody to talk and decided to call for adjournment. Liman said: "Most unfortunately, the facade conducted by the National Chairman, today, the 22nd of November, 2019, as a National Executive Committee meeting, leaves much to be desired. He completely ignored Mr. President’s advice and rather defied all known rules for meetings by precluding contributions from members and ending the meeting abruptly, without achieving anything. This is most unfortunate and undesirable. "Arising from the foregoing and having regards to the huge responsibilities bestowed on us as officers of the party and in the overriding interest of our members, we are left with no option but to demand that Oshiomhole resign his position as National Chairman, in order to stem the slide and provide an enabling environment for genuine healing, reconciliation and the practice of true democracy, within the party across the country." The aggrieved APC NEC members at the briefing included

Kebbi Chairman; Bala Kangiwa; Jigawa Chairman Habibi Sara; Ondo Chairman, Ade Adetimeli; Kano Chairman, Abdullahi Abbas; Benue Chairman, Abba Yaro; Ekiti Chairman; Omotosin Paul, Niger Chairman; Mohammed Jibril Iman; Edo Chairman, Anslem Ojezua; Nasarawa Chairman, Philips Shekwo; Kaduna Chairman, Lakep Dabah, among others.

Buhari to Meet APC Governors in Jos President Buhari will arrive in Jos, Plateau State tomorrow for a two-day meeting with governors elected on the platform of the APC. The meeting is scheduled to hold between Sunday and Monday. The Secretary to the Plateau State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu confirmed the development at a press conference in Jos yesterday. Atu said that other dignitaries expected at the meeting included President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and at least 17 ministers. According to him, the meeting would provide an opportunity for the APC governors to share ideas on how to deepen governance in their respective states and provide dividends of democracy to the people. He said: “The latest meeting of the APC governors coming up in Jos is the third in the series after the previous ones in Ekiti and Kebbi States. The essence is for the governors to share ideas and learn from each other on how best to provide good governance to the people in line with the APC manifesto. “That is why Mr. President has accepted to be part of the meeting. The Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as about 17 ministers, will also be in attendance.�

EMEFIELE: CBN’S INDEPENDENCE INTACT, PRIMACY OF MANDATE UNBROKEN you talk about interference, by virtue of the fact that the central bank is putting in place policies that would help to engender growth, policies that would help to create jobs, there is no conflict in that and in fact, it has nothing to do with the independence of the CBN. “The independence of the CBN is enshrined in the amended CBN Act of 2007, and nothing is altering or in any way, affecting the independence of the CBN. “When you say your mandate as CBN is price and monetary stability, it must be price and monetary stability that is conducive to growth, conducive to creating jobs and conducive to ensuring that industries remain alive, whereas the primacy of your

mandate, which is price and monetary stability remains in tack.� According to Emefiele, “Whether you are a president or a CBN Governor, you have been placed in a position by God to serve your people and put in place policies that would enhance the lives of your people. “So, if by that you feel that the central bank is moving out of its realm, I don’t agree with you. What is important is that we have a country and an economy that must grow, and an economy where its people must be seen to live well and that is what we are doing and it has nothing to do with any conflict or intervention.� He described inflation as a cankerworm that policy makers

must fight, saying that high inflation erodes purchasing power and affects people’s ability to live well. “I can tell you that the primary mandate of the CBN is to put in place policies that would control inflation. And that we would do. We are not going to put the blame on the control of inflation on anybody. If the politician likes, because he is an actor, let him do whatever he likes. “But, we would do what we need to do to make it impossible for him to take certain actions that would affect the level of prices in the country. That is our job and we would do it,� he said. Commenting on the latest inflation figures, he noted that he had read some reports where

the trend was attributed to the border closure, “and I laughed.� “If inflation is up as a result of border closure, it means that as a result of the border closure, supply of certain basic items have gone down, while demand has either risen or has been flat. So demand has outstripped supply and by that you are facing a demand-pull inflation. And I have to speak now as a Nigeria. If prices of goods have gone up because we closed the borders so that jobs can be created for our people, so that our industries can come back alive again, and prices have up by 0.3 basis points in one month, for me I am not going to lose sleep. “All we need to do is for us to work hard to boost supply, so that prices can come down

because supply has gone up to be able to match demand. I don’t have any apology to people who feel the border closure has resulted to price increase. “The reason is because it is creating jobs. Is it rice? Is it tomatoes or poultry? Do you know eggs were being smuggled into this country? Tomatoes were being smuggled into this country? “So, what are we producing if we could smuggle eggs into this country? All these were killing domestic industries and making people lose their jobs. “So, you talked inflation going up, those prices would moderate. I am so certain that they would moderate because efforts are being made to boost supply.

“I granted an interview recently at Benin, where I said the borders should be kept closed even for two years or whatever is to be done to prevent dumping and smuggling, and see what would happen to Boko Haram, kidnapping and this country will blossom.� He said that the federal government has taken measures to improve Ease of Doing Business in the country and expressed optimism that measures being taken would address challenges such as poor power supply and other infrastructural challenges being faced by businesses. Emefiele also assured bank customers that the central bank would continue to protect them against excessive bank charges.

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QUALITY SERVICES... L-R: Managing Director/Country Delegate, CFAO Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Pelletier; Japanese Ambassador, Amb. Kikuta Yutaka; Chairman, CFAO Nigeria Plc., Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; and Executive Director, International Marketing, Suzuki Motor, Mr. Koichi Suzuki, at the launch of Suzuki state-of-the-art showroom and Suzuki brand by CFAO Motors on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

Appeal Court Varies Dasuki’s Bail Conditions Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, yesterday, varied the conditions attached to the bail earlier granted to former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd.) The variation was sequel to a formal application by Dasuki to the appellate court to review the conditions which according to him are stringent and unable to meet. Dasuki is standing trial at both the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) both in Abuja. The federal government is accusing him of diverting monies meant to fight

insurgency in the North-east as well as illegal possession of firearms. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was admitted to bail by the respective courts but the government is yet to release him even after meeting all the bail conditions. Dasuki consequently approached the Federal High Court to challenge his continued detention by the DSS since December 2015 till date. Delivering judgment in the fundamental rights enforcement suit, the Federal High Court on July 2, 2018, granted Dasuki bail, but attached conditions, which the ex-NSA found too stringent

to meet. Not satisfied, Dasuki then appealed to the Court of Appeal requesting a review of the bail conditions by the lower court. In its judgment, the appellate court in a unanimous decision expunged the requirement that Dasuki produced a Level 16 civil servant, who must own a property worth N100 million within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as surety. Justice Stephen Adah, who delivered the lead judgment of the three man panel held that the inclusion of civil servants as surety was an oversight on the part of the court. Part of the new conditions

set by the Court of Appeal was that Dasuki produce a surety, who must be a Level 16 official in the Civil Service of either the Federal or state government, who must own a property worth N100m within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Dasuki found this part of the latest conditions difficult to meet and returned to the court, via an application, and prayed for a further review. He stated, in the application that it was difficult to find a Level 16 Civil Servant who could own a N100m worth of property in Abuja through his legitimate earnings. Justice Adah, in the appeal marked: CA/A/806/2019,

said the court’s decision to request that Dasuki produce a civil servant as surety was an oversight. He said, “Of concern to us is that, we as a court must be ready and sensitive enough not to do anything that will run against the laws of the land. “The issue of involving civil servants or public officers in the service of the federation or the state in bail of people accused of offences has never been the practice anywhere that is civilised, and we should stop it at this level. “It was an error that we allowed that to stay. So, it is in this respect that we will act ex debito justitiae (as a matter of right) ensure that

that aspect of the condition is removed from the conditions of bail that were granted. “It is in this respect that we grant this application, thereby inaugurating a new regime of bail. Bail is now granted to the appellant/ applicant in the sum of N100m with two sureties in like sum. “The sureties shall be resident within the jurisdiction of the trial court and each of which shall furnish evidence of ownership of the property in Abuja. This shall be the order of the court,� Justice Adah said. Justices Abubakar Yahaya and Emmanuel Agim, who were also on the panel,

Sowore, Bakare Sue DSS Boss, AGF for Fuel Scarcity Imminent in S’East as Aba N1bn over Continued Detention Depot Remains Dry, IPMAN Warns Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Embattled Publisher of Sahara Reporters and his compatriot Olawale Bakare also in Directorate of State Security Services have sued the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, claiming N1 billion. The duo took out the action in a Federal High Court, Abuja where they are each claiming N500 million as damages for the violation of their fundamental rights to life, dignity of their persons, fair hearing, health, freedom of movement and association. According to the court papers, their arrest and the attack on them by the operatives of the DSS in Lagos and Osogbo on August 2 and 5, 2019, as well as their continued illegal detention by the security agency, constituted a violation of their rights. The duo through their counsel, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) alleged that the DSS DG and the AGF violated various rights guaranteed under sections 35, 36 and 37 of the Constitution and Articles 6 and 7

of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (CAP A10) Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Sowore’s and Bakare’s suits were independently filed as FHC/ABJ/ CS/1407/2019 on November 15, 2019 and FHC/ABJ/CS/1428/2019 filed on November 20, 2019 respectively. The affidavits in support of the suits were deposed to by one Marshal Abubakar, who stated that Sowore was arrested in Lagos on August 2, while Bakare was arrested in Osogbo, Osun State on August 5. The deponent said the two men were detained illegally without a court order till August 8, 2019, when Justice Taiwo Taiwo of the Federal High Court gave the agency the permission to hold them for 45 days. Sowore and Bakare were later charged with treasonable felony in addition to other charges. However, on September 24, 2019, upon the expiration of the 45 days detention period, Justice Taiwo ordered the release of the two men which the DSS DG is yet to comply with. Both detainees were on September

30, arraigned before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Abubakar further averred that on November 6, 2019, Justice Ojukwu ordered the release of the applicants upon their satisfactorily meeting of their bail conditions.� He added that despite acknowledging the service of the release orders of the court, on November 7, the DSS DG refused to comply with the order for the release of the men. They prayed the court to declare that their arrest without warrant of arrest “is illegal as it violates� their fundamental right “to personal liberty�. They among others, also prayed the court to declare that “the physical attack unleashed� on them “by armed agents of the respondents� during their arrest “is illegal as it violates� their fundamental right “to dignity of person.� They further prayed the court to declare that their detention from November 7, 2019 till date in violation of the order for their release made on November 6, 2019 “is illegal as it violates his fundamental right to liberty.�

Emmanuel Ugwu Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă&#x;Ă‹Ă’Ă“Ă‹

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Aba Unit has cried out over the non-availability of petroleum products at the NNPC Depot Osisioma, Aba, which is the only functional depot in the South-east zone. It warned that the entire South-east would experience acute shortage of petrol with its attendant high cost if Aba depot remained dry during the forthcoming yuletide season. The IPMAN members, who expressed worries during a peaceful protest at the depot, were joined by other stakeholders of the depot community, including petroleum tanker drivers. They carried placards expressing their grievances while chanting solidarity songs. In a position letter signed by the Aba IPMAN Chairman, Prince Bobby Dick and Secretary, Oliver Okolo, which

was read by the chairman, the stakeholders warned of dire socio-economic consequences of the continued starving of the Aba depot. He said that Aba had not received kerosene and diesel for the past two years while petrol was stopped from flowing to the depot for five months now thereby creating hardships for the depot stakeholders and consumers of petroleum products. “Considering the yuletide period that is around the corner if petroleum products are not pumped to Aba Depot immediately there will be imminent scarcity of petroleum products, especially petrol across the whole of Southeast,� he said. The IPMAN unit chairman insisted that there was no plausible reason to justify the non-supply of petroleum products to Aba Depot as the pipelines were free and safe all the way to Aba Depot. “Our investigation has shown that the pipelines from pumping station at Port Harcourt to Aba

Depot is safe and through and the contractor paid to safeguard the pipelines is also on ground.� Dick blamed “some cabals in NPSC and PPMC (who) have politicised pumping of petroleum products to Aba Depot, which is the only functional depot serving the entire South-east.� According to him, petroleum products meant for Aba depot were “being diverted to private tank farms compelling us to buy them at higher cost and at the risk of our trucks falling on the bad roads with its consequences of loss of lives and properties.� Dick explained that the peaceful demonstration “is an expression of our frustration after series of appeal and to avoid imminent scarcity of petroleum products this festive period.� The depot stakeholders urged the federal government to compel both NPSC and PPMC to start pumping PMS, DPK and AGO to save jobs and ameliorate economic hardships.

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NEWS

Bank Officials Connived with Robbers In Brief in EkitiN25mHeist,AllegesPoliceChief NCDC to Check Abuse of Antibiotics Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

A new twist over the alleged N25 million robbery of a bank in Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State has emerged as the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Asuquo Amba, who visited the bank on assessment tour yesterday alleged that there was connivance between the bank officials and the robbers going by the startling revelations of the Close Circuit Television (CCTV). He said it was baffling that the new generation bank officials could allegedly open the strong room seven minutes before the robbery. Amba alleged further that the CCTV also revealed how the bank workers and a customer, who ran inside upon hearing the gunshots, had used the robbery opportunity to stuff money into their pockets

as they moved frequently into the vault before the bandits struck the security door with over seven Improvised explosive devices. The commissioner said between the time the bandits attacked the Police Divisional Office, which was about the 300 metres away from the bank and the time they struck, was enough for the bankers to have escaped after closing the vault, but refused for the sinister intention they allegedly harboured. "The summary of it is that, there was internal connivance and it is unfortunate. There was a similarity between this robbery and the one we had at Ise Ekiti recently. "It baffles me that there was suspected insiders' connivance in the whole issue. Plus or minus, there was a missing link and it

is that link that we are working upon, trying to investigate. "The banking policy does not allow us to post mobile policemen to the bank for a reason known to them and this started in 2016 based on the letter written by the bank requesting for only plain clothed policemen. "Between the time the robbers attacked our men and the time the robbery took place, the staff had enough time to escape through the exit door. They were captured by CCTV moving in and out of the vault. The vault was even opened before the robbers came. "Despite the opportunity, none of them made efforts to escape, they were stuffing money and there was evidence to prove this. "The staff opened the vault by 3.05p.m. and the robbers blew up the security door at 3.12p.m., this

gave a strong suspicion that there was internal collaboration in this matter, it showed complicity. "All these are the dynamics we are studying and that will form the basis for our thorough investigation," he said. Amba added that the police recovered a carton inside the bank containing over N2 million that was hidden by one of the bankers before the operation. "The carton was hidden under the table within the banking hall. This should be part of the loots from the strong room," Amba added. He said the two top managerial staff already detained by the police were helping the course of investigation. It was also gathered that the woman whose child was killed by robbers during the operation, had been taken out of Oye Ekiti to her country home.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has unveiled a strategy to help address wrong use of antibiotics by people. Speaking at the presentation of the campaign initiative known as 'Antibiotic Guardian', theDirectorGeneralofNCDC,Dr.ChikweIhekweazu,saidthattheorganisation hoped to use it to raise awareness across Nigeria on the dangers of antibiotics abuse. "We hope that this increases people’s knowledge on the dangers of AMR and the role they have to play," he said. Ihekweazu said NCDC team led by Dr. Joshua Obasanya had carried out an AMR Situation Analysis and developed an AMR National Action Plan in 2017. AccordingtoIhekweazu,NCDChadidentified11humanhealthlaboratories and seven animal laboratories across the country testing for AMR also developed frameworks to strengthen AMR surveillance in Nigeria. He said: "NCDC has supported these laboratories with diagnostic supplies needed to enable us understand the true burden of AMR in Nigeria. I am very proud that Nigeria now contributes annual reports to the Global AMR Surveillance System (GLASS)."

Best Graduating Student at UNIBEN

Mr. Goodness Aimieghemen, a son of a retired civil servant has emerged the best graduating student of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in the 2017/2018academicsession.The23-year-oldgraduateofCivilEngineering, bagged First Class honour with 4.89 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).HewasalsorewardedwiththesumofN230,000forthesixlaurels at the 45th Convocation Ceremony of the institution held at Akin Deko Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™ĂœĂ“Ă&#x;Ă—Ëœ Ă‘ĂŒĂ™ĂĄĂ™Ëœ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ë› ĂŽĂŽĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒĂ? Ă‘ĂœĂ‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽĂ?Ëœ Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă–Ă™Ăœ Ă™Ă? University of Benin, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, recalled the giant strides the institution in the past five years. He said a total of 80 inaugural lectures have been delivered since in addition to six eminent lecture series since he became the helmsman of the institution in December 2014. He also said that the university under his watch, made exploits in area of research and learning including staff welfare and relative peace in the campuses. According to him, "It is also to the credit of this administration that the three years of promotion gap of Staff has been approved in place of the long standing four years gap.".

Ethics Challenge Competition

As part of efforts to promote the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence in the investment industry, First Bank Limited has organised the ethics challenge competition for universities in Nigeria. The competition which is aimed at university students provides a platform for students to be given case studies based on the CFA ethics, codes and standards, and the integral part of the CFA curriculum. The competition ran in regional level in Abuja and Lagos and the National Final was in Lagos. The CFA curriculum is three levels of examinations and the only subject that is tested three times in every level is ethics.The competition embodies the mission of CFA institute to promote the highest standards of ethics, education, and professional excellence in the investment industry.

Upward Review of Revenue Allocation

SERVICE TO HUMANITY...

L-R: Rtn Michael EďŹƒong James, Rtn Aderemi Bello, Former President LCCI, Olor'ogun Sonny Kuku, Co-Chairman, Eko Hospital and HRM Oba Saheed Elegushi, at the installation of EďŹƒong as 33rd President, Rotary Club of Ikeja South held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

Ex-Governor Aliyu, Umar Nasko Condemn Burning Alive of PDP Woman Leader in Kogi Laleye Dipo in Minna

Former governor of Niger State, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu and the PDP candidate in the last governorship election in the state, Alhaji Umar Mohammed Nasko, have condemned the recent burning to death of a PDP Woman Leader in Kogi State. Mrs. Acheju Abu the Woman

Leader of the Wada /Aro campaign council Ochadamu ward was burnt to death after the release of the governorship election result in that state early this week. In separate statements former governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu and Alhaji Umar Nasko the PDP standard bearer in the governorship poll described the action of those behind the

incident as not only barbaric but a heinous crime against mankind. Former governor Aliyu described those behind the incident as "heartless and armed thugs" who could have been sponsored to commit the terrible act. He therefore asked the federal government to " empaneled a well-balanced committee to probe the dastardly

act and speedily bring those behind the incident to book. Aliyu also criticised the conduct of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states saying they fell below the approved international standards for any election. He noted that political violence characterised the election in the two states which cannot make the results to stand.

UN, Italian Govt Rate Edo Govt High on Fight Against Human Trafficking Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Ms. Comfort Lamptey and the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Nigeria, Tarek Chazli, yesterday rated the Edo State Government high on its fight on human trafficking in the state. The duo gave the commendation at the official launching of

the Preventing Forced Migration and Trafficking of Women and Girls in Nigeria held in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Ms. Lamptey said the recent signing into law, a bill prohibiting Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) by the state government was a right decision taken by Governor Godwin Obaseki in reducing the scourge against forced migration and trafficking of women and girl-child in the state

"In particular, following the recent passage of the Violent Against Persons Prohibition VAPP in Edo State, it is clear that implementation will be key to addressing some of the root causes underlying the phenomenon of trafficking of women and girls. "The project will support the Ministry to develop and prioritise actions under a Roadmap for Implementation of the VAPP Act.

"The project will also build synergies with ongoing interventions by sister UN agencies, including UNODC, IOM, and UNHCR who have made important contributions in support of the state government’s efforts to curb this menace," she said. Lamptey said globally, UN Women has built a solid and robust knowledge-based and expertise in the areas of addressing gender, forced migration and trafficking of women and girls.

ChairmenofLocalGovernmentAreasinEnuguStatehaveunderscored theneedforanupwardreviewofthefederalgovernment'srevenueallocation to the third tier of government in the country. The Chairmen of Igboeze North and Igboeze South Local Government Areas in the state, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja and Chief Fidelis Odoh respectively said the third tier of government required more serious empowerment in order to effectively confront the plethora of challenges facing governance at the grassroots. The chairmen said that while the introduction of the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, Act which grants financial autonomy to the third tier of government was commendable, its impact would be better felt if allocations to the councils are increased. They said that though the introduction of the NFIU by the Federal Government was intended to among other things, allow the councils to operate without any form of interference, the allocation they receive is not enough for them to carry out projects in their councils.

A’Ibom PDP on Election Appeal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Akwa Ibom State chapter has expressed satisfaction with the judgements of the Court of Appeal sitting in Calabar over cases that had emanated from the rulings of the Election Petition Tribunal for the 2019 National and State House of Assembly election in the state. While expressing the satisfaction at a press briefing yesterday at the party secretariat, Uyo, the State Party Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo noted that the Appellate Court upheld all theTribunal judgements that were given in favour of PDP.He pointed out that although the party lost the seat of Mbo state constituency in the Appeal Court to All Progressives Congress (APC), the only judgement that was given by theTribunal in respect of Essien Udim local government state and national assembly elections against PDP had been quashed and re-election ordered. “We sincerely appreciate the intellectual industry invested in the delivery of the judgments by the Learned Justices of the Court of Appeal.

Dickson Appoints Commissioner, Perm Secs The Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has mandated the newly sworn-in Commissioner, Mr. Felix Sam-Ateki and 35 permanent secretaries to work with the incoming administration to ensure full implementation of the civil service reforms. Dickson who gave the charge yesterday during the swearing-in ceremony in Yenagoa, said his administration would soon receive the formal report of the reforms which he said would be one of the key documents to be handed over to the next government.While congratulating the new permanent secretaries on their appointment, he called on them to avoid partisan politics and focus on the execution of policies and programmes of government. "As you go to your various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure the public/ civil service is programmed and made ready to work and support policies and programmes of the next administration, you are not to dabble into the political squabbles of the day. You are not to be part of the dust of political conflicts. I charge you all to maintain neutrality and focus on the execution of the policies and programmes of government.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

Boss Mustapha: Reinventing the Wheel for Enduring Buhari Legacies

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Opeyemi Abegunde e shot into national limelight and prominence in 2017, a blandly urbane, courteous and debonair politician of no mean stature. His life, no doubt, has been ruled by a great passion – service to humanity – both as a lawyer and politician and this has been life-spring. Mr Boss Gidahyelda Mustapha, an attorney, businessman, management consultant and politician is the 19th Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 30, 2017 but assumed office on Nov. 1, 2017 in the president’s first term. Following his emergence on the nation’s political scene and seat of power in Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Mustapha has been seen representing himself, the president and the Federal Government very well and discharging his duties with great panache and dexterity. A peek into his biodata or biography (courtesy Wikipedia) shows that his background and pedigree must have fortuitously and by destiny prepared him for the various tasks and capacities he had occupied and also currently, the number three citizen in the executive arm and perhaps the eight in the Federal Government’s hierarchical order of protocol. Mustapha, who until his appointment was the Managing Director of Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, was born in Garaha, Hong in Adamawa State. His three-part life of early life/education, politics and profession are in focus in this write up in alignment with the three-lined road of public administration, politicking and vocation. After his elementary education in Hong, Adamawa, he proceeded to North East College of Arts and Sciences in Maiduguri, Borno State for his high school education. He graduated in 1976 and thereafter went to Ahmadu Bello Universit, Zaria, where he received Bachelor of LL.B in 1979. He proceeded to Nigeria Law School, Lagos for mandatory one-year law class and graduated in 1980. He was called to Nigerian bar in the same year and participated in the national youth service between 1980 and 1981. In pursuit a career in law, Mustapha started joined the chambers of the late Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Olu Onagoruwa -- Messrs Onagoruwa & Co, in Lagos as a counsel in 1983. He had a stint at an Italian consultancy firm Sotesa Nigeria Limited earlier. In 1994 he set up his own law firm -- Messrs Mustapha & Associates and served as its Principal Counsel until 2000. He later worked in another law firm Adriot Lex & Co. serving as Principal Consultant from 2000 to 2006. Described by the media as a “boardroom guru�, the SGF had served on several boards of companies in the manufacturing, financial services and oil and gas sectors both in Nigeria and outside the country both as elected and appointed member. He belongs to several professional bodies including Commonwealth Lawyers Association, African Bar Association, International Bar Association and Human Rights Institute. The SGF is ranked among the cerebral professionals in politics in the country. After acquiring education at the highest level, Mustapha plunged into his professional, community intervention and political career, delivering service in various capacities. The principle of tenacity, integrity, diligence and adroitness in all facets of life and endeavour must have guided his foray into the murky waters of politics both as a lawyer and management consultants. A large-hearted and highly detribalized Nigerian, the SGF appears to have overwhelmed the office and did not allow it to overwhelm him. To effectively coordinate the activities of government at ministerial and extra-ministerial levels, the 3Cs of Crisis, Character and Capacity must have guided Mustapha to focus on strong character ethics such as responsibility, integrity, fidelity, loyalty, courage, compassion,veracity, humility, altruistic tendencies and of course, SERVICE. From the small corner in Adamawa, engaging in party politics even in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) before he realigned with the progressive elements in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, he has also contributed his quota to democratic ideals and growth of democracy. Between 1980 and 2000, Mustapha entered politics in 1980s after law graduation and between 1988 and 1989 he was a Mustapha member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constituent Assembly, the body that drafted the Nigeria’s 1989 constitution. In parties that were merged to form the All Progressives Congress in 1989, Mustapha was the State Chairman of the Peoples Solidarity February 2013 preparatory to the 2015 general elections. Party (PSP) in the defunct Gongola State; state chairman of the After merger of their party he served in the presidential camSocial Democratic Party and ran unsuccessfully for Adamawa paigns and was among the members of the transition committee governorship in 1991 under the party. in the 2015 election that brought Muhammadu Buhari to power. Mustapha was among the seven-member committee set up by He is also a member of the board of trustees of the party. President Olusegun Obasanjo to probe Muhammadu Buhari’s By his trajectory of life and Divine arrangement, God’s favour Petroleum Trust Fund in 2000. The committee, Interim Manageand fortune smiled on him and fished him out from obscurity to ment Committee, did their work but the report was never made limelight. Mustapha has attained a number of milestones includpublic. Buhari had earlier resigned his position as the Executive ing but not limited to, a chief public servant, public intellectual, Chairman of PTF. In 2007 polls, he served as the Deputy Director- lawyer, successful businessman and consultant to companies and General of the campaign organisation of Atiku Abubakar’s failed organizations, whom I believe found politics a good, broader and presidential bid, he was the deputy national chairman of the Acveritable canvas upon which to create effective sectional balanction Congress of Nigeria. The party was among the three major ing and equal opportunities as well as upholding national values

and policies of government. He sees public service as the guardian of the public interest and as a vocation, he has integrated himself within the ethical frameworks that are fully attached and aligned with a larger vision of the President and the government. And as a public servant, he has applied himself to and dedicated to serving the STATE and the vision with utmost loyalty and commitment. Through his creativity and deftness, he coordinates ministers and other top appointees, reassesses policies, deploy performance trackers and report back to Mr President; he also interfaces with governors, secretaries of state in other countries, ambassadors and regional bodies as the President’s eyes and nose. It is virtually unattainable for a President, governor, legislature or the judiciary and the Federal Executive Council to give effect to policies and decisions automatically without being interpreted in the course of the application by an administrator who will distill them in form of memo or statements to the public. And since public administration requires discretion and politics, a politically savvy, dexterous and ingenious person as SGF is needed. He carries out such decisions with scrupulousness and fastidiousness and monitor compliance. The SGF is the President’s confidant and adviser and as technocrat, there is a modernizing imperative in his activities and actions to gain public confidence and put the machinery of government at the disposal of levels of authority for effective delivery of democratic dividends to the people. Again, in conceptualizing and formulating the ``Next Levels’’ agenda of the Buhari administration, Mustapha and others must have been fired by and taken cognizance of what American philosopher, Gary Franciona says, ``If we are ever going to see a paradigm shift, we have to be clear about how we want the present paradigm to shift.’’ As the operator of the engine room of government, the SGF is clear-headed about where we were as a nation and where the paradigm shifts. And to efficiently manage the ``performance tracker and status’’ of the government, Mustapha must have been reinventing the wheel of governance and that of his office to sustain the degree and tempo of service delivery by the government through the machinery of coordination and supervision. Worthy of note is his innate and proven capacity and expertise of deploying strategic cooperation, building alignments and bridges across the country for Mr President’s administration, navigating the ``forested highlands’’ of politics in governance, meeting minds, recognizing diverse interests and present same to his Principal. Observably, since Mustapha, donning prim suit almost always, came on board, he has changed the narrative – non-pareil performance, less controversies, urbanity, witticism, hardiness, and selflessness as his hallmark. I believe that Mustapha will in future be inducted into the Hall of Fame of great people who had served their people with diligence and candour like his predecessors. I leave the Secretary to the Government of the Federation with the words of an Italian philosopher, R.J. Paciano : ``We should be remembered by the things we do. The things we do are the most important things of all. They are more important than what we say or what we look like. The things we do outlast our mortality. ``The things we do are like monuments that people build to honour heroes after they had died. They are like the pyramids that the Egyptians built to honour the Pharaohs. ``Only instead of being made out of stone, they are made out of the memories the people have of you. That is why your deeds are like your monuments. Built with memories instead of with stones.’’ –––Mr. Abegunde, a writer, political commentator resides in Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY Flavour, Chidinma Rattle with Epic EP Songstress Chidinma Ekile (Chidinma) and contemporary highlife singer, Chinedu Okoli, aka Flavour, are causing commotion with their Extended Play (EP) released last Monday. Tongues are also wagging once again as to whether these two stars are simply great collaborators or lovers, following seductive photographs released for the epic EP. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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Flavour and Chidinma

ove and relationships are aspects that can never be erased from the entertainment industry seeing as quite a number of celebs have fallen in and out of love with each other. In a few cases, some celebs keep their relationships under wraps as they do not want the public to be aware of it. Other times, fans are the ones responsible for formulating speculations about non-existent unions where there are only friendships. Well, two of Nigeria’s talented musicians, Chinedu Okoli popularly known Flavour N’abania and Chidinma Ekile (simply Chidinma), recently set tongues wagging after sharing sizzling photos on social media. Though it’s not the first time, Flavour and Chidinma have been rumoured to be in a romantic relationship since the duo released an RnB single, ‘Ololufe’. Their bond in the music video portrayed that of lovebirds, hence sparking dating rumours. But Chidinma again stirred reactions after she posted a photo of herself with Flavour in Igbo traditional wedding attire and captioned it with a love emoji. The catchy photo generated reactions from some of her followers with one claiming the singers had a secret wedding over the last weekend. It however turned out that the images were all just promotional pictures for their new Extended Play (EP) titled “40 Years Everlasting” which was released on Monday November 18.” The controversial photos introducing the EP caused mixed feelings initially but with the EP now out, the air seems to be cleared. The five-track EP boasts of a song titled ‘40 Years’ and in the accompanying music video, they set tongues wagging once again as to whether they are simply great collaborators or lovers. The collaboration, which was directed by TG Omori, sees the duo lyrically elaborate on their relationship and commitment to each. “40yrs Everlasting” EP had exceptional production preference from Oscar, Masterkraft, Fiokee and Elense Bakassi. Many men would definitely be sporting a six-pack right now if they decide to hit the gym with a female counterpart as seen with the contemporary highlife musician Flavour doing press ups with Chidinma reclining on his back with a drink in hand. The video gets even cozier as they share an intimate hug filled with smiles and laughter before Chidinma opens the track, singing about loving a man 40 years from now. Flavour takes over as he sings about his love being deeper than the ocean for his baby. In coordinated outfits, the two serve more chemistry as they sidle up to each other. Chidinma and Flavour made a remarkable collaboration and it’s quite impressive. The song talks about cherishing love from an early/young age to the old age. “40 Yrs” is a confession of commitment between two supposed lovers of how they are willing to hold it down together for more than four decades. Also off the EP is the single titled, “Iyawo Mi”. The duo seems to be feeling each other and they express it in the song, 40 Yrs. The amazing song, “40 Yrs” is produced by Masterkraft. The duo rekindled their musical love chemistry on this new record as they’ve done in the 2014 song, “Ololufe”. “Over the past few years, social media photos

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY Flavour, Chidinma Rattle with Epic EP...

Flavour and Chidinma

of Chidinma and Flavour have become a thing. Most people couldn’t exactly pinpoint the purpose of this very recent one - whether an album or real engagement or just PR stunt? Well, all questions got answered in due time and this scenario is one of those. Debunking the rumours, the ‘N’abania’ crooner explained that the chemistry between them was only about music. Flavour, in an interview with Soundcity, said their music was more authentic when they sing together and people tend to connect more. He said, “Chidinma is just my friend. Our strong vibe comes from how deeply we feel about music, sometimes, when you want to do a music video; you want to make it look real. “We are not the first people. You see the likes of Drake, Nicki Minaj giving lap-dance on stage. Are you feeling it? It’s not about the kissing. People felt the song; they were swept away by our delivery, it was so original, that’s why people were all think-

ing that there was something going on between us.” When asked about the kiss he gave her at their live performance, the single father of two said, “We wanted to be free! For real, there is nothing going on. We are just very good friends and I respect her for that.” It appears all about the chemistry as the songstress once admitted to when asked about relationship with Flavour and working with him intimately. “I was never signed to Flavour’s record company and I wasn’t in a relationship with him. However, I have been involved in some projects with him because we have a good chemistry. Working with him is fun and less stressful.” Flavour is well known across the world for his hit song Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix). He is currently signed to 2nite Entertainment. The talented singer, who has won numerous awards, released N’abania, his self-titled debut album, in 2005. In 2010, he dropped ‘Uplifted’, his second studio album, which was supported

by the Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix), Adamma, and Oyi Remix. The album’s success made Flavour one of Africa’s most sought after artists. Chidinma popularly known as Miss Kedike is a singer and songwriter. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa. Following the release of the music video for her Emi Ni Baller single, she became the first female musician to peak at number 1 on the MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart. In 2011, she released the Sound Sultan-assisted single Jankoliko. Her eponymous debut album Chidinma was released through the music platform Spinlet, and was supported by four singles: Jankoliko, Carry You Go, Kedike and Run Dia Mouth. The album features guest appearances from Sound Sultan, Tha Suspect, Olamide and Muna. Chidinma won Best Female West African Act at the 2012 Kora Awards.

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ͺ͝ Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

AKPABIO AND NDDC INTERIM COMMITTEE President Buhari should inaugurate the new NDDC board without further delay, writes James Ekanem

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igeria is gripped in a macabre dance in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) where an ‘interim management committee’ is running the agency when the nominees for the board have been screened and conďŹ rmed for over two weeks now. This is without precedence in Nigeria or anywhere else. And it bothers a lot of people, especially considering the promise made by the current federal government to follow due process and the law. The law governing the NDDC, which is the NDDC Act of 2000, as amended, has no provision for the appointment of an interim management committee. No law in Nigeria provides for that situation. In fact the extant practice is that where an interim management is in office in a state parastatal, it immediately vacates the position and ceases to exist once the substantive management is appointed in accordance with the law governing that parastatal or institution. In this particular instance, the NDDC Act provides that it will be run by a board nominated by the president and screened and confirmed by the Senate. However, this has been followed in the breach since President Buhari came on board as civilian president on May 29, 2015. When he came in, he dissolved the board and created a record by appointing Mrs Ibim Semenitari from outside the NDDC as acting managing director for close to a year. The NDDC had no board during this period and she operated more like a sole administrator. More so, she hails from Rivers State, which was not due to produce the managing director in line with the rotation of offices as provided for in the law setting up the NDDC. Expectedly, there were outcries over the appointment and President Buhari eventually complied with the law when in 2016 he sent nominees to the Senate for confirmation into a new NDDC board, and in line with the rotation of offices as provided for in the law. That board, led by the former Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor Mr Nsima Ekere, was promptly sworn into office. When that board was dissolved two years later, rather than follow the law, which provides for the Executive Director Finance and Administration to step in and act as MD, the president appointed an acting MD in the person of Prof. Nelson Brambaifa from Bayelsa State. That illegality reigned till August 2019 when the president dissolved the Brambaifa-interim management committee and named a 16-member board, with Dr Pius Odubu as Chairman and Bernard Okumagba as MD, while asking the most senior staff in the commission to act pending the nominees’ confirmation by the Senate. Then stepped in Mrs Anyia Akwagaga, a director in the commission as acting MD. On October 29, 2019, the Senate President read out the President’s NDDC board nominees for screening and confirmation, raising hope that the interim interregnum was about over especially when he directed the committee on NDDC to screen and report back to the house in one week. That announcement had hardly settled in when the Niger Delta Affairs Minister Godswill Akpabio announced a three-man interim management committee for the commission, with the rather unusual, if not cheeky, comment that the interim management committee will oversee a forensic audit

WHAT FEEDS THE CURRENT SITUATION WHERE A COMPETENT BOARD IS WAITING IN THE WINGS FOR AN ILLEGAL ‘INTERIM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’ TO RUN THE NDDC? ONLY TWO THINGS CAN EXPLAIN THIS: CORRUPTION AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONFUSION

ordered by the president. Asked what happens to the new board when confirmed by the Senate, the minister said that they will wait to be sworn in after the interim management committee’s work is done. The Senate felt slighted, and rightly so. Senate President Ahmad Lawan did not mince words at plenary on November 5, 2019, when he dismissed the interim management committee as illegal and asked the new board, 15 of which members were confirmed, to take over the commission in line with the law setting up the NDDC. Nigerians have been held in suspended animation at the incongruous reality where a legally competent board has to wait on the sideline as the minister plays corporate games and the presidency seems to be nonchalant. To permit the argument that NDDC needs an interim management committee to supervise the audit probe can as well apply to every facet of the country, and we may well say all institutions and arms of government be dissolved for interim committees to run them because of their perceived failures. That sounds implausible but that is what the NDDC reality now extrapolates on a national scale. If that is implausible, therefore, what feeds the current situation where a competent board is waiting in the wings for an illegal ‘interim management committee’ to run the NDDC? Only two things can explain this: corruption and administrative confusion. Groups in the Niger Delta, legal authorities and other stakeholders in the NDDC have questioned the rationale in not inaugurating the new NDDC board, attributing it to a design to compromise the forensic audit by the minister who has been a major player in the commission over the last 18 years since it was set up. As Akwa Ibom State Governor, he nominated a chairman, a managing director and several state representatives to the NDDC board between 2007 and 2015, and influenced others too. Given that the commission has been a cash cow for most of the governors through their nominees, what transparency can Akpabio sell? In the end, the buck stops on President Buhari’s desk. He can decide to bury his head in the sand, while Akpabio plays Russian roulette with his name, as he has done in the last few weeks, peddling the Buhari name to justify his assault on the law and due process. But the people of the Niger Delta are watching with baited breadth the NDDC drama where the law is being trampled on with reckless disregard by the minister. For his legacy, which should be on due process and the rule of law, President Buhari should as a matter of urgency take back the NDDC from Akpabio and inaugurate the new NDDC board. It is needless to state here that you cannot build something on nothing, the same way you cannot build a proper organisation on an illegal management. It is a lesson the battle on corruption and abuse of due process has exposed over the last few years. And of all persons, for someone committed to due process and transparency, President Buhari cannot ignore the facts. He cannot, and should not, allow the confusion in the NDDC and disregard for due process be the defining attributes of his administration, let alone define his regard for the Niger Delta people.

REINVENTING IMO TERTIARY EDUCATION SYSTEM

Austin Uganwa writes that Gov Ihedioha is taking steps to sanitise tertiary education in the state

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mo State Governor, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha Wednesday, 13 November took a decisive step towards sanitizing and reinventing the tertiary education system in the state. Inside the Sam Mbakwe expanded executive council chamber he inaugurated three distinct but manifestly formidable panels to critically examine the activities and operations of the three major tertiary institutions owned by the state. The schools are: Imo State University, Owerri; Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo and Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu. Not a few Imo people perceive this interventionist move by government as an unassailable but timely measure to reform and transform the schools for enhanced academic outputs. The initiative was inherently audacious and historic for two reasons. One, this was the first time in the history of the state that visitation panels would be raised concurrently for all the institutions of higher learning. Two, top caliber of individuals make up the panels, some of whom are not indigenes of the state. For instance, Professor Chinedu Nebo who heads the Imo State University Visitation Panel is former Minister of Power, former Vice Chancellor of University of Nigeria Nsukka and hails from Enugu State. In his speech during the inauguration of the panels the governor provided insight into the reason that stimulated the higher institutions enquiry. He submitted: “At the inception of this administration, we were inundated with a plethora of complaints on education sector in the state especially at the tertiary level. And as a responsive government, we felt that we would

be abdicating our obligation to the people, if we do not look into these complaints. For these reasons, we deemed it necessary to respond to these hues and cries by looking into the operations of these critical institutions.� The terms of reference given to the three panels were the same, unmistakable and penetrating. They included: to identify the strength and problems of the institutions thereby making appropriate recommendations to the visitor and to ascertain the operations of various departments and units. Others are: to look into cases of procurement and issues bordering on gangs and cultism and to investigate students’ complaints on various issues as well as conducting internal audits on institutions’ finances. Ihedioha however noted that the ultimate tendency of his government is to rebuild the tertiary institutions in the state towards achieving effective academic governance structure desirable to strengthen the educational services delivery system. “Today, therefore, we are inaugurating the visitation panels to these Imo State flagship institutions of higher learning to salvage them from sliding down the precipice of total collapse�, he added. The governor’s mission towards reclaiming the tertiary institutions in the state is largely understandable and imperative. This is largely because of the ruinous nature of the tertiary institutions resulting from years of neglect. This development was made worse by the jaded and deceitful manner the free education was run in the state by the immediate past administration headed by Owelle Rochas Okorocha. To this end, specific scenarios would

eloquently, neatly and explicitly drive the above point home. For instance, the 2018 National Universities Commission rankings of Nigeria Universities, Imo State University was placed 58 out of 100. It also glided uncharacteristically downwards when juxtaposed with other state universities in the country. Sadly too, in the last couple of years, the university has suffered a major setback in courses accreditation as some of the institution’s programmes were de-accredited by the NUC due to lack of basic academic facilities and poor funding. Faculties of Education, Law and College of Medicine have remained the worst hit. These realities contrast sharply with the university’s delightful scholarship and academic excellence 10 to 15 years ago shortly before the past administration made its debut. The university was ranked 1st among all state universities in Nigeria and the 10th overall among both state and federal universities. According to the university’s performance records posted on its website, which can easily be verified, the institution scored 100 per cent in 2006 and 2007 accreditation visit, with all programmes visited getting NUC’s authorization. All the 19 programmes visited in 2007 were fully endorsed. Also, during the NUC accreditation visit of MBA programmes in 2006, Imo State University was among the few universities that got the universities regulatory body’s nod. This flowery situation has regrettably changed for worse in the past few years of sham free education. Correspondingly, Imo State Polytechnic and the State University Teaching Hospital have been following similar reclining trends

arising from lack of basic educational tools and equipment resulting in accreditation challenges. This explained why it took the Medical College of the University almost 10 years to recently graduate the first set of medical students These evidenced-based anomalies hamstringing the tertiary institutions in the state lie at the heart of the move undertaken by Ihedioha-led government to set up visitation panels towards revitalizing the sector. Moreover, this development is in clear fulfillment of the promises made by Ihedioha during his campaigns and his inauguration speech May 29 this year that he would fix the school system and enthrone qualitative and functional education. Ihedioha’s action finds further validation in the fact that education is the mainstay of Imo. Consequently, it is incumbent on any responsible government to accord the sector a priority attention. In his keynote speech at the inauguration lecture that ushered in Ihedioha as Imo Governor, Chief Nnia Nwodo, President-General Ohaneze, underscored the frontline position of Imo in education and the imperative need of strengthening the sector. “Imo State is the most educated state in Igboland, so I canvass here the need for you as the new governor to democratize education and change the emphasis to education leveraging on technology,� Nwodo stated. He advised Ihedioha to revamp the education system by retraining teachers and providing students hands-on skills that are relevant in the contemporary world. Dr. Uganwa, Senior Special Assistant to Imo Government on Documentation, wrote from Owerri

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INSIGHT

The game of death...

Burna Boy: All Hail the New A ‘ frobeat’ King?

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amini Ogulu a.k.a. Burna Boy came into national reckoning in 2011 with the release of hit single ‘Shobeedo’. He was barely 19 at the time. Some of his critics who weren’t comfortable with his style of music made a ‘prediction’ that he would ďŹ zzle out sooner than later. They said the hit single was a ash in the pan. How wrong were they! Year after Year since 2011, he has released both hit singles as well as albums confounding the harshest of his critics and making them eat their words. Burna Boy is an award-winning artiste as he has won awards from the Headies to MTV Africa music awards, Sound City, Nigerian Entertainment, BET, MTV Europe music Awards, All Africa music awards, among many others. When he received the BET awards this year in the United States, his mother, Bose Ogulu who once acted as his manager gave a very moving speech on his behalf which went viral. Like most artistes, he has had his fair share of controversies. He allegedly stabbed someone to death in London for which he was allegedly tried and jailed as a minor. He was released after eleven months for a two months parole where he should have done some community service for exhibiting good behaviour while behind bars. In 2015, he had a public fight with Zimbabwean dancehall star, Buffalo Souljah in a party in South Africa. But Burna Boy is a huge export abroad as his concerts are usually sold out. In a recent concert in England which held in the Wembley area, the show was sold out that the influential Guardian UK proclaimed him as the ‘King of Afrobeats’. Art critics were aghast at the comparison between him and obviously the Abami Eda himself, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The newspaper portrayed him as the successor to the late Afrobeats maestro. They were angry at the ridiculous five-star rating given to it by the paper. While I agree that Burna Boy is a commercial success, it is wrong to declare him as the King of Afrobeats. Fela’s songs have stood the time. His songs are still being played with succinct messages being passed across through it over 22 years after his earthly transition. His music was prophetic and the predictions he made came true before our very eyes. Let’s be critical here: what particular message does Burna Boy pass with his music? His target audience and market is the Nigerian youth who only appreciate dancehall music that can be played in clubs and at parties. Would we still remember his songs 20, 30 years from now? The music scene in Nigeria is really facing a hard time as our artistes are not interested in making classical music like their forebears did. They just release a song or album and ‘blow’. They are motivated by the

fast lane life – sports cars, mansions, a bevy of beautiful ladies amid other mundane things. The immortality of their music takes a distant back seat as they are happy to spew out lewd and crude lyrics in their bid to keep up with the Joneses. Fela sang a song, ‘Kolo Mentality’ where he boldly and roundly denounced the African that had refused to stop looking for ways to please the Whiteman at the expense of himself. ‘They don release you but you never release yourself’ were the words that aptly depicted this behaviour. Africans should be the ones to judge their music and give titles rather than the condescending west who always want to raise local clones. This imperialist stance must stop if the continent is to rapidly develop. They give us names like ‘Netflix of Africa’ used to describe Iroko TV amongst other hilarious appellations. Egypt in Africa is regarded as the world’s cradle of civilization; King Mansa Musa of Mali is rated as the wealthiest man in history, second only to perhaps King Solomon who incidentally was an Asian. It is high time Africans took the issue of their identity more seriously. We should celebrate our own and not outsource our thinking caps to the west that have nothing but contempt for us. Tony Ademiluyi, Lagos

Eyelashes and Sexual Advances

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have been reading with keen interest arguments raised for and against the event that occurred at Queen’s College, Lagos. I must state that those that launched the bastardisation of the Nigerian education sector some decades ago really had a mission for doing so. It is so shameful that our institutions of learning have been turned to some sort of moral gymnasium, a perfect reection of the decrepit nature of our societies where serious mental scrutiny through logic has given way to mediocrity. Going by several opinions pushed out so far, the message being passed across indicates that women are still seen as sex objects and are expected to mould their public self-image through a sexualised appearance. A close look at the dressing of the Queen’s College girl would convince anyone who believes in freedom and human rights that, as an extension of her freedom of expression, there is absolutely nothing wrong in the eyelashes she was putting on. But it is so pathetic that we are in a country where rape and sexual harassment are justified based on what a woman chooses to put on her body. We have witnessed instances where women are expected to monitor their looks and modify their outfits depending on what is required in a given setting just to satisfy the moral compass of a segment of the society, and, this was at play in the Queen’s College scenario where the innocent girl was not just shamed but also humiliated for wearing eyelashes. It is embarrassing that despite the fact that the constitution provides for right to dignity of persons (with no emphasis on gender or age), the innocent girl was subjected to inhuman treatment by the authority of the school. Without being hypocritical, the response of the school authority to the girl’s dressing is most unfortunate, condemnable and constitutes an assault on her person. Individuals have control over what they wear, but, it is most disheartening that the innocent girl has been a victim of negative evaluations even from women who should have ordinarily stand to defend her. I remember that “education is lightâ€? used to be a favourite motto of many schools in my early years while growing up in Ibadan. This motto was clearly used by many in those days to the present without giving thought to perspectives, shades and colours of light the so-called education brings forth. Critical questions such as the kind of light (education) we are T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE shining forth (imparting) need be asked considering DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU the fact that candle light and light bulb cannot be MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO compared in terms of brightness. DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Nigerian secondary and tertiary education have so EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN sank over the years that their worthless value shine MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE forth so much that it blinds us. As far as Nigerian education is concerned, charlatans whose sole aim is to make profits have taken the drivers’ seat while professionals have become waste in the physics of the current sorry situation we are as a people. T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D While the charlatans look chubby in their SUVs, the EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA professionals look worn out with grey hairs and worn GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, out shoes. This sorry state we are as a people reflects ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI in how students are being treated with disdain in our DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE institutions of learning. DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH It is therefore high time government paid adequate ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO attention to education by providing realistic, effective CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI and implementable policies to revive our educational DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO sector from the present unfortunate development. TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com Kazeem Olalekan Israel, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife

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NEWS

‘Over 40m Nigerians Without Bank Account’ Yinka Kolawole Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă‘ĂŒĂ™

WORKING TOGETHER ... L-R: Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji and President Muhammadu Buhari, after the meeting President had with Speakers of State Assemblies at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...recently

Appeal Court AfďŹ rms Elections of Ganduje, Tambuwal, Lalong The Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed the victories of Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State as duly elected. The judgements were delivered in Kano, Jos and Abuja. In Kano, the appeal tribunal dismissed the petition filed by PDP and its governorship candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf and upheld the victory of Ganduje of the APC. The three-man panel, led by Justice Halima Shamaki Muhammad, said the petitioners failed to prove their case substantially. The appeal tribunal held that INEC acted in accordance with the provisions of the law by declaring the March 9 election inconclusive and conducting the March 23 supplementary election.

In Abuja, the Sokoto the Court also upheld the election of Governor Tambuwal. The three-man panel led by Justice Abbas Abdullahi unanimously dismissed the petition filed against the election by the APC and its governorship candidate, Ahmed Aliyu. The panel held that the petitioners failed to prove allegations of over-voting and could not prove noncompliance to the Electoral Act. However, counsel to the petitioners, Sam Kargbo, told journalists shortly after the judgment that the petitioners would appeal the verdict. He said the issues that were determined were few and narrow; and the parties themselves know that there is no cause for alarm. Tambuwal’s lawyer, Eze Duru on his part said, “we are filled with joy and happiness. This is a judgment that started six months

ago, and today, we have seen the fruit of our labour.� In Jos, the Plateau State capital, the appeal court also yesterday upheld the election of Governor Lalong of the APC. In a five-hour judgement, Justice Halima Saleeman, chairman of the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Senator Jeremiah Useni, for failure to prove their case. Lalong extended a hand of fellowship to the opposition PDP and its candidate, Senator Useni. Lalong urged PDP and Useni to join hands with his administration to rescue the people of the state from underdevelopment, insecurity and poverty, adding that, “there is no winner or loser in this verdict; Plateau State is the winner However, state chairman of PDP in Kano, Alhaji Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi,

said they would appeal the judgement. “Based on our experience, we will appeal this judgement and I can assure you, we will regain our mandate at the Appeal Court. But our fear is that the INEC and the courts, may be, and are defining election in this country,� he said. On his part, the state chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, expressed gratitude to God for the victory, saying it was not victory for Ganduje or the party, but a victory for the people of the state as well as a victory for democracy. THISDAY observed heavy presence of security within the state metropolis. Meanwhile, Ganduje has urged people in the state to remain law abiding and take the progress of the state as their top priority to ensure speedy development.

EFCC Uncovers Alleged N5bn Buhari Promises Nigerians Affordable, Kwara IGR Diversion by Ex- Lawmakers, Commissioner EfďŹ cient Healthcare Olawale Ajimotokan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday pledged that his administration would ensure that all Nigerians had access to affordable, efficient and equitable healthcare services without the risk of impoverishment. He made the pledge while receiving the report on ‘Funding Universal Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria’ by the Senior Executive Course 41 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. The president directed relevant agencies of government to review the submission and ensure its integration into ongoing policies and programmes. He made the vow in a statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina. According to him, in late 2018 he had approved the study theme for the 2019 Senior Executive Course because of his desire to address the challenges in the country’s health delivery system and improve the wellbeing of the citizens. Buhari stressed that as signa-

tory to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Nigeria was committed to achieving Universal Health Coverage aspirations by 2030. ‘’This government is unrelenting in its commitment to ensuring that all Nigerians have access to affordable, efficient, and equitable healthcare services without the risk of impoverishment. ‘’Your findings and recommendations are very innovative and useful. I, therefore, commend the Management, Staff and Participants of Senior Executive Course 41 for this report. ‘’I assure you that the Ministry of Health and all relevant agencies will be directed to review this submission and ensure its integration into our ongoing policies and programmes,’’ he said. While congratulating the Board, Management and Staff of the National Institute on its 40th anniversary, he noted the Institute, despite its funding challenges, had credibly discharged its responsibilities as the nation’s apex multi-disciplinary think-tank.

Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜ The Ilorin Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) yesterday disclosed that, it had uncovered the sum of N5 billion allegedly diverted by the 24 ex-lawmakers of the Kwara State House of Assembly, the immediate past Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ademola Banu and some companies through the State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) without following due process between 2015-2019 in the state. Already, the anti-graft agency has commenced full interrogation on the immediate past chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Professor Muritala Awodu, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Moshood Bakare and some staff of the State Internal Revenue Service over their alleged involvement in the act. But, a member of the Finance Committee of the eight state House of Assembly who spoke with journalists in Ilorin yesterday on condition of anonymity on the

issue, denied the allegations raised against the immediate past lawmakers in the state. He said that, “there is no money from KWIRS or executive council to the House of Assembly without following law and the written approval of the executive governor of the state during the period.� The former lawmaker however said that, there was no any N4 million that was coming to the House every month from internal revenue service adding that, “it is vendetta being used by the present government through EFCC to tarnish the image of the ex-lawmakers and former government of PDP in the state.� However, the EFCC in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State capital yesterday, signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti-graft agency, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said that “During investigations, the agency discovered that about five companies linked to highly placed politicians in Kwara State benefited about N4 billion from the money without any valid contractual agreements with the State government.

Access Bank’s Group Head Retail Operations, Mr. Abraham Aziegbe, yesterday said over 40 million Nigerians were underbanked, adding that the situation had adversely affected economic development and growth of Nigeria over the years. He said the most pragmatic approach to such economic defect was to institutionalise financial inclusion in all the communities of Nigeria to give opportunities for small business owners to grow and contribute immensely to national economy. According to him, the banking sector has a huge role to play in transforming both the micro and macro economy of the nation into posterity and sustainable growth. Aziegbe made the disclosure during the opening of a new branch of Access Bank at Apomu, in Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State, saying the bank is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria to reposition Nigeria’s economy through the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). He said :� We recognise the fact that there are still many Nigerians who are still under-banked. By estimation, over 40 million Nigerians do not have bank account, it is on this note that our bank embarked on aggressive branch network to redirect the mindsets of many Nigerians towards active banking activities. “Asides millions of individuals who involve in daily economic

activities outside banking system, there are thousands of small and medium business owners who are transacting without banks. “This situation informed our resolve to entrench financial inclusion mechanism in the urban centres and remote communities to incorporate Nigerians into banking creed. “We are working in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to transform the economy and make people, especially small and medium business owners to see a brighter future of huge prosperity through active banking.� Speaking on federal government’s policy on border closure, the financial expert said the decision to close border can only be felt at the long run, adding that the policy might not immediately have effect on the macro economy. He however opined that the policy at the long run would stimulate local productivity, by regulating influx of goods coming into the country and thereby turning Nigeria into dumping ground of imported commodities. “For those who make policies, there are several factors that always inform their decision. Obviously, the effect of border closure is long-time.� The Osun State Deputy Governor, Mr. Olugboyega Benedict Alabi in his remarks stressed that the relative peace in the state has attracted many investors, including banks to choose Osun as a business destination. He therefore implored people of the community to reciprocate the gesture by patronising the bank for all their financial dealings.

Boko Haram: North-east State Assemblies Initiate Bill to Regulate NGOs Adedayo Akinwale ÄœĂ˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The State Houses of Assembly of the six North-east states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Taraba, have introduced a bill to regulate and co-ordinate the activities of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the Boko Haram insurgents ravaged region. This may not be unconnected to the recent allegation made by the Nigerian military that some NGOs under the guise of providing succour to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are fronting for the Boko Haram insurgents. The Chairman of North East Speakers Forum (NESF) and the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Suleman, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja, when he led a delegation of North-east speakers to the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Abuja. He commended the federal government for establishing the commission aimed at developing the region following the devastation of the region by the Boko Haram insurgents. The Speaker also commended the commission for the life touching projects it has embarked on, adding that they decided to pay a courtesy visit in order to establish synergy between the commission and the legislative arm of the six states of the North-east. Suleman noted that the legislative arm of the six states in the region want to be involved in the activities of re-development of the North-east. He stated: “Some of the states

have already passed a bill that will regulate and co-ordinate the activities of the NGOs in the region. As you are all aware, North-east region is now like a home to most of these NGOs who are going there to provide solution to the people of the area. We want to coordinate the activities of these NGOs. State Assemblies like Adamawa, Borno have already gone far on this bill, other state Assemblies are also in the pipeline, it is a bill that will regulate and co-ordinate this NGOs. Suleman said that knowing the calibre of people in the commission, he said they are not going to make the same mistake made by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), stressing that they believed the commission would use the little resources it has in developing the region. Responding, the Chairman of the commission, Maj-Gen. Paul Tarfa, said it was thoughtful of the forum to seek collaboration with NEDC. He noted that though the commission was still very young, but assured that very soon the impact of the commission would be felt. Tarfa said that the commission has compiled the problems peculiar to each state, adding, “it is important for us to deliver and we want to commit ourselves to the states and the suffering publics. “We are hoping we have learnt our example from NDDC. We are hoping that next year by this time, people will see what have been achieved by this commission. We have been planning and now we want to start execution.�

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NEWS

EFCC to Arraign Mompha, Others over Alleged N33bn Fraud The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos office is to arraign Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha before a Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday November 25, 2019. A 14-count criminal charge bordering on money laundering has been filed and served on the suspect who

is currently in the custody of the commission. He is to be arraigned alongside his company, Ismalob Investments Limited, the firm through which he allegedly laundered N14 billion. The social media celebrity was arrested based on actionable intelligence linking him to fraud and money laundering

on Friday, October 18, 2019. Mompha who allegedly perpetrate his fraudulent activities under the guise of being a Bureau de Change operator, used the BDC business he jointly owns with his siblings, as a

decoy to launder his proceeds of crime. In a related development, Kayode Philip and Hamza Koudeih, high valued targets in Organised Cyber Syndicate Network (OCSN) will also be

arraigned during the week. They have been duly served with a 24-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. It will be recalled that Hamza Koudeih a Lebanese was ar-

rested in Lagos recently. Hamza allegedly operates two firms namely THK Services Limited and CHK Properties Limited through which he allegedly laundered about N19 billion.

P&ID: Hearing on Briton’s Motion Seeking Variation of Bail Stalled Alex Enumah in Abuja

The hearing in the application by James Nolan, a Briton seeking variation of his bail in the $9.6 billion corruption and money laundering trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, was yesterday stalled. Nolan and another Briton, Adam Quinn (at large), were arraigned by the federal government on October 21, over their alleged complicity in the activities of P&ID, which recently won a $9.6 billion judgment against Nigeria. The defendants, both directors of Goidel Resources Limited, a Designated Non-Financial Institution (DNFI) and ICIL Limited, were arraigned on a 16-count charge bordering on money laundering, tax evasion and failure to disclose nature of their activities to the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. Nolan however pleaded not guilty to all 16 criminal count charges when read to him. He consequently applied for bail through his lawyer, Paul Erokoro SAN and was admitted to bail in the sum of N500m on November 7. However at the court’s sitting of

Wednesday November 20, Erokoro SAN had informed the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang of a pending application praying the court to vary the bail granted Nolan so as to provide adequate time between him and his lawyer. Responding, Justice Abang fixed yesterday for the hearing of the bail variation motion. When the matter was called, counsel to the defendants, asked for time to respond to the counteraffidavit filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Iheanacho Ekele, in opposition to the Briton’s plea. Justice Abang in a short ruling adjourned till November 27 for the hearing of the application for variation of Nolan’s bail conditions. Part of the conditions attached to the bail is that the applicant must produce a surety in like sum, who must be a Nigerian and a serving senator not standing any criminal trial in any court in Nigeria. Besides, he held that the proposed surety must submit a three years tax clearance certificate and sign an undertaking to always be present in court with the defendant throughout the duration of the trial.

Elumelu, Kenyans Feature in AfricanVoices Economist, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Anthony Onyeamaechi Elumelu, and two Kenyan change makers will this week feature in the compilation edition of African Voices, a magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN). The Kenyans include Elizabeth Njoroge, founder of the Art of Music Foundation who deploys the transformative power of classical music to provoke positive change in the lives of young Kenyans and Peter Tabichi, 37-year-old winner of the 2019 Global Teacher Prize. Elumelu, 56, will share the details of how his sheer grit and raw confidence earned him his first job as a salesman at the defunct All States Trust Bank after earning his Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Lagos. He eventually became the chairman, United Bank for Africa, Heirs Holdings and Transcorp and founded The Tony Elumelu Foundation in 2010 as a major philanthropy in Africa championing the cause of entrepreneurship and sponsoring outstanding entrepreneurs across the continent. Holder of the national honours of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Member of the Order of the Federal Republic

(MFR), Elumelu was recognised as one of Africa’s 20 Most Powerful People by Forbes magazine in 2012. Njoroge returned to her country home where she founded the Art of Music Foundation after bagging a Strathclyde University, UK degree in Pharmacy in 1994. She had earlier earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1989 from the McMaster University in Canada upon the completion of her Pharmacy degree in 1997. She uses the transformative power of classical music to stimulate noticeable change in the lives of young Kenyans, especially those in the rural parts of her country. She equally runs the National Youth Orchestra of Kenya (KNYO), which serves as a rallying point for musically gifted youth from all parts of the country. Tabichi is a science teacher and Franciscan friar at the Keriko Mixed Day Secondary School which boasts of just one computer, intermittent access to the internet and a student-teacher ratio of 58:1. He donates 80 per cent of his salary to supporting pupils in his rural Pwani Village while the Talent Nurturing Club which he founded has dramatically aided school attendance. Similarly, his peace club unites youths who have been involved in acts of violence.

MY CONDOLENCES... L-R: Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Senator Ayogu Eze of the All Progressives Congress and his wife, Nkechi, during the funeral service for Senator Eze’s late father-in-law, Pastor Cyril Odoh Ugwuoke, held at Township School 1, Ogrute Enugu-Ezike, IgboEze North Local Government Area...yesterday

Diri Faults IGP’s Claims on Bayelsa Election The Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organization has faulted the claim by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu, that the violence which marred the last Saturday’s gubernatorial election in Bayelsa was caused by people he described as fake policemen. The Director of Media and Publicity of the Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organization Dr. Jonathan Obuebite said that the IGP statement only reinforced the position of the party that security agencies colluded with thugs of the All Progressives Congress and INEC to rig the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress. Obuebite stated that it was inconceivable for the police

authorities to claim that fake policemen perpetrated the shocking subversion of the will of the Bayelsa people in the charade called governorship election in Bayelsa. The Campaign Organization Spokesman wondered how fake policemen would overpower the over 32,000 genuine policemen who were deployed to provide security in the election. Obuebite said while it is distressing for the police to attribute the electoral violence in Bayelsa to fake policemen, it was a confirmation of the PDP’s earlier claim that security agencies especially the Army colluded with the electoral body and thugs of the APC to rig the election.

He said that the Police explanation was as incredible as it is untenable as did not explain why the original police did not arrest those fake policemen. He also wondered how the so called fake policemen carried out arrests and took their victims to police stations. He said, “The Senator Douye Diri Campaign Organization wishes to say that the Police account was a desperate attempt to provide a non-existent answer to the screaming issue of legitimacy around the Bayelsa election because of the violence unleashed on the state by Federal forces and thugs on Election Day. “We call on the IGP, as a

respected public officer and the number one law enforcer with enormous influence and responsibilities, to show Nigerians the identities of these so called criminal impostors and how many of them have been apprehended by the nation’s police. “The SDD Campaign Organization finds it laughable that a few so called fake policemen would overpower over 32,000 police personnel to desecrate the ballot with violence in the last election in Bayelsa. “We therefore call on the Police authorities to look for a better story to cover up the indefensible security collusion with thugs to rig the Bayelsa Governorship Poll.�

Quickraiz Partners Sickle Cell Foundation In a bid to actualise her objective of a robust innovative technological interventions that creates economic development, crowdfunding platform, Quickraiz, has formally partnered with Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria. The partnership is geared towards improving the wellbeing of persons living with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD). Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is seeking N2, 000,000 to support the treatment of 10 indigent patients that cannot afford the requisite financial requirement. Quickraiz being a crowdfunding platform where genuine causes like sickle cell disorder, could be ameliorated through

the provision of donations by the general public, is pulling her weight on the campaign by appealing to the benevolence of philanthropists, celebrities, religious institutions and corporate organisations through their CSR. Commenting on the essence of the partnership, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ativo Ltd, owners of Quickraiz, Mr. Bayo Adeokun said “Sickle cell Foundation Nigeria was a credible organisation that epitomise the kind of Non – Government organisation (NGO) we seek to work with especially considering their antecedent.� Adeokun, further noted that “the recent campaign created on our platform, “free treatment

for chronic leg ulcer in sickle cell disorder. This is the most unbearable and stigmatising complication of sickle cell disorder that require the benevolence of the general public.� The National Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, Dr. Annette Akinsete speaking on the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disorder in the country said, “Nigeria has the highest burden of Sickle Cell in the world where 150,000 babies are born every year with Sickle cell disorder and sadly 100,000 do not live to celebrate their 5th birthday.� World Health Organisation (WHO) in its resolution at the 63rd world health assembly in May 2010

resolved to increase awareness of the international community of the global burden of sickle Cell disorder and promote equitable access to health services. It may be recalled that recently at the event marking the first anniversary of Quickraiz, several beneficiaries of the benevolence of the public including Sickle cell patients gave testimony of how the platform helped in raising funds for their various needs. Quickraiz is a crowdfunding platform where you could raise or donate funds to causes like Medical related issue, education, Charity, Weddings, Memorials, Alumni association projects, Group gifting to mention a few.

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Plus

Tonye Ibiama

Why We Partnered NLNG for Sports pg 25

FASHION FILE GLOBAL SOCCER FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

Wilson Joel My Parents Taught Me Not to Take Anyone for Granted…That Anybody Can Become Somebody

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

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PLUS

My Parents Taught Me Not to Take Anyone for Granted‌That Anybody Can Become Somebody Wilson Joel is deďŹ nitely not your regular music producer. He has invested in his craft and is carving a niche for himself in Nigeria and beyond. Joel has worked with top brands such as Cadbury, MTN, Universal Music South Africa, Sony BMG, House on the Rock and many more. In this interview with Azuka Ogujiuba, Joel talks about his journey into music, vision as a music producer, music creation in Nigeria, challenges and more Have you always wanted to go into music?

Not really, I had always believed I’ll be a medical doctor. Thankfully, music never let me go. Shortly after my dad passed, I found myself tilting towards music even more. Mind you, we were music lovers in my family but I am the only one who followed through.

With over two decades of professional experience, have you any regrets taking this path?

Regrets are debatable, but summing my experiences up, I do not have any. If there be any, it would be the unstructured music scene and compensation scheme in Nigeria even though I have ties outside the country.

Some think you only handle musicians as a music producer. Tell us more about your craft; from television to radio and advertisements?

Oh, I make music for every kind of consumption; from movie scores to radio jingles, theme songs, concert directing and music event production. The scope of my job is rather wide. My clients include Cadbury Nigeria, MTN, Universal Music South Africa, Sony BMG, House on the rock and many more.

If you weren’t a music producer, what would you have ven-

tured into and why?

I honestly don’t know. Lol! Probably I will be into some business that has to do with imports and exports. Or maybe a medical doctor.

What’s your take on the state of things in Nigeria as far as music production is concerned. Are we getting it right or we still have a long way to go?

We have grown for sure compared to just 10 years ago. We now clearly know junk from great music productions. Whilst we are not there yet, it’s a great improvement from what we have been used to.

Which Nigerian producer’s work ethics and outputs do you admire the most and why?

Mine! Lol. Well, that’s because I put in so much work that most of my colleagues don’t put in. However, I love the likes of Wole Oni and Cobhams Asuquo.

Tell us about your formative years?

I was born in Lagos, Oshodi precisely. Attended school in Lagos and later left for South Africa at the age of 25 where I really dug into music production.

Give us an insight into your educational background and career?

I attended Unity High School, Oshodi, after being transferred from

Joel

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PLUS In My Family, We Were Music Lovers, But I’m the Only One Who Followed Through Lagos State Model College, Badore. That was from 1992 to 1998. I studied Audio certification online with the University of Detroit Michigan, United States.

Can we say you were born with a silver spoon?

This is arguable. Reason being that back then, everyone was content as Nigeria was working so good. We never thought of traveling abroad, it was that good. So, I’d say yes and no.

How did your background shape your life?

My background was a mix of street, morals and God. These helped me look at life differently and value everything for what it is. It has also helped me to never follow the hype but to keep things real enough. My background is such an eventful one. I cherish it.

What do you consider the biggest mistake you have ever made?

This would be me caring so much about what people thought of me! It robbed me of my identity and I never knew until when I turned about 23 or so. I then began to live for me only to see how much time I’ve wasted on frivolous things that added nothing to my future.

Are there things you still desire?

Yes, a lot but contentment has been great gain for me. I believe one day at a time everything will align.

What are some of the lessons life has taught you?

Never dim anyone’s light; never lie when you can speak the truth; respect everyone; help people as much as you can and never be the reason why someone failed in life.

What are your plans forward, what are your future plans?

So many, but planning some platform for the next generation of musicians that have come to me for mentorship. Knowledge sharing is very big on my agenda going forward.

Joel and his ďŹ ance

What’s your biggest fear in life?

My biggest fear is that I would live a life that doesn’t deposit anything on earth.

Tell us about your parents; who inuenced you most? What were the lessons you learnt from them growing up?

My father (late) was a Lagos business man. In fact he was the pioneer of the business operation that we know today as the LAWMA. He established ‘Joel & Sons Enterprises’ serving clients like Julius Berger, Nigerian Airways, Mobil, BP and many more back in the early 70s to 80s. He was also a church leader (Lay Reader) at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Mafoluku Oshodi. Whilst my mum was a business woman too, she ran a restaurant and bar. She was also a singer in the choir during the early days of the Anglican Church. Both are from Edo State. And to be honest, both of them inspired me rather same way because they had such a business mindset, very kind and yet loved God so passionately. They taught me to always see life as beautiful and that every good thing will always come. They also taught me not to ever take anyone for granted as anybody can become somebody in life. They did so well in teaching because, they also migrated from the old Benin to Lagos and found their way up in life when everyone looked down on them as failures.

What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?

I remember one day I came home from school (pri-

mary 2) and I saw this toy, it was like a railway and it filled the entire sitting room area. I had only seen it in the films and I was marveled. I asked my dad where he got it from and he said one of his clients in Schlumberger had given him to give me. Reason was because he said I was so brilliant and deserved some fun time. I was ecstatic. I would invite the other kids in the area to come and play with it. It sounded normal but it was such a big deal to me and this was in the 80s.

How old were you when you got married? How did it happen

I am about to get married to my best friend and I’m 38 now. It started on Facebook and we had been friends about four years ago. We would message each other sparingly. Until Instagram came and we added each other, but no special interests of any sort. We would see each other’s page, comments and activities from time to time and just breeze through, still no special interest. In 2018, I became a bit intense with her and kept pushing her button, but still nothing serious. After practically giving up on dating, we met and everything else is history now. When I saw her, I told myself ‘this is your wife’!!! I told her some days later what I wanted and didn’t flinch because I knew this was it. I guess when you meet that person; you just know and are ready.

What was the most difďŹ cult thing that ever happened to you in all your years and how did you overcome it?

Rejection! Everyone hates rejection, but I wasn’t prepared

for it as I knew love all my life but when my dad passed (I was 11 years old) it started to dawn on me that life is not a one way traffic. I came in contact with people who stretched me beyond my comfort zone which was good for me. But I also came in close contact with those who rejected me for whatever reasons best known to them because as a growing boy, I needed the entire boost. It made me sober yet spontaneously prepared for what laid ahead. I started to see life differently and became flexible. I started loving myself more and pursuing what set my soul on fire. That’s how I overcame it. I began to believe in myself more than ever. My boldness came from this life experience at such early age as I started fending for myself from the age of 15.

What are some of your indelible high points in life?

When I moved to South Africa in 2006, it dawned on me that my talent was way bigger than what I thought! I had a pleasant awakening and my dreams came alive as though my life was restarting all over again. I saw opportunities and grabbed them. I learnt so much in music business. I was set up for musical exploits by reputable music bodies including SAMRO (South Africa Music Rights Organisations) and Universal Music, SA. My works started receiving light, profits and prospects. It changed my life. I started my music journey afresh and before long, I started making hits and getting known. I will never forget.

What are the motivations for your music ventures?

I’d say God first! Then the need to make great music motivates me everyday. When the music isn’t good, it makes me uncomfortable. Also, the fact that many saw me as a reject whilst growing up and felt I should have been a medical doctor or the like, is a constant motivation. Now I’m a Doctor of Philosophy in Music and Management by honour! Nobody can buy honour except they want to imbibe self-deceit. In the end, I would say this: “I came, I am living and still conquering by God’s grace.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Category Manager, Home & Hygiene, Reckitt Benckiser, West Africa, Mrs. Sanusi Kuburat; General Manager, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), Hygiene & Home West Africa, Mr. Asif Hashimi; Harpic Brand Ambassador, Dr. Helen Paul; and Honourable Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu (FNSE) ,during the national launch and flag-off of ‘Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet’ campaign to commemorate 2019 World Toilet Day in Abuja...recently

L-R: Board Member, Teach For Nigeria,TFN, Alero Ayida Otobo; CEO, Teach For All, Wendy Kopp; Executive Governor, Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai; Board Chairman, TFN, Gbenga Oyebode; Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, TFN, Folawe Omikunle; and Regional Head of Programmes, TFN, Ahmed Alaga, during a courtesy visit by the TFN team to the Kaduna State governor...recently

Colgate Partners FG on National Noma Day Oral care brand, Colgate Tolaram, has joined forces with the federal government to mark the 2019 National Noma Day. The partnership seeks to strengthen awareness on the disease and curb its spread. With this year’s theme as: ‘Timely Recognition Averts Deformity’, the federal government has assured that the process of overcoming the scourge was in full gear as could be seen with the the newly launched Noma Policy Document and the National Triennial Action Plan. Speaking at an event to mark the day in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, expressed worry about

the prevalence of the disease especially in north-western states, including Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa. He explained that the ailment could be reduced and even be prevented with improved awareness and nutrition. “We need to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of a child’s life, education on pre-natal care and personal hygiene, oral hygiene, timely immunisation against common childhood diseases, improved environmental sanitation and poverty reduction,� he said. Also speaking at the event, a representative of Colgate, Opeyemi Awojobi, restated

the company’s determination to end the disease in Nigeria. He said that while the company was not resting on its oars to achieve this, it saw the need to double its efforts when it visited the Noma specialist hospital in Sokoto recently. “It was emotional seeing innocent children suffering from not only the excruciating pain but also the life-time disfigurement it leaves behind. “Ignorance about the disease is another problem militating against the efforts of timely management. Colgate Tolaram has committed to working with the government to champion a campaign on oral hygiene

targeted at over 15 million children across Nigeria by the end of next year,� he said. Noma , also known as Cancrum Oris is an infective destruction of tissue of the cheek, mouth or nose and at times the whole face when left untreated. According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, the causative agents of Noma were majorly malnutrition, coinfections - measles and malaria and poor oral hygiene. Also are a number of social and environmental factors such as maternal malnutrition and closely-spaced pregnancies that result in offspring with increasingly weakened immune systems.

OPay Gets Approval for Int’l Transactions Payment services provider, OPay, has secured the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), to operate international money transfer services in Nigeria. This is coming shortly after the company announced that it had raised $50 million from major venture capitalist. By this license, OPay would be able to carry out remittance business to business, business to person and person to person remittance services into Nigeria.

According to the company, this aims to distort the remittance space while ensuring that international money transfer into the country was safer, faster and more affordable. Speaking on this development, Director of Remittances Services at OPay, Kunle Olamuyiwa, said: “With our infrastructure in Nigeria, it will be easier and faster for global remittance companies to partner with us to help

their customers to receive money from their business partners, customers and loved ones, directly into their OPay wallet and any bank account or mobile wallet in Nigeria. “Also, recipients can go cash out their funds from their wallets at any of our over 100,000 mobile money agents in the country�. Olamuyiwa added that the company planned to roll out big-bang promo

next month as part of its commitment to customers. “I enjoin everyone who has families around the world to get an OPay Wallet. They will get better value for these funds doing transfers to any bank, paying their bills, buying food and also using our on-demand transport services i.e. Oride, OBus and Otrike. Moreso, they can channel unused funds to OWealth and earn interest on it daily�, he said.

Shell Tasks FG on Right Investment Climate

Jumia’s Exit from Cameroon Market Sparks Fear in Nigeria

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), has appealed to the federal government to work on creating the right investment climate that would enable the expansion of petroleum landscape in the country. Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, and Managing Director, SPDC, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, made the appeal at the flagship Annual International Conference and Exhibition (AICE) organised by the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE). The conference has as its theme: ‘Expanding Nigeria’s Petroleum Landscape: Digitalisation, Innovation and Emerging New Technologies’. According to Okunbor, creating

The news of Jumia’s exit from Cameroon e- commerce space has continued to stir up fear of job losses among Nigerians on the company’s payroll. This is as analysts have expressed worries that Nigeria, which is the company’s biggest market might be the next hit, following its spate of business closure in recent times. Earlier, the company was said to have closed business in Rwanda, Gabon, Congo Republic and most recently, Cameroon. By this development, experts said it is a bad omen and an indicator that was already rubbing off negatively on company’s global image. But Jumia in a swift reaction defended its decision in Cameroon, hinging it on business- market incompatibility. According to the company in a statement, “Our e-commerce activities are not

the right investment climate would see Nigeria scale up its oil production from the current average of 2.3 million b/d to 3 million b/d as well as boost country’s proven oil reserves to about 40 billion barrels. He said: “The right investment climate would also include strengthening our regulatory bodies, giving priorities to research and enabling the industry’s financials. I believe that where the investment climate is right, digitilisation and deployment of emerging technologies will enable incremental value creation over the coming years. Moreso, if we appropriately apply the valuable information and lessons from this conference, our industry will experience a giant leap in transformation. It will support our aspiration of

expanding Nigeria’s petroleum landscape.� He further added that in Shell, digitilisation was more than technology. “It is also about people and ensuring more agile ways of working. We employ leading data scientists who unlock value from the vast amounts of data that we have access to in a responsible manner whilst maintaining customer trust. “Across all our businesses, we look for opportunities where we can replicate and use this at any scale. We look to use applicable standard technologies (unless there is a competitive advantage to building proprietary solutions) to change the way we search for and produce oil and gas, design wells, provide energy, or buy goods and services�, he said.

suitable for Cameroon. We came to the conclusion that our transactional portal as it is run today is not suitable to the current context in Cameroon�. In the midst of the heat, the company said that it would continue to support buyers and vendors in Cameroon using its classified portal Jumia Deals. But market enthusiasts have expressed concerns that stakeholders of the company in Nigeria , including investors, merchants, staff, creditors and suppliers, may have to brace up for the unexpected given Jumia’s trajectories in recent times. Jumia Technologies AG is a Germanbased e-commerce outfit. It was founded in 2012 in Berlin, Germany, and shareholders include the Berlin-based incubator and venture-capital firm Rocket Internet SE. Other early investors include French insurer Axa AXAHY, +0.04% and French telecoms company Orange ORA, +1.86%.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

POLITY Tonye Ibiama

Why We Partnered NLNG for Sports Tamunotonye Ibiama, the Chief Executive of Grafton Entertainment can be described as a man of many parts.Tonye, as he is fondly called, is a businessman in the creative and entertainment industry, security and sports. Based in Port Harcourt, Tonye’s outfit, birthed notable artistes in the Garden City is partnering Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) to discover sporting talents in the city. He speaks with Olaoluwakitan Babatunde about his experience

W

hen and how did your love for entertainment start? It started as a kid. I was brought up in a church choir and I also sang in the school choir. I was the head of the choir in my school (Stella Maris College) and we used to win in competitions like Shell and local government competitions in Port Harcourt. That was my first point of the creative process. I later went to the university where I studied Biochemistry and later on Business Management in UK. Then, I started production and later veered into picking and working with talents in the creative industry from my region. I saw an avalanche of musical artistes in this region and they had few people to pick them up and excel in the musical industry. So, I took it upon myself and so far I have affected many artistes and for me, that is the fulfillment. Some of the artistes you have brought into the limelight include Indispendables, Mtrill, Mr. 2kay, etc.What’s your relationship with them now? I have a good relationship with those I have worked with in the past. They are no longer on the label but I have a new artiste on the label, Idahams, and he is doing very well.

Ibiama

He has some good songs now and a lovely video. He is an Afro-Pop singer, songwriter and producer. He has produced a lot of other songs like Mr. 2kay’s ‘God Can Bless Anybody.’ He produced and co-wrote the song as well. He had a song with Teni and he is coming out with a new single in November.

It was a thing of joy to come to Bonny after studying in the United Kingdom. The chieftaincy title in Bonny is worded differently. We are referred to as titled citizens as opposed to being called chiefs. The tittle citizen for me and my mother is a good one and, I am glad that we were recognized as titled citizens of an ancient kingdom.

Tell us about your milestones, challenges and conquest in the entertainment industry? The milestone is actually breeding artistes who have successfully broken out of the south and won awards within and outside the country. Those are milestones because the way Nigeria is structured, people only know happenings in Lagos. So, we have produced artistes who have excelled beyond this region. Some of the challenges in our industry are the unstructured level of the industry, artistes’ royalty rights and piracy. However, I see a light at the end of the tunnel and I am glad that the world is moving towards streaming. Streaming gives practitioners opportunity to become streaming partners. This way, we are curbing piracy.

What does Grafton Entertainment have to do with NLNG? NLNG and Grafton Entertainment are partnering to host a football tournament in the Bonny Island. It is part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the NLNG and apart from NLNG giving back to the community; we want to create a lucrative world of Football. There is an abundance of talents on the island waiting to be developed and our task is to discover and mold them. We are also on the verge of creating a vibrant sporting community on the island. We have a King who is a sports lover and a one-time footballer; he initiated all the happenings. Permit me to say that King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple the 3rd, Perekule the XII is a huge inspiration to us. We are also working with local scouts and administrators and I can assure you that this is the beginning of an exciting era in our sports annals. The event is scheduled to commence November 23 and end December 7 in Bonny Island.

Tell us about your chieftaincy title and attraction to culture and tradition? I love my culture very well and as a kid, I grew up always visiting home almost every Christmas, even as a kid.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Country Manager, Verve Issuer and Acquirer Management, Ugo Obasi; Division CEO, Industry Vertical Solutions, Interswitch Group, Jonah Adams; CEO,Verve International, Mike Ogbalu I I; Group Head Retail Banking Zenith Bank Plc, Lanre Oladimeji; and Group Managing Director, Interswitch Group Mitchell Elegbe, during Verve Global Card launch and FirstTransaction at Emperor Retail Outlet in Dubai, UAE...recently

L-R: CEO Retina Specialist, USA, Dr. Stephen Odaibo; Africa Director, AI 4Development, Ms Kathleen Siminyu; Founder Data Science Nigeria, Dr. Bayo Adekanmbi; Research Scientist, Facebook UK, Dr. Eric Sodomka; and CTO, Terragon Group, Ayodeji Balogun, at the 2019 Data Science Nigeria Summit at Oriental Hotel Lekki, Lagos...recently

L-R: A facilitator, Emeka Ossai; President, Faculty of Arts Students, Mr. Anagwaonye Daniel; Sustainability and Community Affairs Manager, Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited, Ms. Ifeoma Okoye; Deputy Vice ChanR-L: Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Son of late American rights cellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Olanike Adeyemo activist, Marcus Garvey Jnr; and the first Daughter of Winnie and Nelson Mandela, Makaziwe, dur- and Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Professor Afis Oladosu during the campus edition of the NBC Youth Empowered initiative held at University of Ibadan, Oyo State...recently ing g the US/Africa Diaspora p Forum in Johannesburg, g South Africa...recently y

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

PERSPECTIVE/VINTAGE

Roger Brown and Seplat’s Next Phase Growth Plan Donald Umoren

S

eplat Petroleum Development Company Plc recently announced that its pioneer Managing Director and later Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Austin Avuru will retire in July 2020 after 10 years of leading the company. In these 10 years, the outgoing CEO led the development of a strong organisation, the deployment of agile systems, processes and stakeholder relationships that allowed the organisation to grow rapidly from a gross production of 22,700 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) as at December 2010 to peaks of 111,368boepd gross production as at December 2018 through major drilling campaigns and major new Oil and Gas plants development. The acquisition of 40 percent of OML 53, post Company’s IPO of 2014, created an opportunity in partnership with NNPC, to spawn a mid-stream subsidiary, ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited currently progressing what will ultimately be a 300MMscf/d of Gas, 22,500bdp of condensate and 1,200boepd of LPG processing Company. All these could not have been achieved without Avuru’s leadership skills, personal dedication and hard work, at the head of the Company. While the Board of SEPLAT is grateful to Avuru for these accomplishments and looks forward to his continued service at the Board level, it has selected Roger Brown as the successor to Avuru. Brown will be leading the Company in her latest aspirations when Avuru steps down on July 31, 2020. The Board also decided that the CEO designate will lead the restructuring during the Transition period between now and final exit date of Avuru on July 31, 2020. Looking forward, Seplat plans to position itself for a next phase growth ambition which would see the expansion of its footprint in terms of energy business activities, a plan to pursue offshore assets as well as opportunity driven entry into different geographies. The company believes that such a corporate transition would require a different kind of organisational structure, people skills set and mentality to compete well in the expanded space. In view of this, Seplat will be reviewing its current organisational and systems structure. Brown joined SEPLAT in 2013 as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and played a key role in the successful dual listing of the company in 2014 on both the London and Nigerian Stock Exchanges. Similarly, since joining the company, he has played significant roles in various asset acquisitions by the company. He brings to the CEO role, a deep knowledge of the company in his six years as the CFO and a member of the Board. He has strong financial, commercial and Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) experience as well as proven people skills which will be an asset as the company embarks on the next phase of its growth plan. Brown is very familiar with the local and global business environments and institutions. As a new CEO he will be working towards fortifying this. He played critical roles in the company’s successful landmark deals, IPO and financial structure of debt and acquisitions, as well as increased returns to shareholders. Prior to joining SEPLAT, Brown was an advisor to the company since 2010 while he was the Managing Director and head of EMEA Oil and Gas at Standard Bank Group. During his time at the bank, he was instrumental in providing advice and deploying capital across the African continent in the Oil & Gas, Power & Infrastructure and the renewable energy sectors. While the company lives up to the globalization of its business, Brown will no doubt be supported by the local staff working with him in the successful company. For instance, the company’s nine months profit of $185 million (2018: $91 million) was positively impacted by a 37percent yearon-year reduction in finance costs reflecting de-leveraging of the balance sheet early in the year when the outstanding balance on the 2022 revolving credit facility (RCF) was ultimately reduced to zero.

Education

He is a chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Brown holds MSc in Finance from University of Ulster; BSc (Hons) in Finance from University of Dundee. He attended Belfast Royal Academy.

Brown

Professionalexperience

Roger Brown joined Seplat and its board in July 2013, having previously been an advisor to the company since 2010, and was instrumental to setting up the London office for the company prior to listing on the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges (Main Board). During his time at the company he steered the business through extremely challenging times during low oil prices and an 18-month period when the business was not producing oil due to a shut-in of its main oil pipeline. He also put in place a total of $1.75billion of financing which included an inaugural $350million Eurobond as well as bringing in a number of top tier banks into the syndicate. He is responsible for reporting, corporate finance, investor relations, enterprise risk management, internal audit, commercial negotiations / contracts and business development. He currently runs a team of 55 people. The Global group had some 70 professionals focused on the oil and gas. Brown headed the CEEMEAteam based in London focusing on Debt, Mezzanine and Equity investments in the sector. In addition to capital, the group also provided structuring advice and M&Aservices to both buy side and sell side clients. He was a senior originator and structured all forms of financing for industry clients such as Project Finance, Structured Commodity Finance, Acquisition Finance, Corporate Lending and Debt Capital Markets. Key achievements: He was instrumental in up-tiering the banks positioning in the markets with clients and also originating and closing some high-profile transactions. Prior to focusing on the Oil and Gas sector, Brown previously led Standard Bank’s Renewable Energy and Power and Infrastructure teams based in London. As Senior Manager in the Project Finance Department at Price Waterhouse Coopers, London focusing on providing advice to governments and private sector developers in the UK and Middle East. At Coopers & Lybrand, he served as Manager in the corporate finance department, focusing on servicing of multinational companies with offices in Singapore. At the Coopers & Lybrand Edinburgh, Brown was the Manager in the audit department, focusing on manufacturing and industrial companies.

Hisselectdealexperience

Oil and Gas: Tullow Oil: $2.5 million RBL and $600 million

corporate loan facility for Uganda - Mandated Lead Arranger; Afren: $450 million RBL - Mandated Lead Arranger; Seplat: Lead advisor for Seplat’s IPO, one of the largest IPO’s in sub-Saharan Africa. Also led a $250 million pre-IPO share disposal and various other advisory mandates; FHN: $180 million acquisition and development facility for the acquisition of OML 26 from Shell; Neconde: $470 million development facility for the refinancing of the acquisition of OML 42 from Shell; BP: $1.5 billion – managing the global account and responsible for various credit facilities; Socar – $250 million credit facilities for Socar Trading – Mandated Lead Arranger; Shoreline Natural Resources: $765 million guarantee and a $550 million bridge facility to acquire OML 30 from Shell – Lead Advisor and Arranger; Heritage Oil and Gas – Financial Advisor for sale of Miran Block to Genel; Ophir – syndicate member for the listing of Ophir on the Main Board of the London Stock Exchange; Heritage Oil and Gas - Sell side advisor. Approximate deal size $2billion; Confidential: Sell side advisor to a private oil and Gas company in a merger with a major stock exchange listed Oil and Gas company; PUMA– $300 million acquisition of BP’s downstream assets in African – Mandated Lead Arranger; West African Gas Pipeline – $600 million adviser to the government of Ghana on its investment in the West African Gas Pipeline project and negotiation on the Gas Sales Agreement between WAPCO and VRA; and Adviser and Arranger on a 550km gas pipeline in Brazil. Others are: Essar - Arranger on a $2.0 billion refinery project in India; Gulmar Offshore - Mandated Lead Arranger for a $40 million financing for an oil services company in Sharja to acquire and upgrade a DP2 ship; Essar - Arranger of a $250 million facility to finance the upgrade of a semi-submersible oil rig; Power & Infrastructure –Jantus: Adviser and Arranger on a 220 MW wind farm in North East Brazil, under the Proinfa Programme. The farm is the largest in Latin America; Jantus: M&Amandate to dispose of a 51percent stake in a 200MW wind farm in North East Brazil, under the Proinfa Programme; Adviser and Arranger on a 66MW Geothermal power plant in Nicaragua; HLC: Adviser and Arranger on a 128 MW thermal power plant in Ceara, North Eastern Brazil; Rurelec - Arranger on a 120MW combined cycle power plant in Argentina. The transaction includes the securitisation of carbon credits; EGSA- Arranger to provide acquisition financing to a UK company purchasing a majority stake in the largest electricity generator in Bolivia; CEC - Adviser and Arranger on a $100m leveraged buyout of a power transmission business in Zambia. The leveraged buyout was a ground breaking transaction on the African continent; Biodiesel Energy Trading - Adviser and Arranger of a 400,000MT biodiesel plant in Sines, Portugal. Standard Bank was an equity investor and MLAfor the plant; Kladno - Arranger on a 340 MW coal and gas fired power plant in the Czech Republic; Equity provider for a start-up wave technology company in the UK; Equity provider for a leading fuel cell company in the UK; Adviser and Arranger on a 66MW thermal power plant in Mauritius; Adviser to a power transmission business in Zambia to raise equity and debt finance for the development of new expansion projects the company is pursuing; Arranger on a 500MW power project in South Africa developed by a UK listed power company; Arranger for a number of carbon credit portfolio financings. The financings range from upfront prepayments to discounted receivables; Adviser and Arranger and equity provider on a portfolio of wind farms in India. First stage financing was a 50MW wind farm developed in the Karnataka region; Prior to Joining Standard Bank - Adviser to Minster of Energy in Oman in the development of a $200m power plant at Salalah, Oman; Adviser to Minster of Energy in Oman in the development of a waste water treatment plant in Muscat; Adviser to a UK developer on a $180m shadow toll road scheme; Adviser to the UK government on the $1.2 billion redevelopment of the MoD headquarters at Whitehall. At the time of closing the transaction was the largest ever PFI scheme; Adviser to the Ascot Authority on the construction of a new $290 million stadium at Ascot; Adviser to the UK government on the development of a $130 million waste water treatment facility. –––Umoren, an energy analyst writes from Uyo

MultiChoice Group Pledges to Enhance Customer Experience

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ultiChoice Group (MCG), Africa’s leading video entertainment group, on Thursday, hosted its second annual media showcase under the theme, ‘Africa’s most-loved storyteller’, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event had media representatives and stakeholders from across the African continent in attendance. Speaking at the event, Yolisa Phahle, MultiChoice Group CEO (General Entertainment) said the group had achieved much since its first showcase event. She also stated that this year’s media showcase was the first since being listed as an independent media company. “The MultiChoice Group listed on the JSE Main Board on 27 February 2019, an important milestone in our exciting journey of growth,” Phahle said. Phahle highlighted the many achievements made by MultiChoice in the past year, including the four million unique views gained on DStv Now platform in the final season of the popular

series, Game of Thrones. MultiChoice also played a pivotal role in supporting the South African rugby team, the Springboks, who made history at the 2019 Rugby World Cup Finals. The MultiChoice CEO also said the group continued to make a significant investment in promoting local talent and developing the African creative industry through initiatives such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory and Magic in Motion. “On local content, MultiChoice now has 18 local language channels across all continent. We will continue to increase our local content spend and also industry development. As we continue to develop our various markets, we are committed to consolidating the company’s position as Africa’s most loved storyteller,” Phahle said. Also speaking, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, Channel Director, Africa Magic, said the portfolio of local content production carried out by MultiChoice is geared towards ensuring the video entertainment industry across the continent thrives and grows to compete with the best in the world.

Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu noted that the launch of the two brand new telenovelas, Brethren and Unbroken, shown on its Africa Magic channels, reiterated MultiChoice’s commitment not only to create platforms for sharing Africa’s stories, but to continue its investment in the development of local content and local talent. “We will not relent in ensuring that our customers have the best local entertainment for Africa, by Africans with our double bill of intense drama and intrigue, airing six days every week”, she said. , In line with MultiChoice Group’s commitment to bringing topquality international content to African screens, Nkateko Mabaso said: “We travel all over the world to buy the best of international content from the biggest studio in the world such as CBS, Warner, Disney. We also get to produce some really great local content working with the best creators in the industry across the continent.” MultiChoice also pledged its commitment to emphasise on improved customer service, noting that the introduction of DStv app, GOtv app and DStv’s Self Service on WhatsApp were geared towards offering value-added service for customers.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

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POLITY

Dr Felix King Eiremiokhae presenting cash to a widow...recently

Lifting the Widows In a society, where widows are subjected to neglect and humiliation, a subtle move by a young Nigerian entrepreneur, Dr Felix King Eiremiokhae, seems to be re-writing their story. Raheem Akingbolu reports

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ntil 2014, when Felix King Eiremiokhae established Felix King Foundation and decided to use it to bring succor to widows in Nigeria, he was only known as a Marketing Communication Practitioner. Perhaps because of the usual manner in which politicians ride on such projects to enter politics, not many people took him seriously. The general belief was that he would soon abandon it and join a political party after drawing considerable attention to himself. But five years down the line, King, has not only sustained the tempo but has widened the scope of the foundation and put smiles on the faces of many widows, especially in Edo and Lagos States. Beyond giving cash to the women, which was the starting point, the foundation has grown to become a multidimensional empowerment initiative for women. Today, the foundation has helped farmers, artisans, businessmen as well as facilitating scores of cooperative societies that diligent women contribute and access. One question that has been asked over and over is what informed the decision of this entrepreneur to look into the direction of these helpless women. Was he raised by a widow or suffered as a kid? When confronted with the question early in the week, Felix was quick to answer in the negative. “I was brought up well by average parents who could afford our education and take care of basic things that would make us be able to level up with our mates. I had good education and secured good job after graduation. However, my early ambition to set up my own business thought me another lesson of my life as I struggled hard to overcome the teething stage. One particular event I would never forget was when my little child fell sick about 15 years ago and I was looking for 6,000 only to settle the hospital bill. My wife was distraught and I kept moving from one place to the other to raise the money. At the end, God showed Himself and we paid and treated the innocent child. It was my turning point of becoming a humanist. I made up my mind at that point that if God in heaven blessed me, I would try all within my power to contribute my quota to the society through women empowerment because I know what women pass through while raising their children, especially if they

are single mothers or widows,” he stated. Again, one would have assumed the man running the show is a billionaire considering how much he has committed to the various scheme but King also disabused the minds of those who share such belief. According to him, one should not wait until he or she becomes buoyant before looking at the direction of those who need help. “If you wait until you solve all your problems before you assist others to solve theirs, you will not do anything till Jesus comes. I’m not a billionaire and I’m not living in affluent but I know there are many lives I can still touch from the little I’m making from my business. Women are important to our socio-economic growth and the earlier we realise this the better,” said Eiremiokhae. King, who owns an experiential marketing firm and a biscuit manufacturing company, revealed that he’s been able to do what he’s doing from profits he makes from his businesses. He also pointed out that he hasn’t given room to any political organisation or individuals in politics to contribute to the foundation for fear of being contaminated with ulterior moves that could undermine the objective of the foundation. Shedding more light on the activities of the foundation, the entrepreneur stated that the growing poverty rate among widows in the rural communities, the attendant neglect by government, and considering the important role they play in the development of their families and communities, compelled him to roll out Lift Bank scheme in May, through which 10,000 widows and active poor women in Nigeria’s rural communities would have been touched within five years. He said the initiative was designed to help in areas of small business capital access, training, mentorship and network, pointing out the initiative focuses its operations in Edo, Lagos and Ogun states. Lift Bank is an added component of Felix King Foundation and it’s being operated under Felix King Rural Initiative in partnership with Lift Bank accredited community banks. The initiative seeks to support widows and active poor women, who are willing to undertake business enterprise such as artisanship, trade and farming. In a statement, the foundation laments what women had to go through to access as small as N10,000 from

local money lenders and the penalty they endure for a day’s default in repayment due to stringent conditions. “These women are harassed and chased around like common criminals,” it said. “Some abandon their homes to take refuge in the bush just to avoid arrest or confiscation of wares, tools and so on. Eiremiokhae said: “Through the scheme, we are currently partnering with community banks/financial outfits for better output and sustainability. The role of community banks is to disburse the capital, supervise the repayment and manage the re-disbursements as well as progress monitoring of beneficiaries. The Lift Bank is a zero free loan access capital for widows and active poor women who are breadwinners of their families. And it is meant to support widows and active rural women in enterprises such as trading, farming, and artisanship. “Beneficiaries are open to access between N10,000 to N30,000 and repayable in 36 months (three years) without interest. The system is planned as a rotational one, whereby when beneficiaries return what they borrowed, the money will be given to other women. “Investing in women is vital for the collective economic prosperity and national stability of any country. When we empower women, communities prosper, the nation thrives and peace prevails. “Therefore, to enhance our community’s security, as well as our national stability and growth, there is need to encourage the full and free participation of women in the national economy. This is the foundation of Lift Bank. Simply put, Lift Bank is prosperity and progress for widows and the forgotten women in rural communities.” In 2017/2018, the foundation supported thousands of widows in farming and trading concerns and the progress report from these women, who believe so much in the works of their hand, has become a great example of how strong small businesses are backbone of the economy and communities. Today these women feel dignified and their neighborhoods stronger Unlike the WIFARM and Widows Economic Progress Meetings (WEPROGRESS) initiatives already promoted by the foundation for widows and financed solely by Dr. King’s companies, Lift Bank is opened for public collaboration. The initiative was launched with $500 funding grants for 2018/19 calendar.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

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GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

23.11.2019

NEWS

Can Guardiola Stop Lampard’s Winning Run ?

What Next for Emmanuel Emenike?

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What Next for Emmanuel Emenike? Ă’Ă?Ă˜ Ă—Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă&#x;Ă?Ă– Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă”Ă™Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă‘Ă“Ă‹Ă˜ Ă“ĂœĂ?Ăž Ă“Ă Ă“Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜ Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ–Ă™ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ÚÞĂ?Ă—ĂŒĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă? Ă‹ Ă?ĂœĂ?Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă’Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁ Ă?Ă‹ĂĄ Ă“Ăž Ă‹Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă™ĂšĂšĂ™ĂœĂžĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă“ĂžĂŁ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?Ă Ă“Ă Ă? Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂĄĂ“Ă˜ĂŽĂ–Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂœËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă˜Ă?ĂœĂŒĂ‹Ă’Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă&#x;ĂœĂ•Ă?ĂŁ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“Ă•Ă?Ăœ Ă‹Ă–Ă?Ă™ Ă?Ă?Ăž Ă‹ ÞËÖÖ Ă™ĂœĂŽĂ?Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă’Ă“Ă—Ă?Ă?Ă–Ă?̋ÞÙ Ă’Ă?Ă–Ăš ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŒ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x;ĂœĂ? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă—Ă™ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ÞÙ ÞÒĂ? ÞÙÚ̋ʎÓÑÒÞ˛ Ăž ĂĄĂ‹Ă? ÒÙåĂ?Ă Ă?Ăœ Ă˜Ă™Ăž ÞÙ ĂŒĂ? Ă‹Ă? Ă–Ă?Ă?Ă? ĂžĂ’Ă‹Ă˜ ÞåÙ Ă—Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂ’Ă? Ă‹Ę°Ă?Ăœ Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă?Ă‹Ă?Ă•Ă?ĂŽË› Ă™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ ÞÒÓĂ? ĂŒĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă˜ĂŽ Ă™Ă? Ă‹ Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ě‹ĂŒĂœĂ“Ă‘Ă’Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă?ĂžĂ‹ĂœËŁ

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mmanuel Emenike’s four goals at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa was crucial to Nigeria’s winning the biennial competition for the third time, giving some observers the impression that a striker that would fill the vacuum left by Super

Eagles all-time highest goal scorer, Rashidi Yekini, had finally arrived. It was however not to be, as his career nosedived. His involvement in many controversies with his various clubs did not help matters too. Belgian First Division B club Westerlo last week released Emenike, just two months after he joined the club as a

free agent in September. The former West Ham United striker had joined Bob Peeters’ side two months ago with the ambition of helping them secure promotion to the top-flight after having a successful trial. “Thank you, Westerlo for making me feel at home and welcome. Let’s get some wins and go for the title. Project

Promotion,� he had written on his Instagram page minutes after he was signed in September. According to the club statement, Emenike did not reach the expected level of performance after managing just one start in five league games with no goal to his credit. His short-term contract was to expire at the end of the

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season but both parties agreed on its termination last Thursday. “Emmanuel Emenike and KVC Westerlo have decided in mutual agreement to end their collaboration. Despite the many efforts made by both parties in the best understanding, the player could not be brought to the level that both parties had intended,� the statement read. “In those circumstances, it was appropriate to end the agreement with a good feeling. KVC Westerlo wants to thank Emmanuel for choosing and trusting the club and the player wishes to thank the club for the opportunity he was granted.� His move to Belgium meant the much-travelled and vastly-experienced Emenike had joined his tenth professional club in nine years, after stints in South Africa, Turkey, Russia, United Arab Emirates, England, Spain and Greece. Prior to his move to Belgium, the former Nigerian international did not play football in the entire 2018-19 season after suffering an injury last year during his loan spell in the Spanish La Liga with Las Palmas.

Emenike’s first “missionary journey to Turkey� with Fenerbahce was more of controversy than memorable. He was accused of match-fixing, though he was later released without charge. In his second stint with the Turkish side, he was very unpopular with the club’s supporters largely due to his poor performance, scoring only four goals in 27 appearances. So much so that he once stormed off the field after he was abused by his own fans, culminating in a move to UAE side, Al Ain on loan. Emenike later joined Greek champions, Olympiakos from Fenerbahce, after signing a two-year deal and a fee said to be about $2.8 million. After struggling with injuries and lack of first-team football, Olympiakos provided him with a platform that includes the European Champions League. “I know there are big expectations from the fans and club, but I am ready. I’ve joined the most successful club in Greek football and I want to give my best for the team,� the 30-year-old had told BBC Sport. The former Super Eagles striker was the sixth Nigerian player to sign for Olympiakos of Greece, following in

the footsteps of Rashidi Yekini, James Obiorah, Haruna Babangida, Michael Olaitan and Brown Ideye. Between the summer of 2009 and 2012, the forward averaged over 14 league goals per season with Karabukspor and Spartak. During the 2013-14 campaign, he managed 12 goals in 28 league outings for Fener, but in 2014, despite making only one league outing less, he contributed only four goals. After a memorable display against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, in which he drove down the left flank, leaving defenders in his wake before setting up Osaze Odemwingie’s pivotal winner, Emenike went on 15 international matches without a goal. Late coach Stephen Keshi had to drop Emenike, who previously would have been the first name on the list. He made 93 appearances in all competitions during his time at Fenerbahce scoring 25 goals. Emenike came to limelight when he was invited to the national team for a friendly game against Sierra Leone. Thereafter, he was called up to Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and scored in the opening match against Burkina Faso in a 1–1

draw. He also scored the first goal in the quarter-final match between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire which Nigeria won 2–1. He is fondly remembered at Fenerbahce and Spartak Moscow for bullying opposition defence.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR DEPUTY EDITOR

Ě“ THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN MANAGING DIRECTOR DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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Man City Hope to Keep Title Ambition on Track with Chelsea Visit After losing to table toppers, Liverpool 3-1 before the international break, a result which really dented their Premier League title defence, defending champions, Manchester City will be hoping to put their title hope on track as the Citizens welcome Chelsea to the Etihad today. The Blues have been in devastating form recently winning six matches in a trot and would deďŹ nitely be a tough nut to crack against Pep Guardiola’s side who may be 12 points behind league leaders before the kicko with the Stamford Bridge side

Kun Aguero has scored more goals against Chelsea than any Premier League club

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fter losing to Liverpool last time out, Manchester City will be tested once again as they welcome an inform Chelsea side. Frank Lampard’s men are full of confidence and they will pose a real test to the City defence which they will be confident of breaching. After 12 Premier League matches, not many Chelsea fans would have expected to be above Manchester City in the table Last season, City clinched the league title, and even though the Blues finished third, they were still 28 points behind Pep Guardiola’s team. Once again Chelsea went

through a change of head coach, and instead of experience they went for Blues legend Lampard, who had just a year of managerial experience under his belt. Add to that, the Blues were slapped with a two-window transfer ban, meaning that they were unable to bring in any new players over the summer. And then the cherry on top of the cake, they lost their best player, Eden Hazard, to Real Madrid. Combine all of that together and many were predicting a pretty disastrous start to the campaign. After the 4-0 opening game defeat to Manchester United as well, that looked like it was going to come true. However, those early fears

have been put to one side and with six league wins in a row, Chelsea are in a really good position going into the Christmas run. Currently being third in the table and a point above the current champions is above the expectations set. But this weekend’s trip to the Etihad Stadium will be the greatest test of just how far this young team have come. One can’t take away from the fact that six wins in a row is an excellent achievement from Lampard’s side, but Brighton & Hove Albion, Southampton, Newcastle, Burnley, Watford and Crystal Palace are teams, who on paper, the Blues should be beating.

It’s one thing being the favourite and then actually going out and beating them, but it was a run of fixtures that Lampard would have eyed a big number of points. However, Chelsea’s record this season against the traditional ‘big six’ has not been good and it is the next step on the way to Lampard’s development of his team. This season, the Blues have lost twice to Manhester United, that heavy defeat at Old Trafford and then the Carabao Cup loss at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been beaten twice by Liverpool, once in the league and then in the Super Cup on penalties. In fact, the 1-1 draw against

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GLOBAL SOCCER Head to Head 21/03/10 27/02/10 25/09/10 20/03/11 12/12/11 21/03/12 25/11/12 24/02/13 27/10/13 03/02/14 21/09/14 31/01/15 16/08/15 16/04/16 03/12/16 05/04/17 30/09/17 04/03/18 08/12/18 10/02/19

Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool Chelsea 2-4 Man City Man City 1-0 Chelsea Chelsea 2-0 Man City Chelsea 2-1 Man City Man City 2-1 Chelsea Chelsea 0-0 Man City Man City 2-0 Chelsea Chelsea 2-1 Man City Man City 0-1 Chelsea Manc City 1-1 Chelsea Chelsea 1-1 Man City Man City 3-0 Chelsea Chelsea 0-3 Man City Man City 1-3 Chelsea Chelsea 2-1 Man City Chelsea 0-1 Man City Man City 1-0 Chelsea Chelsea 2-0 Man City Man City 6-0 Chelsea

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

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

18 21 10 22 4 -1 4 1 0 -1 -2 -6 -7 1 -5 -6 -3 -15 -18 -17

34 26 26 25 17 17 16 16 16 15 15 15 15 14 14 13 11 8 8 7

Premier League TODAY

West Ham v Arsenal v Bournemouth v Brighton v Crystal Palace v Everton v Watford v Man City v

Tottenham Southampton Wolves Leicester Liverpool Norwich City Burnley Chelsea

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

v

Man Utd

16:30

v

Newcastle

20:00

v v v v

Barcelona Valencia AtlĂŠtico Sociedad

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

v v v v v

Getafe Bilbao AlavĂŠs Celta Vigo Sevilla

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

v v v

Juventus Napoli Inter

14:00 17:00 19:45

v v v v v v

Parma Brescia Lazio Fiorentina Udinese Cagliari

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

SUNDAY

SheďŹƒeld MONDAY

Aston Villa LA LIGA SATURDAY

LeganĂŠs Real Betis Granada Madrid SUNDAY

Espanyol Osasuna Eibar Villarreal Valladolid

Serie A TODAY

Atalanta AC Milan Torino SUNDAY

Bologna Roma Sassuolo Verona Sampdoria Lecce MONDAY

SPAL19:45Genoa 19:45

Leicester City could have been a lot worse if the Foxes had taken their chances in the second half in West London. There’s no doubt that the Blues are on the up and have come on leaps and bounds from those defeats to the other top teams, but now is the time to prove it. Blues fans don’t need a reminder of what happened last season in the trip to the Eithad. To say Chelsea were hammered is a bit of an understatement. They were 4-0 down inside 25 minutes, with the match ending 6-0 courtesy of a Sergio Aguero hat-trick. The Blues will need to rest that ghost and get through the first half unscathed. Chelsea’s attacking prowess

this season cannot be disputed, with 27 goals to their name already. But with 35, Manchester City lead the leag u e i n f i n d ing the back of the net. So for all the attacking intent that Chelsea will w a n t t o s h o w, i t w i l l b e i n the defensive areas that Chelsea will have their biggest test. F i k a y o To m o r i a n d K u r t Z o u m a h a v e s t a r t e d to build a partnership in the absence of Antonio Rudiger, while Lampard has a decision to make over the right-back position. Does the Blues boss go for the old guard in Cesar Azpilicueta, or the new, up and coming star in Reece James to take on the formidable attack of City’s flying wingers?

Despite being a point ahead, Chelsea will go into the game as underdogs. But what would it mean to the Blues if they are beaten? Would those six wins in a row be all for nothing? Of course, those 18 points will become vital for the end of season and have already created a game between them and those outside the top four. But Lampard and Chelsea want to take the next step, and for them the next step is results against the top four. Meanwhile, Guardiola would be boosted by the return to training of goalkeeper Ederson, after his recent muscular injury picked up in the Champions League three weeks ago. City’s number one will be a lift for the squad against Chelsea today.

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Jamie Vardy Tammy Abraham Sergio AgĂźero Emerick Aubameyang Raheem Sterling Sadio ManĂŠ Teemu Pukki Harry Kane Mohamed Salah Marcus Rashford Callum Wilson Christian Pulisic Bernardo Silva Raul Jimenez SĂŠbastien Haller Wesley Ashley Barnes Mason Mount

Leicester 11 Chelsea 10 Man City 9 Arsenal 8 Man City 7 Liverpool 7 Norwich 6 Tottenham 6 Liverpool 6 Man Utd 6 Bournemouth 5 Chelsea Man City 4 Wolves 4 West Ham 4 Aston Villa 4 Burnley 4 Chelsea 4

GOALS

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(L-R) FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Champion; Peter Eben-Spi, making his victory speech, representative of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Olusegun Alebiosu, the Chief Risk OďŹƒcer of FirstBank, and Chairman, Ikoyi Club 1938, Ayo Orenuga at the just concluded FirstBank sponsored Lagos State Amateur Open Golf championship

Coach Gozalo with some members of Barca Academy Group Nigeria Technical Team during a training session at Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, recently

Bobby Girl: Female Boxer on the Rise Of the five bouts at the maiden edition of GOtv Boxing Night Mini, the all-female super featherweight challenge duel between 18-year old Cynthia “Bobby Girl� Ogunsemilore and Roliat “Mummy’s Pet�Akinsanya attractedthesecondloudestcheer.Every punch she threw at her opponent drew rapturous applause from the crowd at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Rowe Park Sports Complex, which hosted the event last Saturday. While not yet a household name like her male counterparts, Bobby Girl, a final year student of Ifako Comprehensive Senior High School in Lagos, is attracting attention of boxing fans in Lagos and beyond. She announced herself to the wider boxing public at GOtv Boxing Night 19 in July with a first round dismissal of Abiodun “Lady Crusher� Adedeji. Her clash with Mummy’s Pet last Saturday was not the procession the last one was, evidently because the opponent is made of sterner stuff. But that brought out something akin to the best in her. There was nothing pet-like about Mummy’s Pet, who gave Bobby Girl a tough time. She was full of menace and no little guile. Not bad for one who became a boxer by accident.

“I started boxing at the age of 12 in 2013. I never had it in mind to be a boxer, but my father and my coach are childhood friends and used to box together before my father died. One day in November 2013, he came to tell my dad that he was looking for an opponent for one of his female boxers. The coach saw me and said that I have the height for boxing,� she said. Bobby Girl was not convinced. She was afraid that her face would be disfigured if she went into boxing. “I did not want them to spoil my face, but he persuaded me that my face would not be disfigured,� she narrated. This was followed by encouragement from her father. She has had four fights and as many wins. Speaking on her fight with Mummy’s Pet, Bobby Girl said she thought her opponent would be scared because she is familiar foe, with whom she is a member of the same boxing club and had once told their coach that she would not want to fight her. “I was surprised at the way she fought. She really stood up to me and showed no fear,� she said. Despite the success she has achieved in such a short time, Bobby Girl believes she is just starting and hopes to fight abroad one day.

All Set for 14th Coronation Anniversary Golf Tourney in Abeokuta

Eben-Spiff Lifts FirstBank Lagos Open Trophy Playing like someone infused with the winning bug, Ikoyi Club’s Peter Eben-Spiff, a perpetual contender in the annual FirstBank Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship proved he has what it takes to win at the highest level of amateur golf anywhere in the world with his triumph in the 58th edition of the Championship. Eben-spiff, who had maintained a top five-finish in the last two editions, won after shooting a closing score of 76, for 16over par, over 56-holes. The four-handicapper opened his account with a 76, a secondday score of 77 and a closing

“I wish to be the national champion, AfricanchampionandIwantthewhole world to know me. I want to fly the Nigerian flag in different countries. I wish to win many international and world titles,� she said. Bobby Girl is thrilled by the opportunity provided by GOtv Boxing Night and GOtv Boxing Night Mini, saying it was offering Nigerian boxers a lifeline, especially with the recognition of females as important components of the boxing landscape.

76 to win the R&A and USGA sanctioned Championship. The excited Eben-Spiff, in a chat with newsmen adduced his victory to his consistency, noting that just like the sponsor, FirstBank, he had remained a consistent golfer. “When you keep doing the same thing over and over again, you get better just like you see in FirstBank, that has sponsored this event consistently for 58-years�, the excited Eben-Spiff said. “Consistency to me is the keyword, so we must give credit to FirstBank, for being consistent and for being there for 58-years�, Eben-spiff added.

Arrangements towards successful hosting of the 14thCoronationAnniversary Golf Tournament scheduled to take place today at the Abeokuta Golf Club, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta has reached an advanced stage. The competition being promoted by the club and sponsored by the Oil Giants, Oando Plc, will feature no fewer than 100 amateur golfers coming fromdifferentgolf clubs within the South-west zone, and other parts of the country. At a recent media briefing held at the club house, Captain of the club, Adewale Adeogun revealed that the tournament was organised

to commemorate the 14th coronation anniversary of His Royal Majesty Oba Adedotun Gbadebo Okukenu IV CFR, Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland. Furthermore, the captain emphasised that the golf course was in good shape for all golfers participating at the event, adding that this edition would be better organised than the previous editions. “We have received enormous support from Oando, being the main sponsor of the tournament, and it is anticipated that to whom much is given, much is expected.

T’Tennis, Board Games, Table Soccer, Ludo Highlight Games Night Season 3 The annual Games Night will hold today at the incubator COD Road Victoria Island Lagos. The one day tournament for fun lovers is expected to feature not less than 400 participants. The event packaged by Lifestyle and Games Kluster of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David is aimed at promoting good social lifestyle. According to the Coordinator, ToyinAnthony, Games Night is a platform to promote and encourage good lifestyle. “People can actually seek fun without going into the wild

things that is associated with social life style and that is why the church, RCCG City of David is backing this. She stated: “Apart from networking and keeping away from the hustles of life, it’s also a way of promoting friendship and love as well as peace and harmony. “We regard this event as the biggest indoor games platform and we are having board games like ludo, Ayo, monopoly, scrabble, chess, puzzle and we will also feature table tennis, Jenga table soccer and lots more.�

Gontalo Debiasi Confirmed FC Bulmaro Head Coach In fulfillment of one of the cardinal points of Blaugrana Sports Group International and Barca Academy, Lagos, the only one in Sub-Saharan Africa, it has signed Gontalo Debiasi from Argentina as the chief coach exclusively for the Academy’s under 19 team, FC Bulmaro and to boost the strength of the overall technical department of the Academy. This is to ensure that it lives up to the bidding of being the continent’s first choice for those who know the importance of quality skill, education and training founded on uncompromising globally acceptable values and the second to none FC Barcelona methodology. Introducing the new coach to the media, Benjamin Ashaka, Director Talent Management, Blaugrana Sports Group International, promoters of the youth club and Barca Academy, Lagos, said the academy was bent on ensuring that the institution set a standard in line with the global brand approach and niche in doing things, raising the bar to the level that it will be very challenging for competition to beat and in so doing add good value and worth to the industry. As well as improve the quality and standard of the game of football. “The confirmation was done after series of trials, particularly during the Nigeria League One, which the team exhibited evidences that it is here for serious business. Our intention is to strive in our own way to be Africa’s first choice when it comes to football education, talent management and be highly so recognised worldwide,� he said. In her contribution, Mrs. OmowunmiAduragba, the Group Consultant, for the People and Talent Management Team, explained that, “the accomplishment of our goals and objectives and realisation of our ideals and mission is solely dependent on the capacity, worth and quality of our human capital, which is the very key in the organisation’s route to sustainable attainments and success. Thus, we will stop at nothing to engage the best and trusted hands for we want to remain the best and be undoubtedly trusted. “Gontalo is a well experienced and seasoned professional who has carved a niche for himself internationally, his joining the group is the beginning of the new drive for our overall management team. With us, the byword is excellent with the highest premium on stake holders returns. It is a promise we must keep. To walk this talk, we must keep running at a speed that will keep competition on the edge. This is our game plan for the sector,� she reiterated. It was also revealed that the Academy has engaged a global medical concern to oversee the budding medical department of the institute. “This unit takes charge of on the spot medical examination, checks and treatments of students during sessions. The health and safety of our players and students is paramount, it is an area we pay serious attention to...� she stated. She also revealed that a foreign physical trainer is joining the technical team in the shortest possible time. However, the Group has set the tone for the preparation for its participation in the next global competition coming up in Barcalona, Spain, towards the start of the New Year. It is billed to enter teams in all the categories from infantile to cadet. This is one of the group’s ways of exposing its burden talents and the students to the outside world and spurs them to live their dreams and availing themselves of the rich opportunities of such tournaments.

2019 Nigeria Bankers Games Enter Penultimate Week The 2019 Nigeria Bankers Games continues this weekend at the YabaTech Sports Complex with the football event in the semi-final stage, the scrabble and athletics events also beginning. This Sunday the Athletics event will witness heat races in the 100m, 200m and the new inclusion – 400m in both male and female categories. The scrabble event is also slated for this weekend at the Yabatech Indoor Hall. The semi-final ties of the football have mouth-watering fixtures as defending champions, UBA take on Union Bank while Union Bank who have been victorious in their last two matches in the competition will be looking to continue their winning form and cause an upset. The second match will see FCMB take on last year’s finalists – Fidelity Bank. Both teams will be looking to book a place in the final. The fixtures for this weekend include; Athletics and Football Semifinals (Sunday 24th Nov.) YabaTech Sports Complex, Yaba. ¡ Scrabble (YabaTech Indoor Hall, Alumni Building) – 10:00am ¡ Athletics Heats (100m, 200m, 400m – Male and Female) – 10:00am ¡ UBA vs Union Bank – 1:30pm ¡ FCMB vs Fidelity Bank – 3:00pm

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸͚Î

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GLOBAL SOCCER

James Olayinka

Still Awaiting Arsenal Senior Team Competitive Start Ă’Ă?Ă˜ Ă’Ă? Ă?Ă“Ă‘Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ Ă’Ă“Ă? ĂšĂœĂ™Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă?Ă™Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă?Ăž åÓÞÒ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ăž ĂŁĂ?Ă‹ĂœËœ Ă‹Ă—Ă?Ă? Ă–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă•Ă‹ ĂĄĂ‹Ă? Ă’Ă™ĂšĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÒËÞ ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă‘ Ă’Ă? ĂĄĂ™Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŽ Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă? Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ăž åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ? Ă”Ă&#x;Ă?Ăž Ă–Ă“Ă•Ă? Ă?Ă™Ă—ĂšĂ‹ĂžĂœĂ“Ă™ĂžËœ Ă&#x;Ă•Ă‹ĂŁĂ™ Ă‹Ă•Ă‹Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?ÚÓÞĂ? Ă™Ă? Ă’Ă‹Ă Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă?Ă Ă?ĂœĂ‹Ă–Ă–ĂŁ ĂžĂœĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă?ĂŽ åÓÞÒ Ę¨ĂœĂ?Þ̋ÞĂ?Ă‹Ă— ÚÖËãĂ?ĂœĂ? Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŁĂ?Ăž ÞÙ Ă?ĂžĂ‹Ăœ Ă?Ă™Ăœ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă˜Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? Ă?Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă™Ăœ Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–

N

igerian midfielder, James Olayinka, was promoted to first-team training by Arsenal manager, Unai Emery, to make up the number in the team following the departure of many first-team players for national team duty during the international break. With 11 Arsenal first-teamers called up by their respective countries for international matches this month, the Spanish football tactician has invited some of the outstanding young talents at the club to make up the numbers. According to Jeorge Bird, who is Gunners youth-team expert, Olayinka is among youngsters promoted to first-team training by Emery. “Matt Smith, Tormey, McEneff and Olayinka have been training with the first-team this week,� he tweeted. The 19-year-old had trained with the Gunners first team in the past and was part of the travelling party to the United States ahead of the start of the 2019-2020 season. The Gunners have a youth side filled with talent and Olayinka will be hoping to make his senior debut at some point this season. He’ll look at the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Joseph Willock as inspiration as both players have cemented their status in the senior team. In July, Olayinka made quite the impression on Emery with a stunning goal as the Gunners beat Colorado Rapids 3-0 in a pre-season friendly. Olayinka, an 18-year-old midfielder, has yet to make his competitive debut for the north Londoners but gave Arsenal manager something to think about by intercepting a pass and curling the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. “I’ve been here for 12 years now, so to finally score for the first team is a great feeling,� Olayinka said. “I’m sure everyone at home is happy and hopefully there are many more to come.� And team-mate Reiss Nelson came up with the perfect description: “It was a banger, you know. I believed in the young lad, I’m happy he’s got his first goal.� The youngster who was born on October 5, 2000 committed his long-term future to the London-based team when he turned 18, joining the likes of Saka and Arthur Okonkwo who signed new deals in the summer of 2018. Olayinka has been with the Gunners since he was 11 and has featured across several youth teams. Speaking to the Arsenal website upon signing his new contract, Olayinka stated that he was glad to be able to sign his first professional deal. He said, “It’s a great feeling. I’ve been here for about 11 or 12 years now, so to finally get to this stage is a dream come true. It’s a proud moment for me and my family.� Olayinka also stated that Emery’s use of youngsters such as Joe Willock, and Eddie Nketiah played a part in his extension and also stated that he intends to continue developing with the youth team. He said, “For all of us below them I think it gives us hope and let’s know that if you are doing the right things on the pitch and off it, the manager will see it and give you the opportunity. It’s just about taking it when it comes. “Personally, I just want to keep playing well and score a few more goals for the team. In terms of targets for the team, I think we can do better in the Premier League 2 and start picking up some more points, and for the u-18s we’re still in the FA Youth Cup. We’re in the last 16 now so it’s a good chance for us to go one stage further than last year.� Training with the senior squad will massively increase Olayinka’s confidence and shows that Emery does have some sort of long-term plan in place. The main thing, however, is for the player to keep himself grounded and keep working hard until his opportunity comes.

Olayinka

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

FAIRGROUND

Mo Abudu Stars of ‘Your Excellency’ Parley With Media

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

E

bonyLife Films, producer of Fifty, The Wedding Party movies and Chief Daddy recently staged an opportunity for the Nigerian media to meet the star-studded cast of its latest feature film, Your Excellency. Eager to talk about their performances in the movie, the actors arrived early for their interviews. As expected, there was huge interest on how Funke Akindele-Bello managed to both direct and star in such a major project, especially as this was her directorial debut. Her ‘other half’ in the film, Akin Lewis, was relaxed and charismatic, much like his onscreen character, presidential aspirant Chief Olalekan Ajadi. The rest of the cast was equally light-hearted, hinting at the hilarious comedy they have in store for their fans across the country. Cast in attendance were: Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, Ekun Edewor, Emmanuel ‘EmmaOMG’ Edunjobi, Alexx Ekubo, Oreka Godis, Mike Iheuwa, Aletile ‘Seyi Law’ Lawrence, Bimbo Manuel, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu Onunaku and Helen Paul. In addition, the media was treated to an exclusive screening of the official behind-thescenes film, with funny moments that will not be seen in the movie. Executive Producer Mo Abudu was also present to meet the press. “We’re so appreciative of this wonderful media supportand the attendance of all our actors; especially as they all have such busy schedules. Also, I’m grateful to our sponsors, Guinness Gold, Bollinger and Coca-Cola, for making this such a special occasion for all our guests,� she said. Your Excellency is in cinemas from 13 December 2019 across Nigeria.

L-R: Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele-Bello and Heidi

Alex Ekubo

Chigul

Helen Paul

Akin Lewis

Eku Edewor

Emmanuel Edunjobi

Ikechukwu

Inidima Okogie

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

FAIRGROUND

IWS Hosts Annual Fundraising Gala

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nternational Women’s Society (IWS), recently hosted its annual November gala and fundraising event at the Eko Hotels, VI, Lagos State. The event was graced by prominent individuals such as the representative of the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Yetunde Odejaiye, the president of the IWS, Mrs. Nkoli Obolu as well as other prominent individuals and excos of IWS. Mrs. Obolu said that she would like to be remembered as a transformational president. “I want to be remembered as a transformational president. Things have changed, we have a new skill centre, our charity as grown not just by words or sentiments but there is a clear strategic document that has been helping to guide our activities", She said. The fundraiser, which was said to be the biggest event for the IWS, was set up to help women, youths and children most especially twins. The 62nd president of IWS l, Mrs. Nkoli Obolu emphasised on the need to help the less privileged and the needy and most especially twins and triplets. In her words, she highlighted why they had specifically focused on twins this year: “One of the promises we made earlier this year was to benefit

twins, why twins? As a mother of twins, it is my passion to benefit twins and do things that benefit them. As we all know the children are the leaders of tomorrow, as such we don’t want them to be uneducated or uncared for. "The message IWS wants to pass is that people should come out and give their time, treasure and talent and also help people who are in need; there is too much poverty in the country and people are crying and they don’t know where to cry to. So we want to tell them to come to IWS we will help them as long as they are not lying.� She encouraged new members of IWS and the general public to come out and help the needy. "The message IWS wants to pass is that people should come out and give their time, treasure and talent and also help people who are in need; there is too much poverty in the country and people are crying and they don’t know where to cry to. So we want to tell them to come to IWS we will help them as long as they are not lying.� The International Women’s Society Nigeria (IWS) is known as one of the charity organisations that seeks to help women, youths and children with the hope to empower women and the youths as well as help eliminate poverty.

Cross section of members and guests at IWS Gala and Fundraiser

Dealing with Peruzzi At Your Own Risk, Anyaene Warns Davido

Peruzzi

GoldenBoy Entertainment has entered a legal battle with Davido and his singer, Peruzzi, over a breach of contract. In a caveat our correspondent obtained during the week, the record label stated that Peruzzi was still an artiste signed to GoldenBoy. It stated: “GoldenBoy Entertainment has commenced legal proceedings against Peruzzi in Suit No: LD2902GCM/2018 at the High Court of Lagos State. Rather than submit to the jurisdiction of the court, Peruzzi has been going about threatening officials of GoldenBoy with violence. In addition, he has shown so much disdain and disrespect for the judicial process. “As it is now, GoldenBoy has not made any amount whatsoever from its intellectual property rights with respect to all works written, produced, co-produced and performed by Peruzzi since the inception of the agreement.� The Chief Executive Officer, GoldenBoy Entertainment,

Patrick Anyaene said he was not ready to talk much as the case was already in court. Anyaene stated: “I can do little against someone who has behaved violently against the court. When I reached out to Davido Music Worldwide, I told them once I was guaranteed that I would be settle, I had no issue with them. Asa Asika, Davido and Peruzzi agreed with me verbally. But I have not been paid any money for a year now. Anything I asked, they would me tell to send my account details and that is all I get. “After calculations, Peruzzi owes me N120m. That is not something I will argue with anyone because they have been making money from my effort and I have not gotten anything. I have been following every progress of him and I have it on paper. The case is now in court and a caveat has been placed on him. Anyone who decides to do business with Peruzzi does that at his or her own risk.�

Singer Maj Reacts to Misconception on Big Butts Fast rising talented artiste, Maj has reacted to the claims by her celebrity colleagues, Naira Marley and Etinosa Idemudia that having big butts is better than acquiring Masters Degree in Nigeria. The female Nigerian singer, who recently dropped the video of her latest single, 'Remember', opined that education is power and key to success and not physical attributes. "Women and girls should keep moving towards educational excellence! Keep moving higher! Keep pushing for equality. Let no one tell you it's not worth it. Physical beauty, a nice body will surely fade if you're lucky enough to go old, but knowledge can never be taken away", she said. In addition, Maj, who signed to K20 Entertainment and had broken the internet with her 'Light Skin Girl' cover, clearly stated that, she was not ready

to join the baby mama trend, which is gradually becoming a norm in the entertainment circle. She said: ''I'm my own train. No need to have a baby to be a part of another people train. I want children when the time is right and the relationship is right. But until then, my artistry is my baby." Few days ago, Maj portrayed a different side of hers when swept her fans off their feet with new sexy pictures. Wondering what inspired such a daring shoot? She said: "I believe that all women are beautiful. I mean; birth, love and forgiveness and humanity. And I wanted to celebrate that in it's rawest form. It wasn't so much about sexuality to me. It was about celebrating the natural essence of femininity. And I feel we did it in a tasteful, respectful way. I'm very happy with how it turned out."

Singer Maj

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

38

AUTO

Dignitaries at the launch of Partner and Boss in Lagos‌ recently

Ashok Leyland, Stallion Launch Boss Vehicles Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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shok Leyland, flagship of the Hinduja Group, along with Stallion Motors, its distributor in Nigeria for over a decade, has launched the successful light commercial vehicle – Partner and Intermediate commercial vehicle – Boss in Lagos. Stallion, a household name in Nigeria, owns 45% of the New Car Business. It is undoubtedly one of the strongest players in the commercial vehicle segment by the virtue of its vast distribution network. The exclusive national partnership with Ashok Leyland has evolved with time to bring the best in class products and service to the Nigerian consumer. These commercial vehicles are assembled locally and are best engineered for the road severity in Nigeria. Mr. Anant Badjatya Group CEO for Stallion reiterated that the launch of the light commercial vehicles from Ashok Leyland adds to the range and shows the company’s renewed commitment towards bringing tough dependable and

durable vehicles for logistics use in affordable range to the Nigerian customers. The company has sales and service outlets in Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan and Port Harcourt and has invested in a state-of-the-art central auto parts and service center at Orile Lagos to support the distribution of genuine parts across the nation for the upkeep of these vehicles. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nitin Seth, COO, Ashok Leyland, said, “Nigeria is an important African market for Ashok Leyland. The new range of Fully Built trucks will sport contemporary design, a new-generation platform and will offer best-in-class efficiency, performance and comfort. Reinforcing our brand promise of ‘Aapki Jeet, Hamari Jeet’ we are offering two products that will provide the best Total Cost of Ownership to our customers.� The key attributes of Partner are: Vehicle Performance, Customer Profitability and Driver Comfort. Packed with Superior Mileage, Load Carrying Ability, Stability and Maneuverability, the Partner helps run the business with better return on investment. The BOSS offers class-leading comfort that sets the benchmark in the commercial vehicle industry.

The dashboard is ergonomically designed with the controls placed intelligently. The vehicle comes with multi-angle adjustable seats. The steering column comes with tilt-able and telescopic movements, while the 2-point suspended cabin offers comfort and convenience. Mr. Nitin Seth added, “Our aim in the international markets is to add more products to our portfolio and offer innovative and comprehensive solution to our global customers. Experience a new class of LHD vehicles fromAshok Leyland.� The Partner is powered by the advanced ZD30 Common Rail diesel engine offering More Power and Pick-UpAdvantage, allows to navigate with full load through any tough terrain with ease. The heavy-duty parabolic leaf springs in the front, superior braking system and frontal crash protection offers the driver and passengers a safe and smooth ride. With Euro III compliance, best-in-class aggregate life and longer service maintenance intervals, the Partner keeps the business profitable and competitive with low fuel and maintenance costs. The Partner sports a modern Ergonomic cab with spacious car-like interiors, putting the driver comfortably in command.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Delights Golfers at Lakowe Lakes Competition

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oscharis Motors Plc, the exclusive representative of Rolls – Royce cars in Nigeria gave members and friends of the Lakowe Lakes Golf Resort a memorable experience of the luxury brand during the recently held annual anniversary tournament in Lagos. According to the General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, “The affinity partnership was to jointly excite the competing golfers beyond the game of golf and further deliver an experience that resonates with their luxury lifestyle having the unique Black Badge Ghost available on display for their interest while they unwind with their favourite game of golf.� He further stated that the rationale behind the partnership is to offer this exclusive opportunity for this priority audience to experience the Rolls – Royce Black Badge Ghost with opportunities for test drives amongst others. The Director of Golf at the Club, Campbell Elliot equally expressed his excitement and satisfaction at this collaboration between the Rolls– Royce brand and this year’ edition of their annual golf tournament which is the flagship of the club’s numerous activities. In his words, “Rolls–Royce Motor Cars being a globally respected luxury brand associating

Rolls – Royce Black Badge Ghost

with the club’s golf tournament no doubt raised the profile of this year’s tournament to the delight of all the club’s stakeholders

and we look forward to more of such collaborations in the future to deliver extra value for our common clientele.�

Its power steering with tilt-able adjustment and a cable-operated gear shift mechanism with a 5 speed Overdrive Synchromesh Gear Box makes gear shifting effortless and driving stress free. The Boss is equipped with powerful ‘H’ Series Inline Engine Tuned for Delivering Power & Torque, Rugged overdrive gearbox and bestin-class turning radius.

World Premiere of First Lexus EV, The UX 300e Lexus has channelled decades of industryleading expertise in the development of hybrid-electric technology to introduce its first battery electric vehicle (EV), the UX 300e. Unveiled in Guangzhou, China, the UX 300e signals a next-generation investment in performance and battery technology, incorporating a high-output motor and high-capacity lithiumion battery that deliver a 400km* driving range. The all-electric UX 300e offers maximum power of 150kW and torque of 300Nm, targeting an impressive level of smooth performance. The UX 300e takes about 50 minutes for quick charging and about seven hours for household AC charging, from empty. Maximum efficiency for the motor, inverter, gears and battery has been advanced from the development of the popular UX 250h hybridelectric variant. The UX 300e also benefits from the high body rigidity and low centre of gravity provided by the luxury compact SUV’s GA-C platform, in order to maintain excellent handling stability. The UX 300e suspension has been thoroughly tuned to target the same high steering response and high-quality ride comfort as the UX 250h. Shock-absorber damping force has been optimised to match the additional battery capacity. A Drive Mode Select function is designed to assist the management of smooth acceleration and deceleration. Paddle shifters can be used in a similar manner to engine braking, providing four levels of deceleration regeneration. A shift-by-wire system on the centre console contributes to the simplicity and functionality of the interior design. Compared with the UX 250h, the roof has a 5mm higher peak while ground clearance is 20mm lower. Lexus engineers kept the distinctive design and the utility characteristics of the UX SUV intact, while the aerodynamic performance of the UX 300e benefits from the application of special wheels and an underbody cover.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

39

AUTO

CFAO Launches Suzuki Cars, Oers Free Petrol, Service to Customers Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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uzuki cars have been formally launched into the Nigerian market by CFAO Motors during the opening of the new Suzuki showroom on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Among guests in attendance, were the Japanese Ambassador, Amb. Kikuta Yutaka; Chairman CFAO Nigeria Plc., Mr. GbengaOyebode; Managing Director/ Country Delegate, CFAO Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Pelletier; Executive Director International Marketing, Suzuki Motor, Mr. Koichi Suzuki. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the new Suzuki offer of financing starting from just N85,000 per month with an option to trade-in old cars subject to terms and conditions. In addition during the first year, the customer does not pay for petrol or service. CFAO is a pioneer in automotive distribution and has been in Nigeria for 117 years. CFAO Motors is the distributor of the Suzuki brand in 26 African countries with dedicated sales and aftersales support. Speaking at the event, Mr. Thomas Pelletier stated: “Our partner, Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan is renowned for the production of top quality and reliable

vehicles which are widely trusted for durability and competitive prices. “As is traditional with CFAO, we have already trained technicians with the support of the manufacturer and we have made provision for sufficient genuine spare parts at the right price.� The Suzuki models available in Nigeria are city cars: AltoŽ, DzireŽ, SwiftŽ, BalenoŽ, CiazŽ, and ErtigaŽ. The OffRoad Vehicles/Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are JimnyŽ and VitaraŽ. CFAO is a key player in specialized distribution in Africa and the French overseas territories and a partner of choice for major international brands. The Group is a market leader in automotive and pharmaceutical distribution and continues to grow in consumer goods, new technology, and energy solutions. CFAO has a direct presence in 36 African countries and provides a gateway to 49 of the 54 countries that make up the African continent. The Group is also active in seven French overseas territories and in Asia. CFAO employs more than 15,000 people. CFAO is a subsidiary of the Toyota Tsusho Group (Japan). Toyota Tsusho Group opened a representative office in South Africa in 1964 and incorporated subsidiary Toyota Tsusho Africa in 1999. This entity was added to the CFAO Group in 2017.

Suzuki jimmy

2020 Kia Telluride Named MotorTrend’s SUV of the Year

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+iaMotorsAmerica’s(KMA)largest vehicle ever – the Telluride – has been awarded 2020 SUV of theYear by MotorTrend.

With its comfortable and functional interior, the Telluride stood out as a wellrounded product that meets the needs of today’s modern family, while its terrific value solidified it as a winner in the SUV segment, said a statement by the automaker. “The Telluride has been an undeniable success since its launch earlier this year, with an impressive numberofconsumersrediscoveringKiainthehighly competitive SUV segment and more than 45,000 units sold to-date,� said Michael Cole, president, Kia Motors America. “Earning MotorTrend’s coveted SUV of the Year award is an honor and a historic moment for the brand, serving to further reinforce Kia’s transformation to a world-class automaker.� Designed in California and assembled in Georgia, the 2020 Telluride’s bold and boxy shape and sophisticated exterior accents convey a spirit of adventure and possibility. That sentiment is strengthened by its engineering,deliveringanenjoyableandconfidenceinspiringdrivingexperience.Themid-sizeSUVoffers impressive interior luxury and an upscale cabin,

complemented by an array of advanced technology and safety systems featuring standard Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear, Lane Following Assist, Rear OccupantAlert, Safe ExitAssist, Forward CollisionAssist and available Highway DriveAssist, Driver Talk, multi-Bluetooth Connectivity and more. “This year’s MotorTrend SUV of the Year competition was one of the most competitive we’ve ever had, which makes Kia Telluride’s win all the more significant,� said MotorTrend Editor-in-Chief Edward Loh. “Telluride absolutely nails our awards criteria – it’s gorgeous, spacious, technology-laden, and offers a great ride for an astonishingly fair price. Congratulations to Kia and the Telluride team.� With a more than 20-year history, the MotorTrend SUV of theYear award is one of the most sought-after honors by global automotive manufacturers. SUV of theYear judges are comprised of MotorTrend staff as well as two guest judges, Johan de Nysschen, former head ofAudi ofAmerica, Infiniti Motor Co., and Cadillac division and Tom Gale, former head of Chrysler design. Vehicles are evaluated against six key criteria: safety, efficiency, value, advancement in design, engineering excellence and performance of intended function to determine the finalists and ultimately, the winners.

2020 Kia Telluride

Driving Risk Behaviour SAB UCHEAGWU is a friend, a brother and a colleaguewhosecontributionshaverichlyimproved my knowledge on tyre care and the challenges it poses to road safety management in our country. Since our paths crossed some years back, he has been a mentor I will never forget in a hurry.Agood numberofthematerialsIsharewithyouarecourtesy of SAB. Today, as I look on driving risk behavior, I wish to share this rich material from him on tyre blowout hoping that travelers will get needed safety information preparatory to the December rush. Tyre blowouts are among the major causes of fatal accidents that has claimed the lives of different categories of motorists and as we gradually await this year’s Christmas celebrations usually characterized by increased irresponsible driving, many more may still die due to tyre blowout. That is why this focus should be of serious concern for motorists planning to travel this season and even beyond this coming festive season. This piece will raise awareness on the major but preventable causes of tyre blowouts and how they can be prevented. Let us briefly look at the major causes of tyre blowouts which most people are not aware of and so are very negligent about. The major cause of tyre blowout is incorrect tyre inflation, especially under-inflation. Under-inflation causes two things that lead to tyre blowouts; It causes undue flexing of the tyes as the vehicles speeds along the undulating surface of the road. This causes a separation between the internal materials used in making the

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 tyre and the rubber flesh that holds the materials. This separation weakens the tyre.It also causes an increase in what is known as ROLLING RESISTANCE (RR) as the vehicle moves. The increased RR generates a tremendous amount of heat. This heat, together with the separation of the internal materials of the tyre as stated above, leads to an explosion or blowout. Incorrect tyre inflation could also cause accidents in other ways. When a tyre is incorrectly inflated (over inflation or under-inflation), it makes a partial contact with the road surface and so does not have a firm grip on the surface. With overinflation, the edges of the contact patch (the part of the tyre that should be in contact with the road surface) do not touch the ground. While with under-inflation, the crown (the middle portion of the tyre) of the contact patch does not touch the ground. So either way, you have an impartial contact of the tyre on the road surface and so less grip. This impartial contact could cause accidents in

various ways:Since the tyres don’t have a firm grip on the road surface, it prolongs the stopping distance when the brakes are applied in an emergency and this could make the vehicle crash into the object it wants to avoid. It could also lead to loss of control of the vehicle when speeding. This is more with overinflated tyres.High vehicles like trailers, tankers, etc could lose their balance when they hit a bump, pot hole, or whi;e descending a sharp bend. The situation can be likened to someone with one leg shorter than the other- over-inflation representing the longer leg while under-inflation, the shorter leg. When given a push, such a person can easily loose balance. No wonder these vehicles fall and loose brakes easily when subjected to abnormal road conditions like bumps, potholes and bends. My friend SAB conducted a study at Orile Tanker park few years back and the study revealed some shocking results. Observations at the tanker park, Orile showed that most of these vehicles have a combination of over-inflated and under-inflated tyres. To our greatest surprise, most of those with under-inflation were deliberate. According the drivers, those tyres were weak and if properly inflated, they could burst. This is another dangerous ignorance at work. Using weak tyres is enough bad news. Under-inflating them makes matters worse. Under-inflation, as explained above, will actually accelerate their likelihood of bursting. In fact, if you trace the causes of most accidents, you may discover that incorrect tyre inflation is directly or indirectly

implicated. It is important to note that a tyre that is correctly inflated will handle bad roads, speed and other road conditions far better than one that is not correctly inflated. These will result in drastic reduction in road accidents. Correct tyre pressure is such a vital issue in reduction of road accident that America,aswellassomeotherdevelopedcountries, made it law that all vehicles manufactured from 2008 must be equipped withAUTOMATIC TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (ATPMS). This device monitors tyre pressure situation every second and alerts the driver through a monitor on the dashboard about any tyre that has incorrect pressure in it so that the driver will take action before it is too late. The second shock was the blunder prevalent among vulcanizers. An experience he had with a vulcanizer paints a grim picture of the danger all motorist could be facing on daily basis. ‘’My vehiclehastyrepressurespecificationof35psibythe manufacturer. One day, I drove into a vulcanizers shop to pump up one of my tyres.After pumping, the vulcanizer got 35psi reading on his pencil tyre gauge. I checked with my dial tyre gauge to confirm his reading and got a whooping 60 psi. I asked him to check again with his own gauge’’. Again he got 35 psi while mine still read 60 psi. Why the huge differences in reading? Who was right? There was yet a third blunder among vulcanizersMostvulcanizersusetheworsttyregauge-thepencil gauge-that malfunctions easily when subjected to heavy usage. How? These gauge has a caliberated piston that is pushed by air that comes out from the tyre when connected to the valve stem.

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2019 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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˜ ˞ NOVEMBER 23, 2019

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Correspondence’ Non-count

T

HE Saturday Newspaper introduces us today: “They welcomed the boy few (a few) weeks back.â€? (THISDAY, November 16) Wrong: correspondences Right: correspondence (uncountable) DAILY Sun COMMENT of February 3 circulated five blunders: “We are glad that the police has (have) recognized terrorism as a menace that calls for special training of its (their) officers.â€? “Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for specialized training on terrorism for officers and men of the security agencies are not turned into avenue (an avenue) to line up (for lining up) the pockets of top officials of the agencies.â€? The most critical aspect of the foregoing extract: Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for‌is (not are)‌. Let us visit Vanguard of February 9: “The state, therefore, does not deserve the treatment being currently meted to itâ€?. Fixed expression: meted out (to). And this: ‘being’ and ‘currently’ cannot co-function. “Chief of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrializationâ€? What a wordy head! When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’. Let us economize words, especially in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity. “For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have.‌â€? A recurring error: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. (Daily Independent, February 9) â€œâ€Ś rather than investigating and finding out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond re-

currence (not reoccurrence), can an event yet to take place happen in the past? â€œâ€Śthe university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.â€? Correct expression: point a/ the finger. â€œâ€Śthe AU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in the continent.â€? (Daily Trust, February 8) In the interest of African Unity: on the continent. “Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the break-down of series of negotiations‌â€? An agendum: a series of. “According to the source, the institution has a very high percentage of failure in the last academic year.â€? Reported speech: the institution had (not has). â€œâ€Śthat the authorities of the institution was (were) still waiting the result of the police analysis of the bombâ€?. â€œâ€Śin the next three years, its per capital income would have‌.â€? This way: per capita income. THE GUARDIAN on Sunday of February 6 disseminated dozens of blunders: “The home of the chairman‌ was vandalized and most of his properties littered outside. “ No chaos: most of his property. “So how come that (why is it that) Mr‌. who was vehemently criticized by our sports writers during his coaching days with our Super Eagles has now warmed his way into the hearts of these same people‌â€? In the spirit of sportsmanship and lexical sanity, let us replace ‘warmed’ with ‘wormed’. THISDAY of February 9 embarrassingly went down with copious blunders: “But experts have pointed that

the inflation rate‌.â€? Contextually, the phrasal verb that applies here is ‘pointed out’‌ and not just the verb ‘pointed’ which means another thing entirely. Additionally, phrasal verbs do not tolerate hyphens. “In his six-page address paying glowing tribute (tributes) and homage to former electoral boss late Abel Guobadia‌.â€? The late Abel Guobadia‌. ‘Nigeria Breweries Poise for Better Future Performance’ (Headline) the Alcoholic beverage firm is poised (not poised) for ‌ An aside: ‘debut’ cannot function as a verb in any form. It is a noun. “Furthermore, the conduct of officials and the general logistical support for the just-concluded voter registration were unprecedented in the annals of our nation’s history.â€? ‘Annals of history’ is simply tautological. Just employ any of the variants. Both cannot be used in the same context. “Despite the Moslem-Moslem ticket which he and his vice-presidential candidate held, majority of Christians across the country still rallied in their favour.â€? (Source: as above) No protest in the buildup to the next general elections coming up in April: a majority of Christians. “In fact, nobody needs to go far in our contemporary world to find such helplessly troubled spots because they abound everywhere, in virtually all parts of the globe.â€? Morphology in turmoil: trouble spot, please. “The eventual failure of many of such drugs have not discouraged fresh attempts at inventing more effective ones.â€? The battle against discord continues: The failure ... of drugs has (not have). “The heavy downpour most of last year has made the price of perishable com-

Attacking The ‘Hate’ In Speech; Reforming The ‘Speechers’

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ot many Nigerians will pick bones with Senator Sabi Abdullahi (representing Niger North Senatorial district) for sponsoring a private bill aimed at ‘prohibiting hate speeches and (for) other related matters’. Many discerning Nigerians have been alarmed at the crippling enthronement and insidious effects of hate speech on our body politics, since the acrimonious electioneering campaigns of 2007 presidential and national assembly elections. The cancer of hate speech took an upswing to the dirty rafters in the actions and statements of political combatants in the civilian power-shift tsunami of 2015. Four years after, the past-masters of hate speeches (as opposition guerillas) have now seen the light, and are anxious that things should not be allowed to fester further. Today’s leading lights of fake news and hate speeches are uncontrollable, unprincipled and inconsolably frustrated at the seeming absence of progress and prosperity in the efforts and policies of government. A heaving, restless volcano. Apart from hate speech, the bill also seeks to clamp down on ethnic discrimination, ethnic harassment, discrimination by way of victimisation, and ethnic hatred, either committed as individuals or groups. While these insolent offences have sentences and fines upon conviction as 12 months and N2 million, and up to five years in prison or/and N10m fine; the special case of hate speech is given sledgehammer glove. The bill says: “Any person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable to life imprisonment and when the act causes any loss of life, the person shall be punished with death by hanging�. It is perhaps more ironic that the bill was masterminded by a lawmaker who served as spokesperson for the 8th Senate, and currently the Deputy Chief Whip. He is also proposing an independent commission with administrative, investigative and prosecutorial powers to deal with this menace. We commend the sense of purpose and urgent desire to curb the nightmare and dangerous repercussions hate speeches and similar pernicious activities, mostly vented through the social media, can wreak on the fabrics of a delicately balanced structure like Nigeria. But any knee-jerk reaction to troubling circumstances will inevitably lead to greater misery and intolerable disaster in a nation rife with youth unrest, high unemployment, deepening gulf between government and its ordinary people who are disfigured by socio-economic discomfort and political disappointment. What the Senate is risking with the hate speech bill may eventually be recorded in history as an affront on the people’s rights to free speech and freedom of expression. It is quite easy to recall many other Acts, enactments and regulations in our statutes that can effectively serve the purpose of policing and convicting those who infringe on the rights of others, on the sick and narrow reason

of race, ethnicity, tribe, sexual orientation, and so on. The ridiculous disregard for human life that makes lawmakers feel comfortable to suggest death sentence or life imprisonment for admittedly highly inflammatory offences where mechanism for competent and transparent investigation, adjudication and prosecution has not been very weak, is really troubling. We can generally admit that our law enforcement and judicial arbitration, even of common crimes and infractions, have not been seen or felt to be above reproach or beyond doubt. Now, we want to add a tinder box of emotionally charged offences where same political leaders take the lead in sowing divisions and derision within our diverse and potentially distrustful nationalities. While we must always condemn and discipline purveyors of hate-filled, ethnic-biased vituperations, irrespective of the provocations or enabling circumstances, we must advise our lawmakers to rush slowly into a cul-de-sac legislation that will add to our misery, and further harshly project our fault-lines so irredeemably to the extent that the so-called prohibition bill could fast-track the disintegration of our already polarised country, much faster and more viciously than attempts by those we had assumed were enemies of Nigeria! Before we move on, we ought to remind our lawmakers that the sole purpose of criminal law is not merely to punish offenders; it is imperative that deep within the punitive framing of the law should be clauses to aid redemptive, reforming and rehabilitating imperatives. Legislating punishment for its own sake, and in gloating satisfaction of thrashing perceived opponents, is essentially a crime against humanity. It is more profitable to increase the number of our citizens who walk across the notorious hate divides to cross into more wholesome and productive citizenship, than to merely expunge and expire undesirable elements from amongst us. Ditch the hate bill!

Let The Roof Start Falling... If we take ourselves very seriously one day in an unknown and unforeseeable future, and we select our best hands in forensic auditing and investigation... rifling through the junks and jings of our fiscal activities in all three arms of government (in the states, local and federal axis), the sum total and sheer breadth of our wastefulness, greed and mindless gluttony will ignite a revolution so severe that we may no longer exist as one country. Well, that is squarely in the realm of wishful thinking. However, the folks at Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) are grounded in the here and now...and they want the pound of flesh to start peeling off. Recently, they sent a request - via the instrumentality of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act - to Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. It’s a simple request: urgently make publicly available information on the total amount paid to local contractors from the

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

modities in the market to come down due to low patronage by consumers.â€? ‘Downpour’ does not require amplification (heavy) because of inherence. And ‘patronage’ is usually by consumers or their proxies. So, ‘by consumers’ is otiose. This next paragraph is repeated because of the persistent committal of the blunder. This column will not address it again. “Of all the first generation (a hyphen, please) universities, OAU is arguably the one that was able to preserve its known ideology for the longest.â€? I do not agree with the usage of “arguablyâ€? by a majority of Nigerian writers. The explanation I got from one of the country’s frontline editors recently was not convincing: when you have points to justify your claims, it becomes arguable and when there are no justifications, you employ “unarguably.â€? If you are sure of your statement, make it declarative by jettisoning “arguably.â€? And if you are unsure, do not make claims. If you do, be ready to argue it elsewhere when confronted (not in your contribution). For the avoidance of doubt, “arguableâ€? (adjective) and its adverb (arguably) mean: â€?‌for which good, if not necessarily convincing, reasons may be found/ open to doubt/not certainly, but reasonably held to be.â€? (Source: THE NEW LEXICON WEBSTER’S DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, 2011) My grouse about this illogical excerpt is the intrinsic and quite avoidable element of doubt.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

Mohammed $460 million loan obtained in 2010 from China. The humongous loan was designed to fund the so-called Abuja Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) project. Specifically, SERAP is demanding for the breakdown of contractors, funds received, and status of each contract. We join our voice to encourage Ms Ahmed to respond speedily to this FoI request, and make the correct information available... somehow, we can begin to make our eater-rulers accountable for their conscienceless sacking of our treasure, and disruption of our future. On another occasion, like a house on orchestrated firestorm. SERAP has also reportedly dragged to the court the following persons, in their official capacities: Muhammadu Buhari (incumbent president of Nigeria); Ahmed Lawan (Senate President of Nigeria) and Femi Gbajabiamila (the Speaker of the House of Representatives). The latest grouse? In a suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, and tagged FHC/ABJ/CS/1369/2019, the folks at SERAP are seeking a leave to apply for a judicial review and an order of Mandamus to compel the three high officials to disclose details of allocations, disbursements and spending of security votes by the Federal Government, the 36 state governors and 774 local government chairs in the years between 1999 and 2019. The breadth and implications of this judicial Inquisition are frightening and paradigmatic in the imaginations of those who desire open and transparent governance, and a vital break from the dubious ambiguity and robust impunity of the past, in the handling of public funds by elected and appointed personnel. We encourage the judiciary to brace up for this epochal matter, and invest their full attention, courage, wisdom and profundity in deepening and ennobling the process and infrastructure of equitable and accountable governance.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͻ˜ 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Davido Unleashes ‘A Good Time’ ABIODUN TOKUNBO I’m Living My Childhood Dream… I’m a Fighter, Goal Getter pg. 46

Di’ja Focused on Baby Business pg. 50

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Davido Unleashes ‘A Good Time’ Davido’s new album, in memory of his mum, is packed full of surprises. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reviews the album titled, ‘A Good Time’

‘A

Good Time’ album by singer Davido (David Adeleke) has now been officially released. This is coming after celebrating the birth of his third child and first son. The hip pop star had announced the date for the release of his sophomore album via social media last Monday. Davido took to his Instagram handle revealing that the album will be released on November 22, 2019. “A Good Time Nov 22!!!!!!!!!!!� he posted. The announcement gained huge reactions from other showbiz stars. To be released via Davido Music Worldwide/Sony Music U.K/RCA Records, ‘A Good Time’ serves as a follow up to Davido’s last album titled “Omo Baba Olowo� which was released in 2012. The album contains songs like ‘Blow My Mind’ with Chris Brown, and ‘Risky’, with Jamaican DJ, singer/songwriter, Popcaan, which he released recently. Another international guest artiste on the album is Summer Walker. ‘Risky’ which was met with positive reviews had further heightened the anticipation of the album. The album features 17 tracks including familiar singles previously released like ‘Assurance’, ‘Fall’, and ‘If’. On the local scene, he’s got one track alone with Zlatan, Naira Marley and Gunna on it, and a host of his DMW signee like Dremo, Yonda, and Peruzzi on the album. However there’s one notable artiste who’s missing and that’s the Starboy of his record label, Mayorkun. The album was made available for pre-order a few days ago. On the back of the album, there is a picture of Davido, his dad and a statue of his late mum. With 2019 being a phenomenal year for Davido, having sold out London’s prestigious O2 Arena, infiltrated Billboard’s Hot R&B chart with his massive single “Fall,� which set a record as the longest charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history, as well as being one of America’s most salaamed songs of this year. A few months ago, the Nigerian superstar had talked about going ‘phoneless’ to complete his upcoming sophomore album. As the wait continued for the album, the singer appeared on Icebox, another major American show on July 15, 2019. Icebox was just another stop on Davido’s American media tour after appearances on Hot 97, New York with Ebro Darden and Laura

Davido

Stylez, Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club with with Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Envy as well as Nick Canon’s Wild n’ Out. While on the show, he told host, Zahir that Justin Bieber, Migos, Quavo, Gunna and Lil Baby will all feature on his new album. He said: “Everybody waiting for the album, we got so much guest artistes on the album. Quavo, the whole Migos on the

album, (Lil) Baby on the album, Gunna‌ By the Grace of God, Imma have Justin Bieber on that too.� While the album was still in the making, Davido continued updating his fans with details from the creative process with either pictures of studio sessions or pictures in the boardroom of Sony Music. At a private album listening

event which held last October, the ‘Wonder Woman’ crooner revealed that the album would be packed full of surprises; from a hotly-anticipated banging feature with American R&B new cat, Summer Walker, to a viral freestyle turned smash hit. After earlier bragging about including Meek Mill and Justin Bieber on the album, surprisingly they missed out.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Chika Ike Serves Small Chops Multifaceted Nollywood personality, Chika Ike in her upcoming movie, Small Chops, takes up a character strong and powerful and had a dark past. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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ollywood actress Chika Ike has taken a break from acting and is ready to connect fully with her fans. Her latest cinema project titled ‘Small Chops’ is coming out in a couple of weeks. Chika is collaborating with Robert Peters, the director behind features as 30 Days in Atlanta and A Trip to Jamaica on the project. Small Chops is co-produced with Chika’s business partner, Serah Donald Onyeachor. The “dramedyâ€? which teaser was released few days back will start screening in cinemas on January 31, 2020. Starring Nollywood superstars like Eucharia Anunobi, Nkem Owoh, Rachael Oniga, Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka), Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chika Ike herself, and a British actor Max Cavenham, the teaser shows the actress and producer playing the role of a sexy dancer, which she had spoken about her character in an interview. “I like the fact that my character had this misconception about her, because she’s a dancer. You kind of put her in the box because she’s like every other person. She’s every other small chops, like psychic, she’s not that kind of person because she’s strong and powerful, and she had a dark past.â€? Back in April 2018, the producer took to Instagram and posted a picture of herself seated at a dinner table, on which sat teacups and jars and a plate of fruits. Telling her followers that the clue of her next movie title is right there in the picture, she further encouraged them with a monetary incentive of N50, 000. Her movie announcement precedes weeks and months of series of posts with the hash tags “#smallchopsmovie #jan31st2020‌â€? She later revealed the title with subsequent posts explaining the title as the movie synopsis: “Small Chops: A female or male who is in a short term relationship with a single or married person for the purpose of satisfying sexual needs or monetary gains.â€? Since playing a minor role in the 2005 film Sweet Love, Chika has gone ahead to star in a number of films (Bless the Child, Paradise, Mirror of Beauty), and building a portfolio of experience and starting her own production company FlipScript Studios. The new movie, she further revealed, is very dear to her heart. “It took me a year to do the post production. The film is about a character called Nikita; I was a dancer in that film. Some men believe that girls are small chops, but not all girls are small chops; we have dignity and pride. Some people stereotype people, so, this movie kicks against stereotyping.â€? Chika Ike’s brand, within and outside the industry, has evolved. Time was when she was rumoured to be dating a powerful politician. Just as the “Boss Upâ€? author teased recently that she ain’t no small chops! She has grown into a full course meal!

Chika Ike Chik Ik

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR of people when they wear them. I think making people feel their best makes my brand different form others. I started my brand in 2013 and that was right after I finished my final papers at LASU. I didn’t want to sit at home while I waited for my results that were typically going to take two years to be out, so I went back to my first love. I was always going to Oshodi, and I would buy materials and borrow people’s machine to sew and give to models to wear. It was on one of those occasions Mercy Aigbe saw my design on the internet and she contacted the model who in turn shared our contact and the rest is history. Nigerians supporting Nigerian fashion brands Nigerians are supporting Nigerian fashion brands more than anything these days. I don’t think we have the mentality of not wearing made in Nigeria wears. With the rate the industry is growing, in few years, it will be one of our biggest exports. The world is watching and we are working. How the industry is structured with clients being able to choose how they want their clothes to come out and the kind of materials they want is making the industry boom because people feel they are now in control of their fashion choices and nothing is forced down on them. Where I see my fashion brand in a few years We are already exporting clothes to clients all over the world, but in a few years I’m sure we will have walk-in outlets in major cities in the world. How I would deďŹ ne my personality As a person, I like to think I am a fighter and goal getter. Coming from a history of nothing to building my brand to the household name status it has attained, can only be achieved by a fighter.

ABIODUN TOKUNBO

I’m Living My Childhood Dream‌ I’m a Fighter, Goal Getter Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo is the CEO of Anjy Luminee Couture, also known as House of Luminee, a high profile designer outfit in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos. She believes in the promotion of indigenous fashion with particular emphasis on the use of at least a touch of Ankara fabric in most of her designs. However, with the array of celebrities, which she has as clients, it is difficult to believe that Ms Tokunbo started designing fully in 2013. She has worked with celebrities like Mercy Aigbe, Ooni of Ife’s wife, Sola Sobowale, Chidinma (Ms Kedike), among others. She tells Tosin Clegg how her career began, the fashion and show business industries, successes and much more Growing Up was born in Ijesha Isu - Ekiti. I am the sixth daughter in a family of eight children. I attended Hosanna Africa Primary School after which I attended Methodist Girls High School. Then I acquired my ND in Banking and Finance from The Polythenic Ibadan and later went to Lagos State University, where I studied Business Administration.

I

Fashion and sewing is something I have always loved doing When I was growing up I will always go to this ‘baba’ uninvited; he was a tailor and with time he started giving me pieces to work with and perfect my sewing. I didn’t stop there, when I get home, I will sneak out with my father’s agbada, cut it and redesign it into a new outfit. He will initially shout at me, but on seeing the new results he will be shocked.

Initially, people didn’t believe that I made the clothes whenever they saw it. It was difficult to attach the brand and the personality. And when I started paying particular attention, I noticed how all of them resonated and had this glittering feel. Then, I just thought of my brand as an ‘illuminator’ and the word Luminee was formed. Just like light that brightens up the atmosphere, my brand brightens up the minds and mood

Fashion is an expression of personality Fashion is an expression of personality but showbiz, as we all know, is a platform. And looking at showbiz from the positive angle, it’s a platform that exports fashion and introduces it to a larger audience. On how important they are to each other, I think they are codependent; you cannot really be in this showbiz and not be fashionable. Showbiz gives fashion a platform and fashion on the other hand gives it some sort of validation. My A-list clients I have worked closely with a lot of Alist actresses and socialites such as Mercy Aigbe, Shola Shobowale, Ini Edo, Queen Silekunola M. Naomi Oguwusi, Tayo Odueke (Sindodo), Mide Martins, Mercy Johnson, Angela Okorie, Bobrisky, Tonto Dikeh, Ope Dolapo, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Olaitan Ogungbile, Eniola Ajao, Oge Okoye, Kemi Afolabi, Omoni Oboli, (Anthony Joshua’s mom) Nkechi Blessing Sunday, Ayo Adesanya, Aduni Ade, Chidinma Ekile and they have all been wonderful. It is also interesting when I get to reach into their creativity, when we are discussing, to see how an outfit should look, what to add here and there is what defines their style, that’s one of the things I like most about my job. BeyoncÊ is the dream client, I have always seen her as a strong woman with a very important message. Imagine her spotted in one of our pieces, she will look straight from the upper echelon of Lagos. Challenges of the fashion industry I think, just like every other industry, we lack basic amenities. If we can burn less funds powering our light to be able to work, then I think the industry will progress more, as a lot will be saved and be used for building and taking care of other bills Fashion is the air I breathe Fashion is the air I breathe and the ground I walk on and the food I eat. I have an academy where I teach up and coming designers how to be their best. I have always wanted to do this and it is just God’s Grace that he blessed me and has given me the platform he did. I will say I am living my childhood dream.

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Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Gists

Dera Getrude Hosts ‘Empowered for Worship’ Concert Dera Getrude is a gospel artiste who kicked off her career officially in 2016 and has steadily grown, expanding and pushing her brand out more, as well as giving mind-blowing performances at all her shows. She recently hosted her fans, family and friends to an end of the year concert she tagged, Empowered to Worship at CPM Festac, Lagos State, featuring Wole Oni, Efe Nathan, Chika 100%, Pat Uwaje

King and a host of others. The aim of the concert was to bring like-minded Christians into a time of intimate fellowship with the trinity through worship. About her concert, she said, “God loves worship and the concert was about bringing people together to worship him. God gave me this vision to bring people together to worship him in an atmosphere of worship. So, I brought other artistes to do this with

me since they have same vision with me.� Dera has an album to her credit titled, ‘In His Presence’, which has seven tracks. Going forward she plans to release more songs, shoot more videos, and release more albums. She is also open to doing more collaborations with other artistes so as to dish out good music to her fans. Dera Gertrude

Fierce Nation Entertainment Signs Diamond Jimma

Diamond Jinma

Fierce Nation Entertainment has presented their new artiste, Diamond Jimma. Jimma, who is already a known name in the street pop scene with his ‘Aje’ cover, aims to capture the hearts of the public with his unique sultry inspirational sound. A fan of alternative pop acts, such as Adekunle Gold, 22 year-old Kusimo Olawale Abeeb draw inspiration from his

background and surroundings to tell compelling stories about love, life and struggles of a young man growing up in Nigeria. He describes his style of music as ‘Afro-fusion & Alternative’. At the signing of Diamond Jimma, the third signing of the label, CEO Jackson Fierce spoke highly of his new signee and made it known to the public that the label was very serious

when it comes to artiste grooming and development, “At FierceNation, we aim to take the best music talents to the peak of their game, supporting them with access to the best minds in the industry.� Diamond Jimma is currently about to serve his first official single to the public right before he embarks on a nationwide campus tour.

Femi Naija Heralds Nigeria Shina Peller, Valerie Dish, Others Music Globally Celebrate Tobems Media Feminaija, also known as Adepoju Olufemi Adeleye, is a UK based Nigerian singer, songwriter, guitarist and medical director. His music is a rich blend ofAfrican folk, Soft Rock and Contemporary Soul, with lyrics in both English and his native language -Yoruba. Femi’s love for music started at a very young age. Being part of a somewhat musical family, as both parents were choir members in church, Femi quickly picked an interest in music. He spent most of his formative years as part of various choirs through Secondary school and University and was taught to play the Harmonica by his dad. He learnt to play the guitar much later in the university. He also grew up listening to a combination of old school Highlife, Afrobeat, Reggae and Country music which made up his father’s Vinyl collection with artistes like Ebenezer

Obey, King Sunny Ade, IK Dairo, Kenny rogers, Don Williams, Lucky Dude, Majek Fashek, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, and so much more, all of whom formed his musical influences growing up. It was while he was in Medical school he did his very first recording with Wole Oni (Instinct Productions), ‘Why and Orin Ogo’. Both songs were never released. He later recorded his first released single ‘ChaCha Naija’ with Sam Clef, which launched him professionally into the music scene (then known as Ari). This was when he signed with Thumbs up Records for three years. During this period he regularly performed at Taruwa which held at Bogobiri, Starcomms Benefit Concert at the Vault NightClub Ikeja hosted by OMOBABA No 1, and also performed at the Hennessy Artistry DJ contest 2009. After ‘Thumbs Up Records’, he was signed to ‘SQN Music’ where he recorded and performed his two songs, B’aye Molla and Desire. Femi has also performed at the Boat Club, Felabration 2015, OneMic Naija 2015, and so on. Femi is married with a beautiful daughter and in 2017 he relocated to the UK with his family. In 2019, he released his first EP, “Note2Self� which includes his recent singles; Ileri and Today.

Tobems Media recently celebrated her 9th anniversary in Lagos with clients, friends, and well-wishers. The Multimedia and Event production company is one of Nigeria’s fast-rising production outfits established on November 10, 2010 to provide quality videography services for documentaries, businesses, and artists. Speaking on the anniversary, Mr Tosin Obembe, the CEO and Creative Director thanked his clients and technical partners for the support so far and said, “Tobems Media was born out of a desire to create an innovative edge and make an impact in the multimedia space. What started in my living room as a simple videography venture has blossomed into a full-blown multimedia production and digital marketing agency with clients such as Tecno, Lagos Business School, Quilox, Sodium brand Solutions, Calabar Carnival, SBI Media and a host of advertising agencies. Thank you for your patronage and support.� At this event were players in the event and entertainment industry including Big Sam (Samuel Olatunji), Akin Abiola-Peller represent-

ing Chairman, Aquila Group of companies and Honourable Member of the Federal House of Rep, Shina Peller, CEO of BroadwayAfrica TV and Producer, the Ghost and The Tout Movie, Nigerian Actress Valerie Dish, Kenneth Igbomor of CNBC Africa and other client representatives. Speaking on future plans, Obembe confirmed that the business was expanding its Digital Strategy Marketing service in order to serve clients’ needs better. According to him, we have built so much experience in live event production, content creation and production with our clients over the years and it has become critical for them to maximize their content distribution process with the opportunities digital media has created.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Yobo, Adaeze in Matching Guise Former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo and his ex-beauty queen wife, Adaeze recently stepped out in Lagos with their kids in matching outfits. Adaeze shared the stylish pictures from the outing in the social media last Monday. Here is showbizflair’s pick from the lot.

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Mr Eazy, Temi Rocking Tenderly Temi, daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola is definitely having a swell time with his beau, Mr. Eazy. Temi spent most of the week sharing lovely new photos of her and her musician boyfriend together. This is just one of the pretty photos pushed out.

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Di’ja Focused on Baby Business Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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avin artiste Di’ja has continued her interest of making babies rather than making big hits. Real name Hadiza Blell, the singer took to social media few days ago to inform her followers that she is expecting her third child, with the gender of the baby yet undisclosed. Well, many might ask wasn’t it just yesterday she got married? And when did she give birth to the second that she’s already expecting a third? Well, the singer had her first child - a boy - in 2016, and her second child - a girl - in 2018.

Posting a beautiful picture of herself wearing yellow shirt, the soon to be mother of three kids made two major announcements via her Instagram post; the first about her baby and the second about featuring in a Nigerian animation as Zahra in “Passport of Mallam Ilia.â€? Di’ja wrote: “Mummy of 3 loading‌ with our third child on the way, Alhamdullilah, I’ve been pushing to get projects in before the year ends. This look was for last week’s @magiccarpet_studios investor’s meeting. “Did I tell you all that I am the voice of #ZAHRAin #passportofmallamilia. The dopest animation about to come out of Nigeria. I’m obsessed with music and animation! Check out all info on @magiclabproject @magiccarpet_studios. We have amazing talent in Nigeria! – make up hides the tiredness. Don’t

be fooled!� Earlier in the year, she released her comic book ‘Amana’. Though being a celebrity can sometimes be tasking for females in the industry, however, some popular female stars have been able to strike a balance between their careers and their family life. Di’ja hasn’t found a balance between the two, maybe. Time will tell. To the singer, the experience of making a child makes you appreciate God even more and gives you a new sense of living. Di’ja pretty much lives a very private life and has never really revealed much about her family especially her husband, Rotimi and children. Not many people know much about Di’ja as a mother as she doesn’t post her family on social media. She did grant an interview on marriage, motherhood and career where she

admitted that motherhood has made her appreciate her own mother more. “You already respect your mom, but you respect your mom like a hundred times more‌ And you also have another respect for being a chick, being a woman, so it’s a pretty cool, very, very cool experience.â€? The beautiful Di’Ja came into limelight following her surprise meeting with record label owner and music producer, Don Jazzy, in 2014 through her manager. Same day she released “Yaroâ€?, her first recording with the label. That experience she acknowledged as, “both exciting and scary.â€? She went on to release Awww in 2012, and Take a Kiss in 2014. Her latest songs include Wuta (2019), Save Me (2018), The Way You Are (2018), Wuta (2019), and Omotena in 2019.

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nvivo TV Moves to Transform Entertainment Ferdinand Ekechukwu writes that nvivo TV, a free video on demand streaming platform that offers diverse content from some of the world’s best content providers, is set to transform the entertainment front in Nigeria

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ntertainment and content distribution in Nigerian is set to witness a major transformation following the official launch of nvivo TV as part of the activities of the just concluded 9th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. It was an occasion that provided an opportunity for stakeholders in the movie and tech industry to witness firsthand the unveiling of the streaming platform from Envivo, a technology company that focuses on digital contents. The new nvivo app is a free video on demand platform offering diverse short format content from some of the world’s best content providers, as well as locally created original production. According to the streaming service providers, it comprises a large bouquet of different kinds of television shows, mostly in short films from Nollywood that are original. Co-founder of Evivo Communications and organiser of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, noted that AFRIFF would attract a large group of people in the industry thus a better platform to reach out to them. nvivo TV is Pan-African and will showcase entertainment content from all over the continent. Ude spoke about the unique lineup of original TV shows and shoots which the streaming service will feature. “Being in the industry and being on the best of all end of it, I have always wondered what happened to the short films; brilliant, beautiful short films and its money spent and basically they end up on youtube or nowhere. “Now, youtube is a great platform but I wanted something that will curate more of the contents so that you see what you are looking for, you know what you are looking for is right there and so nvivo came to mind. That was the beginning. There are other reasons of course now but my main purpose of starting nvivo was to find a home for short movies.� She noted that nvivo excites her because there is a new horizon in terms of distribution, in terms of monetising content in Nigeria and, of course, the rest of Africa. She revealed that nvivo television had teamed up with the best movie directors, producers and actors to provide quality, original and free content out of Nigeria for television and movie lovers who want a one stop-shop where they can watch their favourite shows, skits and movies. “nvivo television content is also optimised to save data and it can be viewed on six devices, including all smart televisions, smart phones, tablets, Android and IOS devices, and your laptops,� she said. The nvivo TV app is available on Google Play Store and Apple Store. Acouple of the films already on the new platform were seamlessly shown to the audience. Since it is going to be purely on digital format what arrangement/partnership is in place with the telecom companies because data is a big challenge in Nigeria and how the providers would help consumers to enjoy what will be dishing out from nvivo. Envivo has a very strategic partnership with MTN while observing what NCC was

Envivo International Partner, Ms Michelle Van Gilder (right); Co-founder Envivo Communications Ms Chioma Ude (middle); and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, nvivo, Mr. Victor Anjorin (second left); during the launch of nvivo TV

doing with mobile rate at the moment sort of wanting to promote video content, especially causing them to crash data prices to the point that, as today, data is not the biggest issue but the payment. Ude said: “Another thing in consideration of data is that we partnered with Cisco systems. We have built out a content delivery network; we just didn’t build out an app. So, we have our servers all at Mainone here in Nigeria. Now in the Cisco system there is a compression technique that is also embedded in it. Your data goes a long way when you are watching anything on our platform without distorting the quality of the programme. “So there are different ideas behind it. One comes from running the festival and having all these beautiful shorts and I’m thinking to myself where do they end up that’s one. How is it monetise, that’s two. And also in having a partner that is very technology savvy. He came and he said to me what are you doing with all the content that comes into the festival? How do we even get the contents to all the homes? And then again you have X amount of cinemas and for you to reach 200 million people, you need X amount of cinemas. So I’m thinking how do we get these movies to home factor and in a cheaper way? “So, nvivo has been established to create home for short movies but would also feature animations, documentaries, games, cartoons, series and more.� Ude added that nvivo was the hub for Hollywood, Nollywood, Bollywood and Telenovelas at their fingertips and in snack bite sizes. She said it had been licenced with some local television series, three Bollywood content providers for content generation. According to

her, the nvivo tv was initially launched in four African countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Namibia. Nvivo TV has two components majorly; the AVOD section which is primarily free content on various genres and the TVOD, which is the transactional video section on the app as well. The TVOD section will be launched in a couple of weeks. She explained that the idea of nvivo TV was not to take away the cinemas but to enhance the cinemas. So, for as long as they don’t have cinemas in certain regions, as long as you have very busy people, as long as you have a country that is considered really poor, you would want them to also enjoy the benefits of what the normal person enjoys. A co-founder of nvivo, Mr. Olu Obadina, further added to the narrative, saying “it brings a lot of efficiency to the things we do, particularly in a society like ours where we don’t have sufficient infrastructure. So, we are saying, like mobile data liberating us from the few amounts of lines that we can do, it’s time for mobile data to liberate us from the few amounts of television screens that we can build. And I will put that in perspective. In the United States there’s a cinema screen to every eight thousand people. In China there’s a cinema screen to every 36 thousand people. In the UK, every 18,000 people can find a cinema screen. “But in Nigeria, you find a film cinema screen to every 1.6 million people. And that’s actually causing this creative energy called Nollywood not to really be sustainable in terms of monetising their contents and contributing to the country’s GDP. So, we started looking at that and decided there are about a 100 million people in Nigeria that view content on their mobile devices.

And mobile devices have become a viable screen therefore why can’t we develop that technology that would make it possible for this creative minds to be able to further monetise their content by distributing it on that ubiquitous device. That’s what we have powered in nvivo.� Obadina observed that Nollywood had been rendered non-sustainable in terms of revenue generation and contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to lack of basic infrastructure. He said that establishment of the online television channel would minimise the effect of the absence of basic infrastructure as people get entertained at their comfort zones. “We have problems with our roads, irregular power supply and a whole lot of other things, which are discouraging factors to visit cinemas or watch movies at the appropriate time. This platform will enable you watch movies wherever you are,� he said. Obadina said with the way nvivo was designed, other online television streaming platforms could develop their content through nvivo as it would also showcase originalAfrican programmes. Obadina said that Envivo had partnered with Unity Technology, an animation company abroad, to train 3,200 Nigerians on animation creation and that these would in turn create content for the nvivo platform. He said there were a couple of other collaborations to guarantee seamless streaming and content distribution which were with MTN, Sisco system, digital marketing institutes and more. Mr. Victor Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer, nvivo, who explained how the platform works to the audience, said the subscription is free for all viewers.

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Peter Okoye and wife, Lola

Peter Okoye, Lola Revel 6 Years Wedding Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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t was celebration galore for Peter Okoye and his wife, Lola, last Sunday as they celebrated their wedding anniversary. After six years of marriage and two children, the couple still has sweet words for each other as they took to their social media page to celebrate. For Lola, her husband is a pillar of strength, nothing that they have remained strong through the challenges that came their way. Peter, on his part, shared throwback photos of him and his wife, noting that they had come a long way and they were still going strong today. The couple got married in 2013. Lola took to her Instagram page to pray for their marriage. She wrote: “Happy Anniversary to my pillar of strength. Through thick and thin we still continue to wax on strong. May God continue to guide and protect us and may love and laughter continue to reside here. I love you! @peterpsquare no long story!� The singer, who turns 38 on Monday, announced their sixth wedding anniversary in a brief

post on Instagram on Sunday. “What was still is and forever will be Happy Anniversary!!!� he wrote. Recall the singing twins split sometime in 2017 and since then have stopped performing together. Peter, who said in an interview that he separated from his brother Paul because he insulted his wife, Lola and his two kids, has chosen to stick to his wife despite perceived hatred shown her by Paul and Jude Okoye. The conflict within the Okoye household looks far from being over after Peter Okoye recently revealed that he was not in talking terms with his elder brother, Jude Okoye. The music star and former member of the defunct group, Psquare, made this known during an interview. According to him, they aren’t in talking terms and he isn’t going to be beating around the bush about it. “I’m always going to wish him the best of his life...like me I don’t have any problem with anybody but if they really have any problem with me, its fine, I’m living my life,� he said. The Okoye brothers’ war has been one of the biggest celebrity

fights recorded in the Nigerian music industry. From shading to actually insulting each other on social media, it has been one messy scandal that has rocked the entertainment industry. While the brothers are at loggerhead, their wives Lola and Anita don’t seem to be. As a matter of fact, Lola was among the guests that visited the opening of Anita’s kidstore in Lekki some months back. Peter’s grouse has been that his twin brother Paul insults him and his family at will in public and expects a performance with him without even an apology: “I don’t disrespect my brother’s wife neither, his family but he does that to me all the time. He’ll insult me and my family in public, on Instagram, and the next minute he’ll wait for me backstage for us to perform together,� Peter said. Continuing, Peter said he won’t go back on his vows to protect and love his wife and family. As it is for Peter, so it is for Paul. The latter had professed in a recent interview that reunion with his twin brother Peter was out of the way. In his words, “the way it is for me now, no way.�

Singer, who turns 38 on Monday, announced their sixth wedding anniversary in a brief post on Instagram on Sunday. “What was still is and forever will be Happy Anniversary!!!� he wrote. Recall the singing twins split sometime in 2017 and since then have stopped performing together

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SPORTS XTRA

Rohr Threatens to Quit Super Eagles, Gives NFF Two-month Ultimatum Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has issued a two-month ultimatum to the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF over his future with the national team, saying he would quit his post if things are not regularized. Nigeria are unbeaten since the conclusion of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, registering back-to-back impressive draws against Ukraine and Brazil and they have maximum points from their first two group matches of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Rohr recently met with

Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare and it is claimed that the Minister held talks with the German over extending his contract for two or three years, with his current agreement with the Nigerian Federation set to expire in June 2020. ‘’There is tremendous potential in this team, with great players like Osimhen,’’ Rohr explained to sofoot.com ‘’There are interesting prospects, such as the AFCON 2021, the World Cup 2022. But first we must regularize things’’. Rohr added that from

January 1, 2020, he will be� free to engage elsewhere,� if nothing is settled by then. Meanwhile, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers which start in March, Rohr has revealed he hopes some of the foreign-born players would have pledged their international futures to Nigeria by then. Since Rohr arrived, there has been an influx of players with dual nationality representing Nigeria. The likes of Alex Iwobi, William Ekong, Leon Balogun, Joe Aribo, Ola Aina, Tyronne Ebuehi, Semi Ajayi and Maduka Okoye

have all pledged their international future to Nigeria. And that won’t change anytime soon despite calls from critics for Rohr to include NPFL in his Super Eagles squad. The former Bordeaux manager revealed he hopes some of the players they have been trying to convince to switch allegiance to Nigeria would have done so before the World Cup qualifiers start in March 2020. Speaking on about his plans for the World Cup qualifiers on Super Eagles youtube page, the former Burkina Faso manager said

Gernot Rohr giving instructions to Super Eagles Players

‌Puts Sheyi Ojo’s International Hopes in the Balance Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr appears to have killed off any hope of Rangers loanee Sheyi Ojo making the switch to the Super Eagles after he admitted he wasn’t looking to add any new faces to his group at present. Ojo is in the process of changing allegiances from England to Nigeria but it looks as though he might have to wait a while before he gets a chance to

be involved at international level. The winger, on loan from Liverpool, hoped to follow Joe Aribo into the Super Eagles side but it now seems he’s stuck in international limbo for the time being. “There are no more friendlies, so there is no more time to invite new players we don’t know,� Rohr said, as quoted by Goal. “We need harmony in the

team and if you are bringing in new players to do better for the team than they are doing now, which one do you want to push out of the team? “Those players must be really better than what we have already.� With Ojo’s form at Ibrox inconsistent at best, it’s probably better for him not to have the distraction of international football right now and focus on his club

football. If he does start performing to a high level soon, and can do it consistently, then he may force Rohr into a rethink and work his way into his plans. There’s still plenty of time for Ojo to kickstart his international career but it doesn’t look as though he’ll be lining up alongside Rangers team-mate Aribo for the Super Eagles in the near future.

Omeruo, Awaziem Warm-up for Messi’s Incursion as Laganes Host Barca Champions Barcelona return to league action after the international break with a trip to the Estadio Municipal de Butarque lined up next as Nigeria internationals and defensive duo of Kenneth Omeruo and Chidoziem Awaziem are tasked with stopping Lionel Messi, Luiz Suarez and co. CD Leganes defender Kenneth Omeruo has declared his readiness to star in this weekend’s mission impossible as Javier Aguirre’s men face the league leaders and a fit again five-time Balon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Soccernet.ng reports. Messi and Suarez have accounted for 18 – 14 goals and four assists between them – of Barcelona’s 33 goals so far but Kenneth Omeruo and Leganes’ defen-

sive wall will test themselves against the South American goalscoring duo. The Cucumber Growers are sat bottom of the La Liga table but will look to their Nigeria imports to help halt the winning streaks of Messi and his superstar teammates like Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suarez among others in a classic David-Goliath matchup. Omeruo and Awaziem were in the Super Eagles squad that earned impressive victories over Benin and Lesotho during the international break and both should feature from the start against the star-studded Barcelona side who will fight for a result to maintain top position in the table. But the 2013 AFCON-title winning defender is in no panic mode has

Omeruo looks forward to making his ninth league appearance for Leganes this season. “Back to work.. big game on Saturday‌ siovas_dimitrios relax it’s Kennedinho,â€? Omeruo wrote on his Instagram handle. Awaziem, who is on loan at the Cucumbers from Portuguese outfit, FC Porto has made eight appearances for the club so far. Barcelona have lost three times in the league this term – same number of defeats suffered throughout the 2018/19 campaign en route to securing their 26th La Liga title – with all three disappointments coming away from home, which raises a slight ray of hope for Los Pepineros in today lunchtime’s action at Butarque.

he will also keep an eye on some of his regulars. “I think at first, we have to follow what they are doing, our players, Rohr said. We have to take some news on our injured goalkeeper, Uzoho who has been operated with success last week. “And we have still to work on some departments in our team, and like we do always, we will scout our players, we will watch the games, we will go and meet some of them, and we will have

also perhaps good news if one of the big players we are searching for who can play for two countries accepts to play for us.� The 2022 World Cup qualifiers for African section will kick off in March with the draws set to be conducted later this year. The teams will be split into ten groups of four teams with the winners advancing to play each other in a home and away tie to determine Africa’s five representatives.

No Animosity for Osimhen, Says Remy France international, Loic Remy has stated that there is no animosity for Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen in spite of the Nigerian relegating him to the bench at Lille. Osimhen has taken Ligue 1 by storm since switching in the summer from Belgium, notching nine goals across all competitions for Lille and relegating former Chelsea forward Loic Remy to a bit part role but the France international has denied harbouring any ill feeling for the Nigerian. Remy, a Premier League and Champions League veteran was expected to step up and take over the goalscoring responsibility for Les Dogues after the sale of Nicolas Pepe and Rafael Leao to Arsenal and AC Milan respectively. But the former Crystal Palace and Newcastle striker has seen his play time reduced greatly with the arrival of the Nigeria international forward whose impact has been felt domestically and even on the continent. However, having only clocked 348 minutes of game time this season, compared to the 1053 minutes already enjoyed by his 20-year-old teammate, many expected the 32-year-old to be jealous of his younger colleague but Remy has rubbished all such talks. Rather the former France international is full of praise for Osimhen’s work ethic, while hailing Lille’s recruitment team for discovering and signing the striker. �Victor was a discovery for everyone. Once again, we must appreciate the recruitment team of the club, very wise in its choices,� Remy told Le10sport. �I have known big potential players, who are assiduous and serious in what they do. Victor is one of them. �In training, he puts in the intensity. He is a true finisher, a very good scorer. I see him working after the sessions, bodybuilding, taking time to take care of his body. �He has a complete profile and I promise him a very bright future if he continues with this mentality.� �People sometimes make the comparison between Victor and me, because we are both attackers. But there is no animosity between us. He’s someone I really appreciate. �On the field, we are also complementary, we have already proven that this season when the coach has played us together,� the well-travelled striker concluded.

Again, Wilder Throws Jibes at Joshua

Deontay Wilder has questioned Anthony Joshua’s desire and stated that he is searching for “another fighter that is willing to put his belt on the line with mine�. Wilder defends his WBC heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz on Sunday morning at 2am, two weeks before Joshua aims to regain the IBF, WBA and WBO belts from Andy Ruiz Jr. Undefeated Wilder wants to crown an undisputed champion in 2020 and exclusively told Sky Sports: “I prefer Ruiz Jr to win because we’re in the same stable. If he wins, we have the opportunity to unify the division. We finally have the opportunity to have one champion, one face, one name. “If Joshua wins, I don’t think that’s going to be. He has stated that he has no interest in me. I really believe Andy will do it again. A lot of red flags have alerted me. If that same mindset and momentum go into the second fight, Ruiz Jr will win easily. “I want unification. The heavyweight division is too small to have so many champions. I understand that in the lower weight classes. But the heavyweight division is all about the big boys, all about the power. This is a special division. “If I have another fighter that is willing to put his belt on the line with mine, then that’s what I want.�

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2019 •T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍąËœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

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NEWSXTRA

Court Retains Anselm Ojezua as Edo APC Chairman Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã A High Court in Benin yesterday retained Anselm Ojezua as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice praying for an order of interlocutory injunction. On the same day, his rival Col. David Imuse was barred from the meetings of the Council of APC states’ chairmen and the National Executive Council of the party, in Abuja. Following the court judgement, Anselm Ojezua was admitted into

the two meetings, confirming him as the legally recognised chairman of the party in the state. Justice V.O.A. Oviawe of the Benin High Court 10 granted the order of interim injunction directing that “the status quo as at 10/11/19 with regards to the chairmanship of the APC) in the Edo State chapter, be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice praying for an order of interlocutory injunction.� The court, thereby, adjourned the case to Thursday, 5th of December for hearing and determination of the suit

The case came up before Justice Oviawe sitting at Hight Court 10 (Civic Division) Benin City, in Benin Judicial Division yesterday, in the absence of the parties. After hearing the submissions by Ken E. Mozia Esq., SAN, O. J. Isede Esq. and Y. O. Odiase Esq., who are counsels to the claimants/applicants, the Judge ordered: “I have carefully considered this application, the affidavit evidence before the court and the legal submissions of the applicants, together with the authorities cited and I have come to a determination that this application of an order of interim injunction finds merit.

AIR PEACEFOUNDERINDICTEDFORMONEYLAUNDERINGINUSContinued from Pg. 1 Hedeclared:“Icanconfirmtoyou thatallallegationsarefalseandare innowayinlinewithmycharacter asapersonandasabusinessman whoseonlyaimhasbeentobuild Nigeria and improve wellbeing. “Theseareindictmentthatonly containscharges. Iaminnocentof allchargesandtheUSgovernment will find no dirt on me because I have never conducted business withanyillegalities.Berestassured thatIalsohavemylawyersonthis andthesemereallegationswillbe refuted. “I never laundered money in mylife,neitherhaveIcommitted bankfraudanywhereintheworld. EveryKoboItransferredtotheUS foraircraftpurchasewentthrough the Central Bank of Nigeria LC regime and all were used for the same purpose. The American companiesthatreceivedthefunds are still in business. I never took a penny from any US bank or Nigerian bank. I am willing to defend my innocence in the US courts The US Department of Justice indictment reads: “Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 56, ofLagos,Nigeria,andEjiroghene Eghagha, 37, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019,ononecountofconspiracyto commitbankfraud,threecountsof bankfraud,onecountofconspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud. Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 countsofmoneylaundering,and Eghagha was charged with one countofaggravatedidentitytheft. “Onyemaallegedlyleveraged hisstatusasaprominentbusiness leaderandairlineexecutivewhile using falsified documents to commit fraud. We will diligently protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business,� said U.S. Attorney Byung J. Pak. Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEAAt-

lanta Field Division commented on the indictment thus: “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud.HecorruptedtheU.S.banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt.DEAwouldliketothankthe many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution bytheU.S.Attorney’sOfficewho aidedinmakingthisinvestigation a success.� “Thiscaseisaprimeexampleof why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverageitsexpertiseinaneffortto thwartthoseseekingtoexploitour nation’sfinancialsystem.Withthe importanceofourbankingsystem tothemovementofmoneyaround theworld,thoseattemptingtouse intricateschemestocommitbank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know that the odds are nowheavilystackedagainstthem aslawenforcementiscombining itstalentstoprotectthesanctityand integrity of the nation’s financial system,�saidThomasJ.Holloman, IRS-CriminalInvestigationSpecial Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office. Onyemasetupvariousinnocent soundingmulti-milliondollarassetpurchaseswhichwerenothing more than alleged fronts for his scam,� said acting SpecialAgent in Charge Robert Hammer, who overseesHSIoperationsinGeorgia and Alabama. Headded:“I’mproudtobepart ofateamoflawenforcementagenciesthatcometogethertoidentify andattackcriminalsthatattempt to profit from the exploitation of our nation’s financial systems.� According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the indictment, and other information presented in court reads:Onyema,aNigeriancitizen and businessman, is the founder and Chairman of several organizations that purport to promote peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-ViolenceandPeaceDevelopment,andAll-TimePeaceMedia Communications Limited. “Beginning in 2010, Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta,whereheopenedseveral personal and business bank accounts. Between 2010 and 2018, over $44.9 million was allegedly transferredintohisAtlanta-based accounts from foreign sources. “Onyema is also the CEO and Chairman of Nigerian airlineAir Peace,whichhefoundedin2013. In years following the founding of Air Peace, he traveled to the United States and purchased multiple airplanes for the airline. However, over $3 million

of the funds used to purchase the aircraft allegedly came from bankaccountsforFoundationfor Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited,andEveryChildLimited. “Beginning in approximately May2016,Onyema,togetherwith Eghagha, allegedly used a series of export letters of credit to cause banks to transfer more than $20 million intoAtlanta-based bank accountscontrolledbyOnyema. Thelettersofcreditwerepurportedly to fund the purchase of five separate Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace. The letters were supported by documents suchaspurchaseagreements,bills ofsale,andappraisalsprovingthat Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia. “However, the supporting documentswerefake.Springfield AviationCompanyLLC,whichis ownedbyOnyemaandmanaged by a person with no connection to the aviation business, never owned the aircraft, and the company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist. “Eghagha allegedly participated in this scheme as well, directingtheSpringfieldAviation manager to sign and send false documents to banks and even using the manager’s identity to further the fraud. After Onyema receivedthemoneyintheUnited States,heallegedlylaunderedover $16 million of the proceeds of the fraud by transferring it to other accounts. “Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendantsarepresumedinnocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. “The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’sHomelandSecurity Investigations, FederalAviation Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasuryareinvestigatingthiscase. “Assistant U.S. Attorneys GarrettL.Bradford,DeputyChief of the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section and Lead Strike ForceAttorney, Irina K. Dutcher, andChristopherJ.Huber,Deputy ChiefoftheComplexFraudsSection,areprosecutingthecase,with assistancefromtheDepartmentof Justice’sMoneyLaunderingand AssetRecoverySectionandOffice of International Affairs.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

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MISSILE

Abaribe on Salome Abuh Murder

“What it tells us is that the rest of us who are in the opposition are no longer safe; that anybody who seeks to win an election can go ahead and commit murder and mayhem as long as he belongs to the APC” – Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressing concern about the future of the opposition following the murder of Kogi State PDP women leader, Salome Abuh.

PENDULUM Let’s Beg Buhari for a One Party State DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

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ellow Nigerians, let me confess right away that I’m a realist. If you like, call me chicken-hearted or lily-livered. No worries. All I know is that I was taught many lessons by the wisdom of the ancients. Let me share a few of them with you. One. If we cannot move forward, we must know when to turn backwards. Two. If you have not yet grabbed the sword, you cannot risk asking what manner of death killed your Dad. Three. Even the Bible teaches us how to be meek and humble. “If your right cheek is slapped, turn the left cheek...” It may sound stupid to a lot of people but it might just save you a lot of headache. The purpose of my sermon in this epistle to you today should be obvious by now. I wish to admit and publicly acknowledge that President Muhammadu Buhari has finally achieved what no democratically elected Nigerian President ever attempted to do. All tiers and arms of government have been virtually grabbed and cowed. Even the Fourth Estate of the Realm is about to be guillotined via a retrogressive and preposterous law stipulating death sentences for any rascally writing... The public have been shown to be timorous, timid and cowardly upon hell being let loose! No resistance from them either! Let me summarise my thoughts thus. The ruling APC government makes no pretence to being a party of nice or decorous people. A few of their members may fall into this category, but they are the exception, an aberration. It is your business, if you think otherwise but that is the hard-nosed truth. If the President Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government succumbed to pressure and lost power in the name of decency and decorum, the Buhari-led administration is not ashamed or afraid to being labelled haughty, brutal, brutish and reckless. Indeed, they revel in and relish the appellation. They like the idea that they take no prisoners and accept surrender only if you join their ranks. The recent gale of resignations that swept Bayelsa State in the wake of the contrived victory of the Lion-tamer, David Lyon Perewonrimi epitomised this new cult of no surrender, no matter how abject and plaintive, and no prisoners! Once a State or Local Government is targeted, no Jupiter can stop its blistering annihilation. Since 2015, when President Muhammadu Buhari miraculously returned to power, things have not been at ease for his opponents or the opposition. Those who warned us Buhari will never practice true Democracy were rebuffed by us. We sold him at a premium to Nigerians and the world as a “born again Democrat...” We called him “the people’s General...” We romanticised about a leader who was coming to turn Nigeria into an Eldorado with his magic wand because we earnestly and sincerely believed in him. It would have been sad if we did not give Buhari a second chance. Pls forgive my blasphemy, Buhari’s second coming was almost tantamount to a parousia, like the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. And to add to his perceived saintliness, he had chosen a revered and respected man of God, Professor Yemi Osinbajo as his Deputy. Needless to say, we thank God that he came, he saw and he is currently conquering. While it may be too early to judge his performance

Buhari

or non-performance, the signs are ominously visible. But that’s not the purpose of this missive. My worry stems from the new electoral template being enforced by APC, an extremely dangerous and volatile one at that. Except to the willing and grateful beneficiaries, what we’ve been witnessing is a monumental charade, a farce and a travesty which is an unfortunate trend indeed. While I will never say with any degree of certainty that PDP candidates would have defeated their opponents in all those elections, I would still have expected the ruling party to conduct the elections in a more transparent and honest manner and not in the kangarooistic banana

republic fashion we’ve witnessed in recent times with our arms akimbo and mouths agape and ajar. With the armed forces, the police, the other security agencies, the judiciary, the thugs and other nebulous, unseen or unknown characters in the kitty, it is almost impossible to defeat APC in any election in the near future, unless the people resist and say no, and this I don’t see happening on account of money, ethnicity and religion. I have no apologies for my pessimism. And I believe the game is just starting. These ones aren’t kidding. Only God can remove them ultimately from power. The tell-tale signs are too pungent to ignore. Very soon, writers like me would only be writing about trips to Afghanistan, a sad reminder of the 1984-85 era, when the Sonala Olumhenses had to write about far flung places in order to avoid the wrath of Sango Olukoso, the god of thunder! What then is the solution? My answer, no easy way out. As a matter of fact, I see a long walk to Freedom, with apologies to Nelson Mandela. When a Lion has tasted blood, it would be difficult to appease it with corn meal. All would-be troublemakers should be warned before it is too late that Nigeria does not need, and can’t afford, another civil war. My suggestion is simple and straightforward, what Nigeria desperately needs today is a one party State. It will save us at least three major things. The first is the acrimonious clashes between the mainstream parties. The battles would be limited to intraparty squabbles. The second is money. Too much resources are currently being expended on campaigns and elections proper. It is unimaginable how much is being wasted by the gladiators. Let’s

even say that’s their own cup of tea, what of the billions being wasted on INEC that has failed to deliver on its high falutin and grandiloquent rigmaroles. The third is the most serious and absolutely important, safety of lives and property. Our elections have become the most dangerous in the whole world. You cannot guarantee that you will return home alive after casting your votes, or indeed that days after the election you won’t become a victim of a malevolent maelstrom of anarchical and mindless violence, arson and destruction. Are we Barbarians or what manner of human beings are we? These are the real reasons I wish to appeal, most passionately, to the powers that be in Abuja, that we have agreed that Buhari is our Messiah, that he can do no wrong and we are willing to support him warts and all. Serving one’s fatherland should never be a matter of life and death or an invitation to suicide and perdition. For once, we should be prepared to let Buhari and his sagacious band of chorus singers think for us. There is no point allowing some fellow Nigerians to turn us into defenceless chickens or rams to be slaughtered on the altar of an orgiastic bloodfest. When it is God’s time to liberate us, we won’t have to lift a finger or fire a single shot. Examples abound all over the world and most of us are witnesses to God’s mysterious ways. For now, since Buhari came to save us from ourselves, we must allow him do his job unhindered. We must dance to the ‘kpalongo’ beat and wait for the madness which it heralds to manifest, take root and consume its originators. May God’s will be done!

Tribute to Dr Ore Falomo (September 1940 - November 9 2019) My path and that of Dr Oluwatamilore Akinlade Falomo crossed nearly three decades ago. As a personal physician to my adopted father, Chief Moshood Abiola, it was impossible not to meet and know him reasonably well. The first thing that fascinated me about Dr Falomo was his dress sense. He was always impeccably turned out, clean and debonair. He was a successful medical practitioner who was well known beyond his industry. What fascinated me the more about him was his love for Chief Abiola. Theirs was not a Doctor/Patient relationship. They were like brothers. Abiola was born in August 1937 and Dr Falomo was born in September 1940, but they interacted like brothers separated by only months in age, not 3 years. They lived like they were children from the same family. Interestingly, three of Chief Abiola’s children, Kolawole, Ayodeji and Agboola lived on the same road with Dr Falomo, just a stone throw away in Anthony Village. The most unforgettable things about Dr Falomo were his uncommon courage and powers of elocution and elucidation. He was such a brave and powerful speaker and he remained one of the few Nigerians that had the audacity to rant and rail endlessly against the dreaded General Sani Abacha regime. Perhaps if there were more of him now, our nation would be a better place. I often wondered how Dr Falomo escaped Abacha’s

snipers or detention. He spoke passionately and vociferously against the detention of Chief Abiola. As Abiola’s Medical Doctor, he regularly told the Dictators, Abacha and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, of that insane period, who detained Abiola about his patient’s worsening health conditions and warned that he might be damaged beyond redemption if his wrongful incarceration continued. And his prophecy came to pass within a few years. Whether Chief Abiola died of natural causes or not, the great African businessman and philanthropist died in detention on July 7, 1998. I later met with Dr Falomo a couple of times at the functions of Capitalfield Group Limited of which he was the indefatigable and tireless Chairman. His integrity was remarkable as attested to by many who knew him and interacted with him, hence it wasn’t difficult for his colleagues to make him Chairman of this pre-eminent financial conglomerate. We spoke a few times about writing an authoritative book on the Abiola and June 12 saga. I was willing and ready and in his own way, so was he, but our hectic schedules meant we were unable to find a convenient time for both of us. Not too long ago, I decided to take the bull by the horns and sent the head of Ovation Books and Publishing, Mr Sola Ojewusi, to book appointments with Dr Falomo in order to kickstart the laudable

and necessary project by getting background information. However our attempts bore no fruit for a variety of reasons. As I received the news of Dr Falomo’s demise, the first thing I said was “my God, we have lost a goldmine of contemporary history...” It is always painful to me when we lose such great men and women. Documenting history is extremely important and necessary. Like all extraordinary and sentient icons, Falomo seems to have had a premonition of his death. He went on a 2 week holiday to the UK and America with his young friend and Group Managing Director of Capitalfield Group, Raphael Lewu, and shared several stories with him. One of these was the fact that having marked his 79th birthday, the month before in September 2019, he was prepared to join his Maker because he had done at least one year better than his late father. Dr Ore Falomo came to this world to serve humanity. It reflected in his everyday life as he was larger than life. His physical frame belied his great stature in all facets of his social, economic and political life, not to mention his medical career where he simply excelled. Dr Falomo gave hope and succour to the rich and the poor. He touched the lives of almost all those he came into contact with for the better. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Good night to an eminent, noble and revered personality...

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