SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2020

Public Debt Stock Inches to N26.2tn, Inflation Jumps to 11.98% Ndubuisi Francis and James Emejo in Abuja Total public debt, comprising the federal government’s, those of the 36 states and that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stood at N26.215 trillion as at September 2019, the Debt

Management Office (DMO) has stated.

Also yesterday, it emerged that the Consumer Price Index, (CPI), which measures inflation, increased to 11.98 per cent (year-on-year) in December 2019, compared to 11.85 per cent in the

preceeding month.

The latest public debt figures released yesterday indicated a 2 per cent growth when compared with the N25.701 trillion recorded as at June 30, 2019.

The DMO Director General, Ms. Patience Oniha, who

unveiled the figures during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, said the total debt stock implied that in the 3rd quarter (July to September 2019), a 2 per cent growth was recorded, adding that the debt included Promissory Notes of N821.651

billion which had been issued to settle federal government's arrears to oil marketers and state governments under the Promissory Programme approved by the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly.

A breakdown of the

N26.215 trillion debt shows that the domestic component accounted for N17,943.94 trillion, while external debt stood at N8,271.15 trillion.

When compared with the N22,428.80 trillion in the Continued on page 5

Gowon: No Regrets for Going to War with Biafra…Page 8 Saturday 18 January, 2020 Vol 24. No 9049

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Imo Judgement: Atiku, PDP Leaders Call for Protest Statements reckless, dangerous, says Oshiomhole Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Atiku Abubakar has called on his party to mobilise against what he described as “threats Former vice president and to democracy” by the Supreme candidate of the Peoples Court judgement that ordered Democratic Party (PDP) in the removal of Emeka Ihedioha the 2019 Presidential election, of the PDP, as Imo State

governor, and his replacement with Hope Uzodinnma of the All progressives Congress.

Atiku, during the 87th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party in Abuja yesterday,

said if the Supreme Court decision on Imo State was left unchallenged, “It will be the end of our hard-earned struggle for democracy, including our founding members who are today

not alive.”

The National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, also called for protest and raised the alarm that the APC was plotting to arm twist the Supreme Court to rule against

the PDP governors of Sokoto and Benue states, and favour the APC governors in Kano and Plateau states.

But the National Chairman Continued on page 5

Amotekun: Avoid Separate Security Platforms, FG Pleads with Govs It's against national security policy, community policing Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Apparently reacting to the South-west security outfit, code-named Amotekun, launched last week, the National Security Council presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari rose from a meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday, with an appeal to states, local governments and other stakeholders to join hands with it and avoid creating separate security platforms for citizens' protection.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the meeting, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Abubakar Sadique, who was clearly alluding to Amotekun, said creation of separate security outfits in the country might run contrary to both the national security

policy as well as the proposed community policing already approved by the federal government.

"I think our appeal is for all Nigerians and other stakeholders to join hands with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security and intelligence agencies to ensure that our country is secured rather than looking at other methods that are likely going to negate the national policy and community policing policy that the federal government has approved.

"What we expect is for all stakeholders, local governments, state governments, other stakeholders to join hands with us. Let us work together to ensure that our country is Continued on page 5

A DESERVING HONOUR...

L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari and Chief Wole Olanipekun (head of legal team), during a dinner in honour of members of the Presidential Legal Team by Buhari at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja...

Thursday night. godwin omoigui

Again, Buhari Promises Free, Fair Polls in 2023…Page 14

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PAGE FIVE AMOTEKUN: AVOID SEPARATE SECURITY PLATFORMS, FG PLEADS WITH GOVS secured," he said.

Sadique who said the meeting was called to review the activities of security agencies in the country and also to examine security situations in the North-west and other parts of the country, claimed that the meeting found the level of progress made so far to be satisfactory.

According to him, some of the military equipment for which orders had earlier been made have started arriving Nigeria, promising that more will arrive the country at the end of February.

While attempting to convince Nigerians to have faith in the ability of the federal security operatives, the Air Force boss

listed the military equipment which had arrived the country to include two helicopter gunships.

Emphasising that more deliveries will be made at the end of February, he added that the Nigeria Police Force had also been acquiring equipment to fight insecurity, assuring that community policing, which had also been approved by the president, would be well funded with a view to ensuring that security of Nigerians is guaranteed.

He said: “We also looked at the emerging situations in some of our areas particularly acts of banditry in some of the North-western states and other parts of the country and we have critically looked at everything

and we are satisfied with the progress we are making.

"We are satisfied with the support the federal government is giving the armed forces and other security agencies in terms of procurement of platforms.

Substantial number of these equipment are expected by the end of February. Some of the equipment we are acquiring have started arriving for the Nigerian Air Force. Two helicopter gunships have arrived on the 15th of January and we are now in the process of putting them together which will add to whatever we have.

"We are equally expecting other equipment, like I said, that are meant for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which we are hoping

to get by the end of February.

I am sure you are also familiar with the equipment acquisition by the Nigerian Police Force.

"I am sure you are also aware of the policy on community policing that was approved

by Mr. President and it is going to be funded. The whole idea is to ensure that Nigeria is secured and Nigerians can go about pursuing their legitimate aspirations without any hindrance."

He assured Nigerians that both the armed forces and other security agencies in the country would work assiduously to ensure that Nigeria is secured, pointing out that security operatives would also strive hard to ensure that the country's

sovereignty and its territorial integrity are not undermined.

The Air Force chief also promised that with the current delivery of a new set of equipment, there will be closer security monitoring adding that challenges hitherto faced on war fronts by troops would be largely curtailed.

Sadique also said all hands were on deck to end terrorist activities by Boko Haram in no distant time with the cooperation of neighbouring countries with Nigeria.

"I think basically that is what this meeting is all about and what we want to do here is to reassure Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria and indeed security and intelligence

agencies in Nigeria are going to continue to work round the clock to ensure that our country is secured and to ensure that nobody undermines the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of Nigeria.

"We are going to keep a very close watch on what is going on and with the equipment that we are getting, definitely, the challenges we are facing in some of the theatres of operation particularly the North-east will be addressed adequately.

"We are doing everything with the other sister countries in the Lake Chad Basin working together to ensure that the Boko Haram terrorism is brought substantially to an end as quickly as possible," he submitted.

security and electoral institutions.

"The PDP notes with pains, the gross abuse of the rule of law, the muzzling of the civil society and advocates of free speech, as well as ordinary Nigerians. “The PDP totally condemns the utter desecration of judicial tenets and values, climaxing in the national embarrassment of the Supreme Court’s manufacturing of votes and donating same to the APC and its candidate, Hope Uzodimma, thereby robbing the people of Imo state, of the mandate freely given to Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as their governor.

"The PDP observes that this calculated injustice perpetuated by the Supreme Court has proven that the judiciary under Justice Tanko Mohammed is no longer the last hope of the common man, rather the lost hope of the common man in Nigeria.

"The Supreme Court by its judicial summersault has eroded the faith and confidence, which Nigerians have in participatory election thereby showcasing that there will be no need for election in the future.

"The PDP stands with the people of Imo state and Hon. Emeka Ihedioha in all steps being taken to reverse this injustice and reclaim the governorship mandate stolen through the Supreme Court.

"The PDP assures Nigerians that our party, through all available constitutional and legitimate means, including civil disobedience, will insist that

this government must respect the rule of law and desist from influencing the judiciary, INEC and security agencies.

"The PDP will not allow the judiciary, security agencies and other institutions of governance to become departments of the APC."

Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole has described the comments of Secondus and Atiku on the Imo State judgement as “very reckless and 'dangerous.�

He also said Atiku was the least qualified to talk about election manipulation in the country, saying that he contributed his part in undermining democracy.

Oshiomhole, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said the statement credited to Secondus was designed to instigate unrest in the country.

The national chairman accused PDP of trying to blackmail and ambush the judges of the Supreme Court in the remaining cases, because they are afraid of losing Sokoto and other states.

"I just need to recall what the facts are to show that PDP is not only reckless but believed it is their birth right to continue to benefit from electoral fraud

and electoral manipulation."

Oshiomhole said that the collation officer, who happened to be a professor of mathematics curiously did not know that 12 was not two third of 27 local government areas and proceeded to unlawfully declare Ihedioha governor of Imo state.

He noted that in a society that is committed to fairness and rule of law, the returning officer ought not only to be dismissed, he ought to have reported himself to the security on how he arrived at the decision to declare Ihedioha governor.

Oshiomhole stated: "When they (PDP) make statement such as this, it is a threat to our democracy. They behave as if they have another passport.

But the rest of us who have only one passport, the green passport, this democracy has come to stay.

We must contribute our quota to deepen it by obeying the rules of the game.�

He also said that Atiku was the least qualified to talk about election rigging because he allegedly manipulated all institutions of democracy when PDP was in power.

Oshiomhole said: "But bad examples cannot be the basis for making progress, we are not about to copy him, but it is important that we remind Nigerians that talking about electoral fraud, talking about manipulating institutions of democracy that Atiku cannot be the advocate. He contributed his own bit to undermining democracy."

services, hairdressing saloons and personal grooming establishments, garments, repair and hire of footwear, vehicle spare parts, passengers’ transport by air, shoes and other footwear.

Others include appliances, articles and products for personal care, clothing materials, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories and cleaning, repair and hire of clothing.

On month-on-month basis, the food sub-index increased by 0.97 per cent in December, down by 0.28 per cent from 1.25 per cent recorded in November 2019.

The urban inflation rate increased further to 12.62 per cent (year-on-year) in the period under review, compared to 12.47 percent in November.

In the he same vein, the rural index increased to 11.41 per cent in December from 11.30 per cent in November.

On a month-on-month basis, the urban index rose by 0.90 per cent in December down by 0.17 from 1.07 per cent recorded in November, while the rural index also rose by 0.82 per cent in December down by 0.16 from the 0.98 per cent recorded in November.

The headline index has continued to defy monetary policy measures to limit it to single digit.

The uptick is a setback for both monetary and fiscal

authorities, which had only managed to curtail its rise for a few consecutive months before a rebound that had seen inflation again on an upward trajectory lately.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has the mandate to stabilise prices, had set an inflation target of about 6 per cent to 9 per cent in its current five-year roadmap.

Inflation had assumed a downward direction in recent consecutive months when it dropped in January 2019 to 11.37 per cent from 11.44 per cent in December in 2018.

The headline index further reduced to 11.31 per cent in February and 11.25 per cent in March but resorted to the upward trajectory in April when it climbed to 11.37 per cent- and further to 11.40 per cent in May- before falling to 11.22 per cent in June, 11.08 per cent in July, 11.02 per cent in August before returning to 11.24 per cent in September, 11.61 per cent in October and 11.85 per cent in November and now 11.98 per cent in December.

The rise further dampens the prospects for lower interest rate regime, as well as reduction in the cost of borrowing.

The MPR, the rate at which the apex bank lends to commercial banks is currently at 13.5 per cent.

IMO JUDGEMENT: ATIKU, PDP LEADERS CALL FOR PROTEST of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole described the comments of Atiku and Secondus as “very reckless� while accusing the former vice president of contributing to undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Atiku’s call on the PDP to mobilise against the "threats to democracy� was a reversal of his earlier advice that the party and Ihedioha accept the Supreme Court verdict on Imo State.

He said: "Our great party fought and brought democracy and development to our great country. Our party governed very well from 1999 up to 2015. As true Democrats, we conceded power to the opposition in the hope that it would further entrench democracy, development and unity. But alas, Nigerians have been proved wrong by the governing APC. "It has become very necessary for us to mobilise Nigeria to resists the threat to our democracy, unity and development. Therefore, I will like to propose that a strong committee be setup forthwith to review the last elections and recommend to the party needed reforms and how to address the challenges in the last election.

"But what cannot wait is that we should not take what has been happening in our democratic process with the role of INEC, security agencies and the judiciary for granted. If we take all these roles for granted, that will be the end of our hardearned struggle, including that of our founding members, some

who are today not alive. What can we say we have done to their struggles as they lay in their graves? Therefore, as long as we are alive, it is our responsibility to reincarnate the struggle that brought about the democracy of today that the APC governing party is threatening."

The chairman of PDP, Board of Trustees (BoT), Walid Jubrin, said the Supreme Court judgement calls for war. He said that his attire to the meeting signifies war, stating that for a long time he had not cried but that he has been weeping after the verdict.

Secondus said the PDP NWC had credible intelligence that the Presidency and APC leadership were still arm twisting the Judiciary to ensure they deliver to them four states won by the PDP - Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi and Adamawa – “while keeping states like Kano which we clearly won.�

The PDP National Chairman added: "We have demanded that the seven Justices that participated in the Imo judicial fraud should rescue themselves from the remaining cases involving the PDP. "We know that the APC and President Buhari have taken our civility for weakness and inability to act. We have made it abundantly clear that since they have chosen injustice, using the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, they should be ready to embrace the consequences of their actions. “According to the 3rd President of America, Thomas

Jefferson, when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.

This is the point we are now, as the APC is using the highest court in the country to legitimise injustice."

Secondus also proposed that PDP NEC members should embark on a protest against the judgement of the Supreme.

He said the proposed protest was to impress on Nigerians that injustice had been done to the party.

He stated that the mandate given to the party by the Imo electorate had been snatched from the party.

According to him, the declaration of the Imo State candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Hope Uzodinma, as the governor was miscarriage of Justice.

He said though the ultimate justice would come from God Almighty, the aggrieved PDP leaders must speak out against injustice as their silence would be taken for consent to the alleged injustice.

Meanwhile, the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, who read the communique of the PDP NEC, assured Nigerians that the PDP would protect and defend democracy and its institutions in the country.

The communique reads: “The PDP rejects the destructions of our democratic institution and values, especially the independence of the legislature, the politicisation of the judiciary and the compromising of our

Oshiomhole: Atiku Contributed to Undermining Democracy

PUBLIC DEBT STOCK INCHES TO N26.2TN, INFLATION JUMPS TO 11.98% corresponding period of 2018, it shows a 16.88 per cent growth in public debt.

Oniha explained that the ratio of domestic debt to external debt at 69:31 as at September 30, 2019 was an improvement over the ratio of 71:29 as at September 2018, when juxtaposed with the target of 60:40 in the MediumTerm Debt Management Strategy. “The ratio of long term to short term debt in the domestic debt as at September 2019 was 80:20, which shows that the target of 75:25 had been outperformed

by September 2019. Furthermore, it was an improvement over the ratio of 73:23 recorded in September 2018. “Similarly, total debt as a percentage of GDP of 18.47% as at September 2019 was well within the limit of 25% and fares better in comparison with the debt/GDP ratios of countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom and Canada with ratios of 105%, 85% and 90%, respectively for the same period. “However, because they generate adequate revenues, their debt service/revenue ratios for the same period were much lower at 12.5%, 7.5% and 7.5%, respectively when compared to Nigeria’s 51% in 2017,� she explained.

On criticisms of the nation’s increasing borrowing, Oniha said:

“Public borrowing is not done by one person. It is not approved by one man. It is a collective decision. So, when we take on this administration as having borrowed, let us bear in mind that borrowing is cumulative and there are rules and regulations about borrowing. There are laws and procedures that must be complied with. “In fact, that the document must be presented to the National Assembly is in compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the DMO Act. So, we are complying with the laws on public borrowing.�

According to Oniha, the relatively high level of new borrowing in recent years was triggered by the economic downturn which required increased government spending, stressing that a higher level of borrowing was included in the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) as a strategic tool for stimulating growth, job creation and increasing external reserve.

The DMO DG stressed that the low revenue base of Nigeria relative to its GDP was clearly reflected in the high debt service to revenue ratio, adding that this clearly brings to fore the need for revenues to grow. “The efforts towards increasing and diversifying revenue such as the passage of the Finance Act and Strategic Revenue

Growth Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning should thus be supported,� she said.

On the 2020 fiscal year, Oniha said the new borrowings are N850 billion and N744 billion, external and domestic, respectively.

External borrowings, she disclosed, would be sourced from concessionary and semi-concessionary loans due to the lower interest rate and longer tenors, while domestic borrowings will come from federal government bonds, Sukuk, FGN savings bonds and possibly Green bonds.

According to her, any shortfall thereafter may be raised from commercial sources.

Oniha, who explained that the third Sukuk, which is being planned as a source of financing for the 2020 budget, would be in the region of N150 billion and that it would be used to fund 44 road projects, as against 25 in 2017 and 28 in 2018.

She also expressed satisfaction with the introduction of the FGN 30-year Bond in April which she noted, has been a success with well over N500 billion invested by various sectors, particularly insurers. “The introduction of the 30-year bond was to meet the investment needs of long-term investors such as insurance

companies and support the development of domestic financial markets in areas such as mortgages,� she said.

The 30-year bond, she added, also contributed to reducing the refinancing risks of the public debt stock.

Oniha noted that the outcome of the implementation of DMO’s Debt Management Strategy had resulted in many of the targets been achieved.

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBC) has said the Consumer Price Index, (CPI), which measures inflation, increased to 11.98 per cent (year-on-year) in December 2019, compared to 11.85 per cent in the preceding month.

Food inflation rose to 14.67 per cent in December compared to 14.48 per cent in November 2019.

According to the CPI figures for December 2019, which was released yesterday by the statistical agency, core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce also increased to 9.33 per cent compared to 8.99 per cent in the preceding month.

The NBS stated that the rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, meat, fish, oils and fats, potatoes, yam and other tubers.

Also, highest price increases were recorded in hospital

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NEWS

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

SYNERGY IN GOVERNANCE. . .

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun flanked by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele (L); Rt. Hon. Kunle Oluomo (R); other top government functionaries and Chairmen of the newly sworn in Local Government Transition Committee for all the 20 LGAs in the State at a Swearing-in event that was held as the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

TCN: We Cannot Guarantee Stability of National Power Grid Now Chineme Okafor in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said that it could not guarantee the stability of Nigeria’s electricity grid at the moment because it did not have the spinning reserves to prevent its total collapse whenever there were typical system disturbances.

The national grid on Thursday collapsed and reportedly left most parts of the country in total darkness for long hours. The system collapse was the first in 2020 after

about nine was recorded in 2019.

According to Science Direct – an online resource for science and engineering innovations, the spinning reserve is the amount of unused capacity in online energy assets which can compensate for power shortages or frequency drops within a given period of time.

Traditionally, the spinning reserve is a concept that is synonymous with large synchronous power generators; the TCN said in a statement yesterday from its

General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah that at the moment, it lacked the required spinning reserve to stop the national grid from total collapses.

Although it had applied to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to approve its procurement of spinning reserves for the grid, but the NERC is yet to grant its approval for it.

It stated that the national grid had been fully restored after the system collapse which occurred at about 16.15 hours on Thursday

Group Gives Tinubu 24 Hours to take Position on Amotekun Bennett Oghifo An association, known as Save Lagos Group, has demanded a public statement, within 24 hours from Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his position on the establishment of a security outfit; Western Nigeria Security Network code-named ‘Operation Amotekun’.

The group gave the ultimatum, yesterday, in a statement in which they acknowledged and commended those who have spoken up on the issue, like Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; Chief Olu Falae, Otunba Gani Adams, among others.

“Yoruba nation is presently in trying period over the formation of the security outfit in the Nigeria Federal Constitutional democracy and no leader of Yoruba nation as well its lovers could keep mute on the burning matter at this period. Yoruba leaders should unite to speak in one voice on the issue,” Sulaiman pointed out.

The statement signed by the Convener, Save Lagos Group, Adeniyi Sulaiman, said they are not unmindful of Tinubu’s position as a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress with presidential ambition in 2023, adding that the security of the South-west was more important than any political ambition while it was not the time to sit on the fence over issues concerning the region.

He assured Tinubu that if he was ordained by God to be President of Nigeria in 2023, no mortal could cost him the position for standing for the truth and his people.

They said it was important for Tinubu to speak up, considering the fact that he is seen by many as the leader of the South-west, and in the face of provocation by groups in the North that said the security outfit established by governors of the South-west states would cost the region the presidency in 2023. ”Without mincing words, this Security Network (Amotekun) is legal, legitimate and lawful and it has

come to stay like Civilian JTF, Hisbah Police and other legal security outfits established by State and Local Governments in Nigeria. The purported rejection of “Amotekun” by the Federal Government is unfederal, unconstitutional and mockery of our tenets of federal Constitutional democracy.

“On the Northern group’s position that the formation of “Amotekun” might cost Yoruba people the country’s Presidency in 2023 which they have used to create fear in the mind of Senator Bola Tinubu and few other Yoruba leaders who were interested to put themselves forward for the plum job in the next dispensation, the Norther elements to stop playing God, only God chooses leaders not ordinary mortal,” he said.

Recently, the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, declared the outfit illegal, a move the group described as hypocritical since the federal government allows Shariah Police, Hisbah, to operate in more than 10 Northern states.

while the grid was recovering from an earlier partial system disturbance.

The TCN noted that it achieved full restoration of the grid at about 2:19a.m. on Friday morning but that it was not sure if another collapse would not happen in future.

“The initial disturbance of the grid which occurred at about 12.34p.m. yesterday was a partial collapse of the system, as the grid was still supplying Port-Harcourt, Aba, Omoku,

Yenegoa, Afam among others, through Afam IV, Rivers IPP and Omoku Power Stations.

“Effort immediately commenced to synchronise other parts of the network but as restoration reached advanced stage, the situation suddenly degenerated into a collapse of the nation’s grid,” said Mbah in the statement.

She further stated that: “Full restoration of the grid re-commenced immediately after the incident and by 10p.m. yesterday, most parts of the nation had been reconnected to

the grid, at about 2:19a.m. however, the grid was fully restored.”

She explained that the TCN would not relent in its efforts to completely stabilise the grid, “however, due to the fact that the national grid is still being operated with zero spinning reserve, system instability like what was witnessed yesterday cannot be totally avoided.”

“TCN solicits the support and understanding of Nigerians as the company continues to work to modernise the grid,” Mbah added.

Soldiers Sack Bayelsa Town over Alleged Killing of Colleagues Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Some military personnel yesterday allegedly invaded Bilabiri community in riverine Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, razing down some buildings.

Apprehensive residents were said to have fled into the creeks for safety after the soldiers stormed the community allegedly over the killing of their colleagues few weeks ago.

Recall that four naval ratings were killed recently while on a rescue mission around the area to free some abducted foreigners, specifically around Agge coastal area.

The Spokesman of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe, Maj. Jonah Unuakhalu, did not immediately respond to enquiries on the incident.

However, the killing of the military personnel few weeks ago followed the

interception of a dredger, Sterling Global and an attempt by the military to recover the vessel.

The suspected pirates also abducted two Russian nationals and one Indian, in a confrontation that ensued, the soldiers were killed and several others injured.

A community source said the incident had caused fear among residents who had either fled into the bush or found their way into neighbouring Delta State.

In a reaction, the Ekeremor Federated Youth Council (EFYC), led by Etolor Prince, described the action of the military as unprofessional, noting that it was sad that the military would attack a whole community because some elements allegedly attacked their personnel.

“The ongoing military invasion at Bilabiri community is one too many in Ekeremor LGA and it is so sad that I have to once again condemn this

continuous unprofessional act of the Nigerian military at the slightest provocation.

“It is so sad and annoying to note that, one will never see them carrying out this practice in the North where our brothers in the military are killed on duty every now and then but our case here is nothing to write home about.

‘They should know that this approach is not working and will never work.

“It is high time the legal luminaries in our region stood up to this injustice meted on our people. I strongly believe legal actions can go a long way to tackle this menace.

“At this juncture, please permit me to sympathise with the people of Bilabiri I & II communities for the loss and I urge government at all levels most especially well- meaning leaders to immediately come to the aid of our people in any way possible to cushion the immediate hardship caused by this attack,” he said.

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NEWS

Brief Village Head Killed, Son, 21 Others In EFCC Investigates Benue Assembly Clerk Kidnapped in another in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna The village head of Rumathe in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmad Yakubu Rumathe, has been killed in a yesterday morning raid by bandits.

Twenty-two villagers from the community and nearby village including the son of the slain village head were also kidnapped by the bandits who were said to have operated under the cover of darkness between 1a.m. and

2a.m.

THISDAY learnt that the bandits who were many in number moved from house to house in the community beating and dispossessing the people of their property including money.

The eyewitness said the deceased village head was shot at point blank range before his son was abducted.

A day before the incident (Thursday) the bandits were said to have invaded Masiku, Zangoro, Maguga and Magane

nearby communities where six villagers were abducted but on their way out of the village the bandits reportedly released one of the victims.

Chairman of the Shiroro Local Government Council, Malam Sulaiman Chikuba when contacted confirmed the incident.

Chikuba said the raid on the village near Rumathe was in broad daylight but because of the weapons the bandits had, no one could face them.

"I need government intervention, the way things are going only government intervention can save our people from these bandits." He, however, said that some policemen and the local vigilante had been deployed to the troubled communities to restore peace.

Over a week ago, bandits in separate raids on the nearby Munya Local Government Area killed an army officer, three soldiers and four other villagers.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has opened investigation into a N220 million fraud against the Clerk of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Torese Agena. According to the EFCC, the clerk was being investigated for alleged case of fraud, stealing and misappropriationofpublicfundstothetuneofovertwohundredandtwenty million Naira (N220,000,000). A mild drama however took place at the EFCCofficewheretheclerkwasdetainedastheclerk’sfamilymemberson the invitation of the clerk allegedly attacked some staff of the commission.

The commission said the wife of the clerk, Mrs. Agena Terngu and her daughters, Terfa – Mamadu Ngweavese and Agena Suur assaulted two mobile policemen on duty while giving the third a human bite on his left arm and tried to run down another with their car while trying to escape.

PDP Chieftain Faults FG on Amotekun

Former Governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has faulted the position of the federal government on the South-west security outfit codenamed, Operation Amotekun. He described the federal government position as unfair and not in tandem with the principle of egalitarianism being preached by the present All Progressives Congress (APC) led -administration. Chief Onuesoke, who spoke to newsmen on the sideline of a security workshop in Warri noted that the use of village hunters and vigilante personnel adopted by the security outfit presented the best form of community policing.The PDPchieftainstatedthat thegrassroots-orientedandbottom-upstructure as well as an all-involving security framework, which Amotekun presents, is the ideal policing framework for modern policing to checkmate emerging criminality in rural and remote communities. Onuesoke argued that it is out of place for the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami to say the machinery setting up Ametokun is unconstitutional when the Civil Defence, Civilian JTF and Sharia police that are of similar background and outlook were already in existence.

Kwara to Discourage Irregular Migration Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration was putting in place measures to empower young people and strengthen local businesses to discourage Kwarans from seeking socalled greener pastures abroad and endangering their lives. Speaking in Ilorin yesterday while receiving the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), led by Commandant Bello Ale, brought the lady repatriated from Lebanon GloriaTaiye Bright to the Governor said that,“Whatourgovernmentisdoingistryingtocreateabetterenvironment for the youth to excel in their chosen businesses. “The 2020 budget has been structured to empower businesses and promote entrepreneurship in the state�. AbdulRazaq said the government had made provisions for skills acquisition for Kwarans especially young people.

Uzodinma Makes First Appointments

IMPACTING LIVES...

L-R: Vice Presidential candidate of PDP, Mr. Peter Obi (1st right), with students of St. Patrick’s International Vollege, Awka, Anambra State, shortly after he donated laptops, printers and a generator to the school...recently

Gowon: No Regrets for Going to War with Biafra Former Head of State, retired General Yakubu Gowon, has said his administration had no regret going into the Biafra war because it was necessary to keep Nigeria one.

The ex-military ruler said this in a special interview he

granted the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Nigerian civil war, on Wednesday.

He said: “The war was fought to keep Nigeria one, not for other

reasons as is being speculated in some quarters. It is because of this that we don’t have regrets about fighting the war. “We fought because of our love for our country. That is why at the end of the war, we declared that there was no victor,

no vanquished.�

The retired general, however, cautioned those he said were trying to turn back the hands of time with their conduct and utterances to desist from doing so in order to prevent a descent into chaos.

Missing Child: Court Bars Journalists as Police Arrest Alleged Abductor

Panic in Onitsha as again, Petrol Tanker Goes Up in Flames

James SowoleinAkure

Residents of Onitsha, Anambra State were in panic yesterday morning as yet another petrol tanker went up in flames, causing pandemonium among residents of the area at about 2am.

The tanker which was said to be conveying about 15,000 liters of petroleum products suddenly went up in flames, a source told our correspondent.

Petroleum tanker fire has remained a recurring disaster in Anambra State, since 2019, leading to a ban on the movement of tankers conveying petroleum products during the day by the state government.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Haruna Mohammed who confirmed the incident said the truck was loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and parked by the road side along Onitsha/ Awka Expressway by Vin Oil Filling Station, Onitsha when it went up

Magistrate CharityAdeyanju of Magistrate Court 2, Oke Eda,Akure, Ondo State yesterday walked out journalists that came to cover the resumed trial of the founder of Sotitobire Miracle Chapel, Prophet BabatundeAlfa and six other members of the church.

This is as the Ondo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the arrest of a self-acclaimed abductor of the one-year-old boy, Gold Kolawole at the church located on, Solagbade Street, Oshinle Quarters, Akure, the Ondo State capital, on the 10th of November, 2019.

Alfa and six other members of his church, were being prosecuted over the missing boy in his church.

While journalists and other people in the court were waiting for the court to resume sitting, the Police Prosecutor, Inspector Uloh Goodluck came to where journalists were already seated and ordered them to vacate their seats

without giving any reason.

Not satisfied with the directive, the journalists protested and which made the police inspector to enter into the Magistrate inner chamber.

Few minutes after, the Magistrate came into the courtroom, went straight to where journalists were seated and ordered everybody on the seat to vacate.

Shortly after the journalists left the courtroom, the prophet was brought into the court premises alongside six workers of his church amidst heavy security at exactly 9:27a.`m.

Meanwhile, Adeyanju, who adjourned the case till February 5, 2020, ordered that Alfa should remain at the Olokuta Correctional Facility pending the arrival of the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Alfa and six other members of his church were facing seven count charges bordering on conspiracy, kidnapping and felony.

David-Chyddy ElekeinAwka

in flame.

"Following the distress call, Police patrol teams led by DPO Awada Division, CSP Tony Adeyi rushed to the scene and immediately contacted Anambra State Fire Service who responded promptly.

"The scene was condoned off and the situation was brought under control and obstruction cleared to enable free flow of traffic in the area after the fire was put off at about 03:30am. "Cause of fire is yet to be ascertained but the truck's over charged battery is suspected. No loss of life or injury was recorded during the incident.

THISDAY gathered that the incident had caused a huge confusion among residents of the area, as they woke up in the middle of the night, upon the news and scampered in many directions.

A source said that even though the head of the truck had been completely gutted by fire, the truck's tank with its product remained intact and did not explode.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has made his first appointments with Chief Cosmos Iwu, a one-time Secretary to State Government under Governor Ikedi Ohakim , the new Secretary to the government of the state.

Other appointment include that of Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief NnamdiAnyaehie,aformerstatechairmanofthePeoplesDemocraticParty (PDP), Cyprian Akolisa, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, and Oguwike Nwachuku as Chief Press Secretary to the governor. Chief Iwu who is the younger brother to the former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission , Prof. Maurice Iwu, was until his recent appointment the Director General of Hope Uzodinma Campaign Organisation.InastatementsignedbythePrincipalSecretarytotheGovernor, Mr.IC.Nwokonkwo,“GovernorHopeUzodinmahasapprovedtheappointment of Chief Cosmos Iwu as the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, Chief of staff to the Government House, Mr. Cyprian AkaolisaastheAttorneyGeneralandCommissionerforJusticeandOguwike Nwachuku as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

EFCC Arrests Internet Fraudsters

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) Ilorin Zonal Officehasarrested sixpersonsinconnectionwiththeirallegedinvolvements in alleged internet fraud and other fraud-related offences. The suspects are, Atanda Femi Benjamin, Atoyebi Samson, Olapade Oladimeji Solomon, Amoo Saheed, Lawal Opeyemi Mubarak and Sadiku Muniru Dolapo.They were arrested in the early hours of Thursday near Kwara State House of Assembly, in Ilorin, the state capital based on intelligence reports over their involvementininternetfraud.Thesuspectshaveconfessedtothecrimewhile being interrogated by the operatives of the Commission. Items recovered from them include, three exotic cars, laptops, mobile phones among others.

Contacted, the zonal Public Relations Officer,. Mr. Gbenga Adewoye who confirmed the arrest of the suspected internet fraudsters said that, they will soon be charged to court.

I’m Open to Criticisms

Governor Muhammadu InuwaYahaya of Gombe State has called on the delegationoftheNationalPresidentoftheNigeriaUnionofJournalists(NUJ) on tour of the state not to hide anything they see from Gombe to the world.

The NUJ President is on a nationwide tour to interface with journalists in the country.The governor said, "as you go round to see what we are doing, feel free to criticize us as we are ready to make amends." He stated that his idea of journalism is to set agenda and make government accountable especially to its promises to the people. Governor Inuwa then stated that he was ready to support journalists to perform their duties effectively as well as ensuring their security and that of the generality of the people. Earlier, National President of the NUJ, Chief Chris Isiguzo told the governor that that the essence of his visit was to interface with journalists across the country and initiate ways of addressing their challenges. According to him, it has become very necessary to depart from the past where the leadership of the NUJ only visited the states during campaigns. He then commended GovernorInuwaYahayaovertheeffortsheismakingtowardsrevampingthe education sector of the state as well as other infrastructural developments.

9

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

The Rash War against Amotekun

T

he Western Nigeria Security Network code-named Amotekun, established by the six states in the South-west, is all about self-defence and self-protection in the face of unending attacks by criminals. This is the truth that must be upheld. For me, a people under the servitude of armed robbers, kidnappers, ritual killers, killer herders and bandits have a right to self-defence. Just like in other parts of the country, the Nigerian state has obviously failed them; a state that stands by, while its people are exterminated daily; a state unperturbed by the continuous security embarrassment suffered by its people. Why should a man standby and watch himself and family perpetually humiliated by criminals, who rape and abduct? So, because those who should do the protection have failed, the man should continue to endure the humiliation?

Amotekun is no longer the affairs of the governors; it is the property of the Yoruba people, pushed to the wall by a failed federal government that can no longer secure them. In July last year, right in the backyard of the Yorubas, Mrs. Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fashoranti, a prominent leader of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, was slaughtered. It’s a shame that several months after, nobody has been prosecuted as the killer or mastermind of the murder.

Daily, scores of people are slaughtered by bandits, kidnappers and killer herders across the South-west, and indeed, across our entire country. Amotekun promoters did not set up a police force. They did not say they were out to rival the federal police. The regional security outfit aims to provide Yorubas, and all other Nigerians in the South-west with traditional strategy to tackle crime and criminality in the region.

So, why should this be a problem to a failed central government and its tattered security agents?

The statement on Tuesday by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, declaring Amotekun illegal, and that it “runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law” is silly. Malami kept rehearsing the obvious. There is no point telling us that “the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a federation of states with the Federal

Malami

Government superintending over matters of national interest.”

We all know that the division of executive and legislative authority between the federal and state governments has been clearly defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). Malami continued with his baloney thus: “It is against the same background that matters relating to the peace, order and good government of the Federation and in particular, the defence of the country, are enshrined in the Exclusive Legislative list. The Second Schedule in Item 17 deals with defence and this is a matter that is within the exclusive operational competence of the Federal Government of Nigeria. No other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature, has the legal authority over defence.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Air

Force, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria. As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group, has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts. This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorising the Police and other Federal government security services established by law to maintain law and order. The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organisation, administration and participation in ‘Amotekun’ or continuous association with it as an association.”

That is Malami with his usual crap.

All crap, no wisdom. He is talking about laws but unaware that laws are made for man and not vice versa. He is talking about the law and the people are talking about how to end killings in the country.

Which one should take primacy? The federal government should be happy that state governors are helping with security, an area it has failed woefully. Pending the amendment of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution finagled on this country by the military, we have to improvise to secure Nigeria. This is the reality the Buhari government must face. Malami and his cohorts must stop reading negative meanings to a lofty project aimed at securing Nigerians.

Amotekun is not a trick by the South-west governors to create state police or to undermine the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria. In fact, they never said that they were creating a police force. So, I don’t know where Malami got this twaddle of his from.

The promoters of Amotekun made it very clear that members of the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), local vigilantes and hunters will form Amotekun operation and “work with security operatives, including the police, military and paramilitary,” to secure the South-west.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State was clear on the mission of Amotekun: “It is not a regional police through the backdoor. The South-west governors are not out to undermine the integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria and Amotekun is neither an alternative to any of the conventional security agencies in the country nor a state police.

Ovie Omo-Agege’s Burden Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege will have to do more than just issuing a press statement denying his alleged conviction for forgery and perjury in Los Angeles, United States in 1996. He cannot remain in the Senate if, indeed, he is an ex-convict. This would be in contravention of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. His opponents have provided court papers to back their call for the immediate resignation of Omo-Agege over the said conviction. I have spent hours perusing the documents. The allegations against the deputy President of the Senate are weighty.

An alliance, under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society and Youth Groups, claimed that he concealed the said conviction by the State Bar Court of California from INEC and the Senate. The coalition claimed that sometime in April 22, 1996, “Omo-Agege, believed to be one and the same Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, was ordered to be suspended from the practice of law following his conviction for violating California Penal Code Section 470, a criminal offence involving immorality, under the authority of subdivision (a)

of rule 951, California Rules of Court.

Our scrupulous findings reveal that the said Augustine O. Omo-Agege was admitted into the State Bar of California on December 14, 1992.

“The records reveal that on or about March 7, 1992, the said Augustine O. Omo-Agege was alleged to have committed the crime of forgery in violation of Penal Code Section 470.

Furthermore, on or about March 7, 1993 the said Augustine O. Omo-Agege was alleged to have committed the crime of perjury-application for driver’s licence in the County of Los Angeles in violation of Penal Code Section 118. Following a lengthy prosecution of the said allegations against Augustine O. Omo-Agege, he was convicted of violating California Penal code section 470 and was also subsequently suspended from the practice of law pending final disposition of the proceeding.”

Omo-Agege has admitted that he was indeed tried in the United States for forgery and perjury but was cleared of any wrongdoing. He says he is not an ex-convict. But I am shocked that for almost two years now, he has not

It will complement and work in collaboration with security agencies to provide adequate security of lives and property in the region. The Western Nigeria Security Network, Operation Amotekun, is nothing but a community policing response to a problem that our people would like to put an end to.

“But pending the time that the community policing strategy being put together by the Nigeria Police comes to fruition, it is clearly important that we give our people a confidence boosting strategy.

So if you ask me, Amotekun is nothing but a confidence-building strategy for our people in the western zone. When those elements that are going to work in the joint task force with the mainstream security agencies undertake this assignment, they are going to do it with the knowledge of the terrain, language and culture of the community they are going to work.

“Amotekun is not duplication, neither is it a replacement for the Nigeria Police Force. Amotekun is a complement that gives our people the confidence that they are being looked after by the people they elected into office. We do not want this to create fear in the mind of any one. We are not creating a regional police force.

We are not oblivious of the steps we need to follow in forming a state police. We are law-abiding citizens of Nigeria. We know that will require a constitutional amendment and we are not there yet.”

So, why this needless war against Amotekun by Malami and his cohorts? Is it that they are averse to the progress of this country? Is the federal government happy with the unending killings, abductions and banditry in the country? Amotekun will evidently reduce the burden on our inept and overstretched federal security agencies. Our AGF did not find anything wrong with Hisbah agents in Kano and Katsina enforcing Sharia law.

He did not find anything wrong with Civilian JTF (doing a great job) in the North-east. So, what is his problem with Amotekun? Or, is he happy with the unending murders across the nation?

Malami’s threat that the full course of the law would be applied to anybody promoting the Amotekun security initiative is derisory. He is unaware that he is the Attorney-General of the country, not of a section of the country.

My dear Malami, wake up and smell the coffee. Federal security agents lack the capacity to secure this country. They have shown embarrassing and unending ineptitude. The practical thing to do is to have arrangements such as Amotekun and Civilian JTF, helping our languid police.

Even Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State confirmed that Northern governors are working towards establishing a regional security outfit similar to Amotekun. This is the way forward for Nigeria.n

Lessons from Niger Republic

Omo-Agege

been able to back these claims up with necessary documents. This is the challenge I am throwing at the DSP this morning. My dear Omo-Agege, let’s have the court judgement clearing you of forgery and perjury in the US. It’s not enough to say that you were cleared. These allegations look tougher than snatching the Senate’s maze.

President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger Republic fired two top military chiefs, Just four days after a jihadist assault on an army base left 89 dead in the biggest single loss in the country’s history. The Army Chief, Sidikou Issa and Armed Forces Chief of Staff, General Ahmed Mohamed, were asked to go home in response to the massacre. President Issoufou also declared three days of national mourning after the attack on Chinegodar camp in western Niger last Thursday. This is the meaning of leadership. President Mahamadou Issoufou has shown leadership. Back home, scores of Nigerians are killed almost on a daily basis by Boko Haram and ISWAP, yet, our military commanders are still keeping their first team shirts. What a country!

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž JANUARY 18, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Adekunle Gold, Simi, Still Blooming One year into marriage, music stars Adekunle Gold and Simi have become role models to other couples with the way they keep their marital matters private and how they live on their own terms. The singers and staunch superstar couple celebrated their ďŹ rst wedding anniversary with a cute photo and beautiful exchanges of words, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 18, 2020

11

SUPERSATURDAY Adekunle Gold, Simi, Still Blooming

A

s singers and celebrity couple Adekunle Gold and Simi marked their first wedding anniversary this week, there are possibly those who still doubt the marriage and would pass whatever exchanges they both share on this occasion as makebelief. This is not far from the fact that the lovebirds have had their affair under the wraps, despite their celebrity status and public attention, until the news of their surprise wedding a year ago.

Except for a footage which was secretly released by an OAP guest, as they pleaded with invitees to not take pictures or videos at the ceremony, their wedding became the talk of the town as they never released official photos or videos from the wedding ceremony until a video to one of their songs was shot and it was sync as part of the work. Many were amazed and even found it difficult to believe as the ceremony was devoid of the usual paparazzi often associated with such celebrity weddings. Simi and Adekunle Gold`s wedding photos were not made public.

Their fans even took to social media to plead with the couple to release photos from their wedding. Their marriage was shrouded in the most extreme secrecy and it attracted mixed feelings from fans and followers on social platforms. Coated comments followed: “One major lesson I learnt from Adekunle and Simi’s wedding is ‘secret is security and security is victory.’ Your private life should be your secret life,” remarked @Nadirichy.

Adekunle and Simi kept their relationship on a low till they got married and have also been able to keep their wedding pictures on a low too. These guys know how to do secret life well.”

How time flies!

One year after marriage, the music stars have become role models to other couples with the way they keep their marital matters private and how they live life on their own terms. On Monday January 13, 2020, Adekunle Gold took to his Instagram page to announce their one year wedding anniversary with a cute picture of his wife, Simi, braiding his hair. He went on to caption the photo with romantic words in which he showered accolades on his wife. “One year in and I can’t even begin to say how blessed I am that it’s you I am doing this love something with. You amuse me, you make me laugh; you are so beautiful, I am lucky I get to love you forever.

Here’s to more beautiful memories together, doing great exploits and living our lives on our terms. Love you forever babe.”

Simi also took to her Instagram page to celebrate Adekunle Gold on their wedding anniversary. She gushed in a pretty lengthy text, referring to him as “Pretty Baby”. Simi thanked Adekunle Gold for being a good husband. “Pretty Baby, the very thing that you mean to me, I doubt you’ll ever fully understand. I don’t like to share our best moments because they belong to us - so people might never even know the level of your special.

It’s a really high level that is higher than other levels. No one is more in sync with me than you.

“I love how you’re mindful of me.

Nothing’s perfect. Not even with your Ikotun background - but I love how you deliberately want to be better.

You will see something inside film and ask me at 2am how you can be a better man for me. Lol. So cute a man.

Before we said I do, 95% of the advice I got was ‘Endure’. I was stumped cos I’ve never been able to relate. Endure?

Forever and ever? Like till the end of your days? Lol. Quite rubbish. Thank you for never ever being someone I’ve ever had to endure. Don’t like it much when people ‘couplegoals’ us - cos as far as I’m concerned, we, i.e me and you, are on a personal journey.

“Our ups, our downs (Olorun o ni je ka rogun down), our growth, our learning and unlearning, our love (aww) is our story. Everyone’s standard should be their best self.

Thank you for being someone that makes me want to be my best self.

Adekunle and Simi Moruf, thank you for year one. They said it’s normally hard. Again, I can’t relate because I loved it. I love you. I pray year two is even better by God’s infinite mercy and grace and love. I thank God for standing with us and giving us sense. And I thank you for being a man that makes loving you worth it. My beautiful dreamboat, my fellow feminist boyfriend, my husband, Ife mi, onitemi, the love of my life. I will continue to eat your work in the eye of carton. To all the forevers we will spend together.”

Adekunle Gold and Simi’s relationship has been an item of intense interest to the public after the two artistes commenced their careers. Both singers were together for a very long time even before their career flight. At the beginning of their career, the duo kept their brands separate and were hardly photographed together.

Given the heavy spotlight on celebrity couples, this decision paid well for

Simi and her boo as they were able to build their careers outside the spotlight. The longtime lovers who have been together for almost a decade tried their best to keep their love life private, their fans waited impatiently for them to go public as a couple. Despite all that was seen, said, suggested, and guessed about them, there was never a confirmation from the pair, and not even a straight denial.

Apart from the chemistry and all the affectionate, almost sexual embraces from them during their many joint performances, not much could be said about their relationship. Until an event of Sunday December 8, 2018 confirmed their status as Simi told Adekunle Gold, ‘your love is overwhelming’ after they shared a kiss on stage at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island during her concert tagged ”Simi Live in Lagos”. It then followed with a secret engagement party attended by close

knit friends and family members of the couple.

These two further threw a surprise last year when they got married in the most private celebrity weddings in modern times. The couple had their private traditional wedding on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at Victoria Island.

Their marriage was witnessed by a private audience of about 300 close family members, close friends and industry colleagues. They went on to have their white wedding at the popular Ilashe beach on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Unlike the traditional wedding which had a larger turnout, the white wedding was attended by a selected 300 guests.

Adekunle Gold had in an interview revealed that he would love to tie the knot at the beach. Hence the beach wedding didn’t come as a surprise to many as the clip of the interview surfaced online after it became public knowledge to those in the know that he and his sweetheart would be tying the knot.

12

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

COMMENTARY

WAITING FOR THE PACEDA REPORT A successful war against drug abuse will reduce crime and criminality in the society, writes Chuks Akamadu

I

n line with NAADA’s commitment to expanding its zero tolerance to drug-abuse outreaches to Nigerian youths at home and in the Diaspora, Amb. Timloh Butven Nkem and I held a consultative meeting with HE Abhay Thakur, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria on Tuesday, January 14, 2020. The meeting turned out to be a most rewarding engagement with a diplomat who is not only committed to strengthening bilateral efforts at combating the twin evil of drug abuse and illicit trafďŹ cking both in his home country, India, and Nigeria, but rather more importantly, enthusiastic about seeing drastic improvement in Nigeria’s reputation globally.

By the way, NAADA is an acronym for National Alliance Against Drug Abuse – a special purpose vehicle currently waging a fierce war against drug abuse in Nigeria designed by the Centre for Ethical Rebirth Among Nigerian Youths (CERANY) which at present has as active allies Federal Ministry of Health, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Armed Forces, the Police, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the United Nations, Lagos State Government, Bauchi State Government, Niger State Government and Kano State Government, among others.

That insightful session with Mr. Thakur, among several other benefits, reminded me that the Brigadier General Buba Marwa-led Presidential Advisory Committee on Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA) report is either receiving attention in the villa or is, like most things Nigerian, gathering dust in some shelf tucked away within the innermost recesses of the State House.

As an incurable optimist however, I would like to imagine that the former is the case, and if it be so, may I hasten to return to my earlier piece published in the April 23rd, 2017 edition of THISDAY wherein I argued inter alia that ‘Drug abuse is a plague on the Nation...worse still, it deteriorates by the second. Our collective failure to give it the attention it deserved has emboldened it to become fashionable; and as a fad, the vulnerable are being left at the mercy of peddlers and consumers who are constantly recruiting’.

Looking back, not much has changed. Quoting from same published piece: ‘It is high time the federal government found the courage to acknowledge the inadequacy of NDLEA in the daunting task of arresting and possibly reversing the deepening drug abuse trend in Nigeria. With the way things stand, the federal government should urgently seek to galvanize the critical mass necessary for waging a multi-sectoral war against drug abuse and drug addiction, otherwise the agency statutorily charged with this responsibility would at best continue to maintain clearly ineffectual presence‌’ I’m afraid, whilst the inauguration of PACEDA in 2018 can be said to have brought some relief to stakeholders, the delay in releasing its report several months after its submission to Mr. President is killing the joy of many who had expected an expeditious consideration of the report and action – recognizing that indeed drug abuse in Nigeria is worsening emergency

DRUG ABUSE CONSTITUTES A PRESENT AND IMMINENT DANGER. WE DO NOT NEED TO LOOK TOO FAR. OUR MUSICIANS ARE ALREADY FEEDING FAT ON THE GROWING APPETITE OF OUR YOUNGSTERS FOR IT BY SERVING THEM SONGS, OFTENTIMES HITSONGS, THAT PROMOTE AND CELEBRATE IT

on our hands that looks set to impair Nigeria’s future in a most incredible manner.

Drug abuse constitutes a present and imminent danger. We do not need to look too far. Our musicians are already feeding fat on the growing appetite of our youngsters for it by serving them songs, oftentimes hit-songs, that promote and celebrate it whilst a majority of the adult population appear helpless in the face of an emerging demonic music culture already ravaging our land.

This was why I had, in a conversation with PACEDA chairman shortly before the conclusion of the committee’s assignment, submitted that having gone hydra-headed, the menace of drug abuse would require concerted efforts of individuals, government institutions and non-state actors to complement what is currently being done by agencies statutorily charged with curbing it, without which our society remains in regrettable voluntary jeopardy. I am yet to be persuaded otherwise.

It is against this backdrop however that I received with delight the news of Nigeria Immigration Service’s (NIS) disclosure of plans by the service to sanitize itself by insisting on compulsory drug test for its personnel across all cadres.

For me, this is a welcome development and a commendable initiative that forcefully strengthens our argument that the scourge of drug abuse has become everybody’s business.

According to the Comptroller General of the Service, Mohammed Babandede, those who fail the proposed drug test would no longer be permitted to bear arms and will be subjected to a rehabilitation process before full reabsorption into NIS. In his own words: “we cannot afford to be careless with weapon, hence, all officers of the service will undergo drug test beginning with me. We shall not dismiss anyone at first discovery but we would try to rehabilitate. However, if the fellow continued unrepentant, administrative procedures will be followed and appropriate sanctions applied.�

Primarily, the NIS has by its pronouncement accepted that it has a role to play in the fight against drug abuse. Secondly, it has also posed a challenge to other institutions of state to join the fight against drug abuse. Thirdly and for sure more distressing, the NIS has highlighted the danger in giving drug addicts access to weapons.

This of course brings us to the nexus between pervasive insecurity in the land and drug abuse. Call it Boko Haram, banditry, political violence or kidnapping, there is a place for drug abuse in their conception, operations, accomplishments and recruitment. Waging a successful war against drug abuse will unarguably reduce crime and criminality in the society as well as repel threats to national stability. And its salutary effect on families, comwmunities, annual budget, the economy and national productivity can never be quantified.

It for these reasons and more that I wish to urge Mr. President to tarry no more, make the report public and hit the ground running with PACEDA recommendations, so we can speedily redeem the future.

Akamadu is President, Centre for Ethical Rebirth Among Nigerian Youths

AMOTEKUN, MIYETTI ALLAH AND SOUTH-WEST PRESIDENCY Fredrick Nwabufo argues that no region holds the ace to power in Nigeria

I

n my article of January 6 – a riposte to Isa Funtua’s prejudiced utterance on the Igbo — I wrote: “Funtua’s statement reeks of corpulent arrogance, bigotry and acute sense of entitlement. It reinforces the stereotype that his section of the country bullies any region that does not kiss the ring of the caliphate.’’ I was not surprised that Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) reacted hysterically to the piece because the beneficiaries of the disequilibrious status quo will always seek to maintain it.

It is common knowledge that swathes of territories in the north have been overrun by bandits. At the peak of the menace — in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 — these grim reapers killed citizens in hundreds in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kano. But what did the governors of the region and the federal government do in the face of this challenge? They took a pacifist perspective to it. Instead of facing the problem headlong, they invited murderers to a parley.

Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), was in one of such meetings with these bandits. In fact, he said this in one of the “peace meetings’’: “We will take measures to dialogue with the bandits to become better citizens‌.’’ Also, it was even reported that the bandits

were bribed to keep the peace. But this approach did not stop the killings. That fact is, the atrophic security threat assailing the country cannot be tackled by pandering to the whims of the antagonists. When there is no retribution for crime it festers.

And while the government was still “dialoguing’’ with the bandits, they were spreading their tentacles into other parts of the country. Not long afterwards, the south-west became a flashpoint of banditry and kidnapping. The highways in the region became the quickest routes to hell. In July, 2019, Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere leader, was killed savagely by bandits on Ondo road.

Many other citizens had been killed in a similar pattern in the region. And the killings continued unabated.

So, it is natural that the governors of the south-west, who are the chief security officers of the region, will rally to check the scourge. However, instead of appeasing the bandits like the governors of the north-west did, they dispatched ‘Amotekun’ to secure their area. I think, Amotekun, an ingenious security initiative, is the south-west’s response to the government’s propitiation of bandits.

Regarding the legality of the security outfit, I know the right to life is the crux of

all human rights. You cannot fail to defend me, yet asks that I should not defend myself against certain death. If the government was alive to its responsibility of securing citizens, there would be no ‘Amotekun’. Though I admit there may be constitutional limitations to the purview of the outfit, there is no evidence that the recently launched operation has overreached itself in any way.

Also, the south-west governors have made it clear that the security outfit will not perform police functions. So, why the hue and cry?

As a matter of fact, the protest of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore to governors of the south-west region over Amotekun reinforces the stereotype that the north bullies any section of the country which does not bend to its thrall. It also accents an acute sense of entitlement.

Really, it is upsetting that Miyetti Allah is asking the region to decommission Amotekun or risk losing the presidency in 2023.

To share in my despondence please read the statement of Alhassan Saleh, national secretary of Miyetti Allah. “This Amotekun scheme is political and is not the solution to the problem of insecurity. What the SouthWest governors should have done is to continue to push for state police. Where did

they expect to get the funding from at a time some of them are struggling to pay salaries? “It is best they give up on this idea because it may affect the chances of the South-West to produce the President in 2023.

The thinking is that if the South-West, a major stakeholder in this government, can be toying with this idea now, they may do worse when they get to power. “We are in agreement with the AGF that Amotekun is illegal. In fact, we are unhappy that it took the AGF this long to react.�

But can Amotekun cost the south-west 2023 presidency? To me, it is not for a group or even a section of the country to decide.

It is the decision of all Nigerians. In 2011, a president emerged from the south-south, even from an ethnic nationality that is considered a minority in the country, against all odds. President Muhammadu Buhari himself had run for office thrice but failed.

If it was possible for him to be president solely by the votes and “machination’’ of his section of the country at those times he vied for office, it would have happened.

The point is no one region holds the ace to power in Nigeria. The perception that there is a “kingmaker region’’ is only but a myth.

All Nigerians are equal stakeholders in this entity.

Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

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

INSIGHT

The more you look...

Widows from the War Front

I

was opportune to be in the convoy of the Ogun State Governor to attend the reception organized by the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, where I saw widows seated at the reception.

One thing that pricked my mind was a particular widow, she was very young.

I am quite sure she would be in her late twenties; her husband who died to protect the territorial integrity of the country probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be her husband for three or even four years. She is a young widow, she looked lost, alone.

The governor at the reception promised to rehabilitate some of the blocks of classrooms in the 35 Artillery Brigade Barrack. He also promised to look into the rehabilitation of some of the blocks of residence that house the soldiers, noting that he was determined to embark on the rehabilitation after having driven round the environment of the barrack. “The Brigade Commander took me through the barracks where I saw the state of the barracks, some don’t have roofs on them.

I also saw the state of the schools that they have here, I have decided that once I get back to the office, I will direct our Ministry of Housing to come and look at the primary and secondary schools and immediately take on the rehabilitation of some of the blocks of the school. This will be in line with our commitment to intervening in the education sector, particularly by providing a more conducive learning environment for our younger ones that we are incubating. I am also going to tell them to look at some of the buildings that are in the barracks for the soldiers, we are also going to do that,� he said.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun had in the last two weeks reiterated that Nigerians shouldn’t wait until the period of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day to appreciate the country’s fallen heroes. He said that the people who are beneficiaries of the good gesture of the fallen heroes should at all times look around their environment and affect the lives of the families who once had a father, brother, mother, sister or uncle, and no longer have them, all because they took bullets for our survival.

Abiodun said that the fallen heroes shouldn’t be seen as a mere statistics, but as martyrs who died so we could live. He noted that their grief over the loss of their loved ones shouldn’t be theirs alone, but a collective grief, as their refusal to carry the burden would have led to the disintegration of the country by both internal and external forces.

Day-in day- out, we lose our soldiers to the cold hands of death: they die, they get attacked by insurgents, they remain focused despite the heat from the battleground, they don’t hesitate, they are determined to lay down their lives for the sovereignty of the country, they are heroes, they are martyrs.

Only God knows how many of our soldiers die daily. A death to a soldier meant that a new widow, widower and an orphan has been created, but, when they die, what is their gain, what is the gain

of their family? Some of them even get evicted from the military barracks, weeks after the death of their loved Ines; they get evicted without any form of respite, they even tell them to leave because the accommodation has been allocated to another officer and his family, they move out without the plan of what to do next.

They took the bullet we ought to have taken, they were bombed all because of me and you, their children became fatherless, some motherless, wives became widows, husbands became widowers, all for our safety.

So, what more can we do to appreciate this gallant set of patriotic Nigerians, who most times sleep in the bush to ensure that we are safe and sound?

What is the federal government doing to ensure that these heroes who fell in the line of duty rest in peace? The welfare of their children and wife or husband, depending on who died in active duty, government should stop chasing out their widows and children from the military barracks, government should immediately come up with better plans for them, probably, housing schemes for the widows of the heroes. When that is done, their life will be a little bit better, at least, they will not be homeless and left at the mercy of their in laws, some of whom don’t help matters at all.

Obasan Oluwafunso, Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy

A Signing of the Times

T

he morning TV news and the local papers contain items about Nancy Pelosi signing the impeachment order for President Trump, a major political event although the emphasis seems to be on the number of pens, she used to sign that order. The pen count given as 17 in one paper and over two dozen in another is surely irrelevant but perhaps shows what the priorities can be, political favours rather than political actions. The inaccuracy of the pen count could be just poor reporting rather than any deliberate attempt to mislead the public. My count for her signature is 12 pens assuming she does dot the i.

The concept that the pens have an actual value and are on display in politicians offices is also confusing and highlights a waste of what I assume are tax payer dollars given that a single dot on the i will leave a fair amount of ink left in the pen. I am not sure how much will be left in the marker pens that President Trump uses as his signature is much larger and darker.If anyone wonders why there is cynicism about politics, especially amongst the younger generations, I think I can put a fine point on it or a thicker point if using a marker pen.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Zaria - Pambegua Road Rehabilitation

L T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

et me draw the attention of Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, over the snail speed and poor execution of road rehabilitation from Zaria to Pambegua awarded to the Proportion Construction and Dredge Works Limited. The rehabilitation of the road which was awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing since 2017 has become an eyesore. It was reported that the contractor handling the project has collected over one billion naira but cannot cover up to three kilometers. Even from Zaria where the works commenced, one could notice potholes dotting the newly rehabilitated portion of the road. The drainage system has been poorly constructed due to workmanship problems.

The poor condition of road has led to the death of many commuters who ply the road on daily basis. It is sad to note that the road has become a death trap while men of underworld men have taken over, extorting or carrying their nefarious activities with relative ease. The millions naira questions begging for answers from the affected communities which are subjected to all manner of hardship are: Is the federal ministry of works aware about the level and quality of work being done? Does the company awarded the contract possess the relevant technical experience to execute the contract? I think the federal comptroller of road or minister of works should mobilise his men and visit the site. From the rehabilitation done, it is clear the company that is handling the project lacks the expertise to do the job.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

NEWS

Again, Buhari Promises Free, Fair Polls in 2023 Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

ENSURING QUALITY HEALTH...

L-R: Governor, Rotary International, Rotn. Dr. Jide Akeredolu; Rotary Club of Ikeja, president’s wife, Mrs. Taiwo Fagbola; the president, Rotn. Olumuyiwa Fagbol; the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Prof. Fabanwo; Rotary District 9110 District past governor, Rotn. Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; former Minister of Health, LASUTH Director, Clinical Services and Training, Dr. Ibrahim Mustapha and his colleague the LASUTH’s Asst. Director, Nursing, Mrs. Adebola Aina during the handing over of medical equipment donated by the Rotary Club of Ikeja, Lagos to the LASUTH, Ikeja, Lagos... recently

Coalition Storms DSS Headquarters, Demands Probe of Omo-Agege Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

A coalition of civil society groups yesterday stormed the headquarters of the Department of State Security (DSS), where it demanded the probe of Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, over alleged forgery and perjury which it said was in contravention of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The coalition had on Monday demanded the resignation of Omo-Agege and also threatened that in the event that the call was not heeded, it would be left with no other option than to mobilise thousands of CSOs and youth groups to occupy the National Assembly until it is purged of corrupt elements.

But during a protest to DSS Headquarters in Abuja, the coalition which comprised the Guardians of Democracy and Development,

Partners for Legislative Agenda for Nigeria (PLAN), Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative and other partners under the Coalition of Civil Society and Youth Groups in Nigeria in a petition to DSS called for a thorough investigation of Omo-Agege.

It said that available information in its possession gave credence to the fact that he was allegedly convicted

by The State Bar Court of the State of California, Los Angeles, USA and he served jail term.

The coalition led by Mr. Solomon Adodo claimed that available information which he believed had serious substance indicated that in 1998, Augustine Ovie Omo-Agege was suspended from the practice of Law with probation for three years by the Supreme Court of the State of California having been convicted for forgery of checques on March 7, 1992 in violation of Penal Code

section 470.

Adodo stated: “On March 7, 1993 in the county of Los Angeles, Omo-Agege committed the crime of perjury-Application for driver’s licence in violation of Penal code 118, a felony where he lied that he never applied for California Driver’s Licence or Identification Card when in fact he had applied and had been issued under the name Augustine Omo-Agege.

“Also, on March 7, 1993 in the county of Los Angeles, he again violated penal code 118 when he lied that he has never applied for Driver’s Licence or Identification Card, and was issued another licence this time in the name, Reginald C. Bedney.

“On the same March, 7, 1993 in violation of the same penal code 118, he again lied that he has not applied for Driver’s Licence or Identification Card and was issued

yet another licence with the name Ronald Byrd.

“On November 30, 1995 after a plea of nole contendre, the imposition of sentence was suspended and the Senator was ordered to spend some days in jail and also to pay restitution in the sum of $200.

“On or about July 31, 1999, he was issued with Identification Card no. A7453982 in his own name by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. He used as his date of birth, August 3, 1963.

“Also, on January 8, 1991, he was issued with Driver’s licetnce no. A7453982 in his name by the same department, with the same August 3, 1963.

“But on December 10,1992, he under penalty of perjury listed his birthday in his application form for an Identification Card as January 20, 1964 and his name as Ronald Shawn Byrd.

President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday night in Abuja said having benefitted from the conduct of a free and fair election, he would also ensure that his successor also enjoys the same benefit in 2023.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said Buhari made the promise while hosting members of his 2019 presidential election petitions’ legal team led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) to a dinner.

According to the statement, Buhari reasoned that the turnout of Nigerians during his presidential campaigns in the 36 states of the federation last year, convinced him that his declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the February 23 presidential poll was genuine and not fabricated. ‘‘The number of people that turned out in every state across the country was more than anybody can buy or force. ‘‘This gave me so much confidence and the election proved that with the votes I got. ‘‘That is why I insist that elections must be free and fair because I am a clear successor to a free and fair election,’’ he was quoted as saying.

Shehu said Buhari also told the team that he was looking forward to a peaceful hand over in 2023 and was morally obliged to fulfil his desire. ‘‘Morally, I want to have a clear conscience. I swore by the Holy Book that I will abide by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ‘‘I will continue to do my best and I hope that by 2023, I can handover quietly to whoever succeeds me and I wish him the best of luck,’’ he said.

Buhari also commended the legal team for what he described as its outstanding

legal successes in the pursuit of the presidential election petition.

According to him, the team showcased its deep understanding of the law, commending it for effective legal strategy which he said was deployed to prosecute the election petition. ‘‘You creditably demonstrated a deep understanding of the law and its practices and I am indeed proud of you all. ‘‘I am confident that by securing a convincing and unanimous legal victory at the Supreme Court you have by so doing ensured that the political mandate of the Nigerian electorate is now firmly secured,’’ Buhari said.

Olanipekun, in his remarks on behalf of the team, said the legal victory was won on the basis of pure law, saying Buhari did not use his position or office to influence court decisions.

“The courts were allowed to do their job, Mr. President and I must commend you for that Sir. Nobody whispered to anyone of us, how we are going to see Judge A or Judge B. “That’s the way it should be.

Judges must be allowed and be given free hand to do their job.

Mr. President, we are happy to have been called upon and we are happy that we delivered,” he was quoted to have said.

The statement said Olanipekun also spoke on electoral reforms, submitting that even though the National Assembly was already working on the Electoral Act, the Act still requires some ‘‘rejigging and cleansing,” adding: “We are happy to know that the National Assembly is doing something about the Electoral Law. ‘‘We are ready to cooperate with them without taking a dime, whether as consultants, whether as legal practitioners, whether as experts. If the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) will co-opt us, we are ready to give assistance,’’ he said.

Senator Alleges Fraud in Customs Recruitment, Postings

I’ve not been Sacked, Says Ubah as Court Refuses to Set Aside Order

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, has alleged that the recruitment exercise being carried out by the department of Customs and Excise was mired in controversy and therefore dismissed it as a fraud.

He also queried why despite having all the worldclass training facilities, the Comptroller General of Customs, Hamid Ali was budgeting N1.6 billion for the recruitment and training, insisting that it was fraudulent to vote money for what had been put in place.

The NCS had recently shortlisted over 160,000 candidates for a 3,200 opening and called them for a written test early in the week.

Fadahunsi, a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, in a statement signed by him yesterday, accused the Comptroller General of the NCS, Hammed Ali, of being economical with the truth on the recruitment into the service and concluded he should not be trusted.

Fadahunsi, who recently raised

the alarm that the Customs boss was using N1.6 billion for the recruitment of just 3,200 new officers, was reacting to a clarification by the NCS that the money in question was meant for not just recruitment but also the six months training of those to be recruited.

The Osun East lawmaker, in his statement, said the only reason CG Ali could give for outsourcing the recruitment and training of personnel to outsiders was to find jobs for the boys.

He said: “Ali lied to the nation and should not be trusted by anybody. The reason is that Customs has full-fledged training facilities.

There is one in Ikeja, Lagos, with full accommodation and is fully automated.

“There is also another advanced training college in Karu, built to university standard for senior officers. It is headed by a Deputy Comptroller General, a well-trained officer, while the one in Ikeja is headed by a Comptroller.

“These facilities are recognised by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and they are acknowledged

as centres of excellence.

“Customs also has the best training school in Kano for junior officers. These schools are well staffed and the have excellent facilities. The junior staff training school can accommodate a lot and is headed by a Comptroller. The schools also have canteens that can cater for the feeding of these trainees.”

Fadahunsi also disclosed that all the training schools had their annual budgets for training, querying why Ali outsourced the recruitment and training.

“The question now is why will anyone rightly think of outsourcing the training of Customs officers if not because of greed.

“It is never heard of that the military and paramilitary organisations in any country outsourced their recruitment and training if not for greed and to find jobs for the boys.

“This was the same thing that led to the death of scores of young Nigerians when the former Minister for Interior outsourced the recruitment for the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The lawmaker representing Anambra South senatorial district in the red chambers yesterday said that despite refusing to vacate an order to replace him, he was still in his position and not sacked, adding that the FCT Court only refused to vacate its earlier ruling, which had since been faulted on the grounds of jurisdiction.

He explained that Justice Bello Kawu ruled on an application to vacate an earlier judgement of the court on the grounds of lack of jurisdiction and asked the parties to proceed to the Appeal Court.

He said, “The reports of my sacking from the Senate is not correct. I remain the substantive Senator representing Anambra South.”

Justice Bello Kawu of an Abuja High Court in Kubwa District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) yesterday, refused to set aside his earlier order sacking Ifeanyi Ubah as the senator

representing Anambra South in the National Assembly.

Justice Kawu rejected the prayer while ruling on an application by Ubah seeking to set aside the order of his sack as senator representing the senatorial district.

Ubah, candidate of the Young Peoples Party (YPP) was declared winner of the February 23 senatorial election in Anambra South Senatorial District by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having won majority of the votes cast at the election.

But the court in a judgment delivered on April 11, 2019, had sacked Ubah for allegedly submitting a forged National Examination Council certificate to aide his qualification for the February 23, 2019 senatorial election.

The court in addition had ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ubah as winner of the Anambra South Senatorial District election and a fresh one be issued to Dr.

Obinna Uzoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second at the poll.

However, Ubah while citing denial of fair hearing, approached the court to set aside the decision sacking him over alleged forgery.

He also claimed that the judgment occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice against him since he was not served with the court processes or the hearing notice throughout the proceedings leading to the judgment.

The court consequently on December 4, granted an order of stay of execution restraining the Senate President from swearing in Uzoh, pending the hearing and determination of Ubah’s application.

All parties to the suit including INEC were equally ordered to maintain status quo until the motion is heard and determined.

However, in his ruling on Ubah’s motion seeking to set aside his sack order, Justice Kawu held that the application lacked merit and consequently dismissed it.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY, 18 2020

15

NEWS

Buhari Departs for UK-Africa Investment Summit President Muhammadu Buhari has departed Abuja for London to participate in the inaugural UKAfrica Investment Summit holding on January 20.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president had earlier performed some official assignments, including his meeting with security chiefs, before leaving the Presidential Villa for the London trip.

The president also joined hundreds of Muslims faithful at the Aso Rock Mosque where he observed the two raka’at Juma’at prayers.

An earlier statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the London Investment Summit would be hosted by the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

According to the organisers, the event was expected to bring together African leaders, international business chief executives and heads of international organisations “to create new partnerships that will deliver more investments and jobs” to the benefit of people and businesses in African countries and the United Kingdom. ”Apart from highlighting new

perspectives on UK-Africa Partnership for Prosperity, issues of Sustainable Finance and Infrastructure; Trade and Investment; Future African Growth Sectors and Clean Energy and Climate, are expected to dominate presentations and discussions during the Summit. ”With the expected take-off of the African Continental Free Trade Area in mid-2020, the London

investment summit will provide Nigeria with the opportunity to project itself as a leading investment destination for new industries. ”In addition, the summit will deepen Nigeria-United Kingdom investment ties post-Brexit given that Africa currently represents just two per cent of British trade activity, with Nigeria accounting for only

10 per cent of that total,” Adesina stated.

He further disclosed that the Nigerian delegation to the investment meeting would showcase what the federal government had done through policies and legislations to improve the investment and business climate in the country.

The president is expected back in Abuja on Thursday.

Woman Demands N350m from DSS, Lebanese Businessman over Illegal Detention Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A single mother of one, Ms Odegua Okojie, has taken the Department of State Security (DSS) and a Lebanese businessman to court for illegally detaining her for nine days In a suit filed at the Federal High Court Benin, the applicant claimed that during the detention, she was denied access to her lawyer, her two-year-old daughter and family members in addition of and her mobile phone that was seized throughout the period she was detained.

Joined in the suit No. FHC/B/ CS/120/2019, are the Director General, Directorate of State Security Service, Director, Edo Command of the DSS and Charles Makhoul, a Lebanese businessman.

Odegua who said she was first taken into DSS facility in Benin before she was whisked to Abuja without her knowing the offence she has committed.

She said in the night she was taken into custody, her daughter of two years cried and wandered about all through the night before she was picked at the road side by her school teacher who came to pick her for school the following morning.

She said at the DSS facility in

Abuja, under video recording, she was forced to accept the sum of N6 million as compensation for the atrocities melted on her by the Lebanese businessman whom she had lived with as a minor to her adult age.

She said that the illegal detention from July 9 to 16, 2019, was not only an infringement in her fundamental human rights, but also unlawful and unconstitutional.

She subsequently demanded for N300 million as compensation/ damages over the violation of her fundamental rights by the 1st to 3rd respondents.

The applicant is also asking the court to award her N50 million as exemplary damages for the unlawful and unwarranted infraction on her rights. When the case came up for hearing yesterday before Justice M. G. Umar, counsel to the 3rd respondents, (Lebanese Businessman), J. O. Bisan, filed two applications requesting for extension of time to enable him file a counter affidavit to the application file by the applicant since the extension of time provided by the court rules had expired.

The applications were granted

by Justice Umar after counsel to the applicant, Mr. T. A. Akahomen, and counsel to the 1st and 2nd respondent (DSS), Mrs O. A. Odigie did not object to the request.

Sujimoto Denies Fight With Osoba Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sujimoto Construction Limited, Mr. Sijibomi Ogundele, has refuted reports that he had a fight with Hon. Olumide Osoba.

In a statement released in Lagos by his media team, Ogundele noted that he did not have any disagreement with Osoba which could have resulted in a fistfight, adding “I Sijibomi did not attack or had a fistfight with Hon. Olumide Osoba.

Chief Segun Osoba and his family have accepted and treated me like a son. For more than 10 years, Chief Osoba has been a father, supporter, an adviser, and inspiration, to me and my business.”

The real estate magnate said it was normal for friends to disagree on issues, pointing out that he was at a loss how a friendly exchange could be interpreted to mean disagreement even up to the point of imputing fiscuffs for non-violent people like the two actors “Olumide and I have been friends and brothers for over a decade, and he is a very honourable man with strong integrity.

We have both been there

for each other, morally and financially. As humans, it is normal to have disagreements, but not to the extent of publicly trading blows. Honourable Osoba and I had not been in direct contact for almost three years and when I saw him at a function, I approached him in the spirit of the season.

“To reiterate, I never had a fight with Hon. Osoba. I never laid a hand on him nor have I ever portrayed myself like Anthony Joshua... His younger brother and my friend Tobi Osoba were witnesses to the events. Additionally, close friends such as; - Akin Onitiri, Maurice Khawan, Victor Ovia, Tive Ibru, and Doyin Alatise were present.

The CCTV footage at the space can corroborate against this false and unsubstantiated media reports which I find very distasteful,” he explained.

He therefore counselled newsmen to crosscheck their facts and resist the urge to report based on sentiments and hearsay which could jeopardise hard-earned reputations as had done to him and further dismissed the report as targeting him and his company as “easy prey or a hapless victim of cyberbullying.”

CONJUGAL BLISS. . .

L-R: Mother of the bride, Stella Ihezie Nwakanma; Collins Chimezie Akanno and Dr. China Onyedikachi Nwakanma, shortly after being joined in holy matrimony at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafaea Balewa Square, Lagos... recently

Rights Body Threatens to Drag Judge before NJC over Ubah A Human Rights body, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has threatened to drag Justice Bello Kawu of an Abuja High Court before the National Judicial Council (NJC) over what it called travesty and miscarriage of justice over itas position on the case of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who represents Young Progressives Party (YPP) in the Senate.

A statement by the Rights body alleged that the judge overreached himself when he made an order for a contestant not on the ballot paper to be sworn-in which it insisted was tantamount to awarding a seat to one who never contested for it.

“HURIWA recall that the

court, in a ruling by Justice Bello Kawu, nullified Ubah’s election, for allegedly using a forged National Examination Council (NECO) certificate to contest the senatorial election that was held in the state on February 23, 2019 just as the judge had on April 11, 2019, ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to withdraw the Certificate of Return it issued to Ubah and issue a fresh one to Obinna Uzoh of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second in the poll. Ubah polled a total of 87, 081 votes to emerge, winner of the Anambra South Senatorial District. Senator Ubah then approached the same court to ask for a review since there was a manifest display of

unfairness but the Court restated her earlier ruling.

“Ubah said he was neither served with the court processes nor hearing notice with respect to the suit before the court proceeded to deliver the judgment against him.

“HURIWA recalled that following his application for a stay of execution, Justice Kawu, on December 4, restrained the Senate president from swearing-in Uzoh, pending the hearing and determination of the motion challenging the verdict just as the court equally ordered all the parties, including the INEC to maintain the status quo until it decides the merit in Ubah’s contention.

“However, the judge has just held that Ubah’s application to vacate its judgment lacked merit and accordingly dismissed it just as he also dismissed a motion another claimant to the PDP senatorial ticket, Chief Chris Uba, filed to be joined as an interested party in the substantive suit marked CV/3044/2018, which was filed before the court by an electorate in the state, Anani Chuka.

“By not joining the actual PDP Senatorial Candidate Chief Chris Uba the Abuja High Court has clearly demonstrated an unnatural interest in midwifing a predetermined outcome in the suit. We will ask the NJC to investigate the Judge to ascertain his special interest in the matter,” HURIWA said in a statement.

Dickson’s Critics will Regret after His Exit, Says Bayelsa Govt Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government yesterday maintained that those who were bent on taking the outgoing Governor of the state, Seriake Dickson, to the cleaners, since the loss of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last governorship election, would regret it after his exit.

Speaking during the monthly transparency briefing for the month of November, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, argued that Dickson will go down in history as one of the best performing governors in the country.

During the meeting, government through the Special Adviser, Treasury, Accounts and Revenue, Mr. Timipre Seipulo also disclosed that after the payment of salaries, contractors and other expenses,

including the various deductions at source, the state was left with a deficit of N2 billion for the month of November 2019.

He put the federal allocation for the month under review at N3.2 billion, derivation was N9.6 billion, while Value Added Tax (VAT) totalled N896 million, exchange gain difference was N28 million and revenue from solid minerals stood at N49 million, leaving the gross revenue at N13.9 billion.

“After FAAC deductions of N1.55 billion, restructured loan repayments, commercial agric payments, excess crude loan, restructured commercial bank loans, salaries, grants to tertiary institutions and a balance brought forward of N2 billion from October, the state was left with N2.1 billion deficit,” he said.

In his remarks, Iworiso-Markson said the leadership of the present administration under Dickson defied all challenges to break new

grounds in tackling developmental needs of the state, stressing that posterity will judge the governor favourably He enjoined those who are in the habit of running down the governor to have a rethink, else they will one day look back and regret all the unkind words they said to him while in office.

“When all is said and done, mark my words, this governor will be one governor that Bayelsa will be very proud to call their own any day any time.

“Bayelsans will miss Governor Dickson and that’s why for those of you who are quick to join the bandwagon, to join the naysayers just because there’s a new government coming, to run down this administration and run down the person of His Excellency, you’re making a huge mistake.

“You’re making a very big mistake because governance

is not a tea party. I know so because I am one who has been very privileged to work closely with this governor and I make bold to say that I will defend this government now and forever and I make bold to say that I will not regret one day in serving this government.

“So no matter what anybody says about this governor, it is their personal opinion and so they can go on and on and rant as much as they like on social media but let me put it on record that the Restoration Government is one government that our children and our children yet unborn will be so proud to talk about for the rest of their days,” he said.

According to the Information Commissioner, Dickson showed uncommon doggedness in addressing educational backwardness of the state through free primary and post primary education.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWS

Two Buildings Collaspe in Lagos, Man Rescued from One Bennett Oghifo First responders from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, yesterday, rescued a man trapped in a three storey building that collapsed at Alasepe Street, off Community

Road, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.

Shortly after, a two storey building collapsed at Agarawu axis of Lagos Island, but without casualty, according to the Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management

Agency, Dr. Oluwafemi OkeOsanyintolu. He stated that “Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, it was discovered that an old two-storey building collapsed as a result of lack of maintenance and structural instability.

“However, no life was lost and no injury was sustained at the scene of the incident.

LRT, Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps, the Nigerian Police, LASAMBUS are responders at the scene of the incident. A

recovery operation is ongoing.�

He said the man who was rescued at Okota had been taken to an undisclosed hospital and that he was expected to recover within a short time.

According to him, the two story building that collapsed in Lagos Island affected some buildings close to it and that there would be controlled demolition of sections of the building still standing.

Oshiomhole Seeks Transfer of APC Suit from Justice Kingsley-Chukwu Bennett Oghifo National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, has pressed for the transfer to another court, a case involving his party the All Progressives Congress from Justice Augusta U. KingsleyChukwu of the Rivers State High Court, demanding that she be compossorily retired.

Oshiomhole’s request is contained in two separate letters dated 27th December, 2019, addressed to the Chief Judge of Rivers State Justice A.I. Iyayi-Lamikanra, the Chief Justice of Nigeria/Chairman, National Judicial Council Justice Mohammed Tanko.

In his letter to the Chief Judge of Rivers State, the APC National Chairman applied for a transfer

of Suit No. OHC/4355/2019 from Kingsley-Chukwu of the Rivers State High Court to another Judge of the Rivers State High Court, stating that her husband is a member of the PDP, on account of which they have lost confidence in her ability to impartially and objectively determine the suit without any interference.

However, in his letter to the Chief Justice of Nigeria/ Chairman, National Judicial Council, Oshiomhole called for the compulsory retirement of Kingsley-Chukwu for alleged breach of the code of conduct for judicial officers.

Oshiomhole, who said he was compelled to send both petitions, considering the sacredness of the judicial office, gave the same background to the issue, which is that “Following

Principal Cautions against Cultism, Social Vices as PTI Matriculates 1,792 Students Sylvester Idowu Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹ĂœĂœĂ“

Vice Principal, Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Dr. Henry Adimula, has urged new students of the institution to shun cultism, examination malpractices and other vices that can truncate their academic journey in the school.

He gave the charge yesterday during the matriculation of 1,792 new students of the Institute, established 48 years ago by the federal government for the training of middle manpower for the oil and gas sector.

The Vice Principal also urged the new students to aim for high academic standard and clear vision and avoid pitfalls that can ruin their academic pursuit.

He recalled that about 3,602 candidates applied for admission to pursue a career in Higher National Diploma, National Diploma and Certificate programmes but

only 1,792 qualified for admission for 2019/2020 session.

"While, I warmly felicitate with you on your successful admission, I urge you to be creative, innovative, resourceful, focused and work hard to justify the confidence reposed in you," Dr. Adimula said and assured that their choice of PTI was not misplaced since the Institute is well equipped with facilities and a dedicated, competent and certified personnel to develop them to achieve their full potentials.

He said Petroleum Training Institute was established by Act No. 37 of 1972 and subsequently amended by Act No. 52 of 1975, and PTI Act CAP P 16, 2004 with mandates to provide courses of instruction, Training and Research in technology and development of Technologists and Technicians normally required for oil production and allied disciplines.

the Supreme Court decision nullifying the congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and effectively disqualifying the APC from participating in the 2019 gubernatorial elections in Rivers State, the APC decided to restrategise and reposition the party. “On 6th September, 2019 the APC constituted a Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of the party in Rivers State.

The APC also scheduled the conduct of Congresses to elect the leaders of the party at various levels. One Ibrahim Umah immediately instituted Suit No. PHC/3098/2019 at the Rivers State High Court challenging inter alia the proposed congresses of the APC and obtained an interim injunction restraining the APC from conducting the proposed congresses. The APC objected to the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit and on 18th December, 2019, the Court struck out the Suit for want of jurisdiction, thereby allowing the APC to proceed with its re-strategising process.�

He said before the court rendered its decision striking out Suit No. PHC/3098/2019, one Igo Aguma filed a similar suit (Suit No. OHC/4355/2019) against the APC challenging the composition of the Caretaker Committee.

FOR HEALTHY CHILDREN...

Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi (left) administering vaccine to a student during the ag o of de-worming programme for pupils in public primary schools in the state, yesterday

FRSC Elevates 79 Officers to Various Ranks TheFederalRoadSafetyCorphas decorated 79 of its officers with ranks and charged them to put inmoreeffortstowardsreducing road crashes in the state.

The Zonal Commanding Officer of the FRSC, Zone 12, Assistant Corps Marshall, Imoh Etuk, who decorated the officers yesterday at the Zonal office in Bauchi, said the call was necessary in view of the high cases of accidents in the state in the past few months.

He attributed these accidents to night travels by motorists saying that if drivers heed to the

advice not to travel at night, most crashes would not occur advising that proper journey management should be done to avoid nights travels.

He said that the FRSC was worried about the crashes, pointing out that aggressive campaign was being done to reduce these crashes to the barest minimum.

Etuk said: "Along the Bauchi axis, the high rates of accidents is as a result of night travels, although people have the fundamental human rights to travel at any time of the day, but we are urging them

Media Trainer, Wildlife Film Maker Feature on African Voices Media training and wild conservation this week come into focus on African Voices, magazine programme of the Cable News Network (CNN), sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The programme will feature the duo of Abaas Mpidi, a Ugandan, founder of the Media Challenge Initiative (MCI) and Brad Bestelink, Creative Director, Natural History Film Unit.

Mpidi is the Chief Executive

Officer, of the MCI which is a youth-driven, non-profit organisation building the next generation of journalists in Africa through training, mentorship and experiential peer-to-peer learning. The initiative has equally carved a niche for itself by assisting upcoming journalists to hone their skills by learning the practical skills required for the job.

The MCI team is made up of a collective of exquisite young men and women who are deeply passionate about creating the next

generation of journalists through offering knowledge and solutions based skills. They come from diverse backgrounds including radio, television, communication, creative design, strategy, and research.

The group last year successfully collaborated with the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda to train 1,000 young journalists on effective reporting on climate change in the 2019 Climate Change Media Challenge. The event was held

last November.

Bestelink on his part is a producer, director and cinematographer and was reputed for filming the Nat Geo Wild Savage Kingdom series. Having grown up in Botswana, he exhibits deep interest in filming unusual predators, their habitats and behaviours, forged as a result of unique environmental circumstances.

The whole series was filmed in a place called Savute, which is in the northeast corner of Botswana.

that night travels should be restricted because of the obvious risks.

"You cannot compare the rescue of the daytime and the night because of the nature of ours roads, the security challenges and the most important thing that these drivers are always fatigued when the drive at night. We urge them to do proper journey management so that they don't have to travel at night.

"The Corp generally is worried and we are doing more public enlightenment, more education and we are ensuring that our men are deployed to traffic calming," he said.

He warned the FRSC officers and men to desist from extorting members of the public saying that "there is no organisation that does not have bad eggs and we have our internal mechanisms to deal with those bad eggs and we'll keep dealing with them."

The FRSC boss urged members of the public that "they should not offer any form of gratification to any of our men because they are not supposed to collect bribes.

And it's a two way traffic, both the giver and the receiver are guilty, so both of them will be prosecuted."

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as MBANEFO CHINWE GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as OBI CHINWE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as WISDOM UDUM JAMES, now wish to be known and addressed as UDOM NTIENSE JAMES. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ALAKA DAMILOLA ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as BENSON DAMILOLA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as CHIKAODI HAPPINESS, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMO CHIKAODI HAPPINESS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OMONOKHUA PATIENCE EMOSHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UDEH PATIENCE EMOSHIOGWE. All documents remain valid. The general public should please take note

Plus

FASHION FILE

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER

pg. 29

FAIRGROUND

pg. 36

SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 43

Austin Eruotor At 60, I’m Now More Conscious about My Lifestyle and Views on Life

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

PLUS

At 60, I’m Now More Conscious about My Lifestyle and Views about Life The name may not ring a bell but his “White House” brand is a household name. The White House Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, which is the flagship of the business, has produced many high-class entertainment activities and groomed many icons of hip-hop music in the country. The man behind the brand, Dr. Austin Eruotor, speaks with Raheem Akingbolu on what life has t aught him at 60 and how he has successfully managed the White House Group and its subsidiaries in real estate, entertainment and hospitality

Eruotor

In the last 60 years, the life of Dr. Austin Eruotor has revolved around four things - family, Catholic Church, humanity and business. In all, the Delta Stateborn businessman appears to have recorded high grades. If anything, the outpouring of love that attended his 60th birthday anniversary recently in Lagos was enough to tell the world that the man, Eruotor, has played his part well.

In the buildup to his birthday, Eruotor told THISDAY that he hasn’t felt anything unusual at 60 but conscious of his lifestyle. “I feel the same at 60 because, like people say, age is just a number.

Only that I’m now a bit conscious of my lifestyle and my views about life generally. I’m now more conscious of what I eat, I see the

need to rest well and be more committed to the service of God and humanity. For instance, at age 60, anybody working in the public service will be thinking of retirement. So, for those of us in the private sector too, who decide when to retire, we should also pause when we reach age 60 or more and slow down on our activities. This is necessary because numbers are counting and we are giving glory to God.” Another thing that arouses curiosity is how the name White House evolved, the relationship between the name, and why Eruotor always appears in white: “Yes, white is my colour and our business brand identity. The name, my white appearances and my brand identity evolved for one single reason -transparency.

When I was going into business, what was on my mind was to get something pure, something real and something transparent. When you need our service, we give you 100% value, without you breaking your neck or fear of being cheated. As a result of this, I was looking for something that would represent what we stand for and define our approach to business and the name White House came to my mind.”

But with his hand in real estate, hospitality and entertainment, one wonders how he has been able to strike the balance over the years, especially when he also has family to attend to. Addressing this, Eruotor said it was not a big deal combining all he does under the White House Group because the sectors he dabbles in are

interrelated: “It’s simple because it all depends on having a good management team. Another thing is for one to be savvy in time management. Perhaps, I should speak briefly on the various things we involve in. If there is any major business rule I appreciate, it’s the one that teaches us not to put our eggs in the same basket, hence the need for diversification.

Under White House Group, all that we do are knitted. They are interrelated and that makes things easy. Entertainment business and hospitality are interdependent.

Real estate business is related to construction and is connected to hospitality. Another thing that is working for us is that we are well grounded in all the areas we are involved. If you are into construction and you don’t know jack,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

19

PLUS I Used to Think My Father Hated Me Whenever He Said His Car Wasn’t Mine chances are that you will get a poor structure. You should be able to tell people what you want and how you want it.”

Considering the way and manner hotels and other hospitality concerns rise and fall, how the owner of the White House brand has been able to sustain the glamour of the hotel is another subject of debate. Speaking about the staying power of his hotel brand, the consummate businessman said if the question was thrown at him 100 times, his response would be the same.

“If you ask me 100 times, my answer will be that my success story is hinged on dedication and hard work. Let me support this with a fable. If you want to hold a party, you can plan it for weeks or months but what people see is the final day when everything goes as planned. I understand the picture you paint about hospitality business and short span of existence. Look, Hotel business is dynamic and so the promoters must be dynamic as well. It comes with ethics that must be jealously guarded, the ethics must be maintained. Besides, it requires thorough supervision and that is why I’m personally involved in the running of my hotel businesses. We don’t compromise and we don’t cut corners because we want our standard to remain.

“To me, no hotel is totally local because hotels in Nigeria attend to the needs of both local and international guests. For you to appeal to this array of guests from diverse backgrounds, you have to have good facility and excellent services. Don’t also forget that we compete with international brands that are also in the Nigerian market. To this end, we have to be on our toes to compete well in the market.

You can’t have a dilapidated structure and expect quality people to patronise you. Again, if a guest comes

Eruotor with his family

today and gets shabby treatment; of course, he wouldn’t come tomorrow. To stay relevant, you have to keep evolving. If you come to my hotel this month, by the time you come the following month, you will meet the rooms in different shapes and colours.”

Beyond the need for effective management, he also maintained that one has to be morally and financially disciplined to excel in hospital business: “On the business side, let me add again that in running hospitality business, one has to be disciplined because if you are too careless and frivolous, you will run into financial mess.

For instance, in my hotels, if I collect a bottle of water, I would pay my money and if a friend stays in any of the rooms, regardless of how close we are, I will never go to his room. I will make sure I give him that exclusivity right and privacy. If my child comes in and drinks, he will pay for it and that applies to everybody because the account must balance. That is how we have been doing it in the last 20 years,” A man of words and proverbs, explaining how he has been able to sustain the tempo over the years for his business, Eruotor went philosophical by comparing business to a child: “The experience has been very exciting. Look, business, to me is like a child. The child would begin with nursery school, primary school, secondary school and higher institution.

The same way you nurture your baby to adulthood is the way a business is nurtured to become a brand and a household name.

Let me quickly add therefore that there is no business without challenges, and there is no market without its peculiarity.

As a business concern operating in Nigeria, we have been able to surmount various challenges that came with our growth. One thing, if you are in business and you face challenges, stay put and be consistent, at the end,

it will turn into a success story.

The truth is that if you are not dogged or consistent, when the opportunity that would come after the challenge comes, you will not be able to explore it.

What I’m saying in essence is that we have faced challenges and recorded success in building the White House brand.”

Going down memory lane, though, he attributed his success and accomplishment in life to God, he was frank to point out that his parents, especially his father, played prominent roles in what he has become today: “I’m a committed Catholic and I know God answers prayer.

To this end, I give all the glory to my God for all that I have achieved in the last 60 years.

Having stated this, I will say my father influenced me more than anybody else in life. Though strict and disciplined, it took me years before I knew that his stance and principle in some dealings with his children were to get the best out of them.

I could remember my father telling me not to touch his car, and emphasising that the house and car belonged to him and not to us. He was gentle and straight forward and those attributes have greatly shaped my life.”

Ask this philanthropist and sports promoter to name any other person who has contributed to his life and he would be quick to mention his wife: “Since I met my wife in a church in the United Kingdom many years ago, I can say she has been wonderful as she plays the role of a sister, business partner, mother and adviser. My wife understands me and the businesses I do. Most times, she holds fort for me and supervises the businesses. She has eyes for details and can spot the tiniest mistakes and point them out.

Because she’s also good in business and financial management, that has helped our business.

Meanwhile, we don’t mix business with pleasure, when

we are at work, we know we are at work. In that case, nothing concerns my wife whether the person we are attending to is a man or woman. What is paramount is the service and the value we would add in return for our money.”

Looking back at his businesses, especially the Whiter House Hotel brand, which has contributed to the success stories of hip-hop artiste like Tuface, D-banj, Olu Maintain and others, Eruotor expressed satisfaction but he hopes that in the next five years the group must have redefined its existence through technology: “We are happy for the lives we have been able to touch over the years.

I know at least 10 good icons of the nation’s entertainment industry that passed through our White House Hotel on Toyin Street. We want to remain relevant. We are in the era of technology; we want that to remain a strong part of our business in five years’ time.”

However, if there is anything that bothers this father of three, it’s the fact that Nigeria’s leaders are not getting things right. To him, Nigerian politics and governance would be better if votes count: “I’m personally fulfilled, considering my achievement and the awards and recognition I have gotten over the years, but disappointed in Nigeria leaders. 59 years after independence, we are still crawling, this is discouraging.

No jobs for the youths, no road map for the future and no hope for the common man. I’m praying that we have in Nigeria an electoral system that will make our votes count.

If the votes count, we can wake up tomorrow and use our votes to get rid of under-performing leaders.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

Fashion File

Meet the Ziva Diva

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

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FASHION FILE

Meet the Ziva Diva Ziva Lagos is a premium Nigerian fashion brand that specializes in readyto-wear affordable clothing made from the finest of prints.

Ziva recently released a stylish edit that showcases the range of pieces in time for the holiday.

The Ziva pieces are clean, colourful and fun yet bold and daring, appealing to both the super stylish and the everyday minimalist woman. There is a Ziva piece that serves as a perfect outfit for any occasion.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 18, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 18, 2020

POLITY

NSE Honours Arowolo with Engineering Fellowship Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

he Nigerian Society of Engineers, an umbrella organisation for the Engineering Profession in Nigeria, has conferred the Fellowship of the Institute on Engineer Omodele Adesola Arowolo, in confirmation of her standing as one of the foremost distinguished engineers in Nigeria. The prestigious elevation of Arowolo, through the Fellowship conferred on her on December 12, 2019, was in recognition of a life of service to best practices in engineering and management.

In contemporary times where there is a clamour for emancipation and equality of representation of women in social, political and economic spheres, Engr. Mrs. Arowolo has chosen to be a leader in her career. This, she has lived up to, and is bound to further the objectives, interests and influence of the NSE. Her career trajectory speaks of competence, commitment and continuity; an embodiment which drives successful outcome in any chosen profession.

A thoroughbred professional, she has distinguished herself in her chosen career. In all reserve, distinction has been her first choice from the start.

This has defined her pedigree as a noble engineer, in addition to her zeal of making meaningful contribution to the development of Nigeria, as her focus. While doing this, she wishes above all that her contribution and roles should be recognised and appreciated.

Engr. Mrs. Arowolo was born on the 17th of August 1965, and studied Electrical/Electronics Engineering at the University of Lagos. Since that foundation in 1988, she has spent time contributing and growing her expertise in aviation and aerospace engineering.

Her career has gone through many aspects of aeronautics, aviation safety, regulation, communication, networking and surveillance.

She hails from Kwara State and holds a double Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering (M.Eng.) and Business Administration (MBA) in 1992 and 2005, repectively. Earlier, she obtained a B. Sc. (Hons) in Electronics in 1989 and a Post Graduate Diploma (PGDEE-Elect/Elect) with distinction. Getting distinctions, it must be said, has become a habit for this distinguished engineer; apart from the PGDEE - distinction she also had distinction in her Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano. She would soon crown these efforts with a Doctorate in Radio Space Propagation at the

Engineer Omodele Adesola Arowolo University of Lagos where the journey started.

The pursuit of excellence has been the guide for Mrs. Arowolo’s post-graduation engagements, from professional service to further studies. She decided to distinguish herself as a manager when she enrolled a few years into her career for the Masters in Business Administration at the University of Ilorin.

She then excelled in several other pursuits.

Arowolo eventually chose to pursue a career in aviation. She got a Diploma in Aviation Security/ Aerodrome Operations with Distinctions in 1996.

Another Distinction followed in 2005 in Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel License ATSPEP License. Presently, Engr. Arowolo works with the

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the apex regulatory Authority in Nigeria. She started her aviation career during her National Youth Service corps as a trainee Engineer from April 1989 to March 1990 and was elevated to the position of a Maintenance Engineer which she left in 1992 to join the Federal Civil Aviation Authority (FCAA).

She was an operation/Aviation Security Officer from March 1994 to April 1996.In 1995, Federal Government reorganization led to the creation of the Directorate of Safety Regulation and Monitoring (DSRAM). FCAA became defunct and Engr.

Arowolo joined DSRAM and continued from where she as an Operations/Aviation Security Officer. At another metamorphosis, DSRAM was collapsed again to give birth to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in 1992. Mrs. Arowolo joined NCAA at the commencement of operations in 2000 as Acting Regional Manager.

By December 2002, she was deployed as an Assistant Chief Communication Navigation and Surveillance. But by 2004 she was back as the substantive Regional Manager in Kano. After excelling as a Regional manager, the Authority wanted more professional responsibilities for her. Wherefore in 2006, she was recalled and made Air Navigation Safety Inspector, from where she rose to the post of a Deputy General Manager (Aero-telecommunications) a position she is holding currently.

She is an engaged professional who also finds time to network with colleagues in professional groups and to contribute to their development. She has served in several aviation committees. They include serving as National Coordinator, Aviation System Block Upgrade Methodology Implementation Committee, on the National Performance-Based Navigation Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee to the National Frequency Management Council to World Radio Communication Conference 2015. She was also a member of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations Committee and served in the Development of Aeronautical Telecommunications Manuals of Standards.

She is a member of several professional bodies.

Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Associate Member, Nigerian Institute of Management, Member, Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineer (IEEE) America, Member, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria. Engr. Arowolo has as hobbies; reading, playing lawn tennis, cooking, watching movies and sewing. She is married with children.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Tutor, Sure Foundation Schools, Omereji Chile; Territory Sales Manager, PZ Wilmar, Foluso Oladejo; and L-R: Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Adekunle Abdulrasaq Oyinloye; Winner, The Next Titan, Season Assistant Head Teacher, Sure Foundation Schools, Mrs. Uchechukwu Mary, during the Mamador Breakfast 6, Amifeoluwa Yakubu; Executive Producer, Bravo Points International, Producers of The Next Titan Show, Mide Kunle-Akinlaja; and Group Head, Corporate Communications, SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande, at The school activation at Sure Foundation Schools in Port Harcourt...recently Next Titan appreciation visit to SIFAX Group head office in Lagos...recently

L-R: Director, Ministry of Education, Ogun State, Tosin Oloko, testing her hand on one of the computers while L-R:Tutor,The Redeemer Nursery and Primary School, Abuja, AwunaTitus; Territory Sales Manager, PZWilmar, Mr. the Chairman of Itamapako High School, Old Students Association (IHSOSA), Abayomi Abolaji, and others Oluwatomisin Omiyale; and Tutor, Redeemer Nursery and Primary Schools Abuja, Mr. Chinedu Okonkwo, during look on during the presentation of some interventionist projects to the school in Ogun State...recently the Mamador Breakfast school activation at Redeemer Nursery and Primary Schools in Abuja...recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 18, 2020

POLITY Bashorun Olayinka Simoyan

A Great Lover of His People Tunde Ipinmisho

L

ong before I met Chief Olayinka Simoyan, the Bashorun of Egbe who died on October 20, 2019 in person, I had known him by reputation.

Hardly could there be a person of Okun Yoruba origin of my age and exposure in Nigeria in the 1980s and 1990s who would not have heard of him.

After what was obviously a sterling career in the diplomatic service during which he served in Vienna, Paris, Washington DC and Cotonou, he had retired to take up a seat on the board of IBWA/Afribank as an Executive Director. It was in that position that he was able to open the gates of the bank to young people, many of the Okun Yoruba, to fulfill their dream careers in banking. There was hardly any branch of the bank across Nigeria that did not have an Okun person on its staff. Not only did he help them gain employment, he also, like a mother hen, watched over their career growth. In no time, Chief Simoyan’s reputation among his compatriots grew higher by the day.

So, by the time I would meet him for the first time in 1990, I already knew much about him. I was travelling to Kogi State from Lagos in the company of a friend, for the Easter when he suddenly stopped along the way to greet an elderly man.

He subsequently introduced the man to me as Chief Olayinka Simoyan. I was quite excited to meet, in the least expected place, a man of whom I had heard so much. If I had any surprise at all, it was that the man’s physical stature did not match his robust reputation. I had expected that he would be a giant of sorts.

I was not to see Chief Simoyan again until about six years later, by which time I had become the News Editor of the Daily Times. One afternoon in the heat of our production, a former school mate of mine at the University of Ibadan, had breezed in with an invitation for me to meet Chief Simoyan who he described in superlative terms. He said the Bashorun of Egbe desired to throw his hat into the ring at then impending governorship election in Kogi State. My mate was therefore trying to build a coalition of Okun professionals to support the bid. On the appointed day, we met Chief Simoyan at his residence, then in Idiaraba, Lagos.

The chief was at his affable best as he received us but profusely lamented the rot in Kogi State and about how the wrong people, being at the helm of affairs, had made it impossible for the young state to properly take off in a way that would guarantee a good future for the people. He said that with his exposure and experience, he was the right person to steer the state in the right direction. We discussed strategies by which to articulate his plans and present them to the people of the state.

Indeed, we made a few outings in the press about which Chief Simoyan was very glad.

However, not long after that, information filtered to me that he was having a rethink about his governorship ambition.

Nothing happened again in that direction and we did not meet again until seven years later, by which time I had become the Editor of the Sunday Times.

We had concluded our weekly editorial conference one day and I was getting set to close when my secretary came in and informed me that a guest was waiting to see me. The guest turned out to be Chief Simoyan who, as usual was garbed in an exquisite babanriga.

As he settled down, I guided the conversation towards his aborted governorship bid but he did not seem too enthusiastic about discussing it. At my further probing, he expressed his frustration at the attitude of those in politics who he said saw his declaration of intention as an opportunity to milk him dry.

He decried the double-faced nature of many of the folks who claimed to be assisting him. He said he therefore terminated the bid so as not to put himself in further physical and emo-

Simoyan tional stress.

That, however, he said, was not why he had come to see me. He said he had seen many editions of the Sunday Times which we were working had to regenerate and that he was proud to see my imprint on it. He therefore offered to take up a column in the paper, an offer I was delighted to accept. Then Chief Simoyan surprised me. He reached inside his pouch and brought out the material for his first column.

That was the beginning of our relationship at another level which eventually became like that of father and son.

Chief Simoyan was an editor’s delight. As a columnist, he was meticulous, disciplined, deep, and sensitive to the direction of developments in the public space. Many of our readers were quite enthralled by the depth and variety of his thoughts as espoused in the subjects he handled. The deadline for the submission of his material was usually Thursdays, but it was always in by Tuesdays. And his copy came in perfect shape requiring little or no editorial interventions. Mostly, he brought his copy himself. Those visits to deliver his copy also served as an opportunity for our meetings, at which he would usually sound me out on current issues. He liked to discuss Okunland and the ways to bring development there. He was passionate about Okunland, but particularly about Egbe, his hometown.

He loved Egbe with an unusual passion. He made many trips home during the period, usually with his late wife, who he addressed as Ayinba. He taught me that the wives of Yoruba traditional rulers were addressed as Ayaba, those of Bashoruns as Ayinba and those of other chiefs as Olori.

I began to look forward to those Tuesday meetings. If Chief Simoyan was going to be out of town, he was careful to submit ahead, materials for his column for the entire period he would be away.

Sometimes, it was for three weeks and on such occasions, he reached into his rich diplomatic experience to write on

evergreen subjects.

One day, he came into my office mid morning and as I was about to wonder why he came so early and on a different day, he told me of his anger with one of the soft sell magazines then which published an article full of derogatory remarks about his home town, Egbe and its people. Somebody had drawn Chief Simoyan’s attention to it and in no time, he had assembled eight top indigenes of Egbe, among them military generals.

He told me that when they got to the office of the organization, they expressed their disgust at the errant publication and its editors, who he said promptly undertook to apologize to the people of Egbe in their next edition. That was one of the very few occasions I ever saw him lose his cool.

Chief Simoyan loved Egbe like a mother loves an only child.

When he noticed that poor performance at the school leaving examination was robbing young indigenes of the town of admissions into tertiary institutions, he promptly established a remedial school for them. His passion for education had its roots in how he eventually was able to cut off the hamstrings of illiteracy and poverty. He started school late at about age 14 and his mates were far ahead of him. He braved the odds and in four years, he had completed primary school as against the regular seven years then. Throughout his life, he was grateful to his missionary “parents”, an American couple, the Wagoners, who had taken him in as a mission boy.

When in 1972, the Federal Government was going to commence the reconstruction of the Ilorin-Kabba-Lokoja road which passes through his hometown, he used his connection with the French to get the construction company, Dumez to set up its camp at Egbe. That singular act, he later told me, helped tremendously to grow the economy of the town.

I visited him in Egbe once and I noticed a massive construction project going on at his country home. I asked him why he was doing that in what obviously was the “evening” of his life.

He patiently explained that he needed more space, particularly for his books, and he had quite a huge library, and that every little construction was helping to develop the town.

Chief Simoyan was an exemplary family man. His love for his wife was legendary and it was quite interesting to watch them trade banters in their home like young lovers.

He was also very proud of his children and their achievements. He was happy that each of them had found his/her feet and had become independent. His wife’s death hit him hard.

When Mama’s ailment started, I had visited one afternoon and he told me that “your mother is ill.” We prayed together and he told me on phone the following day that that prayer was like a soothing balm and that Mama had great relief afterwards. We were never to know that the ailment was as life threatening as it turned out to be.

After the funeral of his wife, he had told me, with great pain that seeking a cure for the ailment was like fighting the devil; just when you thought you had won, the devil emerges with greater rage to launch a fresh challenge.

Chief Simoyan and the children gave his wife a funeral worthy of the Ayinba that she was. In the evening after the funeral, he took me to the frontage of his house where he had prepared her grave. I noticed that there was an additional space near Mama and had, quite undiplomatically, asked what it was meant for. He let out a childlike chuckle and turned inside the house. He did not give me answer.

When, after the church service on Friday, January 24, 2020 we let down the earthly remains of Chief Olayinka Olasehinde Simoyan, the Bashorun of Egbe and the Gbokunniyi of Okunland into the grave, near his beloved wife, a great chapter would have closed and then I would have an answer to my question on what the extra space at the burial site was meant for.

Adieu Chief Simoyan, diplomat, historian, columnist, community development enthusiast and a great lover of his people.

––Ipinmisho was editor of the Sunday Times

Akeredolu to Commission Projects as Ondo School Marks 60th Anniversary Bennett Oghifo

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s part of the week-long activities marking 60th anniversary of Fiwasaye Girls Grammar School, Akure, the Ondo State governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) will, on Thursday, January 30, commission projects initiated by old students of the school.

The old students, who have changed the entire landscape of the school by renovating structures within the premises, said that the projects were initiated with a view to giving the institution a befitting outlook.

According to the chairman, organizing committee of the anniversary and an old student of the school, Mrs Taiwo Kolawole, activities for the celebration would commence on Monday, 27th January, 2020 with a Holy Communion service slated for the school chapel.

Kolawole, who added that Tuesday, January 28 events would include a road show from the school compound to the palace of the Deji of Akure, explained that the activities would include a symposium, school anniversary inter-house sports competition, as well as a novelty match on Thursday, January 30th.

According to her, following the commissioning of projects by the Governor Akeredolu in the school compound on Thursday, there would be a beauty contest, a compendium on life and times of Miss R.J Pelly, the pioneer/ founding Principal of the school slated for Friday, January 30, and a Dinner and Award night at the International Event Centre, the Dome, Alagbaka, Akure, on Saturday, February 1.

Kolawole enjoined all and sundry to be part of the celebrations as the institution had produced several firsts in various fields of human endeavour.

Akeredolu

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POLITY

NIMASA: Marking New Vistas of Economic Growth After a year of giant strides, NIMASA moves into a promising decade of new achievements, writes Vincent Obia

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or institutions and individuals to position themselves for enduring service to humanity, and to justify the confidence society reposes in them, there must be a critical meeting point between the past, the present and tomorrow. When they objectively play back the past, they are not afraid to learn lessons from where they erred. That equips them with new skills to scale more challenging heights. And when they critically assess their current performance, it assists them to capture the picture of their future, no matter how hazy it looks. The totality of these factors enables human beings and their institutions to formulate a hopeful vision of tomorrow.

In the past couple of years of the operations of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), especially the past 12 months, all these conditions have been at work to conclude that even though there is verifiable evidence to suggest that much water has passed under the bridge, still much lies ahead in the New Year to be accomplished.

Interestingly, 2020 also marks the beginning of a new decade. It can safely be said that if NIMASAdid well in the outgone year, these feats would represent the foundation for greater exploits in years to come.

That was the point NIMASA, Director-General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was making when he met the World Press at a news conference on January 10 in Lagos to cast a glance at NIMASAin 2019.

Reviewing the agency’s activities, notably in 2019, Dakuku spoke of NIMASAas having provided “a major economic stimulus for the country “, especially in the last one year. According to him, NIMASA symbolises change, and, “No organisation in the country currently typifies change more than NIMASA.” He believes, like other keen observers, this characteristic stood out NIMASAin the past 12 months and would launch the agency into the next decade, beginning with 2020.

One key intervention of NIMASAin the past year was its tough stance on joining hands with the federal government to diversify the economy of the country through the oceans. On July 25, 2019, the continent marked African Day of Seas and Oceans, and for NIMASA, it was an opportunity to showcase the potential of the seas as a veritable takeoff point to begin to diversify the economy. The agency rallied experts and stakeholders to discuss the limitless endowments of marine life. NIMASAbrought to the fore the need for clean oceans, which would lead to increase in economic activities, such as fishing and water transportation, to free the roads from congestion and unbearable pressure on infrastructure, and other benefits.

NIMASAalso put Nigeria on the world map during the year when it was rated the first in Flag State Administration and Port State Control in West and Central Africa. What earned the agency this unique honour was its diligence in inspecting ships calling at Nigerian ports in compliance with international conventions. The upshot: the number of substandard vessels berthing in Nigeria declined drastically.

The increased inspection and survey improved safety on Nigerian waters, as it helped to reduce cases of vessels with deficiency by more than 14 per cent.

The year witnessed accelerated fulfillment of the pillars of the reform strategy unveiled by Dakuku when he took over office at NIMASAin 2016. These include: Survey, Inspection and Certification Transformation Programme; Environment, Security and Search and Rescue Transformation Programme; Capacity Building Promotional Initiatives, which entail growing indigenous tonnage, shipbuilding, and human capacity; Digital Transformation Strategy; and Structural and Cultural reforms, including changes to work ethic and attitude of staff as well as processes and procedures.

NIMASAin the year under focus also became the Poster Regulator of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. Observers have noticed that the agency now reflects the change image of the government in several respects. One such point is that it has a well-regarded image in the eyes of the public. Its financial prudence has enabled it to contribute more to the federal purse. NIMASA, during the year, brought Nigeria more continental and international awareness through heading various global bodies. The agency also launched a coordinated effort to end Cabotage waivers. This comes under the launch of a five-year Cabotage waiver cessation plan beginning from 2021. One major advantage of this is that there has been a rise in the number of wholly-owned Nigerian vessels on the Nigerian Cabotage

Peterside register. An analysis reveals that since NIMASA’s initiative, there has been a 33 per cent increase.

The impact on the Nigerian economy and its people is comprehensive. First, it brings more employment to the teeming youths. It also allows more revenue for the government to enable it meet its fiscal responsibilities. Next, it aligns Nigeria to global best practices in the maritime space. One more benefit in addition to several others: NIMASA’s interventions justify the confidence the people and government have in the agency’s leadership. The desire of all public institutions is to serve their publics and earn a name that speaks of integrity and accountability.

One of the other laudable gains of NIMASAin the past year was the initiative to take the lead in promoting Sustainable Ocean Governance.

This entailed promoting the Antipiracy Law as a way of improving security on the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. Nigeria became the first country in West/Central Africa to have a distinct antipiracy law. The Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Act 2019, enacted on June 24, 2019 after an assent by the President, provides a legal framework for the prosecution of piracy and other maritime crimes through the country’s maritime security enforcement agencies, namely, the Nigerian Navy and NIMASA. The law fulfils a critical international requirement for standalone legislation on piracy, as against the approach of using the Maritime Operations Coordinating Board Amendment Bill to criminalise piracy and prosecute suspects.

The drafting of the Suppression of Piracy and other Maritime Offences Bill in 2012 had been facilitated by NIMASA, in collaboration with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

More than any other country, Nigeria has leveraged on NIMASA’s foresight to battle high seas criminality.

The agency has also constantly been conscious of its role as a global player. On this score, 2019 saw NIMASAworking in partnership with such world bodies as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Global Partnership Action (GPA) to develop a national action plan on marine litter.

In line with the goals of cleaner seas and oceans, NIMASAhas, through its Marine Environment Management (MEM) Department, implemented a number of hazardous wastes and chemical tracking initiatives in the country.

It successfully carried out hazardous wastes and dangerous chemical tracking programmes, under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, at all the Agency’s operational zones, and developed the IMDG portal and installed exactEarth and Hazcheck Systems software for tracking of dangerous goods in Nigeria. This

was in fulfillment of Chapter Seven of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and Annexes 2 and 3 of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) Convention. The identified gaps in the management of chemicals and hazardous wastes management in the maritime domain were addressed. The agency is currently remodeling its Marine Pollution Laboratory to international standard to take care of the laboratory analysis aspects of the relevant IMO Marine Environment Conventions, such as the Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Cooperation (IOPC), Ballast Water Convention, and Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS), when completed.

The association with the global community has shaped the outlook and vision of NIMASAto come up with commendable economic drivers that include Final Billing System for Freight Charges, Improved Maritime Safety, Security and Domain Awareness, and Tripartite Agreement by Maritime Stakeholders.

Of these far-reaching changes, Dakuku says, “With the Final Billing System, we have put an end to double billing. The system ensures closure of all vessel billing transactions within two weeks after departure…

“This has led to improved customer satisfaction.”

The Final Billing System for Freight Charges has significantly reduced turnaround time for reconciliation of bills with respect to the three per cent freight charge on vessels coming into the country. Before the new system, it took between five and 10 years to conclude the process, but with the Final Billing regime, all vessel billing transactions are concluded within two weeks of the ship’s departure.

The Director-General is not the only one who has observed these achievements. Secretary-General of IMO, Kitack Lim, says Nigeria boasts the most improved maritime administration since his tenure.

This is partly because of NIMASA’s excellent labour relations that include being a leader in championing gender balance in the society.

At the moment, the agency has one of the country’s highest quota of women in directorship positions. The agency, according to Dakuku, is looking forward to “more females to participate in the already male-dominated sector, as they have a lot to offer.”

Perhaps, NIMASA’s greatest achievement in the area of maritime labour last year was the tripartite agreement signed by stakeholders, which the agency facilitated.

The agency facilitated negotiations to ensure that the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was concluded and endorsed by the Tripartite Parties under the National Joint Industrial Council for Seafarers and Dockworkers (NJIC). NIMASA, in conjunction with the tripartite stakeholders (employers and employees), successfully completed the International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports on Maritime Labour Conventions (MLC) 2006 and Dockwork Convention 1973.

This collective bargaining approach and model of reports have been commended by ILO and recommended for use by other member states of the ILO. The development of maritime labour is critical to effective and efficient cargo handling onboard ships, seaports, terminal and also the maintenance of industrial peace and harmony in the Industry.

In line with the emphasis on maritime labour employment and capacity building for seafarers, the country witnessed 3,179 increase in the number of seafarers employed, from 4, 235 in 2018 to 7, 414 in 2019. The increased employment is attributed to the suspension of manning waiver by ensuring shipping companies submit a mandatory replacement and training. This is consistent with the five-year Cabotage waiver cessation plan.

NIMASAhas also been alive to its status as a corporate citizen.

Following the displacement of tens of thousands of Nigerians by natural disasters in some parts of the country, the agency dispatched top management officials to the affected communities to present relief materials worth millions of naira to the grieving citizens. The affected compatriots received food, cooking utensils, cash donations, drugs, beddings, clothes, and economic empowerment materials to enable them start life again.

Given these giant strides within the agency, matched by a positive interface with the outside world, NIMASAhas established a template to enable it outdo its feats in the past. Not resting on its oars, the agency looks to a New Year of more achievements and a decade of more national and global recognition that would in turn bring honour to Nigeria and its people.

–– Obia writes from Lagos.

Enugu Governor’s Wife Flags off De-worming of Pupils

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he wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugochi Ugwuanyi, yesterday, flagged off the de-worming programme for pupils in public primary schools in the state, organized by the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, in collaboration with the state government.

Performing the function, Mrs. Ugwuanyi appreciated the federal government for its thoughtfulness in introducing the school feeding programme in primary schools in the country, which she said was designed to improve child nutrition and health, increase school enrolment, create employment opportunities and strengthen local agricultural economies.

She also thanked the state’s government for its contributions in ensuring that children of the state are among the beneficiaries of the feeding programme in the country, stressing that “it is a clear demonstration of good governance and a state with a vision to

make health interventions and education accessible, affordable and qualitative”.

This came as stakeholders in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme applauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for ensuring that Enugu was among the states in the country to benefit in the first batch of the scheme.

Speaking during the flag off of the de-worming exercise, the state programme manager, Mr. Ifeanyi Onah noted that “this event was made possible because of the pragmatic and proactive leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, whom I usually describe as the man who saw tomorrow”.

Mr. Onah disclosed that the programme which started in Enugu State, three years ago, has about 2,230 cooks feeding about 194,707 pupils, adding that the state was among the first set of states that joined the exercise by fulfilling all the conditions in 2016.

In his address, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Anthony

Ugochukwu, highlighted the remarkable contributions of Gov. Ugwuanyi and his wife, Monica, towards delivering healthcare services to the people of the state, especially the children and less privileged.

The health commissioner, who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi, noted with delight that Mrs. Ugwuanyi’s pet project, Ugo’s Touch of Life Foundation (U-TOLF) has continued to provide free medical treatment for vulnerable groups and empower the less privileged in the state.

He added that the governor’s wife’s foundation also provided cancer screening machines for hospitals across the three senatorial districts of the state, stating that the de-worming exercise was one of her other numerous achievements. The commissioner assured Mrs. Ugwuanyi of the ministry’s commitment to the success of her noble vision and that of her husband for the state, urging the people to always avail themselves of the various facilities provided by the state government to take care of their health challenges.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18.01.2020

Taiwo Awoniyi

NEWS

NO LOVE LOST BETWEEN KLOPP AND OLE

Another Loan Spell Looms

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi Another Loan Spell Looms Taiwo Awoniyi’s dream of re-launching his career when he joined Bundesliga side, Mainz on loan in the summer did not go as expected as he struggled for game time. With just six appearances and only one start, another loan spell is on the horizon with Greek giants Olympiacos among those keen to cash-in on the Nigerian this winter transfer

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aiwo Awoniyi has struggled for game time at Mainz and Liverpool are therefore likely to end the Nigerian’s loan with Bundesliga side this month, with the Nigerian striker the subject of interest from a host of European clubs.

The 22-year-old had hoped to shine when moving to Germany last summer, but has made just six appearances for the Bundesliga strugglers.

Only one of those was from the start, and Awoniyi was substituted at halftime in that game with Mainz down to 10 men away at Fortuna Dusseldorf. The forward has managed only 150 minutes

in total for his club this term.

With Jean-Philippe Mateta, Mainz’s main striker, having returned to action just before the winter break, it is anticipated that Awoniyi will find it even harder to get regular football in the second half of the campaign.

Liverpool have the option to terminate the loan agreement, but will not do so unless a clear opportunity for gametime arises. They have not been short of interest, with Greek giants Olympiacos among those keen.

Ligue 1 trio Montpellier, Brest and Nimes are also understood to be monitoring the situation, while Turkish outfit Besitas and La Liga duo of Leganes and

Real Mallorca have also made enquiries.

Liverpool intend to meet with interested parties in the coming days, but are aware that Awoniyi would ideally prefer to remain in Germany.

The Nigerian U-23 international joined the Reds in 2015 but has since spent his time out on loan, with the club unable to secure a UK work permit.

Spells at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen and Gent failed to work out, but Awoniyi was impressive in two stints with Belgian outfit Mouscron. He scored 10 goals in 28 appearances during the 2017-18 campaign, then returned for the second half of last season and netted 11 times in 15 games.

Liverpool had fielded interest from across Europe last summer, and had intended to take him on their threegame tour of the USA in July, as back-up to Divock Origi and Rhian Brewster.

But he suffered a thigh injury a week before he was due to report for preseason scuppered that plan. Awoniyi did not return to full training until mid-August, by which time Mainz had added Adam Szalai, the veteran Hungary striker, to their squad. Szalai, 32, has remained ahead in the pecking order, despite scoring just once in 14 Bundesliga appearances.

Mainz return to league action at home to Freiburg today, but the expectation

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 18, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

at Anfield is that Awoniyi is unlikely to remain at the club until the end of the season. The question now is simply which proposal offers the best chance of regular football.

Awoniyi claimed that he had been assured of a future at Anfield and had been described as an ‘amazing talent’ behind the scenes and that it was Jurgen Klopp himself who encouraged him to choose Mainz over a number of rival suitors. But in a season full of positives for Liverpool, the struggles of their highly-rated young striker has been a real disappointment.

Six games, one start and no goals; it’s fair to say Mainz expected a lot more from a striker who apparently has a £10 million price-tag on his head.

Liverpool transfer news: Schalke keen on £10m Taiwo Awoniyi signing as R...

Schalke have made an approach to sign Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi – but will face competition from a host of...

And, with last season’s top scorer Mateta returning from injury before the

Christmas break, Awoniyi may have played his final game for Achim Beierlorzer’s side.

“He is a very young player who has athleticism, speed and a good shot, everything you need. But you don’t play because you have everything, but because you are effective, I have to make that clear,” a clearly baffled Beierlorzer told Kicker, explaining why he has been reluctant to give Awoniyi a chance.

After helping Nigeria to win the U-17 World Cup in 2013 with a splendid performance, observers were of the opinion that the Super Eagles have a future in Adeniyi. It indeed came as no surprise when English Premier League club, Liverpool, signed him two years later.

However, his seventh loan spell looms with his Mainz and a senior national team place is still far between.

However, in spite of having spent the last four seasons away from Anfield and yet to make an appearance for the club, Awoniyi was last year handed an improved contract by the management of Liverpool.

difficult to get a work permit for the past four years,” he said.

“At the end of the season, we have to go back to Liverpool to discuss.

Everyone knows the importance of the work permit and how it works, and that you’d need to play for your national team. If you don’t get a chance with your national team then it becomes difficult to get it.”

The youngster ’s struggles to obtain a work permit come as a result of the difficulties non-EU players face, with footballing hopefuls first needing to demonstrate their worth on the international stage, something Awoniyi is yet to do with Nigeria.

Such issues haven’t dampened his hopes for the future though, insisting he chose to join to Premier League outfit due to his love of the English game.

He added: “Personally, I chose Liverpool because I would love to play in the English Premier League for Liverpool. If God says it will happen then it will, but if not then I can only go on with my life and career.

“Going from Germany to Holland and to Belgium was a big career move for me as a player. My thanks to Liverpool for that. It helped me a lot to develop more as a player.

At the moment, I don’t have a work permit. I’ll go on loan again and keep on working hard as much as I can.”

With the likes of Olympiakos, Montpellier, Real Mallorca and Leganes are allegedly lining up to offer the Nigerian international another chance away from Anfield and Liverpool will be hoping that his next loan spell goes rather better.

His first loan stint was at German second-tier club FSV Frankfurt in the 2015/16 campaign then Dutch side NEC Nijmegen the following season in order to attract interest from national selectors and gain a work permit.

For non-EU players to be granted a work permit, they must demonstrate they are an international player of “the highest calibre.”

This means they must have played in 75 per cent of a FIFA top50 ranked national team’s matches over the previous two years.

Awoniyi, who helped his country win the U-17 World Cup in 2013, is currently part of N i geri a ’ s un d er- 2 3 si d e v yi n g f or a t i c ket t o t h e 2 0 2 0 O l ympi c s f o ot ba l l ev en t i n To kyo.

After representing the country at all levels, the product of Imperial Academy is still hoping for a chance at senior level.

He played at the 2015 U-20 World Cup in New Zealand, scoring twice and then helped Nigeria win the 2015 African U-23 Championship in Senegal.

However, he missed out on playing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio in spite of being selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad.

In 2010, Taiwo was voted the Most Valuable Player at a Coca-Cola football competition in London. His performance at the competition was spotted

by Olofinjana who made him join Imperial Soccer Academy.

“I feel excited and I feel very happy.

When I was told about the contract I was so eager to get it done, to move onto the next stage, going out on loan or being a Liverpool player,” Awoniyi told Liverpool’s official website then.

“My ambition is to work hard wherever I find myself and hopefully be a better player.”

The Nigerian striker has since enjoyed loan stints with FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron (twice) and KAA Gent and Mainz last summer for a sixth loan spell since he joined Liverpool in 2015 and a seventh is expected the winter transfer.

The 21-year-old, who is yet to play a competitive game for Liverpool, spent last season at Belgian side Mouscron, scoring 14 goals in 38 appearances.

In April, he admitted his inability to get a UK work permit could derail his hopes of playing for Liverpool, expressing his sadness at being unable to feature for Klopp’s men.

“It saddens my heart that it’s been

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

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Liverpool on Red Alert as Man Utd Threaten Kop’s Unbeaten Run The two most successful teams in English footballLiverpool and Manchester United will go head-to-head today in the headline fixture of Week 23 Premier League.

The Red Devils travel to Anfield with a hat-trick of fallen giants in their sights, having ended the unbeaten runs of Arsenal’s Invincibles and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea ended by the Red Devils in years gone by, the third-longest streak in Premier League history could be next

L

iverpool boast a 38-game stint that dates back to a win at Brighton almost 12 months ago to the day.

And now the threat of the Manchester United curse lingers over Anfield and Jurgen Klopp’s imperious title favourites.

In fact, Liverpool October trip to Old Trafford saw the run come under its biggest threat as Adam Lallana had to rescue a 1-1 draw just five minutes from time. That game did end the Reds’ 17-game winning streak, just one match short of Manchester City’s Premier League record.

But the top spot of the unbeaten leaderboard is now seemingly within grasp.

Chelsea strung together 40 games without defeat across 2004 and 2005 as Mourinho led the Blues to consecutive titles.

Top of the tree are Arsenal, with their Invincibles season of 2003/04 forming much of their 49 match spell to October of that year - when Chel-

sea’s run began.

What do those two runs have in common? United ended them.

The infamous Battle of the Buffet unfolded in the Red Devils’ favour as Ruud van Nistelrooy put his penalty demons against the Gunners aside with a 73rd-minute opener before Wayne Rooney sealed the win in stoppage time.

Mike Riley’s decision to hand United the spot-kick was criticised by many and a fight broke out in the Old Trafford tunnel - Cesc Fabregas lobbing a pizza at Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is fair to say the victory to end Chelsea’s streak in November 2005 was less controversial.

The Blues were 40 games unbeaten when heading to Manchester, where Darren Fletcher’s looping header secured a 1-0 win.

Liverpool will be clear favourites when welcoming their rivals to Merseyside on Sunday while currently 14 points clear at the top of the table.

Yet the visitors have only suffered one defeat in five Premier League trips to Anfield - a run that extends to one

in seven when including Old Trafford encounters.

That one Liverpool win was certainly significant as Mourinho was sacked after the 3-1 loss to Klopp’s men in December 2018.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has manufactured a team that is relatively decent against the top sides, with a counterattacking style suited to being under a bit more pressure.

Arsenal downed United at the Emirates last month but Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Leicester have all lost to the Norwegian this season.

Of course, defeat certainly does not mean Liverpool would collapse and surrender their huge title race lead.

Chelsea bounced back from their streak ending to win 10 straight games and that year’s Premier League. Although Arsenal won only one of their next five matches en route to finishing 12 points off the pace.

However, Liverpool’s victory at Tottenham last time out continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, their record of 20 wins from 21 fixtures the best ever start by any

side in the history of Europe’s top five leagues.

Klopp’s side head into this weekend’s clash having won 12 consecutive top-flight fixtures, whilst they are 38 unbeaten in the Premier League and have gone a mammoth 51 league games without defeat at Anfield, a run stretching all the way back to a 2-1 reverse to Crystal Palace almost three years ago.

The form of the European and world champions is an ominous warning to this weekend’s opponents and those with faint hopes of preventing the Reds securing an elusive Premier League title, though United will take hope from having been the only side to take points from the leaders so far this season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side continue to produce inconsistent performances, mixing solid showings with inadequate displays. Three victories and two defeats from their previous five fixtures is in keeping with their season thus far, an inexperienced team often taking two steps forward and then one back.

Last weekend’s morale boosting thrashing of Norwich was much

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 18, 2020

33

GLOBAL SOCCER Head to Head 20-01-19 Liverpool? ? Man Utd 19-10-20 Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool 19-02-23 Manc Utd 0-0 Liverpool 18-12-15 Liverpool 3-1 Man Utd 18-03-10 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool 17-10-14 Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd 17-01-15 Man Utd 1-1 Liverpool 16-10-17 Liverpool 0-0 Man Utd 16-01-17 Liverpool 0-1 Man Utd 15-09-12 Man Utd 3-1 Liverpool 15-03-22 Liverpool 1-2 Man Utd 14-12-14 Man Utd 3-0 Liverpool 14-03-16 ManUtd 0-3 Liverpool 13-09-01 Liverpool 1-0 Man Utd 13-01-13 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool 12-09-23 Liverpool 1-2 Man Utd 12-02-11 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool 11-10-15 Liverpool 1-1 Man Utd 11-03-06 Liverpool 3-1 Man Utd 10-09-19 Man Utd 3-2Liverpool 10-03-21 Man Utd 2-1 Liverpool

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

21 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 21 22 22 22 22

36 37 26 10 11 3 3 5 -4 -2 -7 -1 -13 -5 -13 -8 -14 -15 -15 -23

61 47 45 39 34 32 31 30 29 28 28 2 28 26 24 24 22 22 21 20 14

Premier League TODAY

Watford Arsenal Brighton Man City Norwich Southampton West Ham Newcastle

v v v v v v v

Tottenham Sheffield Aston Villa v Crystal Palace Bournemouth Wolves Everton Chelsea

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

v v

Leicester Man

14:00 16:30

v v v v

Alavés Sevilla Valladolid Atlético

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

v v v v v

Valencia Sociedad Espanyol Celta Vigo Granada

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

v v v

Sampdoria Torino Fiorentina

14:00 17:00 19:45

v v v v v v

Udinese Verona Cagliari Inter Roma Parma

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

v

SPAL

19:45

SUNDAY

Burnley Liverpool

Utd

La Liga TODAY

Levante Madrid Osasuna Eibar SUNDAY

Mallorca Real Betis Villarreal Bilbao Barcelona

Serie A TODAY

Lazio Sassuolo Napoli SUNDAY

AC Milan Bologna Brescia Lecce Genoa Juventus MONDAY

Atalanta

Hot Shot PLAYERS

needed following poor displays against Arsenal in the Premier League and Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, results which were in contrast to the club’s previously impressive record against top six opposition.

Already this season Manchester United have enjoyed victories over Chelsea (twice), Manchester City, Tottenham and Leicester, whilst as mentioned earlier their draw with Liverpool is the only fixture in which the Merseyside club have dropped points.

The Red Devils pace in forward areas is perhaps better suited to games in which they concede the majority of possession, and hitting on the counter-attack with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Daniel James will more than likely be their plan at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer believes he has discovered a ‘nice’ way of playing against Liverpool ahead of United’s clash with the Premier League leaders on Sunday. United are the only team to take points off Liverpool in the league this season after their 1-1 draw

at Old Trafford in October. That result continued Jurgen Klopp’s struggle for victories over the Red Devils since he arrived as Liverpool boss in 2015.

The German has taken on Manchester United 10 times as manager of the Reds and won just twice, with six draws and two defeats to the Old Trafford side.

Klopp’s side have not been beaten at home in the league since April 2017, so Solskjaer has a tough task ahead of him at Anfield this weekend, but he is confident of getting a result.

‘Of course it is hard, but I’ve had Liverpool here twice, we’ve drawn both,’ Solskjaer said after the FA Cup victory over Wolves on Wednesday night. ‘Of course you want to win them games but I think we’ve found a nice way of playing against them and we’ve deserved the points in both of them.

‘Let’s just wait and see, because it’s a couple of days before I see you again so let’s talk about Liverpool then.’

Solskjaer has indeed confirmed an injury blow to Marcus Rashford,

ahead of their quest to end Liverpool’s Invincibles bid with the chances of that happening have taken a significant hit as Rashford suffered an injury during United’s 1-0 victory over Wolves in an FA Cup thirdround replay on Wednesday evening.

Rashford came off the bench when the score was still goalless but lasted just 16 minutes before being forced off with a back injury, having suffered from similar knocks in recent weeks.

While there is hope that the England international will be available for the clash with Liverpool this weekend, Solskjaer stated the decision to introduce him backfired.

“Yeah that backfired, sometimes that happens. He took a knock and he couldn’t run. He has struggled with a few knocks in his back lately and there’s another one today,” he told BT Sport after the match.

The 22-year-old has been in prolific form for United recently, scoring six goals in his last eight appearances in all competitions prior to the midweek FA Cup clash against Wolves.

CLUB

GOALS

Jamie Vardy Leicester 17 Marcus Rashford Man Utd 14 Danny Ings Southampton 14 Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal 14 Sergio Agüero Man City 13 Tammy Abraham Chelsea 13 Sadio Mané Liverpool 11 Harry Kane Tottenham 11 Raheem Sterling Man City 11 Mohamed Salah Liverpool 10 Gabriel Jesus Man City 9 Teemu Pukki Norwich 9 Raul Jimenez Wolves 8 Anthony Martial Man Utd 8 Richarlison Everton 8 Dominic Calvert-Lewin Everton 8 Chris Wood Burnley 8 Kevin De Brune Man City 7 Riyad Mahrez Man City 7 Firmino Liverpool 7 Neal Maupay Brighton 7 Jack Grealish Aston Villa 6 Dele Alli Tottenham 6 James Maddison Leicester 6 Todd Cantwell Norwich 6 Sebastien Haller West Ham 6 Harry Wilson Bournemouth 6

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: Vice Chairman Nigeria Econmic Surmit Group (NESG); Mr. Olaniyin Yusuf; Board Members, NESG, Mr. Udeme Ufort; Minister of Youth and Sport Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; Lead, NESG, Sport Industry Thematic Group, Mrs. Nkechi Obi; and CEO, NESG, Mr. Jayeola Laoye, at the signing of MOU between the NESG and Ministry of Youth and Sport Development, yesterday in Lagos.

Serena Williams

Australian Open

Serena’s 24th Grand Slam Quest Continues in Melbourne Serena Williams is the firm favourite to win theAustralian Open as she again bids for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles title.

The 38-year-old American is aiming to match the record set in 1973 by Australia’s Margaret Court, who will be recognised at the tournament on the 50th anniversary of her calendar Grand Slam.

Williams has not won a Grand Slam title since the 2017 Australian Open, when she was eight weeks pregnant.

Since returning from maternity leave

in March 2018, she has reached four Grand Slam finals - two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open - losing them all. But she goes into this tournament as the clear favourite, having rediscovered how to win a final.

Williams claimed the Auckland International on Sunday, beating fellow American Jessica Pegula in the final, to lift her first trophy in almost three years.

“It’s been a long time; I think you could see the relief on my face,” she said.

Williams’ drought has helped

open up the women’s game; the past 11 Grand Slams have produced nine different winners, over a period that has seen seven players hold the world number one ranking.

Old guard Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are still expected to be the men to beat in Melbourne, while Britain’s former world number one Andy Murray is missing because of a pelvic injury.

The first Grand Slam of the 2020 season is set to go ahead as planned, despite the backdrop of raging bushfires

Blaugrana Sports: OurVision is to Help Others Live their Dreams Globally, good spirited individuals and concerned responsible corporate citizens have made tremendous contributions towards making the human society healthier, peaceful, loving, progressive and sustainably prosperous with the youths as the target using sports - nowadays especially football as a platform.

In the light of this, Leslie Oghomienor, Chairman, Blaugrana Sports Group International, promoters of Barca Academy Group Nigeria and Sub Saharan Africa and the representative of the Barca Family in Nigeria during the week in a chat with the media in Lagos, expressed the entire Blaugrana Sports Group family overwhelming excitement and joy in seeing that gradually, the organisation’s vision of helping others live their dreams and furthering their life mission was yielding excellent, inspiring, encouraging and highly motivating results.

Speaking on behalf of Blaugrana Sports, he said there was an amaz-

ing experience of joy and profound peace in the selflessness of helping others achieve their life goals, live their dream after effective self-discovery that would enable such individuals identify opportunities, explore and maximise such, in other to make meaningful progress that would live the world far better than they met it is what drives us.

He revealed that since the organisation started out in late 2016 with launching of the BarcaAcademy Group in 2017 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium Surulere, Lagos, the organisation has supported various novel and noble initiatives in various sectors of the economy and strata of the society prominent among them is the 1000 Leaders Global Project Group, Neymar Jr. Five, Elite 96 Scholarship, FC Bulmaro and Asisat Oshoala Foundation to list just a few.

He further explained, “our excitement and further motivation today is that a tiny part of this vision of ours,

Asisat Oshoala recently crowned African Football queen whose foundation for the promotion of female football was never seen in this light by us, ours is to enable her further the novel cause of improving the lives of others who may not have the parental ability support and the right guardiance.”

“My team and I are always very excited and elated when we see people we have encouraged and supported in our little way make meaningful upward movement in their chosen field or career like past scholars in FC Bulmaro, a young vibrant club making waves in the Nigerian football scenes, our students winning a global tournament the Americans or the Europeans never won and recently the African Queen of Football - Asisat Oshoala. Honestly, no amount of money is enough for the joy in us as a body. We are motivated and inspired to urge on. And that is our vision. Doing more in the years ahead is top in our agenda.”

GOtv to Beam Man City, Crystal Palace, Others Live this Weekend A series of top-flight games involving elite European teams across various football competitions will be aired live on GOtv during this weekend.

The games, scheduled to hold from today and tomorrow, will be broadcast live on SuperSport Select 2 to GOtv Max and GOtv JOLLI subscribers, and on SuperSport Select 4 and SuperSport Select 5 exclusive to GOtv Max subscribers.

A fascinating game lies in prospect when Real Madrid host Sevilla at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga today at 4pm and will be aired live on

SuperSport Select 4.

In the Premier League, defending champions, Manchester City welcome Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium today. The game will be aired lie at SuperSport Select 2 at 4pm.

Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, know that they cannot afford any more slip-ups as they attempt to close the 14-point deficit created by Liverpool and successfully defend their league title..

Also to be broadcast today is the Serie A encounter between Napoli

and Fiorentina at the Stadio San Paulo.

The game is at 8:45pm and will be shown live on SuperSport Select 5.

Sunday’s action will see Leicester City hopes to continue their improbable challenge for the Premier League title when they travel to face Burnley at the Turf Moor.

The game begins at 3pm and will be live on SuperSport Select 2.

The weekend’s coverage will be concluded with the game at the Camp Nou betweenthedefendingLaLigachampions, Barcelona, and Granda at 9pm on Sunday on SuperSport Select 5.

Joshua Holds Talks with Usyk’s Promoter on WBO Title Defence Oleksandr Usyk’s promoter has held “interesting talks” with Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn in London ahead of a potential 2020 heavyweight bout.

Alexander Krassyuk, who now works alongside Hearn, revealed details of the meeting on social media on Thursday.

Krassyuk had previously told Sky Sports that Usyk’s desired world heavyweight championship fight against Joshua occurring this year “is a fact” but he must first decide whether to face Derek Chisora or Joseph Parker beforehand.

Joshua has two mandatory challengers snapping at his heels - Usyk (WBO) and Kubrat Pulev (IBF). Since Joshua regained his belts from Andy Ruiz Jr last month, Pulev has been leading the race to be his next opponent for a UK homecoming fight.

Chisora’s manager David Haye had been lobbying for an opportunity at the WBO title with the governing body if it becomes vacant due to Joshua’s decision to instead face IBF mandatory challenger Pulev.

Haye told Sky Sports last year: “It makes sense for them to sanction Chisora vs Usyk.”

Usyk still might decide to take on Chisora, with promoter Hearn confirming that March 28 at The O2 is pencilled in, if the WBO belt remains in Joshua’s hands.

“In case it turns out that the WBO title is vacant, Usyk will be happy to fight for it,” Krassyuk explained. “And Joseph Parker is the highest available contender.”

Joshua does not want to vacate or be stripped of the WBO title but told Sky Sports: “If I have to, I’ll give it away - but I’ll get it back again.”

Undefeated Ukrainian Usyk remains adamant that his long-held dream of facing Joshua in a world title fight will be realised in 2020, whether he enters as a mandatory challenger or as the winner of the vacant WBO belt. Usyk won an Olympic gold medal at London 2012 alongside Joshua and has since become the undisputed cruiserweight champion, before stepping up to heavyweight and trying to become only the third boxer ever to win a belt in both divisions.

“Usyk will fight Joshua and this is a fact! The question is whether it happens in the next fight or the other,” Krassyuk said.

“At this stage we wait for AJ’s decision.”

FGDC Acquires Rights to Market World Corporate Golf Challenge in Nigeria Golf promotion and development outfit, Falcon Golf Development Company has acquired the rights to market one of the world most prestigious golf tournaments in Nigeria- World Corporate Golf Challenge.

The deal was sealed in Portugal in 2019, the Chief Executive Officer of the events franchise holder in Nigeria, Remi Olukoya of FGDC has revealed.

The deal also brings to two, such international competitions organised by the outfit; the first being International Pairs which enters its sixth year in 2020 and the newly acquired World Corporate Golf Challenge.

Unveiling the development at a media parley in Lagos, Olukoya said the decision to acquire the rights to the event was made to boost Nigeria’s image internationally and to further contribute to the development of the game of golf in the country.

The WCGC began in the United Kingdom in 1993, with the plan of providing companies a plan that will help enhance relationship both internally and externally.

As a result of its success in the UK, the concept was rolled out around the world, reaching golf playing countries like Indian, Norway, Malaysia, Sweden, Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, and Australia amongst others.

Few years later the event berthed in Nigeria and was sponsored then by Econet Corporate Golf Challenge and at one time by Vodacom.

It was so popular at the time that one of the national finals held at Achimota Golf Club in Ghana. When the promoter at the time Habeeb Fasinro left for politics, its fortune dwindled.

Now, almost 10 years after it was last played, FGDC has brought WCGC back in a bigger and better way, so says Olukoya.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 18, 2020

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ogenyi Onazi

Surplus to Requirements at Trabzonspor Early in the season, he set sights on winning the Turkish League trophy with Trabzonspor and get back to his best form, but it was a dream in futility as Trabzonspor sees the 2013 AFCON winner as surplus to requirement and therefore terminated his appointment.

Hours after Ogenyi Onazi was relieved of his appointment by his former employer another Turkish side, Denizlispor gave him a one-and-half-year contract Onazi

H

ours after his contract was terminated at Trabzonspor, a club he joined from Italian club Lazio in August 2016 and made 79 league appearances scoring seven goals, Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has linked up Turkish Super Lig club Denizlispor on a one-and-half-year contract The 27-year-old recently returned to action after spending almost a year on the sidelines due to achilles tendon injury.

“We would like to thank our valuable player Onazi, who has adopted the values of our club in a short period of time, who has managed to integrate with the city of Trabzon, who has won the love of all our fans from seven to seventy with his character and sincerity, and wish luck and success in his career after Trabzonspor. Get on the road, Ogenyi Onazi!,”reads a message on Trabzonspor’s official website.

Turkish Super Lig title contenders Trabzonspor terminated Onazi’s contract on Wednesday. The Black Sea club said on their website that Onazi’s deal was ended by mutual termination so he became free agent.

The 27-year-old central midfielder had a contract with Trabzonspor until May 2020.

The Turkish side had earlier informed Nigerian international Onazi to find another club, as his services were no longer needed.

The 2013 AFCON winning star only returned from a long-term injury layoff a few weeks ago but has not been able to reclaim a starting shirt in the side.

Trabzonspor have been enjoying a solid campaign so far with the Black Sea Storm currently in third place on the

Super Lig table.

The side have 32 points from 17 games played, just one point behind second-placed Instabul Basaksehir, and five behind league leaders Sivasspor.

Al Wahda of Dubai was initially said to be interested in signing Onazi, after his agent is understood to have proposed the midfielder to the Abu Dhabi club.

Onazi himself has slammed reports that he could well be on his way out of Trabzonspor, even firing salvos at the Nigerian media for “fake news”. Onazi who recently returned from a lengthy injury, told AOIFootball.com from this team’s training base in Antalya, that he now wants to focus on the positives and also try to lead the club to an eventful end to the season.

“Glory be to God Almighty for his grace. New Year, New beginning. I have objectives for the year and unfinished business with my and club is to battle for the title. We are on course for that and I am working so hard to get to the level I was before my injury. This is my priority for now,” Onazi stated.

The Turkish outfit had just completed the signing of Stoke City midfielder, Badou Ndiaye, a situation that has further pushed the Nigerian down the pecking order at the club.

He played 20 games for Lazio during the campaign, although he became a more regular starter when Simone Inzaghi took over as coach in April. “I left Lazio for personal reasons,” said Onazi, who had two years left to run in his contract at the Stadio Olimpico, and had been offered a deal to extend it.

“It might be difficult for some people to understand my decision but this is a step forward in my career.

“The Lazio coach spoke to the management about keeping me. I was even offered a contract extension to stay but Trabzonspor provides a new lease of life. I will always be a Lazio fan because the club gave me the platform to be the player I am today.”

Former Lazio and Nigerian strikerAyodele Makinwa, the midfielder’s agent, said that Onazi would benefit from the move.

“He desperately wanted a change and new motivation,” said Makinwa. “Trabzonspor is one of the biggest clubs in Turkey and it is a stepping stone towards achieving his goals as a professional footballer. Joining a club fighting for the title will challenge and push him to the next level. He will definitely be one of the leaders in the team and this should serve as a motivation to achieve what he wants.”

Onazi began playing football in the streets of Jos, Plateau State, in 1998. His football skills and abilities drew a lot of attention to him and afforded him the opportunity to play in some academies in the city.

His footballing abilities came to prominence when he moved to Lagos to play for My People.

As a 16-year-old, Onazi represented his country at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Nigeria finished runners-up. However, he was overlooked for selection at the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup two years later, despite participating in the training camps in Portugal and Panama.

He made his debut for the senior national team in an Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Liberia.

Onazi was called up to Nigeria’s 23-man squad for the 2013 AFCON, where he played in every game. He was also named in Nigeria’s final squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and started in all four games as Nigeria were eliminated by France in the round of 16.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

FAIRGROUND with

Ikenna Emeka at 50

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

F

amily, friends and associates of Dr.Ikenna Emeka of The Olive Branch Clinic on Admiralty Way, Lekki Lagos, gathered in their numbers to celebrate, as he turned 50 recently.

Also at the party were some of Nollywood’s screen goddesses. The event started off with a thanksgiving and Holy Communion service at his Ikoyi residence, followed by a reception at The Landmark Centre, Lagos.

It was a night to experience the many shades of Dr. Emeka, as everyone present was treated to the finest food of Chef Eros and distinct cocktails from Los Angeles Mixologist, Marlin Varquez. The Shuga Band provided great music and DJ Big N was on the beat for the after party.

Anchored by Comedian Okey Bakassi, everyone present had something good to say about the celebrant.

The event was put together by the Funmi Victor Okigbo-led NoSurprises Event Architects.

Happy birthday Doc…

Amaka Nwonye

Tobe Okigbo Mazen Mroue Onyinye and Dr Ikenna

Sandra Mujakpero and Okey Ajaero

Mr and Mrs. Emeka Enech

L-R: Kelechi Edomobi; Amaka Nwonye; Chinwe Obioha; and Chima Edomobi

Leye and Wande Adebiyi

Nkem and Chika Onuh

L-R: A guest; Monalisa Chinda; Onyinye; Rita Dominic; Ireti Doyle; and Michelle Dede

Linda Saint Nwafor

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

37

FAIRGROUND

Small Chops Movie in Cinemas

N

ollywood superstars, Eucharia Anunobi, Nkem Owoh, Rachael Okonkwo, Toyin Abraham, Nse IkpeEtim, and more, feature in Chika Ike’s ‘Small Chops’ movie that will be out in cinemas on January 31.

Are you the main meal or Small Chops? Small Chops movie tells a story of love, survival and hustle! Produced by award winning Nollywood actor, filmmaker, author, entrepreneur and humanitarian, Chika Ike, Small Chops movie will give you food for thought and also have you laughing, all your favourites are in this movie.

Small Chops movie is actionpacked, filled with drama and a lot of life lessons too.

After 15 years of acting

and filming back to back in Nollywood, Chika decided to take a break from Nollywood to further her education and set up a business. In January 2020 she will return to the big screens to premier ‘Small Chops’.

Directed by Robert Peters, the director of ’30 Days in Atlanta’ and ‘A Trip to Jamaica’, the movie is also co-produced by Serah Donald Onyeachor.

The Movie stars Nollywood superstars like Eucharia Anunobi, Nkem Owoh, Rachael Okonkwo, Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka), Toyin Abraham, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Chika Ike herself, and a British actor Max Cavenham.

The recently released teaser shows the actress and producer playing the role of a sexy dancer. Small Chops Movie is brought to you by Filpscript entertainment and Filmone Entertainments.

Chika Ike

Yungblnkz Joins Africa’s Fast-rising Acts

Yungblnkz

Famed for music genres such as Afrobeats, Reggae, Hip Hop and R&B, the musician is not afraid to break boundaries. Debuting with his Afrobeats and rap–infused single, "I'm Hot" produced by T.K, he continues to break bounds in the music industry, following up with a tour of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, and Europe, announcing himself on the international stage as an artist to watch.

The well-traveled musician has performed with some industry heavyweights.

At the home front, he has also toured the country, performing for massive crowds at some of the biggest summer festivals.

Yungblnkz also has a distinct artistic sensitivity and ability of adapting to a wide range of musical styles, including solo percussion performances, improvisations, and Reggae.

An advocate of good mental health, Yungblnkz has started an advocacy to curb the issue among Nigeria’s youths using his platforms as an influencer of young people to

raise awareness of mental health issues in the country. Realising the negative consequences of poor mental health among Nigerian youths, Abimbola Jeremiah Popoola, also known as Yungblnkz, has started a campaign to raise awareness about the situation.

He has also created a mental health campaign, which he tagged “Fight It Movement” and has distributed over 10,000 “Fight it Movement” mental health materials and tool kits, to create awareness about the mental health crisis in the country.

The leading Aforbeat star is also encouraging other musicians to join the fight to combat mental health related issues in the community.

Yungblnkz, who is one of rising stars in Afrobeat genre, has dropped a smashing debut single, “I’m Hot” that has been accepted by young music lovers because of its fast rapinfused melodious rhythm.

He is taking the music industry by storm with over half a million streams on music platforms.

Fruit Styling Brought Me Before Great Personalities, Says Foluke Adedokun Foluke Adedokun is one fruit stylist in demand today at major parties in and outside of Lagos. As a fruit styling entrepreneur, her artistry speaks volume. Her expertise in the fruit craft, which she learnt from a mentor, has opened doors for her in the events industry.

It has enabled her to gain the attention of high profile clientele.

The certified event manager said she started-out about five years ago with a seed capital of N10,000. Foluke, who is the CEO of Fruitie World, says her love and passion for eating healthy, especially fruits, has made her turn what she loves into business. In 2019, Foluke was among the nominees and eventual winner of the Award of Fruit Artistry and Smoothies Company of the year by the Association of Professional Party Planners and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN). She was also a one-time winner of the City People Magazine’s best Fruit Dessert Stylist of the year. Interestingly, her brand was one of the fruit stylist engaged this year at the Lagos State Government Annual Thanksgiving.

“About five years ago I made a decision to venture into fruit styling as a result of my lifestyle, that is, healthy living through healthy eating. I decided to make a business out of my lifestyle and my dream is that everyone would make healthy living through fruit consumption a lifestyle,” she said.

The fruitie boss said her business has given her the privilege to meet with some Nigerian celebrities such as Mercy Aigbe, who engaged her brand to provide fruit services during her 40th birthday.

She was also engaged by the planners of the 80th birthday party of Chief Ade Ojo, founder of Elizade Motors, sometime back. She was also a fruit vendor at the 2019 edition of the Access-Lagos Marathon.

According to her, marketing her craft has not been too difficult as she enjoys referral from clients who have been dazzled by her brand offering.

“If there’s one thing we don’t fail to do, it is exceeding our client’s expectation per time, which has paid off.” she said.

Lending her voice to entrepreneurship in Nigeria, she said, “Business growth is an ongoing concern. Businesses are birthed daily, but growth and sustainability is the main issue. Truth is, being an entrepreneur in Nigeria is quite demanding, most especially because of the poor enabling environment. In spite of all of the odds, I encourage more Nigerians, especially youths, to embrace entrepreneurship and not give up on their dreams.”

Speaking on her future plans, the Fruitie World boss says her dream is to be the leading Fruit Styling brand in West Africa and put Nigeria on the world map of exceptional Fruit Stylists.

Foluke Adedokun

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

38

AUTO Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Opens with Talents from South Africa

The GR Yaris

Toyota Premieres GR Yaris Highperformance First Edition Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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he GR Yarisa sports car based on knowledgeandknow-howformaking it a FIA World Rally Championship winnerwasdevelopedbycollaborating withprofessionaldriversusingvarious roads around the world to make it a car that would enable anyone to enjoy driving with peace of mind.

Vehiclepackagingwithattentionpaidtoaerodynamics, light weight, and high rigidity 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine G16E-GTS developed via the application of knowledge cultivated by competing in numerous motorsports Newlydeveloped“GR-FOUR”sports4WDsystem for supporting driving that feels good in all driving situations and that can match the driving style of any driver Chiba, Japan, January 10, 2020 Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) premiered the new GR Yaris a homologation*1 model born to win the FIAWorld RallyChampionship(WRC)attheTokyoAutoSalon*2 today.

Along with aiming to commence sales of the GR Yaris in around summer 2020, Toyota began*3 (from

10:00a.m.today)acceptingonline-only*4pre-ordersin JapanfortwospecialeditionsofthenewmodeltheRZ “First Edition” and the RZ “High-performance First Edition”. Pre-orders will be accepted from January 10 to June 30, or for approximately six months.

Learning from competing in the WRC, Toyota developed the GRYaris together with Tommi Mäkinen Racing*5 from the ground up to be a WRC winner, as an original model of TOYOTAGAZOO Racing’s sports car lineup.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, which has been conducting activities to “refine people and refine cars” in the pursuit of making ever-better cars, has from its entranceinthe2017RallyeMonte-CarloinMonacoto the present come to know, through the WRC, various types of roads regularly used by its customers around the world. Thus, the GR Yaris was developed to be a car that responds to driver demand on all types of roads worldwide. Based on the knowledge and know-howaccumulatedbyTOYOTAGAZOORacing, the birth of the GR Yaris is the result of giving form to what has been learned from the TOYOTAGAZOO Racing World Racing Team about how to make cars that are competitive in the WRC, as well as the result of reflecting evaluations by non-Toyota professional driversfromtheearlystagesofdevelopment.Inshort, the GR Yaris is meant to be a car that allows anyone to drive as one wishes with peace of mind.

The GRYaris employs a sports 4WD platform based on the TNGA*6 approach. Taking feedback from real WRC experiences, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing built the GR Yaris from scratch to achieve a high-rigidity body of highly refined balance while also optimizing front and rear suspension geometry. By combining its platform with the “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system, efforts were made to achieve a high level of dynamic performance.Furthermore,theupperbody,inaddition to using aluminum for the hood, trunk lid, and door panels, features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof panel formed using the sheet molding compound method,whichaccommodatesahighleveloffreedom inshapedesign.Thefirmthree-door-typecabinpoints to excellent aerodynamic performance, while light weight is still achieved.

Among the GR Yaris’ available engine variations, the 1.6-liter in-line three-cylinder direct-injection turbo engine is a newly developed compact and light highpower unit. In addition to the high-speed combustion of a TNGAengine, by increasing engine revolutions through the use of lightweight moving parts, and by optimizing the turbocharger and other elements of the air intake and exhaust system, efforts were made to achieve the world’s highest maximum output for a three-cylinder engine*7 of 200 kW (272 PS), as well as to achieve continuous provision of abundant torque over a wide range of engine speeds.

Ford F-150 Earns All Good Ratings as Best Performing Pickup Truck

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he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released test results showing that among all lightduty crew cab pickups measured in small overlap front crash testing for both driver and passenger, the 2019 Ford F-150 is the only truck to earn its top-tier good rating in all categories. Among 11 pickups, F-150 is also on top as the best performer in passenger-side small overlap front crash testing.

“F-150’s smart engineering, plus the innovative combination of its high-strength steel frame and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum alloy body continues to demonstrate enduring customer benefits – from repeated class-leading crash test performance to best-in-class towing and payload,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford executive vice president, Product Development and Purchasing.

Across-functional group of Ford truck veterans worked thousands of hours to help improve durability, capability, fuel economy and safety for F-150. The team created 31 safety-related innovations – including structures that manage crash forces, plus joining methods that were tested virtually with computer simulations then retested in Ford’s advanced laboratories.

To manage crash forces in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap front crash test, Ford created a system of innovations that work together to help achieve this result. These include a patented extruded aluminum roof crossmember and additional

Ford F-150

frame crossmember that work to improve crash resilience.

Other smart innovations include nylon hinge pillar reinforcements that save weight, and in conjunction with specially designed wheel blockers, work to control crash forces while

also providing additional safety.

This accolade follows National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing that awarded F-150 crew cab a five-star overall vehicle score and a five-star rating for driver and passenger for all crash test modes.

In the 25th year of global fashion commitment

by Mercedes-Benz, Clive Rundle, FloydAvenue, Rich Mnisi and Viviers staged a group show to open the Fashion Week at Kraftwerk in Berlin Stuttgart/Berlin. The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Autumn/Winter 2020 was opened on Monday evening with the group show “Mercedes-Benz presents fashion talents from South Africa”. In the new location at Kraftwerk, Clive Rundle, Floyd Avenue, Rich Mnisi and Viviers sent their models along the 45-metre long catwalk in looks they created especially for Berlin. The group show was the opening event marking the 25th anniversary of the global fashion commitment of Mercedes-Benz, and part of the international young talent promotion programme Mercedes-Benz Fashion Talents.

Among the guests was the South African top model Candice Swanepoel and followed the appearance of fashion from her home country with great interest.

The fashion scene is gaining in importance in Africa, and particularly in South Africa, and is now attracting more and more attention beyond the borders of the continent. “I am very pleased that with Clive Rundle, Floyd Avenue, Rich Mnisi and Viviers, we have been able to attract four interesting and fascinating international fashion designers from South Africa for the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin,” said Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz. “It’s always inspiring to see how creatively the up-and-coming designers work with the resources available to them, and do so in a very natural, sustainable manner. Today’s kick-off show once again underlines our clear international fashion commitment, and at the same time the importance we have attached to promoting young talent for over ten years.”

“The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Berlin is a central part of our global fashion commitment.

I am therefore very pleased that we have been able to expand again this season by moving to Kraftwerk and to expand the concept of a fashion event for experts and the general public.” , says Michael Schiebe, Head of Sales Passenger Cars Germany and member of the Executive Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales Germany. “The show with four up-and-coming talents from South Africa underlines our clear commitment to Berlin as cultural centre and one of Europe’s important fashion platforms.”

The fashion expert Annette Pringle-Kölsch has lived in Johannesburg for 15 years and supports numerous up-and-coming designers. She is very familiar with the special conditions under which the fashion scene works in Africa. She explains that the increasing professionalisation of designers and the growing market are an important job creator in the manufacturing businesses and studios. At the same time the resources available to the designers primarily consist of materials disposed of as waste by other countries. Many fabrics are imported and sold via warehouses and markets. This means that most materials are only available in limited quantities, therefore collections are produced by hand as small series with a high level of exclusivity. By upcycling and reusing existing products, the designers inherently work on sustainable basis that conserves resources, while creating high-quality fashion that is one-off in nature.

Clive Rundle is one of South Africa’s most renowned Fashion Designers with a 30 years legacy of creating avantgarde womenswear. He has been in business since 1989, when he opened his first store. Clive tells new stories with old cloth. He marries creative tailoring with vintage and end of line textiles collected over decades from Johannesburg’s local stores. At the heart of his work, he re-imagines these textiles elevating them into timeless luxe womenswear collections layering cloth and silhouettes; a play of light, patterns and tailored body positive shapes.

His designs are a tactile experience pushing sophisticated techniques to the edges seeking transformation and discovery in processes that reveal beauty in textiles that might have been commonly ugly. Working with a repeating tonal palette and core signature shapes means the collections are easily combined in unexpected ways to be worn again and again across seasons.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

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AUTO

Jaguar Land Rover’s new Shape-shifting Seat Optimises Wellbeing on Long Journeys Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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aguar Land Rover is developing the seat of the future - a pioneering shape-shifting system designed to improve customer wellbeing by tackling the health risks of sitting down for too long.

The ‘morphable’ seat, being trialled by Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors Research division, uses a series of actuators in the seat foam to create constant micro-adjustments that make your brain think you’re walking, and could be individually tailored to each driver and passenger.

More than a quarter of people worldwide – 1.4 billion – are living increasingly sedentary lifestyles*, which can shorten muscles in the legs, hips and gluteals causing back pain.

The weakened muscles also mean you are more likely to injure yourself from falls or strains.

By simulating the rhythm of walking, a movement known as pelvic oscillation, the technology can help mitigate against the health risks of sitting down for too long on extended journeys with some drivers doing hundreds of kilometres per week.

Dr Steve Iley, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Medical Officer, said: “The wellbeing of our customers and employees is at the heart of all our technological research projects.

We are using our engineering expertise to develop the seat of the future using innovative technologies not seen before in the automotive industry to help tackle an issue that affects people across the globe.”

Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles already feature the latest in ergonomic seat design, with multi-directional adjustments, massage functions and climate control fitted across the range. Dr Iley has also issued advice on how to adjust your seat to ensure the perfect driving position, from removing bulky items in your pocket, to shoulder positioning and from ensuring your spine and pelvis are straight to supporting your thighs to reduce pressure points.

The research is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to continually improving customer wellbeing through technological innovation. Previous projects have included research to reduce the effects of motion sickness and the implementation of ultraviolet light technology to stop the spread of colds and flu.

Together, these efforts are driving towards Destination Zero; Jaguar Land Rover’s ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner – a responsible future for our workers, customers and communities around us. Through relentless innovation, Jaguar Land Rover is adapting product and services to meet the rapidlychanging world.

Land Rover Discovery 2020

Volvo Cars to Deploy In-car Cameras

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olvo Cars has revealed a new step in its ambitions to end fatalities in its cars by addressing the issues of intoxication and distraction.

Apart from speeding, which the company aims to help combat with a top speed limit, intoxication and distraction are two other primary areas of concern for traffic safety. Together, these three areas constitute the main ‘gaps’ towards Volvo Cars’ vision of a future with zero traffic fatalities and require a focus on human behaviour in the company’s safety work as well.

For example, figures by NHTSA show that in the United States, almost 30 per cent of all traffic fatalities in vehicles in 2017 involved intoxicated drivers.

Volvo Cars believes intoxication and distraction should be addressed by installing in-car cameras and other sensors that monitor the driver and allow the car to intervene if a clearly intoxicated or distracted driver does not respond to warning signals and is risking an accident involving serious injury or death.

That intervention could involve limiting the car’s speed, alerting the Volvo on Call assistance service

and, as a final course of action, actively slowing down and safely parking the car.

“When it comes to safety, our aim is to avoid accidents altogether rather than limit the impact when an accident is imminent and unavoidable,” says Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research &DevelopmentatVolvoCars.“Inthiscase,cameras will monitor for behaviour that may lead to serious injury or death.”

Examples of such behavior include a complete lack of steering input for extended periods of time, drivers who are detected to have their eyes closed or off the road for extended periods of time, as well as extreme weaving across lanes or excessively slow reaction times.

Adriver monitoring system as described above is an important element of allowing the car to actively make decisions in order to help avoid accidents that could result in severe injuries or death.

“There are many accidents that occur as a result of intoxicated drivers,” says Trent Victor, Professor of Driver Behaviour at Volvo Cars.

“Some people still believe that they can drive after having had a drink, and that this will not affect their capabilities.

Executives of Volvo step up ambition to end fatalities

Between Madd and Fadd Candy Lightner of Mothers against drunk driving (MADD) and Rochelle Sobel of The Association for Safe International Road Travel are two mothers whose contributions have shaped road safety culture globally. These two lost their loved ones through a road traffic crash. Like every grieving mother, Lightner and Rochelle could have chosen to grief for life. They could equally have chosen to blame government failure or perhaps hate the driver that caused them pain. The Almighty God could even have been placed on judgment seat to explain why?

Instead, they chose to stand and be counted.

I have paid credence to their sad stories and blazing trail globally. This piece is not about both mothers although the roads they have traveled to ensure no mother suffers the same trauma and anguish prompted me to do this piece hoping that it will provoke the menfolk into active involvement in road safety advocates meant to project a safer culture in our clime.

Every parent’s role is to protect their children.

Rochelle and Lightner could not protect theirs, yet they choose to protect others. This I believe should be the commitment of every father not just to grief but to do something to save other children from the same tragedy.

I don’t know if you are a father or mother. I also do not know if you have ever lost a loved one in any of these avoidable road traffic crashes which are majorly traceable to human errors

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 such as excessive speeding, tyre blowout, fatigue, dangerous driving, distraction as a result of use of phone while driving or other impaired driving behaviors, I have lost friends too. These losses did not consign me to a sadist but challenged my commitment to doing more to saving lives.

I know that mothers suffer most when loved ones are lost but I believe that men should play more active roles in safety rather than being docile. Men should take the drivers seats to help incite others to action. They should kick a few pebbles, turn a few stones, and eventually have an avalanche of fathers who have chosen to say no to bad and irresponsible driving according to Candy Lightner.

I don’t know if you followed the numerous consultations between the Federal Road Safety Corps led by the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi with players in the transport sector fleet operators such as Dangote and Peace Mass

Transit in 2019. I am sure you are conversant with the reasons for these numerous consultations occasioned by the increasing spate of road traffic crashes involving fleet operators among others and the need to checkmate bad practices and project best practices. I recall one of such meetings held with one of the topmost fleet operators as part of the Corps strategies to promote safety. In the meeting held, the FRSC helmsman fired with all arsenals when he expressed his worry over these trends and challenged the Management of the company and other operators to immediately put in place appropriate structures to safeguard lives and properties. He reminded them of the Corps projection to reduce road traffic crashes in line with the Decade of Action goals The irony is that Peace Mass Transit blazed the trail in the use of speed limiters, and in the annual certification programme which requires fleet operators to present their vehicles and drivers as well as open their premises for inspection and certification by FRSC. since its inception in 2007, the Road Transport Standardisation Scheme (RTSS) has registered, inspected and certified a substantial number of fleet operators, in its annual fleet certification exercise. Through the same scheme, over 2,541 fleet operators’ safety managers have been trained, over 5,000 drivers of fleet operators certified while 642 convoy drivers of the Nigerian Governors were trained.

A good number of major fleet operators regis-

tered with the scheme right from the inception.

These operators have been participating in the annual certification exercise introduced by the Commission through the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Scheme (RTSSS) launched in 2007.The scheme is an intervention strategy for ensuring professionalism in road transport management in accordance with the FRSC Establishment Act 2007. Notwithstanding these, some of these players post disturbing crash record which calls for stricter certification procedure where necessary.

The National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012 deals with specific challenges of road safety.

Regulation 198 (1) specifically states that all road transport operators who engage in inter-state road transport services shall establish a safety unit. They shall also appoint a safety officer as the head of the unit who shall ensure that operational standards are maintained as prescribed in the regulation.

The challenge for operators, according to my boss, is for them to put safety measures such as having competent safety manager/ assistants in all its terminals and presenting their drivers for recertification as required by law. They should also ensure that their terminals are made conducive for smooth operations and that provision for emergency vehicles are made.

Operators should present their vehicles for recertification and safety audit by the FRSC while safety managers must ensure that the speed limiters installed in their vehicles are not tempered with by their drivers.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

MARKET PLACE

with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Treasurer, Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Sike Ibiwoye; Former Financial Secretary, Mrs Mercy Chukwu; Secretary, Mrs Sandra Momah; President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dame Olajumoke Simplice; Chairperson, SWIT, Lagos Chapter, Dr Titilayo Fowokan; Vice Chairperson, Mrs Titilola Akinkawon and Financial Secretary, Mrs Jennifer Gbalajobi during SWIT get-together party held at Tax Professional House, Ikeja, Lagos..... recently

L-R: Special Adviser to Ekiti State Governor on Investment, Trade and Innovations, Akintunde Oyebode; Group Chief Executive Officer, Promasidor Group, Olivier Thiry; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Managing Director, Promasidor Nigeria, Anders Einarsson; and Director, External Relations, Promasidor Nigeria, Andrew Enahoro; during a visit to Ekiti State Government House and Ikun Dairy Farm in Ekiti… recently

How Big Brands Fared in 2019 The year 2019, like 2018, came with diverse technological inventions that did not stop at phones, laptops, automobiles, applications, accessories and appliances both globally and locally. Beyond these technology innovations were exciting products from FMCG, financial institutions and health care, amongst others.

While some of these products flooded the market to the delight of users, others were withdrawn and some were held back for reasons known to the manufacturers. Pundits in various sectors have come up with reviews of some of these products that have attracted both nods and knocks. Market Place studied these reviews and came up with a list of some identified worst products of 2019, in no specific order: Samsung Galaxy Fold The device which was originally launched in April 2019 was suspended to correct some technical abnormalities. It eventually hit the US market in September, again with dangerous hitches. Notable among its errors were screen malfunctioning and device break. Technologists also faulted the numerous warnings attached to the device which ordinarily were harmless with other devices.

The warning reads: "Avoid pressing hard on the screen. Tap lightly to keep it safe." This, according to experts, means keeping phone away from magnets, getting any water or dust near it.

"This which means even things like loose dust in your pocket could get into the hinge and cause damage, despite new protectors to help prevent

that from happening as easily as before. You can't even use a screen protector."

Another warning says "Do not press the screen with a hard or sharp object, such as a pen or fingernail or apply excessive pressure."

Although considered an interesting device to explore, Galaxy Fold is believed to have fallen short of its $2,000 selling price in terms of value, in addition to not being user friendly.

Facebook, Amazon and other Silicon Valley failures Although hailed for promoting the global village concept, report says Facebook, Google and Amazon have several missteps such as: mishandling customers' private data, enabling misinformation and creating toxic environments for their employees.

According to Nicole Lee, a senior editor with Engadget, "Facebook was arguably the worst offender this year. The company did try to make up for last year's failings with new privacy-focused efforts, but it has continued to fumble. Not only was it caught storing millions of passwords in plain text, it also stubbornly declined to take down false information.

It has refused to ban false ads from politicians. Sure, Facebook might have a network of fact checkers to prevent dissemination of fake news, but that is pointless if politicians are still allowed to spread misinformation."

Another tech company that committed misdeeds in 2019, as pointed out by Lee, is Amazon. She said, "Concerns from previous years lingered, with news this year about company employees

Staff Express Excitement at Bank's Restructuring Members of staff of United Bank for Africa,UBA, have expressed delight at the bank's latest restructuring exercise which saw over 5000 workforce elevated to the next grade.

The workers have also pledged their continued and stronger commitment that will improve the bank's performance to both customers and the national economy at large.

The new promotion came with a salary increment of up to 170 per cent which is confirmed to have taken effect.

The financial institution, which also announced the recruitment of not less than 4000 new employees, noted that the development in the bank followed a restructuring process undertaken by the bank in the last quarter of 2019.

It explained further that UBA has transformed its grading system and processes to become one of the most competitive within the industry.

As a result, the bank has crashed its grade levels to 12, from entry level to the top of the pyramid where previously it had been 16 levels.

"This means that staff will now find it much easier to attain top leadership management positions as their careers progress much faster," the bank said.

Speaking further, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UBA, Kennedy Uzoka, stressed that the bank was always seeking new ways to improve workers fortune.

In a bank-wide live broadcast, he said, “As a leading financial institution, we do not take issues relating to our staff lightly. We take great pride in being a listening bank that has the ears of our employees as they turn the wheels which make the organisation successful for our customers and shareholders. UBA recruits highly talented staff who perform at the best standards and deserve to be remunerated accordingly"

potentially listening in on Alexa conversations and warehouse workers complaining of poor working conditions. The company has also come under fire for providing law enforcement with a map of Ring doorbell installations and allowing them to keep recordings indefinitely.

"But perhaps one of the most pressing issues plaguing the tech industry is how it treats its own rank-and-file. Google has allegedly retaliated against employees for their workplace activism, even going so far as to fire a few of them.

"Many Silicon Valley investors even leapt to Away's defense, showing how widespread this problem might be. It's indicative of a dangerous culture: one that demands excessive labour and blind loyalty.

It's that toxic mindset that is one of the key failings of the industry. Hopefully, the spotlight shone on these issues in 2019 and will pave the way for better behavior in 2020 and beyond."

Cadbury and Heinz's Creme Egg Mayo The collaboration between Cadbury and Heinz, launching a combination of their creme eggs and mayonnaise spelt doom for them in 2019. Taste - tester found the eventual taste of the mix awful, thus described it as an unholy combination.

Nike's self-tying shoes that don't self-tie.

This is another innovation that should have gathered applaud from industry watchers. According to report, in 2016, Nike released a $720 'self-tying shoes' modeled after the ones in Back to the Future II. It equally released a new version in February 2019 that cost

a slightly less outrageous $350. However, a glitchy software update rolled out days later prevented the shoes from connecting with the app--which means they couldn't self-tie. Since the sneakers don't have laces that can be tied the old-fashioned way, they essentially became useless. Although Nike fixed the software a few weeks later, critics saw this as a flop that could have left many shoeless for a long time.

5G 5G also got its knocks in 2019. In her review, Tech expert, Cherlynn Low, said, "When the industry was first getting together to come up with the 5G standard, the target date for the rollout was initially set for 2020. And yet, because carriers couldn't help trying to one-up each other, 5G became the victim of confusion and customer fatigue in 2019. Meanwhile, carriers raced to see who could be the first to deploy real 5G networks. But between understanding the differences between technologies like millimeter wave (mmwave) and sub-6 GHz, as well as the ruckus over the 5GE fiasco, consumers were left with a lot of noise and not a lot of real-world examples of benefits. Even though we did make strides towards a widespread 5G rollout, there also weren't a lot of 5G-ready devices to choose from.

"Smartphones that worked with the networks were exorbitant, so one has to be a relatively wealthy early adopter to spring for one. Plus, with most carriers currently focusing on sub-6 deployment, there's still another wave of infrastructure updates that have to happen before the full promise of 5G can be fulfilled."

SWIT Seeks Policies to Protect Women Entrepreneurs The Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Lagos State Chapter, has charged the federal government to formulate policies to ensure maximum security and protection for growthoriented women entrepreneurs in the country.

Chairperson of SWIT, Lagos State Chapter, Dr Titilayo Fowokan, emphasized this during the society's new year get-together ceremony in Lagos.

According to Fowokan, addressing the challenge of insecurity confronting women and their investment,in addition to creating an enabling environment, is essential to achieving sustainable development goal, SDG five, that aimed to see to the empowerment of women.

Fowokan also stressed the need for tax authorities to offer clarity around various tax policies to achieve a significant level of compliance to meet their tax revenue targets.

She insisted that more women still lacked understanding of the tax laws, causing them not to perform their obligations or doing it in a wrong way.

"This is why our programme this year will focus strongly on providing update and clarification on tax laws, policies and importance of compliance. By so doing, we believe we will be able to educate more professional and career women as well as women in the informal sector for voluntary tax compliance."

She noted further that SWIT enlightenment programme extends to educational institutions at both primary and secondary schools level.

"We shall engage students with debates, quiz competitions and more to enable them express and share knowledge of their understanding of taxation and the Nigerian tax laws.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍśËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

FAJ/RELATIONSHIP

COUNTERPOINT

Amotekun and Other Stories

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doubt if there is anyone living in the South West of Nigeria who completely frowns on the need and importance of activating some sort of home-grown security apparatus in concert with the traditional security forces to combat what has exploded into near anarchy on our highways and inter-town roads and forests. Apart from Lagos, most cities, towns and villages in the South West were known to be canopies of peaceful, languid, easy-weazy, sleepy communality that had been codified in several lines of internationally recognized poems and prose.

To the hassle-loving cosmopolites of Lagos, going to the hinterlands of the South West was idyllic, a moment to unwind, and surrender to the soporific calmness and coolness of our tradition-conscious roots and crannies. Not anymore!

The children of Beelzebub have exploded our reverie...our dream-like picturesque of rustic majesty had been snatched violently by fierce journeymen kidnappers and merciless merchants of human torment.

Now, going back to ancestral homesteads in Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states is a terrifying contemplation.

The roads, where they are barely motorable, have become booby-traps for AK-47 wielding and firing maniacs without a care who or what they hit, kill or abduct.

While the roads are peppering hot with blistering bullets and clattering cartridges, the inner-city roads are waylaid by flesh-loving lunatics whose craze for quick money, long-life or reversal of misfortunes that their sick collaborators have weaved into their demented mindsets could be assuaged by human sacrifices. They abort careers, ambitions and hopes of the innocents; snuffing their lives wickedly in conspiratorial ambushes, even within familiar communities. Worse than beasts!

For some of us who had spent good time and burnt miles traversing the glorious peace and pastures of the South West, what has been going on in the past few years would make one heave a hopeful sigh at the launch, on Thursday, January 9, 2020, of the Western Region Security initiative flamboyantly dubbed “Amotekun� (Yoruba word for leopard).

When the six westernly states unveiled the security initiative, the initial worries were natural, based on our past painful experiences in the socio-political dynamics of the region: First, what is the operating manual of engagement (especially as local, vested cadres would be interacting with the regular armed forces)? There have been flash-points in recent history where the zeal of the civilian security arm had been misinterpreted by the constitutionally backed elite forces as encroachment and interference. Several flare-ups were observed at the formative period of the Civilian JTF in the North East while the menace of Boko Haram was threatening and suffocating local communities.

Another worry is the fear that a thorough people-oriented force for goodness and preservation of lives may later flounder into self-serving waters where desperate governors in search of second term, or the imperative of installing a successor, would turn the leopards, then muscular and razor-sharp from chasing out “foreign� marauders, upon their opponents, and their supporters. We wanted to know what insulating mechanism would be established that will cede organisational control and chain of command away

Akeredolu

from the direct control of the chief promoters of this security apparatus.

There is also the issue about capacity to bear arms, and the different levels of arguments for and against this delicate subject. The governors insist that the civilian components of Amotekun that would be sourced locally from groups such as the Oodua People’s Congress, other Oodua collectives, the Agbekoyas, hunters, vigilantes and such neighbourhood watchdogs, would not carry arms, but be more involved in information and intelligence gathering, to enhance the efficiency and impact of the weaponised Amotekun. The police commands have shouted themselves hoarse, warning that any one caught with unauthorized weapons, with specific emphasis on AK-47, pump-action guns and any weapon designed to carry cartridges. Apparently, dane guns (or shakabula, as we snigger), cutlasses, machetes, arrows, favoured by local hunters may be considered if properly documented.

The high command of the civilian “Amotekun� (called South-West Stakeholders Group, SSG) led by a former street warrior whose fearsome group was once proscribed by the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and, fortuitously, now bestowed with the highest traditional military title in Yorubaland, the Aare Ona Kakanfo, had a different view. Gani Adams rightly posited that merely gathering information and intelligence would not be sufficient to protect his members and other civilian collaborators from attacks and reprisals by criminal elements that would be threatened by the activities of Amotekun. He railed back at the barking police commands that his men must be armed and well-motivated to achieve the dream of the governors to rid the region of disreputable parasites wreaking havoc all around us.

Well, less than five days after the euphoria of the launch of

Roadmap for Couples in 2020

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ome marriages contracted from the legal, cultural and religious points of view experience issues ranging from domestic violence.

We have seen death of one of the spouses in some cases, to outright divorce in others.

These are few of unpleasant stories that characterised matrimonial relationships in the last decade. In this piece, couples are being taken on a trip otherwise known as a road map for 2020.

By way of a priority, the economy of a home is considered the bedrock for survival of the family. Your Parents over three and a half decades ago were public servants. The income from their endeavours sustained you and your siblings through the university up until when you secured a good job to look after yourself.

Economic variables that currently rule over Nigeria have changed and hence you should not depend on one source of income to look after your own family. You grew up in the days when Naira was stronger than the Dollar. Now, we are in an era in which inflation rate and national debt have gone crazy in size. But today, the increased minimum wage is neither here nor there. Speak with an economist or an investment analyst who could advise you on what you could do to generate revenue beyond your present single source of income Level of communication between you and your spouse may be very poor last year. There are trust issues and you do not know how your spouse would react if you share an experience. The only way out of this is to reassure your selves that you are still in love consequent upon which you should ask your spouse to count on your loyalty. You had attitude problems which included inability to listen when your spouse is speaking. You are in the habit of preempting the outcome of a position negatively hence the many altercations you had. As part of the road map for 2020, listen more; consider all the options available before responding.

Do an audit of those friends who stopped by either to

drink alcohols or gossip in your house. This includes those with whom you interact in the social media. Your husband begged you for sex for the better part of last year when he is in fact the only entity licensed to give you a good treat between your legs especially in the early hours of the day. You should stop dressing like a footballer at bedtime.

The last time we checked, your name was not among the National Female Football team. Always go to bed stark naked, on the same bed and in the same room with your husband.

You may want to advise him on what he could do better, not by putting down his ego, but suggesting what could be mutually beneficial. Your wrapper is designed for the neighborhoods and the kitchen. If you were alone with him, you need a night gown. He needs to see what hitherto eluded him when he was a bachelor. This is a special appeal to our male folks to grow up in the New Year. Those girls distracting your attention are strangers and parasites. Your wife is more precious and more valuable than them.

Last year, it is either you were in the office or at the club.

Your wife needs a better attention in the New Year. With more sources of income, you could plan for a holiday. In accordance with the road map for 2020, it is important to know the local content of the fellow you really got married to. Though you courted for a period of time, your priority at that point was to get married to your selves. Does your husband know your menstrual cycle or he distances himself from that reality as one of those feminine issues? Does he remember the last time you had it and the appropriate time to have sex if you were planning to have a baby?

Has your spouse come to terms with the fact that getting to follow the cycle helps to determine the sex of your baby?

When last did he arrive home with brand new under wears? Some of our male folks have not been taking time to know the size of their wives back side and the brassiere that should contain the breast he sucks when he is in the middle of the all-important transaction.

FEMI

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

Amotekun which received much more kudos than knocks, the Federal Government through her number one lawyer threw a huge spanner into the works. Amotekun, as well as he can understand the Constitution, has no peg to stand, and is thus an illegality. Though, a newspaper reported a rumoured meeting a day before the Thursday launch called

by President Muhammadu Buhari, for the six South West governors to convince him about the reality and process of the security initiative, it is clear that the Federal Government do not find the Amotekun razzmatazz a laughing matter.

The January 13, 2020 statement ascribed to the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, was signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu. It reads: “The setting up of the paramilitary organisation called “Amotekun� is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Air Force, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria...As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts....�

Early reactions showed several blocs, interests and groups within the region, and few beyond, snapping at the FG’s stand. Even the different factions of Afenifere are unanimous in support of the governors. Many luminaries in law have also upbraided Malami, encouraging the governors to keep their advancing steps in lock, and not back down or break ranks, on account of the muscle-flexing of the FG. The consensus seems thus: let the accuser shun his toga of interpreter, judge and jury, and approach the courts for unambiguous interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution... a position I subscribe to heartily. Jurisprudence!

And the governors appear to have heeded the advice of their people. Well, at least, as at the middle of the week. The leader of the SW Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, chose a symbolic platform to respond to his silk-mate, Malami’s broadside. At the January 15, 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Akure, Ondo State, he basically challenged the tenets of federalism vis-a-vis security imperatives: “We the six south west governors are fully prepared to ensure that operation Amotekun succeeds...

Amotekun is not a para-military outfit, the introduction of the security outfit is to compliment the efforts of other security agencies...We want to assure you that the activities of the personnel working for the outfit will be monitored and streamlined along their mandate of securing lives and property of people of Ondo State and entire Western Nigeria(,) and it will not be used for political purposes...�.

So, the gauntlet is thrown, the positions have been chiseled out... we look forward to the Judiciary to act as the Lioness of Justice who shall discern and dissect the finer details of this contention, and enrich our understanding and politics by adjudicating between the Leopards of the South West and Eagles (I resist the urge to use Hawks) of Abuja.

Emma3nueld@yahoo.com

sms only: 09015976380

What about her favourite colours? Some men are yet to come to terms that some colours are feminine. If a man is on a business trip to Abuja and he calls his wife in Lagos, can he accurately predict the chair she sits on to receive the phone call if she were in the living room. In other words, we all have favourite chairs in our respective homes.

You were in a hurry to get married; hence you do not know your spouse’s Genotype and blood group. Your spouse carries two mobile phones with two SIM cards in each of the two phones; hence, you could speak with him via four different platforms.

These phone numbers are recorded in the memory of your own phone but you cannot recall any of these numbers off hand without interacting with contact details in your phone.

How do you connect your husband if you were not with your phone? You needed to transfer money to your wife the other day; you had to call her to text her bank details. Yes, technology is around to provide those services, but there are a couple of occasions the services of technology may elude you. Don’t spend productive time watching live and recorded production work on Pay TV. At the head of a new decade, you could plan for another baby. A Good Sex on Day 12 you started your menstrual period should produce a baby boy because the Y chromosome from your husband, though smaller in size, is faster in speed to reach the female egg which is softer for penetration at that point in time.

Proactively, move towards another decade by ensuring your marriage works. It is only you that can do it. A Third Party cannot help you.

42

˜ ˞ JANUARY 18, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/POLITY

BY

EBERE WABARA

‘Heyday’, ‘Yesteryear’ Non-count

Y

OU are welcome to this edition of our weekly language tonic: “Akinjide, others lash Ibadan elders�

(THE NATION Headline, December 22) The elders were not flogged, but cautioned hence lash out (at somebody/something—with words/ blows) “Music stars of yesteryearsâ€? (Source: as above) ‘Yesteryear’, just like ‘heyday’, is uncountable. “The privileged invitees, who showed up to rejoice with this well-connected individual‌.â€? Social scene: privileged guests (not invitees), which is a warped Nigerian creation. “Police arrest 51 over post-election violenceâ€? Replace ‘over’ with ‘for’. “PDP’s last minute blackmail defeatist, says campaign groupâ€? Again: last-minute blackmail. “Two cousins killed in Ondo road crash as mob burns carâ€? Just ‘vehicular’—not road—crash? “It is antithetical to democracy for the minority to have its say and wants to have its way.â€? (Source: as above) The minority cannot have their (not its) say. “...to that extent shall we congratulate its authors for (on or upon) hearing the deafening cry of Nigerians for an affective legislature.â€? â€œâ€Śwere simultaneously a continuation of the power-bloc struggle in Nigeria and unanticipated fallouts from that struggle.â€? ‘Fallout’ is uncountable. “AU has always been a helpless onlooker as other do-gooders from Europe and America flock to these troubled (trouble) spots with relief materials.‌â€? “The reduction in the number of road accidents and casualities‌.â€? “This way:

casualties. “Why fight, especially since we all are groping in the dark.� A poser: can we grope where there is light? So, why not just groping? “FG sets to fill vacancies in Civil Service�

Get it right: FG set to‌No loose thinking! â€œâ€Śask questions or demand for their credentials.â€? Delete ‘for’ from the extract. â€œâ€Śnever mind that ‘saboteurs’ have since done their worst by returning Nigeria back to darkness.â€? Yank out ‘back’ in the interest of morphological sanity.

The Ijaws, Urhobos, the Itsekiris, the Ilajes are killing each other (one another).â€? “Buhari is back on (in) the saddle of the country’s leadershipâ€? “The readiness of the President and his vice to acquiesce to (in) Senate’s decision.‌â€? “The time when one ethnic group and the multi-ethnic political prostitutes and the favoured can walk roughshod over the rest of the country have (has) gone forever.â€? “Security reports indicated that the strategy of vicious robbery operations are (is) hatched at the chambers of hotels.â€? “Specifically, the crisis in the community bothers (borders) on the refusal of majority (a majority) of the people‌.â€? (THE GUARDIAN, December 27) “Ethical status of PCN worry (worries) pharmacistsâ€? “The committee has since submitted its report, while the public awaits the government’s white paper on it.â€? Education: simply the white paper.

The next four improprieties are from VANGUARD of December 27: “As a result (a comma) Nigeria’s role in (on) the continent has been a critical one.â€? “Instead we saw belated efforts when the chicken has (had) come home to roost.â€? “Someday when the history of Nigeria, with regards (regard) to its bureaucracy‌.â€?

“Dignitaries at (on) the occasion included‌.â€? “UNILAG alumni meetsâ€? Our alumni meet monthly or the alumni association meets monthly. No mix-up. “They hardly acknowledged each other’s presence, talkless of (let alone) engaging in courteous exchanges.â€? “State, council relationship: Chairmen pick hole (holes) in 1999 constitutionâ€? “For that, you need an experienced sailor, not an oars man with an ‘L’ plate number.â€?

From the master: number-plate “So we now gathered in my house at (on) Victoria Island‌.â€? “Western delegates have stabbed us at (in) the back.â€? “You better (had better) come to Jos, Plateau Stateâ€?

The next five faulty lines are from THISDAY of December 27: “Most observers are agreed that the national question has become more aggravated under the present regime. ‘More aggravated’ sounds illiterate. ‘Aggravation’ means to make worse. “That calm has returned to the troubled spot is superficial‌â€? When the bell tolls: trouble spot. “The tendency in most of the analysis is‌â€? Singular, analysis, plural: analyses. “I cannot handover (hand over) All Progressives Congress (APC) to INEC‌.â€? â€˜â€Śthe combatants are expected to sheath their swords and fall into line.â€? (THE GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY, January 12) Noun: sheath; verb: sheathe.

DAILY TRUST of December 28 circulated four solecisms that bordered on carelessness: “They equally advocated for a national conference‌.â€? Delete ‘for’ in the interest of lexical orderliness. “Unions, others commend FG over payment of NITEL workers’ entitlementsâ€?

(National News Bold Headline, November 25) ‘Commend’ takes ‘for’ (not ‘over’).

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Polls: Plateau police assures of readiness� (DAILY TRUST Headline, November 25) Two dimensions: the word, ‘police’, admits only plural verbs. ‘Assure’ must function with ‘somebody’ or ‘oneself’. So, Plateau police assure residents of readiness.

Wrong: “Give me meat�; Right: Give me some meat Wrong: “Your son has been there since�’; Right: Your son has been there for some time.

Wrong: “You know Chidi now�; Right: You should know Chidi.

Wrong: “Adanma, wait now for Chibuike�; Right: Adanma, please wait for Chibuike.

FEEDBACK

MR. Wabara, I respect you as one of the most accomplished language technicians of our generation. At times your commitment to linguistic purity can be annoying but always enlightening and educative (the right word?). I am truly honoured by your kind comments and I assure you that the best still lies ahead of us by His grace. Blessings, my brother‌.You may not know, but as features editor of Daily Times, I learnt so much from your Wordsworth column (itself a coinage of excellence and refinement).

Keep the flag flying brother. We will get there.

(SEGUN AYOBOLU, Lagos) SEVERAL TV reporters today (last Tuesday) reported that many have casted their votes. Is ‘casted’ the past tense of ‘cast’? (08034966391) No sir, ‘cast’ is ‘cast’.

WITH the plethora of faux pas by users of English language, can you through your column inform readers that a dictionary is not the sole authority on usage of words. Can the curfew in Kaduna be from “6 in the morning to 6 in the evening� as repeatedly read on Radio Nigeria? Is this not another goof? (Tony Ike Okoh/08097872801/PH) Yes.

The Path to Grow Nigeria’s Aviation Simon Tumba

F

or a long time, aviation stakeholders have been expressing concern over the stagnant or retarding predicament of this massive sector, considering our natural, human and economic potentials.

Perhaps based on these factors, including the $1.3 billion annually repatriated by foreign airlines, Senator Hadi Sirika put out a plan over four years ago to set up a national airline.

Various media reports said Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines were jointly or separately likely technical partners. However following a mock up launch of the carrier at the Farnborough Air Show in the United Kingdom about two years, the project suffered a mild set back, albeit it is quietly being resuscitated at the moment.

My friend and senior colleague Chris Aligbe wrote an article last November condemning the suggestion by the Managing Director of Asset Management Corporation (AMCON), Ahmed Kuru, calling for the merger of Aero Contractors and Arik Air to form the national carrier. Sirika without doubt quickly pushed down that proposal, insisting only a new carrier will work.

Chris argued on the ownership of the two airlines in Receivership by AMCON - Arik and Aero, viz a viz the ministry of aviation, and raised an issue of the international encumbrances of the two airlines as a harbinger to interested investors.

The argument of Sirika and his supporters in setting up a national carrier is indeed baffling. AUK-based respected Nigerian aviation expert Nick Fadugba said in 2018 it is only Nigeria that owns two national airlines and is struggling to set up a third one!

The argument by Chris that Arik and Aero are not government owned because they are under Receivership by AMCON is surprising.

Gleaning through past reports, Sirika is working to get private participation to set up the national airline, although nearly N50 billion ($140 million) was budgeted for that purpose in 2019.

The question to ask is why is government spending a whopping N50 billion on a project that will lose money in the first three-five years and with little assurance for success? Why is the government spending this amount of money considering the dire needs in other sectors like education, health and social services? Why is a government that is almost borrowing to service debts setting up a national carrier while it has a better option? Considering the recent downgrade of Nigeria by rating agencies, which investor will risk investing in a completely new venture?

For Arik and Aero which have tasted the waters, and are regaining customer confidence in their respective markets, and equally making revenues to cover working capital, it makes better sense for government to merge them, while they secure solid technical partners.

The reference of Chris to the legal disputes is not altruistic, because once creditors are engaged, and given sufficient confidence, investors will play ball. After all the current Arik management have been engaging all the airline’s creditors locally and internationally, and have gained their confidence through constant engagements, and repayment of debts.

It is crucially important to look at the massive advantages of merging Aero and Arik to form a flag carrier. Aero is Nigeria’s oldest carrier with solid experience servicing the oil and gas sector, rotary wing and aircraft repairs. It has a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) license to undertake C check for Boeing 737s, perhaps the only facility with that competence in west and central Africa. Arik is the first airline to operate brand new Boeing and Airbus new generation aircraft and since the days of Nigeria Airways, the only Nigerian airline with the best international exposure. Most aviation experts have fingered huge maintenance cost as one of the major problems for Nigerian airlines. Just imagine a combination of Arik and Aero under one entity, where Aero can also offer services to third parties.

Sirika should work to fix our airports, and not just focus on the current traffic, but think long term. He’s truly putting the cart before the horse. It’s like building a house in an area where there’s no electricity, water, road and gas. Of what use is a national carrier with the airports we have today? There’s no seamless national and regional connection. There’s even no solid plan to accommodate increasing traffic for the next 10 -15 years, or massively boost traffic.

Sirika should be aware of what is happening with Kotoka international airport in Accra who are quietly building a west African hub. Yes, they may not have the traffic like Nigeria, but never mind, their economy is one of the fastest growing in the world with a solid investment climate. Qatar a country of about 2 million equally doesn’t have the traffic (based on its population), but its yearly throughput is projected to hit 53 million this year, and at least 80% of its traffic is transit. Nigeria is the only emerging market (country) in the world with a nine- digit population that has no global hub - São Paulo (38 million - population of Brazil, 209 million in 2027), Delhi (69 million), Mumbai (48 million - population of India 1.4 billion in 2027), Cairo (16 million - 100 million in 2019), Mexico City (47 million - population, 129 million in 2017), ( Jakarta, 60.25 million - population 264 million in 2017), Kuala Lumpur (100 million in 2018 - population of Malaysia 32.6 million in 2019), etc.

Sirika’s focus should be to transparently concession Lagos and Abuja airports by engaging stakeholders with the aim of attracting a traffic of 30 million passengers in the first 10 years and 50 million passengers in the second phase - another 10 years. Our airports must compete internationally and drive our economic growth, and significantly contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) not the other way round. We have everything to achieve that.

Sirika, Aviation Minister The Dangote refinery will be completed this year. What is the minister and his relevant agency doing to attract foreign airlines into our airports with cheaper aviation fuel when the refinery comes on stream? Does Federal Aviation Authority of Nigerian (FAAN) pitch for airlines to come to their airports as Ghana is now obviously doing by offering cheap aviation fuel and other concessions?

Akbar Al Baker the CEO of Qatar Airways while responding on the Nigerian Air project in 2018 suggested that developing airport infrastructure should be the focus of Nigeria rather than a new airline. Alexandre de Juniac, the CEO of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said a similar thing while talking last month to some African journalists, when he lamented that poor airport infrastructure is hindering the growth of the industry in Africa.

It was time we thought big and planned long term in this sector with the aim of creating jobs and stop being fixated by reducing foreign airlines’ repatriation of $1.3 billion a year which is chick feed. The world is moving at a fast pace. It is still in our hands. We must THINK and ACT right, and quickly too. ––Tumba is CEO of SY&T Communications LTD, a Lagosbased PR ďŹ rm, and Publisher of NigeriaTravelsMart.com.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

43

SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘Queen Bae’ of the Niger Delta Revels at 50 DELE KADIRI Kunle Afolayan Markets Cape Verde pg. 45

The New Sound of Africa Creating a Sense of Pride for the Continent

pg. 46

44

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘Queen Bae’ of the Niger Delta Revels at 50 The start of her career was rather successful, but her life has not been a bed of roses. Amidst the encumbrances and travails that trailed her track, she survived. The star actress and entrepreneur Ibinabo Fiberesima recently marked her birthday and had so much to thank life for. Ferdinand Ekechukwu takes a look at her checkered career

N

ollywood actress and former president of theActors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima has seen it all, done it all and has conquered it all.

The ageless beauty has had her fair share of life. The gorgeously beautiful mother of four is happy and grateful to hit the golden age last Monday. It’s a new dawn for the ex-beauty queen as she celebrates her fiftieth birthday, even though her age has been a mix of figures bandied every year, she keeps getting younger.

To mark the special day, the movie star shared messages on her social media handle with some lovely pictures to it depicting her mood which was visibly happy. The “Queen Bae” of the Niger Delta in her green outfit radiates splendor as she’s often is. Giving herself some accolades, the birthday girl wrote: “Who is a goddess? A woman who is in the process of learning to know, accept and love herself on all levels, mind, body, spirit. A woman who, because she focuses on personal growth and self-awareness, experiences a life, increasingly filled with peace, love, joy, passion, and fun.

“A woman that understands that she has unlimited capacity to make her life anything she wants. A woman who is inspired to give to those around her because of her sense of gratitude and abundance. A woman who is so beautiful, brilliant, and wholesome that she is simply not like any other women on earth and therefore possesses some sort of uncommon spiritual element that while it cannot be solidly defined, it is clearly present. I am a goddess.

The Queen Bae of the Niger Delta and it is my birthday. Thank you Jesus for my Life.”

Ibinabo’s life path is not one of bed of roses as the politician and first and only woman President yet of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) would readily acknowledge this. Ibinabo has been to hell and back. For 12 years, she had remained silent; internally mourning, grieving and praying that time would heal her wounds.

“Through those years of my silence, stories were manufactured in the mainstream and social media about the accident. There were so many stories. My character was assassinated. I did not tell my story. Nobody heard from me,” until she eventually did tell her story.

Years ago, the half Nigerian, half Irish was involved in a car crash in 2006. Consequently, the actress was arrested and charged to court for manslaughter and reckless driving. She was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail by a Lagos State High court in 2009. She was later granted bail following an appeal filed by her lawyer. However, a Lagos High Court, on March 11, 2016, dismissed Fiberesima’s appeal and upheld her five-year jail term. It was a year that made survival a questionable option for the Okrika, Rivers born thespian and Miss Earth Nigeria Beauty Pageant organiser.

Once recounting the challenges she faced, she said the year in particular presented survival as a questionable option. “Giving me struggles that seemed impossible to deal with, fading my strength to keep going by the minute feeding my fears and insecurities with worries that come to steal joy. From the shock of a three-time presence of lumps in the breast to surgeries fighting for my life and the pain of a dissolution of a bond I hoped to keep with a life time partner and the re-emergence of singleness. From the tension

of awaiting a judges pronouncement to the horror of walking into prison over a cross accidentally acquired and carried for so long.”

During the trial, friends abandoned her but family members, no. She enthused, “They stood by me, while the trial lasted.”

This trying time of her life and the survival of it eventually made her see herself as a testimony of God’s mercy. “I’m a defined testimony of God’s mercy,” she had confessed. “The accident, the trial and the trauma I had to pass through, and finally my release from prison is worthy of a testimony. I actually don’t remember the accident anymore and it’s amazing. I never believed I could get over the trauma. While it lasted, I locked myself up in the darkness of my little world for several days without food.

It was close to hell.”

She has made mistakes, but such that if she would roll back her life to make amendments there would be none to make. She has gone past that already. “Ah, I have made it already,” she admitted in an interview. “I take life easier now. I respect and adore people. I live a simple life. I’m not a wannabe, I am me. I have grown up. I’m a grown woman now. You know the challenges I had been through. So, I had to slow down.” On the other side of life, the Most Wanted actress has gained and lost love. But such is the fallibility of human. One, two, three, four, five, the count was almost endless. Such was the number of great men that dotted her path, a price she paid for being beautiful.

As the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, she initiated a health insurance programme for actors in the industry within a 100 days in office. The practice of ailing practitioners going cap in hand for funds was painful to her not only as a practitioner but also as a human. So while vying for leadership of the AGN, welfare and health topped her to-do list. However, Ibinabo Fiberesima continued to gladden the hearts of her fans with her beauty and acting skills A chance meeting with this popular actress during theAFRIFF last November tells that she is fully back into movie industry.Alongside the oldies of Nollywood, she sat listening during one of the days activities of the annual film festival. Suffice a throwback to Ibinabo’s career.

The start of her career as a model and as an actress in Nollywood was rather successful as she made her debut in the classic action movie Most Wanted, and went on to star in several Nigerian films, including Ladies Night, The Limit, Letters to a Stranger and the blockbuster movie, ‘76.

As a model, Ibinabo participated in the 1991 edition of the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant. She was named as the first runner-up to winner Bibiana Ohio. Prior to this, she had won the Miss Wonderland contest in 1990, and in that same year, was first runner-up at the Miss NUGA competition held at the University of Calabar.

In 1992, she competed in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant for the first time, where she placed as the second runnerup. In 1997, she competed and emerged first runner-up of the 1997 edition of Miss Nigeria before she went on to be crowned winner of Miss Wonderful that same year. She was also second runner-up for the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 1998. She holds a Bachelor of Arts certificate in English Language and Literature which she obtained from The University of Ibadan.

Ibinabo Fiberesima

45

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Kunle Afolayan

Kunle Afolayan Markets Cape Verde Apart from its thematic premise, Kunle Afolayan’s new movie, Citation, will attempt to market Cape Verde to Nigerians and the rest of the world while also establishing film and cultural affinity between the two countries, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

P

rolific Nigerian filmmaker, Kunle Afoloyan, is in the news again and this time for a good reason as usual as Citation, his “seventh” cinematic work is announced. Unlike the last time his marriage crisis, and subsequently breakup, made headlines. Afolayan didn’t find funny one of the stories and had reacted loosely, calling this writer “silly” and the write-up in question, “shit”. This, he did, sneaking through the writer’s DM on Instagram to, in a way, express his displeasure at the write-up. The writer who had written about the moviemaker and his laudable works in recent past reminded him of that fact. Afolayan couldn’t come up with a “Right of Reply” if the story was in anyway untrue. That was the last time.

So, this time around, Afolayan’s ‘Citation’ movie project, with the government of Cape Verde Islands as the main sponsors, is trending for every good reason and that’s plausible and the good news for the award winning moviemaker/ actor who has produced and directed

such cinematic classics like Irapada, The Figurine (Araromire), Phone Swap, October 1, CEO, Mokalik among others.

Exploring a subject of social decadence in the educational sector, the new movie Citation is a university drama about a female postgraduate student who has to find a way of dealing with the awkward situation of sexual harassment from a lecturer.

Written by Afolayan’s long-standing screenwriter partner, Tunde Babalola, Citation tells the story of Moremi Oluwa, a fun-loving 21-year-old student on campus in Nigeria. Incensed at being ill-treated by a trendy university don, Lucien N’Dyare, she drags him before the University Senate.

The ensuing intrigues define Moremi’s words against that of the respected academic, in a male-dominated terrain.

According to Afolayan, ‘The Citation,’ apart from its thematic premise, will attempt to market Cape Verde to Nigerians and the rest of the world while also establishing film and cultural affinity between the two countries.

The Cape Verde government is cur-

rently on a drive to project the Islands and Nollywood is the major pivot which it has employed for the mission. In a statement made available to the media months back, Cape Verde’s Culture and Creative Industries Minister, Abrãao Vicente, who led the government team that included the Director-General of Arts and Creative Industries, Adilson Lima Gomes and the Coordinator of Cultural Goods and Music, Luhena Correia, in negotiating the deal, was quoted as saying that she believes that the collaboration will enhance a good relationship between Cape Verde and Nigeria.

In this light, Nollywood moviemakers tapped for the huge budget venture includes Wale Ojo, Chioma Ude and Kunle Afolayan among a few other top names in the industry. During a world press conference on Thursday January 9, 2020, Afolayan said his company was set – after pre-production which started in October 2018 - for five weeks of shoot, beginning January 10, 2020, through February 15, 2020, in three countries including Nigeria and Senegal. According to the award-winning filmmaker,

his company is also partnering Ford Foundation on the project which has been designed to propel women to aspire to become successful leaders by providing counterexamples to negative gender stereotypes.

The cast of the movie include FrenchIvorian actor and screenwriter, Raymond Reboul; Haitian-born Hollywood actor Jimmy Jean Louis; veteran broadcaster and actor, Sadiq Daba; veteran Nigerian film director and actor, Wole Olowomojuore, aka ‘Baba Gebu’; upcoming Nollywood actress, Bukunmi Oluwashina; and fashion and lifestyle blogger, Temi Otedola. Temi, the winsome fashion and arts-loving daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, will be making her acting debut in the new movie, featuring alongside AMVCAs 2018 Best Actor and popular Ghanaian, Adjetey Anang. Temi, 23, is one of the lead characters in the movie.

Also starring in the star-studded movie is Gabriel Afolayan. This is the first time the talented younger Afolayan will star in any of his brother’s films. Gabriel plays Temi’s love interest in the upcoming film.

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JANUARY 18, 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Dele Kadiri

The New Sound of Africa Creating a Sense of Pride for the Continent Dele Kadiri is the General Manager of Africa’s largest music streaming platform, Boomplay. With years of experience in the media, his works have stood the test of time and this has given him an edge above his contemporaries. He talks to Tosin Clegg about his strides as an advertising guru, a music business executive and music in Africa Streaming music lot has happened in the way streaming music has fundamentally changed the industry, and the way audiences consume music cannot be overstated.

Indeed, the younger generation of music consumers has never bought a physical copy of a recording in their lives. This has shown a different metrics in music distribution and consumption in the Nigerian music industry. On one hand, listeners have easy access to a lot of music, often for free via both legal and illicit avenues.Evenpaidstreamingservices that offer access to wide catalogs of completely authorised music are much less expensive than physical musical media ever was; a month’s subscription on music platforms like ours is the equivalent of the price of a single CD’s. Affordable and authorised streaming services have also helped to reduce the amount of piracy across the music industry by shifting the balance between risk and reward for would-be pirates. But, we are facing another pirate for digital distributions. The question is how do we tackle this?

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Growth of Afrobeat in Africa In the past few years, the young sound of Africa has managed to travel beyond boundaries: not just entertaining listeners, but creating a sense of pride for the continent.

The new genres of music from Africa shine a positive light on the continent which is represented by a younger, digitally-connected generation that knows no boundaries.Afrobeat is here to stay: it originates from the heart of the challenges that face the continent and, in breaking boundaries, is uniting Africa like never before.

Afrobeat has also made inroads to the world’s largest music labels. In the past two years, Sony, Warner and Universal Music are now working in Nigeria, signing up several Afrobeat stars to publishing and distribution deals and it shows Africa is taking over the world.

We have been able to take Boomplay App to his target audience The consumers of the content are the younger ones. In the past months, Boomplay has been in the frontline of entertainment conversations through collaborations with artistes and their events and album releases, as well as being able to go to different universities across Nigeria and to musical concerts. Also with our committed staff, we have made the growth easy.

For us, keeping the winning team and makingthemhappyisveryimportant.

The infusion of our new media arm The Boombuzz team is one of the major channels and platforms we use to promote artistes. Boombuzz, as the

media arm of the business, is very important to us because we are able to form a deeper connection between the artiste and the audience. We are able to push both the artiste’s songs, as well as exclusive interviews so that their fans getmoreinformationabouttheartistes themselves because we understand the power of the media. It’s not easy, because you have to know what is trending and make sure all units are on top of their game from the content acquisition, content operation, legal, marketing and customer support Sound production and distribution Our songs are globally recognised yet our musicians aren’t fully benefiting from their songs. Majority of artistes still upload their content for free on various blogs. They pay the blogs to upload their content; while it should be the other way around.

Most artistes just want their songs to be everywhere without knowing they could profit form downloads and streams from reputable streaming platforms.

Healthy competition keeps us on our toes Controversy is something any business in the media and entertainment industry should expect.

People would try to rope you into controversies, especially when you are excelling. They would use your brand as a means to make themselves recognised.

Passion drives all that I do Everything I am passionate about is what I have dedicated my entire being to; be it towards business or my family.

My advice for artistes My advice for them is to ignore music blogs and pirates that put up their music for free. They should focus more on monetising their music and content via consistent music releases on digital streaming platforms. Artistes are the content owners and their creative abilities enable this business and we recognise that. This is the reason we are giving back and supporting the artiste’s events, concerts as a way of encouraging them to be more creative.

My background My background is deeply rooted in advertising and sales. I have over 13 years of sales and brand partnerships experiencewithfocusonnewbusiness development. I am a lover of good music so one thing I am grateful for is having the opportunity to work with national brands on campaigns aligned with entertainment, news, sports, music and culture.

Yes, we are the biggest online download and music streaming platform in Africa so we would keep working to sustain that position.Also, we have plans to expand to Francophone countries.

Dele Kadiri

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

MY STORY

Gists Cubana Chairman, Obinna Iyiegbu, Plans Big for 2020 The Chief Executive Officer of Ibiza Club and Cubana Group Chairman, Obinna Iyiegbu has revealed plans for his brands in 2020. Iyiegbu, the millionaire tycoon, who hails from Oba, Idemmili South in Anambra State hinted that plans were in motion to tidy up new branches of the company in different parts of the world.

He said, “Thank God the year 2020 is finally here and we can’t wait to unveil our plans. We are currently working on Cubana Dubai and other big stuffs. But we can’t let all out of the bag now. It is important to also note that we have a structure and we created a standard which guides all the branches; home and abroad.

The quality brand “Cubana” ensures customer satisfaction in an enabling environment.”

Born April 12, 1975, Iyiegbu started Ibiza Club in 2006, and in 2009, he took a huge step into establishing Cubana, a club which caters for all kinds of fun seekers, day and night. “I went into such business because entertainment is life! It is way of relief from day to day stress,” he said.

Kamsi Alaribe Every Role I Play Has Good Impact On Everyone Alaribe Kamsi Jessica is an actress, a model, fashion enthusiast and influencer. She is one rising star that would delight producers and directors in casting her for their works. She is committed, original and a master of role-play.

She tells Tosin Clegg about acting, modeling, her career, her fashion line and much more

Obinna

Natty Explores Nigerian Music Scene Born Alexander Akiloe Philip Modiano in 1983 in San Francisco, California, Natty moved to London with his family at the age of one, and was educated at Highgate School. His musical eclecticism of today reflects the differing tastes of his parents. His white father, being English of Italian descent, loved the classic folk music of Neil Young and Bob Dylan. His mother is black from Southern Africa – was very into Motown, Al Green, sixties Jamaican music and afro-beat. Having started writing songs at an early age, he eventually found himself working in a London recording studio as a tea boy before working his way up to becoming a engineer, working mainly with indie rock acts.

Talking about the music he makes he said, ‘I dont like to put a label on the music.

I just like to say music, let me say root music, because I like to start from the root and look to the future. My music is fused with so many things like reggae and all different parts of African music. My award is the people. When people feel the music, like they have gone on a journey with me or there is a level of consciousness I have raised or I changed their lives, for me that is my reward.’

Natty’s first full single release, “July”, entered the UK Singles Chart on July 27, 2008 at number 68. On August 4, 2008, Natty released his debut album, Man like I, featuring songs including “Cold Town” and “July”. In September 2011, Natty scored his first American tour, opening up for reggae artiste Ziggy Marley.

When asked about Nigerian artistes and its market, he said, “I think my favourite Nigerian artiste is everyone’s favourite artiste, Burna Boy, but before him I liked Fela Kuti. I was actually invited here to come and work on a project and within that project I’m supposed to work with artistes from Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.”

Natty is quite enthusiastic about Africa and he is gradually planning on relocating back Natty to his roots and spread the reach of his music and style across borders.

MultiChoice Steps Up Campaign The Festive season may be over but MultiChoice Nigeria is still in the spirit of giving with the DStv and GOtv Step Up offer which gives loyal customers more reasons to stay connected in the new year. Cash-strapped and still eager for the best entertainment in town? Well, you are in luck.

There has never been a better time to stay connected to DStv and GOtv than right now!

From Wednesday January 15, active and disconnected DStv Access, Family, Yanga, Confam, Compact, and Compact Plus customers who pay for their current packages will be bumped up to a higher package for 30 days of access to a wider viewing experience. Step Up also allows existing GOtv customers to see varied programming available across higher packages, at the price of a lower package, making great content more accessible to a wider group of customers.

“At MultiChoice, we put our customers at the heart of everything we do. This offer is just one of the ways in which we want to show our loyal customers that we value them.

We understand the economic pressures that the beginning of the year can bring and for this reason, we have decided to meet our customers halfway in order to give them access to additional quality entertainment” says MultiChoice Nigeria Chief Customer Officer Martin Mabutho.

Active customers on DStv Access, Yanga, Family, Confam, Compact and Compact Plus - packages and GOtv JOLLI, PLUS, JINJA, VALUE & LITE can take advantage of this offer to experience entertainment available on higher packages by paying their subscription on time. Customers who are currently disconnected can simply reconnect during the offer period to benefit. DStv and GOtv customers will be able to enjoy a wide array of content on their boosted offering including world-class sporting action alongside exciting local content, international movies, series, telenovelas, music, news and kids’ entertainment for less.

MultiChoice Nigeria through its Africa Magic channel

began airing 3 brand-new reality TV shows titled ‘Date My Family’, ‘Dr. Laser’, ‘Confessions’ and a brand-new drama series - ‘Unmarried’. All showing on Africa Magic Showcase (Ch. 151). Ultimate Love, a brand new Naija reality love show with 16 contestants finding their ‘ultimate love’ also premieres early February on dedicated channels DStv 198 and GOtv 29, will be available on select packages The exciting FA Cup action is also back. Feel the FA Cup heat and catch blow by blow Live coverage on DStv & GOtv .

Also, catch Tyler Perry’s The Oval Thursdays on BET (Ch. 129) at 9:30 pm. The Oval carries the audience alongside the first family moving into the White House and highlighting their private lives.

GOtv Lite customers can simply pay and step up to the GOtv Value package where they will enjoy great local movies on Africa Magic Epic (channel 9) while the kids will be kept busy with great edutainment like Atchoo! starting on Monday, 27th January at 1:25pm on Nickelodeon (channel 62).

GOtv Value customers will get upgraded to GOtv JINJA and watch the exciting series, Top Nigerian Weddings every Friday at 6:55pm on FOX Life (channel 20) as well as exciting kids’ content on PBS (channel 65) Furthermore, GOtv Plus customers who pay and stay connected will get upgraded to the GOtv JOLLI package and watch top international shows like Border Security S6 which airs daily at 8:10pm on CBS Reality (channel 22) and Black Tax S1 starting Tuesday, 21st January at 8:30pm on BET (channel 21). They also will get entertained with local shows every weeknight on Africa Magic Family (channel 2) including My Siblings & I at 7pm and The Johnsons S6 at 8:30pm; and Amazing Voices, a brand new pan-African singing competition with singers from nine African cities, squaring off against each other for $100,000! every Sunday at 3pm.

Kamsi Alaribe

H

ow would you define acting?

Well, acting is expressing yourself but in another character or role. It gives you the opportunity to teach positive things to the world. My style of acting is seasoned with goodness and of a fine class. I’ve always loved acting since I was little, but I found myself in science classes which gave

me headache.

Works you have done so far?

For now, I have worked on No Good, which is a movie soon to be released, and I’m going to work on more movies by the Grace of God. I’m working on a project right now with “Director Phave” and we are hoping to shoot a movie soon. Besides these, I have featured in a lot of skits and productions.

What makes you exceptional?

Well, I would say what makes me different from other actors is that I’m real, every role I play has good impact on everyone and I will always portray good behaviors in my scene and anything I do is always with passion. I have also learnt from other big acts and have blended their style into what I’m all about today.

Where do you see yourself in a few years?

I see myself as the biggest Nollywood star and brand owner of Kayscouture, which is the clothing brand I recently started.

It’s a male and female outfit with a lot of interesting collections that would be unveiled as the year unfolds.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Lillian Afegbai is Soundcity’s MVP Actress/producer, and ex-Big Brother Africa housemate, Lilian Afegbai, stole the show on the red carpet at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards held in Lagos last Saturday, with her intimidating attire. Lilian, who won the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Indigenous Movie of the Year for her production debut, “Bound” in 2018, left many asking for more at the Soundcity show.

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Tiwa Savage’s 2020 Look Tiwa Savage unveiled her hot new look as she performed at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards held last Saturday in Lagos. The music star was dressed in a custom-made green costume with a matching low cut and toned skin.

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Fireboy Unveils Visuals for ‘Need You’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ust days after bagging Listener’s Choice award at the just concluded Soundcity MVP Award Festival, YBNL signee, Fireboy DML has dropped the official video to his song titled Need You. The love track is one of fans favourite from his debut album ‘Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps’ (LTG). L.T.G, a solid 13-track album without a guest artiste, is a vibe of good feelings and in an opinion, presents the Afro-life crooner as a hybrid of Wande Coal and Adekunle Gold.

This is coming after rounding 2019 successfully with the release of his album ‘LTG’ and the visuals of ‘Scatter’, Fireboy DML set off 2020 with the music video for ‘Need You’. The talented singer and songwriter had ironically “scattered” the scene during his NATIVELAND ‘19 concert in December, when a VIP platform came crashing down while the star was performing his hit single, Scatter. The fast rising act shook 2019 with hit songs; ‘Jealous’, ‘What If I Say’, ‘King’ and is back with his A list game.

The new act has shown his strength on YBNL Mafia album and on all singles he dropped after the album, as the he takes it further by releasing a brand new body of Work. Off his buzzing album ‘LTG’, he picks on the track ‘Need You’.

The song produced by Pheelz is a love song that continues to picture Fireboy as a lover boy. On “Need You”, Fireboy shows off his vocal strengths on gentle guitar riffs as he serenades his love interest with catchy lyrics like “We made love more than memories/But in my song you’re my melody.”

Sometimes it’s the wonderful things that don’t last and their fragility and temporal nature have a way of leaving gaping holes in our hearts. From the opening frame, the song captures you with its touching melody and the singer’s beautiful voice. He waits for his true love, and when she arrives, his excitement goes to another level as they both have fun while enjoying each other’s company. Things take a turn for the worse when a dangerous foe (possibly a jilted lover who the girl ran away from) calls. Apparently a lover and not a fighter, the young man is only helpless as his world comes crashing down before his very eyes.

Fireboy DML’s video is a reminder that we should treasure all that we hold dear, making as many memories as we can because we never know how easily such things can be snatched away in the twinkling of an eye. Even if only experienced for a brief moment, love is the greatest force of all and should never be taken for granted. As humans who are finite beings, it leaves us with its infinite touch and leaves us with something better experienced than described.

Fireboy DML can only definitely climb higher as his latest video clip is even better than the previous one. The video is an apt interpretation of a wonderful song that proves the artist’s growth.

The video like movie captures images of lovable memories. Love isn’t without opposition and could oftentimes end in tragedy as Fireboy DML depicts in the visuals. So, in a way, the new kid on the block admonishes us to love fiercely while we can in “Need You” video, directed by Clarence Peters.

Fireboy

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Kiki Osinbajo and her Man

Kiki Osinbajo Gets Her Man Ferdinand Ekechukwu

K

iki, daughter of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is in love and has made it public.

This week, she unveilled her boyfriend as she shared loved up photos on the social media. In a post on her Instagram page, Kiki revealed her relationship status to her fans and friends by sharing photos of herself and her man together. This made her the major attention on Instagram last Tuesday.

The beautiful entrepreneur posted photos of them exploring Abuja with captions like “Amor”, “Choose you always” and a few other words.

Her post got showered with praises, prayers and good wishes from friends, family and well-wishers who expressed delight at the couple. Nigerians could not keep calm as they flooded her comment section. Some even insinuated wedding bell about to ring. Some reactions below: Ayplenty: “Wedding bell about to ring.” Midey_frosh: “If you have a good parent it will definitely reflect from you, nice one kiki.... I love you always, my 2020 bride to be.” Sharon.soft: “This joy that you have shall be permanent in Jesus name @kikiosinbajo.”

Maiyeoluwakemi: “Small small pre-wedding picture.” Fola_richest: “Wedding bells are ringing.”

The photos showed Kiki and her boyfriend having fun together as

they toured Abuja. The two went on hikes and rode big bikes. Two days earlier, she had posted throwback photos of them cutting her birthday cake together. She however replied a few of the comments with “Amen”.

She further captioned a picture thus: “You know what I’m done, done, done.” According to reports, the young man goes by the name Hafeez Yaroson from the Yaroson Kaduna royal family who was once a big Hausa rapper.

When interviewed on a popular television a few years back before he became a full-time polo player, he revealed how his grandfather made him fall in love with music.

Kiki, who is fondly admired by her followers on the social media is the second child of the vice president and CEO of Glam’d Africa Beauty House. The 26 year old is known to be a special kind of lady who despite her father ’s fortune, chose to work very hard for her own money.

The fashion enthusiast is also an Instagram star known for sharing modeling shots and additional beauty oriented content with her close to 150,000 Instagram followers. Kiki has been able to carve a name for herself in the fashion world. She first began sharing fashion and beauty oriented content on the site in November of 2013. In addition to Instagram, she runs her own personal online shop at shopkonyin.com where she sells organic skin care products and other beauty supplies. She started the website in March of 2018.

Kiki and her Man

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MISSILE

Professor Akintoye on FG “The federal government is being managed in ways that make it look like an exclusive preserve of a particular minority. There seems to be an agenda being pursued to establish this minority in all positions of command in the Executive, Administrative, Judicial and Security Services of our Country.” – Historian and Yoruba leader, Prof Banji Akintoye, raising the alarm over the “worrying moods” in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Goodbye Banjul, I Will Be Back Soon

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ellow Africans, I was a guest of one of the incredibly visionary sons of Africa, Mustapha Njie, in Banjul, The Gambia, from Monday to Friday last week. Mustapha is one of those quiet but very successful real estate gurus on the continent of Africa. His pan-African company, famously known as TAF, was birthed 30 years ago but the mustard seed he planted then has since grown into a massive oak tree with branches stretching across Africa.

It was celebration time and Mr TAF, as I call my friend and Brother, seriously rolled out the drums as he left no stones unturned to commemorate the landmark and epochal event, where I danced so much in front of legelegendary singer, Youssou Ndour, two nights ago.

For me the journey to Banjul began from Lagos on 29 December 2019 where I had joined my best friend and brother, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, in concluding the nuptials between his daughter, Adesekemi, and her Sweetheart, Anthony Atuche.

The church wedding and reception was a grand, superlative event and it was a befitting finale to the start of married life for the lovebirds.

I left Lagos on 29 December for Accra with Prince Adedamola. This was a quick stopover to connect with the Emirates flight from Accra to Dubai en route London. Apart from tremendous cost savings, I wanted to use the opportunity to see my son, Eniafe, and his cousins, Afolabi and TLash, who were all staying in my home in Accra. Accra was the convergence point this festive season for Africans in the diaspora and all lovers of Africa as the Ghanaian Government played hosts to Africans and persons of African descent in what was tagged the Year of Return. Eniafe, who is steadily growing into a consummate entertainment journalist and even did a brief anchor role for CNN Africa on Instagram, was deeply involved with reporting the events and we had not spent enough time together over the Christmas period for this reason.

It was his birthday on Christmas day and he had just spent a few hours with his younger brother, Korewa, his cousins, Aunts and myself before jetting out to Accra for his media assignment. We managed to spend a few more hours together in Accra before Prince Adedamola and I boarded our flight to Dubai.

We arrived Dubai in the morning of 30th December and spent one night in Dubai to catch our breath from all the excitement of the wedding over the previous week. We left Dubai on 31 December 2019 because we wanted to be part of the events ushering in the New Year in London and I wanted to spend time with my wife and other two older sons, Olupekan and Enitanyole who had opted to remain in England.

The fireworks display in London to celebrate the dawn of the new year is always an awesome, awe inspiring jaw-dropping grand affair. It is a real spectacle and a lovely sight to behold as the renowned London Eye serves as a glittering backdrop to the array of glittering, shimmering, luminous lights and sound that the fireworks herald. In reality, London is famed for its New Year revelry and it is always fun to partake in it with family and friends.

After enjoying the advent of the new year, it was time to return to Accra in order to connect to my trip to Banjul to attend my Brother, Mustapha’s fantastic and fastidiously organised events. I left London for Dubai en route Accra with Emirates Airline on 4th January 2020. Our flight on Emirates Airlines was arranged by the highly efficient and indefatigable Mrs Nike Adesokan, proprietor of Travelright, who attended to our needs regardless of the different time zones that we sometimes were.

We were pleasantly surprised to find out not only that she had checked us in on all our flights when we were struggling with such mundane tasks. It was a joy to have such a delightful woman and

Dele Momodu in the Gambia, with the Gambian First Lady, Mrs Fatoumata Bah-Barrow her pleasant team co-ordinate our trips for us.

After I arrived Accra on 5th January 2020, I spent one night recharging my batteries before setting out for Banjul via Liberia on Asky Airlines, the Togolese airline. I was accompanied on the trip my cameraman and videographer, Ben Osei, a young but very brilliant and efficient gentleman. We arrived Banjul to a spectacular welcome arranged by our host Mustapha. Our hotel, named the African Princess, was spanking new and heavenly. I could never have believed any other Hotel could make me forget the Coco Ocean so easily. I promptly converted my trip to a continuation of my festive holidays. Sorry if this sounds like an advert but I’m happy to inform you that some African countries are truly serious about tourism.

It may seem hyperbolic if I describe TAF as one of the most tenacious and ambitious organisations I ever encountered. Since our paths first crossed in the year 2000, the company has grown so much that I have started seeing Mustapha as a magician.

From humble beginnings as a real estate agency in Banjul, Mustapha has grown the business to such an extent that he is now developing estates on a large scale in The Gambia, Nigeria, Senegal and Southern Africa. His prowess and vision remind me of Dubai in some ways, because he not only wants to be the biggest and best in his business in Africa, he wants to build the biggest, largest and the best in Africa.

Mustapha’s passion is in building affordable houses across Africa. Despite his emphasis on affordable housing, he does not stint in the quality of materials that he uses and the high standards that he seeks to attain. Indeed, what Mustapha gives you are luxurious, but affordable homes.

TAF Construction has become a massive business. It now employs hundreds of people in eight different countries namely, The Gambia and Nigeria, where the company is highly dominant, and Rwanda, Senegal, Cameroon, Togo, Ivory Coast and Mozambique, where the company is rising steadily and strongly.

It has done exceedingly well in the Gambia, the Brufut Gardens Estate and the Dalaba Estate, Banjul, and in the South South of Nigeria, the RIVTAF Golf Estate in Port Harcourt. The Brufut Gardens Estate has 700 homes and was launched in 2006. The Dalaba Estate is a high-end luxury estate launched in 2018 with 374 homes of sheer luxury and great attention to detail. The same can be said of the RIVTAF Golf Estate in Port Harcourt, with over 1000 homes built on more than 40 hectares of land, which is luxury, opulence and new age technology combined. The Estate is complemented by a 9-hole golf course and use solar power to complement its electricity. Mustapha is very proud of his company’s achievements with the RIVTAF Golf Estate but he is always quick to point out that his laudable achievements in Rivers State could not have occurred without the support of successive Governors that have eased all his business concerns and have been pillars of support. He is also grateful for the goodwill and support that he receives from the Rivers

people and ensures that annually he fulfils his Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations by spending at least 1% of turnover on social infrastructure within the community, just like he does in the Gambia. Mustapha commends his Nigerian staff for sharing his vision and keying into it. It is interesting to note that although the estate is in the South South, his management team comes from all parts of Nigeria. Indeed, he is an example of how nationalistic a truly Nigerian conglomerate should be.

Mustapha has set himself huge targets and goals.

His plan is to build at least 10,000 homes in the Gambia in 10 years at 1000 homes annually. He has been meeting this target and is already more than halfway there after only four years of setting this goal. His vision for Africa is even greater and bolder. His aim is to build at least a million homes across Africa by 2040, which is only 20 years away. Given his work ethic, passion and compassion I have no doubt that these seemingly daunting goals are not mission impossible but vision attainable and I wish Mustapha the very best as he proceeds on another 30-year journey

of growth and inspiration.

My visit to The Gambia could not have ended without some form of State Visit to the First Family.

I have been visiting the Gambia now for about 20 years and each time I go there has always been an arrangement for me to meet with the leaders of the country or their family. I was in Banjul in last days of the eventual ouster of the former President, Yahya Jammeh, when I accompanied former President John Mahama of Ghana and President Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia to the Gambia as they tried to persuade Jammeh to relinquish power and leave the Gambia, which he eventually did.

This trip was no different as it was arranged for me by my friend, Mrs Rebecca Bensouda, who had been introduced to me by Isha Tejan-Cole in 2000, to meet with the First Lady, the charming, elegant and graceful, Fatoumatta Bah Barrow. It was a special and personal occasion for me as the First Lady gushed about the fact that she had been an avid reader of Ovation magazine and my ardent follower for more than 15 years, since the time when she was sojourning in London. She even told me one of her favorite covers was that of Modupe Ozolua. Naturally, I had been oblivious to this fact and it was such a humbling moment being informed about her love for Ovation by the First lady.

We had a very interesting time with the warm and gracious First Lady. We were made comfortable.

She was simple and open, with no airs at all. A truly remarkable woman for whom her position is nothing but a gift from God which she daily gives thanks for and acknowledges must end someday.

I had wished the journey won’t end so soon but Lagos beckoned for the 80th birthday extravaganza of Chief Eleganza Rasak Akanni Okoya. But I promised to be back in The Gambia soon.

What a year already...

Special Tribute to Chief Dr Rasak Akanni Okoya I feel privileged to know and write about CHIEF ABDULRASAK AKANNI OKOYA, the iconic businessman and industrialist extraordinaire, a perfect gentleman I call Daddy. Our relationship has grown to the extent that I am honoured to have been introduced to, and met on numerous occasions, his beautiful family and made to feel a part of it.

My earliest recollection of Chief Okoya was from a tribute song written in his honour, and contained in an album, by music legend Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey. In the song the Commander extolled the extensive industrial empire of the ELEGANZA GROUP OF COMPANIES and the virtues of its Octopus-like founder and mover, Chief Okoya.

Subsequently, I travelled from Ile-Ife to Lagos and saw the sprawling factories in Alausa owned by this famed and fabled business tycoon, with fingers in many pies including manufacturing, real estate and finance.

I soon became a chronicler of people, places and events as a journalist and it was impossible not to feature Chief Okoya as one of Nigeria’s most successful business titans, a man of style, manufacturing and real estate mogul, man of faith and friend of both the rich and the poor.

One notable incident I recall is accompanying Chief MKO Abiola to Chief Okoya’s Penthouse in Ikoyi Crescent, in the heat of the June 12 crisis.

I joined them in breaking the Ramadan Fast that evening. Chief Okoya was remarkably hospitable, and the tension that was palpable in everybody eased considerably because of the effusive charm and wit that he oozed which found a matching spirit in the ebullient Chief Abiola.

Then, I fled to exile in London where Ovation International magazine was conceived. Naturally, Chief Okoya became one of our most featured

celebrities due to his cosmopolitan nature. We photographed his luxury home on Bishop’s Avenue as one of the choicest properties of rich and famous Nigerians in England.

At Ovation, we followed Chief Okoya’s activities with religious fervour, simply because he is one of our readers favourites, and soon became constant guests at his tasteful and stylish events. On one occasion, we invited in the great Photographer, T. Y Bello, and we were able to capture nearly every part of his vast and varying property estates.

Indeed, the Okoyas have been among the most covered in our feel-good magazine.

On a personal note, Chief Okoya stunned me one evening when he requested that a huge sum should be given to me towards my Presidential campaign in 2011. He said it did not matter to him whether I won or not, but that he admired my ability, courage and style. He started addressing me as “my President”. If more of our rich and powerful elderly personages could emulate Chief Rasak Okoya, our country would be a better place.

He recognised that it was essential to encourage and inspire the younger generation because you do not know the heights they will attain and more importantly you do not know that leader that would eventually be conceived as a result of that youth’s inspiring story. I am eternally grateful to him.

I had prayed and looked forward to his 80th birthday and I’m happy it has finally arrived. As I promised his adorable wife, Chief Mrs Folashade Okoya, the Ovation Media Group will today launch an unprecedented media operation to commemorate the occasion and honour this great personality, thus ensuring that the world gives a standing ovation to an indefatigable colossus and cheerful Philanthropist.

Happy birthday and many happy returns, Sir.

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