SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER

FG Seeks New Eurobond, Emefiele Foresees 2% GDP Growth in 2021 CBN governor harps on measures to insulate economy from external shocks Festus Akanbi and Obinna Chima The federal government yesterday disclosed that it would approach the Eurobond market next year in its effort to

shore up the economy, amidst cocktails of measures being put in place to douse the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy.

On the same day, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

Governor, Godwin Emefiele, while speaking at the 55th Annual Bankers Dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos, predicted a two per cent growth in the

country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021.

Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed, who disclosed the Eurobond plan while speaking on Bloomberg TV, explained that the decision would

depend on the prevailing interest rates. She, however, did not specify the amount to be accessed from the Eurobond.

The Eurobond option is coming on the heels of the

federal government’s decision to take advantage of good demand and liquidity in the domestic market to raise money Continued on page 5

S’Court Rejects Shell's Request to Reopen N17bn Judgment… Page 16 Saturday 28 November, 2020 Vol 25. No 9364

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Lai Mohammed Mocks CNN over Clarification of its EndSARS Massacre Tweet Says news network exhibiting panic by seeking to clarify its tweet 35 days after Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has excoriated Cable News

Network (CNN) for exhibiting panic over its reports on the Lekki Toll Gate incident by seeking to clarify its tweet some 35 days later where it

denied it never attributed the death toll of 38 to Amnesty International.

In a tacit admission that it misreported the death toll at

the Lekki toll gate in Lagos, CNN on Thursday also stated that its October 23 report on the incident did not make it clear that the death toll was

from protests across the country.

This marks a U-turn by CNN in its reporting of the alleged shooting of defiant

#ENDSARS protesters at the toll plaza on the night of October 20, 2020.

Continued on page 5

#EndSARS: IG Adamu, Top Officers Strategise against Threat of New Protests Inspector General of Police: Those planning to come up with another violent protest should re-think; we are prepared to face them Charles Ajunwa in Lagos and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, yesterday met with command commissioners from the 36 states and Abuja, to review the security situation in the country and to strategise on how to respond to the threat of fresh EndSARS protests allegedly being planned by some of the conveners of the demonstrations that turned bloody last October.

Sources at the meeting told THISDAY last night that the threat of a new EndSARS protests dominated discussion, and that a number of proactive measures to tame the planned protest were agreed on.

“The IG gave firm

instructions to the command commissioners to strictly implement decisions reached at the meeting on strategies to ensure that there is no repeat of violent protests in the country again and warned the command commissioners that they would be held accountable if such happens,” said the source.

Before IG Adamu went into the meeting with his command commissioners, he briefed the press and also took questions, during which he stated that the police were ready to combat any group attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order again.

He warned any group planning another round Continued on page 5

Ali Ndume Gets Bail for Good Behaviour... Page 6

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, during Uzodinma’s visit to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday

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PAGE FIVE FG SEEKS NEW EUROBOND, EMEFIELE FORESEES 2% GDP GROWTH IN 2021 She also confirmed that the $1.5billion World Bank loan being anticipated is about to be granted by the board of the multi-lateral institution, saying Nigeria is at the final stage of closing the deal.

The loan is an economic stimulus to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among the 36 states of the federation. The World Bank board is expected to discuss the loan package at their next meeting and possibly approve the request.

The World Bank loan, sought by Nigeria in the wake of the devastating impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, is being delayed by the Brettonwood institution due to concerns over reforms as it feels that Nigeria has not shown enough commitment towards achieving them.

Some of the reforms expected include the unification and flexibility of the exchange rate, removal of fuel subsidy, increase in electricity tariffs, amongst others.

However, it seems that with the recent deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry with the attendant removal of fuel subsidy and increase in electricity tariff, some of those concerns of the World Bank are gradually being sorted out.

The Minister further disclosed that Nigeria “is considering joining the G-20

debt-relief initiative� and talking to commercial lenders to secure their backing. “We will consider joining as long as it is safe for us to do so,� Ahmed said.

She said Nigeria could not participate initially because some of the conditions were unfavourable for existing loan commitments with bilateral lenders and other international borrowings.

The minister also spoke on other issues, including the recent cut in interest rates and the widening disparity between the exchange rates at the official and parallel markets.

She explained that the central bank had cut interest rates to stimulate activity in the private sector and to reduce possible job losses as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. She also expressed confidence that Nigeria would exit recession by the end of year.

Giving further clarifications on the rate cut, Ahmed stated: “It’s something we have had to do to stabilise business and the economy.

We actually had to reduce interest rates, especially for government intervention, as much as 50 per cent and also granted regulatory forbearance extending tenors of facilities even in some cases, we had the repayment suspended for some time.

Making a case for the survival of businesses, the

minister said: “We are trying to get as many businesses as possible access low cost financing in a manner that is easy so that they can reinvest in their businesses to revive the business and to ensure that we keep jobs. It was a deliberate effort and after a while we will begin to adjust.�

According to her, the government is concerned about the widening gap in the Naira’s exchange rate on the official and parallel markets.

She said: “We are very concerned. Both the fiscal and monetary authorities have been trying to take measures to close the gap.

The reason why we have the gap is because of the drop in revenue from oil and gas industry. This third quarter, the oil industry growth was -13.01per cent, which is the highest we have seen in about 14 quarters, so it’s significant and as you know the oil and gas sector is still the largest source of foreign exchange in Nigeria. “So what we have now is a situation of scarcity that we are trying to address. There is high demand and there is a very low supply and the CBN has put a process with which to meet the demand and the needs are being addressed as time goes by. We do hope we shall soon get to an even level so that the impact on the exchange rate will be

moderated.�

She was confident that Nigeria would exit recession by the last quarter of the year, because of the exit plan being put in place by the government.

She said, “We just released our third quarter report and the indication is a positive one even though we reported a negative growth of -3.62, which technically showed we are in a recession but when you compare it with the second quarter report, which is -3.61, it is a significant improvement and it shows that the measures we are taking are the right ones. “We are very hopeful that by the fourth quarter of 2020, we will exit recession, if not, we will do so by the first quarter of 2021.�

Ahmed said the positive assumption means the steps being taken by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari “are working.�

She disclosed that the President had taken very early bold measures that are largely focused on stabilising the economy and to support the poor and the vulnerable and, “thankfully, we can see from the numbers that COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria has been well controlled.�

Cbn Governor Harps on Measures to Insulate Economy

from External Shocks Meanwhile, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele has predicted a two per cent growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2021.

Emefiele, who spoke at the 55th Annual Bankers Dinner in Lagos, anticipated that with sustained implementation of the central bank’s development finance initiatives, as well as efforts from the fiscal authorities, the Nigerian economy could emerge from recession by the first quarter of 2021.

Nigeria’s real GDP contracted for the second consecutive quarter by 3.62 per cent in the third quarter of the year, compared to a growth of -6.10 per cent, which showed that the country had entered its second economic recession in five years.

But speaking yesterday, Emefiele assured his audience who were mostly bankers and investors that just like policymakers did in 2016 when the economy slipped into recession, the fiscal and monetary policy managers would join forces to address the present economic challenge.

He reiterated his call for analysts to always give out accurate figures and indicators on the economy so as not to cause panic or mislead potential investors.

“We also expect that growth in 2021 would attain two per cent. However, downside risks remain, as restoration of full economic activities, particularly in service-related sectors, remains uncertain until a COVID-19 vaccine is produced and made available to millions of people across the world. “Second, with the significant rise in cases in advanced markets and the imposition of lockdowns in parts of Europe, concerns remain on the impact this could have on growth in advanced economies, commodity prices and the financial markets. “We must therefore find ways to insulate our economy from the impact of these shocks through our diversification efforts, while also working to ensure that we adhere to safety protocols in order to prevent a surge in COVID-19 related cases, as this could further cripple economic activities,� he explained.

According to Emefiele, actions by the CBN in 2021 would be guided by considerations that emerged from the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held last week, which sought to address the major headwinds exerting downward pressure on output growth and upward pressure on domestic prices.

Continued on page 38

#ENDSARS: IG ADAMU, TOP OFFICERS STRATEGISE AGAINST THREAT OF NEW PROTESTS of protest to desist from such plan as the police high command would no longer tolerate violent protests, maintaining that the constitution abhors violent protests.

The IG said peaceful protests were allowed but insisted that the police remained prepared for planners of violent protests. “We will never allow this type of #EndSARS protests again, it was violent. Peaceful protest is allowed in our constitution. When this process started peacefully, we provided security for them.

"We were moving with them to make sure they were not molested by any group of people and it was going on well until it turned violent.

“When it turned violent, they then attacked the people that were even giving them protection. So, we shall never allow any violent protest in this country again. When you talk of peaceful protests, yes, it is allowed but violent protests, never. “Even our constitution does not accept violent protests, so, those people that are planning to come up with another protest, if they've planned it to be a violent one, they should re-think.

We are prepared to face them. “We are to protect this country from hoodlums. We’re to protect this country from violence, and we want every Nigerian to work with us to prevent what had happened as aftermath of the end of

SARS in terms of destruction of public properties, and loss of lives. Businesses of individuals were crippled, and corporate institutions were destroyed.

The IG said the EndSARS protests were politicallymotivated, while criminals under police investigation saw the protest as a revenge opportunity.

"Criminals that have been threatening our commonly held values for peace and who, in furtherance of our mandate were brought to justice or are subject of ongoing police actions, saw an opportunity in the protests to take their revenge and attempt to weaken the foundation of policing in this country. “These set of people found

partnership in the subversive elements, whose agenda was neither propelled by genuine advocacy for police reform, but the galvanisation and instigation of unsuspecting citizens into an uprising that was directed at endangering our democracy for their parochial political agenda," he said.

The IG called on wellmeaning Nigerians to join hands with the police to prevent recurrence of violent protests.

He also called on wellmeaning Nigerians to prevail on groups said to be planning the new rounds of protests to drop the idea.

Adamu further charged the commissioners of police to review operations in their

commands ahead of the yuletide.

"With Christmas fast approaching, there is an immediate need for you to review your security architecture across your various commands and formations and ensure the optimal deployment of personnel to cover all identified vulnerable areas towards ensuring a peaceful yuletide.

"You are to prepare and submit your operation orders for Christmas to my office not later than Tuesday, 1st December, 2020," he said.

On the jail break at the Edo State correctional facility, he said many prisoners, who escaped have been arrested while many cultists were also

nabbed.

Adamu said: "We have made a lot of arrests of those people that escaped from prisons. Some were even arrested in Kano and Kaduna. When they escaped, some of them went back to their business of robbery. “And the cultists, when they escaped, they went back to the business of cultism, especially in Edo. We’ve been able to arrest a significant number of them and we are still after those that are outside.

"We call on Nigerians, any information you have about escapees from any of the correctional centres, please inform us or any other security agencies, so that we can get them back to prison.�

the hijack of the EndSARS protest was catalysed by fake news and disinformation, which spread like wildfire on social media.

He lauded security agencies, particularly the police and soldiers for professionalism and their restraint, which helped to save many lives during the protests, noting that even in the face of attacks and provocation, they acted within their rules of engagement.

The minister lamented that the reporting of the EndSARS protest was skewed against the security agencies, saying only a few stations highlighted the attacks and killings of security agents, as well as the destruction of public and private property.

He said: “For the record, six soldiers and 37 policemen were killed all over the country during the crisis.

Also, 196 policemen were injured; 164 police vehicles were destroyed and 134 police stations burnt down. “The killing of the policemen

was particularly gruesome and dastardly. Yet, human rights organisations and the media have not given this the attention it deserved. Rather, they have remained fixated on the so-called massacre. It seems human rights do not matter for men and women in uniform. This is unfortunate and must be corrected. Please note that the violence also left 57 civilians dead, 269 private/corporate facilities burnt/looted/vandalised, 243 government facilities burnt/ vandalised and 81 government warehouses looted.�

The international cable network had on October 23 suggested a massacre occurred without any reasonable evidence, when it claimed that at least 38 persons were killed when soldiers shot some peaceful protesters at the toll plaza.

However, almost five weeks after its first reporting on the incident, the network walked back the claim with the statement on Thursday.

LAI MOHAMMED MOCKS CNN OVER CLARIFICATION OF ITS ENDSARS MASSACRE TWEET Back on October 23, CNN reported: “At least 38 people were killed in Nigeria on Tuesday when the military opened fire on peaceful protesters. But the President failed to address the carnage, during his speech on Thursday, drawing criticism from protesters who accuse him of failing to show empathy and unifying the nation.�

Yesterday, Mohammed, who has consistently disputed the CNN accounts of the Lekki incident of October 20, where soldiers allegedly shot at peaceful protesters, accused the Atlanta-based network of inaccuracy and unbalanced investigation.

He also shamed the outfit for receding into infamy in its desperate act to justify its report that protesters were massacred in Lagos.

The minister spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement with members of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) yesterday in Abuja.

He described CNN’s tweet on Thursday as the clearest indication yet of its confusion over the Lekki Toll Gate incident, wherein it attempted to clarify its tweet of October 23 by saying it never attributed the death toll of 38 to Amnesty International while adding that the tweet also failed to make it clear that the death toll was for protests across the country.

He declared: “Commentators on the tweet tried to redirect CNN to the issue: which is its tweet of October 23 in which it said ‘At least 38 people were killed in Nigeria on Tuesday (October 20th) when the military opened fire on peaceful protesters.’ This is very unambiguous and CNN is exhibiting panic by seeking to clarify its tweet some 35 days later! Instead of engaging in such panic, CNN should come clean by admitting that it goofed badly on the Lekki Toll Gate incident.�

He vilified CNN for relying on unauthenticated videos to

carry out an investigation, describing as worrisome that an international broadcaster like it would switch casualty figures so casually without a credible source. “This is why we have written a letter to CNN asking it to use its own internal mechanism to probe its investigation. We have received an acknowledgment of our letter, saying the letter has been referred to CNN's Editorial Team. We await the outcome of their probe, but that is without prejudice to whatever we may decide to do as a government. “We will not sit by and allow any news organisation, local or foreign, to set Nigeria on fire with irresponsible and unprofessional reporting. CNN did not have a reporter or cameraman at the Lekki Toll Gate on the night in question, yet it emphatically reported a hoax story. Conversely, the BBC that had a reporter and an editor on the ground reported that soldiers shot into

the air, not at protesters. I will rather believe the person on the ground than the one who is thousands of kilometres away,� Mohammed said.

He also called out Nigerian broadcast stations for what he tagged as their failure to take the lead in the reporting of the Lekki toll gate incident.

He condemned BON for outsourcing their role to a foreign organisation, “that do not even have correspondents on the ground, to broadcast misleading information to the world.�

The minister challenged BON stakeholders that all the posers that had arisen in the wake of the federal government spat with CNN over the broadcast of the protests must form part of their review of the coverage of the whole crisis.

He also urged broadcast stations to avoid using unverified information from social media, as such is fraught with danger, stressing that the violence that resulted from

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ΀, 2020

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Naira Weakens to Lowest in Three Years Festus Akanbi The Naira yesterday weakened to the lowest in over three years in the parallel market due to increased demand for dollars amid foreign-currency shortages.

The local currency depreciated to N495 to a dollar yesterday, lowest since February 23, 2017, widening the gap with the official rate of N379.5 to over 30 per cent. The currency traded in the interbank market at 389.74 as of 4:54p.m. in Lagos.

Agency reports quoted traders as alleging a groundswell of diversion of dollars, a development which heightened scarcity of the green back in the parallel market this week.

There is a diversion of inflows away from official channels to the parallel market due to the gap in rates, Murega Mungai, trading desk manager for Aza Finance said in a note Thursday.

The market spread has created arbitrage opportunities

for recipients of remittances such as exporters and private individuals.

Pent up demand in the foreign exchange market is not unprecedented given increase purchase of items in preparation for seasonal festivities, Nkemdilim Nwadialor, analyst at Tellimer markets said. “This has been compounded by the fact that all through the year, we have had dollar shortage,� she said.

A directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that exporters must register with it through an online portal has slowed the export of cocoa and other non-oil exports. That will likely worsen foreign-exchange shortage in Africa’s biggest economy and impede the government’s efforts to diversify the economy away from its dependence on oil.

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, currently at $35.4 billion has dropped about 3 % since May when it climbed to 36.6 billion, after picking up from April lows when it was

Uzodinma: If You’re in Opposition, Fasting is Your Hope of Survival Omololu Ogunmade Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, yesterday in Abuja boasted that only members of the ruling party had accelerated access to federal resources, saying members of the opposition, on the other hand, could only rely on fasting to secure divine help.

Uzodinma, who made the claim while briefing State House reporters after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, emphasised that the fate of members of the opposition was only in the hands of God. According to him, what a member of a ruling party will get with ease will not be automatic for members of the opposition.

Uzodinma who was basking in the euphoria of the recent defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisted that nothing was automatic for opposition politicians from the federal opportunities.

He said after the defection of Umahi, South-east governors were not the only next targets of the party but the entire political class in the region, adding that anyone who believed in Nigeria must identify with the ruling party. “Once you believe in Nigeria and you have a pan-Nigeria attitude, of course, you will go for a national party. There is no gainsaying that if you are not with the national party, and you choose to be in opposition, of course, you will continue to fast until God answers your prayers. “But we that are in the ruling party, of course, what

it will take us to solve certain problems may be different from what it will take somebody who is not very close to the source of authority to solve his own problems,� he said.

Uzodinma said he counted himself so lucky to now have a colleague in APC in the Southeast, recalling that when he became governor through the Supreme Court judgment, he was more or less an orphan because he was the only APC governor in the region.

He expressed hope that the entire South-east would become an APC zone, emphasising that the avalanche of resources available for those who belong to APC was not comparable to the little the opposition could tap from.

He said: “Well, I must count myself very lucky. After I emerged as APC governor, I used to be an orphan. You will agree with me, I have a brother now, who is also in APC. My hope is that the region will see the reason and the wisdom in coming over to the ruling party because the ruling party is a national party. There is no way you can compare what your people will get in an opposition party to what they will get from the ruling party. “APC is the ruling party which has access to the federal government, and because our preaching and gospel has always been how to unite Nigeria, how to encourage national unity, national integration, and national cohesion, it will be more cost effective to have my people; the people of South-east should see reason and join APC, the national party. I’m very optimistic that gradually, we will get there.

It’s a matter of convincing our people, which we are doing.�

hit by fall in crude prices and Coronavirus pandemic.

The gap in the exchanges rates in the parallel and official markets is because of

decline in revenue from oil, Nigeria’s main export, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed said.

The government is concerned

about the spread and is taking steps to address the issue of scarcity, but “the progress is not as much as we hoped,� she said in a Bloomberg TV

interview yesterday. “We hope to get to an even level very soon so the impact of the exchange rate will become moderated,� Ahmed said.

NEW WAYS‌ L R : Director, Administration and Human Resource Department, Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, Mr. Muftau Owodeyi; The Special Adviser Operations, Mr. Gbolahan Dixon; Managing Director and Chief Executive OďŹƒcer, Prince Adedamola Dosunmu; and Head, Mobile Small Format and Temporary , Mr. Bayo Aluko, at the 2021 Mobile Advert Sticker Launch in Lagos... on Thursday.

Afenifere Wants Olufon’s Killers Arrested, Asks Buhari to Secure Nation Deji Elumoye Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Pan Yoruba sociocultural organisation, Afenifere, has called on the Nigeria Police to fish out the killers of the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, who was murdered on Thursday.

The group also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be alive to his responsibility by providing adequate security for the Nigerian citizens.

National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, in a statement issued yesterday entitled ‘Olufon’s murder and total insecurity’, described the killing of the Olufon as one murder too many that needed to be investigated by the police. “We ask the police to fish

out the killers of Olufon as it is one murder too many and absolute failure and lack of competence by the security system in Nigeria to secure lives and property which is the first duty of any responsible government.�

Afenifere stated that it was yet to recover from the recent murder of many Yoruba citizens which the police had not unraveled when another killing took place. “This gruesome murder coming as we are still smarting from the brutal murder of the daughter of Afenifere Leader, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin for which some Fulani herdsmen are currently on trial. There have been other multiple murders across Yoruba land

which the police have not been able to resolve. It has reached a point that only very prominent killings get reported in this state of total insecurity in a failed state. “We are fed up with the daily sucking of the blood of our people across Nigeria in the apparent festering of insecurity which now has a very conducive atmosphere in Nigeria,� Afenifere lamented.

The group stressed that it was high time President Buhari provided adequate security for all and sundry saying, “To President Buhari it’s a time to get up and secure Nigeria and allow a federal architecture that promotes homeland security, being the Commandeer-In-Chief can’t be

a title with no responsibility.�

Afenifere also canvassed for decentralisation of the current single police system as well as putting in proper shape the infrastructural facilities which were currently in very bad shape. “The total collapse of single policing to keep Nigeria safe is the urgent need to allow multi-level policing now. “The total collapse of infrastructure in Nigeria reflected in the report that the Oba was abducted by the killers as the vehicle had to slow down in a bad portion of the road. Why are we constructing road to Niger Republic when our own roads are literally death - traps?�, the group wondered.

Court Admits Ndume to Bail Citing Good Behaviour Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, on grounds of “good behaviourâ€?, admitted Senator Ali Ndume to bail over his suretyship for former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina.

Maina, who is standing trial on a 12-count charge of alleged N2 billion money laundering, was assumed to have jumped bail following his failure to appear in court for his trial on four different adjournments.

It would be recalled that Justice Abang had admitted Maina to bail in the sum of N500 million

and a surety in like sum, who must be a serving Senator and must attend every court proceedings relating to the matter.

Ndume had stood surety for Maina in his alleged money laundering trial and was consistent in attending Maina’s trial until sometime in September when Maina stopped appearing in court.

Responding, the court on November 18, revoked Maina’s bail and ordered for his arrest wherever he was found.

The court also on Monday ordered the remand of Ndume at the Kuje Correctional Centre, following his inability to produce Maina in court to continue his trial.

According to the judge, the

senator who represents Borno South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, would remain in custody until he pays the bond of N500 million he signed for Maina’s bail to the federal government or when the property he surrendered as guarantee has been disposed of by the government.

However, after four days in custody, Ndume who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army has been admitted to bail.

Justice Abang admitted him to bail with a surety that must show evidence of a landed property in Abuja, while delivering ruling in his bail application filed and argued by his lawyer, Mr. Marcel

Oru on Thursday.

The judge in the ruling held that though the applicant had failed to place any material to show that he had redeemed the N500m bond, he had shown good conducts during the duration of trial by attending court regularly.

He explained that the court chose to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant in granting the bail because of his good conduct.

Justice Abang recalled that since May 5, 2020 when Ndume deposed to the affidavit means to forfeit the N500m bail bond in the event that Maina jumped bail, he had attended all the court sessions.

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NEWS Eulogies as ex-NNPC GMD, Gaius Obaseki Marks 75 Years Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã

PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS...

L-R: PR Manager GOtv Nigeria Jennifer Ukoh; BBNaija Lockdown edition winner, Olamilekan Agbeleshe, aka Laycon and AdeTunji Beyioku- Senior Marketing Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria, during the GOtv city tour in Abeokuta...recently

Akeredolu’s Chief of Staff Wife, One Other Kidnapped in Ondo James Sowole in Akure One of the wives of Mr. Olugbenga Ale, the Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, was late Thursday abducted along with another woman, by suspected gunmen.

The women, were kidnapped at Owena area on Akure-Ondo Highway of the state while coming from Lagos, where they had gone to buy goods for sale in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The abduction of the women came barely hours after a First Class Traditional Ruler, the Olufon of Ifon in Ose Local Government Area, was killed around Elegbeka on Owo-Ifon Road.

Another woman, who was also an occupant of the vehicle, escaped from the kidnappers while the driver of the vehicle, which belongs to the wife of the Chief of Staff, was left off the hook by the abductors. “The woman was abducted at Owena along on Akure-Ondo

Road. “The case has been reported to the security agencies especially the Amotekun and army to comb everywhere and we are expecting a feedback soon,� a government official said.

An aide to Akeredolu, who asked not to be named, also confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred late on Thursday.

He said, “The governor is aware of the incident already and has also visited the house of the Chief of Staff at Alagbaka with plans

to ensure the safe release of the woman.

When contracted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Ondo State Command, Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, confirmed the incident.

He said, “The woman and others were on their way to Akure, when the gunmen stopped their vehicle. “As I am talking, policemen, army and men of paramilitary agencies are combing the forest to rescue the people.�

TERAWORK Emerges Best Startup, 2020 Freelance Market Place Chinedu Eze TERAWORK, a platform that empowers entrepreneurs in Nigeria by providing access to affordable flexible competent workforce to grow their business, has emerged the Best Tech Startup and Best Freelance Marketplace at the Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA).

The awards, which held in Lagos, added to the firm’s growing list of honours that include Forbes Best 200 startups.

Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) is organised annually to

celebrate and reward technology entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors, academics and key government policymakers in Nigeria.

According to information provided by Beta Media, the organiser of the awards, the event aims to promote and commend the excellent achievements to which Nigeria technology professionals and organisations contribute towards building a sustainable economy using technology.

Speaking about the double recognition, Chief Operation

Officer (COO) at TERAWORK, Titi Taiwo said, “TERAWORK prioritises excellent performances internally and demands higher standards of delivery from its freelancer community as part of a commitment to helping businesses hiring competent independent experts through the platform to achieve commercial success by raising the quality standards of products and services with a strong focus on the bottom line. “Absolutely, this is the reason why businesses globally turn to us to source for professional

freelancers that can optimise the output and work delivery quality along their value chain at reasonable costs. These awards, therefore, lay credence to our overall efforts devoted to enhancing business’ operating models and boosting the opportunities available to professional freelancers to earn sufficient incomes.�

Professional freelancers market has risen to $1. 5 trillion in value globally and TERAWORK’s Fiverr and Upwork are some of the outsourcing platforms known for helping freelancers earn good income.

Military Gets 39 New Major Generals, 16 AirVice Marshals 31 Air Commodores, 97 Brigadier-Generals

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The military high command yesterday approved the promotion of 39 Brigadier Generals to the rank of Major General while 16 Air Commodores were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal.

A statement separately issued by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force said the Nigerian Army Council and the Nigerian Air Force Council approved the promotions which saw the elevation of the Spokesmen of the Air Force and Army, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, who was promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal while his Army counterpart, Col. Sagir Musa, was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General.

A total of 39 Brigadier Generals were promoted to Major General, while 97 Colonels were elevated to the rank of Brigadier General accordingly.

The Air Force promoted a total of 107 senior officers to the next higher ranks in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The affected senior officers include 16 Air Commodores (Air Cdres) who were promoted to the rank of Air Vice Marshal (AVM), 31 Group Captains (Gp Capts) who were promoted to the rank of Air Cdre, 27 Wing Commanders (Wg Cdrs) promoted to the rank of Gp Capt and 33 Squadron Leaders (Sqn Ldrs) promoted to the rank of Wg Cdr. Those promoted to Major General in the Nigerian Army are Brigadier General OO Oluyede Acting Commander Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Damaturu; Brigadier General BR Sinjen Acting Director Operations, Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations; Brigadier General AK Ibrahim Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maiduguri, Brigadier

General OR Aiyenigba Head Operations Monitoring Team Army Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General SG Mohammed Commander 23 Brigade Yola, Brigadier-General UU Bassey of the Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General KN Garba Office of the Chief Army Staff, Army Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General A Bande Acting General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto, Brigadier General CV Eze Nigerian Army Special Projects, Office of the Chief of Army Staff, Brigadier General KI Yusuf Acting Chief of Accounts and Budget of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General SI Igbinowanhia Acting Commander Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno.

Others include Brigadier General H Ahmed Acting Provost Marshal (Army), Brigadier General AS Ndalolo Nigerian High Commission London, Brigadier General

AA Fayemiwo Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji, Brigadier General IM Jallo Commander 63 Brigade Asaba, Brigadier General E Akerejola of Army Headquarters Department of Army Logistics, Brigadier General AJ Fagge Ministry of Defence Abuja, Brigadier General JO Ochai Nigerian Army Resource Centre Abuja, Brigadier General IS Ali Department of Defence Logistics Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General GU Chibuisi Headquarters 19 Brigade Baga, Brigadier General S Dahiru of Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peace Keeping Centre Jaji, Brigadier General OO Soyele Defence Headquarters Abuja, Brigadier General ML Augie Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, Brigadier General PI Eze Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri, Brigadier General BH Mohammed.

It was commendation galore yesterday in Benin City, Edo State capital as former Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki, celebrated his 75 years of age.

The eulogies came when Dr. Obaseki accompanied by his wife, children, family members and friends held a thanksgiving mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Benin.

In a homily, the Archbishop of Benin Metropolitan See, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, described Dr. Obaseki as a man of uncommon character, gentle and unasumming.

Archbishop Akubeze who spoke through the Parish Priest of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Benin, Reverend Fr. Pascal Emono, Rector, St..Paul Minor Seminary, Benin, said the celebrant had advanced the course in the nation’s oil industry without blemish.

According to him, “In a nation of corrupt and insensitive leaders like ours, Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki is

one of the few who returned from retirement and is not accused of corruption and money laundry. “He said birthday is an opportunity to thank God for one’s life, that is what Gaius Obaseki has done today. “Therefore today, we have come to celebrate a man who has been a supporter of the downtrodden, the church, and those within his surrounding. “He is a man you can rely on for counseling and advice, a man before God’s heart. He has been a gift to the church and may God continue to grant him long and healthy life�, Archbishop Akubeze stated.

Furthermore, the archbishop who is also the President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBC), noted that the success story of the celebrant could not be completed without his wife, Mrs. Roxanna Gaius Obaseki, adding that she had remained the pillar behind the success story. “Happy is the man who finds a true friend in his wife. So, there is nothing else for us to say than to thank God for Gaius Obaseki and his family�, he declared.

OPEC Revises Oil Demand to 96m/Barrel in 2021 Festus Akanbi The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has slashed its 2021 projection for global oil demand to 96 million barrel of crude as against 102 million barrels, a target set before the outbreak of COVID-19 earlier in the year.

The Secretary-General of the organisation, Mohammed Barkindo, who made the disclosure said the current global oil demand was slightly above 90 million b/d.

This current threshold, according to him, “represents a sharp decline of nearly 10 million b/d from where we started the year, and almost an 11 million b/d contraction compared to what we forecast for the year back in January.�

Speaking at the OPEC’s Crescent IdeasForum(videoconference)during the week, Barkindo stated, “In 2021, we expect growth to bounce back to 6.2 million b/d, to just over 96 million b/d, compared to our pre-coronavirus expectations for demand reaching almost 102 million b/d next year.�

He explained that the recent

revisions were due to the easing pace of the economic recovery and recent COVID-19 containment measures, which are assumed to impact transportation and industrial fuel demand well into next year.

According to him, “The crucial market rebalancing efforts are further complicated by high stock levels.

Preliminary data for October shows that total OECD commercial oil stocks were 208 million barrels above the latest five-year average, compared to 13 million barrels below the five-year average in January of this year.�

The OPEC scribe explained that total global inventories had surged by more than one billion barrels since the beginning of this year. “These figures would have been dramatically higher – and clearly unsustainable – had it not been for the unprecedented cooperative efforts taken to address the imbalance in fundamentals and stabilise the market.

He said, “In April, we delivered an unprecedented response to an unparalleled market shock, by adjusting output down by 9.7 million b/d, or roughly 10% global demand at the time.�

Hisbah Bars Radio Station from Use of ‘Black Friday’ in Kano Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano State Hisbah Board has instructed Cool FM Nigeria, Kano Office to stop using the phrase ‘Black Friday’.

In a letter signed by the Principal Executive Officer II, AbubakarMuhammadAlionbehalf of the Commander General of the Hisbah Board Kano and obtained

by THISDAY yesterday, said the notice takes immediate effect. “I am directed to write and notify you that the office is in receipt of complaints for the conduct of BLACK FRIDAY SALES on 27th November, 2020 instant,� the letter said.

Hisbah however said that considering the fact that Kano

was a Muslim dominated state, Fridays must not be called black Friday.

The letter reads: “Accordingly, we wish to express our concern on the tagging of the Friday as “Black Friday� and further inform you that, majority of the inhabitants of Kano State are Muslims that consider Friday as a Holy Day. “In view of the foregoing you are requested to stop calling the day as Black Friday with immediate effect and note that Hisbah Corps will be around for surveillance purposes with a view to avoiding the occurrence of any immoral activities as well as maintaining peace , harmony and stability in the state.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ΀, 2020

08054699539

Ransom to Kidnappers now Certified in Nigeria

T

he accounts of how families of the abducted students of Ahmadu Bello University negotiated with kidnappers, visited them in the forest and made payments to secure the release of their children are worrisome. In sound societies, the leadership of the security agencies along that axis would have been sacked. The nine students were abducted with scores of others on the notorious Kaduna-Abuja highway on November 15 and were kept in the forest for five days. Parents of the ABU 9 had to lead the drive to free their children because of the lackadaisical attitude of the security agents. When the traumatised families eventually struck a deal with the kidnappers, they were asked to congregate in a forest in Chikun Local Government Area and given directions into the specific location of the kidnappers. The kidnappers were so bold. Our security agents were the least of their worries. They went about the deal unperturbed about our so-called policemen and other security agents.

Imagine families going to pay kidnappers for the release of their loved ones and security agents on duty near the kidnappers’ den wishing them well. Yes, that was what happened to the families of the ABU 9.

Security operatives along the corridor saw them heading into the forest and wished them luck. One of the parents remarked: “We met with security agents who were patrolling the area while on our way and they asked us where we were going to because it was late at night. We told them we were on our way to pay for the release of our relatives and the security agents wished us good luck.�

Security agents around the kidnappers den in Chikun Local Government were just having fun. I doubt if tracking and apprehending the kidnappers were part of their briefing. They simply looked the other way while parents of the ABU 9 continued their journey into the den of the kidnappers on November 20. It was so depressing. Clearly, this country is in a big security mess. That the venue for the ransom to the kidnappers is near the Kaduna State NYSC camp is even more upsetting. Another parent of the ABU 9 explains: “If you are travelling to Abuja from Kaduna, immediately after the NYSC camp, there is a solar light at a small village called Dutse. By the side, there is a tarred road that goes into Gwagwada but before we got to Gwagwada, there is a road that will lead you to Maro village.

IG Mohammed Adamu

It was on our way to Maro that we were diverted into the forest. We are in serious trouble in this country because this thing happened just close to the NYSC camp.�

This is happening in my beloved Nigeria.

It is so sad that the kidnappers were communicating with families of the victims via GSM phones for days and yet, security agents did not bother to track them. The abductors demanded a cumulative ransom of N270 million, asking each parent to provide N30 million. They eventually paid between N500,000 and N1,000,000. This is the level Nigeria has degenerated.

It seems there is an official endorsement of ransom to kidnappers. Security agents stand by and even advise families of victims to negotiate well. What else should Nigerians expect when families of security agents also pay to free officers abducted? Back in September, a 33-year-old officer of the Department of State Services, Sadiq Bindawa, who was on a visit to his native Katsina, was traced to his house and abducted. His colleagues at the DSS offices in Katsina and in Abuja could not save him. He was killed even after his family and friends paid N5 million to his abductors. Bindawa worked at the DSS HQ in Abuja. Last September, an army officer, Colonel S.B Onifade was abducted on the Kaduna-Abuja highway and his family/friends paid N10 million to the kidnappers. But Onifade was still killed.

The truth that must be told is that

abductions and killings will persist if this government continues to keep the leadership of all security agencies in this country.

Leadership has failed our security agents.

Besides, our police, DSS, military and the rest are poorly equipped and poorly motivated.

As a result, evil people will continue to abduct, rape, collect ransom and will hardly be apprehended. I am shocked that guilt is not gnawing the souls of those charged with the responsibility of protecting hapless Nigerians. Those being paid to protect us are not ashamed of their unending failings. The leadership of the security agencies persistently come out bald-headed, claiming to be on top of the situation, whereas, they are far away from it. I often grimace at their words. Our security agents show frightening ineptitude.

We often see captors communicate with families of victims for weeks; yet, security agents are unable to track and smoke them out. Even President Buhari does not know the way out of this security mess.

The latest in Nigeria’s orgy of killings is the murder of a first class traditional ruler in Ondo State, the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi last Thursday by unknown gunmen. Last Sunday, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State, Philip Tatari Shekwo was kidnapped in his house and murdered. His body was dumped few meters from his residence at Anguwar Bukan -Sidi in Lafia metropolis last Sunday. In Rivers State, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Ebenezer Kalabo Amah, was abducted in his house and murdered.

In Kaduna State, an activist, Rabiu Awwal was killed by bandits during an attack in his community on November 20.

In Katsina State, bandits attacked PDP’s Chairman in Sabuwa Local Government, Lawal Dako, and shot him severally. He later died from the injuries. The granddaughter of the slain party council chairman was also shot and killed by the bandits during the attack. Last Monday, kidnappers entered Ahmadu Bello University, unhindered and abducted an official of the school at his residence at Main Campus, Samaru. As in previous cases, almost all these killers and kidnappers will never be apprehended.

What a country!

While the kidnappings and killings in my beloved Nigeria pour, the level of clumsiness of our security agencies is sickening.

A total overhaul is necessary if we want result. To do this, the present leadership

The ‘Greek’ Proposal to Goodluck Jonathan The scheming by some supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari to have former President Goodluck Jonathan run on the platform of the All Progressives Congress for President in 2023 is progressing. One can safely say that it is now full blown, fuelled by power intrigues and permutations.

Some of the APC governors behind the scheme turned out for Jonathan’s 63th birthday nine days ago. Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni; Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu and Jigawa State Governor, Abubakar Badaru are top on the list.

For these schemers, Jonathan’s candidacy will satisfy the increasing clamour for power shift to the Southeast. They want to mask him as an Igbo man. After all, he has “Ebele and Azikiwe� as part of his name.

Jonathan is expected to be harmless to the interest of this group and that of the North, and as such, the right person to take over from Buhari.

Again, Jonathan is a good product for these plotters because he would be

entitled to just one term. So, power can shift to the North quickly. For these conspirators, Jonathan is a safe bet, very amiable gentleman, who will not rock the boat. He represents the shortest route for the north to regain power. They also say Buhari can trust him and that there is a growing friendship between them. Buhari is still struggling to recover from how Jonathan accepted defeat and handed over power to him in 2015. They say he would be so happy to hand back power to Jonathan.

Well, Jonathan has not responded to all these 2023 pressure. If I were him, I will reject this Greek gift and continue to enjoy my retirement in peace.

This proposal is an attempt to ruin all that he has achieved. Jonathan is not an Igbo man and cannot be an Igbo man. He cannot take over the slot of the South-east. Honestly, Presidential power should rotate to the South-east for fair play and political inclusiveness.

This country has been unfair to this region for so long and it should end

Goodluck Jonathan

in 2023. Jonathan should not allow himself to be used as a tool to scuttle the dreams of the South-east. Those offering him this Greek gift are just out to protect their selfish interest.

The GEJ I know will most likely resist this temptation.

of the security agencies must make way for a result- oriented one that will address the issues of leadership, equipment and quality manpower. As for our President, he should be ashamed of this security mess.

The buck stops on his table. He should shape in or ship out.

Timipre Sylva

Why Timipre Sylva Should be Embarrassed Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva wants Nigerians to be proud that our dear country is resuming importation of petroleum products from neighbouring Niger Republic. The deal was recently signed. Sylva says contrary to the position of critics of this government, the plan should not be seen as an embarrassment to our country but a plus because “Nigeria is encouraging intra-regional trade.� Well, it is sad that this petroleum minister is unaware of what amounts to embarrassment. Let me explain to him. Sylva should be embarrassed that a 20,000 barrels per day capacity refinery is working very well in little Niger Republic, while three 450,000 barrels per day capacity refineries are not working in mighty Nigeria. My dear Sylva, this is where the shame is.

You should be embarrassed by this. This government has failed to revive Nigeria’s refineries as promised after almost six years of deceit.

Nigeria should be supplying refined products to our West African neighbours, not importing. Niger produces in excess of what it requires and now sells to sleeping big brother called Nigeria. That is what Sylva should be ashamed of.

Our Minister of State for Petroleum Resources should also be ashamed that a total of N81.41 billion was expended on Nigeria’s four refineries between January and August this year but the facilities refined no drop of crude oil all through this period. This is according to the latest data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. The statistics showed that Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company made combined revenue of N6.54 billion during the eight-month period.

With a total expense of N81.41 billion, the four facilities ended up with a deficit of N78.87 billion. What a shame. Sylva should be ashamed of this. Niger’s total domestic requirement is about 5,000bpd, thus leaving a huge surplus of about 15,000bpd, mostly for export. This is clearly how to manage a country. I hope this government will learn from Niger Republic.

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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ÍşÎ€Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

NO, MR. SENATE PRESIDENT Why is it so hard for Lawan to know that the time calls for prudence? asks Etim Etim

“/P QSPCMFN DBO CF TPMWFE GSPN UIF TBNF MFWFM PG DPOTDJPVTOFTT UIBU DSFBUFE JU – Albert Einstein

I

must confess to some degree of disappointment in Ahmed Lawan, the Senate President, in recent months.

He has not lived up to my expectation as a man of deep thinking and grand vision. Instead, Lawan seems to be wallowing at the same level of reasoning with the average Nigerian politician. Perhaps, I did not know him well enough. I probably read him wrongly. I had assumed that with his level of education, modest beginnings that influenced his long years of leftist thoughts, Lawan would be a cut different from the pack in the National Assembly. So, I was expecting some rarefied and refined conduct, proposals, ideas and legislations, especially given our recent ‘jankara’ experience with Senator Bukola Saraki, his predecessor. A few months ago, the Senate President drew some censure when he announced that he had sponsored the wedding of over 300 indigent citizens of Yobe, his home state. I was a little nonplused that he would consider mass wedding as the best empowerment scheme for his poor constituents.

Why didn’t he arrange for technical and vocational skills for them so that they could be guaranteed some means of livelihood for life? Within his own party, APC, many have questioned Lawan’s judgment in allowing opposition party members in the Senate to serve as chairmen of sensitive and important committees. I have personally addressed this point in one of my articles earlier in the year, and I made the point that by allowing a discredited senator to serve on the Senate Committee on NDDC, Lawan was not helping the anti-graft war of the Buhari administration.

But my greatest disenchantment with Ahmed Lawan stems from his statement last week. Speaking publicly for the first time on the rising costs of running our government, he suggested that the clamour among Nigerians for the scrapping of the Senate was wrong because the Senate is ‘’a leveler that ensures that all states are represented by three senators each, unlike the House of Representatives where representation is based on population of the states’’.

This is not the kind of logic I had expected from the Senate President. The urgent need to structurally reduce the cost of our federal structure cannot be debated or reduced to emotional banalities, and the issue should not be framed in terms of which chamber is to be scrapped.

Rather, the argument should be: Do we seriously need a bicameral legislature, or should we have only one chamber of the National Assembly? I strongly believe that given the economic crisis we are facing now, we should amend the Constitution to allow us operate with a one-chamber legislature, to be named National Assembly, that would have equal representation of between five and 10 members from each state. Members of the proposed National Assembly should work part-time and sit for a limited period of time in a year. This has nothing to do with scrapping the senate or House of Representatives; but is a reform of our system of government to reflect the moment. This alone can save the nation more than N200 billion in a year. This is enough to fix one additional federal highway every year or fund the budget of all federal universities. Framing the discourse

I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT GIVEN THE ECONOMIC CRISIS WE ARE FACING NOW, WE SHOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW US OPERATE WITH A ONE-CHAMBER LEGISLATURE, TO BE NAMED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, THAT WOULD HAVE EQUAL REPRESENTATION OF BETWEEN FIVE AND 10 MEMBERS FROM EACH STATE

in this manner will save us some emotional backlash from people like Ahmed Lawan who have attachment to their positions and offices.

Faced with monumental economic and financial crisis, we cannot continue to live a lie, pretending that all is well.

Our total debt stock (foreign and domestic) as of June 2020 stands at $85.9 billion, an 8.31% increase from $79.3 billion recorded for March 2019, according to DMO. Of this, external debt alone is $31.47 billion, accounting for 36.65% of total debt. The country’s debt service obligations continue to grow. In the 2021 budget, the federal government proposes to spend N3.34 trillion to service our debts, up from N2.95 trillion spent in 2020. With expected total revenue of N7.89 trillion and total expenditure of N13. 08 trillion, a huge fiscal deficit of N5.2 trillion is proposed in the 2021 budget. This deficit would obviously be financed with more borrowings, given the government focus on infrastructural development.

These financial woes also manifest in many other ways.

Public universities have been closed for over eight months; Nigerians are getting poorer, hungrier and angrier. The pain and frustrations are palpable on the faces I see on the streets. We should come together to save the nation.

With other macroeconomic and social challenges like low productive capacity, dwindling revenues, rising public sector expenditures, pervasive corruption and a burgeoning population, Nigeria may not survive for long without fundamental restructuring of our government and costcutting measures. It is critically urgent that we must either reduce the costs and structure of governance or ramp up earnings from exports of manufactured goods (not only hydrocarbons), or both. While the former is easier to do, the later is harder to achieve, it leads to a more prosperous nation. The desirability of these reforms is well known to the Nigerian elites, but they have not been bold and patriotic enough to implement them. Earlier in the year, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo weighed in on the issue and spoke in support of such an overhaul. He asked Nigerians to debate more on it and arrive at a consensus. So far, the VP is the most visible senior official in government who has openly backed calls for the overhaul of the National Assembly. But this shouldn’t be left to the VP only. The whole political class should come to terms with their own vulnerability: If Nigerians are not happy, they too will not sleep. The spontaneity and widespread of the protests and riots in October should send clear signals that no one is safe if the country cannot take care of its needy. This moment therefore calls on us – especially the political class - to rise above the allure of position and power.

If Ahmed Lawan’s awkward comments did not reflect the full import of his convictions, it’s up to him to make amends and lead the charge to effect this constitutional change. In many instances in history, leaders whose nations faced dire existential threats usually broke out from their comfort zones to take charge and address their problems. This is not the time for our Senate President, and indeed other political leaders, to quibble about the future of Nigeria; and as Allbert Einstein’s timeless adage imply, recreating a new Nigeria requires a completely new set of thoughts, ideas and frame of mind.

DIEGO MARADONA: ‘HALF ANGEL, HALF DEVIL’ Tayo Ogunbiyi pays tribute to the soccer legend who died at age 60

I

n 1982, I watched my first ever World Cup, hosted by Spain. During the championship, my favourite team was Brazil. With an array of talented stars such as Zico, Eders, Socrates, Junior, Falcao and a host of others, the Brazilians were a wonder to watch.

Ironically, it was the less fanciful but efficient Italians that eventually won the tournament, with deft goal-poacher, Paolo Rosi, emerging the star of the tourney.

Paradoxically, it was during that competition that a star was born. But the star did not shine. The star was Diego Armando Maradona. Then, a 22-year-old, Maradona was playing at his first World Cup. It was a rough one for him. It did not end as he would have loved. He was young, raw, talented and hungry for success, but fate dealt him a blow. He was shown a red card in Argentina’s match against their arch rival, Brazil, and that was the end of the road for him at the 1982 World Cup. However, four years later, in Mexico 86, Maradona shone like the proverbial northern star, as he captained the Argentine national team to victory, winning the final match against the then West-Germany.

With his unbelievable skill, Maradona asserted his dominance and was the most dynamic player of the competition. He played every minute of every Argentina game, scoring five goals and making five assists.

It was, however, during the Quarter Final match against England that every doubt about Maradona’s rise to prominence as the then Best Player in the world faded out. Even his most vociferous critics wouldn’t deny his unrivaled brilliance

as a soccer player. After scoring two contrasting goals in the 2–1 quarter-final win against England, his legend was effectively concreted.

The sheer class of his second goal, especially, and the notoriety of his first led to the French newspaper, L’Equipe, describing Maradona as “half-angel, half-devil�.

Though he fooled the referee, replays later showed that he scored the first goal by cleverly punching the ball with his hand.

After the match, when journalists drew his attention to the matter, Maradona was coquettishly slippery, labelling it as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God�. That was what gave rise to his infamous “hand of God’ reference.

In spite of obviously cheating to score the first goal in that memorable match against England, thereby breaking several English fans’ hearts, the sheer artistry and class displayed by Maradona enroute scoring the second goal, plainly overshadowed the deceitful manner of the first. In the 55th minute, he collected the ball in the Argentine half and carved his way through the England defence, as if it wasn’t existing, striking a low hard shot.

It was one of the greatest goals of all time.

Maradona went on to play 91 times for his country, won two Serie A (Italian league) titles with Napoli, a relatively unknown team that he practically carried on his shoulder, and also played for Barcelona, Sevilla, Boca Juniors and Newell’s Old Boys.

He became the coach of Argentina’s national football team in November 2008.

He was in charge of the team at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, before leaving

at the end of the tournament. He then coached Dubai-based club Al Wasl in the UAE Pro-League for the 2011–12 season.

In 2017, Maradona became the coach of Fujairah, before leaving at the end of the season. In May 2018, Maradona was announced as the new chairman of Belarusian club Dynamo Brest. He arrived in Brest and was presented by the club to start his duties in July. From September 2018 to June 2019, Maradona was coach of Mexican club Dorados. He became the coach of Argentine Primera DivisiĂłn club Gimnasia de La Plata in 2019.

As immensely talented as he was on the football field, Maradona was a disaster off the pitch. He had little or no regard for the rules of life. In spite of being a soccer prodigy of note, he wasn’t much of a role model, as he was enmeshed in lots of controversies, mostly as a result of his addiction to drugs. He personified the eccentricity of his country, as ClarĂ­n, an Argentine newspaper, noted: “Maradona is the two mirrors, that in which it’s a pleasure to regard ourselves and that which shames us.â€?

Born in LanĂşs Argentina, but raised in Villa Fiorito, a shantytown on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, Maradona failed drugs test for cocaine after the 1990 World Cup final in which Argentina lost the final with 3-2 against West Germany, and was banned for 15 months. At the 1994 World Cup, in the United States, Maradona was back for a moment by scoring a goal against Greece in the group stage. After that match, he was sent home for failing another drug test.

On Wednesday, November 25, 2020, Maradona breathed his last, as he died of

heart attack. For global football, his death, no doubt, signaled the end of an era. He was one of the greatest players ever.

His case has clearly brought to fore the limitations of talent in man’s quest for excellence in life’s pursuit. There have been numerous cases of highly talented folks, in diverse spheres of life, who still failed to achieve optimal success in life.

The late Whitney Houston was blessed with amazing singing talent, but ended up gravely in spite of her undeniable endowment.

Former World Heavy Weight Boxing Champion, ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, thanks to his boxing talent, became a multimillionaire before he clocked 20. He, however, through a riotous lifestyle, squandered all the fortune.

Talent is God-given. Whether in sports, entertainment, business, oratory, leadership or politics, certain individuals have become household names as a result of their talents. It is hard to understand, but a man’s talent simply distinguishes him.

There is, however, one snag; talent is not enough in the path to success.

According to American author, H. Jackson Brown Jr., best known for his inspirational book, ‘Life’s Little Instruction Book’, “talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There is plenty of movement, but you never know if it is going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.�

Rest in peace Diego Armando Maradona! r0HVOCJZJ JT %FQVUZ %JSFDUPS 1VCMJD "GGBJST .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB -BHPT

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ͺ΀ Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Farewell...

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Claims About COVID-19 Sustaining Lagosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;War on Land Grabbing

F

or several months now Coronavirus has enveloped the world like a cocoon, and when you expect it to subside, cases of infected persons continue to increase.

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed that most countries around the world have paid great attention to building a large weaponry, while paying scarce attention towards improving infrastructure for health care and the delivery of medical services.

In a country where few people can afford quality medical care, alternative treatment of Coronavirus has boomed and is being exploited.

In Lagos for instance, you often hear of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;omo alagboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; herbs seller; they hawk all sorts of herbs alleging it could cure all illnesses. There are hundreds of unproven treatments of COVID-19 out there..

The most baffling is that some politicians in different parts of the world are promoting them, whether out of genuine concern or a desire to offer hope and deflect responsibility, no one can say with certainty. But one thing we all know is that COVID-19 has become part of us and we all must self-protect ourselves.

Mehmet Kasim Alageyik said his concoctions are at par with modern medicine. He said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;no disease or ailment can withstand his remedies,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; and went on to claim that he has cured dozens of conditions from skin cancer to cerebral palsy.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; An Ijebu man, from the Western part of Nigeria who lives in Lagos suburb, boasted that from ages chicken soup has been recommended as a natural cure for the common cold which has worked for him. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I have been taking pepper soup for six decades to drive severe cold, so coronavirus has no place in my body,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; he said.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; However, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Capsicum, commonly known as pepper, has some antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties but there is no evidence that it can cure coronavirus,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; according to a Lagos based pharmacist, Sinmisola Aloko.

In every part of the world, core science has had to struggle for attention with pet theories, rumors and traditional beliefs during this pandemic. Some reports claim the use of turmeric, garlic, ginger, honey, vitamin-C could help in tackling COVID-19. Most of these claims have been met with a wall of skepticism especially from medical practitioners. The general public must stop the indiscriminate use of most of drugs as it might harm their bodies. r0MVTBOZB "OKPSJO PMVTBOZBBOKPSJO!HNBJM DPN

Who Was the Turkey?

I

saw a photo of the recent White House ceremony where a turkey was pardoned. It was a bit confusing as the photo wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t labelled but I know there was a turkey who was a winner and one that was a loser. A photo is truly worth a thousand words. r%FOOJT 'JU[HFSBME .FMCPVSOF "VTUSBMJB

L

and-related crises are common in Nigeria. It is, probably, as old as the society. It is rooted in structural, historical and socio-economic dynamics; and it is compelled by growing urbanization.

Though a national challenge, land-related crisis is more pronounced in Lagos State. Considering its status as the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial and economic hub, buying a piece of land in Lagos and putting up a structure on same is usually herculean. The situation is, however, further complicated by the confrontational actions of land grabbers and land speculators popularly known as Omo-Onile.

Omo-Onileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities became more pronounced in Lagos with the expansion of the metropolis courtesy its ever-growing population. They operate via force, deception and intimidation to gain access and control over increasingly scarce land. In this way, they are key actors in exacerbating tensions, including conflicts, between landowners, buyers and private investors.

In many cases, land conflicts have led to the destruction of lives and property as well as the displacement of people, particularly in the rural parts of the state.

The activities of land grabbers are not only illegal, but anathema to societal development, peace and progress.

They speculate on land with little or no recourse to land use laws, as they even engage in the illegal sale of official land to unsuspecting individuals.

They sometimes even dispossess people of land that are legitimately bought from the government. They also sell lands with no proper planning or cognizance of a mapped out environmental outlay. This ugly trend is particularly common in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s satellite settlements.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

In order to curb their nefarious activities, succeeding governments in the state have devised various strategies. One of such is the enactment of the Lagos State Property Protection Law on August 15, 2016, which prohibits the forceful entry and illegal occupation of landed property, and violent and fraudulent conduct in relation to landed properties in the state.

The law seeks to eliminate land grabbing in its multi-various forms that include, forceful possession of landed properties, encroachment, illegal sale and resale of land, illegal use of law enforcement agents and vigilance groups to enforce judgments, misconducts by professionals in land transactions, writing of frivolous and false petitions, unlawful demands by â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Omo Onileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, touting and other ills.

Specifically, Section 2(1) of the law prohibits the use of force or self-help to take over any landed property or to engage in any act inconsistent with the proprietary right of the owner. The law criminalises the use or threat of violence for the purpose of securing entry into any landed property either for oneself or for another, without lawful authority.

The provisions of the law in Section 4 criminalizes any encroachment on peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; properties and provides for fine not exceeding N5 million or five-year imprisonment or both, against any such encroachment.

Currently, through the instrumentality of the law and other institutional frameworks, the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is waging an all- out war against land grabbers. At every available fora, Governor Sanwo-Olu describes land grabbing as criminal and primitive, pledging to completely eliminate the evil practice from the state.

As the disruptive activities is driven by inadequate property rights, the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu has fast-tracked the process of issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). Precisely, on May 29th, 2020, the government published over a thousand C of Os that are ready for collection, the highest figure ever at a go - thanks to the e-process. With the C of O, property owners are legally covered from the activities of dare-devil land thugs.

Another measure put in place is the initiation and launching of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA). The office is saddled with responsibilities such as the preparation of rules and regulations for the practice of estate agency and other connected matters in the state, identification of persons eligible to be licensed as estate agents and renewal of annual licenses, sanction of unlicensed estate agency practitioners, as well as the investigation of complaints and petitions against licensed estate agency practitioners, amongst others. r0MVXBUPZPTJ 0HVOSJOEF .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO BOE 4USBUFHZ "MBVTB -BHPT

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ NOVEMBER 28, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Empress Yemi Alade p g g y lease, songs g from the album are sitting atop several music streaming platforms and charts, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

fropop p p singer/songwriter, g g Yemi Alade released her latest LP titled, ‘Empress’ p on November 20, and set the music scene aglow. g Just eight g days y old, ‘Empress’ p is already y sitting g atop p most music streaming g platforms p and charts. The new body y of work recorded majorly in Amsterdam, is Alade’s fifth studio album, following her 2019 acclaimed “Woman of Steel” al-

bum, which birthed the g global ‘Shekere’, featuring g multiple p Grammy y award winner Angelique g q Kidjo.

The 31 year-old-singer y g took to her social media page p g to announce the release of her fifth album, days y after she unveiled the tracklist: “My y Album #Empress Out Now on all digital platforms,” she wrote.

Fans are already y singing g g her praise p on the social media. The songstress g had earlier taken to her social media handles hours before the release to

tease her fans with the cover which has a photo p of her in a carnival styled y headpiece. p The 15-track album, which houses command collaboration with French music superstars p Dadju, j Vegedream, g and an infectious pop p p duet with Rudeboy, y includes tracks like ‘True Love’, ‘Yoyoyo’, y y ‘Mami-Water’, ‘Lose My Mind’, ‘Dancina’, ‘I Chose You’, ‘Control’, ‘Turn Up’, p and ‘Temptation’. p Others are ‘Boyz’, y ‘Ice’, ‘Deceive’, ‘Rain’, ‘Weekend’ and ‘Doubledouble’. Among the artistes

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ NOVEMBER 28, 2020

15

SUPER SATURDAY Empress Yemi Alade featured on the album include dancehall titan Patoranking, g British rapper, pp Estelle, and Mzansi Youth Choir. The Album is released by y Effyzzie y Music Limited. The album also features songwriting g g and production contributions from Vtek p Da Awesome, Egarboi, g Jimmy y Huru, Yung g Felix, among g others. Empress p is spun p from the g grand themes of African royalty y y and sensibilities that Yemi has immersed herself in, considering g projects p j like ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Mama Africa’.

In a message g p post Empress p album’s release, Yemi said: “If there is one thing g that we have learnt this year, it’s the power y p of love & inner strength. g Love for God, self, service and for one another coupled p with the strength g to fight g injustice j and to carry y on regardless g of the circumstances. Love and inner strength g kept p the world moving g through g the dark clouds of 2020. With that in mind, I was blessed to create my fifth album titled Empress.” p In 2019, Yemi Alade’s Woman of Steel album was considered for an award at the 2020 Grammys. y Following g her feature on ‘Black is King’, g Beyonce’s y 2019 album which is sound tracked ‘The Lion King, g Yemi signed g a licensing g deal with Universal Music Group p (UMG) Africa as an exclusive worldwide record music partner with Effyzzie Music Group, p her label.

“If someone had told me a few years ago y g that I was g going g to be asked to collaborate with Beyonce, y I would have said, ‘Girl, dream on,’” she revealed in a recent interview as she released “Empress.” p That experience p was somehow remarkable that upon p meeting g the American star, Yemi hugged gg and “said to her, ‘Oh my y God, y’all y see my y heart is beating g so fast.” And Beyonce y replied: p “Oh, that’s all right. g That’s the same way y I felt when I met Michelle Obama.”

Rising g to superstardom p after ‘Johnny’, y her 2014 single g which catapulted p her to African musical fame, Yemi Alade never looked back.

It was her breakout hit song. g With its catchy y hook and cheeky y lyrics y about tracking g down a flaky y lover, the song caught g on easily y as a fun track that light-heartedly g y spoke p from the ladies’ point of view – an answer to all p the songs g that already y did so from a man’s perspective, like Wizkid’s Caro.

Since then, the songstress g has gained prominence g p in the music industry, y won multiple p awards over the years, y and embarked on world tours consecutively y for her albums.

A little over a decade ago, g the singer g made her debut as the firstever winner of Nigeria’s g Peak Talent Show. It marked the beginning g g of her music career, but visibility y came after she released her debut album, King g of Queens in 2014. The album won Yemi the Best Female Artiste at the MTV Africa Awards in 2015. She followed that up p with another record titled Mama Africa in 2016, and in 2017 with Black Magic; both standout in their own rights. g King g of Queens had collaborations with seasoned musicians and sound engineers g that doctored the musical work to taste. Yemi attempted p to correct the flaws of ‘Mama Africa’ in ‘Mama Afrique’ q EP, before releasing g the 63-minutes long 2017 project p j ‘Black Magic’, g which served as her third studio album. Alade’s second studio album, Mama Africa, was supported pp by y six singles: g Na Gode, Do As I Do, Ferrari, Kom Kom, Africa and Tumbum.

Applauded pp for her flexibility, y creative and overwhelming g stage g performances, p fashion and music video, Yemi gained g immense recognition g and rewarded at the MTV African Music Awards. She was honoured with the Best Female Artiste in 2015 and 2016 consecutively, y and nominated for Artiste of the Year in 2015, making g her the first female to win MAMA’s Best Female Artiste consecutively

Yemi Alade

twice and nominated for Artiste of the Year. In 2015, she became the first Nigerian g female to be nominated for the MTV Europe p Music Awards (EMAs) for Best African Act and was nominated for the BET awards for Best International Act: Africa in 2015 and 2016. She won The Headies award for Best Performer consecutively, y 2018 and 2019.

Yemi’s music has been of influence in many y African countries and the world as she is acclaimed ‘Mama Africa’ for her versatility y in using g different African languages g g Igbo, g Yoruba, Pidgin, g Swahili and French, as well as attires in her songs g and music videos. 2020 has been an amazing year for the Johnny y crooner.

On 9 June 2020, Yemi was mentioned among g the forefront artistes/musicians from across the world to perform p at The Global Goal: Unite for our future sponsored p by y the Global Citizen aimed at delivering g COVID-19 tests and treatments especially p y in the most remote places in Africa and across the world.

On 27 June 2020, Yemi p performed in the Global Goal: Unite for Our future alongside g Miley y Cyrus, y Shakira, J Balvin, Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, p y Usher, Justin Bieber and Quavo, Christine and the Queens and Chloe X Halle. And now she crowns the year y with her fi fifth studio album, a celebration of her culture, full of infectious tribal dance rhythms and exuberant beats.

The Yoruba-Igbo g girl g Yemi Eberechi Alade was born in Abia State, to James Alade and Helen Uzoma. Her father was from Ondo State while her mother is of Ibo descent. The fi fifth born of seven children, Yemi studied Geography g p y at the University y and unpredictably p y began g her musical journey with an all-girl g g group p name ‘Noty Spices’ p in 2005. Her first single g Fimisile was released under the Jus’ Kiddin’ label. Yemi then signed g onto the music label, Effyzie y Music Group p in 2012, and release her single g Ghen Ghen Love. The following g year 2013, July, y y Yemi released the video for her AfroR&B song Bamboo, produced by Fliptyce.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 28, 2020

NEWS/PERSPECTIVE

Supreme Court Rejects Shell’s Request Policeman Killed as Gunmen Kidnap Chinese Expatriate in Ekiti to Reopen N17bn Judgment Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Supreme Court yesterday rejected request by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited for it to review and set aside a N17 billion judgment entered against it last year.

The Supreme Court had in January 11, 2019 upheld the judgment of the Court of Appeal which had granted N17 billion damages against the oil giant for oil spillage in Ejama-Ebubu in Tai Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

But the appellants which include; Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Shell

Victor Ogunjein AdoEkiti

International Petroleum Company Limited and Shell International Exploration and Production BV in an application dated July 24, 2019, prayed the apex court to revisit with a view of setting the judgment of January 11, 2019 aside on claims that the apex court did not go into the merit of their appeal before upholding the decision of the lower court.

However, the apex court in a unanimous decision prepared by Justice Centus Nweze and delivered

by Justice Samuel Osuji held that the appeal filed by Shell was unmeritorious.

The court in addition held that it

could not revisit its earlier decision on the matter and accordingly dismissed the appeal for being incompetent and lacking in merit.

Justice Osuji however held that parties were to bear the cost of their litigation.

At the proceedings of September 22, Chief Isaac Agbara and nine other respondents had urged the court to reject the request for being frivolous.

The respondents had in their preliminary objection argued through their lead counsel, Chief Lucius Nwosu SAN, Shell’s request as scandalous and an affront to the finality of the Supreme Court of

Nigeria.

Nwosu while urging the court to dismiss Shell’s application for being incompetent, submitted that the Supreme Court could not sit on appeal in its own judgment.

The senior lawyer further argued that the action of the oil giant was a deliberate abuse of court process with a weighty request based on 23 grounds.

Nwosu further contended that the Supreme Court by its unanimous judgment of January 11 last year put an end to the over 30 years old legal tussle on the oil spillage suffered by the respondents and their people in the oil producing region.

A police officer was reportedly killed yesterday, as gunmen abducted a Chinese expatriate in Ekiti State.

The incident, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, occurred around 4.30p.m. along new Ado-Iyin Road.

The abducted was one of the engineers handling the dualisation of Ado-Iyin Road awarded to a Chinese company by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

Apart from the police officer, Abutu said one other person was shot at the scene of the incident,

who has not been confirmed dead.

He said: “it is confirmed that a kidnapping incident occurred today at about 4:30p.m. along new Ado-Iyin Road .

“During the incident, one civilian, an expatriate, was kidnapped, one shot, while one policeman was shot dead. “Our operatives are already combing the bush for possible apprehension of the perpetrators.”

The police spokesman added that the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Mobayo, enjoined everyone to be calm and avoid any form of apprehension as the Command will do everything possible to rescue the victim and arrest the culprits.

Awode Donates 250-bed Hostel, NAICOM Hands Over Operational 100-bed District House to Church Licenses to Five Insurance Firms Adedayo Adejobi

Efforts to tackle the challenges of offices and accommodation for members of the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide (Ayo Ni O) at the Galilee Land Headquarters of the church, located at Orile-Igbon, Oyo State, has received a boost.

This followed the presentation of 250-bed hostel and a 100-bedroom district house to the church

by Apostle Emmanuel Awode, a member of the church and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chemstar Group, manufacturers of Finecoat & Shield Paints, and other allied paints products.

The Victory District House was named after Special Mother-

In-Israel (Prophetess) Delphine Modupe Awode, his mother.

The official dedication of the buildings was performed during the 80th International Conference of the Church at the Galilee Land, by the Spiritual Father and Chairman of the Church, His Grace, The Most Reverend Abidoye, as part of activities lined up for this year’s conference, held between Sunday, November 1 and November 8, 2020.

Apart from the church buildings, Awode also built and donated a modern Mosque to the Muslim community in Abuduka, the host community of the Galilee Land, Headquarters of the church.

Welcoming the church leaders and members, as well as

other guests to the inauguration ceremony, the Victory District Secretary, Special Apostle Fasekomi, who glorified the Almighty God for the spiritual and infrastructural development of the Galilee Land, however, lauded Awode for his immense and untiring contribution to the growth of C&S Movement Church, as well as the expansion and progress of God’s work.

He, therefore, described the day as the day of joy, which the Lord has made for the entire C&S Movement Church, saying the District House and hostel would go a long way in addressing the problems of accommodation and office spaces confronting the District and the Church in particular.

Ebere Nwoji The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM),yesterday handed over operational licenses to four new insurance underwriting and one reinsurance firm.

The new companies are Heir General Insurance Limited, Stanbic IBTC Insurance Limited; Heirs Life Assurance Limited; Enterprise Life Assurance Company Nigeria Limited and FBS Reinsurance Limited.

This brings to a total of 62 insurance underwriting and three reinsurance firms in the country.

For over a decade, the commission, which is the apex regulatory body for insurance sector had placed embargo on licensing of new insurance firms, insisting that interested investors should

instead of applying for licenses to float new firms invest and inject funds into existing but financially weak firms.

Before now, there have been in the system 58 underwriting and two reinsurance companies.

But just last year, the commission, said there was need to license new firms and at the 2020 media retreat organised by the commission in Ijebuode, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Sunday Thomas, announced that he had handed over operational licenses to the five firms.

Addressing journalists at the retreat, Thomas, who was represented by Director, Corporate Communication Department, NAICOM, Mr. Rasaq Salami, said with the licensing, the five firms had received the commission’s authorisation to operate as legal entities

in the Nigeria insurance mark.

Barely three months back, NAICOM had in a public notice announced that it had received applications from the above companies for registration as insurance and reinsurance companies to transact insurance businesses in Nigeria.

Part of the notice reads, “National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has received applications from the under listed companies for registration as insurance and reinsurance companies to transact insurance and reinsurance business in Nigeria. In fulfillment of the statutory provisions of extant laws for the registration/licensing of insurance companies, the general public is hereby informed that the Commission has commenced the process of registering the companies”.

Nigeria not Doing Enough to End Sexual, Gender-based Violence Blessing Duru Despite efforts by international organisations, governments, civil society organisations and activists to put an end to sexual and gender based violence (SGBV), women and girls continue to suffer one form or violence or the other.

Although the problem is global, violence varies from one community to another. It comes in many forms, the most common being intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking child marriage and female genital mutilation.

The Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe, Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence), defines violence against women as falling under four key forms: physical, sexual, psychological and economic.

The convention as the benchmark for international legislation on tackling gender-based violence, frames gender-based violence and violence against women as a gendered act which is ‘a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women’.

Under the convention, acts of gender-based violence are emphasised as resulting in ‘physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.’

The lockdowns forced on countries by the outbreak of coronavirus had further resulted in women and girls being subjected to more violence. There has been a spike in the number of reported violence against women.

In particular, there has been a surge in rape cases.

Before the outbreak of COVID-19, SGBV remained a social epidemic. However, there has been a sudden increase in SGBV since the beginning of the lockdown.

The perpetrators included family members, neighbors, landlords, the police and other security forces. Because the government was busy battling the virus, little or no attention was paid to protecting women and girls.

If there is any lesson to be learnt from the upsurge in violence against women during the lockdown, it is that measures put in place to protect women are inadequate especially in an emergency.

Apart from the increase in gender-based violence created by the pandemic, women and girls in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP ) camps continue to be subject

to sexual and physical violence. To make matters worse, basic facilities needed to manage sexual and gender-based violence and prosecute perpetrators are not available in these camps. With about 7 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, the situation in these camps remains critical.

Now we know that tackling SGBV requires a multifaceted approach. This will include advocacy, risk mitigation, preventive and responses in emergencies.

On May 25th 2015 the then President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015 bringing to a successful conclusion a 14-year-long social and legislative advocacy championed by women’s groups and gender activists.

This Act is aimed at eliminating violence in private and public life, prohibit all forms of violence, including physical, sexual, psychological, domestic, harmful traditional practices; discrimination against persons and to provide maximum protection and effective remedies for victims and punishment of offenders.

The VAPP Act provides life imprisonment for rape offenders. It also provides14 years imprisonment for offenders aged 14 and below. In other cases, a minimum of 12 years imprisonment without an option of fine. It also provides a minimum of 20 years imprisonment without an option of fine for other age groups, groups, or persons who perpetrated the act.

However, the Act only applies to the Federal Capital Territory as a result of the federal structure Nigeria operates. Each of the 35 states will have to pass it as a law before they could implement the provisions of the Act. At the time of writing this, only 13 states and the FCT have adopted the VAPP Act out of Nigeria’s 36 states. The States are Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue, Cross River, Kaduna, and Plateau.

In 2003, the federal government passed the Children’s Rights Act into law. The Child Rights Act domesticated the Convention on the Rights of the Child into Nigeria’s legal framework. However, 17 years after, 11 states have not codified the Act into law.

They include Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa.

These states which are run by men are not committed to protecting girls and women from domestic violence.

Legal and policy framework is important, no doubt.

However, despite these legislations and other safeguards, gender-based violence continues to increase, and prosecuting perpetrators remains difficult.

It is bad enough that some states have refused to adopt legislation to protect women and children. It is even worse that states that have these laws are not rigorously enforcing them to the extent of securing the confidence of the people the laws are meant to protect.

According to 2018 report of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), more than half of Nigerian women (55%) who have experienced physical or sexual violence have never sought help to stop the violence.

They are not sure they would get the help they needed.

Funding remains an issue. States are not committing the needed resources into protecting women and other vulnerable groups from sexual and gender-based violence.

Each state and the federal government will have to establish a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for victims of sexual and gender-based violence. The centres will also have to be run by experienced people.

Every state must have a sexual referral centre where victims of GBV will be taken care of.

There should also be comprehensive support services, permanent shelter for victims in distress, community engagements (ownership), coordinating mechanism and a task force to apprehend perpetrators.

We will probably not be here if not for the advocacy and enlightenment works done by various women groups, international organisations and multilateral institutions as well as individuals. We cannot afford to relent. Each organisation will have to redouble its efforts otherwise, the war against the scourge of SGBV will never be won.

More Empowerment for Women SGBV is linked to economic deprivation. To free more women from the shackle of male oppression, more programmes should be launched to empower them. We have to help more women to own businesses to support themselves and be less dependent on men who oftentimes manipulate this dependency to violate them.

One of the ways women have continued to win the war against GBV is by taking up victims’ cases and getting justice for them. It is not enough to educate, we must seek help for victims.

We must also ensure that survivors feel confident to seek support. This is a confident-boosting approach as it encourages other victims to speak out because they are confident they would also get justice. In doing this, there will be a need for synergy among organisations.

A new toolkit for civil society advocacy in the fight against GBV is needed. The toolkit will reflect the changing dynamics in violence against women and girls.

The police investigate crimes. The Nigeria Police Force has yet to prove that it can investigate crimes in a modern society. Apart from the lack of technology to forensically investigate crimes, police’s attitude to sexual crimes and offences against women and girls is to stay the least, appalling. A policeman will ask for a bribe before he can go and arrest a suspect. And if the suspect offers a bigger bribe, he is left to go free. All this has to change. No matter how good a legislation against crimes is couched, an ill trained and corrupt police will mess it up and criminals will continue to go scott free.

Even though rape is an SGBV, it deserves a special mention here because it has suddenly becomes a monster threatening us as a country.

According to Daily Trust, Nigeria recorded more than 60 reported cases of rape between January and June this year. Among these figures, 23 are minors, 25 are teens, and six adults. Victims are yet to get justice for their acts. For a rape case that is reported five or more cases have not been reported.

Worried by the alarming increase in rape cases, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum in June declared a state of emergency on rape. They agreed to put measures in place to curtail it. Four months after, the governors have not done much to tackle rape. It is all talk. No action.

It is obvious that law alone would not stop rape. We have to enforce the law. There has to be accountability.

Perpetrators have to be prosecuted and sent to jail.

Police officers who frustrate investigation should be sanctioned. Victims of rape should be taken care of and compensated.

Blessing Duru of Alliance for Africa wrote from Abuja in celebration of International Day of Eliminating Gender Violence against Women and Girls.

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nneka The Pretty Serpentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Cinemas at Christmas Will Burna Boy Get a Grammy This Time? pg. 19

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The One for Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is Finally Here pg. 21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

18

SHOWBIZFLAIR

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nneka The Pretty Serpentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for Cinemas at Christmas The Remake of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nneka The Pretty Serpentâ&#x20AC;? is ready and set for cinemas this Christmas, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ndidi Obi

T

he first teaser for the remake of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nneka The Pretty Serpentâ&#x20AC;?, scheduled to open in cinemas on December 18, 2020, has been unveiled by Play Network Studios, producers of the movie. The teaser has kept observers wondering what to expect from the new version of Zeb Ejiroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original blockbuster movie of the early 90s.

The teaser debuted on the social media, via official Instagram handle of Charles Okpaleke, the studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honcho, with pictures of Ndidi Obi, the lead star of the original film, prominent. A first look at the dramatic teaser, a 41-second footage, which opens darkly with the return of the veteran actress, Obi is enthralling, with glimpses of whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to come in the 2020 remake but raises a couple of questions. Chiefly, how much of the original plot was tampered with?

Is there going to be a young-faced Nneka since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a remake? What is the role of Ndidi Obiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in this remake? The original story focused on a mystical character that embarks on a mission to destroy

unfaithful marriages. How will the upcoming remake play around with the story and have it appeal to its millennial audience? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Expect to see scenes and faces from the original story but ideas not explored before. The story will take a global approach with a background story that answers some questions that the original story barely explores,â&#x20AC;? said the scriptwriter, Baruch Apata. Although it has been 28 years since the release of the original, Nneka The Pretty Serpent remains a reference point for Nollywood of the old. The entirety of the story/ cast will interest Nollywood lovers who are already fascinated by news of this remake. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting to announce this! Nneka is back, and this time sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going for the jugular,â&#x20AC;? Okpaleke announced in January. As the name suggests, the movie told the story of Nneka, a mermaid in human form, whose mission on earth was to go after philandering men. Since releasing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Living in Bondage: Breaking Free,â&#x20AC;? and carting multiple awards with it, Play Network

Studios, owned by Okpaleke, has acquired the rights to Nollywood classics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Glamour Girlsâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Osuofia In Londonâ&#x20AC;?, retitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Osuofia Goes to Miamiâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rattle Snake,â&#x20AC;? which it recently released with the title, Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story.

The latest remake, Nneka The Pretty Serpent, added to the impressive list. It was first released in 1992, after which a second production was done in 1993.

Following the success of the first two parts of the movie, a third part titled, The Return of Nneka was released a few years after. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite make as much impact as the first two parts because it faced serious contention from other movies like Rattle Snake, Taboo and Evil Passion and more so, the industry was booming.

The movie was produced by Okechukwu Ogunjiofor and directed by Zeb Ejiro in 1992 and became a commercial hit in a time of the home video boom.

The filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storyline was simple, straightforward and this was a plus because it earned it a large following. Nnekaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supernatural

powers were all she needed to hypnotize any man she fancied and turned into her zombie. She also had to contend with a number of obstacles and in turn didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to destroy anything that stood between her and her desires.

The movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s star-studded cast includes veterans like Ndidi Obi, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Okechukwu Ogunjiofor, Rita Nzelu, Ngozi Ezeonu, and Eucharia Anunobi. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nneka The Pretty Serpentâ&#x20AC;? also starred actors like late Sam Loco, James Iroha and Claude Eke (Gringori and Jegede Shokoya of The New Masquerade fame) and Nelly Uchendu.

A good number of the actors were considered top notch back then. They still are. Bringing the upcoming remake to life as director is Tosin Igho, alongside Ramsey Nouah. Chirp of the old block Tosin Igho, if you can still remember him as an artiste, is a man of many talents: director, producer, and cinematographer.

Chris Odeh is the producer of this remake, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joined by Ramsey Nouah and Charles Okpaleke as co-producers.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

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Burna Boy

Will Burna Boy Get a Grammy This Time?

Burna Boy has been nominated for the 2021 Grammy Awards. It is in the category for Best Global Music Album, for the second year running, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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he nominations for the 2021 Grammy Awards are in and Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s superstar artiste Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu, has been nominated in the category for Best Global Music Album.

In the nomination list for the 63rd annual Grammy Awards released last Tuesday, Burna Boy got a nomination with his new album, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Twice As Tall.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; The 29-year-old singer was nominated alongside Antibalas (Fu Chronicles), Bebel Gilberto (Agora), Anoushka Shankar (Love Letters), and Tinariwen (Amadjar).

Antibalas is an American afrobeat band modeled after Fela Kutiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Africa 70 band while Bebel Gilberto is a popular Brazilian-American singer.

Anoushka Shankar is a British Indian sitar player and composer while Tianariwen is a group of northern Malian singers. Burna is believed to face stiff competition from Bebel Gilberto and his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Agoraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; album, and Anoushka Shankarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Love letters.

The Nigerian starâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s album, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;African Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was nominated in the same category for the 2020 Grammys but lost to four-time Grammy award winner Angelique Kidjo.

This is the second year in a row that the singer is getting a nomination in this category. The singerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first nomination came in November 2019 and it got many Nigerians excited as they prayed for him to win. With this nomination for the 2021 Grammy awards, he has another shot at bringing home the much-coveted award. Burna Boy lost to Kidjo when the category was known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best World Music Album.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Kidjo in turn dedicated her World Music award to Burna Boy, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the new generation of artists coming from Africa are going to take you by storm, and the time has come.â&#x20AC;?

Should Burna Boy win, he will become Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second Grammy winner after Sikiru Adepoju who won with Planet Drum over 10 years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Another oneâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś. #Twiceastall,â&#x20AC;?

Burna Boy wrote on Twitter minutes after his nomination was announced. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Twice as Tallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which is Burna Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth album was released on August 14, 2020 as a follow up to his critically acclaimed 2019 album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;African Giantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. A mixture of Afrobeats, dancehall, pop and hip hop, Burna Boy says the album is â&#x20AC;&#x153;a journey through a bunch of emotions and energies at different points in time. It has now morphed into something bigger than me. It serves as a bridge for mankind to show that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all different but still very much the same.â&#x20AC;?

The 15-track album hold echoes of Nigeria, South Africa, Jamaica and the United States, with guest appearances from a number of music legends and icons, including the legendary Senegalese Youssou Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dour, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Naughty By Nature, and Coldplayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chris Martin, Kenyan Sauti Sol, and UK-Ghanaian rapper Stormzy. Burna travels through socio-conscious terrains throughout the project, harping on failed Afropolitical agenda, underdevelopment,

poverty, Western imperialism, among other Afro-tailored societal woes.

He acknowledged that the project is an extension of his Pan-African agenda on the Grammy-nominated African Giant album.

Upon release, the album ticked success box as it peaked at number 1 on Apple Music, got over five million streams in just an hour after it dropped. The album was number one in 31 countries.

Asides from Nigeria and UK, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Twice As Tallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; also reached number 1 in South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Gambia, Kenya, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman. US rapper and legendary producer, P. Diddy said it deserves to win album of the year.

The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards hold on January 31, 2021 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. It will recognize the best recordings, compositions, and artistes of the eligibility year, running from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2020.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Banky W, Adesua, Still Lovebirds Singer Banky W and actress wife, Adesua Etomi, mark wedding anniversary with sweet exchanges, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Banky W and Adesua

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tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already three years since celebrity couple Banky W and Adesua Etomi tied the knot and part of celebrations to mark their memorable day last Wednesday November 25 witnessed hearty exchange between the singer/ actor and the actress. The musician took to his social media page to celebrate and he shared a video from their wedding. According to Banky W, he made the decision to marry his wife three years ago and that is the second-best decision he made in his adult life.

The multi-talented artiste went on to preach about love. His love note reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three years ago, Susu and I made the decision to love each other forever. But the only reason forever is even possible, is because we made the decision to make God our foundation.

And while a foundation is the part of the house that people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by far the most important. Because you can fix cracks in the walls, refurbish the rooms and repaint the halls, but you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the foundation wrong if you want any chance of the house standing at all.

The structural integrity of a house requires a foundation that is built to last. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I recently heard a Pastor say that love canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep a marriage going... he said it takes God and commitment. I think maybe he had a bit of a misunderstanding of what love really means. Because... well, God is love.

And love is commitment. Without both, it certainly isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love and it definitely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work. People sometimes think Susu led me to God. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not true. God led me to Susu. And He has kept us through it all. Marrying @ adesuaetomi is the 2nd best decision I made in my adult life. The best was re-dedicating my life to Christ. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Susu, I am thankful for you, and grateful to you. You are everything I want and much more than I deserve.

You mean the world to me and I intend to spend the rest of my life proving it. I love you now more than ever. three years down, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to forever. I love you. Happy Anniversary Shuga. #BAAD2017 #BAAD2020 #BAADforever.â&#x20AC;?

Adesua on her part shared the same video on Instagram with a heartfelt

message and told Banky that apart from Jesus, he is the light of her life.

In the message she posted, she told her fans and followers how amazing, loving and caring her husband has been over the years, adding that she cannot love him less.

Excerpt of her sweet notes reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three years? Seems like yesterday.

Seems like forever. Three years with my bestie. Everyone knows youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re my husband but today I want to thank you for being my best friend.

The most attentive, loving, funny, caring, inspiring friend I have ever had. I thought I knew how to love but omo, you have schooled me. I never knew it was possible to be with someone this long and not have it be riddled with tons of fights. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad for our low voiced intense conversations. Lol. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make me feel crazy. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to yell before Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m heard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to worry. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t second guess how you feel about me.

I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m valued, as I should be; thank you bubz, for just being a correct human being. For the heart that you have. For being quick to be sorry

when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re wrong (whispers...even when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not. Lol) (I do the same sha) For not putting your ego before us. For giving me a home thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my safe haven. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m grateful for the home we have built. I always look forward to coming home and it takes a lot to even get me out of the house. Lol. God has done the most marvellous things these past hree years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;May he continue to be the 3rd cord in this threefold cord. As long as he lives and he shields and we keep him part of our lives, we will never be easily broken.

Apart from Jesus, you are de the light of my life. May that light continue to shine brighter and brighter. You, my darling are a force to be reckoned with and the world will remember your name. @ bankywellington I love you doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to suffice anymore but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say it anyway. I love you with every fibre of my being. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do this till weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re old and grey and maybe in heaven too? #BAADFOREVER.â&#x20AC;? Both couple has starred in a couple of award winning movies together. Most notable of the flick is the Wedding Party and Up North.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The One for Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is Finally Here Upcoming rom-com â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The One for Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; takes an angle that promises to be topical, considering the ongoing conversations around the abuse of women. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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rino Motion Pictures, producers of Three Thieves, Sylvia, and Lasgidi Vice, is set to debut its fourth feature film, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The One For Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Directed by Lyndsey Esejuku and produced by Ronke Ogunmakin, the romantic drama revolves around a woman who survives emotional abuse, learns to re-discover her self-worth and finds love. At the commencement of filming earlier in Lagos, Efejuku shared insight into the movie, stating that the idea behind the film is to encourage fearlessness in love and in life.

Esejuku said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The One for Sarahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is about letting go of your fears and taking a chance on life and love.

The story shows romance and love; however, I believe the underlying theme goes further to encourage everyone whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survived any form of emotional abuse to keep going.â&#x20AC;?

Written by Egbemawei Dimiyei, it is an angle that promises to be topical, considering the ongoing conversations around the condition of women in our society. Starring actress Beverly Naya (Sarah), alongside Bucci Franklin as lead characters, the movie features a sterling cast.

Film lovers can look forward to their favourite actors in the upcoming rom-com which opens in cinemas in 2021 starring, Uzor Arukwe, Adunni Ade, Daniel Etim-Effiong, Broda Shaggi, Shalewa Ashafa, among others. The cast were placed by popular filmmaker and actress, Lala Akindoju, the casting director.

Because the project commenced during Covid-19, activities on set were thoughtful. Glimpses and snippets from behind the scenes images tell much of it.

This, Uche Okocha, co-executive producer of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;love lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; theme project confirmed that the production was strict on complying with Covid-19 safety measures.

Beverly Naya and Bucci Franklin

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ensured that the cast and crew underwent compulsory Covid-19 testsâ&#x20AC;?, Okocha confirmed.

The film executive further revealed that accommodation was made available for everyone who worked on the production to ensure restricted access to the public during the filming stage. Understandably, the budget for the movie would

have skyrocketed due to the compulsory safety measures, a notion Okocha confirmed while unveiling members of the cast and a possible release date.

On what fans should expect from the film, its director, Lyndsey Esejuku hints on it being an uplifting story told from a very human angle.

It tackles very relatable themes, one

Blue, Spearheart Bring Classical Music to Lagos Tosin Clegg

Brandon Hamilton, professionally known as Blue, is a Grammy nominated American music producer fromAtlanta with production credits for Justin Beiber, Robin Thicke,AugustAlsina, D woods, and a lot more. As a multi-platinum record producer and songwriter, Blueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indispensable assets are his ears as he enjoysmusicmellowstating,â&#x20AC;&#x153;Idonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tturn the music up just because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m making it.

I keep it a little low while Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m creating, if it makes me rock when the volume is on two, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m confident others will feel it tooâ&#x20AC;?.

This is the confidence that led Blue

to the discovery of Walter Spearheart, who is a multidisciplinary performing and recording artiste. With over 15 years in the industry, Spearheart is versatile with the violin, guitar and the traditional Celtic Harp. For Walter, the message his art conveys is â&#x20AC;&#x153;healingâ&#x20AC;?. He views his art as a tool to help connect, heal and flow in a positive stream of consciousness. Blue and Spearheart met a while back and were able to form a bond that translates beyond the music. The producer and artiste duo have similar core values and have joined hands to take Walterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art to the global scale.

Speaking on collaborating with Blue,

Spearheart believes the timing of them coming together is just perfect for the shift the world is currently experiencing: â&#x20AC;&#x153;2020 shook the world and my outlook on life made me see the changes around me in a positive light.

BlueandIhavebeenworking,making music that will touch lives and help see the beauty of life lies with us and our ability to show and receive loveâ&#x20AC;?

The duo held a private showcase at Otiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Lagos on November 25th, 2020 with key industry players in attendance.

The showcase was an electrifying feeling that brought life back to the heart of Lagos.

Walter Spearheart

of which includes domestic violence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is a story that revolves around Sarah who moves on from her ex, tries to find herself and love. It is an uplifting story, one that the audience will find relatableâ&#x20AC;?.

Trinoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest feature film comes in the wake of its critically acclaimed 2018 psychological thriller, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sylviaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and 2019 comedy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Three Thievesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 28, 2020

POLITY Tokunbo Abiru

Why I Want to Serve Lagos East as Senator Tokunbo Abiru, former Group Managing Director of Polaris Bank and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the December 5 Lagos East Senatorial by-election, talks to select journalists, including Bennett Oghifo, about his mission in politics and dreams for Lagos East

I

spent about 29 years of my career life in the banking sector By training, I am an economist and a chartered accountant. I put in about 32 years of work after my university education. I spent about 29 years of my career life in the banking sector. By the grace of God Almighty, I got to the peak of my chosen career. By 2013, I became an Executive Director in First Bank Plc. Thereafter, I had the privilege to be the regular-appointed Group Managing Director for Skye Bank Plc., during the turbulent times. I had the mandate to rescue it and save it from total collapse that challenged the financial stability of the country. In 2016, Skye Bank was one of those banks that are systemically important in the country. It had serious prudential ratio challenges. I headed the management team that was saddled with the restoration of the bank. By 2018, precisely by September 11, we had virtually reversed all the negative ratios, be it profitability ratio, which was hitherto negative, capital adequacy ratio or liquidity ratio. All has become normal and even more competitive. By 2019, the efficiency ratio of the bank had become very competitive when compared with its peers in the industry.

CBN’s mandate on Skye Bank was fulfilled When we were setting out on July 4, 2016, the mandate was very clear then: stabilise the bank and return it to the path of profitability. At the end of 2019, the mandate had been fully achieved. For somebody like me, I had to take stock of my career and asked myself what next, since I had delivered the mandate.

I concluded that it was about time to throw in the towel and possibly, let others come and try their hands.

Why I joined partisan politics I had already the mindset that I was going to retire at the end of this year. It was not clear to me what I was going to do when I retire. When this opportunity came, I reflected on it and thought it made a lot of sense. And I will explain the reason. In the course of my career, between 2011 and 2013, I was appointed Commissioner for Finance in the Babatunde Fashola administration. It was a four-year arrangement. After two years, I, on my own, stepped down to wrap up my career. At the time I joined government in 2011, I was just Deputy General Manager (DGM). As at that time, that was the limit of the management career because it is from the DGM one will become an Executive Director. For me, I did not think wrapping up my career in private sector, as the DGM was the best thing. That was not the way I wanted to account for my own career. Yes, Commissioner for Finance is a great job with great exposure. It gave me an indication of how government is run and how things are done in the public sector. But if you look at it from the perspective of focus, I needed fulfilment in my own career. After two years, I had to engage the governor that I had to go. I remember my conversation with him. He said to me that my assignment was for four years. I insisted that I had to go. I replied him: ‘You are a SAN. Despite the fact that you are a governor, you got to the peak of your career. How will I write my story in future that from being DGM, I became Commissioner for Finance?’ I can always come back to the public service. When the opportunity came this time, it was part of the reasons I had to fast-forward my retirement time to August 31. Coming into public space is not completely accidental. It was occasioned by the opportunity that presented itself. It was also due to the prior motive that I had. I thought it was a better story to tell that I had accomplished one and moved to another. I have been tested with human and material resources, and I delivered.

My campaign not elaborate as such I will not describe my campaign as elaborate as such. If you are familiar with Lagos East, you will come to this conclusion.

First, it largely comprises indigenous people of Lagos. We are talking about Epe, Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Kosofe and Somolu.

Outside Ikorodu, which is my place of origin, I am not sure I am well known in these locations. Second, if you look at the composition of people along this belt, you will find a commonality there. And the belt is composed of Ijebu-speaking people, especially in Epe, Ikorodu, Ibeju-Lekki and Somolu. For somebody who has spent his life in the private sector, I cannot take things for granted. Let it be that people actually know me. I have to move around and explain myself to them. Also, I crisscrossed all the local government areas (LGAs) in Lagos East.

We have five LGAs as constituted under the 1999 Constitution.

We equally have 11 local council development areas (LCDAs), making 16. I needed to crisscross all these local councils. Part of what people are saying is that they do not know me. This is what actually galvanise me to move round and secure public acceptance so that people will not think we are taking them for

Abiru granted. It was important to garner people’s acceptance. Part of what I learnt on the campaign field is that our democracy may be young, but it is gradually getting deepened. People too are asking questions regarding who their leaders should be. As that was coming to my consciousness, the issue of apathy was also coming up. When you talk to people, you find out that they are remote and not happy generally. The reasons for the apathy are not far-fetched. One is the state of the economy. Two is the compounding case in the issue of COVID-19. As a result, there was need to make myself well known. We, also, need to moderate the issue of apathy. This takes me to something critical. I think the by-election is more difficult than the general election.

That is the reality. A general election is like a carnival. There are other candidates contesting for different political offices. We have those contesting for the office of the President. We also have those contesting for governorship and legislative positions at the federal and state levels. It is like a carnival in town that everybody feels. But the by-election is very tricky. We have to wake people up that something is going on. A lot of people do not even know. We have to let them know. It is not meant to be a presidential or governorship election campaign. We are just doing the right thing a democratic setting should embrace.

Politics to me is about service If I compare where I am from and where I am going into, honestly, there is a common feature. That common feature is what I can call service. Banking, for instance, is about service.

I am sure you will agree with me because all of us are account owners or holders. Even if you go to ATM and it does not respond to you, you know all the crises you can create. Politics, to me too, is about service. That is one belief that I hold. This tells you that I have just handled one type of service and I am getting into another type of service. What do I do to meet the need of my people? First, the answer is almost obvious to all of us.

People need all things that can improve human development index (HDI). People need good roads, stable power supply, good governance and accountability, among others. Given my background, what I am going for is not an executive position.

So, I will see it in terms of good governance and accountability.

All through my career, I have been guided along the path of

accountability and good governance. I will also use this as an illustration. If I have had the privilege of saving a bank, it is like you have saved a community. The staff strength of the bank is up to 10,000 people. If that bank went under, it means 10,000 people would have lost their jobs.

It, also, means over 40,000 dependents would have been in disarray. Then, it was a bank that has four million customers with over N1 trillion deposit. You can imagine what will happen if that bank collapses. That means I am coming with the background of someone who has been tested both human and material resources.

With all sense of modesty, I have delivered on it. With the kind of experience I have gathered over the years, it tells me clearly that part of the conversation around this country today is about somebody who can bring quality representation. I must tell you that this is not an executive role. I cannot tell you that I will go and construct road here. I cannot tell you that I will go and provide water there. I see a legislative role as more of facilitation and influencing. The kind of background and pedigree I have will come into play. Let me give you some examples. When I visited Epe, I went from Ikorodu. I have not travelled from Ikorodu to Epe by road for a very long time. But I was shocked as to the state of the road when I was going. I was really shocked. So, we had this session in Epe. It was a raining day and the journey was tortuous. I was so tired that I told my campaign that if you are returning to Ikorodu, I was going to Lagos. I did not realise that I was going to have another experience. Coming from Epe through Lekki was another bad experience. This is where one’s background and pedigree come to play. I just picked my phone and called my former boss, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, who is today the Minister of Works and Housing. I told him it was important to do something on the road. The minister told me that Ikorodu-Itoikin-Epe road was a federal road. But that f you are talking about Lekki-Epe road, it is a state road. I equally called the governor and told him the same thing. I have known the governor for more than 20 years. We were in banking together. Even his deputy, we served together under Fashola. While he was the Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, I was the Commissioner for Finance in the same cabinet. Why am I bringing this up? If you have a pedigree that has a wide influence, then it is going to make the job easier. I may not have executive power, but I can reach out. I can confidently tell you that we have gone far on the Lekki-Ibeju road, mainly from Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate to Epe. We have to mount pressure on the governor to do something about the road. The pressure also gingered him that he could not leave the road that way. For me, we can serve role models for the upcoming youths. We can shape them so they don’t just assume leadership roles blindly.

The youths, the old, will feel my impact through legislation, facilitation The youths, the old and everybody will feel my impact through legislation and facilitation. Beyond this, I have a constituency office here in Ikorodu. It was properly set up with a vision beyond winning the by-election. I do not hope to replicate the same in other LGAs because it will be a waste in this age of technology. At best, I probably can have satellite offices in LGAs. It will just be a small one so that we do not waste resources we can use for the betterment of the society. But I deliberately set up the Ikorodu office because I am from here and it is important I have a coordinating office beyond my campaign office. Beyond the primary roles of legislation, facilitation and influencing, a senator is expected to anchor. I, on my own, will establish an empowerment and endowment programme, having been around and seen the level of poverty, the rate of unemployment and the number of vulnerable people. You just need to go on a campaign trip. Part of it that worries me is the number of young people, young women, older people that are running after us. If these people are engaged or have their means of livelihoods, they will not probably be doing this. If you want to campaign in an estate, probably a well-organised one, you have to look for a weekend or else you will not get any person to attend because these are people, who are engaged. You will not see any person if you go to any organised estate during the week. The number of people

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 28, 2020

23

POLITY ˾ ǃǔ ƼljǏ ǏNJ ǀǍǑǀ ƼǂNJǎ ƼǎǏ Ƽǎ ǀljƼǏNJǍ ˾ that followed us from here to Epe was huge. Some will join us on the road on their bikes. This has been my burden. I keep asking the party, what happens to these people after the campaign? It is not something I can do alone. But I believe strongly that I can lead by example. After the victory on December 5, I like us to discuss a validation of what I am about to say, perhaps, after 90 days in office. I intend, by the grace of God, to have an empowerment and endowment programme that can at least impact directly by January 31. It is a model I have been working on.

Part of the model I am working on is that we shall be impacting between 500 and 1,000 constituents across the senatorial district on a monthly basis. I will tell people to go and validate it. Also, we have a situation whereby you wake up in the morning; different people are sending messages to you, complaining about one health challenge or the other. I intend to come up with a medical arrangement that can impact the people in a structured manner. I do not need to see your face or whatever.

But it will be limited because I am just an individual. Personally, I want to set up an endowment. It must be in place at the end of December or not beyond January 2021. That endowment will focus on two critical things. First, it will focus on our youths.

I have studied different empowerment schemes, their strength and their shortcomings. The kind of empowerment I want to do will focus on the youth and women.

We will identify vocational centres. Our emphasis will be on skill acquisition and skill development. We will determine the number of people we can bring on board periodically. The selected people will run six-month or one-year training at the cost to the endowment, we can then give them the tools they need. If any person endures to go through the training, he will definitely have his hands in it. If you take them through a learning curve and they come out successfully, then there is possibility that out of five persons, three or four will take it up from there. Second, given my own background that has been essentially in lending and banking, I want to come up with credit scheme that can support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the district. We can accommodate between 500 and 1,000 per annum. We will give them soft loans. Again, part of the problems is access and the cost of such credits. In this case, access will be easily available.

In terms of the cost, that is the interest rate, we have just to bring it to what is just affordable. I am just hoping people will not see this as the dividends of democracy. We just try it and hope it will be successful. Of course, there will be a scoring model. We will ask them whether they belong to Community Development Committee (CDC), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), any Islamic association or if there is a leader who can identify you. Or you have a BVN. This is enough to serve as collateral.

I am saying, within my own capacity, the seed money of that foundation will come from me. Also, I am going to use the goodwill I have built during my work life to get people on board, either associates or friends. I have had conversation with some of them and they also believe in it. I have benefited particularly from Lagos State. Look at my background in terms of education; I went to public schools all my life.

I went to Ereko Methodist Primary School, which was owned by government. I went to Government College, Lagos. I went to Baptist Academy, which was also owned by government. I also went to Lagos State University, which was established by government. With this antecedent, I think it is the right time for me to give back to the society.

Special status for Lagos The issue of special status has been with us for a long time. We can trace the origin to 1976 during the time of General Murtala Mohammed. He actually initiated the need to relocate Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja. He also mentioned that given the level of federal government assets that have been invested in Lagos, be it seaport, airport and even flyovers, among others, they will continue to be sources of attraction for those outside of Lagos. That is what we call rural to urban migration. He went further to say that there is need for the federal government to have a special arrangement to sustain these assets for the benefit of all. If we cast our minds to that period and to 1990 when General Ibrahim Babangida, we can see that Lagos still remains the commercial, entertainment, financial and tourist capital of Nigeria. It behooves on us to find a way to continue to enhance the facilities that are attracting a lot of people here. If you speak to the Lagos State Government, they will tell that the population growth rate of this country is at an average of 2.5 per cent. But the rate of people migrating to Lagos is in excess of 3 per cent. So, the pressure is so much. You see traffic here. You see traffic there. It is welcome. But we need to enhance those structures until we get true federalism. We cannot stop the arrangement for special status. We will continue to agitate for it. That is the way they are treating Abuja as well.

Abuja is centrally funded from the national budget. The federal government cannot leave Lagos for the Lagos State Government. Even if you take a look at the budget of this government, this financial year is about N1 trillion. In terms of size, Lagos is supposed to be the smallest state in Nigeria. That tells you the kind of pressure in this state. Also, you see what happened recently. The good intentioned #EndSARS protest, the hijack and the destruction barely tell us that we do not have a choice than to support the facilities that are attracting people to Lagos State. Special Status, of course, is a just agitation.

Feedback from my campaign is encouraging

Abiru For me, the feedback has been very encouraging and supportive. Of course, it is a mixed bag of people’s challenges and their concerns. Without being selfish, I think that I see what I can describe as genuine acceptability. I always make it very clear everywhere I went the kind of background that I parade. I also let them know that it is not all about me. It is all about giving to the society. With due respect to everyone here, I am not an old man. I am full of energy. Part of what I am bringing on the table is the energy I use to deliver my earlier career. I still have that energy to bring to the table. I see a lot of acceptability from the people – the traditional rulers, the youths, the old people, the women and even the working class. Again, part of what we heard from the people is the need to attend to people’s needs.

For instance, mothers were pleading to have job opportunities for their children. When you heard that unemployment rate is 27 per cent, in real life, you will see that this is a major challenge.

We just have to find a way around it. The solution must be sustainable and enduring. We have to look at the development deficiency of this country. If we have high unemployment rate and look at the demography of the country, people between 18 and 35 account for about 65 per cent. And we have unemployment rate around 27 per cent. It tells you that we have a lot of burning energies that are unused. We have to support policies that create enabling environment for businesses. That is what I mean by sustainable opportunities. If we create a fluke that endure for a short period, it will not help us. We need a development policy that creates employment opportunities. We can only build it around initiatives that will support infrastructure; that will encourage private enterprises and that will allow businesses to grow.

We need peace because businesses can only grow where there is security of lives and property. These are things we need to keep our minds to save ourselves from the economic situation of this country.

Message to voters I strongly believe this is an opportunity for Lagos East to have on board somebody that is experienced; that has the capacity and exposure to play the roles expected of a senator. Also, this is an opportunity to bring on board somebody who can give quality representation as to what is expected of a senator representing Lagos East.

It is an opportunity to bring in a personality that is homegrown individual, whom our youths can look up to, learn from and believe as to the possibilities in this country. I am not a foreign trained person in any form. My background is very basic and local. When I look back, I have more to lose if I do not live up to people’s expectation. That is part of the burden I carry on this assignment. I have run a very successful career. I will not at this stage do anything that will rubbish it. This is a journey of four years and I have run a career of 32 years unblemished. I will not at this stage of my life mess it up. I think this is an opportunity for Lagos East to have somebody that will not disappoint them; somebody that will live up to expectations and somebody that has listening ears. My life has been of service. I will not be a kind of person that they will only see during election period. I will be that person that will periodically, either quarterly or biannually go back to my constituents to give account of what I have done; listen to them to get feedback and see what I can do to further their cause.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 28, 2020

POLITY

BayelsaWest:CDCChairmen,YouthPresidentsBackDickson Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

T

he Chairmen of the Community Development Committees and Youth Presidents in Ekeremor Local Government Area have reaffirmed support for Chief Henry Seriake Dickson’s Senatorial bid for the Bayelsa West District.

The CDC Chairmen and the Youth President said Dickson was the most qualified with the requisite experience and contacts required to promote the interest of the district, the state and indeed the Ijaw nation in the National Assembly.

The different groups which spoke during solidarity visits to the former Governor at his Opolo, Yenagoa residence yesterday, said that the former governor should have returned unopposed going by his experience and record òf performance.

Spokespersons of the groups, Philip Enieyekebi, Chairman of CDC Ndoro, and his Ekeremor counterpart, Hon Fiemotonghan Otuma and the Youth President, Agori, Akiki Ezoukumoh, were unanimous in their position that Dickson is the only candidate they know in the forthcoming senatorial contest in the zone.

They stressed that Chief Dickson is more exposed no national politics and in a better position to promote the interest of the district apart from the arrangement on zoning that favors him.

They assured that the election would be peaceful and urged the electorate to turn out enmasse to vote without fear of molestation and also defend their votes come December 5, 2020.

“Everybody that is truly sincere knows that you are in a better position to articulate the needs of the Ijaw nation having played crucial roles at different levels of government.

“We the CDC Chairmen and our youth Presidents are not aware of any other candidate contesting the Senatorial seat. It

Tetfund Harps On Judicious Utilisation of Intervention Funds

T

he Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Tetfund, has stressed the need for the judicious utilisation of the agency’s interventions to public tertiary educational institutions.

This was even as the agency commended the management of the Bayero University, Kano for the proper utilisation of the interventions it received from Tetfund, reiterating the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari administration to improving the standard of tertiary in the country.

The Chairman of Tetfund’s Board of Trustees, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, stated this at the Annual Tetfund/Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) interactive Forum in Kano during which the agency also inspected Tetfund intervention projects at the University.

“We are happy about what we saw in Bayero University, Kano because it is one thing to make funds available to the universities, it is yet another to utilise such interventions properly.

The stakeholders contributing to Tetfund can only feel encouraged when they see that

their contributions are making the necessary difference in transformation of our universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

“On the part of Tetfund, we will continue to engage all stakeholders as well as insist on the judicious utilisation of funds made available to the tertiary educational institutions”, IbrahimImam said.

Also speaking at the interactive forum themed “New Thrust in Sustaining the EDT Collection During COVID-19 Pandemic for Effective Service Delivery of the Fund”, the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, commended the commitment and diligence exhibited by FIRS in collecting the funds on behalf of the Tetfund.

While equally commending the management of Bayero University for proper utilisation of Tetfund’s interventions, Bogoro noted that FIRS’ diligence had made it possible for Tetfund to discharge its mandate without much hitches.

“We have never found them wanting, nor have we had any cause to quarrel. To me this is an indication of the integrity and honesty of the FIRS personnel”, he stated.

is on record that you and your party, the PDP, have consulted widely in our communities and we hold the firm view that you will be returned as our Senator,” They said.

In his response, the former governor thanked the CDC Chairmen and the youth groups for their sustained support and reaffirming their endorsement of his candidature as the right person for the Senatorial slot.

He urged the youth to give the deserved priority to the need to ensure that the election is violence free in their communities.

Dickson commended the leaders and members of the groups for insisting on the power sharing arrangement between the two local government areas making up the district which Favour a Sagbama to produce the next senator.

He assured them of his unflinching commitment to the cause of the people and indeed the Ijaw nation, at the upper chamber of the National Assembly if elected.

Leadway Pensure’s RSA Funds Michael Olugbode in Abuja

L

eadway Pensure PFALimited, foremost pension funds administrator, has outperformed the benchmark funds under its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) for October 2020.

A statement yesteday from the company reported that all funds under its Retirement Savings Account (RSA) outperformed their stipulated benchmark for October 2020.

The statement read: “In the month under review, Leadway Pensure PFA’s annualised return for RSA Fund I was 32 per cent against a 25 per cent benchmark; RSA Fund II returned 25 per cent against a 23 per cent benchmark; RSA Fund III returned 20 per cent against a 15 per cent benchmark, and RSA Fund IV returned 18 per cent against a 9 per cent benchmark, culminating in an overall high performance of RSA funds across multiple investments in the company.

“The annualised return represents the approximate return achievable by an investment if retained for a whole year as opposed to when it is prematurely terminated.”

Commenting on the results, Managing Director, Leadway Pensure PFA, Mrs. Aderonke Adedeji stated that the performance was a testament to the company’s consistent efforts to deliver excellent results to its customers and remain one of the leading PFAs in the country.

She said: “As a company, we work assiduously to never stray from our objective of remaining amongst the top-five Pension Fund Administrators in the nation. Being intensely aware of the dynamic nature of the market, we consciously guard our RSA funds against downturns to preserve value. Thus, causing our funds to outperform a 14.23 per cent inflation rate in October. We remain confident that the rest of the year will not be any different.”

The Retirement Savings Account was initiated by the Federal Government under the repealed Pensions Reform Act (PRA)of 2004 (now enacted PRA 2014) and is used to set aside money towards an individual’s retirement; with joint contributions from the employer and the employee, while the multi-fund structure is a framework designed to align the retirement savings of contributors to their risk appetite by maintaining four funds with different tolerance for risk.

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

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Iman Al-makura

I Have Always Had Innate Passion for Fashion Olaoluwakitan Babatunde Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2022;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;ĂĄĂ&#x2122;Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2122;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;ĂĄĂ&#x2039; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2039;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;ĂŁ Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x203A; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;ĂŁĂ&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?âĂ&#x161;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201C;Ă?ĂŁ Ă?Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂŁĂ&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;ËŞĂ? Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;ĘŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x153;Ă? Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;ĂĄ Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013; Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă?âË&#x153; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC; Ă?Ă&#x2039;ĂŁĂ? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019; Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ë&#x203A;

A

s you navigate through Yanlinga Street, off Adetokumbo Ademola, Wuse II, Abuja, then into the Sannar Street off Yalinga, in no time, you are at No. 3B of that street, a duplex in a posh and neat premises.

Everywhere is so refreshingly calm. But for the show glass, which houses two elegantly dressed mannequins, nothing on the outside immediately gives you an idea that you are standing in front of a busy fashion house in the heart of Abuja.

But immediately you step into the reception, a boldly carved inscription, Simply Iman, greets you. Two young women in their early twenties, one the receptionist and another, who turns out to be the CEO of the fashion house, were on hand to receive this reporter and the cameraman for the interview. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welcome to Simply Iman, the young Al-Makura said, wearing a pleasant smile. Well-dressed (expectedly) and wearing the kind of humility that exudes confidence, you would not know she is the proprietress of the big fashion house, but then she adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Iman Al-Makura, welcome to my worldâ&#x20AC;?. She spoke in a soft tone.

She takes this reporter and the cameraman on a tour of the fashion house, an ambitious project, one must admit, before leading us into her office for the chat.

On the type of clothes she makes, Iman said they make clothes for both men and women ready to wear clothes, bespoke, luxury wears, kaftan, agbada, skirt and blouse, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;in fact everything ladies and menâ&#x20AC;?.

On how she made the switch from her field of study, Law and International Relations, to fashion entrepreneurship, Iman said she had always known that she was cut out for the enterprise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to study International Relations, but my mother also wanted me to study Law. So, to make her happy without dropping my interest too, I settled for combined honours in Law and International Relations, University of Sussex and I graduated recently. â&#x20AC;&#x153;However, I have always had this innate passion for fashion. Even while in school, I knew I was not going to work for anybody. I never wanted to join the labour market. I had a clear-cut vision of becoming an employer of labour. I wanted to be a fashionpreneur. I started learning these things from the later part of my secondary school days. Again, Iman Al-makura while in the university, I continued from where I stopped each time I returned to Nigeria during the holidays. And Al-Makura, was once into fashion. She set up one several years ago, before she divested owing to the shenanigans of the tailors, here we are todayâ&#x20AC;?, she said. especially when her other businesses and offices did not give her Reminded that coming from a privileged background, she the opportunity to give it the full attention she wantedâ&#x20AC;?. could still not have spent time in the job market as her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Would Iman sacrifice her fashion business for love or marinfluence could have landed her a lucrative job upon graduariage? Hear her: â&#x20AC;&#x153;No way. If you love me, then you have to love tion, Iman said her upbringing oriented her to work her way to my business. You are going out to look for what the children will success, not inherit it. eat. I am also going out to make some money for the family. Fold â&#x20AC;&#x153;Naturally, I abhour influence peddling and we were brought my business for marriage sake? No way. up that way. I prefer to work my way to the top. Truth is, I could Iman is happy with patronage, which she said has been quite probably have secured a job in a competitive process without good. anyone lifting a finger on my behalf. But as I said, I have my own â&#x20AC;&#x153;I must say that I am very grateful to God. The patronage has path in life to follow. Again, as we say in Nigerian parlance, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Your been quite good. And we are not really advertising. We are just papa money no be your ownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. My parents have given me what on Instagram. Our customers keep coming back and they return every parent owes his or her child, which is education. It is now with new customers. That way, we have been growing. And up to me to pursue my dreams. these include quite some influential people too and we are happy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe there is any job out there that could and feel quite privileged clothing themâ&#x20AC;?, she enthused. pay me better than Simply Iman and still give me the satisfaction To complement what they do at Simply Iman, she said they are and inner joy I get from this. I want to be independent and I want also into accessories, fragrances, including local fragrances from to build my own business empire graduallyâ&#x20AC;?, she explained.

Chad and Moroccan soaps.

Doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t her parents feel uncomfortable with the idea of their On where she sees her business in the next 10 years, the daughter making clothes for a living? Were there any discouragefair-skinned entrepreneur said she was confident Simply Iman ments from her siblings and friends? Iman said has been inspired would go places. and encouraged by them all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you know a lot about how many global brands of Hear her: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My father is a very, very simple man. The same goes today started yesterday. Take Apple for instance. It began in a gafor my mother. And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget that my father is a businessman. rage. Amazon is currently worth over $225.2 Billion and employs Politics is just something he got involved in along the line. His over a million people today. But we all know how it started. Mark father too, that is, my grandfather was equally a renowned Zuckerberg started Facebook from his dorm room in Harvard businessman. So, it runs in the blood somehow and my parents in 2004. See where both Mark and Facebook have grown. Larry have inculcated the culture of industry in the family. So, I am only Page and Sergey Brin started Google in a garage. Today, it is the continuing in the family tradition and my parents and siblings worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading search engine. The Disney brothers, Walt and have are very supportive and proud of me.

Roy, started The Walt Disney Company in the back of a small â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will also interest you to know that my mother, Dr. Mairo

apartment in Los Angeles. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One can go on and on. But to answer your question directly, I see Simply Iman going places. I see us going for fashion shows in Nigeria and overseas. I see us taking a huge chunk of the fashion business. The sweet thing is that the driving mentality and forces behind Simply Iman are youthful fellows, who are also daily learning from older and more experienced minds. More than the money we earn, is the satisfaction we get each time our customers call or come around to tell us how they liked our product, and how friends pester them to bring them to Simply Iman. This customer satisfaction is what gives us the confidence that we will keep growing and that we will go places. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But I know that things evolve at breakneck speed in our contemporary world and the fashion industry is no exception. That is why the philosophy here is training and retraining. Personally too, I have had a stint with Kathy Anthony fashion house here in Abuja. But I will keep learning more. To hone my entrepreneurial skills too, I hope to go to the Lagos Business School and someday soon to Harvardâ&#x20AC;?, she added.

I hope too didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just happen. I started gradually, putting things together until we fully opened shop here. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy that you have toured our fashion house. You could see that our staff are all young men and women. With every sense of modesty, our workers and clothes we make here can compete favourably anywhere in the world. But one has to start from somewhere and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad I did. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Also, be ready to learn and keep learning. There is this saying this quote by Albert Einstein: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The more I learn, the more I realise how much I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t knowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. You must humble yourself in order to learn and you must equally humble yourself in order to grow in business. Be true, good, and forthright in dealing with clients and workers alike. Have a listening ear tooâ&#x20AC;?.

26

Ë&#x153; Ëž NOVEMBER 28, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

Bounds, Not â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;D

ONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T despair, UNICEF tells IDPs at (on) World Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dayâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kyari: Gas supply to power generating (power-generating) companies has improvedâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;2023: 5000 APC, PRP members decamp (defect) to PDP in Katsinaâ&#x20AC;?

Wrong: last minute substitute; right: last-minute substitute, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śhis excitement knew no bound (bounds)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (GLOBAL SOCCER, November 21) â&#x20AC;&#x153;For close to fi five years, he raced through the banking sector like a bull in a china hall.â&#x20AC;? Get it right: a bull in a china shop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Singapore jails senior civil servants over (for) corruptionâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;ANA postponements (sic) (postpones) February readingâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peugeot plans to inject $7.26b on (into) research, developmentâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You lived well and you have gone to (preferably for) a well deserved (welldeserved) rest. Rest in perfect peace.â&#x20AC;?

(Full-page advertorial) Except for graveyard peace, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;peaceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is an absolute and does not need inflection, intensification or adumbration. So, rest in peace (R.I.Pâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;not R.I.P.P)!

Finally from the Back Page of THE GUARDIAN under review: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One has witnessed at different occasions dissenting opinions of doctors as regards prescriptions for patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (a patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) ailment.â&#x20AC;?

The Guardian youth speak: on different occasions.

Next is DAILY TRUST of October 20 with slips right from its front page lead story: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Alhaji Muhammed Saâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ad Abubakar spoke at his palace in Sokotoâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Does the Sultan of Sokoto have another palace elsewhere? Let us think as we report. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pact with China conducive for peace, says Taiwan (Taiwanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or Taiwanese) presidentâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Otherwise, there is no point we engage in importing that much on yearly (a yearly) basis.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śhe said though the institute has (had) developed 62 rice varieties for farmers, fi five most prominent varieties are (were) in circulation and are (were) doing very good (well).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;NEMA, stakeholders meets over displaced personsâ&#x20AC;? You can readily identify the boyish slip-up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With the LG polls now fixed for next week Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Either next Tuesday or Tuesday, next weekâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;no jumbo-mumbo!

Lastly from DAILY TRUST: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Replicate your performance to (in) your constituents (constituencies)â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Security at airports: Police deploys (sic) sniffer dogs at (in) Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, 5 othersâ&#x20AC;? (AIT News, 4 p.m., October 20) â&#x20AC;&#x153;PIB: Senate to re-open probeâ&#x20AC;? (Source: as above) My comment: already treated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Absence of interpreter stalls trial of Portuguese woman charged for (with) drug traffi f ckingâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thumb (Thumbs) up for Nigerian refs in Maliâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Failure of Oduah to handover (hand over) stallsâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

The following fi five solecisms are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of October 18 starting from its front page: â&#x20AC;&#x153;DHQ assures of continued offensiveâ&#x20AC;? Who did it assure? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Battle for soul of Ecobank intensifiesâ&#x20AC;?

So the battle intensifies itself? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harnessing potentials of local software industry in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Potentialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is uncountable, but we have â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;potentialitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śwho had at one point or the other (or another) been to Oyo Stateâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tackling voters apathy in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;?

This way: voter apathy SATURDAY INDEPENDENT of November 14 disseminated all manner of school-boy mistakes right from the front page: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fear has grip (gripped) notable politicians in Ebonyi State following find fi ings byâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Most of the ensuing blunders were caused by sheer carelessness and loose thinking as the computer system has an in-built mechanism that detects most of the spelling errors contained herein. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The discovery was made when the

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

SSS arrested some kidnappers in the state alleged to be the brain (brains) behind high profile (high-profile) kidnapping in the state.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The SSS in the state said on Friday that it has (had) arrestedâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śmotorists were made to watch a bizzare (bizarre) spectacle, (needless comma) as four policemen beat a man gave (who gave) his name asâ&#x20AC;Śto a state of stupour (stupor).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The policemen, who drove to the scene in a patrol van with registration number KJA 284 AX, threw caution the winds (sic) (threw caution to the winds).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Federal University Lafia, (otiose punctuation) matriculates 380 studentsâ&#x20AC;?

Would it have matriculated traders? Just yank off the last word in the extract! â&#x20AC;&#x153;My husband usually ask (asks) me to abort my pregnancy, woman tells courtâ&#x20AC;?

Finally from SATURDAY INDEPENDENT, a voice of your own: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Movie directors threaten sanction on (against) actressâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;They buy at N159 and sell at N167, the CBN has (had) addressed last year whenâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;But what the banks decided to do is (was) to even stop selling.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Middle aged (Middle-aged) man commits suicide in Josâ&#x20AC;ŚPolice tries (try) to uncover his identityâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;IITA creates 40,000 jobs under cassava to ethanol (cassava-to-ethanol) projectâ&#x20AC;?

THISDAY of November 6 contributed to the pool of infelicities: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Budget: APC threatening the lifewire (livewire) of Nigeria, says PDPâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Edo: Court remands killer cop (killercop)â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;?

SUNDAY Sun of November 15 goofed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;CBN said money is (was) missing from federation (the federation) account.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śtheir counsels and the judge so that people are notâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? This way: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;counselâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is uncountable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is (are) the police doing to investigate the case?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Who is paying the piper, dictating (calling) the tunes of the graffi f ti on the walls (sic)?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Under normal circumstances, either of

these two men can representâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? (Vanguard, November 9) By the way: either cannot imply any other thing beyond â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;twoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So, avoid lexical blackmail. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need people of unalloyed intergrity in positions of trust.â&#x20AC;? Spell-check: integrity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Abia State has remained one splitted (split) entity that cannot move forward.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Though this dichotomy has endured for quite sometime nowâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Politics today: some time (distinct from sometime). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have persistently called attention toâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? The unionâ&#x20AC;Śhas (not have). â&#x20AC;&#x153;If after having being duely (duly) informed of.â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;True, the treatment meted to (meted out to) detainees and ex-convicts, especially politicians like the recently released â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Lagos boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, depends, to a great extent, on the fi financial or social status of the prisoner.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;If what the campaigners are doing is allowed to succeed, precedence (a precedent) would have been set.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śhe had always shy (shied) away from politics but always manage (managed) to fi find himself in politics.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think us poor Nigerians that only has (have) the rough edged (a hyphen) stick to hold at times like thisâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Task forces as solution: a time like this or at times like these.

THE GUARDIAN of November 9 offered two unpardonable and extremely vexatious gaffes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To round up the visit was the trip to the New Place, the site of the house where Shakespeare died. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Get it right: round off (not round up). â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;Śthe production was heavily spiced with new innovations which, however, still retained its original flavours.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;New innovationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sounds illogical. An innovation cannot be old, relatively speaking.

What do you think? â&#x20AC;&#x153;What was the platform in which the cold warâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? The platform on which the cold war.â&#x20AC;Ś â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lack of towing vehicles hinder (hinders) FRSC operations.â&#x20AC;?

Of Love and Life: IGD is No Longer Fail-Safe

COUNTERPOINT

T

FEMI

his is a touchy one - for both men and women. So, I am going to be careful in the choice of words, and may have to spend quality time emphasizing some things.

What are we talking about? Ladies who think they are in love with decent-looking men, and are in serious pains because â&#x20AC;&#x153;at long lastâ&#x20AC;?, the men leave them to marry some other girls who had not suffered the deprivation, sacrifice and indulgences they have invested into the relationship! Yet... They are left with the burnt edge of the love-stick.

First, accept my â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;condolencesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; if any of my readers fall into such a category. I frankly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the qualification to psyco-analyse your individual scenarios; nor am I in a position to deduce why some women â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; serious â&#x20AC;&#x153;I-go-dieâ&#x20AC;? (IGD for brevity) for some men and still end up losing the men.

But I do have some ideas about what men think, or palpitations that set their feet running away when girls start â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dyingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for them, Some of the ladies have been â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;aroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, playing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;awayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in different â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leaguesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the world. And men canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand such competition!

Because men are usually hypocritical: we are challenged by, and like women who know their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;onionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and can battle us to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;goal-lessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; draw games. But the next step into more serious relationship is usually left for the next â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;suckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; after we have abandoned ship.

Men also love to be pampered; call them romantic secret names and their heads swell with pompous pride.

Even if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t admit it, the girls who could match us word for word in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dirty-talkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; receive our admiration - until tying the knots comes into view. The romantic, communicative chap of last week will then get ulcers of the mouth; and complex piles that will force him not to sit near you or your bed again.

One major problem of IGD ladies is the self-destructive mind-set of going into every relationship with the idea of it culminating in marriage. Girls get so worked up trying

to make the relationship move from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bedroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This is where they often miss the bus. Men are notoriously suspicious of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;effortsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at turning them to a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;real manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; - the pet occupation of desperate women.

When an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;IGDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stumbles on a secret relationship between her man (who had sworn that she was the only fish in his ocean) and another lady, the IGD is too afraid of muddying the sea and rooting out the offending â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

After the initial frowning and snubbing, the first visitor to the manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house the following day is our aggrieved IGD - now begging the man to resist the devil so that the bedrock of their affair does not collapse! The man listens to the whining, and it is sweet sound to his lecherous ears. All his prayers are answered. With a lady like that, added with a dose of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;advanced bone-faceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the man can get away with virtually anything.

Interestingly, the fear of the man is not always misplaced; because experience has taught him that IGD women are the leading members of home-breakers club.

Men realise that those women donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t marry because they â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; their men, but they crave for the prefix of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mrsâ&#x20AC;? to their names, and few â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;replicasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the men - if possible.

Therefore, when men suffering under the loveless attack of such matrimony meet to compare notes, the singles amongst them receive â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a heart of stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Henceforth, they see their friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wives in their girlfriends. Transferred animosity?

But smart girls have ways with men which force their lovers to eat from their palms. And there is no â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;jazzingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; involved - if you know what I mean. You may beat us to the game, if you are not in a hurry to marry. That is the first law of hooking the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;right manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. And the irony of it all is that those who are not fretting about how long they have to wait to get husbands often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stay available for long. Men are also smart, you know.

Now, if you are an IGD, you can still retrace your style, and make a hit with your next fix. But kill yourself, if you must: you have to change your tactics. Number one, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let your next boyfriend pigeon-hole you as

AKINTUN AK NDE E-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

an IGD. Even the fact that you have become fanatically â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;born-againâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cannot do the trick. Purge yourself quickly.

Try this: even if you are over 30 years old, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rush the man or harass him with stories of friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fantastic weddings and great marriages. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drop any hints of where your skirt is going. That is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;gunshotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that will turn him to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bullet Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Now, this model canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help you if you lack values a man wants in a wife. No one can teach you good manners and adorable character... at your age!

Unfortunately, that you do have these admirable attributes, is not enough to keep the man from running away.

Some men are so silly that they leave a jewel and go on to roil in the mud with a pig (pardon my language). But nothing gets the attention of a philandering man like the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clear and present dangerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of losing a valuable partner.

However dangerous it may seem, the lady has to hazard the risk, and put to use the fatalistic jingle of â&#x20AC;&#x153;whatever is meant to be yours will come to you, however long it strays awayâ&#x20AC;?.

Much as I dislike that statement, a woman has to get that deeply non-challant, and confront her man with details of his indiscretions. He must be forced to admit it, confess it, renounce it, and get him to sweat at convincing you that such will not be repeated. Even if he is an incorrigible fornicator, his extra sweat to convince you and act the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; will cast a veil of respectability around you in years to come. In such a situation; even if he hardly can stop himself from cheating on you, be assured that the end of his game is close by....

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

28.11.2020

NEWS

BRACING FOR THE SUMMIT PAGE. 29

Ahmed Musa An Owl Waiting to be Hatched?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 28, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ahmed Musa An Owl Waiting to be Hatched?

He has been without a club since leaving Saudi professional league club, Al Nassr and several European clubs have been linked to his name. With Sheffield Wednesday needing to bolster their team after an uninspiring start to the Championship season and looking to the direction of Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles Captain may soon become an Owl

Ahmed Musa

A

fter mutually parting ways with Al Nassr, Ahmed Musa has never hidden his intention of returning to main stream Europe to continue his footballing career and Sheffield Wednesday may be his next destination.

The Owls are reportedly hoping to bolster their forward ranks with the addition of free agent and former Leicester City player after Musa has been without a club since leaving Saudi side Al Nassr last month.

He has been touted around a number of Premier League clubs in the past few weeks but is yet to strike a deal.

Just turned 28, Musa is a former £25m forward who signed for Leicester City in 2016 in a whirlwind of optimism that their recruitment machine had unearthed another gem.

The Nigerian forward rocked up for a clubrecord £16.6m fee from CSKAMoscow, where he’d spent four-and-a-half seasons ripping up the upper echelons of the Russian Premier Division and returning a record better than one goal in three.

This is all after breaking through as a teenager in Nigeria and then in the Dutch Eredivisie at VVV-Venlo, making his international debut aged just 17.

Leaving Leicester after a solitary season of five goals in 33 matches, he was sold to Al Nassr for a reported £25m.

The Nigerian international has been linked with a free transfer move to Sheffield Wednesday.

A 95-cap international, Musa is now keen on a return to English football and according to reports has been offered to the likes of Newcastle, West Ham and the Owls’ city rivals Sheffield United.

Musa is best known for his pace. His best football has been played as a striker, playing off the shoulder, but he can also play wide, most notably out on the left.

He’s not shy and has been known to express his opinions from time to time. He made no secret of his desire to stay at Leicester but in an explosive interview after his departure claimed he was forced out of the club, who made a healthy profit on him.

“I wanted to stay in England because that has been my dream for years but what will you do when you’re told a bid has been accepted for you? I had to move to where I know I will be celebrated,” Musa told Own Goal Nigeria.

“Talks have been on about how I moved for the money but nobody has considered the fact that Leicester City also sold me for the money. Transfers can only happen if both parties agree to it and that was my case.”

Despite that the transfer window is closed, clubs can still sign free agents. A number of deals have been done across the Championship in recent weeks.

The unusual nature of the unsettled transfer

market means are a number of high-profile players still out of contract.

After the Owls’ 1-0 defeat at Preston last Saturday, Sheffield Wednesday’s Manager, Tony Pulis hinted that he was looking at his options, promising he’d be as ‘patient and as diligent as he possibly can’.

“I’ll try and get as many points as we can, but I think if we can get the opportunity to bring in maybe one or two players then I think that’s going to be massive for this football club.”

There are numerous free agents available at present in what has proven to be a tough market for footballers on the hunt for new deals, and it seems as though Pulis is very much prepared to dip into that pool if the right player becomes available.

It remains to be seen which positions he is most keen to bolster going forward, but his formation and comments over the weekend suggest that another wide player could be high up on his list, of which Musa fits into.

In 58 appearances forAl Nassr, Musa scored 11 goals and got 14 assists while helping the team win the 2018-19 Saudi top-flight diadem and the 2019 Saudi Super Cup. In his chat with ESPN, the former Kano Pillars star had this to say: “I have enjoyed my time in the two years that I have been here, and the club has been great to me.

“But I have always wanted to return to Europe, and I feel that this is the best time

for me to make that move.

“I want to get back to playing at the top level again against the best players in the world.

“I would like to thank everyone atAl Nassr and all the fans for understanding and respecting my wishes, but especially for making me feel such a big part of the club and I will never forget them.”

Musa confessed to approaching the club management to terminate his contract before the close of the Saudi transfer window.

“I met with the club and requested that they should terminate my contract, and they were kind enough to agree to let me go,” he added.

Musa shot into international limelight after helping Nigeria U-23 win the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup where he scored goals against Benin Republic and Burkina Faso.

His performance saw him invited to the senior national team prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, albeit, he did not make the 30-man squad due to an ankle injury.

At the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, the former Kano Pillars man scored three goals in five matches and he was included by FIFA’s shortlist for the Adidas Golden Ball.

After representing the country at youth level, the ex-VV Venlo star made his senior debut on August 5, 2010 in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification against Madagascar - coming in as a substitute for Mikel Obi in the 2-0 win.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 218 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table Tottenham Liverpool Chelsea Leicester Southampton Everton Aston Villa West Ham Wolves Newcastle Man Utd Arsenal Crystal Palace Man City Leeds Brighton Burnley Fulham West Brom SheďŹ&#x20AC; Utd

9 9 9 9 9 9 8 9 9 10 8 9 10 8 9 9 8 9 9 9

12 5 12 6 4 3 8 5 -1 -3 -1 -1 -3 -1 -3 -2 -8 -9 -12 -11

20 20 18 18 17 16 15 14 14 14 13 13 13 12 11 9 5 4 3 1

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Chelsea, Spurs in Premier League Summit Battle

CLUB

Calvert-Lewin Son Heung-Min Jamie Vardy Mohamed Salah Harry Kane Patrick Bamford Bruno Fernandes Callum Wilson Ollie Watkins Danny Ings Wilfried Zaha

GOALS

Everton 10 Tottenham 9 Leicester 8 Liverpool 8 Tottenham 7 Leeds 7 Man Utd 6 Newcastle 6 Aston Villa 6 Southampton 5 Crystal Palace 5

Tottenham Captain Harry Keanetries to waltze through two Chelsea players

It would be battle between the master and his boy as Frank Lampardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chelsea welcomes former boss, Jose Mourinho to Stamford Bridge in a table-topping encounter

J

ose Mourinho takes his tabletopping Tottenham side to former club Chelsea this weekend determined to prove he is back where he belongs at the top of the Premier League.

Four straight wins have taken Spurs to 20 points after nine games, ahead of Liverpool on goal difference, but Frank Lampardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chelsea are just two points behind them.

Spurs boss has a point to prove against Lampard, with whom he won two Premier League titles at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho and the former Chelsea midfielder-turned-manager have met four times in different dugouts.

Lampard gave Mourinho a bloody nose when his Derby side dumped Manchester United, then managed by the Mourinho, out of the League Cup on penalties in 2018.

After returning to Chelsea as manager, Lampard twice outwitted his former boss, by now in charge at Tottenham, in the Premier League last season.

The 57-year-old veteran will be hoping this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s League Cup win against Chelsea on penalties has turned the tide. He has never lost three consecutive league matches against the same manager or club before.

Mourinho was keen to play down title talk after last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive 2-0 win at home to Manchester City, which took them top. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People cannot expect us to come here and after one season we are fighting for the title,â&#x20AC;? he told the BBC. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not fighting for the title, we are just fighting to win every match. But we are going to lose matches, we are going to draw matches.â&#x20AC;?

But, like it or not, Spurs are in the title mix and will have to get used to the pressure, which will be ramped up on Sunday.

A former Stamford Bridge favourite, Craig Burley however thinks his old club will finish the season above Spurs, despite Mourinhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side topping the early standings.

Chelsea are a â&#x20AC;&#x153;much more talented teamâ&#x20AC;? than Tottenham, according to Burley, who says the Blues were more likely to mount a title challenge than their London rivals.

Mourinho is being tipped to bring the Lilywhitesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; long wait for silverware to an end come May, having added a steely resolve to the squad which had been lacking before his arrival in November 2019.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are being billed more as dark horses for the top-flight crown than outright contenders, despite having just extended their run of successive victories in all competitions to five by beating Newcastle 2-0 at St Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Park.

However, Burley has rejected the notion that the Blues were playing catch-up to Tottenham in terms of their ability, with it his belief that Lampard now has a squad full of world-class talent at his disposal following an extensive summer recruitment drive.

Asked if his old club will finish above Spurs come May, the former Chelsea midfielder told ESPN: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh yeah. I think Chelsea are a much more talented team than Spurs. Tottenham have a good squad but Chelsea have an unbelievable amount of attacking players. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They got great experience in with the signing of Thiago Silva, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a natural left-back in Ben Chilwell.

The rise of Reece James has been meteoric - heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking his game to a new level. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve strengthened their goalkeeper situation and Frank Lampard has mentioned that Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Golo Kante is looking like the player he was a couple of years ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just think Chelsea have better options than Tottenham. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in as good shape as they can be to mount a title challenge.â&#x20AC;?

Chelsea will benefit from an extra two days rest before playing Tottenham, who were back in Europa League action against Ludogorets on Thursday.

Meanwhile, champions Liverpool

travel to Brighton today, while goal-shy Manchester City host Burnley in the unaccustomed position of 13th in the table and Arsenal seek a win to lift them out of their slump.

Arsenalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indifferent start to the season has left them languishing 12th in the Premier League table, with just four points from their past five matches.

Mikel Arteta, whose side host Wolves on Sunday, remains optimistic despite his sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poor run and struggles in front of goal -- Arsenal have now not scored from open play in five Premier League games. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I see the young talents we have got here and the future that we can produce for them, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s things that get me really excited,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know that we are going to go through difficult periods because you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change issues that have been going on for years in a small amount of time.â&#x20AC;?

Fans have been patient so far with their manager, who arrived late last year, but will start to get edgy unless they see an upturn in results soon.

Manchester City, who host Burnley on today, have not scored more than once in a Premier League match since September.

It was the same old story last weekend. City had 22 shots in their 2-0 defeat against Tottenham, who mustered just four shots, with two on target.

The clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record goalscorer, Sergio Aguero, had a brief runout in Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1-0 win at Olympiakos as he makes his way back to fitness following a hamstring injury.

City boss Guardiola said this week he was being cautious with the Argentine striker. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have many, many games to play this season and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need him,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What we want is him to recover in his best condition.â&#x20AC;?

But it is a difficult balancing act for the manager, whose side are already eight points behind Spurs and Liverpool.

Head to Head 20/22/02 Chelsea 2 - 1 Tottenham 19/22/12 Tottenham 0 - 2 Chelsea 19/27/02 Chelsea 2 - 0 Tottenham 18/24/11 Tottenham 3 - 1 Chelsea 18/01/04 Chelsea 1 - 3 Tottenham 17/20/08 Tottenham 1 - 2 Chelsea 17/04/01 Tottenham 2 - 0 Chelsea 16/26/11 Chelsea 2 - 1 Tottenham 16/02/05 Chelsea 2 - 2 Tottenham 15/29/11 Tottenham 0 - 0 Chelsea 15/01/01 Tottenham 5 - 3 Chelsea 14/03/12 Chelsea 3 - 0 Tottenham 14/08/03 Chelsea 4 - 0 Tottenham 13/28/09Tottenham1 - 1 Chelsea 13/08/05 Chelsea 2 - 2 Tottenham 12/20/10 Tottenham 2 - 4 Chelsea 12/24/04 Chelsea 0 - 0 Tottenham 11/22/12 Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea 11/30/04 Chelsea 2 - 1 Tottenham 10/12/12 Tottenham 1 - 1 Chelsea 10/17/04 Tottenham 2 - 1 Chelsea PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Brighton Man City Everton West Brom

v v v v

Liverpool Burnley Leeds United Sheffield Utd

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

Man Utd Tottenham Wolvers

14:00 16:30 19:15

Fulham Aston Villa

17:30 20:00

SUNDAY

Southampton v Chelsea v Arsenal v MONDAY

Leicester West Ham

v v

La Liga TODAY

Elche Valencia Huesca Madrid

v CĂĄdiz v AtlĂŠtico v Sevilla v AlavĂŠs

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

v Osasuna v Bilbao v Granada v Villarreal

13:00 19:15 17:30 20:00

v Eibar

20:00

SUNDAY

Barcelona Getafe Celta Vigo Sociedad MONDAY

Real Betis

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;, 2020,

GLOBAL SOCCER

Super-Eagles-in-training

Diego Maradona (left) greets his fellow countryman Juan Martin

Nigeria Drops Three Places in FIFA Rankings Nigeria have slipped to 35th position on the latest Fifa global rankings for November.

The Super Eagles dropped three places from their previous position after settling for back-toback draws against Sierra Leone in their 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

They are the fourth best country in Africa with Senegal retaining the no. 1 spot, followed by Tunisia and Algeria in the second and third positions, respectively.

A fortnight ago, Nigeria gave up a 4-0 lead against the Leone Stars on home ground to share the spoils with their WestAfrican neighbours.

Four days later, the three-time African champions travelled to Freetown where they were held to a goalless draw by John Keisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men.

The results delayed Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualification for the 2022 continental showpiece in Cameroon but they remain at the summit of Group L with eight points after

four matches.

Sierra Leone, on the other hand, are among the biggest movers on the continent as they climbed four places to 116th in the world.

The biggest movers in Africa are Equatorial Guinea and Burundi who climbed 10 spots after avoiding defeats in their Afcon qualifying games against Libya and Mauritania, respectively.

The next Fifa ranking which will be the final release for 2020 will be announced on December 10.

Title Defence

Joshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Camp Worries over Adaptation to Empty Stadium Anthony Joshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance without the atmosphere generated by a sold-out stadium is making Eddie Hearn â&#x20AC;&#x153;nervousâ&#x20AC;?, the promoter has admitted.

Joshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships are on the line against Kubrat Pulev on December 12.

Matchroom Boxing have yet to comment on an attendance after London, where Joshua vs Pulev will take place, was confirmed to be in Tier 2 when the government introduces new regulations from December 2.

Hearn said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To think that Joshua will box in that kind of an environ-

ment in a couple of weeks is actually making me extremely nervous. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is used to fighting in front of 90,000 people with fireworks going off in an electric atmosphere. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can he get himself motivated and disciplined in the same kind of way, when you can hear a pin drop? â&#x20AC;&#x153;But what you will hear is the sound and the thud of some of the fastest, most brutal hands in boxing landing on Pulev. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be fascinating to watch.â&#x20AC;?

Joshua won twice at both Wembley Stadium and Cardiffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Principality Stadium in four consecutive fights with attendances totalling almost

340,000 people.

The world heavyweight champion is wary of the quiet arena becoming a factor if the advice he receives from his trainer Rob McCracken is overheard

by Pulev.

McCracken said that was a consideration: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes it is, but when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in a world title fight and your boxer is in the ring, you can hear the other corner advising their boxer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the game, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of what makes the sport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You want to be careful with the advice you give him because the opponent and their corner will read off that.

Ibori Golf Club Inaugural Tournament Ends in Style The Ibori Golf and Country Club (IGCC) 2020 Captain Inaugural Tournament held at the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf course inAsaba, Delta State, ended in grand style.

At the end of the two-day event that started with registration and cocktail party penultimateFriday,whilethe tournament teed-off last Saturday, winners emerged in different categories featured at the event.

Thetournamentorganised by the IGCC Captain, Mr.

Alfred Ebreneyin, featured over 159 golfers across the country who competed for laurels at the event.

Chido Egwuonwu emerged overall best in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s category with a net score of 75 to beat the duo of Chukwuka Monye and Patrick Onukwu to second and third places having both netted 86 respectively.

The ladies category ended in favour of Joy Solomon, who recorded 78 net to lift the trophy, just as Rita

Izojeplacedfirstrunner-upwith 81netwhilesecondrunner-up wenttoAngelaUwabor,having played83net.

Speakingatthepresentation ofprizesandtrophiesattheclub house, club captain was full of thankstoalltheparticipantswho camefromacrossthecountryto playatthetournament.

Ebreneyin who lived up to his promise of organising a well and befitting tournament noted that he was overwhelmed by the turnout, adding that the tournament was hitch-free

and well organised with COVID-19 protocols.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In fact, I give all the glory to Almighty God for the turnout. It is almost unprecedentedinourannual tournaments for such a turnout. I appreciate Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu who graced and played the tournament too.

Tam Brisbe won the veteran men cadre with 84 net ahead of Edward Evron, who had 85 net, as Ike Oduah settled for third place with 87 net.

Man City versus Burnley as Valencia Tackles Atletico on GOtv Football fans can look forward to watching their favourite sport live on GOtv, as SuperSport promises live action from the 2020/21 Premier League, La Liga and Serie A seasons with matches scheduled for 28-30 November 2020.

The top Premier League match on GOtv this weekend is the clash between Manchester City and Burnley. Manchester City are set to host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium which

will be showing live on SS Football (channel 31) today at 4pm.

Another intriguing clash in the Premier League sees high-flying Leicester City host Fullham on Monday at 6:30pm on SS Football (channel 31).

In La Liga this weekend, thehighlightfromSpainisthe clash between Valencia and AtleticoMadridatEstadiode Mestalla today at 4:15pm on SS La Liga (channel 32).

Elsewhere this week-

end, Real Madrid will be expected to put in a strong performance on home soil when they welcome Deportivo Alaves to Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano this night at 9pm on SS La Liga (channel 32), while the same will be expected of Barcelona the following afternoon, when they host Osasuna at the Camp Nou at 2pm, also live on SS La Liga (channel 32.

Another key clash sees Real Sociedad host Villarreal

at San Sebastian on Sunday night at 9pm on SS La Liga, with the Basque side hoping to tie down manager, Imanol Alguacil after his excellent work attracted attention from the likes of Internazionale.

Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top game of the weekend is the Round 9 opener this afternoon at 3pm, as Sassuolo welcome Internazionale to the MAPEI Stadium live on SS Select 1(channel 33) and SS Football (channel 31).

Tennis World Pays Tribute to Maradona Andy Murray led the tennis world in paying tribute to footballing great Diego Maradona who died at the age of 60 on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Murray shared the memory of his meeting with Maradona, who played 91 times for Argentina.

Former world No 1 Murray wrote on Instagram: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was lucky enough to meet Maradona once at the O2 Arena. He had come to watch the tennis there. He spoke to me for a couple of minutes in Spanish with unbelievable energy, passion and expression. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately I barely understood a word but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to matter. He was diminutive in size but clearly a larger than life character/personality with a tonne of charisma. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The following day I was given a signed Argentina shirt which he left for me that you can see in the 2nd picture which reads. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To my friend Andy with all my love and hope that you soon become #1â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Numero uno were the only words I understood from our conversation.â&#x20AC;?

Spaniard Rafael Nadal was among a plethora of tennis players past and present who were quick to pay tribute to Maradona. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today the world of sports in general and football in particular has a void,â&#x20AC;? Nadal said on Twitter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the greatest sportsmen in history, Diego Maradona, has left us. What he did in football will remain. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, the world of football, and to all of Argentina.â&#x20AC;?

The menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ATP Tour remembered Maradona, who took Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, with a social media post saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;A champion and icon loved by allâ&#x20AC;?, accompanied with a picture of Maradona with Roger Federer.

Argentinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diego Schwartzman, who said recently his parents named him after Maradona like many others in the country after the World Cup victory, paid tribute in a social media post. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How could you not be named Diego? I love you forever D10S (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;),â&#x20AC;? the current world No 9 wrote.

And former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro joined fellow Argentines in mourning the loss of Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re returning to where you belong, to HEAVEN. For me you will never die,â&#x20AC;? said del Potro.

Mourinho Reveals Maradonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Calls after Heavy Defeats Jose Mourinho revealed how Diego Maradona used to call him with words of encouragement after defeats as the Tottenham boss paid tribute to the Argentine icon.

Mourinho revealed his personal relationship with the former Napoli and Barcelona superstar ahead of his sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Europa League clash.

The Tottenham boss said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is Maradona and there is Diego. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maradona I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to speak about because the world knows and nobody will forget. Diego is different. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can say he was a good friend of mine, but my contacts with him were on telephone and we met of course a few times, and he has a big, big, big heart. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the guy I miss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His football you can find every time we miss him, with Google we will find. But Diego, no. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I spent today telling stories to my guys about him and the time we spent together, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the guy I miss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I especially miss the phone call that was always arriving after defeats and never after victories. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He knew that after victories I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need phone calls, he knew that in difficult moments he was always there.

A World Cup winner in 1986, Maradona was an incredible player and never far from the headlines with his on and off the field antics â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was saying after defeats, in difficult moments, he was always saying â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mou, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget you are the bestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and he was always with this kind of approach. So, I miss Diego. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The people that are big friends with him, the people that share with him dressing rooms and are colleagues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; these guys are privileged.â&#x20AC;?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 28, 2020

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

E

nglish Premier League side Arsenal have reopened contract talks with American-born striker of Nigerian descent Folarin Balogun.

The Athletic UK reported that Balogun remaining at the Emirates Stadium beyond the end of the 2020-2021 season was back on the agenda with first team manager Mikel Arteta keen on the England U-20 international extending his contract which expires in the next seven months.

The Hale End Academy product was earlier frozen out of the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team reckoning after breakdown in contract talks but things have changed in recent weeks with the 19-year-old coming off the bench to make his professional debut in last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Europa League fixture against Dundalk.

In addition, he has been handed the captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s armband in Arsenalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last five games in the Premier League 2.

There was talk of a possible departure for Balogun in the summer transfer window but the Gunners turned down an offer from Sheffield United just as they did to Brentford in the winter transfer market.

Arteta told Football.London Balogun has worked to change his mind about a new contract.

Balogun starred last season with 10 goals and four assists in 15 Premier League 2 games, and fans have real hopes that he can become a first-team star.

However, Arsenal failed to agree a new contract with Balogun over the summer. Sheffield United failed with a ÂŁ3 million bid with Arsenal valuing him at around ÂŁ15 million â&#x20AC;&#x201C; despite him being in the final year of his deal.

Balogun featured from the bench against Dundalk last month, and featured as a second half substitute against Molde on Thursday night having made the trip to Norway.

This has left Arsenal fans hoping for a new contract being in the works, and Arteta has now commented on the youngsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future.

Arteta claims Balogun is a player he wants to keep, believing that he has so much talent and the club are working to convince him to stay.

Arteta was asked what has changed, and he claims that he has seen â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;certain thingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Balogun that have now changed, and he now wants to keep him at the Emirates Stadium. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, he is a player that I want,â&#x20AC;? said Arteta. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He is a player that I want to stay at the club. I love working with young players. You can see the talent is there, the ambition is there and he can fit with our structure and progress in the future. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the DNA and myself and the club are working to try to extend his contract. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to change the situation that we are in at the moment with him, and trying to convince him that this is the right place for him.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have decided that I want to keep the player. The moment that I started to see more of the player and change certain things that I

Folarin Balogun Arsenal in His DNA Folarin Balogun beat a Molde defender to score Arsenal third goal in the Europa League on Thursday

After an initial contract hitch which suggested that American-born Nigeria striker, Folarin Balogunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time at Arsenal may be coming to an end, things have however taken a new twist as Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, is now keen on extending Balogunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract, stressing that the Hale End Academy product has the Gunnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DNA. Balogun indeed repaid the trust reposed on him as he came in as a second half substitute to score in Arsenal Europa League game against Molde on Thursday didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree with, we decided to give it a go, tried to convince the player, try to show him what we want to do with him, why he fits in with what we are trying to do at the club. The young talent and the top talent that we produce at the academy is with the final aim to put them in the first team.

When I signed for this club it was one of the things that excited me the most because I love to work with them and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of our DNA and the history of the club.

When we have them, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s keep them and we really think they are players that can take us to the next level,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The youngster had a right to be fearful of his first-team chances being restricted but Arteta should have done enough to convince him.

Since he arrived at the club, the Spaniard has not been afraid to hand the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s younger players a chance to prove themselves.

That should give Balogun

confidence. If he can keep impressing the boss in training, first-team opportunities will be just around the corner.

The talent is quick, strong and has a natural-born instinct in front of goal.

He has the potential to be a real star for Arsenal and they must pull out the stops to ensure he doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t walk away next summer He has registered 15 goals from 40 appearances for Arsenal U-23s since he debuted for the age group in the 2017-2018 season.

In spite of having capped for England at the 2018 UEFA European U-17 Championship prolific Arsenal youth-team striker Balogun is not ruling out the possibility of switching international allegiance to Nigeria.

Born in New York and raised in the United Kingdom, Balogun is provisionally cap-tied to England as he represented the Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA European U-17 Championship,

playing four games as England reached the semifinals, but the free-scoring Arsenal striker has hinted of switching international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 28, 2020

NOVEMBER28˜ ͰͮͰͮ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Oil Leak Causes and How To Fix Them Yes, it is easier to just ignore the small puddle of oil forming under your car.

Or pretend that burnt oil smell is not coming from your engine. And is that blue smoke coming out of your tailpipe?

Oil leaks are something you cannot afford to ignore. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always take a trained mechanic to figure out what causes engine oil leaks. A little hunting can reveal a lot, just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put it off or it can cause damage to your engine.

2020 Kia Sportage interior

Kia Launches Live Stream Showroom in Nigeria

K

iaMotorsNigeriahasannounced the launch of a highly innovative and first of its kind, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Live Stream Showroom,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; a new online platform in Nigeria, that offers customers access to personalised virtual viewings of their best-in-class cars from the showrooms.

The Live Stream Showroom, according to a statement by the company, offers a completely digital, online platform that allows anyone or customers using a smartphone to have a live video session with Kia showroom for a digital experience tailored to meet their individual needs.

Customers will receive a one-on-one consultation with live responses to questions, and explore the design and features of their chosen model, answer to the customer queries and see demonstrations of new technology and functionality on demand.

Thepandemichasbeenturningdailylivesupside down these past few months and the disruption is certainly not over yet. Thus, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a need to constantly adapt and find new and creative ways

of performing everyday tasks, and inspecting a car is no exception to that. The new Live Stream Showroom platform is introduced in Nigeria as part of the boundless initiative of Kia to improve the showroom experience and bring it close to the people at the comfort of their homes.

The new platform prioritizes customer convenience and ensures a seamless digital experience that is the same as a physical showroom visit.

This commitment toward customer value-led innovations come as the company establishes its leadership position globally in the future automotive industry under its Plan S strategy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live Stream Showroom demonstrates our continued commitment to tailoring the car-buying journeyandownershipexperiencetothedemands of our customers with virtual viewings,â&#x20AC;? said Olawale Jimoh, Marketing Manager, Kia Motors Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By launching this new platform, we aim to stay ahead of the curve in digital sales and marketing in this time of transition.â&#x20AC;?

Recentconsumerdemandshowsastrongindication that customers are looking to take more of

the car-buying journey online. The recent data collected by Kia globally shows that 83 percent of consumers prefer to carry out product research online before making a purchase, while 47 percent of consumers expressed interest in using online platforms for future purchases.

As a customer-centric leading auto company in Nigeria, Kia has been over the years been at the fore ofamoremodernanddigitalcustomerexperience. when other automakers were heavily rooted in the traditional brick and mortar showroom-visit. The launch of their omnichannel customer acquisition throughdifferentonlineplatforms;livechats,social media, responsive contact center, automated email marketing had formed the fulcrum of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customer engagement over the years.

It is no surprise that the newly launched Kia Livestreamshowroomisbestsuitedatthistimethat there is even more emphasis on alternative sales channels and people are increasingly conducting their research from the comfort of their homes and even turning to online platform car buying for the safest possible experience.

Autogas Policy to Feature at 21ST Abuja Motor Fair The 21st edition of the Abuja International Motor Fair will be the first platform for the government to thoroughly explain the recent plan to encourage the conversion of petrol motor vehicles to use gas.

The fair, which holds at the International Conference Centre inAbuja from December 2- 8, 2020 will hopefully see the display of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first electric car, the Kona, by Stallion Motors, as well as rev up activities in the auto sector that has been dampened by not only the throes of the Coronavirus but also by global recession and the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policy inconsistency that throws investors off-guard.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edition has been packaged to draw the attention of the government to the importance of urgently addressing the current challenges in the sector so as to use it to drive the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic diversification policy, as well as the dual fuel autogas policy.â&#x20AC;?

According toAgwu, who is the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, they expect to host â&#x20AC;&#x153;virtually all the major brands of automobiles, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, banking with a whole lot of content that is designed to showcase the strength and resilience of the participants, as well as create an educative and fun-filled atmosphere for all stakeholders. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have carefully put in place a lot of activities geared towards driving much traffic into the fair.

These include but not limited to performances by live bands and popular artistes; car gifts; raffle draws; cultural and fashion displays, models/

Auto exhibition stand automobile parades and a roadshow. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In our continuous drive to add values to participants, this edition is a total package of all that the automotive and road transport sub-sectors offer.

The Bus and Tuck segment of the event has been packaged to draw special attention to manufacturers and or dealers on: Trucks, Buses, Spare Parts, Accessories, Equipment, Components, Logistics, Body Works, SPVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s etc., asAbuja and neighbouring

states even countries are good markets for these products and services. Also, new on the stable are: Abuja Autoparts Expo and Construction and Heavy Equipment Expo that run concurrently with the Auto Fair,â&#x20AC;? he said.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every effort has been deployed to ensure that the sector receives the needed support from both the government and the private sector to enhance its rapid development.

Is your car leaking oil?

Leaks left unchecked can get on rubber hoses or seals and cause them to degrade prematurely. Leaking oil can cause ugly stains on your driveway and are an environmental hazard. And worst of all, engine oil leaks are a fire risk in your engine compartment and can result in catastrophic engine failure at the worst possible time, not that there is a good time for catastrophic engine failure. So fixing oil leaks should be your number one priority.

To check for engine oil leaks keep a close eye on your oil dipstick. If the level drops over time youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re losing oil. While driving, check and see if blue smoke is coming from the tailpipe. Blue smoke means oil might be leaking into the engine itself. After a drive, take a sniff to smell for burning oil. This could mean oil is leaking onto hot components of the engine itself. Lastly, check for the classic oil stains or puddle under the engine compartment, especially after itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been sitting overnight.

Should you find a puddle under the engine, look a little closer. If the liquid is red itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s probably transmission fluid.

If the liquid is green or orange and has a sweet smell, coolant is the culprit.

Brown fluid will indicate an engine oil leak.

So what causes engine oil leaks?

We are glad you asked. The vast majority of leaks are due to degraded engine gaskets, oil pan leaks, oil seals or bad connections. Crawl under the car and check the oil pan seals. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re there also check the oil pan drain plug.

Next check the timing cover seal and the valve cover gaskets. Problems here can require extensive repairs that are not cheap. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t panic! You can always try fixing oil leaks yourself first. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hard. Here are a few options.

Oil Leak Repairs At Home The most cost-effective and easiest place to start fixing oil leaks yourself is by using a stop leak additive such as No Leak Engine Oil Stop Leak. Once No Leak is inside your vehicle, No Leak softens and conditions rubber seals to safely stop and prevent automotive leaks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best used when engine oil leaks are first detected but is still effective on leaks that have been there awhile.

The next solution is to grab a torque wrench and check for loose bolts starting with the oil pan. Bolts can loosen over time. When the oil pan seems snug move to the timing belt cover then the valve covers. Just note that each car model requires you to tighten bolts in a specific pattern and to a certain tolerance.

Most auto parts stores can provide you with these specifications.

A leak of any kind should be addressed immediately, but an engine oil leak even more so. Knowing what causes engine oil leaks will help you know where to look and how to start fixing it yourself.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore it, or hope it fixes itself. Be proactive. Protect and preserve your vehicleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance so you can keep it on the road where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant to be.

(Source: Gold Eagle)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

35

AUTO WORLD

Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV Packs Topnotch Innovations

S

ince its introduction to the Nigerian market last year, the GLE SUV has become one of the most sought-after vehicles in its class. Boosting SUV sales globally in 2019, and making the Mercedes-Benz SUV segment the strongest in sales for 2019.

In response to the continuously increasing demand for this mid-sized SUV, Weststar Associates Limited,Authorized General Distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Nigeria has announce the arrival of more units of the 2020 GLE SUV. Some major highlights of the GLE SUV include topnotch innovations that completely reconceive the SUV trendsetter in comparison to its predecessors. Features like the E-Active Body Control, the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz assistance systems, the fully variable 4MATIC all-wheel drive which is now available for all GLE models, seating comfort with corresponding interior spaciousness and MBUX, have played a part in the success of the GLE SUV. The exterior design of the GLE SUV exudes an incredibly powerful presence. The front view emphasizes this with its upright radiator grille in an octagonal SUV interpretation; the prominent chrome-plated under guard and the bonnet with two powerdomes. The distinctive headlamp design is another key feature as it comes with MULTIBEAM LED lights which cover a distance of more than 650 metres. The side view highlights the wide C-pillar typical of the GLE, large wheels in sizes from 18 to 22 inches and the pillared roof rails. The rear view on the other hand stands out with the rear lights, reflectors and chrome

plated under guard.

The interior design of the GLE SUV is luxuriously elegant and powerfully progressive. It comes with a sporty and stylist cockpit design in the dashboard. The dashboard support flows into the door panels while the trim extends around the driver and front passenger areas to meet the doors. The sport steering wheel comes with a striking, sculptured spoke design emphasizing the impressive appearance of the SUVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior.

Other features include good ergonomics, flowing leather surfaces, a broad area of trim and flush-fitting sun blinds.

The GLE SUV comes with more space and it it has a considerably longer wheelbase than its predecessor (2995 mm, plus 80 mm). This creates significantly more space, especially for passengers in the rear. Legroom in the second seat row has increased by 69 mm to 1045 mm.

Headroom in the rear seats has been increased by 33 mm to 1025 mm. As a world first in the SUV segment, a second seat row with 6 fully electric adjustments is also available. Another key highlight is the luggage capacity which is up to 825 litres behind the rear seats and up to 2055 litres when the second seat row is folded down.

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) is another key highlight in the GLE SUV. Since its introduction in 2018, the infotainment system has kept on providing robust flexibilities and advancements in enhancing user experiences.

The MBUX in the GLE SUV features two large 12.3-inch/ 31.2 cm screens as standard, which are arranged side-by-side for an impressive wide-screen look. The information from the

Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV

instrument cluster and media display is easily legible on the large, high-resolution screens.

Showcasing elements in an emotively appealing manner underlines how easy it is to understand the intuitive control structure while impressing with brilliant graphics. Users can set up the MBUX with four different styles from Modern Classic, Sport, Progressive and Discreet style.

Key features of the MBUX in the GLE SUV include; the widescreen cockpit, navigation services, smartphone integration, vehicle set up app, LINGUATRONIC voice control, and Burmester surround sound system.

The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC comes with a 6-cylinder petrol engine systematically electrified with 48-volt technology (EQ Boost).

Innoson Condemns Planned Reduction in Tariffs

T

he Chairman of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited (IVM), Chief Innocent Chukwuma has said the federal governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proposed reduction in tariff for imported vehicles would not augur well for the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automobile industry, as it would not encourage investors.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, this week, approved a reduction in duties on tractors from 35 per cent to 10; reduction of duties on motor vehicles for the transportation of goods from 35 per cent to 10 percent; reduction of levy on motor vehicles for the transportation of persons from 35 per cent to 5 per cent.

The Innoson Chairman said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The shocking decisionâ&#x20AC;? by the federal government would lead to the forced closure of many auto plants.

The downward review of duties and levies, as well as the introduction of â&#x20AC;&#x153;tax incentivesâ&#x20AC;? were intended by government to address the socio-economic problems arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent hikes in the pump price of petrol and electricity tariff.

Chukwuma said a reduction in duties on

I

imported vehicles would lead to massive importation of fully built up vehicles, resulting in unfavourable competition that is likely to run the Nigerian auto makers out of business.

He said the duty review â&#x20AC;&#x153;is an embarrassing policy summersault considering that the present charges on imported vehicles were prescribed by the Automotive Policy {the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) to discourage the influx of fully built up products while helping to boost production by the domestic auto plants.â&#x20AC;?

Chukwuma, whose plant was officially commissioned in 2010, feared that the reduction will erase the gains so far made in the industry since the Auto Policy took effect in July 2014, with total duties on imported vehicles pegged at between 35 per cent and 70 per cent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Government should not make the mistake of trying to solve a socio-economic problem and end up throwing thousands of people into the unemployment market, thereby increasing the already alarming rate of crime in the society.

This will make the problem worse. I, therefore, call on the Federal Executive Council to reverse last Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision and save our industry from collapse.â&#x20AC;?

IVM Connect produced by Innoson in Nnewi

Do You Drive Like Frank Spencer

was driving when I saw the flash of a traffic camera. I figured that my picture had been taken for exceeding the limit even though I knew that I was not speeding. Just to be sure, I went around the block and passed the same spot, driving even more slowly, but again the camera flashed. Now I began to think that this was quite funny, so I drove even slower as I passed the area once more, but the traffic camera again flashed.

I tried a fourth and fifth time with the same results and was now laughing as the camera flashed while I rolled past at a snailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pace. Two weeks later, I got five ticket in the mail for driving without a seat belt.

You know, you just cannot fix stupid.

Before you assume that the, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in this piece refers to me, please kindly dismiss the thought as I was not the one driving. Someone sent or shared this with me, and I must confess I found it strange, foolish and the height of irresponsibility. For those who were privileged to be born when God brought me to this beautiful country, it is a proper opening script for the popular BBC sitcom written by Raymond Allen and starring Michael Crawford as Spencer and Michele Dotrice as Betty Spencer in, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Some Mothers Do â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ave â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Emâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;,(Some Mothers Do Have Them). The popular series was the delight of television viewers some years back. It was the story of Frank Spencer, a well- meaning yet accident-prone chap. Some of our drivers will floor Spencer in the choices they make while driving. I hope you do not drive like

SAFE DRIVING with

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

Frank Spencer?.

Although the above scene did not happen in our clime where we are yet to install the appropriate infrastructure to capture bad driving and promote safer roads, the incidence cited partly captures and reflects some of the increasing bad and irresponsible driving behaviour that we see daily across the land; in Abuja, the seat of Government and in Lagos the centre of commerce. The story is not different in other parts of the country. The behaviour has no respect for class or sex as both the privileged and underprivileged compete to outdo each other in increasing risk driving behaviour in our land. Both male and female drivers rank among potential culprits while some colleagues in uniform do not fare better If you read my series on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;How to nail killer drivers and the follow up piece, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Time to nail killer driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, as well as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Death penalty for killer driversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; , you will understand the point I am driving at. Between

when I published the two materials which focused on bad and irresponsible driving and the need to tame killer drivers, several road traffic crashes have occurred after the July crash in Lagos. The crash caused by an unlatched container killed a young lady and others. The bereaved mother of the young lady mother, you will recall, joined others to call for the prosecution of killer drivers.

There were others in Akaeze in Ebonyi State, the one in Enugu as well as the one in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, among others. I am sure you are aware of the recent crash in Lagos which claimed the life of Senator Victor Ndoma Egbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife and another occupant. The trip by air, I read was smooth but not so was the trip by road to Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Just when I was reminiscing on her death, my wife drew my attention to the fact that the deceased was among the helpers God brought our way when my son had a challenge with his health which God in His divine mercies has perfected to His own glory. I must confess that I do not have the courage to recount the circumstance because it is one crash too many caused by driver irresponsibility and poor mechanical state of vehicles which ply our roads.

I am however comforted by the fact that as I was reflecting on these crashes, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ,Boss Mustapha and the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps convoked another meeting with stakeholders to address the menace of petroleum tanker crashes.

Several recommendations such as provision of soft loans for truck renewal and the enforcement of maximum load capacity of 45,000 litres of petroleum products by trucks operating from the Tank Farms were forwarded to the government.

As you read this piece, this week makes it three.

Three weeks of procrastination. Procrastination over this topic and another topic that has become the vogue.

A vogue among drivers, commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada riders as well as tricycle riders. Even pedestrians who are more vulnerable are not left out. I am talking about the truth about the use of phone while driving and its inherent risk which some road users would rather stand on its head. Weekly, I foot drag on writing again on the virus called use of phone while driving, myths and truth as well as excessive speeding. Yet again, I intend to push only the topic on the use of phone to the cooler again. Instead, I have chosen to focus on excessive speed or even inappropriate speed which is the number one killer globally.

The opening to this piece which you might have mistaken to be me was one of the reasons for my decision. The crash in Lagos was another.

Yet again, a video sent to my old boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; platform was the third. I do not know when it happened.

I however do know where. Like the opening to this piece, I also found it strange and tragic. The video shows a pedestrian bridge at Ladipo bus stop in Lagos. It also shows a car that lost control and drove into the pedestrian bridge. According to the commentator in the video, the driver of the vehicle died while two other passengers; a lady and a boy were critically injured.

36

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

TRIBUTE Good Bye Sir Nathan Okekeocha Chukwuka Okekeocha

As a young boy, Nathan was known to be headstrong and often got into ďŹ ghts with people older than him.

Ezekiel Mbele not only disciplined him but also gave him reasons why his actions were wrong which deeply challenged him. He always impressed on us the great impact uncle Ezekiel made on him, which resulted in his focus on the values of integrity, credibility and truthfulness as great hallmarks of a good and successful Christian. In December 1957, he moved back to Umuahia to live with his widowed mother.

O

n 21st October, 2020, a great man of honor and exemplary Christian life, the first African Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Assembly giant, Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMMCO), Sir Nathan Okekeocha (Sir Nath) Afunwa Elota Nna, passed on, after a brief illness. He was aged 75 years. By his death, the Enugwu-Ukwu Community in Anambra State, the Luxury Bus sales business and the Christian community in Nigeria lost a pillar, an icon and a most successful entrepreneur.

Born on the 19th of March, 1945 in Umuahia, Abia state, Nathan was the first son of his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five children. They lost their father very early in their lives. In December 1953, young Nathan moved to his village Uruekwo, Enugwu-Ukwu to live with his uncle Mr. Ezekiel Mbele â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the man he believed God used to set him on the right path in life. Mr. Ezekiel Mbele was a devout Christian and disciplinarian.

As a young boy, Nathan was known to be headstrong and often got into fights with people older than him. Ezekiel Mbele not only disciplined him but also gave him reasons why his actions were wrong which deeply challenged him. He always impressed on us the great impact uncle Ezekiel made on him, which resulted in his focus on the values of integrity, credibility and truthfulness as great hallmarks of a good and successful Christian.

In December 1957, he moved back to Umuahia to live with his widowed mother.

Nathan attended primary school in both EnugwuUkwu and Umuahia. He was an Old Boy of the prestigious Merchants of Light School, Oba where he was also positively influenced by the Founder and Principal, Mr. Enoch Oli. He excelled in his studies and sports, becoming a very good hockey and table tennis player. He had many benefactors while in school including his Godfather and fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bosom friend, Chief Augustine Ifeacho, Mr. Osita Mbatu, Chief Herbert Abana, among others.

He later travelled to the United States of America for further studies in 1974. It was there he decided to immortalize his father by changing his surname from Ibenegbu to Okekeocha, his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s middle/ native name. He spent three years to obtain a B.A degree in Marketing from the Huston - Tillotson College, Austin, Texas in 1977, thanks to summer school classes graduating top of his class. In 1978, he obtained an MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas, San Antonio. He worked very hard at different places in order to finance his studies.

Nathan returned to Nigeria in 1980 for his NYSC programme which was in Kano. On completion of the programme, he lectured briefly at the School of Management Studies, Kano. In November 1981, he was employed as a Franchising Specialist in Mercedes Benz Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (MB ANAMMCO) Ltd. Enugu, where he worked in both the Sales and Spare Parts departments. He later rose to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) Sales. In 2000, he was transferred to Lagos to be solely responsible for the Luxury bus import sales/operations which were the thrust of MB ANAMMCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S business survival strategy. He did so well in this position that he earned the admiration and trust of his boss and luxury bus owners. Sir Nathan Okekeocha eventually rose to become the first Nigerian Acting Managing Director, a position he held until his retirement after 29 years of meritorious service. He later assisted the Federal Government of Nigeria in the privatization of the company (ANAMMCO).

Upon retirement from ANAMMCO, Sir Nathan Okekeocha being an icon in the Nigerian Automotive industry went on to start two companies with his friends; AMABRAF â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a franchise with IRIZAR, a Spanish based manufacturer of luxury buses and coaches, and COPAM Nigeria Limited â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an authorized distributor of Scania AB, a Swedish based manufacturer of commercial vehicles.

Sir Okekeocha was a member of the Biafran army during the Nigerian Civil war and served in the Signals Battalion. He also once served as a Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission.

Sir Okekeocha got married to Lady Amaka Okekeocha (nee Onwualu) in 1982. The marriage was blessed with four children: Chuka Okekeocha, Amaka and Chukwuma Atuanya, Ogochukwu Okekeocha and, Emeka and Bukola Okekeocha and two grandchildren - Chiebunigom and Chukwuma Atuanya.

Afunwa Elota Nna was a very loving and depend-

Nathan Okekeocha

able husband to his lovely wife Amaka, a doting father to his children, a very playful and one in a million granddad to his grandchildren. He always attended every grandparentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day at his grandchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s school. He was also an affectionate brother, a caring uncle and dependable friend.

Sir Okekeocha was a committed Christian who served God in different areas. He gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1994. In his Christian journey and in acknowledgement of his commitment to the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, he was appointed the Archdeaconâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warden and licensed alongside his beloved wife, Readers of the Enugu Diocese. Sir Nathan and his wife, Lady Amaka, were also knighted as Knight and Lady of St. Paul in 2007.

In his quest to further deepen his relationship with God, Sir Nathan attended the Lagos Anglican Bible College and was awarded a diploma in Biblical Studies in 2015. At the Bible College, he was made the class captain, a title he continued to bear until he went home to be with the Lord. He never relented in teaching others the Word of God, hence he became one of the Bible Study teachers in his church, All Soulsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church, Lekki.

Sir Nathan was a devoted member of the All Soulsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Church and loved by many. Going by the tributes that have continued to pour in since his transition, he was known to have always â&#x20AC;&#x153;tappedâ&#x20AC;? people in church to ask after their wellbeing, and encouraged them to attend church programmes.

Through this caring attitude and humility he was able to touch many lives. He made incredible sacrifices for others. Sir Nathan loved the Lord, trusted God absolutely, delighted in studying His Word, and believed in the efficacy of prayer. He believed in speaking the truth at all times no matter whose ox was gored. He impacted so many lives and left footprints on the sands of his time.

Glorious Transition A few months ago, Sir Nathan Okekeocha fell ill but his faith in God never wavered. Very early on Wednesday, 21st October, 2020, two days to their 38th wedding anniversary, he requested to see and speak with his children. His family did not know he was preparing for his transition to heaven. A

video conference call with his children was made which eventually turned into a family fellowship filled with songs of praise, prayers and profession of love. While this was going on, at about 2am, the Spirit prompted a call to be put through to Rt. Rev. Samuel Chukuka (Rtd.), the same man who led him to Christ many years ago. God used him again to prepare Sir Nathan for his journey to be with the Lord. Sir Nathan had the rare privilege to confess his sins, forgive those who wronged him and rededicate his life to Christ, before he eventually transited to glory in his sleep some hours later.

As we celebrate the life and times of our precious husband, father, granddad, brother, uncle and friend, we give God the glory for the fulfilled and impactful life he lived. We celebrate him because he fought the good fight of faith, he finished the race set before him by his Maker, and he kept the faith without wavering. He now awaits the victorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crown of righteousness laid up for him which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give him on that great Day (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

We thank God for the beautiful memories we will cherish in our hearts forever. Indeed â&#x20AC;&#x153;the memory of the just is blessed.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To live in the hearts of those we love is never to die.â&#x20AC;?

Afunwa Elota Nna, you died a Saint and precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

We really miss you. We are not going to mourn like those without hope because we are assured that if we live and die in Christ we will meet you on the resurrection morning. Death is not the end but a gateway to eternity which has two destinations: Heaven and hell.

We thank God that Sir Nathan Okekeocha transited to spending eternity in Heaven with His Maker! A Service of Songs will be held in his honour December 4, 2020 at All Soulsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Anglican Church, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos at 5pm and in his EnugwuUkwu residence on Tuesday, 8th December 2020 at same time. Funeral Service will be conducted for him on Wednesday, 9th December 2020 at St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church, Uruekwo, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State at 10am after which his remains would be laid to rest in his residence.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ&#x20AC;Ë&#x153; 2020

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Coalition of Blood for Africa Launched to address Health Challenge Stakeholders in the public and private sectors across sub-Saharan Africa have come together to launch the Coalition of Blood for Africa (CoBA) on a virtual platform.

This development reflects a growing consensus that progress toward adequate, safe and sustainable blood in Africa requires multi-stakeholder, multi-pronged and innovative approaches to impact lives across the continent.

The coalition brings together an unprecedented array of health experts, including public-sector research institutes, ministries of health, academia, not-for-profit research and development organisations.

Others involved are NGOs, international organizations and funders all committed to finding solutions to address the challenges facing access to safe, sustainable blood in Africa.

Paga Partners with WhiteďŹ eld Foundation to Help MSMEs

L-R: CFO, Jide Adamolekun; CEO, Etop Ikpe; VP Commercial, Dr Mayokun Fadeyibi; former MD Keystone Bank, HaďŹ z Bakare; COO, Timi Tope Ologunoye; VP Operations, John Egwu; and Head BCGR, Mandela Oniemola at the launch of Auto Chek website... recently

Firm Restates Commitment to Enhance Financial Inclusion Nigeria-based fintech solution NowNow, has said that it will continue to upgrade its services to attune to current realities, such that will drive economic and social growth.

Founder of NowNow, Sahir Berry, while speaking on how COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the financial space recently, mentioned that Nigeria needs to strengthen its fintech space more than before.

Berry stated that it was important for Nigeria to tap into the trends and prospects of fintech given the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large unbanked or underbanked.

He added the company recognised this gap in Nigeria, which informed its investment in the space. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2017 we identified that one of the two big problems in Nigeria was lack of youth empowerment and financial inclusion. With a population of almost 100 million youths, we found that access to formal financial services was missing, as well as the key tool to do that, which were smart devices.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;So we decided on a two-pronged approach: produce affordable smart phones locally and introduce a mobile wallet. The result â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AfriOne smartphone and NowNow mobile walletâ&#x20AC;?.

Berry added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We decided to set up a factory where we would import components from places like China and India and assemble these devices here. In doing so, we would create jobs, skills and also transfer knowledge to the country and, hopefully, in the future we could start manufacturing these components locally too. Hence, AfriOne, the first smartphone produced in Africa was launched in 2017.â&#x20AC;?

He explained further that the launch of Afrione smartphone,set the ground ripe for its next move, which was launching the NowNow mobile wallet.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In 2018 we applied to the Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] for a mobile money operatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s licence for the mobile wallet.

We launched the actual services in 2019 with the fastest, most secure and robust

network in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NowNow enables the unbanked to make payments theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never been able to do. For instance, a lot of people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have bank accounts but like to access some entertainment content like Iroko TV donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to pay for them because they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go to the Iroko office.

With NowNow, they can go to an agent, put money into their mobile wallet and make the payment for whatever digital service they choose. From entertainment to education and gaming, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tied up with many service providers across the board.

He emphasised that the event of COVID-19 has further shone light on the importance of digital payments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you handle cash, the risk of infections and transmission of diseases is huge.Digital and contactless payments are what the world has to progress towards.

This is exactly what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pioneering in Nigeria and this has to be accepted to a greater level.â&#x20AC;?

Paga Limited, Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading mobile payments platform, has in keeping with their ethos of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Making Life Possibleâ&#x20AC;? partnered with the Whitefield Foundation to identify SME business owners who were caught in the cross-hairs of the unfortunate events of #ENDSARS protest in Lagos State.

The initiative called PAGA BOOST has benefited small business owners across Lagos State with about 60% of the beneficiaries located in the Lekki Axis.These include Artisans, Plumbers, Uber drivers, small event place owners, shop owners, petty traders, and more.

Building on the current work of driving efficient payments for online and offline businesses of which they currently have over 26000 agents across Nigeria. Pagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intention is to help in making life possible once more for these young entrepreneurs and contribute to the rebuilding of our country.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Whitefield Foundation and Paga for this timely intervention that has made life possible again.

Autochek Introduces Automotive Services with Better Technology AutoChek, an automotive technology company set out to transform the African automobile industry by using technology to re-create the buying, maintenance and selling experience of motorists and car owners in Africa, is pleased to announce the launch of its website and mobile application where customers can buy, sell and fix cars, using their smartphones from the comfort of any location.

Commenting on the launch, the Vice President commercial, Mayokun Fadeyibi said â&#x20AC;&#x153;AutoChek is the future of the African automobile industry, and It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for nothing that we recently closed a $3.4million pre-seed to boost our service delivery in the auto market. The launching of the website and mobile application reflects Autochekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to providing viable solutions to the challenges of the automotive industry in Nigeria and Africa.

We are proud of the resources and services put together for the convenience of our customers by our team of distinguished technology experts, and are very excited about the future of Autochek in leading and expanding the frontiers the frontiers of the African automotive industry at largeâ&#x20AC;?

The newly launched website and mobile application are an end-to-end auto solution offering that gives the customer a wide array of options from sales to maintenance and financing helping the customer make informed automobile decisions with convenience. The website and mobile application features auto brands, auto product details and descriptions, Autocheck doctors for an automatic diagnosis of your car problems, and a service booking platform for the inspection of cars customers want to sell.

Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Invites Entries CHI Honoured with AfriSAFE Merit Award for Schorlarship Scheme In recognition of its commitment to adopting best practices toward the safety and wellbeing of workers in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, CHI Limited has been honoured with a Merit Award at the recently held 2020 African Safety Award for Excellence.

The African Safety Awards for Excellence (AfriSAFE) is a leading global brand which recognizes and celebrates excellence in Health, Safety, and Wellbeing on the continent of Africa. It also celebrates innovative ideas and the effort of organizations and individuals in keeping our workplace and community safe.

Each year, AfriSAFE shines the spotlight on organizations that make health and safety a priority in the workplace.

According to the organisers of the award, the 2020 AfriSAFE Merit Award recognized employers who have implemented novel ideas and strategies in their respective workplaces to ensure the prevention, management, and containment of COVID-19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted some critical challenges in our system today

and stimulated a new health & safety focus towards addressing them. Companies like CHI Limited have shown commendable leadership toward the safety and wellbeing of its workforce in the course of the year,â&#x20AC;? they stated.

Commenting on the recognition, CHI Limited Managing Director, Mr. Deepanjan Roy stated that the company keeps safety at the forefront of all its activities, as health and workplace safety is key to maintaining a healthy, happy, and productive workforce. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us to take bold steps and to execute actions to drive the adherence of healthy, safe, and good manufacturing initiatives in the workplace.

We would continue to ensure the strong safety culture with best manufacturing practices that has earned us this award,â&#x20AC;? he noted.

The award is a well-deserved reward for the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued passion for excellence, and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its workforce especially during the COVID-19 pandemic which brought unique challenges to workplace safety.

Foremost cereal brand, Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, has announced that it has started accepting entries for the second edition of its flagship children scholarship scheme â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Superstars contestâ&#x20AC;?.

Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Superstars contest is an essay writing competition designed for children within the age bracket of five to twelve years to sharpen their writing skills and creative ability.

Winners in the contest will be awarded cash prize to support their education.

The first edition of the scheme kicked off in March 2019 as an offline essay contest, reaching up to 1.8 million pupils at approximately 12,000 schools across Rivers, Lagos and Oyo State.

At the end,50 pupils emerged winner and were presented N150,000 each - cumulatively five Million Naira worth of scholarship.

Speaking further in a statement, Marketing Manager of Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Mr. Darlington Igabali, stated that this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contest takes a different dimension in that it is supported online on https://kelloggsnigeria.ng/ and will cover the entire nation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Entries were declared open couple of

months back with the task to write a short and concise essay of not more than 100 words on the topic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why my Mum is a Super Mumâ&#x20AC;?, then following the rest of the guidelines. This will see a hundred outstanding children emerge as winners to receive a N100, 000 worth of scholarship each. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This edition topic was carefully crafted because the Kelloggâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand recognizes the value and the contribution of mothers towards the growth of the society which can never be overemphasized. On the other hand, the exercise tends to further strengthen the bond between the child and mother,â&#x20AC;? he said.

Also speaking, Public Relations Manager of Tolaram Group, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun stated that the initiative was borne out of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to support education in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that by encouraging pupils at a very tender age through scholarship offering, smoother way is literally being paved for a brighter tomorrow. Entries are currently being received through the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and social media platforms.â&#x20AC;?

38

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

NEWSXTRA

FG, ASUU Talks Fruitful, Says Ngige Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; Federal Government has said that its negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has yielded fruitful results.

Addressing journalists shortly after their parley held in Abuja yesterday, Minister of Labour and Employment Senator

Chris Ngige said that deliberations had been very fruitful and that government had met all the demands of the lecturers.

He said that the only thing that remained was for ASUU to take the outcome of the meeting to their members for ratification and to revert to government' with a resolution to call off the strike latest by Friday next week.

Also while corroborating the Minister's statement, ASUU president, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi said that their talks were fruitful and that the union would in their usual practice, take the outcome to the members before reverting to government' on their resolution At the commencement of the meeting, the minister said

that ASUU had submitted a written response to federal government's offer.

THISDAY gathered from sources at yesterday's meeting that the government made further adjustments in the offers made to ASUU in a determined effort to resolve the deadlock Some of the offers made

WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEFâ&#x20AC;Ś L-R: Member representing Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Hon. Dennis Amadi; eldest son of the late traditional ruler of Ekoli community, Aninri LGA, Enugu State and former Provost of Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, HRH Prof. Samsom Ukpabi, Prince Chijioke Ukpabi; and former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, during the interment of the late royal father at Ekoli yesterday

FG Seeks New Eurobond, Emefiele Foresees 2% GDP Growth in 2021

He noted that given the fact that the rise in inflation was not due to monetary factors but rather the prevalence of structural rigidities and supply shocks, traditional tools of monetary policy may not be helpful in addressing current inflationary pressures. Rather, he said a more useful policy would be the supply-side measures implemented by the Bank.

Owing to this, Emefiele said emphasis would be placed on strengthening the development finance initiatives of the CBN in order to stimulate greater production and reduce unemployment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We intend to increase our support for measures that will improve cultivation of local produce in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on improving our yield levels, as food inflation continues to remain the key driver of inflationary trends.

CHANGE OF NAME

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The banking sector therefore has a significant role to play as a facilitator of growth in the agriculture sector, through its intermediation function. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of the opportunities in the agriculture sector that banks should explore include ways to address some of the existing gaps in the agriculture value chains, such as storage centres, transport logistics, and technology platforms, that can enable rural farmers to sell their produce directly to the markets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These measures would help to improve productivity of farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, increase access to finance for farmers and improve sourcing of local raw materials for processing by manufacturing and industrial firms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will also aid improved production of local goods, enable the creation of jobs, while supporting the growth of other sectors of our economy such as manufacturing, and transportation,â&#x20AC;? Emefiele said.

He stressed that the information communication technology (ICT) remains one sector which has emerged as a significant source of

CHANGE OF NAME

resilience in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

He pointed out that in the third quarter of 2020, the ICT sector made contributions of over 17.8 per cent to GDP growth, 47 per cent higher than its contributions a year earlier.

The growth of start-ups in the fintech and health care space rose in response to the pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important that we leverage ICT as an enabler for growth in key sectors of the economy. ICT start-ups are emerging to support SMEs, farmers, and in providing quality learning to students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important that the banking sector consider viable IT firms in these areas that have the potential to not only serve the needs of the local market but are also able to export ICT related services to countries across the world. â&#x20AC;&#x153;India for example exports close to a $100 billion worth of ICT related services every year and I believe that our ICT industry can make significant contributions to our export earnings,â&#x20AC;? Emefiele added.

According to him, the central bank recently issued payment service bank licences to three firms as part of efforts to drive financial inclusion and ensure that majority of Nigerian citizens are banked.

Emefiele said the payment service banks, along with mobile money operators and banks are expected to leverage ICT channels in improving penetration of digital financial services and products to Nigerians. He pointed out that driving sustainable growth in the economy would require that the banking industry support growth of ICT firms that are inclined to improve productivity across key sectors in the economy.

Another critical area that the banking sector ought to consider for stable growth of our economy is infrastructure finance, the CBN Governor said.

According to Emefiele, with the decline in revenues due to federal and state government as a result of

the drop in crude oil prices, alternative ways of funding infrastructure are critical in generating sustained growth of in the economy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Awell-built infrastructure system, comprising hard infrastructure such as roads and ports, and soft infrastructure such as broadband penetration, can have a multiplier effect on growth by enabling the expansion of business activities in the country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe that a well-structured infrastructure fund can act as a catalyst for growth in the medium and the long run. The support of the banking community will be important in achieving this objective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;LetmeaddthatwhileCOVID-19 has brought on several challenges to our economy and indeed the banking sector, it offers a unique opportunity for us to build a more resilient economy that is better able to contain external shocks, whilst supporting growth and wealth creation in key sectors of our economy,â&#x20AC;? he added.

In his remarks, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, assured business operators in the state of the safety of their investments.

He said the state learnt a lot from the recent #ENDSARs protest, even as he thanked banks for supporting the state during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Speaking about the recent protest, Sanwo-Olu said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately, a protest that we supported turned out to cause a great havoc on our land as Lagos became the epicenter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But it is important for me to say while some of your businesses were also affected, we want to say to you that security of lives and properties would continue to be a deliverable that we would not shy away from. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We would be hard on it and we would ensure that we protect your investment. We do not pray for a repeat of what saw last month.

We have learnt our lessons and we would continue to engage to come out stronger.â&#x20AC;?

by government' as at their last meeting, a week ago included amounts to be paid as Earned Allowances, revitalisation fund and a pledge to offset their salary arrears.

While confirming government's position, Ngige said: "What we said in the meeting and what we agreed was that in the interim for the transition period that UTAS is being tested by NITDA and the Office of National Security Adviser for cyber security. For those transition period, ASUU members that are not yet on IPPIS will be paid through the platform with which they were paid the President compassionate COVID-19 payment done to them between the months of February and June.

On new offer made to ASUU, the minister said that prior to meeting of yesterday, government brought an aggregate offer of N50 billion to ASUU. "The offer made is clear. You can understand it this way. Prior to meeting of yesterday, Government brought an aggregate offer of N50 billion to ASUU. N20 billion for revitalisation to show good faith that government is still with them on the issue of funding for revitalisation and pending the affirmation of the new sources of funding public education. There is a commit-

tee on that and the committee is working on sourcing new education funds, it is a NEEDS committee.

So pending that NEEDS committee effecting a new funding source and strategy, government offered them N20 billion for revitalisation apart from the funds that are coming from TETFUNDS that is also used for revitalisation, they refused the N20 billion and said that they want N110 billion and that N110 billion is 50 per cent of a tranche of N220 billion government said they don't have that kind of money and then increased that N20 billion by N5 billion to become N25 billion and if it becomes N25 billion, the Earned Allowances will be raised to N40 billion immediate payment making for a total of N65 billion for revitalisation and Earned Allowances in the universities.

"Government then said alternatively, ASUU can opt for the revitalisation to move up to N30 billion, while the Earned Allowances for all the unions in the universities will drop from N40 billion to N35 billion, that is the second basket offered them, either of the two. Either you choose N25 billion revitalisation plus N40 billion Earned Allowances or revitalisation of N30 billion and N35 billion Earned Allowances," he said

College Explains Full Capacity Recovery after Building Collapse The management of Excel College, Ejigbo, Lagos, has attributed the speedy recovery of the school after their building collapsed, to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;service first modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; philosophy adopted by the founding fathers of the institution.

The 25 years old college faced the challenge of continuing in operation following the collapse of one of the wings of the three storey building edifice and the consequent demolition of the entire structure on the order of the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu. But against all odds, the school is fully in operation again on the resumption of academic classes in Lagos.

Director of the school, Dr. Bamidele Oke, explained that though the future looked

gloomy after the unfortunate incident, the encouragment and support from parents and family members was the magical catalyst for a rebuilding process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Naturally, it was a sad moment for the school. It was like losing everything. Our SS3 students had some of their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) papers to write and the academic classes were to resume in two days-time after the long COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We were able to salvage the seemingly hopeless situation and ensured our students concluded their examinations under a very comfortable atmosphere, all because of the goodwill of the parents and other stakeholders.

Shiloh 2020 Begins December 8 This year's Shiloh, the yearly convocation of members of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, popularly known as Winners Chapel, is to begin on Tuesday, December 8.

It runs through to Sunday, December 13, 2020. The theme of this year's Shiloh, which holds as usual at the world headquarters of the church, Canaanland, Kilometer 10, Idi-Iroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, is 'Turnaround encounters.'

As usual, both the leadership, local and international branches of the church as well as the various service groups have been making feverish preparations these past weeks to make the event grand as usual.

The Crowd Control Unit(CCU), the service group

responsible for ensuring orderliness at the yearly event, as part of its preparations, organised a 'refresher' training for its members last Sunday.

The training was aimed at sharpening members' crowd control skills and imbuing them with fresh strategies to ensure orderliness throughout the event, which usually draws mammoth crowds every year.

The training was anchored on the theme: 'Obedience to service in the kingdom is the way out of every challenge of life.'

One of the main resource persons at the training, Deacon Abiodun Franklyn, who is the immediate past CCU chairman, in his introductory remarks, admonished members to serve without any form of complaints or sense of coercion.

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 28, 2020

SPORTS XTRA Africa Champions League

Al Ahly Beat Zamalek in all-Egypt Final Extend championship wins to nine

A

s e n s a tional late Mohamed Magdy goal gave Al Ahly victory over Cairo rivals Zamalek in the

first ever one-legged African Champions League final.

Magdyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 88th-minute winner settled an entertaining match in which his side had gone ahead early through Amr El Soleya, only

for Shikabala to cancel that out before half time with a world-class effort of his own.

The win gave them a record-extending ninth African Champions League

crown, and also means their coach, South African Pitso Mosimane, becomes just the third coach to win the title with two different clubs.

The 2020 edition of the competition is the first ever

Al Ahly celebrate winning the CAF Champions League for a record 11th time after beating arch rival Zamalek in Cairo yesterday

More Nigerian Players Expected to Make NBA Draft Fifteen years after Ike Diogu was a first-round NBA draft pick, Nigerians are setting records.

Diogu was the lone Nigerian-American among a group of international players selected back in 2005. This year, a whole starting five and then some could be built from all the picks with Nigerian ties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw the wave that was coming, but I was just happy the rest of the world got to see it,â&#x20AC;? said the 37-year-old Diogu, the captain of Nigerian national team.

The NBA hailed last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s draft as â&#x20AC;&#x153;historicâ&#x20AC;? because for the first time two players from Nigeria were first-rounders,

and another six who have at least one Nigerian parent were also picked.

As the rookies sign their first contracts ahead of the NBA season scheduled to start December 22, now comes the hard part of making the team and getting playing time.

Selected ninth overall by the Golden State Warriors, Diogu had thought he would be a cornerstone of a rebuilding franchise. But he was traded during his second season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good to mentally prepare yourself that anything can happen,â&#x20AC;? Diogu

said in an interview from Rwanda, where the Nigerian national team is playing this week.

Diogu, who played at Arizona State, hopes his fellow Nigerians and other draft picks avoid the pitfalls he encountered. He recalled thinking he needed to impress as a rookie by flashing his full repertoire of post moves. But a coach told him,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re making the game too complicated.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make the game simple,â&#x20AC;? Diogu said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Play your style of basketball and let the game come to you, instead of of going out there and pressing.â&#x20AC;?

Tunisian Referee â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Proudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to Help Maradona Score against England The Tunisian referee from Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infamous defeat byArgentina at the 1986 World Cup says he is â&#x20AC;&#x153;proud and honouredâ&#x20AC;? to have helped Diego Maradona score the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;goal of the centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Maradona, who died on Wednesday at the age of 60, beat several England players on a mazy dribble from just inside his own half before scoring to put Argentina 2-0 up, four minutes after scoring the controversial goal he famously credited to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hand of Godâ&#x20AC;?.

Referee Ali Bin Nasser, now 76, also said he had no option but to award the first goal and recalled how Maradona gave him a signed shirt when they met again in 2015.

On the second goal of the game, Bin Nasser told BBC Sport: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He took off from midfield, and I was shadowing him closely. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re refereeing

someone like Maradona, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take your eyes off them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They tried to take him down on three occasions, but his desire for victory kept pushing him forward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time I would shout â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;advantageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; until he reached the box. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was watching from outside the box, wondering how this player shook off three defenders, and sprinted for nearly 50 metres. I thought â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the defenders will try to take him down nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I was expecting that to happen and was ready to whistle for a penalty. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To my surprise, he dribbled past another defender and the goalkeeper, Peter Shilton to score what would become â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the goal of the centuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud and honoured as a person and as a referee for having played a role in that historical achievement.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Had I whistled for a foul in any of the first three contacts, we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have witnessed something that magnificent. That advantage I gave is one my proudest achievements.â&#x20AC;?

Bin Nasser added that the 1986 quarter-final, played in front of nearly 115,000 fans at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was the â&#x20AC;&#x153;highlightâ&#x20AC;? of his career, despite his decision to the controversial first goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember it vividly,â&#x20AC;? he continued.

World Cup 1986: Diego Maradonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hand of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal against England â&#x20AC;&#x153;The English defender, Steve Hodge had the ball, sent it back and Maradona was in the air with Peter Shilton, and they were both facing away from me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They were facing my assistant referee, the Bulgarian Bogdan Dochev.

Nigeria U23 International Striker Joins Peterborough League One title contenders Peterborough United have reportedly handed a trial to Nigeria U23 international Bright Enobakhare with a view to a possible transfer.

Football Insider says Enobakhare has linked up with a Peterborough side looking to push for promotion from League One to the Championship after a bright start to the new season.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers Academy product is currently unemployed having mutually terminated his contract with AEK Athens before the close of the summer transfer window.

The Dream Team VII star scored in his only appearance for the Greek Super League side, against PAS Lamia in September, and was on the bench for a Europa League third qualifying

round tie vs St Gallen.

Enobakhare has Football League experience under his belt, making 61 appearances combined for Wolves, Coventry City and Wigan Athletic.

The Benin City-born attacker was called into the Nigeria squad for the 2019 U23 AFCON and became provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth when he started against Ivory Coast in the tournament staged by Egypt.

African Champions League Final to be played between two teams from the same country.

Al Ahly seized the initiative right from the start and after only four minutes, they won a corner thanks to a strong run and shot from winger Hussein Ali Elshahat.

From that corner, El Soleya rose comfortably above the Zamalek defence to head powerfully in.

Zamalek were rocked and it took them a while to get back into the game.

Only around the 20 minute mark did they begin to look threatening and test Al Ahly.

But gradually they got into increasingly more promising positions. And then on 31 minutes, their captain, Shikabala, produced something quite extraordinary to get them on level terms.

Ahly, however, really should have gone back into

the lead on 53 minutes when a brilliant ball - which took out all the Zamalek defenders and their goalkeeper Gabal Ali - was played across to Elshahat.

Elshahat had an empty net to aim at from almost square on to the right-hand post.

But, with almost too much time t o t h i n k a b o u t i t , he managed only to hit that post.

Both sides searched for a winner and made great use of the pace of their wingers Zizo for Zamalek and Magdy for Ahly - to get close.

B u t t h e g a m e seemed to be heading to extra time when Magdy was played in on the left, some distance from the Zamalek area.

It was a truly world class effort - and the Ahly players celebrated for all they were worth. They knew at that moment they were African Champions.

Bosso Names 20 for WAFU U20 Cup of Nations Head Coach Isa Ladan Bosso has picked his 20 -man squad that will contest for the WAFU B Cup of Nations title taking place in Porto Novo, Benin Republic next month.

The competition, which holds December 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20, will also serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2021 U20 Africa Cup of Nations that will be staged in Mauritania.

The team is resplendent with players from former national youth sides fused with discoveries from the grassroots.

Abia Warriors goalkeeper Chibueze Lambert leads a cast that includes the trio of Wisdom Ubani, Charles Etim and Peter Olawale who played for the Golden Eaglets at the last FIFA U17 World Cup finals in Brazil. Plateau Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duo of Mike Zaruma and Nenrot Silas also made the cut while Kwara Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christopher Nwaeze, Isaiah Ejeh and Farayola Olawale are also in the mix.

Hapoel Ranana of Israel attacker Peter Olawale and centre back Temitayo Ereku from Brookhouse Academy in the United Kingdom are the only foreign-based players listed in the squad.

Nigeria starts her campaign at the tournament on December 6, at the Stade de Galles in Porto Novo, Benin Republic.

Bordeaux Coach Still Relishes Managing Okocha Ahead of the star match of the weekend in the French Ligue 1 between defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux, manager Jean-Louis Gasset revealed that he had the opportunity to train top players such as Jay-Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho during his time at PSG. For two seasons, the 66-year-old Gasset was Luis FernĂĄndezâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right-hand man at PSG who had some household names in their ranks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Paris, I had the chance with Luis to train Ronaldinho, Anelka, Okocha, Pochettino, Heinze,â&#x20AC;? Gaaset told reporters. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the start of my career at the top level. We played in the Europa League but it was the same: the pressure in Paris is terrible, you have to win every game. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Okocha was once the most expensive African player in history, joining PSG from Fenerbahce for a fee in the region of 14 million pounds after putting himself in the shop window at the 1998 World Cup.

Barcelona to Save 122m euros from Playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wage Cut Barcelonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s players have agreed to wage cuts that will save the Spanish club 122m euros (ÂŁ110m).

The 26-time La Liga champions have also agreed with their players to have about â&#x201A;Ź50m (ÂŁ45m) of variable payments deferred over a three-year period.

Their last accounts showed a 97m euros (ÂŁ87m) loss while the net debt more than doubled to 488m euros (ÂŁ438m). â&#x20AC;&#x153;This will be a milestone of great importance to redirect the current economic situation,â&#x20AC;? the club said.

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Saturday, November 28, 2020

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

El-Rufai to Northerners

“We have the highest number of out-of-school children. We have the highest poverty rate. We have the lowest JAMB cut-off rate. So, what are the advantages in the North in the current situation?”

– Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State chastising Northerners against calls for the restructuring of Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Let’s Remember the Revolution that Changed Ghana

F

ellow Africans, exactly two weeks ago, I started this special tribute to our fallen hero and legend, former President Jerry John Rawlings. This was the man who laid the solid foundation for what the Republic of Ghana has turned out to be, admirably. Before then, that beautiful country had nosedived and was plunging the depths, but JJ Rawlings brought it back from the jaws of death.

Ovation International magazine had the rare privilege of sitting down with the great leader some 16 years ago, on five consecutive days, and got a total of 18 hours of unprecedented interview with him. Please, relax and continue to enjoy the incredible story of Africa’s most remarkable revolution:

HOW DID JUNE 4TH HAPPEN?

SO HOW DID YOU PULL IT OFF? (Rawlings smiles for a while) “I had to do things personally. There were not up to half a dozen or eight of us. These are things I had not talked about. The situation was so volatile that you did not need a command structure. All you needed was to ignite it because the situation was ready to erupt. I could have done that, but I decided against it because none of my officer colleagues would have lived. We were ready to strike on the night of May 14 and I had taken care of my side, the Airforce. I had to go and cultivate men from other units. Infantry units, Tank units. I had access to the Calvary Regiment from there to the tanks. What you needed was not a command structure, all we needed was a commando unit. You would see tough macho guys, but when you tell them they become jellies. It was the small-framed ones that had the courage. I learnt a lot of lessons in those years. It took me almost two years because I had to personally do everything.

For instance, I had to learn to lay bombs.

You could not go and say teach me how to make a bomb. You had to learn bits and pieces. You realize that it’s not the regular thing, it is a clandestine thing. So, one had to tread carefully. I remember that when we finally decided to make a move, you see I did not tell them the date, they could get me nervous and say it ahead of time. Everyone was complaining, something had to be done.

So, this guy, I told him to get ready, he started trembling and immediately, I found a facesaving move for him, I diverted from the topic and he regained his composure. Then I realized he cannot work with us, so you then had to begin to cultivate another person and that will definitely take time because you want the best. It’s not easy.

So, May 14, there was a full moon next to it was Venus or Mars. I did not take into account the situation of the moon. You see when we assembled at the Airforce station and I needed to break the armoury, we realized that we had to crawl a long distance because there was a full moon and we could be seen from the dispersal area, if we are not careful. Around 10.00pm, we managed it, broke through and got some arms. We did not need too much. We were ready at about 1-2 o’clock. I said we should take a little rest. They did not quite understand why. Why did I say that? Because, if we moved at such an early part of the night, what needed to be done was so quick and within one hour we would have achieved it.

L-R: Momodu, Fashola and late Rawlings at State House Marina Lagos in 2007

A few shots into the air and that will have been it because everybody was waiting for something to be done. I wanted us to wait to 3.00 am so that when we capture this, capture that, it will be morning and we could isolate them from the weapons and force the generals into what we may call a Durbar.

We knew that there were many professional generals who could take over. Clean up the system and then give government back to the civilians. So, I told them to wait and as I laid back that was how I really noticed how full the moon was. The night of the 14th of May 1979, go and check it up in the lunar atlas. I cannot be wrong because I saw it. The interesting thing was that the day before, I was reading something in a book.

The book was saying something about the bright star. The book said something like when that shining star is together with a full moon, fishermen don’t like it because it was a negative omen. Having read this a night before, and looked up and saw this moon, I wondered at the coincidence and began to think that this thing will fail. But we had reached the point of no return. There I was torn between two worlds. If I strike that early too many of my colleagues, officers and generals would be killed because the ranks were angry.

When I said go to sleep and let’s move at 4.00am what I wanted was to ensure that the boys were calmer. There would be calm when there is daylight, I believed that the daylight will have a calming effect, a restraining effect that would not be present under the cover of darkness. All these years from the time of Liman, nobody understood what I have just said. I had not talked about it.

SO HOW WERE YOU ARRESTED The guys whose regiment we took over, Major Sulamana appeared on the scene. We had captured two trucks from the regiment and the guys who were driving the trucks were not part of what we were doing, but by that morning when we were in position, the officer came down, and the drivers were saying we should arrest him. You have to read the book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed (by the Brazilian author, Paulo Freire). You must learn how the oppressed person invariably ends up worshiping the oppressors. They

can’t say no when they give them orders. It is only when they are out of the way, that they act. When the oppressors are alive and are looking at them, they are afraid they will obey them. The soldiers were insisting that I arrest Sulamana, I said no. I said no because I did not want any bloody situation.

I told him to get into his car and get out. On hindsight maybe I should have. I wanted a peaceful thing. There I was having seized an armoured vehicle, did not want to shed one blood. This was a situation of a guy who had a potential to fight against you, but I let him go because from planning to execution we did not want to shed blood. That was the first mistake, I underestimated the effect of the pedagogy of the oppressed. Then other things went wrong, and we ended up being arrested. And it was Sulamana who led the counter assault. The point is that during the trial I was very confident. I was really feeling sad for those who thought they were trying me because I knew the situation was volatile.

When we were being matched to go to face the tribunal, I could feel it. I knew the soldiers.

I knew how people were feeling.

SO, YOU HAD NO IOTA OF FEAR DURING THE TRIAL No. For two reasons. I knew I understood the situation too well, that it was dangerous. It will hurt us if we did not initiate the move. I had no fear because in some of these things you must be ready to die. Within that readiness to die for humanity, for life, for others, you are reborn. Do you understand? People’s souls were dead anyway. So, I had no fear. The other day, during the NRC sitting I made a statement that this government was trying to assassinate me. People were trying to ridicule me in the papers. They were saying Ha! Today you are afraid of death, drawing cartoons and saying all kinds of things on radio. I had not answered them yet. But I will like to tell them that I had overcome the fear of death a long time ago. I was ready to lay my life for Ghana. Things were just so bad. It seemed people had forgotten those days. But someone had to make a sacrifice to break the chain of poverty and suffering.

And so, we decided that it was better to do what we did than live like sub- humans.

It was a question of justice, the people’s justice.

Before I even joined the Airforce, when I was in Achimota College, I had begun to have thoughts about joining the priesthood.

When I left school, someday I will end up in a taxi and tell the man to take me to the seminary. Halfway, I will tell the man to take me back. You are looking puzzled but it’s true. It was a serious problem for me. I just could not stand the injustice in human relationships. maybe it was a partial escapist thing. But I knew if I was there as a priest I will have been fighting with my cassock. I am not someone who would go down on my knees and say slap the other cheek. I am not advocating violence, but in the Bible when Jesus entered the temple and saw people selling and doing what he considered bad, he picked the whip and chased them out.

That is violence for a good purpose. He did not go on his knees like they teach us, to pray that God will deal with it.

As I was saying, at the trial there was nothing to be ashamed of. I remember during the trial they were talking of some technicality of either being tried alone or being tried together. I was the only officer. I got on the microphone and told them that I don’t understand this technicality, but I am taking responsibility for what has happened, leave my men alone. That freaked out the nation. The nation was angry at the military because just when they were about to organize elections for a hand over, who were these military people who wanted to stage a takeover.

Naturally, people misconstrued it to mean these people wanted to stay on. Nobody wanted to hear any such thing because the suffering was too much until they heard the points I had written. The prosecutor instead of being defensive was reading my speech with enthusiasm which was a serious indictment on the government. I could have escaped at any time, but I was not going to. Right in the tribunal, I could have upset things. Before that Monday we had thought that we were going to be executed, anyway. There was this man who was going everywhere and was demanding if they were not going to save Rawlings, and no one seemed to be coming out of their barracks. The man went in front of the Airforce commander’s residence one day and shot himself. That maybe caused people to crack and they burst out.

I remember about 5am they were just firing.

They had taken over broadcasting house that was the situation that led to June 4th.

When you are oppressing people and treating people with indignity, when it explodes, you can offer them all your gold, all your money, they will demand your blood, because that is the extent to which you have humiliated people.

We should never humiliate our fellow man.

The kind of humiliation that power inflicts on subordinates was too much. It got to a point that officers and senior ranks only feel confident when they were talking down on subordinates. Yet, the military culture abhors something like that. It teaches you to look at him in the face and tell him. And he must look back at your face and say sir! And say his own.

(To be continued) ...

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