SATURDAY 20TH JUNE 2020

Presidency Refutes UK Lawmakers’ Allegation of Genocide against Christians Invites protesting British legislators to Nigeria Says plans to convoke religious dialogue underway Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Presidency yesterday rejected a report by some British Parliamentarians alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

In the report released this week, the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief, (APPG) said Christians were being targeted in Nigeria because

of their faith and that genocide was looming.

But the Presidency denied the claim, saying both President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who are Muslim

and Christian respectively, are committed to addressing issues fueling religious crises in the country.

APPG, a group of over 100 British parliamentarians from different political parties, and

from both the House of Lords and the House of Commons, had in the 56-page report on Tuesday, alleged that given the way Christians were being killed in Nigeria, without any known political will by

the government to stop such killings, “genocide is looming in Nigeria.”

The group, which said it exists to promote Article 18 Continued on page 5

CJN Swears in Justice Dongban-Mensem as Appeal Court President… Page 6 Saturday 20 June, 2020 Vol 25. No 9203

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With Court Ruling in Port Harcourt, APC No Longer Has Acting Chairman Zamfara, Rivers scenarios loom No leadership vacuum in APC, party insists Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja With the ruling yesterday by a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which

restrained Chief Victor Giadom from parading himself as the Acting National Chairman and a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party, legally, no

longer has an acting chairman.

Chief Giadom, the Deputy National Secretary, is one of the three members of the National Working Committee of APC laying claim to the chairmanship of the party, after

the Appeal Court ruling that suspended Comrade Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman.

Giadom relied on an order of FCT High Court on the 16th of March this year, by

Justice S.U. Bature, for him to act as the National Chairman when Oshiomhole was earlier suspended. That order could not take effect because of the reprieve Oshiomhole got at the Appeal Court. But with

the Appeal Court's ruling that Oshiomhole’s suspension was in order, Giadom renewed his claim to the chairmanship of the party.

Continued on page 5

Game on in Edo State as Obaseki Joins PDP The energy I see in this party is the kind I require to take Edo to the next level Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Chuks Okocha in Abuja Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State yesterday joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a declaration that he would lead the party to victory in the governorship election scheduled for September.

Obaseki, who arrived the PDP state Secretariat at about 2.15 pm for the official declaration, was accompanied by a retinue of his aides, while raising his hand to signify 4+4.

The governor, who was ushered into the office of the party’s chairman in the state, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, said “I am here this afternoon to inform you that upon my resignation

from the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have now decided, having consulted very widely within the state and across the country, to become a member of the PDP. “The PDP in my view has demonstrated and shown that it is a party that is rooted in democratic practices. The party that believes in justice and fairness; a party that respects its people. Today is not a day I will make many speeches, you will hear from me soon.”

Continuing, he said, "Today, I am here to go through the formalities of registering as a member of this great party.

I know and understand fullwell the implications of these Continued on page 5

FG Releases N4.5bn to Striking Doctors in Federal Hospitals... Page 6

IN PDP I TRUST...

L-R: Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, with the Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the state, Anthony Aziegbemi, during the presentation of the party’s constitution to Obaseki at the PDP State Secretariat in Benin City, moments after the governor joined the party…yesterday

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PAGE FIVE GAME ON IN EDO STATE AS OBASEKI JOINS PDP decisions. I know that upon taking up membership of this party I automatically become the leader of the party in the state. That is the constitution.

I read it thoroughly last night and I want to assure all of you that I am prepared to provide leadership. I am prepared to provide leadership that will lead this party to victory and I am prepared to provide leadership that will not only put PDP in office in Edo State but as the ruling party in Edo state.

"We will make sure that the level of progress, the level of hope and the level of participation in the political system by our party is unrivalled in this country. I am very happy to be here. The reception I have received since I drove in here has been ecstatic. The energy I see in this party is the kind of energy I require to take Edo to the level. We should go to next if indeed we have done anything in the last four years.

You haven’t seen anything yet because with the quality of people I see here, the energy of the youths I see, by the grace of God, victory will be possible.

I am committing to you that I will not only lead this party to victory in Edo state, but we will now make sure that this party establishes an example of how states will be run in Africa. So, today, it is with great pleasure that I have come to formally take up my membership of this great party.�

The governor was received by the National Vice Chairman, South-south of the PDP, Chief

Emmanuel Ogidi, in company with Aziegbemi and other party executives, including the governor’s ward chairman.

Speaking, the Edo PDP chairman enjoined the Ward Four chairman to issue Obaseki his membership card which the governor later displayed.

Speaking further, Aziegbemi said PDP members in Edo and beyond are happy to receive Obaseki which signified that he is now a full member of the party, having received his membership card.

"We as PDP family are very excited the state governor has joined us with all his commissioners, House of Assembly members, council chairmen.

"So with this, it is very clear even to the blind that come September 19, Edo State will be a fully a PDP State. We are grateful to God for making this day happen.'

"When asked on the fate of the three aspirants who had earlier been cleared to contest the party primary election rescheduled to hold June 24, Aziegbemi said Obaseki would contest alongside the three - Omoregie OgbeideIhama, Kenneth Imansuangbon and Gideon Ikhine - adding that nobody is being pressurised to step down.

Ogidi noted that all the processes leading to the defection of Obaseki was smooth and successful, adding that there was no problem with the negotiation.

"So we are happy that the governor and his deputy including all his aides, council

chairmen have come to join us", Ogidi said.

Shaibu, joins Obaseki in PDP Amid the fanfare that greeted Governor Obaseki’s pitching his tent with the PDP to contest for re-election in Edo State, his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, has also led his supporters to the PDP. Shaibu, who spoke to journalists after obtaining his PDP membership card at the party secretariat in Benin City, expressed disappointment over alleged undemocratic actions and tendencies of Comrade Adams Oshiomole in his management of the APC at the national level.

He stated, “I have a mixed feeling with this action. First, one struggled to form a party and after forming that party, those that benefitted from the party took over the party and became tyrants. It is not always easy that after one helped to form and nurture a party, one individual would say he is an Adolf Hitler in the system and becomes undemocratic. That was what happened in the APC.�

Shaibu, however, expressed his unalloyed loyalty to Edo people, noting that their calls for the governor and his team to join the PDP had been heard.

He assured that Governor Obaseki remains steadfast with his vision and mission to actualise the aspirations of Edo people and that the strides made in social, economic and human capital development of the state

must not be compromised.

He said: “Some of us believe in the people. We believe that the people must lead at all times.

Because of that, we cannot afford to abandon this state for people like that. That is why we decided to abandon them in APC and join the PDP today.�

Obaseki has since picked his nomination form and expression of interest forms. He paid the mandatory fees of N21 million for the forms.

welcomed Obaseki to the PDP, “a truly people's party.�

The former Vice President expressed confidence that the people of Edo State would be the better for his choice.

He said: “I am happy that you have finally exited the oppressive ruling party and joined the truly democratic party in Nigeria. I have no doubt that your coming into the PDP would further strengthen our party to mobilise the people behind the common cause of deepening democratic ethos in our country and restoring prosperity to our people.�

In his own message, former President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, welcomed Obaseki into the PDP and congratulated him for taking a good step in the right direction.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Saraki noted that the bigger commendation and appreciation should go to the leaders of the Edo State Chapter of the PDP at the various levels for the sense of sacrifice, patriotism and devotion to the progress of the party demonstrated by them in the process of welcoming Obaseki into its fold.

The party announced this in a late night statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan.

The party had planned to hold its primary between June 19 and 20, but on Thursday moved it to June 23.

Also, the party said that it had granted waiver to Obaseki to contest the Edo governorship election primary.

According to Ologbondiyan, "The action of the NWC is pursuant to Section 29(2)(b) of the PDP constitution and in exercise of the powers of the National Executive Committee (NEC) under Section (50)(3)(b) of the PDP constitution. “The NWC in exercise of the above powers has ratified the application for waiver by the ward, local government and state executives of the party in Edo state and accordingly grants waiver to His Excellency Governor Godwin Obaseki to enable him contest the gubernatorial primary of the PDP.�

Atiku, Saraki Welcome Again, PDP Shifts Edo Primary to Next Obaseki Thursday

The PDP NWC yesterday night directed Governor Obaseki to appear before the party's screening committee at its national secretariat in Abuja today. He is to be screened 10 am According to a statement by its National Organising Secretary, Austin Akubundu, the party's NWC approved the continuation of the screening exercise.

Ekweremadu Salutes Obaseki Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has joined the list of PDP leaders welcoming Obaseki to the party.

He said in a tweet yesterday: “I join other @OfficialPDPNig leaders and faithful in welcoming @GovernorObaseki to our party.

No doubt, PDP offers the governor and good people of Edo not only a veritable platform for victory in the guber election, but also a sure path to peace, good governance, and speedy develolment. Together we'll do it.�

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections, Atiku Abubakar has also congratulated Obaseki for joining the PDP. Atiku in a press statement by his media office yesterday,

Meanwhile, for the second time in less than 24 hours, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP has shifted its gubernatorial primary election to Thursday June 25.

Obaseki for Screening Today

PRESIDENCY REFUTES UK LAWMAKERS’ ALLEGATION OF GENOCIDE AGAINST CHRISTIANS of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said it was shocking that Nigeria, a Commonwealth country, could be ranked 12th on Open Doors World Watch List 2020.

According to the group, it was disturbing that Nigeria ranked among "extreme" countries where there is religious intolerance, and where Christians face the greatest level of persecution in the world.

Such countries and their ranks, as highlighted by the group, are: Syria (11th); Nigeria (12th); Saudi Arabia (13th); Iraq (15th); Egypt (16th) and Sri Lanka (30th). It said: "Nigeria is currently just one rank below ‘extreme."

But in a statement yesterday, Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said Boko Haram insurgents target Christians because they know it drives religious tensions in the country.

Shehu said the Buhari administration was committed to addressing these challenges

and had already begun taking measures.

Shehu said: “The President and government of Nigeria wish to thank members of the United Kingdom All-Party Parliamentary Group on International Religious Freedom or Belief for their report, launched a few days ago. “Although it is difficult reading, the statement also acknowledges the importance of accurate, unbiased, depoliticised and truthful information when it comes to understanding the realities and addressing the challenges for those of faith in Nigeria. “In this regard, when uncritical attention is afforded to critics with dubious intentions, it only becomes harder for both the government and people of Nigeria to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve our differences, and uphold what is enshrined in our constitution and laws: that everyone has the

right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. “In concert with our American and British allies, Nigeria’s military have pushed back the terrorists and largely reduced their capacity over the last five years compared to the previous decade. “Boko Haram terrorists have targeted Christians and Churches specifically because they know it drives forward religious and land tensions already existent in the country. Similarly, they attack mosques and Muslims in order to issue the threat: radicalise or become targets yourselves.�

He said while the government was increasing efforts “to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram�, it has not stopped seeking to negotiate for those held captive by the insurgents.

According to him, under the leadership of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, there are efforts to unite the country through dialogue as regards religious differences.

“The president and government have and will at all times work with those – both within and outside Nigeria – with a concern for the rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion,� he said. “In this regard, we look forward to welcoming members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group to our country to see for themselves the work that is going on to promote these fundamental rights of our citizens.�

Shehu stated that the federal government “is committed to promoting unity among adherents of different religions.�

He disclosed that plans were underway by President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to convoke a religious dialogue aimed at addressing prevalent tension in the country.

The presidential spokesman then proceeded to unveil initiatives conceived to achieve

peace and promote unity among Muslims and Christians.

He said: "In the months and years ahead, our President who is Muslim and our Vice President who is an evangelical Christian pastor are irrevocably committed to addressing these multiple and long-term challenges for today’s and future generations. These include: "Continuing and increasing Nigeria’s efforts, alongside our allies, to fully defeat and finally finish Boko Haram, in order to bring security to the north of the country.

"Continuing to seek, negotiate for, and secure the return of all those held hostage and in captivity by the terrorists, regardless of the religious faith or belief. “Uniting our nation through dialogue organised around respect for difference in religion.

Such a programme is already underway under the leadership

of the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo.� “Addressing, through joint federal and state governments’ programmes, access to arable farmland, with land mandated both for farmers and herders. The federal government will issue detailed measures regarding this plan and its rollout in the coming weeks “Countering fake news, particularly on social and digital media, by working with the nonpartisan stakeholder community, the National Broadcasting Commission and social media platforms themselves, to address the proliferation of false and inflammatory commentary.�

The statement added that both the president and the federal government would, at all times, work with individuals within and outside Nigeria who are concerned about citizens' rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

respondent or member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the 1st defendant pending the determination of the motion on notice."

She also granted an interim injunction restraining Giadom from "issuing, signing or endorsing any document to the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or any other body or institution in the capacity of acting national chairman" of APC or as an officer of the party in any capacity pending the determination of the matter.

The judge adjourned the matter to July 1 for hearing of the motion on notice.

Reacting to Giadom’s claim to the party’s chairmanship position, based on the earlier Abuja court’s ruling, the National Publicity Secretary of the party insisted that there was no leadership vacuum to fill on the said March 16, 2020 as the Deputy Chairman (South), Senator Abiola Ajimobi had already assumed the role of Acting National Chairman.

The party spokesman explained that none of the four defendants named on the said

process were served with the originating processes in the suit, adding that as a result, the party became aware of the existence of such an order on June 17, 2020 through its circulation on social media.

WITH COURT RULING IN PORT HARCOURT, APC NO LONGER HAS ACTING CHAIRMAN But the Port Harcourt court, presided by Justice Florence Fiberesima yesterday granted an exparte order restraining Giadom, following an application from two stalwarts of the APC in Rivers State, Dele Moses and Azunda Awori, through their counsel, F.C. Nwafor, for a restraining order seeking to stop Giadom from parading as either the Acting National Chairman or Deputy National Secretary of the party.

The party's NWC had earlier named the former governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as its acting national chairman.

Because of Ajimobi’s health issues, it subsequently asked the National Vice Chairman (South-south), Hilliard Eta, to fill the position in Ajimobi’s absence.

But analysts say in line with the party’s constitution, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party ought to ratify Ajimobi’s nomination before he can legally take charge as acting chairman. They are of the opinion that without this, the so-called confirmation of Ajimobi by the NWC, and the directives to Eta to act on his

behalf are illegalities.

With the injunction against Giadom, the APC no longer has a leader recognised by law and may be unable to field candidates for all elections now, the Edo and Ondo states governorship elections inclusive.

The Zamfara and Rivers states scenario looms again for the APC, with incumbent governor Godwin Obaseki, who has now joined the PDP, now looking good to coast home to victory unchallenged.

The Case in Port Harcourt Joined in the suit in Port Harcourt were the APC and the Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC in the state, Igo Aguma, and the National Legal Adviser of the party, Babatunde Ogala.

The appelants argued that Giadom had resigned his position as a member of the NWC of the APC to contest the 2019 election as deputy governor on the platform of the party.

The application reads in part: "A declaration that sequel to the

resignation of the 3rd defendant (Hon Victor Giadom) as Deputy National Secretary of the 1st Defendant (APC) in 2018, for the purposes of contesting in the 2019 general election as Deputy Governor of Rivers State, the 3rd defendant is no longer the Deputy National Secretary of the 1st Defendant and is not a member of the National Working Committee ( NWC) of the 1st Defendant having resigned his membership of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the 1st Defendant for purposes of contesting in the 2019 general election as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

"A declaration that the resignation of the 3rd Defendant (Victor Giadom), as the Deputy National Secretary of the 1st Defendant in 2018, is valid and effective from 2018 till date.

"A declaration that the 3rd Defendant (Hon Victor Giadom) is not the National Chairman, or Acting National Chairman, or Deputy National Secretary or otherwise howsoever a member of the National Working Committee of the 1st Defendant.

"An order restraining the 3rd Defendant (Hon Victor

Giadom) from issuing, signing or endorsing any document or correspondence to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or any other body or institution in the capacity of the National Chairman or Acting National Chairman of the 1st Defendant or howsoever as an officer of the 1st Defendant.

"An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Defendants from recognising or regarding the 3rd Defendant as either a member of the National Working Committee (NWC), the Deputy National Secretary, National Chairman or Acting National Chairman of the 1st Defendant."

The court granted the reliefs sought.

Specifically, the order issued

by Fiberesima read in part: "It is hereby ordered as follows: That an interim injunction be and is hereby made restraining the 3rd Defendant (Hon Victor Giadom) from acting by himself or through his privies or agents howsoever described from parading himself as the National Chairman of the 1st defendant/

Giadom Writes INEC Meanwhile, on Thursday, Giadom, wrote a letter to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), introducing himself as the acting national chairman of the ruling party.

In a letter dated June 18, Giadom told INEC to serve all processes and documents concerning APC elections, as well as other correspondences on him. “I want to respectfully through this medium bring it to your attention that I have been appointed as the acting National Chairman of the APC. A copy of the order of the FCT High Court, Abuja affirming my authority as the acting national chairman of the APC is herewith attached.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 20 2020

NEWS

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

FG Moves to End Doctors’ Strike, Releases N4.5bn to Hospitals Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The federal government yesterday took a decisive step to end the strike action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), releasing N4.5 billion to 31 Tederal Teaching and Medical Centres across the country.

Consequently, the government which explained that the release would cover payment for hazard and inducement allowances for the month of April and May added that June allowances would follow.

The government which appealed to the doctors to resume work to save the lives of several Nigerians battling COVID-19 and other diseases added that it had also organised a meeting between the doctors and state governors with optimism that the strike action would be called off soon.

Briefing newsmen in the State House yesterday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, said the meeting between the governors and doctors had become compelling because the governors also had

CJN Swears-in Justice DongbanMensem Appeal Court President Alex Enumah in Abuja The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Muhammad, yesterday swore-in Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem as substantive President of the Court of Appeal, with a charge to maintain the credibility and integrity of the appellate court.

This is as former governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has described the new President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Dongban-Mensem, as one of the nation’s foremost able jurists.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony which held at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja, Justice Muhammad enjoined the new president to live up to expectations by maintaining cordial relationship with her colleagues on the bench of the Court of Appeal.

The CJN while stating that the appellate court had the largest number of Justices in the country, stressed the need for the president to be up and doing.

Specifically, the CJN counselled Justice Dongban-Mensem, who is the second female to be appointed President of the Court of Appeal to ensure regular meetings with Presiding Justices in all divisions of the court as well as other Justices to enable them understand challenges that may face the court.

The CJN further tasked the

new appellate court president to continue with her good character, behaviour and hardwork, adding that the sky would not only be a limit but a stepping stone for her.

“From my personal experience, workload in the Court of Appeal, especially in the divisions is the highest. It is a home of work, it is a home of cooperation, but with your experience, hardwork and zeal, you will not find your new status difficult.

“If you sustain your good character and conduct, your tenure will definitely be an excellent one.

Try to be yourself and do not allow others derail you. Remain what we know you for,” CJN added.

Responding to questions from journalists, shortly after her inauguration, Dongban-Mensem expressed joy over her confirmation as substantive President of the Court of Appeal.

She said she felt honoured and at the same time challenged to be appointed into the office of the President of the Court of Appeal, based in the recommendation of the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari.

She assured Nigerians that she would do her best in ensuring that justice was applied at the appellate court, adding that she would build on the legacy left behind by her predecessors.

their own obligations to fulfil in the doctors’ demands.

NARD had embarked on an industrial action at the weekend to pursue its demands for shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and poor remuneration for its members who are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Ngige, who was flanked by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mr. Festus Keyamo, made the disclosure after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Just this morning, before we went to see Mr. President, the Ministry of Finance reported that as at this morning, 3a.m., they have paid the allowances for hazard and inducement to 31 Teaching and Federal Medical Centres and Specialist Hospitals of the federal government service and they have expended close to N4.5 billion in the payment because, we are paying them the arrears of April and May. The payment for June will also be done immediately these ones are sorted out.

“Again, it’s important to report to you that in consonance with what he’s saying, we have arranged a meeting for them to speak to the Nigerian Governors’

Forum because you don’t mix apples and oranges. The issue of health is on the concurrent list, so the federal government will do its own and the state government will be expected to do their own. Some of their grievances border on what they feel the state governments have not done,” he said.

Buttressing Ngige’s remarks, Ehanire who said they briefed the President on matters arising from the strike action, disclosed that Buhari was not happy that situations got to this level, explaining however, that all the demands of the doctors from the federal government had been met.

He said the only outstanding demands were those that are not within the purview of the federal government, pointing out that though the Ministry of Health could assist the doctors to explain their plights to the state governments, it had no power to compel them to meet such demands.

While appealing to the medical personnel to have faith in the federal government, Ehanire said the Ministry of Health would handle issues bordering on discipline, assuring that the current federal government would live up to their expectations.

He said: “We hope that there

is a solution in sight. What we have done is to brief the president of the country, who as we all know, has the final responsibility for everything that goes on in government.

Those of us who are ministers administer our ministries and have to report to him periodically.

“In this particular case, it has been important to report to him how things have been because of the strike action of resident doctors. We have to report to him the implications and the possible consequences of such a strike action.

“He listened to us carefully.

Of course, he is not happy that it has come this way and we all hope that it would be resolved after all the demands that were made have been resolved. The Minister of Labour has listed those demands and how all of them have been fulfilled except those of them which are not within our ambit. If the association of resident doctors has quarrel with a state government, the ministry can put in a word for them but we cannot order any state to do anything.

“All those things that have to do with disciplinary action within the Ministry of Health

will be attended to and what we have also urged the resident doctors to do is to have some trust in the system. This is a government, a regime that has always lived up to its expectations and always met its promise, and not to lump all regimes together in one box.”

Answering questions on the ongoing strike action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Minister of Labour urged the striking lecturers to embrace Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) pending the resolutions of issues bordering on the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

According to him, the lecturers could migrate to UTAS the same way they moved into the Nigerian University Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) after it was licensed to operate by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

The federal government and ASUU had in March, agreed to find ways of reconciling the two salary payment platforms - IPPIS and UTAS - but there are still conflicts on terms on reconciliation, resulting in the ongoing strike action.

FG to Review Capital Market Master Plan Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The federal government is to review the Capital Market Masterplan in order to align the assumptions and projections with current realities.

Doing so, it stated, was a very important step in redefining the roadmap for stakeholder participation in the Nigerian capital market.

The core objective of the 10-year Capital Master Plan (2015-2025) is to evolve strategies for the improvement of the Nigerian capital market in key areas including investor protection and education, professionalism, product innovation, and for the expansion of the capital market’s role in the nation’s economy.

Inaugurating the National Savings Strategy (NSS) Workgroup in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, said the Capital Market Masterplan proposed the NSS as one of the key initiatives to drive capital formation and investment necessary to support

entrepreneurs and enterprise development in the urgent task of diversifying the economy and deepening of the market.

According to her, efforts were ongoing to review the Masterplan to align the assumptions and projections with current realities, adding: “This is indeed a very important step in redefining the road-map for stakeholder participation in the Nigerian capital market.

“My expectation, when the review is concluded is that we would have a strategic document that provides a clear pathway that would enable the Nigeria’s capital market achieve the goal to be Africa’s largest, deepest and most liquid capital market contributing not only to Nigeria’s socio-economic development but also serve as a global financial hub offering opportunities to other parts of Africa.”

The minister observed that to lift the equities market, galvanise new start-ups and expand existing projects, there should be a deliberate provision of naira-based risk capital.

WE SHARE IN YOUR PAINS… L-R: Lagos State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Son of the deceased, Dr. Tunde Oshinowo; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and APC Lagos Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun during a condolence visit to late Senator Bayo Oshinowo’s family… yesterday.

Northern Govs Urge FG to Review ECOWAS Protocol on Cross Border Movement Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Northern governors are currently having sleepless nights over recent unabated attacks on states in the region that have led to wanton loss of lives and property.

Rising from a meeting over the security challenge on Thursday night, the governors urged the federal government to take a close look at the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons across borders to “check the influx of herders from other countries into Nigeria, particularly the North.”

The governors also want the federal government to “accelerate the Livestock Transformation Plan which will assist in creating jobs among farmers and herders in the

region and the country at large.”

The meeting conducted via teleconferencing was presided over by Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong.

While expressing concern over the level of insecurity in the region, the governors resolved to do everything to contain the situation, including engagement of local vigilantes, hunters, and community watch groups in the security architecture in order to foster intelligence gathering, rapid response and sustained surveillance.

The Forum appointed Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to head a standing committee on security in the region which is expected to foster synergy between security

agencies in the enforcement of security measures in the region.

His counterparts from Zamfara and Gombe are expected to back him in getting this done.

The Chairman of the Forum, Lalong heads another committee on consultation with traditional, religious and community leaders in the region with a view to ensuring that there is wider involvement of all stakeholders in tackling the challenge. He has Governors of Adamawa, Niger, and Sokoto as members of his committee.

While commending the Nigerian security forces on their efforts so far, they called for increased synergy among them, which they believed would enhance their operations and assist in putting an end to the

activities of bandits, insurgents, kidnappers and other criminals.

The governors however, resolved not to jettison dialogue, adding that where necessary, such tool would be used while also pursuing military measures in dealing with the various security challenges in the region.

Sympathising with victims of the various attacks and other forms of criminality in the region, the governors appealed for calm by groups and those affected, as the forum, individual state governments and the federal government were working together to ensure that the situation is brought under control immediately, as well as addressing the humanitarian needs of the victims.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 20 , 2020

NEWS Court Strikes Out Corruption Case against Babangida Aliyu Laleye Dipo in Minna

MY CONDOLENCES...

L-R: Husband of late Ibidun, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, during a condolence visit to Ighodalo at his residents in Ikoyi, Lagos, over the death of his wife Ibidun …. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Again, Gunmen Kidnap Ex-governor Dariye’s Father Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

For the second time in five years, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the father of Joshua Dariye, former governor of Plateau State, Pa Defwan Dariye.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that the gunmen went to his house at Mushere in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state and took him away to an unknown destination. A resident of the community, Bulus Gambo confirmed the abduction.

Pa Dariye, an old man of over 90 years, was earlier kidnapped in February 2015 from his residence in the same manner, but was later rescued by vigilante group at Nasarawa-Plateau border.

Gambo said, “The Information is true; it happened in the early hours of Thursday. The old man

was just in his house when some gunmen came and took him away.

Right now the community is in sober mood over the incident.”

A family source disclosed that the gunmen, numbering about seven, arrived the community in motorcycles and a car, forced their ways into the compound of the old man and held the people in the house hostage for close to 10 minutes before they whisked him away to an unknown destination.

“Since then, hunters and vigilantes have been on their trail.”

He lamented that they had not communicated with the family, praying that they released him on time considering his age.

An aide to the Chairman of the local government, Magit Mangut Mafiyai also confirmed the abduction. He said that the Council Chairman, Mr. Yusuf Mahanan Machen had visited

the residence of the victim, and urged the security agencies to double their efforts to ensure he was timely rescued.

Mafiyai said, “The executive chairman of Bokkos LGA, Hon. Chief Yusuf Mahanan Machen, was at the residence of Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye in Horop Mushere chiefdom yesterday (Thursday) to console with them over the kidnap of their father, Pa Defwan Dariye who was kidnapped from his residence.

“The chairman was there to console with the family on behalf of the entire LGA and has asked them to continue to pray, assuring that the Lord Almighty will never forsake them.”

Meanwhile, the Police said they had swung into action to burst the crime.

Spokesman for the state Police

Command, Ubah Ogaba said that security agents had been deployed to the council area to pin down the abductors, and secure his release at once.

Ogaba added, “As soon as we got the information, the Commissioner of Police led other officers to Bokkos. The security team detailed to go after the abductors have already swung into action and we hope the victim will be released soon.”

Bokkos has become a tinder bolt in recent times. Just last week, a village head and his friend were murdered in cold blood while returning from a visit to a neighbouring community.

Meanwhile, Joshua Dariye, the victim’s son is still serving a 10-year jail term at Kuje Prison where he is being held for breach of trust while he served as the governor of the state.

Lawmaker, Female Students Protest, Advocate Life Jail for Rapists Seriki Adinoyi in Jos and Victor Ogunje in Ado-Ekiti

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Wumi Ogunlola, has called for judicial reform that would guarantee life jail for rapists.

Also, the National Association of Nigerian Female Students (NANFS) yesterday protested against rape and sexual violence and harassment frequently meted

out to female minors in the society.

Ogunlola who represents Ekiti Central Federal Constituency II condemned the incessant cases of rape and brutality against the girl-child, called on relevant authorities to apply the full weight of the law on perpetrators of rape and other gender-based violence.

The federal lawmaker, in a chat with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, said the upsurge in the incidences of rape in the

country all pointed to the need for a proactive approach and stringent measures that would serve as deterrent to the culprits..

Ogunlola further cautioned against stigmatisation of victims, adding that the negative physical, psychological and emotional effects of rape on girl-child might impact them for the rest of their lives with attendant consequences on their self-esteem.

She noted that cases of sexual-

related offences should be tackled with seriousness and high sense of commitment, adding that unless timely action is taken against the heinous act, rape cases will continue to soar.

“It’s saddening that the menace of rape is fast gaining traction in the country where there is government. These are very ominous times for our young girls because they now live in trepidation over the fear of being raped.

Police Arrest 30-year-old Man for Raping Minor

FG Evacuates 56 from Pakistan, 300 to Arrive from Dubai Saturday

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Police in Anambra have arrested a 30-year-old man, Sunday Akanigbo for raping a 12 years old girl in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

Also arrested was his accomplice Ikemefuna Muoma who filmed and circulated the heinous act.

Spokesperson of Anambra State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed who disclosed this to THISDAY said the act took place in April.

“On the 18/6/2020 at about 1:45p.m., Police operatives attached to Ozubulu Division arrested one Sunday Akanigbo ‘m’ aged 30 years of Amakwa Ozubulu in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State.

“Suspect had in the month of April this year, allegedly defiled a 12 years old girl, while his accomplice, one Ikemefuna Muoma ‘m’ aged 28 years of same address also arrested filmed the dastardly act.”

Haruna said that the suspects had voluntarily confessed to the offences and the video clip had been recovered from their possession as exhibit.

“The scene was visited by police detectives and victim taken to the hospital for medical examination. The Commissioner of Police, CP John B.Abang, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet investigation after which suspects would be charged to court for prosecution,” he said.

The federal government has said that it had evacuated 56 Nigerians and four Pakistanis from Islamabad to Abuja.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, who twitted from his verified Twitter handle yesterday disclosed that the evacuees arrived Abuja on a chattered aircraft operated

by Tarco Aviation Co. He added that about 300 Nigerians were expected to arrive today from United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Onyeama twitted: “Eventually, 56 Nigerians and four Pakistanis were safely evacuated from Islamabad to Abuja on a chartered aircraft operated by TARCO

AVIATION Co. Ltd. “An @emirates flight from UAE conveying about 300 Nigerians is also expected to land at about 3.55p.m. from #Dubai.”

However, a Twitter user who twitted with the name EmmyDon from a twitter handle @emmydonkaki, lamented that Nigerians in Indonesia were equally stranded.

Also, Aliyu Lawan, who twitted from twitter handle @7586, decried that “not a word was written on repatriation of Nigerians from the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark) on the embassy’s website. The embassy hosts outdated information with no effective means of communication all this while.”

A federal High Court in Minna has struck out the corruption case brought against former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for lack of diligent prosecution.

Justice Aliyu Bappa dismissed the case when it came up for further hearing yesterday.

In striking out the case, Bappa observed that the prosecution had not shown up to continue its case since “I was assigned this case.

“This is a sign that the prosecution is not serious about the prosecution of this case, I therefore strike it out,” Bappa ruled.

It would be recalled that when the case came up on May 21 this year the judge had expressed dissatisfaction with the manner the prosecution had handled it and vowed to strike it out by the next adjournment if there was no seriousness on the part of the prosecution.

“From all indication you people (EFCC) are not ready for the prosecution of this matter. I

inherited this case, I started it denovo. It has suffered series of adjournment as a result of some laxity from the prosecuting counsel. I would not allow this any longer.

“Let me say this, if you are not prepared for this case to continue, in the next adjournment date I will be left with no option than to strikeout the case,” the judge had said furiously at the last sitting.

When the case came up again the lead prosecution counsel was absent with counsel holding his brief saying he was in court only to represent him because of the engagement that took him out of office.

Counsel to ex-governor Aliyu, Mike Mamman reminded the court of its earlier stand on the lack of appearance of prosecution and asked that the case be struck out.

Consequently, Justice Bappa struck out the case for lack of diligent prosecution.

The EFCC had dragged former Governor Aliyu before the court for alleged diversion of nearly N1bn ecological fund.

Informants Aiding Banditry in Katsina, Says IPAC Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has blamed the spate of insecurity confronting the state on informants who support the bandits and kidnappers.

The acting Chairman of IPAC, Ibrahim Tukur, at a press conference in Government House, Katsina, lamented that informants had made it cumbersome for security agencies to tackle the wave of banditry in the state.

According to him, most of the hoodlums received information from people before launching deadly onslaughts on communities across the state.

He said the state government and security agencies had been making efforts in addressing banditry and kidnapping currently ravaging the state.

The chairman admonished residents of the state to desist from blaming government and security operatives for the security challenges but work collectively in taming the menace.

PTONA Urges FG to Unban Inter-state Transportation Bennett Oghifo

Owners of the largest fleets of vehicles for road transportation in the country have called on the federal government to consider immediate lifting of the ban on inter-state travels as it plans to reopen the nation’s airports for domestic and international flights.

The group, known as Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association, (PTONA) stated, at a press conference in Lagos, recently, that it was imperative for the federal government to lift the ban because transportation is interconnected and that more importantly, 90 per cent of Nigerians use motor vehicles to move around the country.

According to the National President of PTONA, Engr. Isaac Uhunmwagho, “When a plane lands in Abuja, for instance, some passengers will like to transit to Nasarawa, or elsewhere and these people will need to travel by road.”

Interstate transportation is the engine of any economy, said Uhunmwagho, who identified members of PTONA as owners of the majority of public transport vehicles in Nigeria. “All the biggest names in public transportation are our members. “Consequently, we pride ourselves as being the biggest stakeholders, apart from the government in the transportation

of Nigerians around the country.

“We see ourselves as partners to the Government in trying to improve upon the transportation of Nigerians. Towards this end, we are working closely with Federal Ministry of Transportation, Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Road Safety, Nigerian Police, as well as state governments.”

He said transportation was one of four most important elements for human existence after Food, Water and Shelter, adding that the government had a major role to play to ensuring that their citizens do not suffer excessively in being able to transport themselves around.

Thus, he said PTONA wants the government to lift the ban on inter-state transportation as soon as possible, stating that they expected the government to do this before airlines resumed operations.

Also, they want the government to introduce necessary guidelines and protocols that would enable Nigerians travel safely in the midst of COVID-19, according to Uhunmwagho who had with him some members of PTONA. “This is most important for two reasons: COVID-19 will not be gone in the next one, two or even six months. We need to learn how to live alongside with COVID-19, and apply all necessary measures.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸ 2020

08054699539

Insecurity: Only the Truth Can Set Us Free

D

eceit. This six letter word aptly describes the biggest hindrance to the battle against insecurity in Nigeria. Until the Buhari government is ready to end all the deceits surrounding enforcement of security in this country, the senseless killings and insecurity across the country will persist. Just imagine Army Chief, Tukur Buratai coming up with a preposterous tale that his men had killed 1,428 terrorists and the Commander-in-Chief is not asking questions.

His employers did not ask him when, where and how? The other day, when the Chadians killed hundreds of Boko Haram fighters, we all saw it.

Nobody queries Buratai’s fantasy successes. It’s so depressing. We are persistently told stories of thousands of Boko Haram fighters killed, their meetings disrupted and their logistic suppliers slayed. Nigerians are shown aerial bombardments with footages of terrorists scampering for safety, without ground troops mopping up. They follow up with suspicious figures of terrorists killed after the offensives. The dead bodies are hardly seen.

That has been the trend in the last five years.

The Boko Haram terrorists “slaughtered� by our soldiers, often turn around to kill thousands of Nigerians, unhindered. That was how the “degraded� terrorists entered Zowo village in Gubio LG of Borno State few days back, operated for over three hours, leaving 89 people dead.

They also invaded Monguno and Gajiram for hours, killing and maiming, unimpeded. Boko Haram, obviously emboldened by the tactics of our ill-equipped and ill-motivated military, consistently takes the fight to them. I find this difficult to comprehend.

These attacks expose the deceit of the Buhari administration about having decimated the terrorists. The peak of this reckless falsehood was the wild celebration of a fantasy victory over the terrorists in December 2016 by Buhari. I shed tears on that day that Buhari, a retired general, accepted a flag and Quaran purportedly captured from Shekau, as a symbol of victory over Boko Haram from the Army Chief.

On Thursday, the President remarked that the service chiefs had underperformed. The story ended there. The truth that must be told is that our gallant soldiers lack leadership, equipment and motivation to destroy Boko Haram. The leadership of the military persistently fails them.

The service chiefs have outlived their usefulness and should be sacked. The Commander-in-Chief apparently knows this, but still wants to keep his boys for personal reasons. A forward-looking government would have overhauled this sluggish military leadership.

What about the persistent falsehood that no Nigerian territory is under Boko Haram’s control? This government knows it is not true but

Buratai

keeps repeating it for selfish reason. I quivered when the President last week said, “all the local government that were taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa have been recovered and are now occupied by indigenes of these areas who were hitherto forced to seek a living in areas far from their ancestral homes.� Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State once confronted the service chiefs with the fact that some local governments in his state were not accessible. The state’s Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation And Resettlement, Mustapha Gubio, provided more facts and figures on these deceitful claims on Tuesday, saying, claims

by Buhari that all local governments had been secured and are now inhabited is false. Gubio said five local government areas - Guzamala, Kukawa, Abadam, Marte and Abadam - were totally inaccessible and largely uninhabitable due to the presence of the Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

Gubio expounded: “In Guzamala Local Government, the army base has been destroyed and the security forces dislodged. We cannot go to Guzamala to execute any project until when there is security presence. Even last month, we moved 50, 000 blocks to Guzamala to start work but we still could not work due to insecurity.

Abadam is another town destroyed by Boko Haram; it has the most difficult terrain in Borno State. As for Kukawa Local Government, there hasn’t been the presence of the Nigerian Army in the area until last month. For now, there is no single person in Kukawa as I am talking to you.�

Our soldiers can’t eliminate Boko Haram alone.

This is another truth we must accept. They are

doing their best but lack the capabilities to end the war. My submission has not changed: Government must hire the best brains from anywhere in the world to assist our military to end this war. The ultimate aim is to decapitate Boko Haram. The strategy for getting result against Boko Haram is largely through aerial power. Technology, quality equipment and quality manpower will also be needed. It requires quality fighter jets and quality armoured attack helicopters. Our gallant military lacks the competence and equipment for these.

So, our President must hire Israeli or Russian mercenaries to finish this war. This is the only way forward.

Let’s flip over to the issue of rampaging bandits in Sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna states. In these places, it is largely the Fulani militias killing Hausa farmers. To stop these killings, the Fulani militias must be dealt a crushing blow. But this government is unwilling to do this. It is so painful that the Buhari government has been treating them with kid gloves. That was why hundreds of youth across Katsina State staged a protest against killings and wanton destruction by bandits in their respective localities.

Nigerians are eager for a truly decisive action against the bandits. That was the same message sent out by protesters last week in Yantumaki town, Damusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, when they burnt a campaign billboard of the All Progressives Congress with the pictures of Buhari and Masari. The district head of Yantumaki, Atiku Maidabino, was among those killed by bandits recently.

The Chairman of the APC in Batsari Local Government Area, Abdulhamid Duburawa, was also killed. Residents of Yankara, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State also staged a massive protest last week to express their displeasure with the unending killings by bandits in the state.

Residents of Rafi and Shiroro local government areas of Niger State are likewise seething.

The Senator representing the area, Mohammed Musa, laments: “My heart is pained seeing the bloodletting in my constituency. Women are raped and killed. Men are maimed and children rendered fatherless. This development is really sad; especially that it has remained a recurring decimal. We have made several appeals to the federal government, we paid courtesy visit to President Buhari on our predicament, but no end as they keep killing and maiming our people.�

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Police Affairs and former Chairman of the Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Idris Gobir, in whose constituency 70 people were recently killed, insists the bandits are Fulani militias. Idris Gobir hit the nail on the head.

WTO’s Top Job, Okonjo-Iweala and Egypt’s Shenanigans With Nigeria’s former finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in the race for the World Trade Organisation’s director-general’s position, Egypt knows its candidate, Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh, stands no chance. Not even the slightest chance because of the pedigree of Okonjo-Iweala. Her record of accomplishments in international development and finance is intimidating.

Even the Financial Times and US-based Politico wrote about her candidacy, calling it a formidable one. Beninoise’s candidate for the position, Eloi Laourou, has also withdrawn for Okonjo-Iweala. These are the realities Egypt is struggling to accept. As a result, the Egyptian government has been creating a lot of crisis in the build up to the WTO election. Earlier, in its reaction to Nigeria’s substitution of Yonov Agah with Okonjo-Iweala, Egypt sought the country’s disqualification from the African Union (AU) endorsement process. It argued that the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala came well after the due dates and that she was not one of the three candidates considered and shortlisted within the period stipulated.

All these turned out to be a ruse.

The latest Egyptian prank is the Note Verbale from the office of African Union’s Legal Counsel to Nigeria’s Permanent Mis-

Okonjo-Iweala

sion to the AU in Addis Ababa, saying the candidature of Okonjo-Iweala “is not in line with extant rules.� The Legal Counsel acted on Egypt’s dispatch.

It was good that Nigeria’s Permanent

Mission to the AU replied fittingly thus: “the Mission wishes to inform, in simple, clear and precise term, that the Government of Nigeria categorically rejects the content, ownership and conclusion drawn in the same Note Verbale, as it has failed all parameters of objectivity, academic rigour and unbiased submission, a high standard for which the African Union is to be held.�

The truth is that the AU during its Ordinary Session in February could not agree on a consensus candidate for the WTO’s top job.

So, Egypt should stop seething. For now, the WTO has named Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala among the three candidates “whose nominations have been acceptedâ€? to compete for its top job. The WTO’s General Council Chair, David Walker of New Zealand, who announced the shortlist, listed Mexican representative, JesĂşs Seade Kuri, and Mamdouh of Egypt, as the other candidates.

The Egyptian government should stop creating needless crisis and allow WTO voters pick the best candidate for the job; Okonjo-Iweala is evidently the best for this job. The rest of the continent aligns with this. Majority of WTO members are eager do the needful on D-Day.

His expose is another fact those in government today are running away from. Gobir said: “Quote me anywhere, they are Fulani. I do not mean the legitimate herdsmen, who rear their animals, but the criminal elements among the Fulani.

Everything about the bandits terrorising our areas is Fulani. You can easily deduce from their outward appearance, their accent; even when they negotiate for ransom, they speak the Fulfulde language. Worse of all, their operations know no brotherhood; they rob, kidnap, maim and kill their fellow Fulani whenever they strike. These bandits are no stranger to the people; the people know their exact locations.�

As usual, the Buhari government pushed out a statement on Tuesday saying the nation’s armed forces “are fully capable of dealing with the challenges of banditry and terrorism.� The presidency stated that the military “is taking appropriate steps to block gaps being exploited to unleash mayhem on innocent citizens,� adding, “President Buhari has approved a joint military and police operation specifically targeted at combing Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states to rid the areas of bandits,� and that surveillance would be improved, with more night vision aircrafts already deployed under Operation Accord. It was the usual rhetoric.

For how long shall Boko Haram, bandits and kidnappers continue to suck the blood of innocent people in this country? Nigerians are tired of rhetoric. They want pragmatic actions that would end terrorism and banditry.

Okpara

Who Killed Dr. Enoch Okpara?

For those not following the story, a quick recap: Dr. Enoch Okpara was a Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau, Zamfara State. He returned to his residence in Mareri area of Gusau on Friday June 12 after putting in a hard day’s work; but that was the last time Okpara stepped out alive. Some beasts attacked him at home - he was living alone - killed him and his remains burnt beyond recognition. His coworkers raised the alarm when they did not hear from him by Saturday afternoon. Okpara’s burnt body was discovered in the courtyard, while bloodstains were seen on the walls of his room. That was how citizen Okpara who was serving his fatherland at the Gusau Federal Medical Centre was brutally murdered. His family, friends and colleagues are asking for justice; they want Okpara’s killers unmasked. In response, the Zamfara State Police Command said investigation was on into the gruesome murder. The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, Usman Nagogo, promised to fish out Okpara’s killers. In this part of the world, we hardly get such result. So, we all have to put pressure on Nagogo and his men to do the needful. Okpara’s killers must be unmasked.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

The ‘Trial’ of D’banj Music icon, Oladapo Oyebanjo, aka D’banj is facing the biggest battle of his life, following allegation of rape against him by Miss Seyitan Babatayo, who claimed the incident took place in 2018. The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has ordered a probe of the accusation. Can D’Banj wiggle out of this? Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

D’banj

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20, 2020

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SUPER SATURDAY The ‘Trial’ of D’banj

D’banj

M

usic superstar, D’banj, is facing intense scrutiny amid huge social media backlash over the rape allegation that threatens to leave his legacy in tatters as the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered a probe into the claims against the hip pop artiste. The order was contained in a letter signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IG, DCP Idowu Owohunwa.

Addressed to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Garki, Abuja, the IG’s letter was in response to a petition written to the IG by Mr. Tommy OjogeDaniel, a lawyer to Miss Seyitan Babatayo, who accused D’Banj of raping her in 2018. The letter read in part, “I forward herewith copy of letter dated June 5, 2020 received from Ojoge, Omileye and Partners on the above underlined subject. I am to respectfully convey the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you treat. Accept the assurances of my esteemed regards please.”

About a fortnight ago, a Nigerian model scout and Seyitan’s friend, Benjamin Ese, in a Twitter thread had told the story of how the music star, also known as the Kokomaster, allegedly raped Seyitan on December 31, 2018, at Glee Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Recounting the incident, Ese said it happened at an all-white party where D’Banj allegedly offered her friend some money to be with her for the night which she rejected until he surprisingly showed up in Seyitan’s hotel room around midnight and allegedly raped her.

The rape experience, Ese said had caused Seyitan some trauma. Weeks after Ese’s tweets, Seyitan came out publicly to present herself as the lady who was allegedly raped by D’Banj in December 2018.

According to Seyitan, D’banj gained entrance to her room while she was asleep at the hotel and raped her after she had turned him down at a party earlier. “So I slept off within 5/6am and pls note (I’m a naked

Seyitan sleeper) and woke up and found Dbanj in my room already and I asked him what he was doing in my room he didn’t say a word and asked if I was a baby and started fingering me,” part of her tweets said. “I went ahead to threaten him that I was going to shout.

He said if I shout I’ll leave the hotel naked. Dbanj raped me.”

But D’banj chose to remain silent over the allegations. However on June 17, D’banj wrote that he was revisiting the allegation a week after his 40th birthday celebration when he put up an Instagram post to “address the recent false allegations and lies from the pit of hell”. The musician denied the allegations leveled against him and asked his accuser to make a public apology and also pay him the sum of N100 million in damages.

In a pre-litigation letter signed by his lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), the musician asked his accuser to make a payment of N100 million within 48 hours or face legal action. In the letter, which was addressed to Miss Babatayo’s lawyer, Ojoge, Omileye and Partners, dated June 15, 2020, D’Banj also demanded that an apology be published in at least four national dailies. w The letter read in part, “We have been instructed to demand and we so hereby demand from you the following: That your client makes an outright apology and a total retraction of each and every false allegation made against and concerning our client.

“The said apology and retraction shall be published in four national dailies with wide circulation in Nigeria as well as on social media platforms and handles being used by your client and her hirelings.

That your client makes a compensatory deposit of the sum of N100 million only through this Chambers in favour of our client to assuage his battered image.”

In the letter, D’banj stated that his accuser was nothing but a gold digger who was on a mission to destroy the reputation he had built for nearly two decades in the music industry. He said he was mar-

ried when the purported rape took place, adding that the allegation was an insult to his wife.

On Tuesday, however, some policemen allegedly acting on the instruction of the Oliver Twist crooner detained Seyitan for over 24 hours and intimidated her, making her delete all chats, social media posts and other vital information from her phone, to the extent that she even denied being arrested.

The incident has since sparked widespread criticism with D’Banj trending on Twitter the last couple of days. Feminists and several rights groups have called on the police to ensure that justice is served regardless of the musician’s status.

The rape allegation took a different turn with an online petition calling on the United Nations to strip D’banj of his appointment as United Nations Ambassador for Peace. It has garnered almost 15,000 signatures. They also called the attention of brands such as Heritage Bank Africa, One Africa, CSA Global, and other establishments associated with D’Banj to end their commercial relationship with him and stand in support of victims of sexual violence.

The petition which was started by one E. Pooola on Change.Org had hit 14, 310 as of 11.10 am on Friday. It read in part: “We call on the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa organisations to remove Nigerian artiste Mr. Dapo Oyebanjo as a youth ambassador and distance themselves from his actions following the sponsored kidnap of Seyitan who accused D’Banj of rape and sexual assault which happened in 2018.

“Women in Nigeria are increasingly at risk of sexual violence and the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa as an entity committed to the empowerment of women should not be seen to associating with alleged rapists, abusers, and kidnappers. We ask the United Nations and United Nations Women Africa to support and lend their influence in helping Seyitan get justice for the abuse she endured in 2018 and the harassment and bullying in the past weeks.”

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

COMMENTARY

APC CRISIS IS GOOD FOR NIGERIA Fredrick Nwabufo writes that our political system needs a rebirth

A

ll Progressives Congress (APC) is on the cusp of an implosion. The crisis in the party has reached a frightening crescendo. It has been a gradual but steady plummet for the party since its 2015 unanticipated triumph. I believe, the APC is in the thrall of a curse – the success curse.

In March, I wrote ‘Are we having the funeral of APC so soon?’ putting the tumbling fortunes of the party through a dialectical quarry. I said, and I still think working together in a struggle is a much easier enterprise than banding in victory. In 2013, the PDP galloped from one crisis to another until it imploded and lost power at the centre in 2015.

The APC is toeing the same path. As I said, since the party cruised to power, it has been embroiled in tremulous wrangling.

To say the obvious, the APC was never a party – in the real sense of the word – but a special purpose vehicle to grab power. To put it lucidly, it is just a club of disparate people desperate for power.

The parties and personalities – Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), and the new PDP – that dissolved into the APC had nothing in common. The only common ground or to put it sternly, unifying enemy, was former President Goodluck Jonathan.

While Bola Tinubu’s ACN was somewhat liberal and attuned to restructuring with less emphasis on the centre, President Muhammadu Buhari’s CPC had a conservative outlook. Strange bed-fellows.

Soon after the APC breasted victory in 2015, the two ‘’organic’’ political parties in the union – the ACN and CPC – sparred, though they become united when sharing the spoils of war and in dealing a discriminatory hand to the disgruntled immigrants from the PDP. A caste quickly developed in the party. While the ACN (bride) and CPC (groom) became aborigines, other groups which worked themselves into the merger became outcasts and expendable baggage. This largely effectuated the leadership crisis in the party at the national assembly in 2016.

Again, when political parties do not run on ideologies, but on interest, there is bound to be head-on collisions. Obviously, the merger which

IN 2013, THE PDP GALLOPED FROM ONE CRISIS TO ANOTHER UNTIL IT IMPLODED AND LOST POWER AT THE CENTRE IN 2015. THE APC IS TOEING THE SAME PATH

resulted in the carnation of the APC was oxygenated by one interest – to grab power. But the brokers of the deal did not ask: “After we take over power what next? How do we manage it? How do we manage the pool of interests? And how do we deliver good governance to Nigerians.�

And as the cauldron boils over, where is President Muhammadu Buhari, the leader of the APC? The vacuous argument that the president should not concern himself with internal party matters is what it is – obtuse. He is the most senior member of the party on which platform he ran for election twice and won. He cannot be apathetic to what is happening in the party now.

There are murmurs within the APC that the president unhitched himself from issues in the party because he has fulfilled his political ambition.

But really, if he cannot keep his own party, where he should naturally command winsome influence, together, how can he keep the country together?

As a matter of fact, it is the same tepid disposition that Buhari takes to the leadership of the country that he takes to the affairs of the APC. His failures come closer home with the crisis in the APC – a party ragged by leadership crisis since 2015.

The seal holding the tatters of the APC at the moment is Buhari. I know the APC crisis can only get worse because the party was never meant to be. And this is good development for Nigeria. All desperate structures propping the status quo need to give way for the country to burgeon.

Like the Third Reich collapsed for Germany to thrive, some political parties holding the fortunes of Nigeria need to run out of oxygen for the country to breathe.

With the raging crisis in the APC, Nigerians can see clearly the failures of the ruling party in handling its own matters and can relate them to the approach the party takes to the governance of the country.

It is failure all around.

Our political system needs reborning. The more non-ideological and predatory political behemoths collapse, the more room for people-interest based political parties to mushroom and grow.

Nwabufo is a writer and journalist

BEYOND TRIBE, COUNTRY Nigeria needs focused, visionary and detribalised leadership, writes Tony Monye

I

t disheartens to write this piece. I am, without any iota of unbelief, incapable of quieting this desire. I admit my anxieties with respect to my beloved country are somewhat long – this is one.

The uptrend in tribalism and tribalistic mindfulness is that anxiety. It roars suspicion, injures many. I often restrain myself from speaking in the extremities of opinions. It’s more attractive to err on the path of balance. Too good or too bad, isn’t always exactly correct, I oftentimes debate.

The state of Nigeria today should beggar moderation of concern. Well-meaning citizens should ap their gums against tribe over country. The nation is either striding in the wrong direction or it is, at best, static with the exception of population growth. Let’s not muff it! Tribalism, a massive ill of our nation, predates the subsisting generation. Obafemi Awolowo hymned it. Ahmadu Bello lauded it.

Nnamdi Azikiwe was a bit circumspect about it. The leaders that emerged subsequently covertly or overtly have continued to fuel the embers of this anti-nationhood malaise. The unwitting bit is that when Nigeria bleeds, the tribes haemorrhage even more. In present day Nigeria, ill-advisedly, tribalism has morphed, reecting the policy slant of the various governments.

For Heaven’s sake it is 2020! In a few months, Nigeria will trudge on to its 60th Independence anniversary, ill-fated to have been led by largely tribe-leaning leaders. Most of them are epically skilled at disuniting us. They ignite its fires for private advantages with no genuine

concerns for the led and for the polity.

They too define Nigeria to the extent of their kith and kin or at best, through the binoculars of tribe and region. What a pathetic view! Their failure to acknowledge the cheering Nigerianness across tribes, in all of us is ceaselessly giving traction to the unrelenting mount of this societal malady.

Nigeria is not a foot away from the views, thought-windows and acts that shaped it in the 1960s. The discussions, unashamedly, have remained about: which tribe; which ethnicity and whose turn. Not about Nigeria or not even about Nigerians. The disquiets of the previous two generations are still the qualms of the extant one.

Tribalism is entrenched. ‘Nigerians’ easily slip into tribalistic posturing.

It provides a brilliant umbrella for incompetent, small-eyed leaders. It is quickly seen along the corridors of power at both state and federal levels. It gives great boost to hate-spreading. It is destructively dictating and reshaping our national ethos, belief and value systems.

Excessively hugging one’s tribal ways easily elaborates intolerance; diminishes and poisons the socio-political space for country good. It is not the conscious dislike, disapproval or intolerance of persons or views that suffer another tribal belongingness that worries me rather it is in the unconscious or subconscious morsel that the thoroughness of tribalism is exposed. The subconscious element gets us sleepwalking into it.

Subliminally, we articulate our views, act, react and design policies driven by it. Its grip is harder; its reach, shorter.

Tribal consciousness obscures our sense of nationhood, justice and, equity.

Nigerians are still tribally prejudicial and bigoted in both political and social affairs but not so much economic (some pretext here?).

In truth, we have to embrace the disheartening fact we have just a few true Nigerians under strong nationalistic searchlights. I know one – Dike Chukwumerije. Tribe has become the emergent identifier and solidifier of the individual, not nationality. In Nigeria, we have Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Ijaw folks, etc.

They belong first to tribe. They are not Nigerians. The ‘true’ Nigerians mostly live outside the country. They gangly walk the streets of Europe, America and Asia. I have seen and listened to countless ‘rich’ tribalistic minds. It does not matter the ethnicity, their slants bear the same coloration. The arguments of the broader, the better do not appeal to them with respect to the Nigeria project.

As ‘Nigerians’, we incredibly defend our tribes and ethnic groups in our opinions, actions and contributions. It does not matter if our propositions are right or wrong. Enmeshed in banality, their arguments are predominantly immoral, sectional and unpatriotic. They are below common sense gushes; greatly rupturing peaceful inter-ethnic/ inter-tribal social relationships, business partnerships and scale economies. Many have fallen

short of the understanding that tribal slants over national concerns, on many counts, borderlines folly of extremely risky shades; they rarely add that good something to our lives.

Let’s hug a bit of honesty and discard the tribal cloak. Some things defy explicability. Being Nigerian is one.

The geo-space called Nigeria cannot be wrong. The people and their leaders are.

I am in the hope that Nigeria will grow into an ethno-blind society, where all tribes live in harmony with one another.

Having divergence of opinions and outlooks gives more opportunities for new learning. If we regard our diversities as some big gifts, Nigeria will sparkle in a few years from now. Good signs are emerging. The upcoming generation appears less tribal, more national. Their views and actions certainly will define the country’s fate.

The country urgently needs focused, well-intent, visionary leadership with sensibilities to ‘Project Nigeria’. Nigeria needs broadminded leaders with ability to engage its citizenry, explain the ills and misnomers of tribalism. Straightaway, every citizen needs to redefine Nigeria in its broadest understanding.

It sells an inviting delusion to think somehow Nigerians will become nontribal at the right time without everyone putting in the work. What orientation are you - tribal or national? The answer isn’t in your head. It’s in your heart.

Monye is the Convener, The Lunar Leadership Society

13

ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

In search of adequate security...

The ‘Return’ of Atiku Abubakar

O

n Monday, June 8, 2020, many newspapers quoted Adamu Atiku Abubakar- the eldest son of Atiku Abubakar and Adamawa State commissioner for Works & Energy Development, said: “In 2023, my father will be aspiring to the number one ofďŹ ce in the land because he has been an astute, strategic, master politician for almost four decadesâ€?.

If former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Waziri Adamawa, decides to contest the 2023 presidential elections, it would be his sixth shot – 1992, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Without a doubt, Atiku’s decision to contest will draw diverse reactions from many quarters. For instance, his opponents will be quick to describe him as opportunistic and a serial presidential contestant. His supporters will refute by describing the decision as sheer doggedness and a clear sign of Atiku’s passion to serve his fatherland. Whichever way anyone decides to see it, one thing that cannot be denied about Atiku is that he is the most prepared candidate for the post of the president. Atiku Abubakar has a well-drafted policy document loaded with fine policies, programs and projects, including what many of observers christened ‘The Atiku Abubakar Formula’. Atiku promised, if elected, that his medium-term strategy would be to ensure that recurrent expenditure is financed fully with non-oil revenues, while all oil proceeds will be invested in infrastructure, security, education and health.

In the PDP, there is no doubt that Atiku is the most grounded candidate for the 2023 presidential elections. However, there are many odds against him, as there are many in his favour, taking into consideration the present realities in the polity. By 2023 the north would have served eight years in power. Naturally, the next president is expected to be from the south. The issue of power shift to the south would be the number one topic in the polity.

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum is championing the campaign for a northern president in 2023. In fact, the AYCF is more skewed towards Atiku’s ambition than any other candidate from the north. Atiku may, however, not go with the so-called ‘northern consensus candidate’ on the grounds that the 2011 northern consensus candidate ‘mark’ has affected his well-known national spread and political fortunes.

Furthermore, there is no strong candidate from the north that can single-handedly challenge Atiku.

Even if there is, it would be Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso or Sule Lamido. But one critical

IPPIS And The Future Of Public Universities

factor that would help Atiku to have an edge over any other candidate, especially from the north, is that he is already ahead of them in terms of political structure and thorough understanding of the politics of the north. Again, among all the possible PDP presidential contenders, Atiku is the only one that can freely decide to contest or not, while the decision of others is entirely centered on many things, the most important- war chest and political structures.

Let’s not forget that there are other possible presidential candidates apart from the aforementioned. For instance, at present, one person from the south who can comfortably confront the likes of Atiku and easily gain support within the PDP is Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. But Wike is controversial and lacks national spread, but he can muster the needed resources.

One thing for sure is Atiku would wholeheartedly fight for the PDP presidential ticket.

Nonetheless, being a typical Nigerian politician with an immense war chest that easily scares off his opponents, vast political network and connection, Atiku can comfortably contest on any platform other than the PDP. Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa

T

he federal government has introduced integrated Payroll and Personnel information system (IPPIS) to improve the effectiveness and efďŹ ciency in the storage of personnel records and administration of monthly payroll. However, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has opposed the system, stating that it would pose some challenges to the running of the university system in Nigeria. To make its stand public, ASUU has declared an indeďŹ nite strike on 23rd March, 2020 after the expiration of its two-weeks warning strike which started on 9th March, 2020. The national president of the union, Biodun Ogunyemi who announced the strike at a press conference in Abuja, said ASUU’s strike is over the non-payment of salaries of their members who failed to enrol in the federal government’s IPPIS, a payroll software mandated for all public ofďŹ cials.

It could be recalled that the federal government had withheld February, March and April salaries of the lecturers but some of the lecturers were on Friday, May 8th, 2020, paid their February and March wages.

Afterwards, Professor Ogunyemi, ASUU National President, disclosed that lecturers at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, and the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, had yet to receive their February and March salaries. It was also alleged

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 HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

that some Vice-Chancellors earned N58,000, while some professors collected paltry N55,000 as February salary from the IPPIS. To add salt to the injury, many lecturers from different universities were sacked. Professor Ogunyemi, confirmed that contract lecturers had already been disengaged at Bayero University, Kano, and the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State. He stated that the lecturers were dismissed due to their refusal to enrol in the IPPIS platform. In the same vein, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria had through the Office of the Registrar and Secretary to Council, released a memo on 11th - June, 2020 announcing the termination of the appointments of visiting, contract, and month-to-month appointments.

With this recent development, I can say our tertiary institutions are about to face the challenges our primary and secondary schools have been experiencing for decades, especially in terms of shortage of teachers. The sacking of visiting and contract lecturers by the federal government will surely do more harm than good to the university system. This is because most of our universities depend on the services of these experienced scholars to meet world standard.

Sacking them will create a vacuum that would not be filled in the nearest time thereby leading to the partial or total collapse of some courses in the universities.

Another factor is that the move will open the door for graduating half-baked students. This is because there would be no enough lecturers to take all the courses. In case if the president and the federal ministry of education are unaware, our public universities are having over 1000 students in some universities receiving lectures in the same hall by a single lecturer. It is sad to note that our universities that are in dire need of additional lecturers are losing the little they have. I now ask, how baked are our current graduates? Are we really heading to a right direction?

I urge the federal government to improve the moderate reputation that our universities have.

Nigerians will not forgive us if our public universities turned like our public primary and secondary schools.

Let them continue being universities that every lecturer will enjoy working with, and every secondary leaver would be admiring to join. I, therefore, suggest that the federal government should implement, if not all, at least two of the following. Reinstate the sacked lecturers, review enumeration and recruit more lecturers.

Let IPPIS be a blessing not a calamity to our universities!

Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Bayero University, Kano.

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

Northern Elders Forum Alleges Plan to Disrupt CNG’s Rallies Chuks Okocha inAbuja The Northern Elders Forum has alerted Nigerians of plans to disrupt the peaceful protests especially in the Northern part of the country over insecurity.

This was disclosed in a statement yesterday signed by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Director, Publicity and Advocacy, Northern Elders Forum.

The Forum while acknowledging the peaceful nature of the protests in Katsina planned by the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), said “Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that there are plans to disrupt these peaceful protests and subvert their objectives in some parts of the North.

“The goals of these subversives are to create a hostile environment that will worsen the state of insecurity in which our people live, and divert attention from their goal, which is basically to urge government to take firm and immediate steps to arrest the bleeding in the North.

Dr. Baba-Ahmed added, “The Northern Elders Forum has therefore engaged the CNG in discussions to prevent a subversion of its otherwise commendable efforts to organise peaceful marches and protests. We both took cognizance of some positive developments since the Minna and Katsina marches.

Therefore, he said, “The Northern Elders Forum has counselled the CNG to suspend its marches and explore ad-

ditional avenues with other groups and individuals to sustain the momentum and keep the government on its toes.

We have also agreed that all groups in the North should be encouraged to raise their levels of vigilance and organisation to demand that our elected leaders live up to their oath to secure Nigerians.

The statement further noted that “The Northern Elders Forum is confident in the maturity of members of the CNG to demonstrate the best traditions of respect for elders for which our Northern communities are famous. “As we await the outcome of their deliberation on this, we wish to draw the attention of President Buhari and all governments that neither the Forum nor the CNG represent a threat to

them. We do, however, represent voices that need to be heard in our current circumstance in the North,�

Baba-Ahmed said.

The text of NEF statement signed

by Hakeem Baba-Ahmed reads thus in full: “Northern Elders Forum is aware that the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) had commenced a planned series of peaceful marches in all parts of the North to invite attention to the dire state of security of lives and property in many communities in the North. Two of such marches had held in Minna, Niger State and in Katsina. After the protest in Katsina, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the CNG, Nastura Ashir Shariff was invited to Abuja and detained. He was released in the evening yesterday.

Dangote Plans Clinkers Export Facilities in Lagos, Port Harcourt Management of Dangote Cement has concluded plans to open export facilities in both Lagos and Port Harcourt that would enable it to export clinker to some neighbouring African countries and attract foreign currency for the country.

Already, 27,800 metric tonnes of clinker was last week exported from its Lagos terminals to Senegal.

The company, in a statement revealed that its Port Harcourt terminal would soon start to export clinkers to the neighbouring countries.

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote told shareholders also last week that the export facilities in Lagos and Port Harcourt would enable â€œâ€Śus to export clinker,

initially to our grinding facility in Cameroon and then to new grinding plants we are building in West Africa. Not only will these generate useful foreign currency in Nigeria, they will also help to increase the output of our Nigerian plants. These will help to improve job creation and increase prosperity in Nigeria, creating socioeconomic impacts that all stakeholders can be proud of.�

Speaking during the departure of the ship conveying clinker from the Lagos Export Terminal last week, Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Alhaji Sada Ladan-Baki said the increased exportation of clinker and cement to other African countries would not only place Dangote Cement among top clinker exporters

African Voices Feature Female Change Agents Two women, Yvonne Anuli Orji and Anifa Mvuemba whose talents in the arts have projected them unto the world stage will this week appear on African Voices Changemakers, the CNN magazine programme sponsored

by Globacom.

Orji is a Nigerian-American actress reputed for her role as Molly in the Home Box Office series Insecure, and Mvuemba, a Congolese creator of fashion label, Hanifa, whose 3D runway fashion show recently took the world by storm are the guests.

Born on December 2, 1983, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Orji relocated with her family to Maryland in the United States of America when she was six years old. Her parents, like most Africans nursed the dream of their daughter becoming a medical doctor, lawyer, pharmacist, or engineer, but she was drawn to comedy as a graduate student when

she performed stand-up in the talent portion of a beauty pageant. She subsequently decided to pursue a career in comedy after graduating from George Washington University with multiple degrees including a Masters in Public Health to the delight of her parents.

According to a statement by Globacom, she was at TEDx Wilmington Salon in 2017 to talk about “The wait is sexy� where she explained her reasons for abstaining from sex before marriage.

Her works include Love that Girl, 2011 Sex (Therapy) With the Jones (2013), Jane the Virgin, 2017 and the soar-away television series Insecure which has aired since 2016.

Mvuemba, 29, who created the fashion label Hanifa also moved with her family to America from the Democratic Republic of Congo when she was a toddler. Her current fashion line dubbed Pink Label Congo was inspired by her homeland.

in the world, but would also boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and reduce unemployment in the country. “The beauty of what we have done is that we are going to be generating foreign exchange for the country in terms of dollars and Euros. For every batch of clinker, we export, the money comes back to Nigeria. The amount we are talking about is not small. Presently, Dangote Cement should either be number one or number two exporter of cement in Africa and the revenue we have generated in the form of foreign exchange is running into millions. Today, we have formally launched the Dangote Cement Export Terminal. We are still going

to do another major launch when the second ship is going out of the country,� he added.

Sada recalled that only a few years ago, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest bulk importers of cement, saying that “Dangote has gradually made Nigeria selfsufficient in cement production as well as an exporter of clinker to other countries.

He disclosed that the company would also be launching its export terminal in Onne in the next few days, adding that the terminal would enable the company export clinker, initially to its grinding facility in Cameroon and then to new grinding plants the company is building across West Africa.

Rights Body Advocates Police Reform for Effectiveness A civil society organisation, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has warned that unless the Nigerian Police Force was comprehensively and surgically reformed as well as re-oriented fundamentally to embrace the traditional constitutional mandate of enforcement of law and the nation stood the risk of falling into anarchy.

To avoid the ugly trend, the group called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare state of emergency in the police with a view to reforming and making it effective so as to address the yearnings of the people instead of exploiting them.

HURIWA condemned the alleged high level of police professional indiscipline and the ways and manners that the officers of the police from the office of the Inspector General of police had delved into civil land related disputes and land speculations in Enugu State which had become the new normal for some top police officers who regularly invade communities experiencing legal challenges with land ownership to

exploit some parties.

The Rights group said it had received a presentation from some Enugu State communities alleging plots to frame up innocent persons with alleged land dispute related fatalities and further expressed sadness that some police officers had misused their powers to get involved in extortion and other criminality which had become a hydra-headed monster that needed to be confronted with a Presidential Declaration of a state of policing emergency.

The National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director Miss Zainab Yusuf challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately declare a national state of policing emergency and to work with the National Assembly and the organised civil society community in the Country to fashion out the needed legislative amendments to the enabling law setting up the Police Service Commission (PSC) to enable the agency to live up to the mandates .

Ekiti THISDAY Correspondent Emerges Chapel Chairman The Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State has elected new set of executives that would pilot the affairs of the chapel for the next three years.

In the election yesterday, the new executives were elected unopposed as they enjoyed the supports of members of the chapel.

Victor Ogunje (THISDAY) was elected as Chairman, while

Raphael Ogbonnaiye (Daily Trust) emerged as the Vice Chairman.

Also, Soyemi Oluyinka (Alaroye) was elected as the Treasurer and Victor Akinkuolie(The Hope) emerged the Secretary.

Reacting on behalf of other executives, the chairman, Ogunje hailed members of the chapel for the confidence reposed on them and solicited more support for the executives in the next three years.

Ogunje promised that the chapel under him would witness tremendous changes and transformation to the chapel in all spheres through keeping the spirit of unity and brotherhood among members.

Also speaking, Chairman of Ekiti NUJ, Rotimi Ojomoyela commended members of the chapel for their unalloyed support to the state council of the NUJ. He advised the new execu-

tives to put everything possible towards taking the chapel to greater heights.

He said, “ I want to admonish our new executives today to ensure that the next three years, the chapel witness reforms and improvement especially on members. It is a call to service and don’t forget it is necessary and important that you work together with every members of this chapel.�

Lagos Pays Retirees N1.157bn Pension Omolabake Fasogbon

The Lagos State Government has said that it had paid an accrued pension right of N1.157 billion to 368 public service retirees.

The Director-General of Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Mr. Babalola Obilana, disclosed this while providing update on pension payments for the month of May, 2020.

The DG informed further that arrangements had been concluded to release all Bond Certificates for the month of May to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

The PFAs are expected to invite beneficiaries in their tens for an exit meeting and grant access to their Redemption Savings Account

(RSA) for the computation of their lump sum and monthly pension.

He said this was important in view of COVID-19 pandemic so as to ensure safety of beneficiaries.

He also assured retirees who were yet to collect their Bond Certificates, of due payment, stating that payments are being structured based on date of exit and grade level. “They are neither forsaken nor forgotten. I urge you to be careful on how you invest your money, so that you can live a stress free life in your old age,� he said.

Obilana promised to improve on the foundation his predecessor had laid. He commended Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu for prompt payment of retirees’ entitlements.

Lagos Warns against Drilling Boreholes without Licence, Permits Lagos government through the State’s Water Regulatory Commission (LSWRC) has cautioned operators in the borehole drilling industry against carrying on with their activities without the requisite licence and permit from the agency. The government said erring practitioners will henceforth be sanctioned as such violates the Environmental Protection and Management Law 2017.

The warning came on the heels of enforcement carried out by the LSWRC at some construction sites in Ikoyi axis of the State where boreholes were drilled specifically in a block of 36-flats without licence and permits, as well as adhering to safety measures.

LSWRC Executive Secretary, Mrs Funke Adepoju, in a statement, said as a proactive government, the present administration had commenced full enforcement of the licensing and permitting regime for borehole drillers to ensure safe water consumption by residents, protect groundwater and engender environmental sustainability.

She said the enforcement, which is a regulatory provision, was part

of the control measures by the state government to prevent unregulated drilling of borehole in the State.

According to her, the Lagos State Harmonized Environmental Protection and Management Law (2017) empowers the LSWRC to regulate the production, distribution, abstraction, consumption, supply and use of water, as well as quality of service, and that it would amount to breaching the law for any borehole driller and owner to operate without licence and permit from the Commission. “The LSWRC has the mandate to ensure that operators in the industry comply with standards.

If you have to drill, we have the responsibility to ensure that water available is safe for consumption.

In view of the high impact between hygienic water and health, government will not allow quacks take over the industry. The danger in allowing such in terms of health of residents and environmental sustainability can better be imagined than experienced and so the drillers need license to operate in line with our regulatory provision,� Adepoju said.

Lagos Sympathizes with Residents over Torrential Rainfall Lagos State Government yesterday sympathized with all residents of the state for the torrential rainfalls of the last two days and its resultant dislocations.

In a press statement signed by the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello, he expressed his sympathy to those whose properties were damaged and those who were displaced by the flash flood.

He explained that because Lagos is a coastal city, the heavy rainfall of Thursday which commenced from Wednesday brought about a back flow from the Lagoon which caused the flash flood experienced all over.

He added that some four hours after the cessation of the downpour, the water level of the lagoon that was very high causing a back flow receded in several areas and allowed discharge from the various collectors.

He reiterated that residents should be conscious that whenever it rains and the high water level in the lagoon locks up the collectors, thus preventing easy discharge into the lagoon, which ultimately leads to backflow of water into the streets.

According to Mr Tunji Bello,

“Anytime it rains for hours, and the lagoon water rises, this often prevent our channels from discharging effectively.�

The Commissioner advised residents of the state in low- lying areas to always relocate from such areas when rainfall starts especially during the rainy season, saying this has become imperative to avert any loss of life and properties during such heavy downpours going forward.

Bello stated that the pro-active and on-going cleaning and clearing of all drainage channels in the state also facilitated the ease with which the flash flood disappeared into the channels after the rain falls of Thursday.

He also reiterated his appeal to residents to desist from dumping refuse on drainage channels or encroaching on Right of Ways of canals, adding that it is regrettable that several of the canals that have been recently cleared and cleaned up are again been littered by residents.

The Commissioner emphasised that more of such heavy rains will come in July as well September, stressing the need for all residents to be adequately prepared for it.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍ¸Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWS COVID-19‌ COVID-19‌ COVID-19‌ COVID-19‌ COVID-19

Delta Unveils Post-Coronavirus Economic Plans t Nationwide tally now 19,147, with 6581 discharged and 487 deaths Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba In what could be decscribed as an extraordinary economic State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, the Delta State Government

has taken far-reaching decisions meant to shore-up the economic and social fortunes of the state in a post-COVID-19 era.

This is coming on the heels of the 667 new cases of COVID-19

recorded nationwide yesterday, takingthetallyto19,147,with6581 discharged and 487 deaths.

Accordingly, DeltaStatehasunfoldedplanstoestablishamodular refinery in Okpai, Ndokwa East

Local Government Area of the state as well as commence work at an agro-industrial park in the stateinadjoiningKwale,Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

DeltaStateCommissionerforIn-

formation,Mr.CharlesAniagwu, while briefing newsmen on the outcomeofthisweek'sstateEXCO meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in Asaba, revealed that the government also "appointed a committee to assess the state of Africa Timber andPlywood(AT&P)Sapeleand determinehowthelanditisoccupyingcouldbeeffectivelyutilised forothereconomicventuresand job creation."

Aniagwu,whowasjoinedatthe post-EXCO briefing by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, also disclosed thatareviewoftheDeltaState2020 Budget would soon be ready for onward submission to the Delta StateHouseofAssemblyowingto thedrasticdipinexpectedrevenue from oil because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Information CommissionernotedthatGovernorOkowa remained passionate about rekindlingthestate'seconomyin the 'Greater Delta' spirit through programmes and schemes that wouldgetmoreDeltanspositively engagedandsignificantlyshake off the effects of the COVID-19

pandemic.

Aniagwu said that the aforementioned projects would createnumerousjobsevenattheir construction stages and a good number of youths engaged as thestategovernmentwouldalso be partnering the private sector to train some youths on how to construct telecommunication towers, for instance, as "it's the global economic trend and we don't want the world to leave us behind." Aniagwu said, "Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what we had today was more of an economic EXCO meeting as it was basically on how to re-jig the economy of the state to get more of our people engaged now and after the COVID-19.

"Most of us are aware of the agro-industrial Park at AbohOgwashi. EXCO approved that government should explore the windowprovidedbytheCentral BankofNigeria(CBN)Agriculture Loan to see that the industrial park,whichwillbeprivatesectordriven, comes on stream. "Delta is known for its petrochemicals and EXCO believes that it is high timeweparticipatedinthatsector.

StartNowtoPlanforPostCOVID-19 Measures, Obi Tells Leaders PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE...

L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (3rd right) with the member representing Oji River Constituency, Hon. Je Mbah (2nd left); State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe (2nd right); Chairman, Oji-River Local Government Area, Hon. Franklin Udemezue (right); State Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Cletus Akalusi (left) and the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Agujiobi (3rd left), when the governor, accompanied by some stakeholders of the Oji-River LGA, inspected the newly reconstructed Agbalenyi/Enugu-Onitsha Expressway link road, after inspecting facilities at the General Hospital Oji-River, yesterday

With Court Ruling in Port Harcourt, APC No Longer Has Acting Chairman “Please note that the earlier of the FCT High Court suspending Comrade Adams Oshiomhole from office on March 4, 2020 as affirmed by the Court of Appeal, Abuja on June 16, 2020. Mr. Oshiomhole’s appeals were dismissed on that date. Copies of the orders of the court in the tow cases are herewith attached for your perusal. “As the acting national

chairman of the party, all processes, documents, and communications including those concerning the conduct of elections meant for the APC are to be served on me.�

The party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the appeal court ruling that upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party.

Cont’d from Pg. 5

While the party announced Ajimobi as acting chairman, Giadom declared himself national chairman and also reversed the disqualification of Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, from the gubernatorial primary election and ordered a fresh exercise.

But the national working committee of the APC overruled him and appointed Eta,

vice chairman of the party (south-south), to stand in for Ajimobi who was “unavoidably absent�.

However, on Thursday, a high court of the federal capital territory (FCT) reaffirmed Giadom as the acting national chairman of the APC but another high court in Rivers State has now restrained him from parading himself as such.

Plateau Researchers Discover 13 Plants with Antiviral Properties

Ogun Backs Down on Plan to Reopen Churches, Mosques

Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă?

Kayode Fasua Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ?ÙÕĂ&#x;ÞË

Plateau State Research Committee on COVID -19 and other infectious diseases recently inaugurated by Governor Simon Lalong has said that it had found 13 plants in the state that had shown possible antiviral activities against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS COV 2).

Thecommitteewasrecentlygiven themandatetosearchforthetreatmentandcurefortheCoronavirus, andtodesigntreatmentprotocolfor the disease caused by the virus.

Addressing newsmen in Jos yesterday, the Lead Researcher, Professor Noel Wannang, a pharmacologist said that “within thepastonemonth,thecommittee had a total of 14 physical meetings, andover20virtualmeetings,aside

fromthesubgroupinteractionand interventions which often times lastedallthroughthedayandnight. “WeacknowledgethatCOVID-19 isravagingoursociety,andknowing well the situation of the pandemic, we immediately demonstrated willingnessandprovidedtimeand otherresourcesintothisallimportant assignment to curtail this deadly virus.� Whilenoting that13plants in the state have shown possible activitiesagainstSARSCOVID2,he stressedthat10oftheplantshadbeen selectedbasedonpharmacokinetic parametersoftheirphytochemical constituents, and formulated into threecocktails(COV-Pla1,COV-Pla 2, and COV Pla 3), adding that “the results may provide an important breakthrough in the field of herbal medicine.�

Lamenting the sharp increase in the cases of COVID-19 pandemic in Ogun State, the state government yesterday backed down on its initial plan to re-open religious centres this weekend.

Addressing newsmen at the State House in Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun said six fresh deaths that had shot up the casualty rate of the virus to 15, had made it unreasonable for government to allow any "large congregation."

Pleadingwithreligiousleaders to bear with his administration, Abiodunsaid,"AsatMonday,15th June,2020,wehadrecordedatotal of 586 positive cases as against a total number of 316 on the 4th of

June; being an increase of 270 or over 85% in just 14 days.

"Put more succinctly, the number of cases recorded from a first index case on 27th February to 4th June- a period of 98 days – has almost doubled in just 14 days. On the positive side, a cumulative total of 315 patients hadbeensuccessfullytreatedand discharged, representing 54% of the total positive cases.

"This number stood at 168 in mylastupdateonFriday,5thJune, indicatingadischargeof147inthe last 14 days.

"Within this period, we have painfully recorded an additional sixmoredeaths,bringingthetotal to 15: an increase of over 66 per cent, compared to nine as at the last update.

VicePresidentialcandidateofthe Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) inthe2019elections,Mr.PeterObi, hasadvisedthoseinauthorityand policymakersthat,whileconcentrating on how to ameliorate the immediatesufferingofthepeople, to also look beyond now to plan how to help the people after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Obi spoke through the Chairman of his COVID-19 Palliative Committee,Prof.ChinyereStella Okunna,wholedotherCommitteememberstoMaterMisericordae Hospital, Afikpo; Visitation Hospital, Umuchu,; Diocesan Hospital, Nnewi and St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi.

The four hospitals received cartons of face masks, drugs, handsanitisersandhandgloves.

Duringthepresentationofthis

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWATOSIN KUDIRAT ABEKE WILLIAMS, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWATOSIN KUDIRAT ABEKE BAJOM. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

items, Prof. Okunna said it was Mr.PeterObi’swayofidentifying with the suffering masses at this time of global distress. She said thatObicommendedtheeffortsof hospitalsandtheirpersonnelthat were at the forefront of the fight againsttheCOVID-19pandemic..

Conveyingthesentimentsofthe receivinghospitals,the Manager ofDiocesanHospital,Nnewi,Rev. Canon Emeka Igwilo thanked Mr. Peter Obi for his continued expression of love for humanity.

Noting what he called Obi’s “good andpleasantnatureaswell asmanifestleadershipqualities,�he saidthatthosequalitiesaided him tosucceedasgovernorofAnambra Stateandwillcertainlyaidhimto succeed in any environment he finds himself.

Other members of Obi’s Palliative Committee are former Commissioner for Information, AnambraState,ChiefJoe-Martins Uzodike;formerCommissionerfor HousingAnambraState,Dr.Patrick Obi and Special Adviser to Peter Obi, Barr. Valentine Obienyem.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as THOMPSON JOSEPH UDEME, now wish to be known and addressed as UDOMA JOSEPH THOMPSON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as IDAH REKIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MOHAMMED REKIA JUMAI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONOFUA OMAFUVWE, now wish to be known and addressed as ONOFUA SIDNEY OMAFUVWE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADENIKE ABOSEDE OYABAMBI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADENIKE ABOSEDE OYABAMBI ABEKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

During my PVC registration my name was wrongly registered as *DAGOGO BAWSHAW* instead DAGOGO FIWORI I KHDU E\ FRQÂżUP WKDW P\ FRUUHFW LV QDPH LV DAGOGO FIWORI and correct date of birth is 15 April 1974

I, formerly known and addressed as ONI BUKOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ONI BUKOLA TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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SATURDAY JUNE20, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY JUNE 20, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20, 2020

POLITY

Reviving Kano State’s Economy Post COVID-19 Salihu Tanko Yakasai

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he sudden spread of the coronavirus from its initial epicenter of Wuhan, Hubei Province of China, to over 100 countries has had devastating consequences on the affected countries in addition to the huge human cost in the forms of morbidities and mortalities with about seven million people directly affected. The pandemic has brought the global economy to its knees due to restrictions in social and economic activities with the hardest hit being the education, transportation, tourism, health, and international trade sectors. In fact, the devastating negative effects of the pandemic - politically, socially, economically, religiously, educationally and financially - cannot be quantified and it is feared it will take ages before things return to normal.

With the closure of many factories and business concerns following the imposition of lockdowns, millions of people have lost their jobs or have their businesses crippled. In the US alone, over 40 million people have lost their jobs, which is the highest figure in decades. These stringent curtailment measures resulting in severe economic recession require comprehensive strategy by governments and multi-lateral agencies so as to reboot the various sectors that make up the economic matrix so that the affected countries can get themselves out of the woods after the removal of the lockdown and other restrictions, though the recovery cannot be immediate in view of the enormity of the economic stagnation.

Emerging economies’ woes like Nigeria’s was further compounded by the drastic drop in crude oil prices from as high as $70 per barrel pre-Covid-19 last year to as low as below $20 per barrel early this year. While the US resorted to taking a whopping loan of $3 trillion, Nigeria had to source for an external loan of $5.5 billion to shore up this year’s budget. Upon realizing that humanity now has to live with the Covid-19 virus, countries must come up with measures to curtail its debilitating effects, map out strategies to resuscitate the ailing national economies and possibly find effective vaccine and cure against the novel virus.

Kano State has also received its bitter share of the pandemic with social and commercial activities severely restricted as part of measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Apart from substantial drop in the monthly federal allocation to the three tiers of government, Kano State also has to grapple with dwindling internally generated revenue following the imposition of the lockdown on the state and the state government has to settle huge monthly wage bill of about N10 billion.

That is why the present administration of Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been mapping out strategies to revamp

the state’s economy and normalize social life in the commercial nerve centre with its large population harbouring numerous expectations on the government to turn things around. Indeed we have to find a way, to live with Covid-19 for a while.

Kano State has been coming up with proactive measures to manage the crisis for which the government deserves commendation. Likewise, many individuals and corporate bodies must share in this commendation for coming to the aid of the state at this trying period of its history especially two of its illustrious sons and businessmen, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Abdussamad Isyaku Rabi’u, for donating equipment worth billions of Naira in addition to other numerous interventions to the state government toward curtailing the spread of coronavirus.

As part of the government’s efforts to resuscitate the economy of the state post- Covid-19, Ganduje has developed close cooperation and collaboration with industrialists toward complementing these efforts. For example, the governor recently met with industrialists based in the state to cement this cooperation for a better synergy between the private and public sectors toward achieving this noble objective. Recently, the governor inspected a gas-powered 20 megawatts power plant being constructed by Mamuda Industries at Challawa industrial estate, which is the first private gas plant in the whole of Northern Nigeria. Upon completion, this plant will provide electricity to many industries in the area.

The chief concern of the governor has been on how to reopen industries and other businesses after the total lifting of the lockdown which can only be realized through partnership and good working relationship between the state government and industrialists and business proprietors. It is gratifying to note that this has been yielding fruitful result as exemplified by the expected boosting of the economy of the state.

The governor has also met with the leadership of the major markets in the state aimed at ensuring the strict observation of health protocols after the reopening of the markets on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays for commercial activities to take place in anticipation of the lifting of the lockdown. On its part, the state Ministry of Environment had fumigated all major markets, places of worship and other public places as part of preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus in the state.

Similarly, the state government has met with the Kano State branch of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) and other critical stakeholders in continuation of the search for a viable strategy toward revamping business and commercial activities in the state. During the meetings, the governor assured the

Crushing the Myths Fueling Rape

M

uch as we tried last time, we could not underline the proceeding query: Why do men rape? Why do human beings - and this is not exclusive to any colour, race or continent - find it plausible to violate other beings on account of superior authority, power, strength, entitlement, depravity, or any fancy words psychiatry can concoct to explain untreated madness.

After reading some of the copious research documents, warnings and profiles of serial violators and casual rapists, it has become even more difficult to understand (no, make that appreciate) the fact that what we call an endemic canopy of rape in our land, has indeed swollen subliminally and vigorously into a pandemic. Virtually overwhelmed by the surging and compelling distractions of the Coronavirus pandemic, most governments of the world have dug their heads deep into the dessert wasteland, sharing potholes with ostriches. This age-long pandemic will not go...unless we take serious and far-reaching actions, similar to those influenced by COVID-19.

With rape the “underlying conditions” are almost untreatable, hard to diagnose, unpredictable in its virulence, ancient in origins, and insidiously asymptomatic! Sadly, and most damaging to our future, there is no possibility of a vaccine!

Here is how an entry in Wikipedia describes the object of our national frustration: “Research focusing specifically on gender relations within the context of sexual assault have found that conformance to notions of male entitlement, suspicion of the opposite sex, perceiving violence as a reasonable method for solving problems, and holding the traditional patriarchal attitudes that specific societal roles belong to specific genders are found to adhere to the concept of male entitlement/superiority (in the context of gender relations). The cognitive biases that add to one’s propensity to commit acts of sexual violence include the belief that women are sex objects; men’s sexual drive is uncontrollable; a feeling of entitlement (entitlement to sex); society is dangerous; and that women are unpredictable and dangerous.”

If you think rape is merely a social indiscretion that mass enlightenment on early sex education, moral rectitude, evils of improper dressing, and such simplistic antidotes would substan-

tially mitigate, then, you are probably as clueless as some of our illiterate lawmakers who seek relevance by uttering irrelevant gobbledygook... on style “distancing”!

Beyond cutting-edge researches on the rape pandemic and impeccable anti-rape campaign literature, we admire the inspiring work of the folks at UK- based online platform, www. rapecrisis.org.uk. Rape Crisis England & Wales is a “charitable incorporated organisation” you may call “vigilantes” against rapists, and oasis of support for victims and survivors. They wrote a great piece on myths that have fueled the acts and violence of rapists, and the realities of their profound misconceptions. We shall devote much of the rest of this column to excerpts from their article, ‘About Sexual Violence: Myths & Realities’: “Myth: Someone who’s drunk lots of alcohol or taken drugs shouldn’t complain if they end up being raped or sexually assaulted.

Fact: In law, consent to sex is when someone agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. If a person is unconscious or incapacitated by alcohol or drugs, they are unable to give their consent to sex. Having sex with a person who is incapacitated through alcohol or drugs is rape...

Myth: It’s only rape if someone is physically forced into sex and has the injuries to show for it.

Fact: Sometimes people who are raped sustain injuries and sometimes they don’t. Someone consents to sex when they agree by choice and have the freedom and capacity to make that choice. There are lots of circumstances in which someone might not have freedom or capacity to consent to sex... Many people who are sexually attacked are unable to move or speak from fear and shock. They may be in a coercive or controlling relationship with their rapist, and/or too young to give consent (under 16).

Sex without consent is rape. Just because someone doesn’t have visible injuries doesn’t mean they weren’t raped.

Myth: If two people have had sex with each other before, it’s always OK to have sex again.

Fact: If a person is in a relationship with someone or has had sex with them before, it doesn’t mean they can’t be sexually assaulted or raped by that person. Consent must be given and received every time two people engage in sexual contact.

Myth: People who were sexually abused as children are likely

Ganduje

stakeholders of his administration’s commitment toward ensuring the full pick-up of business and commercial activities after the total lifting of the lockdown while at the same time ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of the state.

In this fiscal year, Kano State government’s main focus has been in the completion of all ongoing projects and programmes for the future prosperity of the state. It has been on record that the Ganduje administration is among the few in the country that has completed multi-billion Naira inherited projects in view of their direct positive impact on the people and initiated and completed new ones in the space of four years. The government has vowed to continue with this laudable policy during its second term. This is a rarity in a society where serious issues that have direct bearing on the lives of the people are either politicized or treated with kid gloves.

As herculean as revamping Kano State economy seems to be, the Ganduje administration remains undaunted and committed in facing the challenge in close collaboration with the private sector and other critical stakeholders.

Everywhere, private public partnership arrangement is the norm aimed at moving the society forward and this close collaboration and cooperation between the government and the private sector is what the Ganduje administration is set on pursuing to take the state to the next level especially during the post-Covid-19 pandemic which has brought large-scale devastation to all and sundry. Ganduje’s work ethics has always been Aiki! Aiki! Aiki! 24/7.

–––Tanko-Yakasai is the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Kano State.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

to become abusers themselves.

Fact: This is a dangerous myth, which is sometimes used to try and explain or excuse the behaviour of those who rape and sexually abuse children. It is offensive and unhelpful to survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The vast majority of those who are sexually abused as children will never perpetrate sexual violence against others. There is no excuse or explanation for sexual violence against children or adults.

Myth: Women are most likely to be raped after dark by a stranger, so women shouldn’t go out alone at night.

Fact: Only around 10% of rapes are committed by ‘strangers’.

Around 90% of rapes are committed by known men, and often by someone who the survivor has previously trusted or even loved. People are raped in their homes, their workplaces and other settings where they previously felt safe. Rapists can be friends, colleagues, clients, neighbours, family members, partners or exes. Risk of rape shouldn’t be used as an excuse to control women’s movements or restrict their rights and freedom.

Myth: People often lie about being raped because they regret having sex with someone or for attention.

Fact: Disproportionate media focus on false rape allegations can give the impression it’s common for people to lie about sexual violence. This is not true. False allegations of rape are very rare. Most victims and survivors never report to the police.

One reason for this is the fear of not being believed. It’s really important we challenge this myth so those who’ve been through sexual violence can get the support and justice they need and deserve.

Myth: Only young, ‘attractive’ women and girls, who flirt and wear ‘revealing’ clothes, are raped.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20, 2020

POLITY Foundation Backs War against COVID-19 in Katsina Francis Sardauna chronicles the efforts of a group known as Island Survive Foundation in supporting government’s ongoing war against the rampaging COVID-19 pandemic, and alleviating poverty among the less privileged in Katsina State

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s government continues to fight the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, along with other issues of profound social, economic and environmental impact of population growth, development and environmental constraints, it is apparent to note that government does not have enough resources to deal with all the problems.

Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been playing supportive roles with the government at all levels in eradicating these impediments. In some cases, Dr. Bara’u and other members of the foundation during the they are considered more effective to distribution of food items to orphanage Homes in Funtua. get attached with the grass root level developmental In order to tackle the spate of COVID-19, the initiatives. organisation has donated Personal Protective Island Survive Foundation (ISF), a Katsina State Equipment (PPE) to various government agencies, based non-profitable organisation is one of such NGOs, households and media organisations to NGOs. The foundation has been in the forefront, tame the spread of the deadly disease in Katsina. rolling out measures to fight off COVID-19 and other The PPEs, which were donated to the manageeconomic challenges bedeviling the country. ment of Companion FM, Katsina State Television The overall goal of the foundation is to alleviate Authority, State Radio and Vision FM, included poverty currently confronting the teeming unemhand sanitisers, facemask, gloves, antiseptic soap ployed youths, women and children, especially and water containers. those in rural communities through sustainable The non-profit organisation had also distributed empowerment programmes. the same items to the State Command of the Nigeria This is aside other pragmatic measures put in Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal place by the organisation to further strengthen the Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police Force mechanism that will assuage the immediate pressing (NPF), Nigeria Peace Corps, National Drug Law needs of the vulnerable households— orphans, EnforcementAgency (NDLEA), among others. widows and the less privileged through skill acquisiSpeaking shortly after the disbursement of the tion and trainings.

PPE to the benefiting organisations, the President of The organisation also focuses on strengthening the foundation said the foundation would continue the capacity of government functionaries, agencies to adopt a multi-faceted approach to cushion the and institutions, creation of awareness, promotion of effect of coronavirus pandemic on persons with education and literacy skills for vulnerable children special needs. He added that the organisation and adolescents, in-line with the government’s would focus on the poor and vulnerable, the elderly, policies and programmes. refugees, IDPs, persons living with disabilities, The organisation, founded by Dr. Muhammed among others in its effort of stopping the spread of Bara’u Tanimu, had since its inception in November COVID-19 in the state.

2019 swung into action by strategically adopting According to him, “Given the current global workable measures in cushioning the hardship crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we facing rural dwellers in Katsina. He is committed to must work together and deploy all of our resources elevating the lives of the less privileged, widows and in unison to support the state and federal governorphans by putting smiles on their faces. ments’ efforts for maximum impact.

Dr. Tanimu, who is also an International Peace “It is our collective responsibility to respond to the Ambassador with Universal Peace Federation (UPF) COVID-19 pandemic and to save lives and alleviate and a member of many international organisations, suffering of people, in line with its mission and through his foundation, has distributed foodstuffs mandate. to hundreds of vulnerable persons during the last “This is why we have organised series of enlightRamadan in order to ease their sufferings. enment campaigns to the masses on the dangers Items donated to the beneficiaries at Chechemiya, and symptoms of COVID-19 and measures to be Filin Polo and other communities within Katsina taken against contracting the deadly virus, through metropolis included bags of rice, maize, beans and jingles on radio and television.” sugar.

He restated that the foundation had prioritised The organisation during the ceremonial opening the prevention and community engagement of its zonal office in Funtua Senatorial District also and increased sensitisation to curtail the spread of doled out assorted food items ranging from rice, COVID-19, particularly among rural dwellers and maize, sugar, beans and many sanitizers, masks and vulnerable households. cash to different associations in the area.

The President of the foundation urged residents of While distributing the items, Tanimu said the the state to continue observing cleanliness, abstaingesture would help solve the immediate needs of the ing from social gathering above 20 persons, using most vulnerable people in the area and complement nose masks and regular washing of hands with state and federal government’s efforts in improving soap, “would help us avoid this deadly disease.” the socio-economic and well-being of the citizenry.

He, however, expressed displeasure that many He, therefore, called on well-meaning individuals people had lost their lives and properties due to and donor agencies in the country to provide similar incessant attacks by bandits, leaving many women assistance to people in their respective communities and children exposed to security threats without any in order to reduce hardship among rural dwellers means of subsistence. and the less privileged.

He maintained that the organisation would soon Interestingly, during the distribution exercise, launch other initiatives to break this vicious circle by the beneficiaries were sensitised on how to protect directly involving community members affected themselves against the COVID-19 pandemic, such by the crisis as architects of their own future by as regular washing of hands, use of alcohol sanitisers engaging them in entrepreneurial activities. and face masks when visiting public places.

In Funtua senatorial zone alone, the foundation No fewer than 5,000 vulnerable people have so far has donated 28 bags (100kg) of rice, maize, millet benefitted from such free humanitarian services of and bundles of women clothes to Safana Women the Island Survive Foundation, as its founder vowed and Orphanage Society, Danmusa Orphanage that the organisation has come to stay to put smiles Homes, Charity Foundation Dutsin-Ma and Yankin on the faces of the downtrodden.

Sema Orphanage Committee.

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SATURDAY JUNE20, 2020 •T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ͸ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mo Abudu Brings Nigerian Literary Classics to Life for Netflix Ibidun Ighodalo A Life of Selfless Service to Humanity pg. 23

MC Tagwaye Grabs His Sweetheart pg. 24

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mo Abudu Brings Nigerian Literary Classics to Life for Netflix Netflix has signed a major deal with the award-winning producer, Mo Abudu, to bring two Nigerian literary classics to life, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Lola Shoneyin

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mericanstreaminggiant Netflix has partnered with film producer Mo Abudu/EbonyLife to bring two literary classics to life. The two critically acclaimed novels by award-winning Nigerian authors — Wole Soyinka‘s “Death and the King’s Horseman“, and Lola Shoneyin‘s “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives�, are being adapted into on-screen works and set to premiere on the streaming platform. Lola Shoneyin’s debut novel, “The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives,� published 2010, will be developed into a television series, and Wole Soyinka’s 1975 play, “Death and the King’s Horseman,� will be adapted into a film.

Netflix added that through her production company EbonyLife, Abudu will “produce two new Nigerian originals plus licensed films and a series�. One of the unnamed projects will premiere on the platform later in the year. Lola Shoneyin’s “Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives� details the struggles of women as well as the practice of polygamy in Nigeria. The novel was listed for the 2011 Orange Prize.

It won the 2011 PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award and two Association of Nigerian Authors’ Awards. While Wole Soyinka’s “Death and the King’s Horseman� is based on a real incident that took

Mo Abudu

place in Nigeria during British colonial rule in which the horseman of a Yoruba King was prevented from committing ritual suicide by the colonial authorities.

In addition to the British intervention, Soyinka calls the horseman’s own conviction toward suicide into question, posing a problem that throws off the community’s balance. Mo Abudu shared a post on social media, where she talked about Professor Wole Soyinka being her first guest on her talk show, “Moments with Mo�, in 2006 before revealing that she had spent a long time trying to acquire the rights to Soyinka’s literary work, “Death and The King’s Horseman�. Five years later, Mo Abudu is grateful for the opportunity to bring this epic play to life with Netflix, and she thanks Wole Soyinka for trusting her with it.

Reacting to the newly commissioned adaptations, Wole Soyinka said: “In a creative industry which, even in pioneering countries, is so male dominated, it is always a delight to see robust challenges offered by the female gender, and of attestable quality. Mo Abudu’s incursion into this arena as film and television producer has been especially stimulating. It becomes part of one’s sense of achievement, if one has contributed, however minutely, to the creation of an enabling environment.�

For the executive producer of “Chief Daddy, Wedding Party 1 & 2, Fifty, Castle

Wole Soyinka

& Castle� among others, the need to create authentic Nigerian stories has motivated her filmmaking style over the years. “As a Nigerian storyteller, my biggest motivator has always been to tell authentic and untold stories that resonate with every person, regardless of where they’re from in the world while showcasing our culture, heritage and creativity,� Abudu said, adding, “this unprecedented partnership is a testament to the Netflix’s investment in African storytelling and we at EbonyLife are grateful and excited about the opportunity to work together with the Netflix teams led by Dorothy and Ben to deliver a slate of unique and riveting stories from Nigeria over the next few years for Netflix audiences around the world.�

On her part, Shoneyin acknowledged the opportunity to have her work adapted on-screen, saying, “I was thrilled when Mo contacted me about making a show out of my novel. I’d turned down so many offers but this one felt right. It was an opportunity to see my work in the hands of a woman who pursued excellence in Africa in the same way that I did. I grew to trust her very quickly, so when she told me about the possibility of working with Netflix, I was overjoyed. Soon, people everywhere will have access to the story of Baba Segi, and that is more that I could have asked for as a writer.�

Netflix’s lead for original series in Africa,

Dorothy Ghettuba in a statement said: “Mo is at the forefront of creative storytelling in African television.

Her passion for creating high-quality, riveting multi-genre films and TV shows that capture the imagination while showcasing the diversity and richness of Nigerian culture is evident in her impressive body of work. We’re thrilled about this first-of-its-kind partnership in Africa that will bring some of Nigeria – and Africa’s most iconic storytelling to screen. We look forward to supporting Mo as she brings all these diverse Nigerian stories to the world.�

Since becoming a household name in the 2000s with her daytime talk show “Moments with Mo,� Abudu has become one of the most popular names in Nigerian entertainment. In 2018, EbonyLife struck a three-series deal with Sony Pictures Television, with the first project set to tell the story of the female warriors of the ancient West African kingdom of Dahomey. The Netflix deal comes just a few months after Netflix launched “Netflix Naija� and also announced that the first Nigerian Original Series is in the pipeline, although not giving away any details until recently. The deal also follows just months after Netflix partnered with British-Nigerian actor, John Boyega’s UpperRoom Productions for a slate of three features, two from Nigeria and one from Egypt.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Ibidun Ighodalo

A Life of Seless Service to Humanity Always full of comforting words and offering advice, for many, Ibidun Ighodalo’s death is surreal. Scores of tribute have been pouring in from family, friends and well-wishers across the country, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

s at the time Ibidun Ighodalo left Lagos for Port Harcourt on Friday June 12 for work, nothing signaled her husband and close family members that were around that she had bided them eternal goodbye.

In fact, her last post was captured filled of emotion of herself and her husband, where she talked about how difficult it was for her to let him leave, even as she was the one who was mostly on the road.

In the video, the famous event planner and wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, founder of The Trinity House Church, Lagos, who breathed her last in the early hours of last Sunday morning in Port Harcourt, was seen hugging her husband as the duo exchanged romantic gestures while the clergyman teased his wife about domestic violence.

That sweet moment that turned out to be her last with husband she captioned thus: “Always so hard to say good bye to my Popino. Love you too much baby. See you soon. . .� On receiving the news of her death, her husband, in a solemn mood, described it as an incident that shattered his life. “And of course a lot of you know that I really shouldn’t be here but that’s how life is . . . 2 o clock this morning I received a call that shattered my life. But life must go on and here we are today,� he said while officiating the funeral of Biola Okoya’s son, Deji, shortly after the news was confirmed.

He said if anyone had told him a day before that this is how today would be, he would have said it was not possible. “But this is how life is; life is nothing‌â€?

Ibidun’s life was of selfless service to humanity. A seasoned event planner, until her death, she ran the famed events company, Elizabeth R and had been traveling around the country setting up isolation centres for COVID-19 patients. She was reported to have passed on after a brief illness. Immediate suspicion was that she died of cardiac arrest in her hotel room in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Always full of comforting words and offering advice, for many her death is surreal. Scores of tribute have been pouring in from family, friends and well-wishers across the country. Former Education Minister, Oby Ezekwesili, tweeted: “Life! Ibidun Ighodalo? Just gone‌like a candle in the wind.

May God comfort our very dear Pastor Ituah and rest of family in the way that only He can in Jesus name.�

Kemi Adetiba wrote on her Instagram page: “This makes no sense; absolutely none. The last conversation we had was her agreeing to feature in the second season of the King Women series.

I had spoken to her previously about it, and she said‌ Let me pray about it. 12 days later, on her own, she sends me a ‘Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready.’ . . . She went on to explain that she wanted to share moments of her life many hadn’t seen, heard or properly understood. Tall mountains she silently had to climb. She wanted to share in order to encourage others. You couldn’t have met a classier, quiet, positive, demure woman like her.

Rest in power, and eternal beauty!!!�

To entrepreneur and author, Arese, “R.I.P Ibidun‌ you were always so kind to me but what I will always remember is your strength of character‌ how even in your pain you made it your mission to help others‌ you touched countless lives in such a meaningful way and that is your legacy‌Ibidun I’m thankful we got to see you fall in love and love so deeply‌ I don’t know what God wants from us. We lost a good one.â€?

In his tribute, television presenter and broadcaster, Suleiman Aledeh wrote: “Ibidun Ighodalo was always there to help when I’m rallying for funds for people. I am sad you’d say ‘I don’t want anyone to know,’ now the world knows.

We just lost an Angel. Singer and songwriter, Waje in her tribute recalled an encounter with the late Ibidun. “Late last year, we were both on our way to Abuja, sat together and

gisted the whole trip. After talking for a while she asked me a question, I can’t tell you what it is but I was honest and replied her with the truth, her response was to be what I want. I’m so shocked and hurt but I know for certain that she changed lives, impacted families, Gods angel.�

Speaking after his visit to the family, Governor Sanwo-Olu said: “I was shocked when I received the news that my friend, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo had lost his wife and partner, Mrs. Ibidun Ighodalo. Mrs. Ibidun Ighodalo was an inspiration to

many. I pray for strength for Pastor Ituah, their children, loved ones, and the many she has touched.�

As a socialite, Ibidun was famed for occasionally gifting packages and cash prizes to Nigerians while running an NGO created to raise awareness on issues pertaining to infertility. She was the founder of Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF), set up to provide grants for couples that require fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intrauterine Insemination.

In 2018, she had opened up on going through multiple IVF procedures, the social pressure that accompanied her fertility journey and her quest to find happiness, all of which she said birthed her foundation. First known as Ibidun Ajayi, she first emerged on the social scene when she won the Miss Lux beauty pageant competition in 1998 as an 18-year-oldundergraduate of the University of Lagos. She married Pastor Ighodalo in 2007.

The couple, however, struggled with infertility and the arising pressures that come with it. Hearkening to call from God led them to adopt two children, Keke and Zenan.

Before then, she had made up her mind to stop worrying over childbearing and to just keep trusting God while helping other couples through their own fertility journey. “I made a covenant with God and told Him that I would leave it completely in His hands,� she said in a personal note posted to the Foundation’s website. “In the interim, as we wait for our miracle, I would help couples going through the same challenges by providing spiritual, financial and psychological support. I was ready to do my part to get rid of the stigma attached to childlessness. I wanted people to instead see couples-in-waiting as blessed mothers and fathers of nations!�

As she prayed and mulled over the idea, she felt peace and that was how her charity organisation, the Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation was born.

She said on a television interview few years back: “It gets to a point where you just really want children.

You want company. I mean your husband is your friend, he’s your best friend, but you guys go to work together. You guys come back. After a while, you want to plan a family.

You just want people. You want kids around you . . . I just woke up one morning on my birthday and had a conversation with God. I said to Him, ‘you know what, I am not doing this IVF again. How you’re going to do it, I don’t know, but I’m trusting you. And I heard, ‘In the meantime, just help as many people as you can.’�

The former beauty queen, Ibidun was to mark her 40th birthday on July 19, 2020.

An occasion she had planned to make 40 families happy by helping them have their babies through her Foundation.

She revealed this in a message she sent to her friend. “Sweetie it’s my birthday next month and I want to help 40 couples to have their babies. . . That’s all I want. No party. No surprise nothing. I just want to make 40 homes happy.�

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MC Tagwaye Grabs His Sweetheart Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, effortlessly mimics President Muhammadu Buhari.

That’s what many know this comedian for. Well, the news is that he recently married the daughter of Buhari’s Special Adviser on Social Investments, Maryam Uwais. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

C

omedian, Obinna Simon, popularly known as MC Tagwaye, joined the league of married men last Saturday following his wedding to his sweetheart, Hauwa Uwais.

The beautiful bride is the daughter of the Special Adviser to Presidential Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwais. The groom, who is known for mimicking President Muhammadu Buhari, was overwhelmed with joy and shortly after the ceremony took to social media to share pictures of himself and his heartthrob.

The pictures which captured the newly-wed couple dressed in native and English wears, was captioned with romantic words. “If I am doing it again‌.. It has to be you my Kulu no one else,â€? he wrote in one of the posts. “It’s a good night, we continue from where we stopped tomorrow. For those asking, we’re officially joined married today, he added.â€? MC Tagwaye’s ability to mimic president Buhari had endeared him to several Nigerians; this is coupled with the fact that he has a resemblance to President Buhari.

The comedian who disclosed that he was surprised at how many people celebrated their union on social media in another post wrote: “The best honey moon in 2020, for a whole country to keep entertaining myself and her Excellency on social media for two days now none stop, that’s lovely; thank you Nigerians.� The bride’s mother, Maryam Uwais, expressed delight in a photograph-laden statement on her Instagram page. “So my daughter, Hauwa, got married today. And I got me a brand new son, MC Tagwaye.

Fun, love, and laughter shall follow them all the days of their life. Please pray for a blessed and fulfilling union for this brand new couple. Marriage is never easy. But with God in their lives, and prayers of well-meaning people, it will be,� the presidential aide wrote.

MC Tagwaye hit stardom after he mimicked Buhari reacting to criticisms in a clip over which he was later dubbed the president’s doppelganger for accurately imitating his mannerism.

An indigene of Anambra State, born and raised in Katsina State alongside his twin brother, MC Tagwaye managed to achieve striking resemblance with the President while exhibiting his craft.

President Buhari isn’t the first person he mimicked. Tagwaye had told BBC: “What made this special was that I always tried to imitate such personalities with near 100 per cent accuracy.

Buhari’s character entered me so well.

I found it difficult to return to my own own self. Even when I finally met the President, he was always careful with his speech so I wouldn’t pick something from him. Anybody that likes Buhari likes me, if they hate him, they hate me as well.�

MC Tagwaye and Hauwa Uwais

MC Tagwaye once revealed that the VIP treatment he gets when he attends any function is not only funny but also overwhelming. However, the comedian’s look has gotten him some bad days also. He has had to deal with lots of negative comments from friends who criticize him for mimicking the President, especially those who don’t like the President. Narrating his experience when he first met President Buhari, MC Tagwaye said it was more of a shock than excitement for him.

He said he met the President in Katsina at the Economic Summit in 2016 when he asked to be photographed with him. “Buhari is one of the simplest and down-to-earth individuals. When I was approaching him where SSS was about to stop me but he told them to let me. Before I got to where he was, he had stood up already to have a photograph with me,� the comedian said.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͸ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Kunle Afolayan Unveils Productions Hub Ferdinand Ekechukwu

R

enowned filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan has unveiled a new production outfit called Kunle Afolayan Productions Hub. The KAP Hub is a new cultural centre where lots of creative ideas will be happening. The banker turned film director recently gave a virtual tour of his new production enterprise. Afolayan, whose parent company, Golden Effects Pictures, is involved in film production, documentaries, television commercials, music videos, film equipment rentals and film consultations, is breaking the Golden Effects Pictures brand into subsidiaries, offering specialised services under the name KAP Hub. The Hub will consist of, KAP Motion Pictures, a film and television academy, a cinema, Golden Effects Services Ltd, a restaurant and bar, live band, art and craft shops and a creative minds hangout. The film academy called KAP Film & Television Academy, is specially designed to provide hands-on experience from veteran and great film professionals with in-depth industry experience, exposure to diverse film making tools while being on the set of different movies, and for more people who are passionate about art, creativity, television, film and the new media.

According to the film director, producer and actor, “This is an

idea that I conceptualized years ago. After the establishment of my film company, Golden Effects Pictures in 2005, I decided to branch into other fields so I can really impact lives. Initially, Golden Effects Pictures was involved in the production of films, documentaries, television commercials, music videos, film equipment rentals and film consultations; but with my decision to go into other demanding areas in the film industry, I decided to expand Golden Effects Pictures into subsidiary brands offering specialized services under the name of KAP Hub. “We took a bank loan and this is the first time I am saying this officially and with the loan, we have managed to secure a property and have completed the first phase of the project. This project is going to have a film school and it is called KAP television film academy.

There will be KAP cinema which will sit 100 to 120 guests.�

The award-winning director of Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1 and The CEO, among others, is one of the new wave independent Nigerian filmmakers telling compelling stories that resonate with their “Pan-African� audiences.

More recently, Afolayan wrapped up the shooting of his latest film, The Citation. The movie spans across three African countries with an international cast. It is currently in post-production. His movies have given the industry special recognitions abroad and presently he has the highest Nigerian movies showing on Netflix.

Kunle Afolayan

Telenovelas: General’s Daughter, Waaris, Gain Acceptance Two telenovelas, The General’s Daughter and Warris, are among the top series mesmerizing movie fans, owing to their exciting plot twists.

Both, showing on StarTimes pay-TV, have drummed up wide receptions among impressed movie fans. The General’s Daughter is an action-packed series, full of suspense and a storyline crafted with so many twists that one can’t predict the next outcome.

The General’s Daughter, a filipino Action-Drama TV series, captures the fast-paced world of military mystery, with loads of electrifying moments. The series, now approaching its crescendo, revolves around the female lead: Angel Locsin as Arabella/Diana/Rhian/Uno who brings moral gravitas to her role, displaying her luminous looks, as well as uncommon physical stamina and skills. It airs daily at 7:40pm on ST Novela E Plus on StarTimes.

Waaris, an Indian series, draws its appeal from its strong societal theme and perfect dubbing into local dialects, Yoruba and Hausa. It unravels the menace of placing the male child above the girl-child in a society where prejudice against women is a norm and, then opens the lid on male-female equality.

Warris is a family-fun time series with strong appeal to Yoruba and Hausa audience. It narrates the story of Amba, who belongs to a Punjabi family. She gives birth to a girl child.

However, circumstances force her to

hide the gender of her baby, after her husband’s death in order to keep the title of “Shah� within the family. The intrigues follow the narrative. It airs weekdays at 8:30pm on ST Yoruba and 8:15pm on ST Dadinkowa. “Keeping our customers glued to

their screen, through thrilling premium content yet affordable, has often been the core of our business. With over 100 channels and 2000 video-ondemand content, StarTimes brings loads of exciting entertainment from series, local and foreign movies,

music, news, kiddies, documentaries to live sports events. Subscribers can also watch via StarTimes On mobile app using their MTN airtime to subscribe,� Lazarus Ibeabuchi, Public Relations Manager, StarTimes Nigeria said.

26

SATURDAY JUNE20, 2020 •T H I S D AY

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

20.06.2020

NEWS

MERSEYSIDE DERBY

Umar Sadiq

A Dream to the Theatre?

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Umar Sadiq A Dream to the Theatre?

If things go as planned, Nigeria U-23 striker Umar Sadiq may waltz his way to theTheatre of Dreams after he was surprisingly courted by Manchester United.The Partizan Belgrade forward has however said his being tracked by the OldTrafford outfit is no accident. Only time will tell if he would eventually link up with compatriot, Odion Ighalo

P

artizan Belgrade striker, Umar Sadiq has insisted that it’s “no accident” that he is being tracked

by Manchester United.

The Nigerian flopped at Ibrox with just four appearances under his belt and no goals during his time on loan from Roma.

After having departed the Glasgow outfit and then the Italians, Sadiq has rebuilt his career at Partizan Belgrade.

So much so that Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly had the striker watched as recently as last week with a move to a potential bid after he scored 17 goals in 35 games for the Serbians this term.

Sadiq, though, reckons he has merited the interest from the Premier League giants after a good campaign.

“Manchester United’s interest is a big compliment for me as a player,” he told Belgrade daily Republika. But, believe me, nothing is accidental.

“Partizan have helped me a lot in my career.

I found my way, and now I just follow what they ask of me. I think this is just the beginning of my success, and the motivation is there.

“We work thoroughly before every game.

We don’t only talk about tactics and video analysis, but also human relationships.

“Whether it’s the manager, Savo Milosevic, or someone else from the coaching staff, they are always there for us.

“As for United, I think they were surprised by how we played against them in Belgrade.

They put out their best team, which tells you how much respect they had.”

The 23-year-old Nigerian striker has been in spectacular form in this campaign for the Black-Whites, scoring 17 goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions this season for Savo Milosevic’s men.

The forward was one of the standout performers during his side’s 1-0 victory over rivals Red Star Belgrade in a derby outing.

Sadiq’s form has seen him linked to a number of European clubs including the Red Devils and recently, Manchester United scout for Central and Southeast Europe Budimir Vujacic watched him play.

The striker is delighted his performances are getting the attention of the Old Trafford outfit and explained how the Black-Whites have helped him to improve.

Partizan played Manchester United in a Europa League game back in November and narrowly lost the first leg by 1-0 in Belgrade.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men, however, dominated the second leg at Old Trafford, securing a comfortable 3-0 victory in the encounter.

Once considered a bright talent of the future, Sadiq has had to rebuild his reputation after a hugely underwhelming loan spell with Rangers.

But this is exactly what he has been doing - and naturally, with the summer transfer window fast approaching, he has been linked with a

move away.

Telegraf reports that aside Manchester United, Milan, Valencia, Fenerbahce, CSKA and Spartak Moscow have all shown an interest in the attacker. The report claims that Budimir Vujacic, United’s scout for that area of Europe, was set to attend Partizan’s derby clash with Red Star last Wednesday - with Partizan winning the game 1-0.

The Sun have since reported Sadiq is now being ‘lined up’ for a ‘dream’ move to Old Trafford. Whether United’s interest in the attacker is actually so strong that they are preparing to make a move remains to be seen, but it is clear that the 23-year-old is attracting attention.

Joining Rangers in July 2018, there was a hope that Sadiq would challenge first-choice striker Alfredo Morelos for a starting berth, but this didn’t prove to be the case. Instead, he managed just four first-team appearances before his loan was terminated in December that year - with just one appearance coming from the start.

As it turned out, Sadiq made the headlines for Rangers after the game in which he started against Aberdeen - but for all the wrong reasons.

With his side 1-0 down in the cup, Sadiq was sent through on goal and he took the ball around the goalkeeper.

The hard part was done, but he opted to hit the deck instead of finishing off the move. To make matters worse, he was booked for diving.

It was a performance that didn’t go down

too well with Rangers fans, with many at the time keen for him not to put on the jersey again.

In January 2018, Sadiq joined Serie B side Perugia as he looked to get his career back on track. Still contracted to Roma at this point, it was a chance for the Nigerian to prove to his parent club that he had what it took. However, he managed just three goals in 18 appearances.

As a result, he was shipped out on loan again in the summer of 2019 - this time to Partizan.

Following a bright start to life in his new home, Partizan opted to make the move permanent in January for around €1.75m.

The 23-year-old has gone on to make 38 appearances in all competitions for the Black and Whites, grabbing 17 goals at this time.

Standing at 192cm, Sadiq is a tall and powerful striker, making him a nightmare to go up against. The Nigerian also knows his best attributes and knows how to utilise his height and strength to win aerial duels and hold the ball up for his teammates.

He isn’t perfect, not by any means, but he is continuing to improve rapidly. His height, agility, finishing and strength have been key to his fine form this season.

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Sadiq was a key member of the Nigeria squad that won a bronze medal. The forward appeared in each of Nigeria’s six games, grabbing four goals; this included a brace in the third-place play-off against Honduras to help Nigeria win 3-2.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table Liverpool Man City Leicester Chelsea Man Utd Sheff Utd Wolves Tottenham Arsenal Burnley Crystal Palace Everton Southampton Newcastle Brighton West Ham Watford

29 29 29 29 30 29 29 30 29 29 29 29 30 29 29 29 29

45 40 30 12 14 5 7 7 1 -6 -6 -9 -14 -1 -8 -15 -17

82 60 53 48 46 44 43 42 40 39 39 37 37 6 35 29 27 27

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Watford v Brighton v West Ham v Bournemouth v

Leicester Arsenal Wolves Palace

12:30 15:00 17:30 19:45

SUNDAY

Newcastle Aston Villa Everton

Merseyside Derby

Can Liverpool Go One Step to Glory at Goodison Park?

With just two wins away from being crowned Premier League champion after 30 years, Liverpool travel to Goodison Park for a date with Everton in tomorrow’s Merseyside derby.The Reds would have loved to be crowned champions in the home of their enemy, but with Arsenal having failed to do the unthinkable against Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday, it means Jurgen Klopp’s side would need to secure one more victory even if they win on Sunday

I

t’s been over three months since Liverpool’s last Premier League outing, a 2-1 home win against Bournemouth and The Reds return to action this weekend. Sunday night sees Jürgen Klopp’s men make the short trip to Goodison Park for a Merseyside derby with a difference – no fans in the stadium.

This is the ‘new normal’. How long for, nobody seems to know. What is known however is that Liverpool are six points away from what will be the club’s 19th league title success. It’s on the way. Can they take a huge step towards securing the title with a win at Everton?

Everton sit in 12th place in the Premier League. Their last game was a 4-0 defeat away to Chelsea back in early March.

Before that, The Toffees drew 1-1 at home to Manchester United and lost 3-2 at Arsenal.

Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to instil any real consistency in Everton since his arrival in December.

October 2010 was the last time Everton managed to win a derby – against a Roy Hodgson-led Liverpool.

Liverpool’s last competitive fixture was against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Diego Simeone’s Spanish side beat The Reds 3-2 after extra time to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

In the weeks before that, Liverpool had also exited the FA Cup at Chelsea (2-0) and suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season away to Watford (3-0).

With three and a half months away from competitive action, it’s impossible to predict what form any club will return in.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Sunday’s encounter, Everton forward Richarlison has started the mind game by taking a dig at Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk by saying there are better defenders.

Van Dijk has been one of the outstanding performers this season but Richarlison said he can get the better of the defender.

“People talk a lot about him, yes he is a great defender but I’ve already dribbled past him,” he told Desimpedidos.

“He was chosen as one of the top three in the world as he had an excellent season. But yes, for me there are better defenders.”

When asked about who Richarlison considers to be better, he replied: “Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Sergio Ramos.”

Since his move to Anfield from Southampton in 2018, Van Dijk has been instrumental and played a key part in Liverpool winning the Champions League and the Club World Cup last year.

The derby will take place on Merseyside despite police chiefs advocating it should be played at a neutral venue to prevent supporters from congregating outside the stadium and violating social distancing rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.

If Liverpool beat Everton, Klopp’s side can seal the title at Anfield against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

v v v

Sheffield 14:00 Chelsea 16:15 Liverpool 19:00

Meanwhile, Arsenal will be looking to recover from a dampening 3-0 defeat to Manchester City when they travel to the South Coast to take on Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.

Brighton will be looking for their first win of 2020 as they return to action following a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As the only side in the Premier League yet to taste victory since the turn of the decade, Brighton are firmly embroiled in a relegation battle as they prepare to return to action in an empty Amex Stadium this weekend.

Indeed, Graham Potter’s men have drawn six and lost three in 2020 thus far, and their fixture list does not look all too friendly as they still have to face Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester City in the next couple of months.

The outlook does not look good for the Seagulls as they lie in 15th, two points above the relegation zone after 29 matches, and they are without victory on home turf since their 2-0 win over Bournemouth back in December.

Brighton have performed relatively well against some of the Premier League’s household names at the Amex, recording victories over Tottenham Hotspur and Everton while also holding Chelsea to a draw.

14th-placed Southampton are five points above Brighton so the Seagulls cannot rise any higher with a victory, but they could plunge into the relegation zone if they suffer defeat and West Ham United, Watford and Bournemouth all pick up wins this weekend.

Mikel Arteta returned to familiar surroundings as he reunited with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad on Wednesday, but the student was outdone by the master as Manchester City cruised to a 3-0 victory to end Arsenal’s unbeaten run in 2020.

Since the turn of the year, Arteta had guided Arsenal to four draws and four wins in the Premier League before the enforced suspension, but a second 3-0 defeat to City this season means they remain eight points adrift of the top four in ninth.

To make matters worse, Burnley and Crystal Palace sit just one point behind the Gunners at this s t a g e , a n d w h i l e i t s e e m s i n c o m p re h e n sible for the Gunners to finish in the bottom half o f t h e table, they cannot afford any m o re p e r f o r m a n c e s l i k e t h e o n e a t t h e E t i h a d i f t h e y a re t o k e e p their European hopes alive.

T h e G u n n e r s are now visiting a ground where they are yet to taste victory since Brighton’s promotion to the top flight.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 20 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Osimhen

Jinadu

Lille Resign to Losing Osimhen, Target Sadiq as Replacement Lille coach Christophe Galtier has admitted that Nigeria international Victor Osimhen is certain to leave the French Ligue 1 club in the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing Osimhen but face competition from Italian clubs led by Napoli, while talks of a move to La Liga have cooled down in recent weeks.

The Super Eagles star has yet to resume pre-season training with Lille as he was granted compassionate leave to attend the funeral of his father.

“Regarding Victor and Gabriel, yes I integrated it, for a long time, that they are leaving, and we are working on players, who are currently here and who will arrive, likely to replace them,” Galtier stated.

The French football tactician revealed that Osimhen is expected to resume training next week.

“RegardingYusufYazici and Timothy Weah, they are not yet fully integrated

into all the exercises we do. We take advantage of this first week to test and evaluate them. They have an individual program.As for Victor Osimhen, he will return around June 24 or 25,” he said.

Osimhen ended the 2019-2020 campaign as Lille’s top scorer in all competitions with 18 goals to his name in 38 games.

Osimhen last summer joined Lille in a €12m move from Sporting Charleroi in a five-year contract at the club until 2024.

“It’s a privilege to have signed for such a good club and I look forward to working hard towards being a contributor to the team. Lille is a very good club that leads a quality project and includes high class players.

“Great Nigerian players have also played here and I would like follow their footsteps. I think that this project suits me perfectly to continue to progress,” Osimhen had said then.

With Osimhen set to leave Lille in the

summer transfer window, the French Ligue 1 club are looking at signing another prolific Nigerian striker as his replacement.

Italian transfer market website Calciomercato says Lille see Partizan Belgrade frontman Umar Sadiq as an ideal replacement for Osimhen.

The former Nigeria U23 international has been a hit since joining the Serbian giants last summer, initially on loan, before the move was made permanent in January 2020.

He is Nigeria’s top goal contributor in the whole of Europe this season, with a hand in 33 goals -17 goals, 16 assists, in 38 games across all competitions.

Valued at 15 million euros by Partizan Belgrade, Sadiq was recently scouted by representatives of German, English, Turkish, Russian, Belgian and Italian clubs during last week’s derby against Red Star Belgrade.

The 23-year-old has played for big five European clubs in the past, namely Roma, Bologna and Torino.

IBF Put Pressure on Joshua to Defend Title Anthony Joshua will not have a “firm date” imposed by the IBF for his mandatory defence against Kubrat Pulev as talks continue over a venue for the fight.

Before Joshua can meet Tyson Fury in an undisputed heavyweight championship fight in 2021, with financial terms already agreed, he must make a mandatory defence against Pulev which has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WBO mandatory Oleksandr Usyk

is also breathing down Joshua’s neck while WBC mandatory Dillian Whyte is due to challenge for Fury’s belt by February 2021.

Astatement from the IBF to Sky Sports reads: “Given the current circumstances we are being flexible.

“It is difficult to put a firm date on mandatory obligations at the moment.

Everyone is working hard to get things going with boxing again and hopefully

Neymar Ordered to Pay Former Club Barcelona 6.7m Euros Paris St-Germain forward Neymar must pay 6.7m euros (£6.1m) to former club Barcelona, a Spanish court has ruled.

The Brazil international claimed he was owed 43.6m euros in loyalty bonuses by Barcelona, who he left in August 2017.

A judge ruled in favour of the La Liga side but 28-yearold Neymar, who filed the lawsuit shortly after the transfer, can appeal against the decision.

Barcelona said they “welcomed” the judgment and would “continue to firmly defend its legitimate interests”.

The Brazil forward also

made a complaint to world governing body Fifa after Barca refused to pay him following his 222m euros (£200m) move in 2017.

As well as not paying Neymar, Barcelona started legal proceedings against him to pay back £8m he received when he signed a new deal with them in 2016.

Fifa did not take any action, saying it would leave the case to the courts.

Neymar

everything will be on track soon.”

Joshua-Pulev was originally scheduled for June at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, a first fight on British soil in two years for the IBF, WBA and WBO champion.

Staging the fight behind-closed-doors has been ruled out and a “smaller venue” in the UK, with a potential date in November, is now bei ng considered by promoter Eddie Hearn.

Klopp Admits He fears Coronavirus would Shatter Title Hope Jurgen Klopp feared his Liverpool side would be denied the chance of winning the Premier League title when there were calls for the season to be voided because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Play was halted in March with the Reds needing two wins from nine games to win a first top-flight title in 30 years.

“I became worried when people started talking about ‘null and void’ this season,” said the Liverpool manager.

“I felt it physically. I was like ‘wow’. That would have been hard.”

He added: “But when it was off the table I felt quite relieved.

“I didn’t think when we went to lockdown ‘Oh my god, that is our season, we are so close’, because it was not important in that moment.”

The Reds, who are 22 points clear with nine games remaining, will also secure a 19th top-flight title if they beat Everton and City lose against Burnley.

However, the German is just happy that his side have been given the opportunity to win the league in the conventional manner.

“We don’t expect to get it as a present. We didn’t want to have a points-per-game basis so we were really happy when it was decided we could play again,” he said.

‘Barca Academy Nigeria’s Future Dependent on Student’s Progress’ The promoters of the elite full fledge football academy in subSaharan Africa - Blaugrana Sports Group International Nigeria, has declared that the Sports Group future and legacy was dependent on the progress and the success of their brought ups, which has done very well in barely three years after the academy berthed in Nigeria.

Speaking after an inspection tour of the academy’s facilities in Lagos to asess the level development of work where it is improving and upgrading facilities in preparednessfor resumption of the schools , board chairman, Barca Academy Group Nigeria, Mr. Leslie Oghomienor, said the sports development and promotion company was encouraged and motivated by the level of the progress and success of the children that were trained by the academy.

He stressed the importance of the children to the academy and their parents, who want the very best for them, not only in their football career, but in character building and complete nurturing of the children.

Mr. Oghomienor said his organisation’s primary goal was to make an endurable and sustainable difference and impact in the global sports sphere with Nigeria as the launching pad. With the strong inclination to partner with allied bodies both in public or private to achieve the set goals.

This, he said, would be achieved through a thorough adherence to the, goals, objectives, vision and mission of the organisation informed by the quest to add value to the worth of the human society by giving back.

“Our future is driven by how much and well our children progress and succeed in both their academic pursuit and football career. This is a call we have answered in order to be of service to human society and live a fulfilled. Believing that in our own little way, we will in one way or the other be a part of the fulfillment of dreams, and uplifting the Nigerian nation,” Oghomienor said.

Oghomienor added that the sports body on behalf of the Academy had completed arrangements to ensure that it did not lag behind in any way when the lockdown due to the global pandemic was fully lifted.

“The global pandemic has slowed down a lot of things in the sports sector. For instance, the children though ever ready were not able to travel to Spain in April. This, aside working out of the pitches we are doing everything under our capacity and strength to ensure that our children and the coaches are not lagging behind in any form possible. They are our strength,” he explained.

West Ham’s Jinadu Dreams Premier League Debut Nigeria youth international Daniel Jinadu has revealed that he dreams of making his debut in the English Premier League.

The former Chelsea goalkeeper has taken the first steps towards achieving his goal after signing his first professional contract with the Hammers last week.

In addition, Jinadu has been called up to first team training in the past, having traveled to Switzerland for pre-season training last summer, and frequently trains with the U23s despite being classed as an U18 player.

Since joining West Ham in 2018, Jinadu has learned the ropes from veteran goalkeepers Joe Hart and Adrian who have

moved on to play for Burnley and Liverpool respectively.

“Next season, I’d hopefully just like to keep developing as a goalkeeper – developing my skills, my res i l i e n c e , m y mentality – as well as just get more game time under my belt,” Jinadu told West Ham’s official page.

“I’m dreaming big: my dream is to play in the P re m i e r L e a g u e o n e d a y, so I just hope to one day set foot on the pitch in the top-flight, and if I keep w o r k i n g h a rd , h o p e f u l l y i t w ill come true.”

Jinadu, who turns 18 on Sunday, July 21, has recorded nine appearances in total for West Ham in the U18 Premier League since his debut.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Balogun, Bola

In Line for Arsenal’s First-team Role If the words of Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta are anything to go by, the duo of England-born Nigerians, Folarin Balogun and Tolaji Bola will enjoy first team action for the Gunners not only because of their improved form but also due to the fixture congestion

W

ith the Premier League back after three months break as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, two Nigerian youngsters, Folarin Balogun and Tolaji Bola may be having their berth at Arsenal first-team after Manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that promising youngsters will be considered for first-team roles for the remainder of the season due to the fixture congestion, with the Gunners playing five games in 15 days.

The North London club on Wednesday lost to Manchester City 3-0, then another Premier League match against Brighton today, followed by games against Southampton (June 25), Sheffield United (June 28) and Norwich City (July 1).

Balogun and Bola have trained with the Arsenal first-team several times this season and could be in contention to make their professional debuts.

A popular player for the U-23 squad, the 18-year-old Balogun was a non-playing substitute when Arsenal faced Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup in September, and the same goes for left-back cum central defender Bola.

On if new Premier League rules will give more young players a chance, Arteta told arsenal.com : “I think it will happen, for

example in our case we have five games in 15 days, that’s a game every three days.

“We don’t know how the players are going to respond physically because we have had a really short preparation time.

“We have to use them, we have some really talented young boys that are asking for chances.

“I’m sure at other clubs the situation will be the same and I think at some stage we will be forced to use some of them with the amount of games that we are going to be playing in that space of time.”

18-year-old Balogun has scored 10 goals in 16 Premier League 2 appearances so far this season.

The England U-18 international played the full 90 minutes of the development squad’s league game against Manchester City on Friday night, scoring the Gunners’ two goals in the 4-2 loss.

They were his second and third goals in two games, after he also found the net in the 2-1 loss against Chelsea.

The striker was one of Arsenal’s highest rated players in the Manchester City game, with fans calling for him to be given a chance in the first team.

Meanwhile, most of the players who were in the same scholarship intake as Bola are now experiencing senior football of some description.

Donyell Malen, for instance, has played in the Champions League for PSV Eindhoven, while Eddie Nketiah has gained

experience representing both Arsenal and Leeds United.

Bola, however, is, at the age of 20, yet to play a minute of senior football, competitive or otherwise.

There are some significant reasons behind that, with a series of injuries having hindered his progress, while Bola has never been the most reliable of defenders.

The youngster was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup victory over Nottingham Forest earlier this campaign and has been training regularly with the first-team of late, even more so since the appointment of Arteta.

With Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolasinac both sidelined, Bola was selected to travel with the Arsenal squad for the game against Bournemouth as the 19th man. He may not have made the bench, but it was still a valuable experience for the youngster as he got to see how the first-team prepare for away games. Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird has tipped Bola to become the next youngster to break into the first-team set-up in the near future.

“Bola would’ve been on hand if any lastminute injuries occurred ahead of the game at the Vitality Stadium, but that wasn’t to be,” Bird said.

As alluded to, Bola does have defensive deficiencies, but he has shown some significant improvements of late at U-23 level with regards to his positioning. In addition, he provides a significant threat with his teasing crosses.

It is difficult to envisage Bola succeeding at Arsenal in the long term but he may well be called upon at some point over the next few weeks.

However, Bola is a versatile defender and he’s someone who could give Arteta a lot of options at the back. Originally starting out as a central defender, Bola was re-trained as a right-sided full-back after joining the Gunners at a young age.

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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Price: N250

MISSILE

Catholic Priests to Governor Ishaku

“The Taraba State Government under Darius Ishaku, with the support of the Federal Government should invest more time and resources in the security of the state” – The National Catholic Diocesan Priests Association blaming Governor Darius Ishaku-led administration for the escalation of killings in Taraba State.

PENDULUM Ibidunni, It is Too Tough to Say Goodbye DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

“G

ood morning Uncle Dele.

Message I have for you and Pastor Ituah is that Ibidun has finished what God sent her to come and do on earth and she had to leave. She was an ANGEL that God sent to come and sort Pastor Ituah out when he needed help. Those children needed to have a good life and their destiny through the Ighodalos, and if Ibidun had not come into his life, they wouldn’t have the opportunity. Pastor Ituah urgently needed an Angel at a time. Her job had been done says the Lord. She knew it was time for her to go and that was why she did all the videos and posted before she left. The Lord says Pastor will be fine and that he should not mourn!!!”

Fellow Nigerians, I received those chilling words from Pastor Mrs Nike Adesakin-Olayinka, a good friend of my wife who lives in London.

When I first read the message, I was shocked to the marrow, stunned and stupefied, wondering how to respond. I had to actually put a call to her, and we discussed this tragic news at length. Whether you believe in spirituality or not, Nike’s words resonated with me. Ever since the news broke on Sunday, June 14, 2020, that Ibidunni, leading and superlative events planner, renowned public and street decorator, famous for the creative and remarkable Christmas decorations around Lagos, and wife of the highly revered Pastor, Ituah Ighodalo has passed (on the same date my own father died in 1973), I have been ruminating and combing through my many encounters with Ibidunni in about 20 years. My conclusion was that Pastor Mrs Dele Adesakin was most probably right. Ibidunni had run her race as ordained by God and had gone to be with her Lord who she had worshipped and loved most exceedingly.

If you knew Ibidunni, even just casually, it is impossible not to have noticed the special grace of God in her. I first met her as Miss Lux Beauty Queen. She was not Miss Nigeria.

She did not win The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant, yet her reign combined and, possibly, eclipsed both Beauty titles in content and stature. Her gait, carriage, poise, composure and charisma were cherubic and angelic. In just one year as Miss Lux, she mesmerized and hypnotized an entire nation with natural but graceful exterior and internal purity which she combined perfectly and superbly with sharp intellect and wit.

From that moment, her trajectory would be on the rise and she would fly skywards at supersonic speed, reaching for the skies and indeed touching them before what we on earth will call her untimely demise. Ibidunni was a perfectionist who obviously possessed the Midas touch. Everything she touched blossomed.

She never stood still. Always more than a cut above the rest. Her company, ELIZABETH R, brought fresh panache to the business of events, entertainment and street decorations.

Her attention to detail was phenomenal, her taste was impeccable, and her elegance was sartorial. She breathed new and fresh life into everything she touched. She was a lady of ideas and sangfroid, who would always calm you down and take away your pressure with reassuring words and radiant smiles. “Egbon mi, please, trust me. E ma worry...” was always her favourite saying that melted the hearts of panicky people like me and even her most cantankerous clients. To her, humility and respect

Late Ibidun Ighodalo

were second nature. As one would expect from the probably foremost leader in her industry, Ibidunni’s services did not come cheap because she gave you the best, not only in terms of products, but also in terms of professionalism and above all, herself. And if ever you told Ibidunni her charges were on the high side, she wouldn’t take offence but take time to explain why her services were different from that of others and commanded such significant sums as fees. Upon listening to her deliver her homily in her sweet voice and with her lovely exquisite mien, you would be overwhelmed and overpowered and be prepared to pay even more, although your purse would groan at the impending assault and decimation of its size.

Ibidunni never stopped showering me with sisterly love. It got too much at a stage that I started running away from doing business with her because what she offered to do was much more than what I could ever pay back. I often panicked on her behalf and was forever thinking if she won’t go bankrupt by giving too much in a generally thankless society. However, Ibidunni couldn’t be bothered by such miserly thought and consideration. She simply wanted the best and planned for the best Please, permit me to give a few choice instances.

The first is when my mother died in May 2007.

She was to be buried in July 2007. I had called Ibidunni, first to inform her that I had lost my amazing Mum, who, though unlettered, struggled so much to send me to school. Ibidunni instantly demonstrated her empathy and promised to plan “a befitting burial for our Mama.” Ibidunni was such an epitome of love and compassion.

As far as she was concerned my Mum had automatically become hers. She went straight into action and although I kept asking for a budget, she would simply wave it aside with a shrug. She enjoyed speaking a combination of Yoruba and English languages that I found melodiously sweet. “A ni ko si problem Egbon mi..” and I would respond that “A wo’lu ma te, iwon ara e lo mo!” (The only way for a man to escape being disgraced is by respecting himself...” And she would have a good laugh.

Ibidunni got to know my secret, through my wife, Mobolaji, that I panicked easily once I see fat bills. But we got on well, nevertheless. About two days to my Mum’s funeral, Ibidunni came with the elusive invoice I had been pestering her for, and I broke out in sweat instantly. “Have I not climbed my trees beyond the leaves at this

rate?”, I soliloquised. So, I quickly scanned the items and actually realized Ibidunni had been more than generous, but how will I get to pay this? Ibidunni had faith and that was her answer and attitude to such bills. Let me tell you, that faith paid off big time in my own case, as I am sure in the case of many others. Please, believe this incredible testimony. I remember precisely that I was having a meeting with my Committee of friends at Planet One Hotel in Maryland, Lago on that fateful day. That very minute, the Spirit of Africa, Dr Mike Adenuga Jr struck, in his characteristic and unexpected and unusual manner, via Bode Opeseitan, who I instantly nicknamed Angel Gabriel, being the harbinger of good news. Unknown to Chairman, the pending bill, which had been giving me chills, evaporated.

When I informed Ibidunni about the miraculous intervention from my Guardian Angel, she said “Egbon mi, eyin ni, Olorun ko ni je ki e mo iyi ara yin o!” (My big Brother, don’t you know who you are, may God never let you even know because others know!). I loved the way she spoke her Yoruba, mellifluously, learnt that she grew up in Ibadan, the former headquarters of Yoruba warlords and high jinks politics but also the home and assembly of great poets and orators.

Five months later, in December 2007, the Ovation Red Carol was birthed at the Eko Hotel Ocean View marquee. The event which has endured till this day was designed by Leke Alder of Alder Consulting (a prodigiously gifted man I gave the moniker of Professor Socrates for his Grecian brains). The event was instantly grabbed by the genius at UBA, Dr Tony Elumelu, for sponsorship, because he immediately recognised the potential. I didn’t have to think twice before I gave Ibidunni the business of event planner and she did such a magnificent job of it. Elumelu was so thrilled that he approved the next year’s event in the hall before we even brought the show to a close.

Ibidunni continued to wax stronger and stronger in her industry. And I always wondered how she gave so much consideration to others above her own interests. We became extremely close. In death, I now know she was virtually close to most people because that was the kind of soul she was. From the deluge of tributes, it is obvious she made all of us feel like the closest and I wonder the skills that made that possible.

Let me fast forward, please. My 50th birthday soon came in May 2010. By then, Ibidunni had grown into an octopus in her trade and I truly panicked about approaching her to plan and organise the event. I remembered my Mum’s favourite saying “A wo’lu ma te”! I knew Ibidunni was no longer within my sphere of affordability. It was therefore something of an abience for me. But this loving Angel probably read and saw my mind as plainly as daylight.

Before I could decide whether to call her or not, she appeared from the blues and asked again: “Egbon mi atata, bawo ni a se nse birthday yin?”

(My big Dearest Brother how are we celebrating your birthday?). I knew I was already trapped, and pinned down, by that rhetorical question.

And I began stammering. Before I could find the appropriate response, Ibidunni helped me out: “E jowo, e ni ki Aunty pe mi, kaa jo plan everything...” (Pls let your wife call me so that we can knock the plans together).

So, I told my wife, Mobolaji, to reach out to

Ibidunni. You won’t believe what happened.

Ibidunni connived with my wife and told her not to tell me that she won’t accept a dime for the job. There I was already perspiring in advance about the potential damage to my pocket! In fact, Ibidunni went beyond my usually fertile imagination by unleashing a plethora of special effects on the venue. It was a masterstroke and showpiece event that will live forever in my memory, an immortal gift that I cannot now ever repay. The ambience was heavenly and Paradisiacal). You know that paradox of loving what you are not sure you can afford. This was exactly it! Again, she knew my thoughts even before I could voice them. “Egbon mi atata, this job is my gift to you on your birthday Sir”.

“Whaaat!” I exclaimed. I was deeply touched, and my heart truly prayed for her.

Ibidunni’s heart was definitely golden. She had a portion of it ready to give anyone privileged to meet her. She often regaled me with how she believed that Ovation International had turned her into a superstar. But she was a superstar as destined by God. We merely became one of the willing tools that God used to propel and propagate her gospel. We were only doing our job. My interactions with Ibidunni would fill up a whole notebook.

Our most recent encounter was when she sent me a WhatsApp message to inform me about her latest venture. I knew she was a Lady of many trades and Master of all. She was building COVID-19 isolation centres around the country and she wanted me to ask if Iya Adura, Reverend Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi, could sponsor and build one for Lagos State. I told her Mama was building one of the most magnificent Temples of God in Victoria Islan, Lagos. Ibidunni immediately told me she’d seen the monumental edifice next to The Trinity House, Pastor Ituah’s Church, and that it was beautiful. I explained that Mama was concentrating all her energy on that endeavour and might not be able to donate an isolation centre at this time. As was her character, she understood immediately.

Ibidunni was extra special, selfless and passionately devoted to the cause of happiness for others. She was an inspiration in her desire to make others happy. She had apparently planned that her 40th birthday which would have taken place on 19 July 2020 would be celebrated without a party of any kind, but with the gift of parenthood for 40 indigent families. What a truly gifted and generous soul!

I saw so much feverish activity on Ibidunni’s Instagram account in the last few weeks. She was always in a playful and boisterous mood around her husband. I was going to call her last Saturday, when I saw an unusual pose and post of hers in which she had a travelling bag without her usual smile. But I got distracted to ask where she was off to and that was it.

Incidentally, she had just visited her father’s burial site in Ibadan, ostensibly to let him know they would soon be meeting to part no more.

We never spoke or chatted again. She went on that trip to Port Harcourt and never returned.

The pain is just too hard to bear.

Mrs Ibidunni Olajumoke Ighodalo, nee Ajayi, will be buried today, survived by her widower, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, two lovely children, Keke and Zenan, her Mum, Mrs Monilola Ajayi and siblings as well as a whole army of loyal and dedicated friends, known and unknown. May her soul Rest in Peace...

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