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In a New Low, Bandits Target Poor, Vulnerable for Abductions Tegina parents: Kidnappers serious about threat to kill our children; sympathisers raise N11m for ransom Festus Akanbi in Lagos and Laleye Dipo in Minna The latest mass abduction victims, 136 pupils kidnapped last Sunday from Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina,

Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, are all children from poor homes, paying paltry N200 monthly as school fees.

The pupils, according to investigations, were

deliberately targeted by the bandits in line with their new push for the seizure of the poor and vulnerable, following recent difficulties in abducting from the middle class and wealthy people, who

have found better ways of protection.

In a related development, parents of the abducted Tegina pupils yesterday raised the alarm saying the bandits, based on telephone

conversation with them last Thursday, are serious about killing their children if they fail to meet N200 million ransom.

By yesterday, sympathisers had contributed N11 million towards the payment.

This trend of kidnapping from among the poor and vulnerable is evident in the series of abductions that have taken place in the last few Continued on page 5

Emefiele: Dangote Refinery, Fertilizer Plant Will Save Nigeria $3bn Annually… Page 6 Saturday 5 June, 2021 Vol 26. No 9553

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Reduce Insecurity to Barest Minimum, Buhari Orders IG NPC confirms Baba as police boss Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the newly confirmed Inspector General

of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, to take immediate steps towards reducing the myriad of security problems facing the nation to the barest minimum.

This was shortly after the Nigeria Police Council made up of the President, Vice President, 36 state governors, Ministers of Police Affairs,

Interior and the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed Baba as IGP. Briefing newsmen at the end of the one and half hour

meeting, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Conference Hall of the First Lady at the StateHouse, Abuja, Minister of Police Affairs,

Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi said Baba was unanimously confirmed by all Council Continued on page 5

In a Shocking Overreaction, FG Suspends Twitter’s Operations Experts doubt ability to enforce order Twitter says 'suspension deeply concerning' NBC now to license social media Nigerian Tweeps prepare to use Virtual Private Networks Our Correspondents In a shocking overreaction, the federal government yesterday announced the suspension of the operations of microblogging platform/social networking service provider, Twitter, in the country.

This was apparently in response to Twitter’s deletion of a “civil war” post by President Muhammadu Buhari, which the social media platform said violated its policies.

The suspension of Twitter, popularly among Nigerians, sent shock across the country, with many describing the action as illegal and an infringement on their freedom of expression.

Owners of the microblogging platform also reacted,

saying the suspension is “deeply concerning”.

But experts punched holes in federal government’s ability to enforce the suspension of Twitter and deny Nigerians access to the platform, given the availability of other options of accessing the micro-blog, like using Virtual Private Networks (VPN), geo-location changes and other technologies.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, in a statement signed by his media aide, Segun Adeyemi, said the measure against Twitter “is with immediate effect.”

The announcement by the Information Minister cited the “persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable Continued on page 5

Outgoing NEMA DG Hands over Air Ambulance... Page 20

VALIDATION FOR IG BABA...

The newly confirmed Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, after the meeting of the Nigeria Police Council at the Presidential Villa , Abuja …yesterday godwin omoigui

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ˜ ͽ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹

PAGE FIVE IN A SHOCKING OVERREACTION, FG SUSPENDS TWITTER’S OPERATIONS of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The statement titled, ‘FG Suspends Twitter’s Operations in Nigeria’, read: “The Federal Government has suspended indefinitely the operations of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.”

In the press statement, Lai Mohammed also announced that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) would immediately commence the process of licensing all social media operations in Nigeria.

The NBC is the regulator of all radio and television stations in Nigeria.

However, as at press time, Twitter was still up in Nigeria, as users still had access to the platform.

President Buhari had condemned the attacks on police stations, prisons and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, especially in the South-East, warning that those supporting insurrection and violence in the country would be shocked.

Buhari had tweeted, “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”

The President’s tweet riled some persons who felt he was insensitive to have made an analogy of the civil

war. His critics subsequently reported the tweet to Twitter and the microblogging site later deleted the post with a comment, “This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules”.

Analysts said yesterday that Twitter was not unfair to Buhari as being claimed, “because a second Tweet by the Nigerian President that said almost the same thing as the ‘civil war’ Tweet was not deleted.”

Disapprovals Trail Suspension The former vice president and PDP’s presidential candidate in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar said in his verified twitter handle that the Twitter ban would not

affect him.

Atiku said in a single tweet: "Hopefully, this isn't my last tweet. #smile" Former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki remarked: “No sir, this should not be the response from the President of a nation with a vibrant youthful population for whom the #Twitter is part of their daily lives and a source of their income and livelihood. This must be reviewed.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vehemently rejected the Twitter suspension, describing it as a draconian action and a slide towards a fascist regime in our country.

The party asserted that the suspension “is a vexatious,

condemnable and barbaric move to muzzle Nigerians, particularly the youth, ostensibly to prevent them from holding the overtly corrupt, vindictive and divisive Buhari administration accountable for its atrocities, including human right violations, patronising of terrorists and outright suppressive acts against innocent Nigerians.”

In a statement by their National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said, "Our party is appalled that the Federal Government could exhibit such primitive intolerance and power intoxication because the social media giant demonstrated international best practices in not allowing the Buhari

presidency to use Twitter as a platform to propagate and spread the Buhari administration’s hatred towards Nigerians."

Civil society organisation, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) vowed to sue the federal government over its suspension of Twitter.

In a statement released yesterday, SERAP said, “Nigerians have a right to freedom of expression and access to information, including online, and we plan to fight to keep it that way.

Nigeria, we’ll see in court.”

The British embassy in Nigeria also condemned the Twitter suspension.

of kidnappers' den.”

The parents lamented that some of the kidnapped pupils are between ages four, and 13, maintaining that the younger ones are vulnerable to sickness in the bush where they were kept for days without food and shelter.

The headmaster of the school, Alhaji Abubakar Alhassan, whose two children and a sister are among the abducted, said some of the victims were too young for the ordeals they are facing.

He also indicted both the federal and state governments for abandoning the school and the parents of the students in their moment of despair.

Alhassan, popularly called Mallam by his community, in an emotion-laden interview, claimed there had been no sympathy from the government, and wondered why the federal government failed to provide the ransom demanded by the bandits.

He said it was a lie that the government had sent vehicles and motorcycles into the bush for the rescue operation.

“There is no way people can be in the bush without the community getting wind of this. They can’t be inside the office and begin to tell lies.

It’s only the local government official who has been with us,” he said.

He also denied the report that he had prior information of the attack.

The head teacher disclosed that the abduction had already led to the death of two parents of the victims, warning that more casualties may happen unless the students regained their freedom quickly.

Fighting back tears, Alhassan said: “I have witnessed the funeral prayer of one of the parents here very close to the school. She died because she had just one child who is our student. She was not around when the incident happened. When she came back they told her and within 30 minutes, she collapsed and died. That was the day before yesterday.

“A day after the incident happened, another parent died.

She had two children. One was sent to the town while the one with her was kidnapped.

She died of a heart attack.

“As I’m talking to you now, my wife is down. She was put on a drip, she didn’t cook, she didn’t eat. My little child at home, who slept with me on my bed, woke up only to begin to shout the name of his elder sister, asking me “Baba, when is she coming back?

“One painful thing was that my sister called me before the last discussion with the bandits, crying. She swore

that the children are sick, they cannot work. She told me they have removed their hijabs. They have unveiled them. They removed their shirts and they are left with only trousers.

“There is no food.

They gave them kulikuli (groundnut cake). How do you expect them to survive?

They took them to unknown environments. I heard people saying they kept them on the floor. When you are talking about floors you are talking about classrooms or a house.

No, they are kept in the bush.

They are sleeping on the ground, no leaves, not mat.

How do you expect them to live like that?”

Another parent, a mother, Mrs. Hashimu said five of her children were initially kidnapped, but that the two toddlers among them, ages two and four were sent back home while the rest were taken away.

Giving her account, she said, “The whole incident was terrifying because everything happened in my presence. I was hearing everything. I saw when the bandits were going away with these children but there was nothing I could do.

Government is not helping matters at all saying this, saying that, yet we cannot see anything on the ground.”

some things that have been done by the federal government to improve police operations, ranging from the establishment of the Police Trust Fund, signing into law of the 2020 Police Act and several other intervention funds, necessary technology and intelligence-led policing will be a reality.

“I briefed Council on adding to our strengths in terms of recruitment for 2020 and 2021 as this will assist us.

I also briefed the Council on community policing which has taken off in all the states and how the community police officers are assisting in providing security in their communities because, their operations are restricted to their immediate community.

“I briefed Council on the number of arrests we have made and recoveries in terms of firearms and weaponry that are being used lawlessly.

I briefed Council on rescue of kidnapped victims and what we are doing to secure the school children that have been kidnapped and how we are going about securing those in schools.”

Asked if the police was ensuring that political thugs are not meted the same punishment as IPOB members in the South East, Baba said: “How do I differentiate between political thugs and IPOB? I don't even need to differentiate them.

The issue is I'm looking for anybody who has committed offence or anybody who belongs to a proscribed organisation. So, the issue is it all depends on the level of criminality or lawlessness that someone does to know what punishment will be meted on him. If a political thug commits crime, he is in for it as a principal offender. If someone is sponsoring him, either aiding or abetting him, conspiring with him, they will be taken together.

“The issue is IPOB is a proscribed organisation and we expect nobody to belong to the IPOB. Thuggery is an offence and anyone will be dealt with according to the law. They are all offenders.

It’s just like me differentiating between an armed robber and a thug. It's the level of crime that matters. There is no way

we can say this is IPOB or a thug. It all depends on the level of crime.”

On the alarm raised by South-west leaders on invasion by foreign herdsmen, the Police boss said it was being taken seriously.

He said: “It’s a statement that will not be taken lightly.

We are looking into it based on intelligence available to us.

We will deal with the situation and those who are making the statement are also at liberty by national calling to substantiate to the nearest police station.

“It is not today we have been hearing of foreigners coming in to commit one crime or the other and, in some instances; there are real incidence that some people that were arrested are not really Nigerians. It is not a new thing and whatever level of security we need to provide, we are doing it.

We have border patrol police, immigration are doing their jobs in terms of checking illegal aliens. It is possible, but it is not as light as invasion, that word is very strong, we will look into it to determine if actually it is true.”

Continued on page 38

IN A NEW LOW, BANDITS TARGET POOR, VULNERABLE FOR ABDUCTIONS months in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Sokoto states.

In the case of Tegina School, these pupils from poor homes, study in ramshackle buildings (with help of a charitable indigene), with no iota of security in the premises. So, they were easy prey.

The middle class and the rich in the listed trouble-states have apparently found a functional way of protecting themselves against abduction, thus forcing the bandits to switch to soft targets.

A lot of abductions of the poor and vulnerable in Niger State are taking place in Shiroro, Munya, Rafi and Mariga local government areas.

Twelve of such poor people were abducted at Malam Bako village, Mariga LG on June 1 and five others at Batati town, Lavun LG on May 29, both in Niger State.

In Kaduna State, the poor and vulnerable are being abducted in communities in Chikum, Birnin Gwari, Igabi, Kajuru and Giwa local government areas.

In Katsina State, a lot of abduction of the poor and vulnerable are occurring in communities in Batsari, Safana, Dutsin-Ma, Kankara, Kurfi, Dan- Musa, Jibia, Faskari and Sabuwa local government areas.

‘Bandits Serious About Killing Our Children’ Meanwhile, parents of the abducted Tegina pupils yesterday raised the alarm saying the bandits, based on telephone conversation with them last Thursday, are serious about the threat to kill their children The bandits have also increased their ransom demand to N200 million. Initially the bandits demanded for N110 million for the release of the victims, mostly girls, with a threat that if by Thursday the money was not delivered they (children) would be killed.

However, the bandits reportedly got across to the parents last Thursday evening that the ransom had been increased to N200 million with the same threat after the deadline was not met.

Father of five of the victims and a tipper driver, Malam Ali Mohammed, confirmed the latest development to THISDAY last Thursday night.

Mohammed, who was sobbing in the telephone conversation with THISDAY said: "The bandits are serious about killing our children if we cannot pay. We are poor people, we don't have such money we plead with the

government to come to our assistance."

THISDAY also learnt that public-spirited people in the community had been able to raise N11 million for the ransom demanded, a large chunk of which was by a top political office holder in the area.

It was also learnt that the mother of one of the victims whose name was not given died on Thursday as a result of trauma.

The remains of the deceased were interred in Tegina on Thursday evening according to Islamic injunction.

The state government insists it has set necessary machinery in motion to ensure the safe release of the school children but completely ruled out the payment of ransom to the kidnappers. ‘

‘Abducted Pupils are Toddlers Who Need Help’ Parents and teachers of the abducted Tegina pupils yesterday painted a gory picture of the toddlers in the bush for the sixth day running.

Some of the parents, who spoke on Arise TV, called for the immediate rescue of the kids “because they are too tender for the harsh realities

REDUCE INSECURITY TO BAREST MINIMUM, BUHARI ORDERS IG members in attendance.

President Buhari had on April 6, appointed Baba as acting Inspector General of Police.

According to him, the main purpose of the meeting was to “get the appointment of acting IG confirmed by the Council that is in keeping with section 205 of the 1999 constitution.

It requires the confirmation by members of the Council before he is finally confirmed as the Inspector General of Police.”

He said the meeting was also to x-tray the security situation in the country with a view to finding lasting solution to the challenges plaguing the country.

Dingyadi said: “The meeting started with the usual presentation of tactics by the inspector General which fortunately, because of his track record, was unanimously confirmed.

“Mr. President used the opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment and called on him to ensure that this is worthy of the confidence reposed in him.

He tasked him to rise to the

challenge and ensure that the insecurity that the country is facing is brought to the barest minimum.

“The IG assured Mr. President and Nigerians that he is going to work assiduously to ensure that the responsibilities assigned to him are brought to bear and executed to the best of his abilities and to the satisfaction of all Nigerians.”

Also speaking, Baba said he briefed the Council on the threat to national security across the six geo-political zones emphasising on zones’ peculiarities.

The new police boss also talked tough on the activities of the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and herders, saying his administration would checkmate their activities and rid the country of every other criminal activity.

He said: “There are peculiarities, like I said before, in the South-east and South-south is the issue of secessionist agenda championed by IPOB. I also talked about terrorism and religious bigotry in the North-

east. I also talked about the issue of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cultism as it affects the North-central and North-west and Southwest. I gave a synopsis in terms of what we are doing to address this situation. I also thanked Mr President for providing additional logistics in terms of carrying out our duties and responsibilities.

“In collaboration with other security agencies, we try to checkmate other forms of lawlessness; criminality and unlawful agitation in order to ensure lives and property are safe and at the same time allow Nigerian citizens go about their lawful business.

“What is seriously worrisome in the South East, but it is gradually being checked and results are positive, are the attacks and killings of security agents and distruction of assets belonging to the federal government. Our ability to checkmate this lawlessness has improved and we are getting closer to something positive.

“We also acknowledge the fact that there are

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ÏáÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ý×Ý ÙØÖã̚ ×ËÓÖ ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Emefiele: Dangote Refinery, Fertiliser Plant to Save Nigeria $3bn Annually Urea fertiliser to hit market Monday, refining of petrol to commence before Q1 2022 Obinna Chima

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday, said the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as well as its Fertiliser Plant would save the country $3 billion annually, thereby conserving scarce foreign exchange.

This is just as the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote revealed that urea fertiliser from the Dangote

Fertiliser Plant would hit the market on Monday.

They disclosed this during a tour of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant in Lagos, alongside chief executive officers of First Bank Nigeria Limited, Access Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank Plc. Responding to a THISDAY question on the amount of foreign exchange the petroleum refinery and fertiliser plants were expected

Gbajabiamila Seeks Canada’s Help to Tackle Insecurity Udora Orizu ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has urged Canada to support Nigeria’s efforts in tackling growing insecurity in the country.

Gbajabiamila who made the appeal while hosting the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Nicolas Simard, in his office yesterday, noted that Nigeria was facing serious security challenges like other countries, and the assistance of Canada towards addressing it would be of benefit to both countries.

The Speaker also called for stronger diplomatic relationships between the two countries, saying that it was important because Nigeria and Canada go back a long way in terms of symbiotic and beneficial relationships.

“It is important that we sustain and continue these engagements to the benefit of our countries. As we know, the world is a global village now, and everybody feeds off everybody and we are all interdependent one way or the other,” he said.

Gbajabiamila further said the

House had taken bold steps to address the gender issue through legislative means, including the ongoing constitutional review exercise.

He added that the issue of security, gender parity, violence against persons, rape, in addition to the economy were well articulated in the 9th House Legislative Agenda to help drive the attainment of the set goals of the Green Chamber.

Speaking earlier, the Canadian High Commissioner, Simard, informed the Speaker that the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries had resulted in more than $1 billion trade exchange between the two nations last year, while about $150 million per year in form of assistance from Canada to Nigeria to several sectors has been given.

Simard while revealing that Canada was in the process of expanding its diplomatic presence in Nigeria for more robust engagement, inquired about how Nigeria was dealing with issues of women empowerment and inclusion as well as human rights situation.

Buhari Eulogises Gen. Dogonyaro as Thoroughbred Officer at Funeral Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ President Muhammadu Buhari has described late General Joshua Dogonyaro (rtd), the man that announced his dethronement in a military coup of 1985, as a “thoroughbred officer” whose records in the Nigerian Army remain reference point and motivation to younger officers.

Represented by the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) at the funeral service of the late General yesterday in Jos, Buhari also described Dogonyaro as a patriotic, brave and disciplined officer who gave his all to serve Nigeria.

He said, “Nigeria remains grateful to late General Dogonyaro for his gallantry, patriotism and diligence in service to the nation particularly during his command of ECOMOG troops in Liberia.”

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who sent in a message through Gen. Jon Temlong affirmed the testimony of gallantry and selflessness by the late Dogonyaro whom he said showed early signs of

greatness shortly after he was commissioned into the Army.

Also, the Liberian President George Weah, who was represented at the event, said the Government and people of Liberia remained eternally grateful to Nigeria and in particular General Dogonyaro and soldiers for the role they played in restoring peace to their country.

Governor Simon Lalong in his tribute said Plateau State was not grieving over the loss but celebrating a worthy son who made Nigeria and Africa proud throughout his military career.

He said “Late General Dogonyaro left his footprints in the sands of time. The challenge before us today is to ensure that the sacrifices he and other gallant soldiers made in uniting and keeping Nigeria safe does not go in vain. We must unite to defeat the forces of evil that are threatening the security and wellbeing of Nigeria.

That is the best way we can honour the memory of the late General.”

to save the country, Emefiele pointed out that importation of petroleum products alone makes about 25 per cent of the country’s import bill.

This, he said was for petroleum alone, adding that when fertiliser, which is another major item being imported in the country, wheat, milk and the rest were added, it would be much more.

“So, 25 per cent of the value of our imports means that a lot of money is being spent on importation.

“Imagine if this refinery comes to life hopefully by the first quarter of next year, where we have other by-products from

petrochemicals, we will be saving about $3 billion worth of import annually,” Emefiele added.

The CBN Governor who was visibly excited about the level of work at the facility which is expected to commence refining petroleum products before the first quarter of 2022, noted that it would contribute significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“Don’t forget that I keep asking what is the contribution of import to our GDP? The contribution of import to GDP is negative and if we can reduce our import by about $3 billion annually, imagine how our GDP will be growing.

“That is the science behind what we are doing. Reduce import and produce things that we can produce locally and consume them locally, thereby promoting solid import substitution as Mr. President usually says, that will help this country and grow the economy,” he added.

Emefiele said the purpose of the visit was for the bank CEOs to conduct final inspection of the fertiliser plant as the company prepares to commence sale of the product.

According to him, “Dangote is ready to now flood the Nigerian market with fertiliser, in this case, urea,

and the excess would go for export.

“The fertiliser plant whose product is now ready for sale, is a three million tones urea plant.

By the time we add the existing capacity from Indorama, which is 1.5 million metric tones; Notore of maybe about 300 metric tons, in Nigeria we would have close to five million metric tons of urea.

“And Nigeria needs barely one million and even if we want to exaggerate, 1.5 million metric tons of urea. So, we have potential to export at least three million metric tons of urea to different parts of the world. Nigeria now ranks among the leading countries in the production of urea.

BIRTHING A COMPLEX. . .

L-R: Managing Director, First Bank Limited, Sola Adeduntan; Sen. Sabo Nakudu; GMD, Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele; GMD, UBA Plc, Kennedy Uzoka; Executive Director, Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin; GMD, Zenith Bank Plc, Ebenezer Onyeagwu; and GMD, GTBank, Segun Agbaje, at the final inspection of the Dangote Fertiliser plant in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos ...yesterday

Judicial, Legislative Workers May End Strike Next Week Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË

Judicial and Legislative workers are set to end their two months old industrial action that has led to the shutting down of courts and state legislative Houses nationwide.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was reached at the conciliatory meeting between governors and the leadership of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) but the governors only signed the document yesterday.

Following a meeting held at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment yesterday

between federal government and the leadership of unions, it was agreed that they would go and meet with their organs with a view to formally calling off the strike.

The Union’s decision came just as federal government said that the state governors had finally signed the agreement reached with workers that would enable the implementation of full financial autonomy to take off.

Based on the latest engagement, federal government expressed hope that courts and state assemblies would re-open next week.

It said that its optimism

was based on the resolution of the nationwide industrial dispute of the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) over the non-implementation of autonomy for State judiciary and legislature by the governors.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, stated this in his office after a short meeting between the government side and unions to smoothen the grey areas in the Memorandum of Action (MOA) reached on May 20, 2021.

Briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, Ngige, said the 36 governors led by

the Chairman of the Governors Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and his Deputy, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, had put their pen on paper on behalf of their colleagues on the historic agreement which they reached on May 20th. According to the minister, with what they achieved at the meeting, it was expected that the courts and state assemblies would re-open next week, since all the grey areas had been smoothened.

“So today we met with the unions in a small dialogue to dot the i’s and cross the t’s in the agreement which we agreed will take effect from 20th of May.

Gradual Economic Growth, Sign of Normalcy Returning to Business Operations, Says FG Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË

The federal government has stated that the slow, but gradual economic recovery process indicates that business operations are returning to normal, and that restrictions of movements and commercial activities have been relaxed after extended lockdowns in 2020.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who stated this in her presentation of the 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) results and other performance indicators to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

According to Ahmed, the improved economic condition

in the country was indicated by the fact that 23 out of 46 activities recorded positive growth in the first quarter of 2021, compared to 17 in the previous quarter.

She stated that the first quarter performance marked the second consecutive quarter of positive real GDP growth following two previous back-to-back quarters of negative growth in 2020 (Q3 and Q4), which saw the country go into recession.

Recalling the quick exit from recession in the fourth quarter of 2020, she noted that the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its Q1 result last week, which estimates and report show that the GDP grew to 0.51 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in real terms

in the first quarter of 2021.

According to her, there is a further illustration that the slow, but gradual recovery process is indicative of the fact that business operations are returning to normal and that restrictions of movements and commercial activities have been relaxed after extended closedown in the 2020.

The minister, in a statement by her Special Adviser, Media and Communications, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi said: “The agricultural sector posted a strong growth at the rate of 2.28 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, compared to previous quarters. This growth in agriculture signifies the resilience of the agricultural sector.

“The industrial sector has

recorded positive growth, even though a weak one, but the growth is a positive one and this marks the past quarter of growth over the past one year in the industrial sector. Services recorded a slight dip, but a small one at 0.39 per cent.”

The minister noted that in addition to the economic activities and the reopening businesses, growth, was also bolstered by increase in crude oil prices as well as production increase in the first quarter of 2020.

The contribution to this positive growth, she added, was not just by the oil sector, but also by economic activities within the metal sector, the cement sector, electricity, telecommunications, food and beverages as well as human health and social services.

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NEWS Bandits Kidnap Igbo Businessman in Kano Bandits have reportedly stormed Kore, Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State and allegedly kidnapped an Igbo businessman, Emmanuel Eze. An eyewitness said the kidnappers stormed the area in large numbers and shot sporadically into the air before taking Eze. In a move to restore confidence and free the victim, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Sama’ila Dikko, was said to have detailed a squad of crack detectives to pursue and apprehend the

Jubilation as Air Peace Workers Celebrate Salary Increase

2023 ON THEIR MIND. . .

L-R: Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during Masari’s visit to the All Progressives Congress’ National Leader in Lagos…recently.

Black Friday in Awka as Lorry Crushes 8 Hawkers, Lorry-load of Cows Set Ablaze David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka It was a black Friday in Awka, Anambra State as about eight children hawking at a traffic point at Kwata Flyover Junction in Awka, Anambra State were killed by a lorry conveying cows.

Irate youths who were irked by the development also quickly mobilised and set ablaze the lorry, including the cows, burning them to death.

A source said the accident

happened when a truck which was conveying cattle to an unknown location lost its brake while descending the Kwata junction slope, knocking down eight hawkers and while injuring four occupants of two other SUV cars, which were all mangled.

The incident which was said to have happened about 2p.m. attracted irate youths who burnt down the truck and the cattle, resisting attempts to free the cattle before setting ablaze the truck.

Our source was however unable to say if the driver of the truck and the truck attendant were spared.

As at the time of filing this report, irate youths had defied attempt by the Anambra State Fire Service to put out the fire on the truck.

The multiple accident has also caused traffic gridlock in many areas in Awka.

Meanwhile, there was massive shooting in the area by military personnel to disperse irate youths

who stopped attempts to tow the truck off the road to make way for free flow of traffic.

The shooting in the area caused residents and even motorists to abandon their vehicles and flee for their lives.

Attempts to speak to the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga for confirmation on the actual number of casualties was not possible as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

EFCC Demands Assets Declaration Forms of Bank MDs, DMDs, EDs

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Following an earlier decision of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, to demand for the assets declaration forms filed by bankers beginning from June 1, 2021, the commission yesterday made a fresh demand for the assets declaration forms of the executive management of all banks in the country.

The demand for the assets declaration of bank chief executives came as the EFCC boss called for the

simplification of evidentiary requirements and other mutual legal assistance procedures to enhance international cooperation and facilitate timely recovery and return of stolen assets.

Bawa took the position while presenting Nigeria’s statement at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly Special Session on corruption in New York, United States.

THISDAY gathered that the request for the assets declaration forms of the top executives of banks was contained in a letter to the managing directors

of the banks dated June 1, 2021.

Listed among the officers whose assets declaration forms are expected by the commission are managing directors, deputy managing directors and executive directors of all the banks.

The request is pursuant to the Bank Employees, Etc. (Declaration of Assets) Act, 1986, which mandates bankers to declare assets upon employment and annually thereafter.

The commission reiterated that violators of the law risk imprisonment for a term of up to ten years.

Meanwhile, the EFCC boss

called for the simplification of evidentiary requirements and other mutual legal assistance procedures to enhance international cooperation and facilitate timely recovery and return of stolen assets.

He said “measures must be introduced to mitigate the continuous flow of illicit funds from least developed to developed countries” and that “state parties must continue to commit to the timely return of illicit assets and ensure implementation of effective anti-money laundering measures by International Financial Centres”.

NLC Petitions Buhari over El-Rufai’s Refusal to Honour Deal with Workers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Nigreia Labour Congress (NLC) petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari over the alleged refusal of the Kaduna State government to honour and respect the Memorandum of Understanding signed at a meeting brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige.

Under the MoU reached between NLC and the Kaduna State government to end the face-off over sack of thousands of workers in the state Civil Service, a 10-man Committee headed by the Head of Service of Kaduna state was set up to negotiate peace.

According to the details of the MoU read out by Ngige shortly after the conciliatory meeting help at the Ministry in Abuja two weeks ago, the Committee was expected to kickstart it’s work by submitting a workplan to the Ministry of Labour and Employment four days after the agreement was signed.

However, NLC that to its greatest surprise, after signing the MoU with workers, “the Kaduna State Government has gone ahead to impugn all the clauses in the agreement freely entered with the Nigeria Labour Congress”.

In the petition addressed to the president and signed by

culprits as well as free the victim.

As at press time, the kidnappers were yet to make contact with the family of the victim while the police are said to be searching the area to rescue the victim The Kano Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident, adding, “Bandits kidnapped Emmanuel Eze in his Provision Store at Kore in Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State,” adding that “a team of Police officers have been mobilised to rescue and arrest the fleeing culprits.”

the NLC’s president, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, NLC accused the Kaduna State governor of violating the terms of the agreement with the workers by victimizing its branch chairman in Kaduna state.

Some of the alleged violations commuted by the Kaduna State government include; “Refusal of the state government to honour/ respect the Memorandum of Understanding signed at a meeting brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment; continuous violation of workers’ rights as provided in our labour laws”.

NLC also accused the state governor of authorising punitive transfer of the state Chairperson of

the NLC and sacking of workers for participating in the warning strike.

‘Violation of the “no victimization” clause in the signed agreement: . Nonadherence and respect for the rule of law,” said NLC. In the letter, the NLC expressed its appreciation on the regard President has shown on the entire workforce in Nigeria and his for his intervention in the recent industrial dispute in Kaduna state occasioned by the decision of the Kaduna state Governor, Mr. Nasir El-Rufai, to arbitrarily sack thousands of workers in the state Public Service without recourse to the provisions of Nigerian laws.

Chinedu Eze It was excitement for workers of Air Peace Airlines when the management of the airline gave them salary increase.

The excited workers could not believe it when they got salary alert and noticed that all the workers were given a raise by the management with some receiving 100 per cent increase, while the big earners got minimum of 10 per cent increase.

The Chairman and CEO of the airline, Allen Onyema, was literally mobbed at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, by the elated workers of the company who danced around him, thanking him for his benevolence, as some said that it was least expected at these hard times, when airlines all over the world were struggling to survive due to the devastation of COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the workers who spoke to newsmen said that

what was surprising about the increase was that it came when many companies are laying off staff, especially businesses that are aviation-related due to the economic downturn occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reacting to the salary increase, the Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opiah, said the workers of the airline were over-excited because it was not expected and it came at a time when some organisations were cutting the salary of their staff and others laying off their workforce, describing the Chairman of the company as kind-hearted and magnanimous, adding that he cares for the welfare of his workers.

“The increase even came at a time when we are not operating many flights. We used to operate 135 flights a day but now we operate relatively fewer flights and he still gave us such increase across board, to everybody. It was shocking. We could not believe it.

Pastor, 2 Others Arrested for Ritual Killing of Girl in Delta Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The police in Agbor, Delta State, have arrested a pastor in connection with the gruesome killing of a 13-year-old girl in the commercial town, apparently for ritual purpose.

The girl’s heart was ripped open and other vital organs removed by her attackers.

The unsightly image of the remains of young girl dumped near the Central Hospital Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the state, had gone viral some days ago.

The police eventually evacuated the gory remains of the girl, identified as Miracle Nwafor.

Police investigation, however, revealed that the deceased and her mother, a petty trader in the town, were members of the church where the suspect presided as a pastor, along Board Road in Boji-Boji Agbor.

The said pastor (name withheld) was said to had on the fateful day, recently, lured the girl by promising to ‘help’ the girl after the evening service by hailing a commercial motorcycle to convey her home.

The poor girl never got home

and her anxious mother was thrown into panic.

After waiting endlessly without seeing the girl at home, the mother was said to have gone to the man of God, asking the self-styled man of God about the whereabouts her daughter.

The church minister, while admitting that he did call a motorcyclist to convey the unsuspecting girl home, the suspect was said to have attempted to persuade the woman that the child was safe wherever she was.

However, when the matter was reported to the police and the police were able to trace and arrest the okada-man (motorcyclist), the okada man soon opened up, implicating the pastor as the prime suspect in the dastardly act.

The suspects later led detectives to the spot where the girl’s mutilated body was dumped at the back of state school of nursing, by central hospital, Agbor.

Confirming the story yesterday, the state police command spokesman, Bright Edafe (DSP), said that the pastor and another member of the church had also been arrested.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

NEWS Ekiti Suspends Minimum Wage, Slashes Workers, Political Appointees’ Salaries

HONOURING AN ACHIEVER… L-R: Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Uzodinma Okpara, during the Centenary and Award Ceremony held in honour of the 100 Years Posthumous Birthday Celebration of Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara ... recently

Amao: Armed Forces Committed to End Insecurity Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of the Air StaͿ (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, yesterday declared that the Armed Forces remained committed to ending the crisis of insecurity ravaging the nation.

He said the expected delivery of six A- Super Tucano Àghter jets by the United States in July and two drones from China, would be a “game changer” in the war against insurgency.

The position of the air force

chief is coming on a day the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, sought the assistance of the Chief of Army StaͿ, Maj. Gen. Farouk Yahaya, to provide security for train stations and railway construction sites across the country.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of 1,031 recruits of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Basic Military Training Course 1/ 0 0, Amao a΀rmed that “the NAF in consonance with other members of the armed forces and

security agencies would continue to do all it takes to ensure that the security challenges in the country are speedily brought to an end.”

The air force chief, who spoke while serving as the reviewing o΀cer at the colourful Passing Out Parade (POP) of 1,031 trainees which took place at the Military Training Centre (MTC), NAF Base, Kaduna, disclosed that “the NAF was expecting eight aircraft in July 2021, comprising six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft

from the United States and 2 Wing Loong Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) from China.

“The remaining six A-29 Super Tucano would arrive in September while 2 CH-3 and 4 CH-4 UCAV would arrive the country before the end of 2021.

“These additional aircraft, would no doubt boost air power employment capabilities in support of joint operations and would be a game changer in various theatre of operations.”

Ekweremadu, Others Excited as Enugu West Youths Celebrate Ugwuanyi Jubilant youths of Enugu West Senatorial District of Enugu State, under the auspices of Enugu West Youth Peace Forum (EWYPF) have honoured Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi with an award for entrenching peace, good governance and youth inclusion in the state.

The award was presented to Gov. Ugwuanyi, yesterday, during the Enugu West Youth Leadership Summit, held at De Dome Event Centre, Enugu, to celebrate good governance and quality representation.

The well-attended summit themed: “Awakening The Leadership Consciousness Of The Youth Towards Positioning Them To Take Over,” was graced by the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the member representing Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, his Udi/Ezeagu counterpart, Rt. Hon. Denis Amadi, the member representing Aninri Constituency, Hon. Engr. Chinedu Otaka, the Chairman of Aninri Local Govern-

Boat Mishap Claims 13 Lives in Sokoto Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has directed that marine travelers in the state must wear life jackets following the death of 13 persons who drowned when the boat they were traveling in capsised from Dorowa to Ginga village in Shagari local government area of the state.

Statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Muhammad Bello said Tambuwal condoled the people of the town over the incident and directed the state ministry for local government, headed by the state Deputy Governor, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’Iya, who accompanied him during the condolence

visit, in collaboration with the state emergency relief agency, to provide motor boats and life jackets to the local government areas of the state where passengers have to cross rivers, lakes and ponds.

He said the facilities would be distributed to people living in riverine areas in the state since the raining season had started.

The governor also charged people to always take precautionary measures while being transported by boats.

Gov. Tambuwal while condoling people of the area, prayed Allah to grant the deceased -annatul Àrdausi.

He also prayed to Allah to prevent future occurrences.

ment Area, Hon. Ezekiel Chukwu, and the Zonal Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Enugu West Senatorial District, Ozo Okey Ozoani, among others.

Presenting the award to Gov. Ugwuanyi, amid cheers, the Summit Convener and President General of the Enugu West Youth Peace Forum, Comrade Ebube Samuel Nebo, disclosed that the honour was in recognition of the governor’s commitment to peace, good governance and his “outstanding fatherly love, trust and care to the youth of

Enugu State.”

Comrade Nebo told Gov. Ugwuanyi that “the people of Enugu State, on the average, are beneÀting from your government, in one way or another,” stressing that the governor has empowered the youth, and also brought enduring peace to the state.

“Your Excellency, we are discussing about our future; that is why we are all saying that we must join hands to cut this cake; that is why we decided to celebrate you and tell you that we love you.

Rights Group Chides Bulkachuwa, Wants Gumi Arrested A civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has carpeted the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, over what it termed “provocative” statement threatening that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration will wage war on South-east of Nigeria over the activities of some Igbo youths clamouring for self-government.

The group also decried alleged preferential treatment of Muslim cleric, Sheik Ahmad Gumi for interfacing with bandits whom they described as criminals, submitting that there were no good and bad criminals and therefore wants the federal government to arrest him.

According to a statement from the Executive Director of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, they had resolved to send letters to international embassies in Nigeria to demand travel ban to be imposed on Bulkachuwa for issuing the hate message which may inevitably result to unleashing of hate crimes against Igbo speaking people all over the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We will be writing to the United States of America; United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Germany and all signiÀcant embassies in Nigeria to put them on notice that Senator Bulkachuwa is attempting to instigate war crime of genocide against the Igbo speaking Nationality of Nigeria.”

In response to the present economic situation in the country, the Ekiti State Government, has slashed the salaries of workers and that of the political appointees owing to dwindling revenues to the state’s coffers.

Under the present agreement, the government had partially suspended the Consequential Adjustment already effected for workers on grade levels 07 and 12 since January, 2021, for a period of three months.

Workers on grade levels 01 and 06 were lucky, as their N30,000 minimum wage was not adversely affected by the current decision.

The agreement was reached yesterday in Ado Ekiti during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the government and the organised labour on the new salary regime.

Representing the government at the meeting were the Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Oluyemi Esan and the Permanent Secretary, Office of Establishment and Service Matters,

Mr. Bayo Opeyemi.

The Chairmen, Nigerian Labour Congress, Kolapo Olatunde, his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress, Com. Sola Adigun and that of the Joint Negotiating Council Kayode Fatomiluyi as well as their Secretaries, signed on behalf of the labour centres.

Contained in the signed agreement read by the TUC Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun was the suspension of the consequential adjustment for certain categories of workers for a period of three months spanning between May and July, 2021.

It was agreed that the salaries of political appointees be slashed by 25 per cent for a period of three months.

The pact also included that the release of the running grant for the running of government office be reduced, while monthly meeting of the Economic Review Committee was mandated to convene five days after the meeting of the Federal Account Allocation Committee to keep the workers abreast of the state’s financial position.

Ogah Eulogises Late Dr. Michael Okpara’s Leadership Style Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of State Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has praised late Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara for his leadership style as Premier of the Eastern Region of Nigeria.

Dr. Ogah, who was honoured with the Award of Excellence in Public Service, Business Development and Philanthropy, gave the eulogy at the Centenary Celebration, and Leadership Awards, Book Presentation and Lecture held in honour of the 100 years posthumous birthday of the Premier in Abuja.

The minister, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mrs. Etore Thomas, stated that Dr. Okpara’s leadership style was nothing but exemplary.

Ogah enjoined leaders to reÁect soberly and emulate such leadership model for the

economic growth of the country.

Adding that if such selÁess leadership style of creating industries, building agricultural centres for food revolution is followed, it would greatly reduce the insecurity challenge the country is currently facing.

According to him, “if people are working and busy, they will not have time for crime.”

He appreciated the Advisory Board of Michael Okpara Foundation, Abia State Government and Verbatim Magazine for Ànding him worthy of the honour at the Centenary Celebration of a man, whom as a young man growing up, he said, challenged him by the humongous and veriÀable milestones he achieved.

In his remarks, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu who was represented by Mr. Prince K. O. Mgbeahuru reiterated the leadership style of the late Premier, describing it as the “highest economy style anybody can talk about.”

Lawmaker Tasks Youths on Leadership Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Former Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly and member representing Mbamga State Constituency, Mr Abel Diah has tasked Nigerian youths to take their rightful positions in the leadership of the country.

Diah, who is the vice chairman of the presidential committee on the implementation of local government and House of Assembly autonomy, gave the charge in Jalingo at a ceremony to mark his 50th birthday.

The five-term member of the State Assembly and three-term Speaker enjoined youth across the country, particularly in Taraba State to take their turn in leadership positions by preventing leaders that are already old from perpetuating themselves in leadership.

According to him, “You must take your future in your own hands by taking the bull by the horn. You

must organise yourselves to take over leadership. Nobody will give you leadership except you take it.”

The lawmaker, who noted that he had spent 25 out of his 50 years on earth in leadership positions, as Councillor, local government chairman and lawmaker, maintained that leadership is not by age but capacity.

“Leadership is not by age. It’s about capacity. So, I urge you the youth and the people of Taraba to vote for competence in future elections. Don’t allow yourselves to be swayed by ethnic or religious sentiments,” he said.

He further enjoined the youth not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to insult elders, saying “Insulting people on the social media will not help you.

Those who pay you peanuts to be insulting elders on the social media have their children schooling in the best schools across the world.

SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENTARY

THE OGRE OF IMPUNITY

After 60 years of independence, leaders should make a difference in the lives of the people, writes Charles Iyore

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he ogre of impunity has taken on a more vicious life of its own and is threatening to consume us as a nation. Beginning with early roots in sentiments of tribe, tongue and creed, this cancer in our body politic, has destroyed our capacity for rational and constructive thought. This is evident in our collective acquiescence to glaring miscarriages of justice, now reaching monumental heights. Its capacity to drill away, at the depths of our construction foundations and weaken our nation building efforts, is not treated with the seriousness it deserves; -ask the Chinese about dealing with anti-trust conduct.

Impunity, according to the Webster’s dictionary, means one’s exemption from punishment, or the freedom from the injurious consequences of one’s action.

The colonial masters carried on with such impunity backed by the barrel of the gun, in their violent sackings of Benin, Kano and Ijebu-Ode and in other smaller punitive expeditions. The native struggle for home rule, against that background, was therefore not difficult to sell.

The minimum expectation at independence was that the yoke of an uncaring leadership,answerable to a remote monarch, had been lifted and that our new leaders with whom we struggled, would treat us with a measure of decency and strive to defend the public good rather than protect remote foreign interests. But alas! that was not to be, as selfish groupings quickly emerged, using whatever veil of subtle aggregation they could find, to foist an even more violent administration than the colonial masters could ever muster. The shout of the new elite all over the land was, “we are now in-charge.” That “in-charge” came with no responsibility it seems, but absolute right to do as you wish.

Wives of politicians would shut out lowly women in groceries’ markets by paying prices over and above the odds for goods. Arriving on market days in coordinated colour dressing in chauffer driven cars.

Politicians would announce their arrivals in ridiculously large American cars, with trumpetfanfare sound horns. Our brow beaten commoners withdrew in fear, but soon realized that the only game in town was politics. Such was the attraction, that the noble profession of “politics for service” (oselu), became thedraw of most scallywags. Many were to boast later, that you couldn’t get a better return from any other profession than in politics.

They believed they had to be in it at all costs, including eliminating people who stood in their way, and once in office, you are advised to assume all ownership rights with scant regard for the responsibilities.

This was the model in the North, East, West and South, moderated only by the often imperial control of the regional Premiers, most of whom had to vet education scholarship lists and land allocation to check abuse.

Such an elite conduct, lacking in any modicum of self-regulation and constantly seeking to compromise all trade and exchange arrangements was not sustainable.

There my friends, laid the rub!

It was against that background that the populace welcomed the military intervention, which sold itself as corrective and found the best speech writers to deliver winning national addresses. Very many “musical chairs dance sessions” thereafter, to the staccato of bullet fire, it has become clear that the malaise of leadership impunity, is actually an elite preserve andthat all that has been going on, are visage changes from flowing Agbada, or Boubou to starched uniforms.

This my friends, is our reality! The Anatomy of impunity. For impunity to thrive, you must first destroy free expression. The free expression of the Egba and Aba market women, natural to these climes, which the many colonial punitive expeditionscurtailed, has been under different kinds of attack, ever since the colonizers left.

The attack in its current presentation, is by infiltrating the student unions, stopping the professional groupings from unionizing freely, traditional rulers becoming authoritarian and our leaders ofinstitutions, universities and MDAs becoming emperors. The leaders of the faith groups are not too far behind, in the mix of the new lordships. If you throw into all that, the lack of a clear understanding of the concept of money and the a la carte approach, to using free market economic principles for national production, it is easy to see why we are in such a sorry state. Those who demonstrate impunity in exercise of authorities they hold in trust, whether by documentation or by other agreements,

THE SHOUT OF THE NEW ELITE ALL OVER THE LAND WAS, ‘WE ARE NOW IN-CHARGE.’ THAT ‘IN-CHARGE CAME WITH NO RESPONSIBILITY IT SEEMS, BUT ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO DO AS YOU WISH

are very often deluded in their judgment of time andchance.

Impunity as in my earlier analogy is a cancer. Cancer cells and the cells they infect by spreading willall die, sooner rather than later. So it is not uncommon for the new elite to complain about ward’s ingratitude, partner insincerity, and to frequently accuse each other of selling-out.

These mutual suspicions are the underlying sentiments unsettling our national discourse and obfuscating the ideological clarity, needed for policy formulation.

Attempts at controlling outcomes by some leaders, is what has led to the administration of ridiculous oaths of allegiance, not in mutual fraternal responsibility, but in Mafiosistyle, grand puppeteering. Whether North, East, West or South, this model has consistently fallen flat on its face, because the human will, is difficulty to appropriate by another individual, no matter how apparentlypowerful he is.

And so ultimately, impunity neither leaves the perpetrator exempt from punishment, nor does it free him from its injurious consequences of action. Effects of silencing free expression.

How come an adult university lady undergraduate cannot make her friendship choices freely without threat from the cultist? Cultists who hold territories for the institutions’ contesting leaderships.

For how do we explain the fact that the very same arguments of marginalization are played out at all levels of public administration from federal through states to local governments, and I dare say the wards? That tampering of free expression is what makes true democratic representation difficult. The use of social media, and the strong opinions of gadflies, (otherwise called activists) cannot match the effect of popular student union actions, or measured professional positions, the likes of which made the Tafawa Balewa government, reverse Nigeria’s foreign policy position or the “Ali must go” protests. The desire to keep the majority silent, is what drives the push for presscurtailment as with decree 4 and the other administrative moves, always in the works.

It was against this background of disorder fueled by impunity that one was opportune to be at a leadership studio vetting of the ascetic general by a broad group of patriots in 2011. I was impressed by the painstaking fielding of questions, but also taken aback by the total lack ofdiscussions regarding development programmes and the shape of the economy after electoral victory. The retorts were always, let’s win the elections first. Politics has primacy.

I was, therefore, not surprised at the yawning gaps that emerged in the team building, when what was wished for, became reality in 2015. Filling of the team positions fell to the whims and caprices of the Sovereign. He also, was beside himself, as he who couldn’t understand the ridiculous demands from erstwhile trench partners. Whereas many were earlier bonded by the discipline of shared doubts and fearsin the trenches, fresh victory brought out a narrow desire for the debauched sharing of spoils. Those false starts are, in my view, the reasons for the fluxed state of affairs that we are in today. Meritocracy, pragmatism, and the honesty of war execution (opposition), were thrown out of the window, at victory. This for me, was a return to the “we are now in-charge mentality”.

A way out?

We need to return to those initial elite conversations, but now broadened and with institutional focus, to reverse the “we are now in-charge” assumptions of 60 years ago, and replace it with the mantra “how can we make a difference together”.

These conversations can be enriched by the new trend of virtual meetings and social media. We need to break the chains of those wrong initial assumptions and begin to tolerate each other’s foibles and we all have them. This time, these conversations should include clear policy presentations and choices.

They should not just be about power grab and a dash for the treasury keys. These conversations must find ways of restoring free expression in youths, trade unions andassociations. They must find ways of using policing to close ungoverned spaces and offer the leadership that we are so capable of providing for Africa.

We must not fail to plan this time, or we would be condemned to repeat it.

Iyore is Partner, DNA Capital, Darenth Kent England

TASK BEFORE OLADAYO AMAO

Emmanuel Ado writes that the chief of air staff has his work clearly cut out

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ir Marshal Oladayo Amao, the 20th Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force undoubtedly came adequately prepared for the top job. It is the dream of every pilot, professionally equipped. Very comforting is that Amao is not under any illusion of the challenges ahead, nor is it fathomable that he underrates the expectations of a nation that is tired of burying its officers and men, at such an alarming frequency.

The recent air crashes involving the air force are hangovers from the systematic decimation which the air force has been subjected to. It was denied of adequate budget for servicing and constant training, and retraining, critical requirements of an air force.

Starved of funding, the service became a shadow of itself, even though the effect took time manifesting.

Not many Nigerians are aware that the Nigerian Air Force, which has given a good account of itself during the civil war, the Liberian and Sierra Lone conflicts in the recent past, lacked pilots that would lead the service, a doomsday scenario that late Alex Badeh averted by organizing crash training programmes for about 10 officers. But for that singular effort, the Nigerian Air Force would have in the near

future suffered the ignorable record of being the only air force in the world to be headed by an engineer.

An abomination!

The task ahead for the very soft spoken Amao is definitely daunting, but certainly not insurmountable, considering the determination of the 20th Air Chief to give the assignment of rebuilding the force into a world class force, his undivided best efforts by not allowing other preoccupations distract him from the job at hand, and more importantly, because at long last, the executive and the National Assembly, its main clients who definitely must be scared stiff using the service, considering the spate of crashes, the attention it deserves. We don’t need any marabout, to tell us that any “big man” flying in any air force plane, would be doing so with great apprehension.

The speed with which the chief put together the AVM Abraham Adole, Deputy Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai Committee to audit the Engineering and Operational units, following the crash of the NAF Beechcraft 305, which claimed the life of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 other officers is indicative of the readiness to get to the root of decay, of a man

willing to seek for help from serving and retired officers, because he doesn’t know it all.

The Adole committee is to analyse safety reports from operational and engineering units, conduct safety evaluation of all NAF units and recommend measures to enhance safety of operations in the units. It was also mandated to interact with crucial unit operational and technical personnel for their unfettered views, observations and contributions on safety measures.

Another significant development is the involvement of the Accident Investigation Bureau(AIB), in the investigation of the accident, an indication that the service has nothing to hide and a demonstration of the military subordination to civilian authority.

Hitherto, such investigations are conducted in utmost secrecy. To date, the report of the investigation into the crash of the Charlie 130 on 26th September 19922, in which 158 people died, has remained a “state secret”, thus denying the country the necessary facts to work with, to avert a reoccurrence and a closure for the families.

Clearly, now more than ever before, in its very challenging times the air force needs a guiding leader,

resourceful, and with the credibility to lift sagging morale and restore the much needed confidence, espirit - de - corps so that it can with focus lead the war on insurgency, banditry and criminality.

Going by his professional antecedents Amao, is definitely the man. Amao has shown uncanny vision, anticipation and strategic planning, the strength and decisiveness, the willingness to act, in a timely manner, to restore the bragging rights of the men in blue, which has taken a dent, for no fault of theirs.

The chief is thankfully paying attention to the welfare of its personnel, which is important to earn their confidence, respect and loyalty. The personnel, for Amao, are the most valuable resource, which if motivated will over deliver on set targets. His decision to lead by personal examples and by teamwork, is a message to all, that the new air force can achieve its goals by working together.

The prayer on the lips of everyone is that Oladayo, which in Yoruba language literally means “wealth brings joy”, would bring immense joy to a new confident air force that will professionally dominate the air, providing air support, and reconnaissance… all which he has committed himself to deliver.

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JUNE 5, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What future?

Act Now, Restore Nature and Livelihoods

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he United Nations has for several years designated June 5 as World Environment Day to highlight that the protection and health of the environment is a critical issue, which affects the well-being of people and economic development globally. The celebration of this day has provided humanity with an opportunity to extend the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct by individuals, private businesses, communities and governments in preserving and enhancing the environment.

This year’s observance of World Environment Day will be on the theme of ‘Ecosystem Restoration’ and a slogan ‘Act Now, Restore Nature and Livelihoods’. The theme focuses on resetting our relation with nature. It will also mark the formal launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 – 2030. World Environment Day is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. In the previous years, it has become to be the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people globally.

The UN Decade is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security, water supply and livelihoods. The UN Decade runs from 2021 through 2030, which is also the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals and the timeline scientists have identified critical for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. Ecosystem loss is depriving the world of carbon sinks such as forests and peatlands at a time we can least afford it: Global greenhouse gas emissions have risen for three consecutive years.

The emergence of COVID-19 has demonstrated how calamitous the consequences of ecosystem loss can be. So, it is timely for this year’s World Environment Day to coincide with the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global mission running through 2030 to protect and revive billions of hectares of valuable and much needed natural capital, from forests and farmland to the oceans.

Ecosystem restoration means assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been polluted, degraded or destroyed, as well as conserving the ecosystems that are still intact. Healthier ecosystems, with richer biodiversity will definitely yield benefits such as more fertile soils, better yields from farming and fishing, and larger sequestion of greenhouse For instance, Nigeria has extensive mangrove forests in the coastal region of the Niger Delta,

which is considered as one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in the world, as the Niger Delta mangrove forest is situated within a deltaic depositional environment, that is subjected to tidal influences. Mangroves, particularly in Nigeria are very vital as they serve as shoreline protection against floods and storms, prevent erosion, store carbon several times more than traditional rainforests, and they are also very tolerant to brackish or salt water. More importantly, they provide several economic benefits to inhabitants of the area where the mangroves are found.

Most ecosystems can be restored, including mangroves, rainforests, farmlands, wetlands and oceans, while others such as coral reef barriers are difficult to restore. Restoration can occur in various ways, such as actively planting or by removing pressures so that nature can recover on its own. There are valid reasons for ecosystem restoration, such as maintaining and rebalancing a diverse and functioning ecosystem services. In order to achieve restoration at the required level or to restore to baseline conditions, non-financial incentives and financial investments should be committed in changing the way lands and oceans are exploited by individuals, private entities and governments, worldwide.

Dr. Ayodeji Oyelami, Senior Environmental Consultant, Operational Risk Sustainability, Independent Project Monitoring Company Limited

Manchester City Vs. Chelsea

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omething really changed about the “fun” everyone associates with a Champions League match this past weekend. Aficionados of the English Premier League (EPL) and the Spanish La Liga over here at Minna know that the matches that draw crowds to viewing centres (and so are money-spinners for the operators of these viewing centres) are those involving Manchester United Football Club, Real Madrid Football Club, Barcelona Football Club, Arsenal Football Club, and Chelsea Football Club. The other Manchester-based football club that has been growing in prominence these past years, the Manchester City Football Club, is not something of a fan’s favourite yet. This point should be of interest to the EPL and the owners of major football clubs across Europe. Football fans in Africa are not readily swayed to just be ardent supporters of any club because its owner is some foreign billionaire who has injected money to the EPL. Really, Roman Abramovich investment in the Chelsea Football Club (CFC) came at a most auspicious and fortuitous moment in circa 2004 when his venture ensured that the CFC won back-to-back Premier League titles with the charismatic and dashing Jose Mourinho at the helms of affairs back then. ]This was a moment people were just synched up to appreciate acute and brilliant business people like Abramovich and his like and folks all over could relate to Abramovich’s instant success story that was underpinned on smart investment. Maybe all this feeling permeated the people’s consciousness because Nigeria’s economy back then was in the ascendancy. To

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR 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 DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

be called a fan of Chelsea all these past years is to have a feeling of calm self-important and an unassuming gentleman’s bearing. True, the “Abramovich Factor,” if you will, influenced behavioural patterns amongst Nigerian males; a “Chelsea Fan” is uncouth, does not associate with yobs, and tends to be honest overall.

This has been my social-observation analysis thus far. However, this feel-good thing changed this past Saturday when Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) played Chelsea Football Club in the final showpiece of the 2020/2021 season at the Estadio do Dragao at Porto in Portugal. Suddenly, an army of fans trooped out to support MCFC. Where from? One wondered in private reflection. Oh, oh, there is a clear identity to this mass of supporters.

These are principally Northern Muslim males, true supporters of Manchester United Football Club, Real Madrid Football Club, Barcelona Football Club, Arsenal Football Club but they won’t root for Chelsea. Their expressed feelings and raucousness, though subtly done, is achieving the level of intolerance and political. You just heard one of them blurt out that Kai Havertz is a Jew hiding in Teutonic clothing. Now, you sensed you have a grasp of the situation. Oh, the owners of MCFC are Muslim Qatari billionaires who have been using sports to promote Islam (check out the cases of Nigerian athletes who have been lured to fly Qatari colours at international athletic meets and who do this under new Islamic identities and names). It is true that Roman Abramovich is Russian Jew who has just recently been granted Israeli citizenship, but does Abramovich possess hidden sensibilities on the Jew-Muslim divide?

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

It’s Not Time for The Clowns

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he COVID pandemic has caused so many deaths that defeating it must be the world’s first priority and it will come with costs and depravations. Lockdowns have become a regular event and are generally considered a nuisance, but they are necessary.

Some of the social media has been complaining about the consequences including the cancellation of children’s birthday parties.

Although I sympathize with children missing out on their birthday party, especially twice, the reason they are missing out on their birthdays is so that many more people can continue to have many more birthdays.

It’s not “send in the clowns” but rather send in the vaccine nurses.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JUNE 5, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Niniola iniolla Apata Apat pa ata ata

I’m Now in a Relationship Singer g and songwriter, g Niniola Apata, p popularly p p y known as Niniola, is a delight g anytime, y anyy day. y Personallyy as fun and interesting g as her craft, Niniola wears no air. Niniola’s genre g of music, Afro-house - a blend of Afrobeats and House music, has seen her dominate rungs g and charts ever since her emergence g on the music scene, leading g as one of Africa’s top p female superstars. p She tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu more about her musical formation, recent works, growing up in a polygamous family, significant moments, relationship and other interests

I

n your words, ‘When I drop songs, I drop hit songs.’ How do you draw inspiration for your songs?

(Laughs) Oh yeah you really follow me...Yes I love to dance so when I am making a record I have that at the back of my mind (that is to make people dance). Most of the time, the first inspiraa tion comes from the beat; if it’s happy, sad or dark, whatever vibe the beat gives me determines where my emotions go. And then I record my vibes before I write.

Many of your followers and listeners know you through your hit song ‘Maradona’. To what extent did that song take your career heights to?

If there is anything I must thank God for its growth...

With every single song I have put out, it has always taken me steps higher. Which is what ‘Maradona’ also did and till date is still doing.

‘Maradona’ took me to places I actually didn’t think of at the time, I knew it was a hit when I recorded it but I never knew it was going to end up being a monster hit and till date it keeps opening doors for my other records.

So yeah ‘Maradona’ took me way up there.

You had of late, the Colours of Sound LP and then 6th Heaven almost immediately. What necessitated the swift follow up?

OK so I have different types of fans, some want to dance and some want to sit and listen to Niniola’s RnB vocals... So if you listen to the album ‘Colours and Sounds’, you will notice there was only one RnB song on it. In order to satisfy my RnB fans, I decided to give them the “6th Heaven” RnB Ep... And it was also part of the plan to occupy your playlist, so no matter the mood you are in, there is a Niniola song for you.

You have worked with a couple of producers but Sarz has remained a factor in your works, tells us about your relationship with him?

Yes O! Sarz has remained a factor because he is so talented and he was the one who helped tailor my sound...With Sarz we are family even though sometimes we fight o (laughs), when he doesn’t have my time... But yeah Sarz is my surest Guy. Apart from music, what else interests you?

Well I guess that will be running my NGO (Adopt a Child’s Education) and making my wigs lol... yup Your lyrics are often laced with the shrewdness of lewdness rendered in your dialect. And that has given your music that sweetness. How did you come about this formula?

(Laughs Out Loud)) you people sha...Well first it’s not all my songs but because people have very dirty minds they always assume it’s everything. And I really don’t bother to explain because I like to see them try to break it down and it makes me really laugh...

Where did your love for music start from?

It started when I was a kid. My parents never used to take me out so I found solace in listening to their records while I stayed at home. So that’s how I fell in love with music.

Who were your musical influences during your formative years?

Hmmm they are so many but I will just list a few Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Tony Braxton, Angelique Kidjo, Shakira, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade e.t.c

Niniola

I read you talk about listening to lots of music as a child. Are there any interesting moment of that period you can share with us?

Yeah like I said before, this was because they (parents) never used to take me out.

What was it like growing up in a polygamous family and what life lessons did you learn?

OMG it was so much fun and full of adventures... And my late father helped because he preached love and we all lived under the same roof with that love in our hearts... it taught me how to love, how to be diplomatic, how to tolerate people. Trust me it was an experience...

What fond memories do you hold of your dad especially when you think of your success now and how much he impacted on your life?

My Daddy (smiles)... That will be when he will get his camcorder out, play music and record me while I dance for him. All because he would like to show me off to his friends that his Princess could really dance (laughs out loud). And I am sure you see that now when I perform.

When it comes to your musical journey one cannot but talk about your Project Fame experience, West African Idol audition and a couple of other auditions, kindly recount for us what that journey was like?

To be honest if I start these stories we will not leave here today lol.... Just know that I hopped from one show to another because I was never going to take NO for an answer, until I got to Project Fame and did my thing.

And all it did for me was polished me and prepare me for the world... And I am happy I am conquering it now.

In what ways did the experience and those other significant moments shape and influenced your rise to stardom?

I guess because I learnt a lot on my journey both in and out of the competition... I never really stop working on myself.

How do you feel being among the leading African female superstars in a turf dominated by male?

I feel great and honored... And in all honesty I really don’t look at it as male and female, I look at it as human beings.

Your sister, Teni is also in the music industry and as much successful as you are you both are strong force to reckon with. Have you both ever discussed the options of making music together?

Oh yes of course ah ahn why won’t we?

Did you ever talk about having musical careers while growing up?

Well from time I always wanted to do music, as kids I will call my younger siblings and we would form a choir by the stairs that was when I taught Teni how to sing (laughing). At that time I didn’t know she would follow me right into it, but glad she did...Better two Apatas than One. What do you keep up with when you are not in the studio creating songs?

That will be making wigs and playing games on my phone.

Any plans of staging your Human Radio concert this year?

Well yeah but we are still observing this whole Covid-19 thing.

What are you working on at the moment; any singles or another album?

Currently working on music generally, singles, collaborations, maybe another EP, you never know.

Can we talk about your status/relationship because you seem to be in love with yourself and career, how about being in love with a man?

(Laughs out loud)…oh but everybody knows I am in a relationship now (laughing out loud)...Ok Byeeeeee!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

08054699539

Taking the Wind Out of IPOB’S Sails

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verboten non-state actor decreed a stay at home in the South-east to mark 54th anniversary of Biafra and it was a success. That was what the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) achieved last Monday. The entire South-east was grounded. Genuine stakeholders in the Nigerian project should be worried about this. Is it that virtually everybody in the South-east supports IPOB’s secession agenda? I doubt this. I don’t think the average Igbo man wants a break up of Nigeria. For me, they simply want respect, justice, equity and all that they are legally entitled to in the Nigerian federation. So, were they cowed to sit at home last Monday by IPOB militants? I also doubt this. The average Igbo man only found a rallying point in IPOB to express dissatisfaction with the manner they are currently being treated by the Nigerian state, largely exacerbated by the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government.

Clearly, the spirit of Biafra in the average Igbo man is different from the IPOB extremism.

Ongoing killings and arson in the South-east, perpetrated by IPOB terrorists, is not a reflection of what the average Igbo man stands for. Killing citizens, policemen and soldiers; burning INEC offices, prisons and public infrastructure are clearly not in tandem with the spirit of Biafra.

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, was apt when she pointed out that “it is wrong and dangerous to confuse the South-east with IPOB as they are not the same.”

The people of South-east are furious, and defensibly so, because of the coldblooded maginalisation of the region by the Buhari government in terms of appointments and development. Another factor responsible for the anger in this region against the Nigerian state is the unrestrained killings by criminal herders in many Igbo communities. Of course, there are the age-long flaws in the Nigerian Constitution inhibiting true federalism and the urge for a radical change. The need to have unabridged federalism in full force with resource control are central here. So, the necessity to uproot the injustices rooted in the rudiments of the union of Nigeria becomes pertinent.

For me, the challenges in the South-east are very easy to solve. We should always remember that there was very little tension and agitations until Buhari emerged President in 2015. He came with a horrible agenda and openly stated that he won’t treat those who gave him 5 per cent equally with those that gave him 95 per cent.

I am not sorry to say that Buhari must be held responsible for the tension, agitations and killings in the South-east.

What is the way forward? In the short run, running an inclusive federal government and ensuring that the sensibilities of all Nigerians are respected and reflected in federal appointments,

We are better together as one in a restructured country. We are better together as one for the sake of our families living in different parts of the country. The whole Nigeria is home to many of us. Those advocating a breakup of Nigeria are only selling dreams that will disappear in a jiffy in different regions if actualised. We don’t have to rip Nigeria apart to get the change we want.

Let’s avoid drawing new lines on the beautiful map of Nigeria. We are a family of nations in one country. Buhari’s incongruity won’t last forever. It will be history in less than two years. Let’s not lose faith in Nigeria will reduce the tension in the South-east. The carnage being perpetrated by criminal herders in this region and beyond must also be halted.

These will also take the wind out of IPOB’s sails. This is what Buhari must swiftly do.

Unfortunately, he is indifferent.

President Buhari is the only one unaware that Nigeria is a multi-ethnic, multi-religion and multi-cultural country and that everybody must be given a sense of belonging with appointments to head federal departments and agencies. Skewed appointments have created a loss of a sense of belonging in many parts of the country, hence the constant cries of marginalisation, agitation for secession and calls for restructuring. How do you explain a situation whereby virtually all heads of military and paramilitary agencies are from a section of this country? Why should most of the key federal government departments and agencies be headed by people from a section of this country? I am talking about big agencies like Customs, NPA, Pencom, NNPC, DPR, FIRS, NCC, NBC, TETFund, SEC, CAC, UBEC, NIMASA, NPHCDA, FAAN, NDIC, AMCON and NUC. Not even one of Nigeria’s military and paramilitary agencies is headed by a South-east indigene and states in this zone are supposed to be federating units of the Federal Republic

of Nigeria. This is incomprehensible. It is unjust and unfair to sideline any federating unit of Nigeria in the security architecture of the country. Injustice promotes insecurity. No part of Nigeria should be an observer in the affairs of this country.

It is bad enough that the heads of virtually all military and paramilitary agencies are from the core north. It is even worse that they are all Muslims. In a country where religion remains an issue, concentrating the security apparatus in the hands of one tribe and one religion is a betrayal of the trust of other tribes and an affront on the Nigerian Constitution.

President Buhari fully understands the importance of Chapter 2, Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), and has chosen to persistently mock it. As a reminder, this section states that “the composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

The Spirit of Bishop Kukah

Kukah

I often wonder how those running governments at all levels in beloved Nigeria manage to sleep amid killings, kidnappings and arson in this country. If they really care about traumatised Nigerians, these leaders will spend sleepless nights working to end

this raging madness called insecurity. We evidently have too many coldblooded people in government. The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, concurs, saying the level of insecurity in the country shows that Nigerian leaders have no blood in their hearts.

The clergyman dwelt extensively on these cruel leaders in his recent homily at the burial of Reverend Father Alphosus Yasshim Bello at Our Lady of Apostles Catholic Church, Kaduna.

Father Bello was kidnapped and murdered by bandits in Katsina State on May 21.

My take away from Bishop Kukah’s latest homily are: “There is nowhere in the whole world with the barbarity and killings manifested in Nigeria of today.

There is nowhere citizens can be slaughtered in the whole world without the government showing empathy and concern. The continuous barbaric slaughter and murder of our people suggest that our beautiful Presidential Villa,

National Assembly and government houses are not evidence of civilization.

“How did Nigeria come to this tragic situation? We know who they are, who they believed in and where their inspiration comes from. There is no ambiguity about those who are killing our people and why they are doing so and where their inspiration comes from. We hear and live with stories of complicity at the highest level.

“Is it possible that you have a country where people have sworn with Qur’an and Bible to uphold the principle of governance, that they will do everything within their power to protect and defend the integrity of Nigerians and suddenly we are where we are today? I think the President and governors of Nigeria should address Nigerians and say, ‘fellow Nigerians, I have sworn that I will not protect you from foreign invaders, kidnappers and being killed.”

Kukah’s points are valid. Regrettably, the government at the centre that controls all the security agencies is in tatters.

In the medium term, the Nigerian Constitution must be amended to allow unabridged federalism.

IPOB will fizzle if this is attained. The main goal of federalism is to create a balance of power, so that neither the federal government nor the federating units can get too commanding. Many Americans did not like the thought that people far away from them could make rules about their lives. That was what they sorted out with unabridged federalism. As a result, you won’t find any part of the United States agitating for secession. Nigeria also has to get this well worked out because this country’s current Constitution has failed to create a balance of power between the federal government and the states.

As a consequence, the federal government has become too powerful and chokes the federating units. What we have in our 1999 Constitution is pseudo-federalism. The states are not even constitutionally allowed to establish police force despite the ineptitude of the centrally-controlled one. A lot of items on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution are absolutely unnecessary and have turned the federal government into a monster snake, piercing the federating units. It is natural for people to resist a government that is far away controlling local issues, as being seen in Nigeria today. Nigeria needs to amend its Constitution to allow full implementation of Federalism. So, let’s put pressure on our lawmakers to do the needful.

I am for a restructured one united Nigeria, where there is justice, equity and swimming in unabridged federalism. Secession has never been the solution to issues of corruption, marginalisation, poverty, insecurity, conflicts and bad government anywhere in this world. We are better together as one in a restructured country. The United States is a model in this regard. We are better together as one for the sake of our families living in different parts of the country. We are better together as one for the sake of our businesses that have become intertwined. The whole Nigeria is home to many of us. Let’s fight for all our homes in a restructured Nigeria to ensure our lives have dignity and worth wherever we live.

Those advocating a breakup of Nigeria are only selling dreams that will disappear in a jiffy in different regions if actualised. We don’t have to rip Nigeria apart to get the change we want.

Let’s avoid drawing new lines on the beautiful map of Nigeria. We are a family of nations in one country. Buhari’s incongruity won’t last forever.

It will be history in less than two years. Let’s not lose faith in Nigeria.

All the Lies about Price of Petrol The rejection of the proposal to increase the price of petrol to between N385 and N400 per litre is just for June. Anything can happen next month. Nigerian governors want more money. As a result, they are pushing for full deregulation of the petroleum industry and removal of petrol subsidy. But the truth is that honest and full deregulation should not lead to petrol selling at a high of between N385 and N400 per litre as being proposed. The lucid example here should be that of diesel and kerosene. These two were fully deregulated years back and the prices have never risen beyond N270 per litre. Both the NNPC and private sector players import diesel and kerosene. As at yesterday, these two petroleum products were selling for N265 per litre in Lagos. This shows that with petrol, Nigerians have all along been paying for the corruption and inefficiency of the NNPC. If petrol importation is fully deregulated and the private players get involved, the price, based on current market rate of crude, will definitely not be anything near N385 per litre. NNPC’s opaque crude-for-fuel swap, now known as Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) is clearly skewed against hapless Nigerians. It is incapable of delivering a fair and competitive petrol price to Nigerians. It must be stopped.

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SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Emelonye Premieres ‘IBB’s Portrait’ in London Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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inally, most anticipated Nollywood movie, Badamsai (Portrait of a General) is set against all odds for an historic world premiere at the Cineworld cinema 02 Arena in London on June 12, 2021. UK-based Àlmmaker Obi Emelonye in a series of posts detailing the premiere date announced the screening. The Àlm is his much-anticipated biopic of a former Nigerian head of state, Ibrahim Babaginda. The epic biopic will open UK cinemas as the Àrst red carpet event post Covid-19 lockdown. Shot in 2018, in Lagos, Minna, Abuja and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka campus, where Emelonye graduated some 30 years ago, the IBB biopic takes a look into the life of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.

It stars Enyinna Nwigwe as Ibrahim Babaginda alongside other great actors such as Charles Inojie, Sani Danja, Yakubu Mohammed, Okey Bakassi, Kalu Ikeagwu, Julius Agwu and Erick Didie. The Àlm is set to detail the history of Badamasi’s rule as President of Nigeria for eight years between 1985 and 1993 as it reÁects how his rule altered history. In a remark following his posts, Emelonye said “Watch General Ibrahim Babangida’s journey up the ladder of life from an orphan to President (plus everything in between) and back down by ‘stepping aside’.

“BADAMASI (Portrait of a General) premieres at the Cineworld cinema, O2 Arena, Greenwich London on Saturday June 12 2021. It has been conÀrmed that the cinema will only allow 50% capacity, putting more pressure on the already limited seats available.” Despite being ‘threatened’ not to release the Àlm which also led to a forced postponement of its

cinema release originally slated for November 29, 2019, it appears Emelonye has overcome whatever hurdles thrown at him.

Once speaking on lessons from making Nollywood classics, Emelonye noted that the timing of the release of a Àlm could be one of the most important considerations in its journey to success: “I have not worried too much when circumstances beyond our control meant that the release of BADAMASI was cancelled last year. This is because I know that we have not just made a Àlm about one of the most controversial and iconic Nigerian’s alive, we have made history. And someday soon, that Àlm will see the light of day and whenever that is, it would be more than a Àlm release. It will be a cultural, political and historical signpost of Nigerian state”.

The delayed cinema release of Badamasi was reportedly inÁuenced by powerful Àgures who did not want the Àlm. Mostly known for his remarkable cinematic works, including Last Flight to Abuja (2012), The Mirror Boy (2011), and Onye Ozi (2013), Emelonye’s recent Àlms have had commercial successes, as well as critical acclaim.

Known for his deep, enthralling and refreshing storylines so are his techniques and focus. Emelonye’s making as a moviemaker is enchanting as the movies he has worked on over the years.

The biopic’s production has since been trailed by media attention and after the push back of its 2019 release, a wave of Chinese whispers emerged.

“It took me nearly 4 years to convince General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd) to give me the rights to make this Àrst of its kind biopic. But in the end, he did wholeheartedly grant that right,” the award winning movie producer/director recounts.

IBB

Prolifik Plsoo Drops New Album With no features and an array of top producers, serial hit maker Prolifik Plsoo stays true to his vocal path in ‘MD CEO’, his new EP. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports After thrilling his fans with his hit songs, ‘Receive Sense’ and ‘You Say Wetin’, fast rising Afrobeats artiste, ProliÀk Plsoo, has released his classic body of work of titled ‘MD CEO’. The six track EP, a sensational collection of diͿerent sounds that depict who ProliÀk is as an artiste, opens with ‘Odeshi’ a slow track that recounts the daily challenges of the basic Nigerian and the decision to stay positive through it all.

‘Energy’, the second track is a Fela Anikulapo-Kuti-inspired sound where the serial hit maker tells a story with a play on words in a rhythm that bounces of supreme instrumentation. ProliÀk Plsoo, real name Osuya Godwin Chuks, creates such a vibe in the EP title track, ‘MD CEO’. Grassroots in all its essence, the ‘MD CEO’ track hits you with the raw Lagos essence, unveiling ProliÀk’s gift of staying true to his vocal path when he tells his story.

Other tracks on the MD CEO EP are ‘Tell Me’, whose hook is everything and ‘No title’ (Shyti Get q), produced

by Niphkeys; a song that is proudly Àlled with Yoruba slangs and the rhythm, a winner. Closing out the

EP is the beautifully conceptualized and produced song, ‘Out of Control’.

4uickly tipped to be a fan favourite, it is a love song tinged in a bit of highlife that showcases ProliÀk’s versatility as an artist.

Ensconced in a magnetic rhythm, ‘Out of Control’ is one song that will always be in replay. For this truly gifted artist, instrumentation is everything and this is what ampliÀes him as an artist.

With this EP, ProliÀk has Áawlessly learned the creative kalakuta sound which aͿords the extra that he brings to all the components of this body of work.

With no features and an array of top producers, including Illkonnect, Skitter, Sossick and Niphkeys, the Afrobeats artiste who deftly modernizes Afro (Kalakuta) music using diͿerent types of beats reminisces: “I listened to a lot of FelaAnikulapo Kuti growing up via my dad’s playlist because he loved Fela at that time. I remember him taking me to Fela’s concert at Lekki beach one time and this has always inspired my kind of music. I can also say I get inspired by people around me and most times, I’m

inspired by the situations I Ànd myself.’’

Speaking on the new EP in an interview, ProliÀk Plsoo, who has recorded hundreds of songs, said his latest project is aimed to redeÀne the sound ofAfrobeats. “MD CEO’ consists of Kalakuta vibes on a whole new level.

It’s fresh with a new sound. It was released on May 28, 2021. My kind of Kalakuta music is reÀned, diͿerent, and reincarnated. My sound sets me apart from other young talents because I play Afro (Kalakuta). Nobody does it better,” he said.

On the inspiration behind the song, the ‘You Say Wetin’ singer revealed that drugs or alcohol does not inspire him as he relies on life experience for inspiration: “I get my inspiration from diͿerent things. It could be friends, family, or real-life situations. Life has taught me loads of lessons but one important one is that a moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory. Apart from that, my drive keeps me going. Knowing too well that nothing lasts forever is a major driver here. So I think of a solution and keep moving and my team is a whole motivation for me.”

Prolifik

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Efa Iwara

I Got into the Movie Industry By Mistake Rapper-turned-actor, Efa Iwara is one of the amazing new thespians making waves in the Nigerian movie industry.

Witty, versatile and very creative, Efa has worked on a good number of projects across many platforms from TV series to movies, shorts to web series. You just have to see his filmography credits in works like Tinsel, MTV Shuga Naija, Corper Shun, The Eve, Put a Ring on It, Ajoche, and Isoken. Or better still, see his most recent works like The Men’s Club, Rumor Has It, Seven, Rattle Snake: The Ahanna Story, and Tainted Canvass to really understand the stuff he’s made of. Efa tells you he comes from a family of academicians but also one full of creatives. Being son of a Professor of Linguistics and a Librarian mother, played a huge role in the person he is in that growing up Efa was surrounded by books all the time. Though his parents, as most parents would, had their fears and were worried when he set out venturing into entertainment, but over time he has been able to calm their fears and doubts with his craft. Ferdinand Ekechukwu got the 2020 AMVCAs best actor nominee talking on a number of issues

L

ooking at your trajectory in the industry, has the goal always been entertainment viz-a-viz acting and singing?

The goal was music. But along the way, acting crept in and we have become inseparable. I love them both.

I’d say it was a web series called “Rumour Has It” by Ndani. I played a psychopath called Femi.

Ibadan but I’m from Cross River.

We have a huge music and Àlm culture in my family. I think one of my fondest memories as a kid was telling my father that I wanted to be Batman when I grew up. Lol!

Were your parents worried with you going into entertainment? <RX VWDUWHG RXW GRLQJ PXVLF %ULHÁ\ WDNH XV They were very worried as most parents will be. But over time, I have been able to calm through that moment and how it all began?

It started with me penning down raps as a kid. their fears. They are very supportive.

And, eventually I started recording and moved How do you handle the fame that comes with to Lagos. The rest as they say is history. Lots of being a star especially from the female fans? ups and downs, but we remain grateful.

I appreciate the love and I don’t take it for How did you get into the movie industry granted. But sometimes I sit back and wonder and what attracted you? what all the fuss is about. Lol! I’m probably I got into the movie industry by mistake. just as excited to see them as they are to see My manager at the time, Mr Bayo Omisore me. They make the journey worthwhile. encouraged me to go for auditions to help with What’s your relationship status at the performing on stage as a rapper. Over time, my attention started switching towards the movie moment?

I’m not married. industry.

How long have you been in the industry If you were not into showbiz, what would DQG VR IDU KRZ PDQ\ ÀOPV ZRXOG \RX VD\ \RX you have been?

Batman, a doctor or a footballer have featured in?

I started taking acting seriously in 2017, so In what ways has being in entertainment I’ll say four and a half years. I actually haven’t sat down to count how many movies I have changed your lifestyle?

I have less free time these days. But, that’s featured in because I’d rather look forward than what we always prayed for, so I’m not combackwards. plaining.

Tell us about your background, family, growing up as a child, fond memories you hold of What set are you on at the moment, which your formative years and how it shaped you? was your last?

I come from a family of academicians but also I’m currently Àlming a movie called “Hide one full of creatives. I was born and raised in n Seek” in Abeokuta. I just Ànished Àlming

What were some of the challenges you have faced on the road to stardom and how did you overcome them?

Having to deal with rejection and not being in a good place Ànancially. But through prayer, hard work and the support of family, friends and people who took a chance with me, things have progressively gotten better.

What inspires you and what to you is the most exciting thing about being an actor?

I’m inspired by the people in my life. Being able to make them happy and proud is amazing.

The most exciting thing about being an actor is the chance to be so many people and do things I wouldn’t normally do in real life.

Efa Iwara

“Silence”. Can’t wait for people to see them.

What are some of the memorable moments in your career?

There have been quite a few, but I’ll just focus on ‘Seven.’ I got cast for the lead role of Kolade

by Tosin Igho who directed the movie. This was way before a lot of people took note of me and ended up getting nominated for the Actor of the Year in the 2020 AMVCAs. Which of the movies you featured in gave you the breakthrough in the industry?

Who or what do you consider the greatest LQÁXHQFH LQ \RXU OLIH" There are so many, but one that continues to drive me is my father. He achieved so much.

He inspires me.

Are you pleased with the way the industry is at the moment? What are some of the changes you crave in the sector?

We are growing every day, and that’s just amazing.

I hope we can improve our distribution network so that we can earn more and that will in turn help us invest more funds into the movies we make, and that will in turn improve the quality of movies we make. I dream of the day we can compete with the best in the world because we have what it takes.

How GOtv Nigeria is Impacting Local Content Production Vanessa Obioha writes that digital terrestrial television has made interventions in local content production by offering viewers access to diverse programmes

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imba Atiya has never produced a daily TV show before ‘Halita’. The content producer had mainly produced content for radio and television with a shorter life span. All of that changed when he produced ‘Halita’ for Africa Magic channels on GOtv. It was the Àrst time he would embark on such a task. However, the success of the show made it worthwhile.

Today, Atiya is grateful to GOtv Nigeria for the opportunity and the reach the drama series enjoyed. According to him, the series gained more popularity from the GOtv platform such that when the show was moved to a premium channel, fans protested.

Apart from the reach, the platform helped to showcase the contemporary northern culture to a diverse audience.

Atiya is just one of the numerous content

producers who have beneÀted from GOtv Nigeria. Through its parent company MultiChoice Nigeria, content producers have the opportunity to showcase their stories to a wider audience due to its aͿordability and accessibility to low-income households in Nigeria. This includes producers of shows on GOtv such as ‘The Johnsons’ and ‘Flatmates’.

This is more evident on Big Brother Naija, the popular reality television show that has not only churned out superstars but also impacted heavily on the economy.

For the Àrst time in 2019, a Big Brother Naija House was built in Nigeria. The new and improved facility measures about 1800sqm with an additional 250sqm for support building services such as the sickbay, laundry and artiste lounges. It was designed and built to be bigger and better than any of the Big Brother Africa or Mzansi houses.

Other upgrades for the house include the

Arena where Friday night games usually held. It received a major upgrade by up to 270sqm while the live eviction show venue is about +300sqm the size of the previous house. By building the house from scratch, a lot of Nigerians gained employment as carpenters, caterers and other crew members were involved in the process.

Last year, the company revealed that it spent N3.2 billion producing the Àfth season of the show. The Àgure did not include the grand prize worth N85 million that the eventual winner took home and excluded investments made by sponsors and other promotional and marketing expenses. The House alone was valued at N2.5 billion while One billion Naira was spent renovating it for the new season.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic last year, the organisers employed over 300 persons in the production of the show. It also

provided an N400 million grant to creatives whose jobs were aͿected by the pandemic.

Beyond Big Brother Naija, MultiChoice Nigeria has invested N634 billion in the Nigerian economy in the past Àve years.

About N32 billion have been channelled to the creative industry while N49 billion has been spent in original content production infrastructure, still within the same period.

From 2015 to 2019, the sum of content commissioned, produced and acquired by Africa Magic totalled $86.8 million while 404,000 lives have been impacted with jobs and viewership from M-Net, Africa Magic Super Sport, which are all available on GOtv. Arguably, the Àgures aforementioned show the socioeconomic impact of the platform.

Its investment in local content production is part of its goals to make local content global and at this rate, Nigerian stories may dominate the global stage.

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 5, 2021

POLITY

Ugwuanyi, Roads and Civil Engineering Wonders at Milken Hill Luke Mgboh

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n the beginning, roads were paths made by animals.

They were later adopted by humans to serve their own needs.Modern roads and highways are described as traveled ways on which people, animals or wheeled vehicles move. The term road is, therefore, a rural, less traveled way, while the word street denotes an urban roadway.

Highway refers to a major rural traveled way.

In every society, roads are catalyst to economic growth.

They provide important social benefits also. They, for instance, provide access to employment, social, health and educational services, thereby serving as an antidote to hunger, poverty, backwardness and under development. Indeed, the importance of good road networks in modern times can never be over stretched.

On assumption of office, six years ago, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, undoubtedly realized this much and made design, construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of urban and rural roads among his priorities.Today, over 700

Ugwuanyi

kilometers of roads, spread across the state, have been completed with asphalt while many others are ongoing in the same haste and urgency across the state. It is on record that no fewer than 250 road projects are either completed or are ongoing in different parts of the state.

Early in his administration, the New Market - 9th mile portion of the Enugu - Onitsha Express Way had become a death trap. Accidents were regularly recorded on the highway, leading to injury and loss of lives. The tragic status of the highway was so bad that one needs to dust up his will before traveling pass the highway.

At that time, the only option left for motorists was to ply the old Ngwo road or Milken Hill road, as it was popularly called.

Again, this road had become notorious for its dangerously bendy nature, which winded through the foot of the thick -forested hill, bounded by very deep gully. Underneath the hill were relics of coal mines and its beautiful tunnels, which unfortunately were not protective.

Indeed, the hill has always been a beautiful sight. It is still beautiful.Yet, over time, drivers are generally encouraged to drive slowly and cautiously given its dangerously meandering nature. Often, vehicles slid down the valley; especially when and if utmost care was not exercised by the driver..

Coincidentally the road, at that time, was also caving in due to erosion, making it obviously unsafe for motorists and for all those who travel through it. It was therefore obvious that something must be urgently done to salvage the road. More so, when the same Milken Hill road was a major economic gateway for the people of Enugu State.

It was against this background that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, embarked on redesigning and constructing the popular Milken Hill road. His approach was double- barreled in nature. He not only redesigned and constructed the 5.50km New Market- Milken Hill - Ngwo - 9th Mile Corner Road, he also rehabilitated the New Market - Iva Valley flyover portion of the Enugu - Onitsha Express road.

He expanded the Milken Hill road, using strong concrete pavements as barricade to prevent vehicles from falling into the deep gully and installed solar -powered street lights to light up the road at night.

The result was astonishing.Many who had been there, lost their breath in utter amazement. They would never have imagined that such engineering wonder could happen in Africa, considering the difficult nature of the road. Even among engineering experts, it is hard to believe that this feat is possible. But with Governor

Ugwuanyi, impossible is very possible.

Today, Milken Hill road has become a tremendously beautiful sight- Green, lush and natural, It has become an endearing road path to travel, a path where motorists, cyclists and even mountain hikers are wrapped in the bosom of mother nature.

Another point to acknowledge with joy about the administration road program is its spread across urban and rural centers.

The rural people of the state certainly are not abandoned and ignored. Some of the rural projects are Amaechi- Uwani road, Ebony Paint road, Ugwogo - Nike - Ikem road, Umualor - Eha - Amufu road, Eha - Amufu - Nkalagu road, Amaechi- Idodo Amuzam - Amagunze road, Ugbawka - Nara - Nkerefi Road, Ogonogoeji - Ndiagu - Akpugo road, Agbani - Afor - Amauri road, ongoing Onuoha - Obi - Offia and Bunker Roads among others.

But that is not all there is about the several beautiful roads of Enugu State. Driving in Enugu State has become an exercise of ease, safety and comfort. No more is the rough bumpy drives that destabilizes the drivers!

Despite the challenging economic situation in the country as a result of the global pandemic and a sharp drop in Federal allocation, the number of these roads is amazing too. There are several of them. Amost recent one is the Etudo/ Awkunanaw Street, which was hitherto in a very deplorable state. The delivery of this brand new road has generated so much joy among the residents of the state.

Speaking during the Governor’s visit to the street, the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, said that “The road was captured in the 2021 budget deliverables as a Special Intervention Project for urgent attention because of its socio - economic importance to residents of the area”.

Other roads constructed and rehabilitated within the metropolis include Airport - Roundabout - Orie - St. Patrick’s - Eke Obinagu road, Abakpa Nike and Nike Road, Enugu - Abakaliki ( Ekeobinagu junction) - Onunweneabo - Akpuga Nike road, Achi - Akpo - Daughters of Divine Love (DDL) road.

Also rehabilitated and reconstructed are Njamanze entrance, Bonny lane, Asaba chemist lane all in Ogun road, Mount Street GRA, NEW Market roundabout, Civil Defense, Works road, Agu - Abor - Ngenevu and Broderick roads, Nkpokiti Estate Road, Ibuzor Street, Agbani/ Ohofia Street, Afam Okereke Street, Ugwuoba, Onitsha, Ukehe streets, all in Independence Layout.

Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

Saliu Mustapha

Raging Insecurity is All about 2023

Saliu Mustapha is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and now an aspirant to the party’s national chairmanship position in the forthcoming national convention. He speaks to Hammed Shittu about his ambition, insecurity, recent defection of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State into APC, among others

W

hat do you think is responsible for the rising insecurity in Nigeria?

First, I acknowledge that there are security challenges bedevilling the country at the moment. I also acknowledge that the issue of insecurity is a global challenge. There is hardly any country that is not facing one internal security challenge or another. So, since it is a global phenomenon, Nigeria, being the largest black nation, is naturally not going to be immune. So, that explains that.

There is no government that will be so irresponsible as to neglect the security of its people. It is true of Nigeria, and particularly President Muhammadu Buhari. He says this all the time that the number one reason he is elected to govern this country is to tackle the security challenges he inherited from previous administrations. The number two is to fight corruption. The number three is to stabilise the economy. So, the President is fully aware of the people’s expectations and he is living up to it in the circumstances he found himself. And the circumstances are that the bulk of the present security challenges are inherited. Apart from that, successive administrations did not do enough to prepare our security apparatus for the nature of the security challenges we now face.

Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, etc are the emerging security concerns that require a lot of technicalities. Although I am not trying to find excuses for the government, like you, I also believe that things can be better, but certainly, the government is not resting, it is doing the best it could. It will only take a while before the results start to manifest. And that is why I am appealing for calm and patience from Nigerians. However, from the political point of view, it is no brainer to observe that there is a syndicated sabotage of government efforts on security arrangement in the country.

When government is fixing one hole, some elements, for reasons best known to them, will be unraveling another. What they are ignorant of is if it rains, it rains everywhere, and on everybody! So, when you say that insecurity is heightened at this time, I cannot but agree 100%. And the only reason why it is heightened is because of 2023. It is a recurring decimal and as long as this kind of culture does not stop, insecurity will be heightened

Mustapha

at one point or another in our polity.

So, what is the solution to insecurity challenges?

The people should pay more than a passing interest in their own security. The government is no doubt trying its best, in the circumstances it found itself. But the people too have to join hands actively with the government at all levels to nip this crisis in the bud. As I am talking to you now, I have lost a dear friend, Barrister Gulak Ahmed, to the insecurity going on in the country; he was shot in broad daylight in Owerri. We should join hands to end these criminalities. We should not leave the government to it all alone.

In the midst of all of this, you have announced your intention to contest for the position of national chairman of APC.

What are the underlying motivations for this?

Well, first and foremost, I believe in the service to the community, and to me, the community is not just where you live; the community comprises what you do, where you work, and people you associate with. My being in APC, as I’ve always said, is an ideological pathway; I have always found myself with the progressives, and if I can be of value or I can add anything to make it better, I think I will be most humble to do that. I am part of those who brought about the merger that gave birth to APC. As the Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC), we know what we did then, we all had to forgo our positions to allow for a bigger picture because we believe putting all hands-on deck and forming a unifying front was what Nigeria badly needed at that time to overcome its challenges. So, for me, there are so many things that I would say are part of what have motivated me to come out to contest this position. It is a party I am part and parcel of from the beginning, and I would not want to see a project so noble as APC to go down the drain. I believe I have a lot to offer, especially coming from someone who knows where we started from and the whole ideas and dreams of our founding members. So, I believe we can do better, and some of us can offer a lot more to consolidate on what is being presently achieved, because of course, APC has done well; I must say and also acknowledged that, but we can still do better; there is room for more excellent work to be done.

You are going to be contesting with bigwigs in the party, former governors, senators and others.When you look at that, do you not feel intimidated by their profiles?

As I said in my earlier response, this is a call to service, and when you are called to serve, you are not to be intimidated by names or titles. The most important thing is what you have to offer, how well your intentions are, what new ideas do you have to bring to the table and how accessible will you be because in politics and party administration, you have to be very tolerant, and very accessible to allow a lot of people to come on board the ship.

Read full interview on www.thisdaylive.com

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 5, 2021

POLITY

Outgoing NEMA DG Hands over Air Ambulance Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

AVM Muhammadu Muhammed

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he outgoing Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, AVM Muhammadu Muhammed (retd.) has handed over the agency’s Air Ambulance to the new DG Ahmed Mustapha Habib and also thaked the staff and management for their total support during his tenure.

The Air Ambulance had undergone extensive repairs and now operational.

In his valedictory note, AVM Muhammed said: “I forever cherish the moments we shared , working 24/7 to bring succour to the distressed. For sure, it will be strange feeling to wake up and realise no long meetings , through the nights and weekends, but I will quickly adjust and make good use of what I learned here. Remember, you are all Nigerians willing to serve our country with all our hearts and minds. I am asking you to hold fast to that faith. Please do not do injustice to yourselves. Be your brothers keeper’s and together you will take NEMA to greater heights.”

The outgoing DG said: “The year 2020 was a very significant year as the world was ravaged by the Novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This led to a complete global lockdown of activities. Nigeria was not exempted from the negative impact of this pandemic. Amidst this global crisis, the nation was not spared from other devastating incidents ranging from Flooding, Fire, Insurgency,

Air ambulance

Banditry, Kidnapping, Road Accidents, Pipeline/Gas Explosions, Herders/Farmers Clashes, Communal Clashes, Cattle Rustling, Building Collapse, the disruptive EndSARS protests, et cetera.”

Notwithstanding all these challenges, AVM Muhammed explained that NEMA “collaborated with research institutions (Centres for Disaster Risk Management and Development Studies CDRM&DS) and partnered with Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to carry out public awareness campaigns against the spread of COVID-19.”

Muhammed adds: “In collaboration with UN-Spider and NARSDA, NEMA produced flood maps for efficient response. Advocacy visits were made to the 36 States of the Federation and the Disaster Response Units (DRUs) of the Armed forces, on flood preparedness, mitigation

and response. As a strategic national Agency dealing with national man-made or natural disruptions, NEMA ensured that requisite assistance was given to persons affected by spiraling armed banditry, fire and rainstorm/windstorm devastations to ameliorate their sufferings.”

A fortnight ago, NEMA inducted comprehensive Disaster Risk Reduction equipment for search and rescue donated by the Japanese Government. These include nine units of rescue vehicles with rescue equipment, four units of mobile water purifier systems with vehicles.

NEMA staffs have been trained on the usage of these specialized vehicles by experts from Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan. The mobile water purifier systems were duly deployed during recent flood disasters for provision of drinking water to Internally Displaced Persons.

Street Project Foundation Inaugurates Youth Advisory Board

S

treet Project Foundation has inaugurated a Youth Advisory Board to champion social mobilization and inclusivity among its Ambassadors.

The members of the board include: President, Uzoamaka Asiegbu, a creative writer and disability advocate; Vice President, Vanessa Daniels, a geoscientist and actor; Secretary General, Elizabeth Adams, poet and founder of Lizdiamond Concepts; Program Coordinator, Dorcas Jacob, brand communication professional; Welfare Secretary, Abiodun Oyeniran, digital marketer/musical artist and Treasurer Dimeji-Ajayi Olamide, a nurse and development enthusiast.

Founder and Lead Visionary of SPF, Rita EzenwaOkoro in a press statement explained the need to build a youth organization that is of the youth, by the youth and for the youth prompted the establishment of the Youth Advisory Board as an integral structure of Street Project Foundation. She also expressed the need for the board to reflect the inclusivity of the organization as three members of the board are persons living with disability.

She further stated that The Youth Advisory Board is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the voices of the youth remain the most dominant influence for program design and community development at Street Project Foundation (SPF). This leadership structure will serve as a catalyst for social mobilization and inclusive social change with SPF Youth Ambassadors at the forefront.

President of the SPF Youth Advisory Board, Uzoamaka Asiegbu expressed her eagerness to lead the team of young professionals towards becoming the catalyst for social justice discuss and community organizing for inclusive social change.

Street Project Foundation has a mission to facilitate opportunities for youth employment, social mobilization and cross-cultural dialogue using creative arts as a tool and has achieved this through projects such as Creative Youth Booth Camp, Digital Amazons, Street University

and Talent Hub. As part of their achievement, the foundation records; 85% of Digital Amazons Trained secure paid internships in Advertising, Digital and Media Agencies in Nigeria.

25% get retained earning an average salary of N108,000/

monthly.

Not less than 60% of the 2019-2020 cohorts of the Creative Youth Boot Camp get accelerated through mentorships, internships, scholarships, fellowships, and grants.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 5, 2021

POLITY

UNGASS: Nigeria Advocates Simplification of Assets Recovery Procedures Bennett Oghifo

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igeria has called for the simplification of evidentiary requirements and other mutual legal assistance procedures to enhance international cooperation and facilitate timely recovery and return of stolen assets.

Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, stated this last Thursday while presenting Nigeria’s statement at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly Special Session on corruption in New York, United States of America.

He said: “Measures must be introduced to mitigate the continuous flow of illicit funds from least developed to developed countries and State Parties must continue to commit to the timely return of illicit assets and ensure implementation of effective anti-money laundering measures by International Financial Centres.”

The Special Session which opened on Wednesday June 2, 2021 is designed to examine measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation, pursuant to the General Assembly resolutions 73/191 and 74/276 as well as decision 74/568, including the adoption of a set of action-oriented Political Declaration on corruption.

The Declaration which were agreed upon in advance through intergovernmental negotiation by State Parties to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, covers the thematic areas of prevention, criminalization and law enforcement; assets recovery and international cooperation as well as cross-cutting issues like education and research, among others.

Addressing the Special Session , Bawa said Nigeria “acknowledges the very beneficial use of settlements or non-trial resolutions to ensure the disgorgement of illicit gains from corrupt acts.

He called on Jurisdictions negotiating settlements to, “inform affected jurisdictions that a negotiation toward a settlement is taking place, and proactively share information on concluded settlements”.

The EFCC chair underlined the threats which corruption poses to the world thus: “Corruption across national borders has huge negative impacts on the stability, peace, and

Bawa

economic prospects of millions, particularly in developing countries. Corruption remains one of the most pervasive and daunting challenges facing humanity. It deprives national Governments of resources needed for sustainable development and facilitates illicit financial flows (IFFs) from developing economies to developed Countries thus, weakening states’ ability to deliver developmental expectations targeted at women and youths.

“Nigeria, like many other countries, has suffered from the damaging effects of corruption. The Country has lost billions of dollars to foreign tax havens, stolen and expatriated by corrupt leaders and their foreign accomplices including multinational companies”.

He, however, noted that Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari had been upfront in its commitment to fighting corruption. He explained that aside making the fight against corruption a key policy of the administration, the government developed a National Anti-

Corruption Strategy as a framework for preventive and law enforcement engagement and introduced measures to mitigate revenue leakage, including a whistleblower policy which led to the recovery of $43million.

“Public corruption is being exposed by the day and several Politically Exposed Persons have been and are being prosecuted and divested of their illicit assets. We have been engaging with International Law Enforcement Agencies around the world and some of the collaboration has led to the recovery and repatriation of stolen funds including the recentreturn of the 4.2million Pounds by the UK Government that was stolen from Nigeria by a former Governor.

“Procurement processes have been strengthened and activities of the Gate Keepers are being monitored through the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering to serve as deterrence to the stealing of public funds. Policies have been introduced to mitigate revenue leakages including the development of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS). The NACS is developed with 5 identified cardinal pillars on prevention, public engagement, ethical re-orientation, enforcement & sanctions and recovery & management of stolen assets/proceeds of crime. The strategy is aimed at providing a national road map in the fight against corruption,” he said.

Bawa also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts in strengthening the legislative framework for anti-corruption in the country, including the launch of the 2021 Legislative Anti-Corruption Agenda (LACS 2021) which seeks to provide a clear road map for a reform based legislative intervention to prevent and combat corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.

“Some of the bills before the Parliament include the Witness Protection Bill, Proceeds of Crime (POCA), Bill and Public Interest Disclosure and Complaints Commission Bill,” he added.

He concluded that Nigeria looks forward to the “full implementation of all the commitments expressed in the Political Declaration, particularly on Asset Recovery and return, to support development financing as well as the implementation of the agenda 2030 for sustainable development.”

Apart from presenting Nigeria’s statement, the EFCC boss participated in a number of side events, most of which held virtually.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Ahmed Kumshe; President ICAN, Comfort Olajumoke Eyitayo; and immediate past president, Onome Joy Adewuyi, during the investiture of Eyitayo as 57th president of the institute in Lagos…recently SUNDAYADIGUN

R-L: Managing Director/CEO, DBN Plc, Tony Okpanachi; Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; ED, Finance and Corporate Services, DBN Plc, Ijeoma Ozulumba ; and ED North, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Iman, at a courtesy visit to DBN head office in Abuja …recently

L-R: Head Human Recourses, Executive Initiative, Joshua Edison; Brand Manager, Maltina, Chiamaka Efulu; Tomike Foundation representative, Lawal Olamide; Senior Brand Manager, Maltina, Elohor Olumide-Awe; and Brand Support Manager, Igbokwe King Remy, during the presentation of gifts by Maltina to the NGO’s Executive initiatives and Tomike Foundation in Lagos… recently

L-R: Former President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pham. Olumide Akintayo; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Clifford Esomonu; Chairman PSN Lagos State Branch, Pham. Gbolagade Iyiola; and the President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN),Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, at the PSN 2021 Annual Luncheon and Investiture of Merit Award Winners/50 million Fund Raising, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

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SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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˜ ˾ JUNE 5, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

Marching Orders, Not ‘Matching Order’

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EWS around the city welcomes us to the month of June with this sloppy headline: “Buhari gives matching order (marching orders) to IGP over killing of policemen” “Tinubu kicks against secessionists (secessionist) agenda “…followers not to have read in between the lines of my typing before clicking the button.”

No apology: read between the lines.

“It is a lesson that will guide my future carrier (career).”

“They should sensitise (sensitize preferably) Nigerians about (to) the disease….”

“Chelsea, Man City in fight-to-finish” Get it right: fight to the finish “CPC to clampdown on illegal microfinance banks” Phrasal verb: clamp down (two words) “This time around” (THE NATION OPINION Page, May 30) Not my opinion: this time round (British English)—the extract is American English!

“An acknowledged scholar, a distinguished statesman and a team leader per excellence” This way: leader par excellence.

“New trends in electioneering campaigns” (THISDAY, May 25) Politics Today: just electioneering or political campaigns ‘Electioneering campaign’ is sheer verbiage! ‘Electioneering’ encompasses campaign and other related electoral issues.

“Mamodu asks police to crackdown on violent politicians” Noun: crackdown; phrasal verb: crack down (which applies here).

“Some countries have taken tobacco manufacturers to court for the damages their products cause.” The will to die: ‘damage‘ is uncountable, except in reparative applications for indemnity.

“With the launching (launch) of the poverty alleviation (a hyphen) programme by the

Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively in place.” (THE GUARDIAN, March 30) “…what happened was that somebody filed a writ of summon.“ (DAILY CHAMPION, March 24) This way (singular): a writ of summons; plural: summonses.

“It is the Federal Board that is always guilty of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.” (Nigerian Tribune, May 30) ‘Riff-raff’, just like ‘stuff’, is uncountable.

“Modern technology has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.” This way: brother’s keeper (fixed idiom), irrespective of the number of people involved.

“The coincidence in the timing of all those sleazy gossips in soft-sell magazines and the beginning of his fashion parade….” ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable.

“More overaged players for youth soccer“ (Sunday Tribune, May 30) Get it right: overage players.

“Residents of some of the troubled spots in Libya in disarray” Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots. “…rummaging all the bags and ransacking every nook and corner.” (Source: as above) Stock expression: nook and cranny.

Daily Trust of May 28 disseminated seven improprieties: “The police requires (require) a redeemer who can uplift the Force from the battering it (they) suffered during the long years of militarization.”

“I inquired from those that appear to know and they said that the president is (was) roaming the country in the name of campaigns.”

“There is (are) no electricity, no security, no water, no roads, no health facilities in Nigeria.”

“Foreign companies will be falling over themselves (one another) to come and invest here if we get the 2023 elections right.” “...given the lame-duck posture of the

opposition parties, the PDP simply held sway from the onset (outset).”

“Reactions on (to) the Pope’s visit, however successful, were mixed in Egypt, a country inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population.”

“Prior to the Pope’s visit, Egyptian Catholics have (had) opted out of the….”

“The first part was published last week Friday.” (THE GUARDIAN, May 30) Monday politics: either last Friday or Friday, last week.

“Vigilante (vigilance) groups, committed to the enforcement of the by-law, are being set up.” (Source: as above) “Some of these areas include producing enough food to feed our teaming (teeming) population.”

“Rather, the money, including the N200 million per state released for special purposes, was diverted to other uses.” We certainly do not need the last three words in the extract, having been taken care of by ‘diversion’.

The next three blunders are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of May 31: “Unless the detonating mechanism of extremist religious chauvinism is diffused.” Get it right: defused (not diffused).

“They have decided to sheath their machetes and seek vengeance no more.“ Noun: sheath; verb: sheathe.

THISDAY of June 3 requires reformation of four lines: “The sources of revenue in a city like Lagos is very important.” Still on errors of attraction (more below): sources… are. “…business downturn resulting to (in) drive-wandering.” “…the rapaciousness of project contractors increase (increases) the country’s debt burden.”

“Senior civil servants’ union berate junior counterparts” Inside business: union berates.

THE GUARDIAN of May 30 questioned linguistic rules twice: “It’s the poet feared most, knowing fully (full) well that one of the….”

Okosuns, Rhodes: Channeling Two Significant Men (Concluding parts of the article from Last week) s I was saying… While preparing to write a tribute to mark the passage of the Ozziddism priest that May of 2008, another great man of the arts, the venerable Steve Rhodes also took leave of us - just five days apart. Now that their 23rd anniversaries are here again, the old conundrum rises...but I’ve persuaded myself that while leaders and pretenders run helter skelter over how to govern a resilient and docile nation - until confusion and injustice have now suffocated reason and sense… some of us will go about the business of honouring the dead...while the living-dead deal with Buhari’s brouhahas!

A

The End Of Ozziddism?

(January 1, 1947 - May 24, 2008) “I used to prod Sonny Okosuns that all his professional life was programmed to be a consistent adversary to the other great African music genius, Fela Anikulapo Kuti (who died on August 2, also on a Saturday, about 11 years earlier). Irrespective of his protestation, or explanation for his position, I insisted that the fear of Fela was his elixir- the reason for the passion of his musical and public exertions. Well, I had my reasons.

Anyway, the rolling years, patience, maturity, his consistency and unabated passion revealed to me that he probably needed to prove to Nigerians, and indeed the entire world, that you could be the greatest African musical talent without succumbing to irreverence, illegality, agnosticism or rootless ribaldry. To contextualize my proposition, I spread a blanket of inferences…not necessarily in order of occurrence.

When Fela reigned in Kalakuta Republic, at Moshalashi, near Idi-Oro and later, Ikeja; Okosuns threw Ozziddi Palace open to potential delinquents, grooming them out of anti-social tendencies… out of dependency on drugs and vices, with personal and financial sacrifices... to become useful to themselves and their society.

When Fela, the ultimate African big-man, dropped out of monogamy, to transform 27 of his singers and dancers into ‘wives’; Okosuns stuck to Nkechi (even in spite of pressures from his own family to expand his sexual consequence). Of course, the parents later won, and some issues erupted as it is common with most musicians’ doomed struggle to keep their loins from the laps of more than one woman (but that is another story).

When Fela opened his shrine and African traditional spiritism to the world, Okosuns not only dug deeper into his Bible Studies, he later launched a bible-believing church, House of Prayer, in his expansive Lagos home.

When Fela scorned world leaders, lambasting them for foot-dragging on reparations for their heinous exploitation of black Africa, but flirted with revolutionaries and opposition comrades; Okosuns pumped hands with potentates of the free world; and to

those with listening ears, he sang his heart out with caressing lyrics appealing for the liberation of the African downtrodden.

Yet, unlike Fela, Okosuns’ music (a miasma of highlife, reggae and folk) was not easy for the succeeding artistes to pick up. Or so it appeared, until he died. It seemed like a personal brand of music chiselled as liberation rhythms. He was indeed a tough act to follow, or copy… if it were not so, devotees would have crept out of the hinterland when he veered into Christian music. Of course, that period in Okosuns’ musicography coincided with when Fela, his alter ego, left or was fading off the scene. It would appear Okosuns had no impetus to project the liberation-turned-salutation rhythms anymore…he delved rather into salvation songs with instant success.

His hit LP, Songs of Praise caught the Church of Nigeria panting with confused exhilaration. Reggae - a hitherto heathen music to Christians - became a grudging acceptable rhythmic vehicle running on the fuel of Okosuns’ sudden intervention.

Progressively, music took less and less of his creative cornucopia… politics (both secular and spiritual) took centre court… lyrical creativity suffered…and Okosuns gradually but valiantly succumbed to the rapid movement of Time and discomfort. He died with a lingering burden… with a merciless disease that had no regard for his simple and kind heart. He died far away in a free country because his country was still held down by another type of slavery…his country was still hungry for another type of liberation.

His last song was choked in his devastated lungs…he made his final cry for salvation…but we were too busy to hear…we were too helpless to care…we were too traumatized to sympathize…and the African Soldier died.”

Steven Bankole Rhodes: The Elder (April 8, 1926 - May 29, 2008) “Whichever mood you met Elder Steve Rhodes, you wouldn’t leave without a searing impression of a significant man of history, a profound archetype of what a wonderful place this country could have been.

Because of his reputation - a stickler for excellence, in all things; very organized in thoughts and deeds, and a perfectionist, even at his advanced age - I spent several months getting to know him, to understand his ethos.

For me, every interaction with an enigma excites and motivates me. I see challenges where the signboards say Danger!or Don’t!.

Getting to know ESR (of course that means Elder Steve Rhodes) meant getting to know the Steve Rhodes voices. Now, I’m not referring to the award-winning choral ensemble, but the two integral parts - Gloria and Jeanette, ESR’s big daughters.

By 1993, I was ready. We had set out to organize the most definitive music award ceremony outside the grip of the core practitioners of the craft. We wrote to ESR, inviting him as the chairman of the award’s advisory committee, with powers to reign us in when we went overboard in any area of organisation. When

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“The agitated crowd, who had been whipped to hysteria, demanded for his head.…” To avoid mayhem, delete ‘for’, from the extract. ”…and which provides a noble and humanistic framework for relations between the state and citizens in (on) our continent.”

“But in the welter of these realignment of forces…” Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces.

VANGUARD of June 3 circulated three goofs: “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.…”

“It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.…” “…Aba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....”

“Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.” Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands.

“One of the most outrageous abuses occured…” Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred.

“I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services absolute.” Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have).

“In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.” Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

ESR’s name was mooted in-house, the baleful consensus was that since he was at least two generations removed from the oldest one among us, he was going to teach us how to channel our infantile exertions to proper routes, and thus accord him a well-deserved distance from the murky waters of reward palaver.

Much as it seemed similar to the odyssey of the tortoise on its doomed (‘not until I’ve been disgraced’) visitation to its fabled in-laws…we sent in the letter of invitation. We didn’t have to wait long. Less than a week later, a quota-size (A5) grey-coloured ESRheaded note arrived - accepting with unveiled humility to serve in the Advisory Board of Fame Music Awards…and enjoining us to divert all efforts at not only promoting, but pursuing excellence in our activities! We flipped. We were stunned. And we convened a summit immediately to discuss the monumental spectacle. The rumbling conclusion was: would any of us at over 70 be willing to serve with contemporaries of one’s grandchild!!? We wondered.

An amazing man, indeed.

In 1994, we had another itch: to produce the first all-inclusive movie award ceremony in Nigeria. Thus THEMA (The Movie Awards) was born. No bets in guessing who the guardian angel was. By then, ESR had become the Managing-Trustee of the famed Glover Memorial Hall on Lagos Island. With his status, his deliberate mentoring, we staged the first THEMA (1995) inside the moist entrails of cinematic history - perhaps the oldest cinema hall in the western part of Africa.

Every time I saw him rubbing shoulders and minds with young Turks at entertainment ceremonies, fora and talk-shops.

I marveled at the untiring passion of the grandmaster to fuse a spirit of excellence, commitment, devotion, diligence in the creative process… for posterity.

ESR’s wry smile, as he made his mind known on any issue within his core competence, staggered the imagination and disarmed sensibilities…even if his words dripped with sarcasm or umbrage. You know as a matter of everyday fact that he meant exactly what he said - without fear or tear. With a boyish teasing smile, he knocked sense into you with the uncommon authority of a man who had seen it all; a man who could not, even if he wanted, surrender to the indulgence of suffering fools gladly.

Simple to distraction in public style, and blindingly adorable with his beatific smile, ESR had a larger-than-life capacity to motivate and agitate at once. Surely, he will continue to resonate with many generations after him. He is the quintessential ESR.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

EVENTS Ï×ÌÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ Obafemi Awolowo University Community ËØÎ ÓÞÝ ÖÎ ÞßÎÏØÞÝ̳ ̙ Öß×ØÓ̚ ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã ÍÙØàÏÜÑÏÎ ÙØ ËÑÙÝ ÐÙÜ Ë ÚÜÏÝÝ ÍÙØÐÏÜÏØÍÏ ÞÙ ÍÙ××Ï×ÙÜËÞÏ ÞÒÏ ;͸ÞÒ ËØØÓàÏÜÝËÜã ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÓØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØ ÒËàÓØÑ ÌÏÏØ ÐÙßØÎÏÎ ÙØ ßØÏ ΀ÞÒ˜ ͹΁;͹˛ ÒÏ×Ïν ˹ ÜÏËÞ ÐÏ˝ ;͸ ÏËÜÝ ÙÐ ÎàËØÍÓØÑ ÒÏ ÜÙØÞÓÏÜÝ ÙÐ ØÙáÖÏÎÑÏ ËØÎ ßÖÞßÜÏ ËØÎ ÖÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÓÍÏ̋ ÒËØÍÏÖÖÙܘ Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, ÞÒÏ ÏÜßÎÓÞÏ ÝÍÒÙÖËÜ ÞËÖÕÏÎ ÑÖÙáÓØÑÖã ËÌÙßÞ ÞÒÏ ÜÏËÞ ÐÏ˪Ý ËÍÒÓÏàÏ×ÏØÞÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÚËÝÞ˜ ÓÞÝ ÚÜÏÝÏØÞ ËØÎ ÑÖÙÜÓÙßÝ ÐßÞßÜÏ ÓØ ËÍËÎÏ×ÓÍ ËØÎ ÜÏÝÏËÜÍÒ˛ ÏÜÏ ËÜÏ Ë ÐÏá ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÎÓÑØÓÞËÜÓÏÝ ÞÒËÞ ÑÜËÍÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÙÍÍËÝÓÙØ

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, Pro-Chancellor, OAU, Owele Oscar Udoji and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), (OAU),Prof. Chris Ajila

Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof.

Eyitope Ogunbodede

L-R: National President, OAU ALUMNI, Engr. Wale Olaleye, Chairman, BoT UNIFEMGA and Pro-Chancellor, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti and President, International Relations, ALUMNI Association, OAU, Prince Chris Adetayo

L-R: OAU Foundation Board Member and Director, Eko Electricity Dev. Company (EKO Disco) Barrister George Etomi and Rev. Bola Oyeledun

Chairman, OAU 60th Anniversary Committee, Prof. Charles Ukeje and Medical Director, Optimal Specialist Hospital, Dr. Chukwunenye U. Celestine

L-R: Immediate Past President, University of Ife Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA), Engr. Adekunle Odeyimka, Head of Secretariat, ALUMNI Office, Obafemi Awolowo University, Mr. Gbolahan Ogunajo and President, UNIFEMGA (Home and Diaspora), Alhaji Abdulfattah Olanlege

L-R: Pharmacist Shonubi-Odutola and Ms. Fatimoh Ayinde

L-R: Nollywood Actors and OAU Alumni,Mrs. Foluke Daramola-Salako and Mr. Yemi Solade

26

SATURDAY JUNE 5, 2021 • T H I S D AY

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

FINAL NAIL

5.06.2021

PAGE. 31

Peter Olayinka Inching Closer to His Dream

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Peter Olayinka draws a foul from Barcelona defender, Gerrard Pique at Nou Camp

Peter Olayinka Inching Closer to His Dream Right from when he was playing on the streets of Nigeria, his dream was to one day star for London giants-Arsenal, but until now his football prowess has not taken him past Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic.

Peter Olayinka, however, may be getting close to his dream as the Nigerian is already on the wish list of three Premier League clubs

T

hree Premier League clubs - Brighton, Southampton and Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Super Eagles striker Peter Olayinka with a view to signing him for the coming

season.

According to premierleague.cz in partnership with 90min.com, Southampton, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove are monitoring the situation of the Slavia Prague star.

Olayinka excelled in the 2020-2021 Europa League, contributing three goals and two assists in 11 matches before Slavia Prague were knocked out of the competition by Arsenal in the quarterfinal stage.

The 25-year-old was particularly impressive against the British teams in the Europa League, bagging assists against Leicester City and Glasgow Rangers, before netting the crucial opener against Steven Gerrard’s team at the Ibrox Stadium.

Slavia Prague are aware that several foreign clubs are interested in their number 9 and are looking to sell him for no less than six million euros.

Olayinka has spent three seasons at the Czech champions, scoring 22 goals in 107 matches.

He is tied to Slavia Prague until June 2023

having extended his contract last December.

Olayinka has indeed hinted he would be interested in a move to other big leagues in Europe, if he receives a suitable offer.

He has been linked with a move to France and Germany following his impressive performance for Slavia Prague.

The forward has scored 11 goals and registered four assists, in 3,825 minutes of 27 times he played this season as he helped the Czech Republic reach the last eight of the UEFA Europa league.

Speaking on the rumour surrounding his future at the club, Olayinka toldbrila. net that he’s open to possibilities of trying some new, but he’s still a Slavia Prague’s player.

“I would be interested in new adventures at some points, but I don’t know because there have been rumours.”

“But for now, I can say I’m 100 per cent Slavia Prague’s player, but we will know what happens in the future,” he said.

Barcelona will not in a hurry forget exploits of Olayinka in the UEFA Champios League two years ago and he gave the Camp Nou faithful something to ponder upon at the end of the day.

Olayinka had scored an own goal as Slavia Prague fell 2-1 to Barcelona in the

UEFA Champions League game as he deflected a Luis Suarez shot with his chest in the 57th minute to put Barcelona ahead again after Jan Boril cancelled out Lionel Messi’s opener.

In the return leg at Nou Camp, Olayinka may not have scored but he was a torn in the flesh of Barcelona.

Indeed his performance did not go unnoticed by his compatriot, Asisat Oshoola who plays for Barcelona femini.

Super Falcons striker praised the spirited performance Olayinka after his Czech side, Slavia Prague left Camp Nou with a point following a goalless draw against the Spanish champions in the Champions League.

The Super Eagles forward, who played the entire duration of the game, was a handful for the Blaugrana defenders as his physical presence made life difficult for the likes of Gerrad Pique, Clement Lenglet, Nelson Semedo, and Jordi Alba on the night.

The 25-year-old covered a distance of 11.31 kilometers and that was only bettered by two Barcelona players, Frenkie de Jong (12.11km) and Vidal (11.57km).

Oshoola took to her official Twitter handle to commend the energetic display of the

former KAA Gent of Belgium player. “@AsisatOshoala: Peter no Dey tire #BARSLP”, her tweet reads.

In an earlier group match against Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro Stadium, Slavia Prague were on the verge of beating the host after Olayinka deservedly put the underdogs in front in their UEFA Champions League opening match but a 92nd minute equaliser from Nicolo Barella ensured that the Italians shared the spoils.

The goal, a first for Olayinka in the European elite football championship, came at a venue which holds a lot of memories for the Nigerian.

“San Siro is one of the most popular stadiums. I used to select the stadium when I used to play video games growing up,” he said on Instagram.

Olayinka admitted he was nervous at first, but the feeling of scoring at such an iconic stadium was overwhelming.

“When I got to the stadium, I was very nervous, even before the game. I was thinking of the stadium, and after scoring I didn’t know how to celebrate it. The feeling was overwhelming, but it was absolutely fantastic.”

His goal against Inter Milan made him become the first Nigerian to score on his Champions League debut since Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s hat-trick for Maccabi Haifa against Olympiakos in September 2002.

The 25-year-old made his debut for Nigeria against Brazil in an international friendly last month following eye-catching performances for his club in the league and in Europe.

Olayinka says he had a rough beginning as a young aspiring footballer, saying he had little parental support as his father didn’t think a career in football was possible. “At first my dad didn’t support me,” he told Brilla FM. According to him, things were tough to the extent that he could barely get food to eat before going for practice.

He said, “I was on the streets for a very long time, things weren’t easy. I suffered mostly growing up; things were difficult. I would drink garri and kuli-kuli or go on an empty stomach after practice. But I kept my focus and would pray for a breakthrough.

“Later he noticed I could make a living from it and he became my number one fan.

He bought me playing kits and my boots.”

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER Serena Keeps 24th Grand Slam Dream Alive at Roland Garros

Oghenekaro Etebo got the better of two Cameroonian players

Cameroon Lions End Super Eagles Unbeaten Streak, Beat Nigeria 2-1 in Vienna

T

hree times African champions, Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hope of extending their unbeaten streak against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon was dashed yesterday evening as Lions defeated the Gernot Rohr tutored side 1-0 in an international friendly in the Austrian capital, Vienna.

Nigeria created some decent chances but were undone by lack of precision in the final third as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions ran away with a 1-0.

Andre Zambo Anguissa caught goalkeeper Maduka Okoye napping with a ferocious grounder after latching on to William

Ekong’s interception nine minutes before the break at the Stadion Wiener Neustadt.

Before the goal, Moses Simon had seen his shot blocked by Anguissa as he broke down the left; Paul Onuachu’s close-range header had been thwarted by goalkeeper Simon Medjo’s reflected save; Okoye had saved from Karl Toko Ekambi and; Onuachu had lifted the ball too high when it appeared easier to score, all within the first six minutes of action.

Cameroon arrived the venue with their wellknown power and grit, and added workmanship and vigour. The Eagles, who edged the two teams’ last encounter 3-2 in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Na-

Nigerian Descent Omole Signs Contract Extension with Tottenham Nigeria-eligible defender Tobi Omole has extended his contract with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.

The English Premier League’s official website has published the retained and released list of all the top-flight clubs following the conclusion of the 2020-2021 season and Omole was among the players kept on by Tottenham for the forthcoming campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur confirmed back in October that Omole’s deal with the club was to expire at the end of the 2020-2021 season.

However, the 21-year-old has impressed enough to earn himself a new deal that

will keep him at Tottenham Hotspur until at least June 30, 2022.

Omole joined Spurs from north London rivals Arsenal following a successful trial He was a key member of the Tottenham Hotspur side that finished third in last season’s Premier League 2 Division One, making 20 appearances in total, including seventeen starts, and was in action for 1,538 minutes.

Four other youngsters of Nigerian descent namely Kion Etete, Jubril Okedina, Joshua Oluwayemi and Timothy Eyoma have been retained

by Tottenham Hotspur for the 2021-2022 season.

Spurs Halt Talks with Conte Tottenham have called off talks with Antonio Conte about becoming their next manager.

The former Chelsea boss, 51, looked set to replace Jose Mourinho after Spurs’ hopes of luring Mauricio Pochettino back from Paris

St-Germain were dashed.

However, negotiations have ground to a halt and BBC Sport understands there is no likelihood of them resuming.

Suggestions from Italy are that Conte was starting to have doubts due to the transfer budget he was set to be given.

tions in Egypt two years ago, were quick on the counter and balanced on the turn but the absence of some players, particularly of Victor Osimhen and Zaidu Sanusi, undoubtedly told.

Ekong and Abdullahi Shehu had to spirit the ball away from danger before Simon’s shot flew inches away from goal in the 35th minute. A minute later, Cameroon scored and the momentum naturally swung in the Lions’ favour.

Despite this, Nigeria dominated a fiercely –contested second half. England –based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was a pillar in the middle of the pack as always, and Alex Iwobi and Etebo also upped their game. An Iwobi, Simon and Onuachu orchestra in the 51st minute ended with

Onuachu lifting the ball too high. Ndidi and Iheanacho also wasted chances. But the most painful was Simon blasting over from inside the six-yard box after a flurry of shots had been blocked by the Lions.

Medjo did a great job to accomplish a doube save as Ekong and Etebo unleashed shots in the 64th minute.

The introduction of Ahmed Musa in the 66th minute added even more urgency to Nigeria’s game, but there was still no way past the Indomitable Lions’ defence, with Musa’s own shot diverted from goal with 14 minutes left. Iwobi also blasted over the woodwork with three minutes left.

Both teams will clash again also in Vienna on Tuesday.

Serena Williams powered confidently into the fourth round of the French Open with a solid performance against fellowAmerican Danielle Collins as the women’s singles draw opened up enticingly for the 23-timeGrandSlamchampion Serena Williams is now the highest-ranked player left in the bottom half of the women’s singles draw after defeating Danielle Collins Serena Williams was close to her best as she swatted aside the threat of fellow American Danielle Collins to reach the fourth-round of the French Open.

Williams, chasing a fourth Roland Garros title and recordequalling 24th Grand Slam, staged a second-set recovery to beat Collins 6-4 6-4.

The 39-year-old is playing herself into form on the clay, with her serve noticeably better than in her first two matches.

The only wobble came

early in the second set when Williams lost four games in a row but, after urging her feet to start moving again, she reeled off five straight games to clinch victory. Williams will take on Elena Rybakina, the 21st seed, next after she ended Elena Vesnina’s comeback Grand Slam with a 6-1 6-4 victory.

Vesnina was playing her first major since giving birth to her daughter in 2018.

Williams will not get ahead of herself, saying: “There’s still a lot of matches, a lot of great players, as we can see. There’s so much depth in this game now, it doesn’t matter if you’re playinginthefirstroundornot, youreallyhavetofightforevery matchandnothingcomeseasy.

“Ijustneededawin.Ineeded towintoughmatches.Ineeded to win sets. I needed to win being down. I needed to find me, know who I am. Nobody else is Serena out here. It’s me. It’s pretty cool.”

Premier League New Boys Court Onyeka English Premier League new boys Brentford are interested in Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka.

Brentford have the same owner as FC Midtjylland, where Onyeka has been plying his trade since 2016.

Last summer, the Nigeria international was heavily courted by Club Brugge but the deal did not happen after the Belgian champions failed to meet the asking price for the 23-year-old.

Brentford will bank in the region of £170m following their promotion to the topflight so money won’t be an issue to bring Onyeka to the West London club.

The FC Ebedei product is one of two FC Midtjylland players being targeted by the Bees in the summer transfer window as former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko is also on their radar.

Onyeka has established himself as one of the top defensive midfielders in the Danish Superliga over the last two seasons, helping the Wolves win the title in 2019-2020 and finish runners-up in the just concluded season.

In 123 outings for FC Midtjylland since his debut, he has tallied 17 goals and provided 10 assists.

Chelsea Extend Tuchel’s Contract Till 2024 Thomas Tuchel is the first manager to reach back-to-back Champions League finals with different clubs Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2024.

Tuchel, 47, signed an initial 18-month deal when he replaced Frank Lampard as Blues boss in January.

He led the club to victory in the Champions League final and a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League.

“There is far more to come and we are looking forward to our next steps with ambition and much anticipation,” said Tuchel.

Giroud and Silva sign new one-year Chelsea deals ‘Tuchel’s masterclass leaves Guardiola in despair’ Chelsea were ninth in the Premier League and without a win in five games when Tuchel was appointed at the start of the year.

The German has won 19 of his 30 games in charge,

with five defeats, and led the Blues to a 1-0 victory against Manchester City in Porto on 29 May to secure the club’s second Champions League title.

The London club also reached the FA Cup final, where they were beaten 1-0

by Leicester at Wembley.

“When Thomas joined us in January, there was still so much to play for domestically and in Europe. He slotted in seamlessly and immediately became an integral part of the

Chelsea family,” said Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.

“Returning us to the top four in the Premier League was crucial, and we could not be happier with our success in the Champions League, which crowned a remarkable season at Chelsea.”

Tuchel is the first manager to reach back-to-back Champions League finals with different clubs, having suffered defeat as Paris St-Germain boss in the 2020 final against Bayern Munich.

14,000 Spectators to Attend Euro 2020 Matches in Munich The government of Bavaria yesterday gave the green light for around 14,000 spectators to attend Euro 2020 matches in Munich, meeting UEFA’s stipulation that no European Championship games are played behind closed doors.

Spectators will be able to see Germany host world champions France at the Allianz Arena on June 15, face holders Portugal four days later and then play Hungary on June 23, while a quarter-final will

also be held in Munich.

“With a strict sanitary protocol, tests and masks, the stadium will be allowed to fill up to 20 per cent capacity, or about 14,000 spectators,” Bavaria’s state premier Markus Soeder confirmed while also loosening Covid-19 restrictions in the German state.

Yesterday’s announcement allays fears that tough hygiene regulations in Germany could have meant games at the Allianz Arena would continue

to be played behind closed doors.

Since the pandemic hit Germany in March 2020, Bayern Munich have played just one game in front of spectators, with a few hundred attending last month’s final Bundesliga home match of the 2020/21 season.

In April, the mayor of Munich said there was no “guarantee”fanswould be able to attend Euro 2020 matches in the city, shortly after UEFAhad insisted “a minimum of 14,500

spectators” would be able to see European Championship games live at theAllianzArena.

European football’s governing body UEFAhad previously dropped Dublin and Bilbao as host cities over their failure to guarantee that spectators could attend, but Munich was confirmed as a venue at the last minute.

Dublin’s matches will be moved to London and St Petersburg while Seville replaces Bilbao as a host city.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

R-L Minister of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday Dare handling over a customized Jersey to President Muhammadu Buhari at the state House Abuja on Friday, while NFF President Amaju Pinnick watches with keen interest

Buhari Asks Sport Ministry, NFF To Develop 10-Year National Football Master Plan Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Ministry of Sports to liaise with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and develop a 10-year Nationa Football Master Plan for the country.

Speaking Friday at the State House, Abuja while receiving in audience the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, the President while talking on his vision for Nigerian football, the President declared ‘‘I want to see Nigeria’s football develop and move in a more dynamic trajectory from football administration to youth and grassroots football, talent hunt and use of Nigeria’s home based talents. ‘‘Nigeria also needs a more privatized and better organised football regime that can rival others in Europe andAmerica.’’

President Buhari, therefore, urged the NFF to work with the Sport ministry and football stakeholders to provide Nigeria with a 10-year Football Master Plan that will ensure youth football development, in line with FIFA’s commitment.

Urging corporate organisations to invest in sports development, the President pledged his administration’s

commitment to turn sports into business, adding that the expected reviewed Sport Industry Policy ‘‘will be the catalyst that turns football activities associated with it into key contributors to the national economy.’’

He expressed optimism that the membership of NFF President in the FIFA Council ‘‘will provide benefits that will lead to the advancement of football in Africa and Nigeria.’’

President Buhari, once again, congratulated Pinnick on his election victory into the strategic body that sets the vision for global football, assuring him of Nigeria’s support in his new position.

He said: ‘‘The position on the Council of the world’s football governing body, FIFA, comes at a time when Nigeria is determined to turn the fortunes of her sports development around through better infrastructure, more investment both public and private government incentives.

Without prejudice to the continental nature of your assignment at the Council, I urge you to use your position to ensure Nigeria’s sporting image receives a boost. ‘‘I know this position will assist Nigeria get technical and financial support from FIFA; and your position should create

a platform for other Nigerians to enter into the FIFA family and other international Sports Federations”.

Emphasising his belief in the potential of sports to promote peace, unity, enhance good health and stimulate the economy, the President said ‘‘one of the greatest sports is football and Nigeria is a great football nation. I am myself a keen follower of football.’’

In his remarks, Dare thanked the President for his support for sports development in the country, and for approving the reclassification of sports as business, instead of mere recreation.

He promised that a new draft policy on the sports industry was almost ready, as well as a 10-year master plan for football at all levels.

The new FIFA Council member, Pinnick, equally lauded President Buhari for his support for football, saying: ‘‘Without you, I couldn’t have won election into FIFA Council.

Your name is highly respected across the continent.’’

Pinnick pledged to be a worthy Ambassador of the country, adding ‘‘I will use the office to build Nigerian football, in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.’’

Ekiti Agog for Popoola Inter LG Football Tourney In a bid to engage youths positively and build their capacity through sports, a philanthropist, Otunba Ademola Popoola has donated a trophy for football competition among clubs from the 16 local governments in Ekiti State.

While unveiling the soccer event that will commence in the month of June and end by last week in July, the cup donor commended the leadership of Ekiti Football Association for doing a great job in developing grassroots football in the state, addingthatthecompetitionwill further complement their efforts in that area.

“The aims of putting this competition together are to identify talented soccer players among our youths in Ekiti and develop them into a finished product, thereby creating an opportunity for the Ekiti youths to make a good living out of the round leather game as you will all agree with me that football has long become a money spinning venture

Otunba Ademola Popoola (left) presenting the trophy to the Chairman main organizing committee for the tourney, Otunba Femi Arowosola (right) during the unveiling of the tournament

globally,” said Popoola.

He added that: “I know that there are lots of untapped talents in Ekiti which this competition will bring out, and that is my major focus. I will be able to develop brains and nurture talents, if you have skills or talents and there’s no way to showcase it, one can die with such qualities.

“I and my team at Otunba Demola Popoola Foundation (ODEP) have identified football as a veritable way to invest in our youth in Ekiti, and I have

instructed the technical people to scout for good legs from this maiden competition that will be assembled to form a football team that I will be sponsoring to play leagues and thereby expose the boys to international prominence”.

Meanwhile the Chairman of Ekiti State FootballAssociation, Bayo Kehinde-Olanlege has endorsedthetournament,while charging other well meaning personalities from the state to emulate the good gesture of Popoola by collaborating with the FAto develop Ekiti Football.

2021 FAB- 5 - Football Initiative

Fab-5 Football Initiative Ends in Style

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here was excitement, fun and games at the 2021 edition of the Fab-5 Football Initiative which reached climax with a two-day grand finale at the Campos Mini Stadium in Lagos over the weekend.

In March, 48 schools from the six education districts in Lagos State kicked off the competition for prizes in different categories.

In Covid-19 compliant manner, pupils and teachers, excited to witness their favorite annual competition yet again, were on the sidelines to cheer their respective teams on.

There were three categories this year: Boys, Girls and Academies. Holy Cross Catholic School defeated Edward Blyden Primary School by a lone goal to win the Male category. In the Female category, St. Stephen Waec emerged victorious at the expense of Union Baptist while in Academies, Basitoy Academy carried the day. For the usual exhibition match, Fab-5 All Stars ran the rule over B a rc a A c a d e m y L a g o s .

To p e A s h i w a j u , P u b l i c R e l a t i o n & E v e n t s M a n a g e r o f D u f i l Prima Foods, manufacturers of Indomie Noodles, reiterated their c o m m i t m e n t t o c h i l d d e v e l o p m e n t a n d p ro m o t i n g e d u c a t i o n t h ro u g h t h e i r p a r t i c i p a t i o n i n T h e F a b - 5 I n i t i a t i v e . “ Wi t h t h e g ro w i n g i n s e c u r i t y i n t h e c o u n t r y i t i s i m p e r a t i v e t o c re a t i v e l y e n g a g e t h e g r a s s ro o t t h e re b y re d u c i n g s o c i a l i l l s i n t h e c o m m u n i t i e s a n d I n d o m i e N o o d l e s a re h a p p y t o a s s i s t i n e ff e c t i n g that positive development.”

P ro j e c t C o o rd i n a t o r o f F a b - 5 I n itiative Sunkanmi Oladejo, excited about the success of this edition, was thankful to all its partners including the Lagos State Sports Commission, Indomie Noodles, FCMB and Pet-Bamok Company - while looking ahead to next year’s landmark celebration.

“Incredibly so, we are 10years next year and we look forward to an impactful celebration,” he said.

Mayweather vs Logan 8- Round Special Exhibition Live on DStv SuperSport Grandstand and SuperSport Action (DStv channel 201 & 210) will on Monday broadcast the exhibition bout between 12-time, five-division champion and boxing legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather and social media sensation Logan “The Maverick” Paul.

Mayweather’s reputation precedes him, but he’s also never fought anyone this big. Mayweather’s last official boxing fight came at junior-middleweight, while Paul’s only professional bout was at the cruiserweight limit when he lost a decision to fellow YouTuber KSI in 2019. For good measure, he’s 18 years younger than Mayweather.

Mayweather is 50-0 as a professional boxer and one of the most accomplished fighters to lace on a pair of gloves. As an amateur, Paul was 0-1, having lost to KSI in a white-collar boxing match before the loss in an official pro bout.

As with many of Mayweather’s fights, there has been no shortage of controversy around this one. Mayweather was involved in a brawl with Jake Paul, brother of Logan, during an event promoting the exhibition. Mayweather had been due to pose for photographs, but when Jake Paul stole Mayweather’s hat after they exchanged words,

a punch-up involving several parties broke out.

The expectation is that even a 44-year-old Mayweather will easily beat Paul, but Paul could make it interesting if he lands with his far heavier punches.

“My message to Floyd is this ... we’re gonna get you that hat back, Floyd.”

Another interesting debutante will be former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, who will fight Brian Maxwell, a mixed martial arts and bare knuckle fighting veteran.

For boxing traditionalists, the Jarret Hurd-Luis Arias juniormiddleweight showdown on the undercard promises plenty of excitement.

StarTimes Slashes Decoder Price for Euro 2020 UEFA Euro 2020 is starting on June 11 and to ensure that every home can enjoy the thrilling tournament, StarTimes is offering a wide range of affordable watching options.

Starting June 5, New subscribers can enjoy a special Euro 2020 offer as StarTimes dish and decoder kit will be slashed to N8900 as against N11,200.

The dish decoder comes with a month subscription for subscribers to see all the EURO 2020 matches live in HD as well as enjoy over 120 TV and audio

channels.

For existing subscribers, StarTimes brings all the matches on basic bouquet (antenna users) for N1700 monthly or Smart Bouquet (dish users) for N2200 monthly.

For more flexibility, StarTimes subscribers can choose to recharge monthly, weekly or daily. Daily subscription is N160 daily on basic bouquet and N200 daily on smart bouquet.

From June 11 to July 11, the top 24 European teams will play 51 matches, up to three matches

a day during the group phase.

“We are excited to air UEFA Euro 2020. We expect great action with most of the world’s best players and teams participating. Football fans have been forced to pay ever-higher prices to watch major competitions in the past. This isn’t right. Football should be made available for all.

This is what StarTimes strives to achieve, to ensure that every African football fan can enjoy Euro 2020,” Viki Liu, Content Director, StarTimes Nigeria said.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Bukayo Saka scored his first senior goal for England in an international friendly game against Austria

Bukayo Saka A Final Nail on Super Eagles Nigeria Football Federation’s‘VIP Scouting’has been very effective as many European footballers of Nigeria descent have been drafted into the country’s national team. With FIFA new rules on players’international allegiance, Nigerians were still hoping that one of the players on the federation’s wishlist-Bukayo Saka may still star for the country of his fatherland.

The Arsenal forward may however may be saying final goodbye to the Super Eagles as he is set to star for the Three Lions of England at the Euro 2020 later this month.Though not many would have put their money on Saka making the starstudded England final list, injury to Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood also helped his course

B

ukayo Saka capped off a great week with his first goal for England, fulfilling a dream he’s held since he was a child.

As England get their Euro preparations underway, Saka proved Gareth Southgate right for selecting him by scoring England’s only goal of the game, which also happened to be the winner against Austria as the Three Lions registered a 1-0 win.

Tweeting after the game, Saka said “The moment I always dreamt of growing up.”

Despite picking him as their Man of the Match and noting that he was kicked an awful lot, the Daily Mail somehow preferred to give their headline to Jack Grealish.

After calling Bukayo Saka up to his final list of 26 for the European Championships, England boss Gareth Southgate has explained why he did so.

Bukayo Saka was one of the lucky 26 to make Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for the European Championships on Tuesday, avoiding being one of the seven players cut from the initial 33-man shortlist.

The second-youngest member of the group, it’s an encouraging sign of the faith in Saka that he’s been se-

lected to join his country for a major international tournament.

Speaking to the media after the decision was confirmed, Southgate explained how Saka had made the cut.

“Firstly, he has performed exceptionally well for us and well in a team that has had a difficult season,” Southgate said.

“Sometimes young players can go into teams that are playing well and flourish. He’s gone into a team that have had a tough season and has really played with character as well as skill.

“Again we saw when he had to come on in Belgium last autumn, real personality in his performance. His adaptability, the fact he can play four or five different positions is a real plus for us.”

Saka has made four appearances for England since his senior international debut in October. He could have made more, after being called up over the March break, but an injury held him back on that occasion.

The 19-year-old is likely to get another chance to impress in England’s last pre-tournament friendly against Romania tomorrow, particularly as the squad is currently somewhat weakened by a few injuries and the late arrival

of those featuring in European finals last week.

There were many surprised pundits around when Saka was even included in Southgate’s final England squad for the Euros, given the wealth of young talent at his disposal at the moment.

But the Arsenal youngster made the final cut, and Southgate even played him in his opening friendly against Austria on Wednesday night, and to cap it all off, Saka scored the only goal of the game.

It would appear that Saka may well have earned a starting spot in the Group games after listening to the high praise that Southgate gave Saka after the game.

Southgate told TeesideLive after the game: “I thought both Saka and Bellingham were excellent.

“They were as they’ve been since they’ve walked through the door with us.

“In training and matches they’ve p l a y e d w i t h c o n f i d e n c e a nd freedom, they’ve played with maturity too.

“I thought Bukayo right from the start linked the game really well. He received the ball well on the line and on the inside, he’s got a lovely ability to receive in traffic in the infield and manipulate his

way through. He’s like a slippery eel getting away f ro m t h o s e c h a l lenges. “ H e p ro d u c e d a n i c e ru n o n the outside with a nice cutback c ro s s , s o y e a h I t h o u g h t h i s a l l - ro u n d g a m e h a v i n g w o r k e d h a rd d e f e n s i v e l y f o r t h e t e a m w a s e x c e l l e nt.

“I was really pleased with him and for him to get the goal.”

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ, 2021

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Common Causes of Overheating andWhat to Do About It

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class interior

Geely Nigeria Coolray Launched in Style

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ikano International; exclusive partner of Geely Autos in Nigeria, recently launched Geely Nigeria’s latest addition, the most hi-tech and powerful crossover SUV ² THE COOLRAY. Geely Nigeria is committed to providing reliable, durable and high- quality vehicles with premium features as a standard option for all Nigerians. Backed by Mikano International’s superior positioning in Aftersales service and Reputation for quality products, Geely Nigeria customers will have peace of mind with MIKANO protection shield: Best-in-Country Warranty, Lowest cost of Maintenance, Guaranteed resale value Guaranteed best value for money. And with the Coolray, there will be no exception.

Globally recognised for its exceptional hi- tech and powerful features for comfort, safety and convenience, the Coolray is the crossover SUV that stands out in its category. Its sporty persona is accentuated by sleek full LED day running lamps, an expanding Cosmos grille and a rear double spoiler with the “S” logo with Carbon Fiber finish

accentuating the eye-catching exterior. It stands with 196mm ‘best- in- class’ ground clearance for a smoother ride on rough and uneven roads, the perfect match for Nigerian roads. The interior showcases an enveloping cockpit with a smooth blend of comfort and technology. Standard soft black leather dashboard, Ergonomic Sporty Seats with real stitching, 10.25-inch floating full HD touchscreen, Reverse camera and sensors, Digital AC, LED fog lamps, Remote Engine Starter, 17 inch Diamond Cut Alloy wheels and a Full Sports package (Turbo engine with 7 Speeds Automatic Dual clutch Transmission, Red- highlight Grille, Sporty front rear bumpers, Carbon fiber finish lip spoiler and diffuser and side skirts and 4 functional chrome exhaust pipes).

Launch The Exceptional Coolray launch, which took place on the on May 27, 2021, revealing two trims ² Dynamic GS and Sport plus GF; was held at Geely Nigeria’s Flagship showroom in VI, Lagos.

The well- attended event had in attendance notable KOLs and Dignitaries: ÃThe Cubana Chief Priest

à Chief Osita Iheme ² MFR (Pawpaw) à Emmanuel Emenike- MON (International Footballer) à Rebecca Nengi Hampson (Ex BigBrotherNija Member) à Mercy Eke (Past Winner BigBrother Nija) At the launch event, it was revealed that the Coolray is powered by a best-in-class 1.5-liter turbocharged GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine that produces 177 hp and 255 Nm of torque which is almost double the power of all its class competitors in the Nigerian market. This low-fuel-consumption (6.1km per liter) engine is connected to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

The engine, co- developed with VOLVO (Geely Holdings have been the owners of VOLVO Autos, since 2010) shares 90% of VOLVO power train suppliers and 10% of VOLVO approved suppliers adhering strictly to Volvo standards.

The Coolray has performed admirably in other markets, easily becoming a top-seller among the 5-seater subcompact crossover SUVs based on its design, performance and hi-tech offerings. With the launch in Nigeria, pricing for the Coolray was revealed to start from 13.5 Million naira for the Dynamic GS (financing plans are available).

PAN Nigeria Higer Bus Bags Best New Auto Entrant Award

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AN Nigeria Limited has been awarded the best new auto entrant in the commercial vehicle category.

The Award ceremony was part of the activities that marked Transport Day’s 8th Nigeria Annual Transport lecture, exhibition, and award themed: “Improving Nigeria Transportation systems, the way forward” which held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos State.

The award was received by the General Manager, Planning and Strategy, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse on behalf of the Acting Managing Director, Ms. Taiwo Oluleye, FCIS. PAN Nigeria Limited in strategic partnership with China’s Higer Bus Company Limited commenced the local production of two models of the Higer Buses in its plant in Kaduna.

PAN Nigeria is the country’s foremost multibrand automobile manufacturer and assemblers

L - R: The Zonal Commanding Officer (in charge of Lagos and Ogun States), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Peter Kibo, General Manager, Planning and Strategy, PAN Nigeria, Mr. Bawo Omagbitse, The Publisher, Transport Day, Mr. Frank Kintum, during the award presentation to PAN Nigeria

with Higer Bus Company established in 1998 is China’s leading exporter of buses and coaches, whose vehicles are available in more than 100 countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America.

The models produced in Nigeria are Higer H5C 16-seats, Higer H6C 19-seats and Higer Ambulance.

The vehicles which are used for mass transit, transportation of school children, and ambulance services rolled oͿ the company’s assembly lines in Kaduna in December 2019.

The Higer Bus comes with features such as Charging ports for all passengers, park-assist, rear camera, DVD/15’ LCD Display for passengers as well as spacious leg and head room.

In addition, the Higer Ambulance is Àtted with state-of-the-art medical equipment such as suction catheters, stretcher belts and anatomical mattress, silicon resuscitators with mask, pulse oximeter, digital thermometer, 2kg Àre extinguisher, automatic loading stretcher, scoop stretcher, AC/DC electronic suction machine, oxygen regulator, among others.

In her message on the award, the Acting Managing Director, Ms Taiwo Oluleye, expressed her appreciation for the award from the reputable Transport Publishers. She further stated that “This award is an a΀rmation of PAN Nigeria’s commitment to the delivery of reliable vehicles that surpass customer’s expectation”.

PAN Nigeria, today, has su΀cient capacity to meet the country’s need for ambulances, school buses and mass transit vehicles.

It’s the beginning of summer and you’re stuck in tra΀c when all of a sudden your temperature gauge is on the BIG RED “H”. Guess what" Your vehicle is overheating and you need to do something about it RIGHT NOW. Before we get into the causes of vehicle overheating, let’s help minimize the potential damage to your car NOW until you can get it into a shop: 1- Turn oͿ the AC immediately 2- Turn on your defroster and your heat to HOT, fan on High.

3- No, seriously. We know it’s Summer and you’re going to be uncomfortable until you can get your car oͿ the road, but we’re talking thousands of dollars in damage if your car continues to overheat! Roll down the windows too, it’s gonna be hotter inside your car than outside here in a minute. The heater will pull as much heat out of your engine that it can, which just might be enough to avoid ruining it.

4- If you’re stopped in tra΀c, put your car in Neutral or Park and raise the engine speed. You’re trying to get the coolant circulating as much as possible. Raise the engine speed by pressing the gas pedal just enough to get the RPM gauge to the 2-ish mark(2000 RPMs). It doesn’t have to be exact, but you don’t want to rev your engine a lot past that or you’ll risk even worse problems.

5- If you’re moving, albeit slowly, put the car into the lowest gear that will maintain between 2 and 3 on the RPM gauge as you are headed to a good spot to pull over. If you start going too fast for that gear shift into the next higher one to maintain the 2-3000 RPM range.

6- Get oͿ the road ASAP and use your AAA card (you do have one, right" You can learn more about getting one here.) to call for a tow.

Doing these things should help get that temperature gauge headed back down from the “H” Mark, at least temporarily. If nothing happens to lower the temperature in about 2 minutes, SHUT THE CAR OFF right away. It’s up to you to decide if it’s safe enough to be sitting where your car stops, but we’ve seen lots and lots of ruined engines because people decided to drive “just a little farther” with an overheating vehicle.

Still with us" Now we’re going to tell you the likely reasons WHY your car just overheated and what to do to prevent it from happening in the Àrst place.

If your vehicle is overheating, your engine is screaming for attention and your cooling system needs help. A vehicle can overheat at any point where the cooling system no longer is eͿectively absorbing, transporting and dissipating the heat created from your engine burning fuel.

Here are some of the most common reasons a vehicle’s cooling system begins to fail: 1. Leaks in the Cooling System Leaks are the 1 reason a vehicle begins to overheat. Leaks in hoses, the radiator, water pump, thermostat housing, heater core, head gasket, freeze plugs and a few other things can all lead to problems with the vehicle’s cooling system.

If you suspect a leak, or have had to add coolant to the reservoir don’t wait to get it checked. A small leak can quickly turn in to an expensive repair and a serious headache.

2. Coolant Concentration You always want to use the correct type of coolant in your vehicle. The wrong coolant or the wrong mixture of coolant and distilled water can cause your vehicle to overheat. If you’re worried about your coolant concentration and haven’t kept up on regularly-scheduled vehicle maintenance, a complete cooling system Áush is in order. Coolant actually becomes corrosive over time, accelerating the wear on the cooling system!

3. Bad Thermostat Your thermostat is a key valve in the cooling system that ensures the coolant is able to pass through to the radiator when necessary. When the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, coolant can no longer pass through and becomes overheated in the engine. At any sign of your vehicle overheating, it’s a good idea to get the vehicle checked immediately so any possible simple repairs don’t become big problems.

(Source: Main Street Mechanic) Continued on www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

35

AUTO WORLD

New Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Combines Perfection, High-tech

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ope Francis, who has frequently spoken out on environmental issues, will trade in his popemobile for a new model running entirely on battery power.

Instead of leather, the interior of the car will use sustainable materials made from recycled bottles and plastics reclaimed from the ocean.

The pontiff met recently with Henrik Fisker and Geeta Gupta-Fisker, founders of the California-based electric car startup Fisker, who provided him with renderings of the vehicle they plan to deliver during the fourth quarter of next year. It will be based on the Fisker Ocean SUV the company plans to put in production in 2022.

“I got inspired reading that Pope Francis is very considerate about the environment and the impact of climate change for future generations,” Henrik Fisker said in a statement.

The connection to the pope, Fisker told NBC News by email, was made through “a mutual friend [who] arranged the meeting.”

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class combines the perfection and high-tech features of the MercedesBenz S-Class with the exclusivity and tradition of Maybach. The 18 cm longer wheelbase compared to the long variant of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class entirely benefits the rear. Thanks to Executive seats and the Chauffeur Package as standard, the rear area becomes a comfortable workspace or relaxation area.

They are complemented by exclusive details such as large areas of wood trim on the rear of the front seats and between the two rear passengers.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is available with a

choice of two engine variants in Germany: the S 580 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 10.9-10.2 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 248-233 g/km)[2] is powered by an eight-cylinder petrol engine (M176) with integrated second-generation starter-alternator and 48-volt onboard electrical system; the MercedesMaybach S 680 4MATIC (combined fuel consumption: 14.1-13.3 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 322-305 g/km)2 is powered by the familiar V12 (M279), for the first time combined with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

With active road noise compensation, the interior of the already very quiet Mercedes-Maybach S-Class becomes even quieter. In a similar way to headphones with noise suppression, the system reduces unwanted low-frequency noises using counter-phased sound waves. Active road noise compensation is a function of the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system.

The most important optional features at a glance: On request, the exclusive appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be further enhanced by a two-tone paint finish (14,875 euros) with a fine dividing line. A total of ten colour combinations from the Mercedes-Maybach paint chart are available for this.

When the electrically powered comfort doors at the rear (1606.50 euros) are operated, they open and close with no human effort even on gradients. Integration into the infotainment and control system MBUX and Blind Spot Assist ensures a high level of operating convenience and additional safety. In combination with MBUX Interior Assist in the rear, the closing action of the automatic comfort doors can even be started or stopped with a hand gesture.

Thanks to rear-axle steering (1547 euros), the S-Class feels as manoeuvrable as a compact car when driving in town.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class interior The revolutionary headlamp technology DIGITAL LIGHT (2249.10 euros) allows completely new functions, for example the projection of guidelines or warning symbols onto the road surface[3].

With adaptive rear illumination (345.10 euros), the brightness and colour temperature of the interior lighting is adjustable in several stages. The LED spotlights are adjustable for position and size, allowing use as

reading or lounge lights.

MBUX Interior Assist in the rear (523.60 euros) is able to detect rear-seat passengers. In this case the head restraints extend automatically. Intuitive hand gestures can be used to control the rear roller sun blind in the panoramic sliding sunroof. This is available in conjunction with MBUX Interior Assist in the front (642.60 euros).

Emir of Ilorin Reiterates Arming FRSC

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he Emir of Ilorin, and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulu Gambari, CFR , has reiterated the need for the Federal Government to arm o΀cials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, to defend themselves against criminal elements, whenever on patrol.

The Emir made the remarks while receiving in his palace at Ilorin the new Zonal Commanding O΀cer, Federal Road Safety Corps Zone RS8 Command with headquarters in Ilorin, Assistant Corps Marshal Clement O. Oladele, psc .

The Emir relayed his initial encounter with the FRSC during an incident he had in the early 1990’s after the establishment of the FRSC, where he encountered operatives of the Corps on patrol near the School of Survey , Oyo town along the Ogbomosho - Oyo road.

The Royal Father applauded the swift response and professionalism displayed by the FRSC team on that day, noting that in the course of

interacting with the FRSC O΀cials he learnt they deal with all manners of motorists both friendly and harmful, which exposes them to dangers.

The Emir said since then he has been campaining for the Federal Government to arm the FRSC Marshals on patrol to ensure their protection He thereafter reiterated that arming the FRSC now is even more appropriate considering the level of insecurity across some sections of the county.

Earlier the new Zonal Commanding O΀cer, Zone RS8 Command HQ , Assistant Corps Marshal Clement Oladele psc commended the Royal Father for his support to highway safety in the country and solicited the Royal Father’s blessings and support to make highways safer in Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti States where he superitents road safety activities.

Oladele before his new appointment was the immediate past Commandant of the prestigious FRSC Academy in Enugu State.

L-R: His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulu Gambari; and the new Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps Zone RS8 Command with headquarters in Ilorin, Assistant Corps Marshal Clement O. Oladele, during a courtesy call on the Emir… recently

Beware of Driving in the Rain Friday, May 28th, 2021 was a day I hated myself. It was a day I had regrets also. The hatred and regrets were no one’s fault but mine for not trusting the guidance of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency before hitting the road. If you are a resident of the Federal Capital Territory and was on the road during the evening rush hour on the said day, I am sure you would agree with me. On that faithful day, I left my office for the Friday church service to celebrate with children who were celebrating their week. Just as the service was ending, the heavens opened up. To avoid the inconveniences and risk of driving in the rain especially at night, I hurriedly left the church without the usual pleasantries only to be caught by the heavy rain less than a kilometer from the Church.

Driving on that day was indeed difficult. The first reason was because of poor visibility. The second was because of the bad driving habits, poor usage of headlights especially from Sport utility vehicles with their height advantage over saloon cars among others.

Despite these difficulties, there was a comic but sad sight to being caught in the heavy rains. In my struggle to maneuver through the rains and bad driving by some road users, it was relieving seeing multiple cars pulling over especially those who despite their poor learning skills would insist to drive to show off their new car acquisition. There were however some who pulled over because of poor eye sight caused by their stubbornness to drive without prescribed eye glass.

The few like me who dared the blessing from above were compelled to comply with the common sense

SAFE DRIVING with

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

speed rule that the Federal Road Safety advocates. In all of the difficulties encountered on that day, it was a delight to see the Kubwa highway free of the usual traffic gridlock which has become common sight in the Federal Capital Territory. It was however awful seeing multiple vehicles involved in near misses and minor as well as serious crashes with just a few found cooling off by the drains. I know the story in the other parts of the country is almost similar but the simple truth is that the rains are here and we need to take necessary precautions to avoid road traffic crashes and possible deaths.

Driving in the rain, according to the Revised Highway Code is more difficult and hazardous. This week, I intend to run this material again as a guide to both new and old drivers starting with the result Thomas Olson and Michael Sivak research conducted in 1988 which found out that the amount of light required to see at night doubles every thirteen years. The research notes that,

at 20years of age, you need 100percent of light to see, while at 33years, you will require twice the amount of light used to see at 20.The preponderant age of drivers on our roads would fall within the second category and most of these drivers within the context of our economy cannot rank among drivers on balanced diet.

It therefore means that a good number of our drivers because of other factors peculiar to us would not even fit into the 1988 conclusions by Olson and Sivac. The vital lesson however is that we cannot play down the place of visibility. It is safe to drive with your light on when it is raining and at night. Anytime visibility is poor, endeavor to have your head lights on.

While we advise that we enhance our visibility, special care must be taken to avoid the typical Lagos driving of, kiss me I kiss you or hanging on to someone’s rear light which has the potential of leading you off course; therefore you must defensively keep a safe distance. It is also advisable that you use clean cloth soaked in soap to clean the particles that may have accumulated over time on your wiper to make it more effective. You must also learn to control your speed. You are advised to adopt the common sense speed limit by adjusting your speed to suit the weather, your vehicle, your capability and competence and your age which we have said affects your sight or the amount of light required. Common sense therefore dictates that speed should be lower when weather is bad or roads defective.eg-on wet or slippery roads or when the view is unclear from smoky exhausts of other vehicles, harmattan dust or in foggy weather.

Critical to driving at any time is speed. It is identified

as a critical factor and that is why good driving demands that we obey speed limits at all times especially during bad weather such as the raining season. When the road is wet, the chances of your vehicle gliding are very slim. Also vehicles in front of you, especially large or speeding vehicles may raise a film of dirty water to further reduce visibility. Your wipers must always work. When it is raining or the road is wet, leave at least double the normal stopping distance. if you are following a vehicle at a safe distance and another vehicle pulls into the gap you have left, drop back to re gain a safe distance. If you are driving in a very wet weather, you may find that your vehicle begins to aquaplane; ie, slide. This is because water builds up between the tyres and the road and makes the steering feel light Now let’s talk about steering handling at all times, including during the rains. The vogue on our major roads including the cities is to find a good number of drivers who hold the steering with one hand, eat, or phone, with the other. Some others would choose to rest their right arm on the front passengers head rest even under the rain. The correct posture is to hold your steering wheel with both hands except when shifting gear lever or giving signals. The recommended way is to hold the steering on nearly opposite sides in a position termed “ten-to-two” derived from the clock hand positions at ten minutes to two o’clock, that is, 01.50 or 13.50 hours. It is a traffic offence to drive with one hand only Driving we have noted is all about visibility. You must be particularly careful at dusk and in misty or dusty environment when it is more difficult to judge speed and distance. To overtake, never do so if you are in doubt.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JUNE 5,2021

36

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Family friend of late Olajumoke Gbenro, Bisi Ovie-Omajuwa (left); Daughter of Co-ordinator, Azeezat Olajumoke Gbenro Foundation, Tifeoluwa Idowu; Coordinator, Azeezat Olajumoke Gbenro Foundation, Dr. Bolanle Idowu; Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo and Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LUTH, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, during the donation of multi-parameter patient monitors to the maternity unit of LUTH by the Foundation in Lagos....recently

Executive Director, Polo Luxury, Jennifer Obayuwana and recipients of the Polo Iftar Meals

Firms Raise Bar for CITN Urges Simplified Tax Law Edutech STEM Education Growth

The Charted Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has canvassed for a more simpliÀed tax administration to enhance voluntary compliance to tax laws.

President of the institute, Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice defended this during the in 29th Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the institute that held in Lagos.

According to the President, the year 2020 under review saw the global economy hit rock bottom due to COVID-19 pandemic and fuelled by several other factors in Nigeria.

She stated therefore that taxation remained one of the Àscal policy instruments being looked up to for stability post-pandemic era.

She said, “Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian economy was projected to grow by 2.1% in 2020 by the World Bank.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) however reported the overall annual growth of real GDP in 2020 to be at –1.92%, showing a decline of –4.20% points when compared to the 2.27% recorded in 2019.

“With decline in global demand for crude and products, the average oil oroduction declined to 1.61 mbpd against 1.79 million barrels per day (mbpd) recorded for 2019.

In the same vain, the average price of crude stood at $42.89 per barrel (pb) against $64.16pb recorded at the end of 2019.

“Other impacting factors that

challenged the year 2020 included the rising in inÁation rate which averaged 12.98% against 11.39% in 2019; External Reserves (End Period) declined to $34.85bn against $38.60bn while average FAAC allocations stood at N648.44bn against N678.9bn for the preceding year.”

Given this negative trend, Simplice warned against any policy that would over stretch tax payers in economy recovery eͿorts.

Instead, she said, “Government must avoid the propensity to introduce earmarked taxes to raise revenues while neglecting the impact that such action would have on businesses and economic

activities.

“The thinking of Section 2.2.6 of the Revised National Tax Policy 2017 is that our “taxes should be few in number, broad-based and high revenue-yielding”. In eͿect, the administration of taxes should be simpliÀed for ease of enforcement and compliance.

She noted that the Institute had been proactive in the area of tax advocacy and education to strengthen tax collections and achieve 100% funding of the nation’s budget.

While she hailed the institute’s inputs in the amended Finance Act, she also charged members to continue to strive to achieve ease in tax administration.

Polo Luxury Feeds Over 5,000 During Ramadan Nigeria’s foremost luxury goods store, Polo Luxury feted over 5,000 Lagosian to sumptuous iftar meals during the holy month of Ramadan, as part of its CSR activities to Muslims at Arabic & Islamic Training center Morikaz Agege, Atere Mosque in Ebute Metta and Ilaje communities.

With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting incomes and jobs over the past year, Polo Luxury undertook the initiative as prescribed by the faith which says the best of charity as an act of worship in given during Ramadan which encourages love for one especially to the less privileged.

Reacting to the gesture, the Vice Principal, Arabic & Islamic Training center Morikaz Agege. Ustas Abdul Hameed on behalf of the School Authorities expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Polo Luxury.

He commended the organization for its humane nature and applauded their commitment to supporting the school which has over three thousand youths undergoing Arabic and Islamic Studies and has existed for about 70 years.

He quoted from the Holy Book in Chapter 2, Verse 183 which encourages support to the fasting Faithful during Ramadan.

Trophy Fetes Nollywood Icons Premium lager and a product of International Breweries Plc (a proud part of AB InBev), Trophy has extended its “Waa Gbayi” Experience Campaign to Nollywood acts across the South- Western part of the country.

The campaign saw a retinue of poets, praise singers and drummers hailed the big screen superstars with panegyrics and local songs at their places of residence, where the actors including their family and friends had a feel of Trophy product to their satisfaction.

Some beneficiaries of the gesture included: Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, Yinka Quadri, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello), and Prince Jide Kosoko.

Speaking further on the activity, Marketing Director, International Breweries Plc, Tolulope Adedeji explained that the movie legends were considered

for the treatment considering their contributions to the propagation of the Yoruba culture.

“Honour to whom honour is due” is our tagline for this campaign, and by it, we sought to extol the virtues of people who have displayed the qualities of an ‘Honourable’. In the light of this, it wasn’t difficult to decide to celebrate those who have been integral to the success of the Nigerian film industry and have continued to entertain us with their craft many decades later,” she said.

Remarking, Taiwo Hassan commended the initiative as he described the Waa Gbayi experience as a laudable celebration of culture.

“I feel honoured that a reputable brand like Trophy deemed it fit to come all the way to celebrate me, and I am grateful to the team for this experience,” he said.

Another recipient on behalf of the aged women at Atere Mosque in Ebute Metta Alhaja Sidikat. According to Alhaja Sidika “providing free iftar meals in observance and obedience to Allah’s injunction of giving and sharing during Ramadan without expecting anything in return is kind but rare with corporate organizations and we are most thankful.

Responding to the very warm reception by the community, Executive Director of Polo Luxury, Ms. Jennifer Obayuwana seized the opportunity to re-emphasize the Organization’s commitment

to encouraging social goodness and empowering disadvantaged communities.

“We recognize the month of Ramadan as very important for Muslims across Nigeria. It is a time of reflection, prayers and an opportunity to serve others in need.

The donation of Iftar meals is a show of care and demonstration of support to communities as a corporate citizen” she added.

It is worthy to mention, that during the 2020 Covid-19 induced lockdown, Polo Luxury distributed palliatives in several communities within Lagos State.

Fernet-Branca Treats Consumers to Free Tasting Covid-19 brought with it a renewed consciousness towards personal health and the need to adopt a healthier lifestyle. As more Nigerians turn to a rather preventive than curative approach to personal health, Fernet-Branca an herbal based bitters is committed to promoting overall well-being, healthier immune system and digestive health. The distributor company, “Ekulo Group” is carrying out an invite only tasting for consumers in its Lagos model store (Ekulo Wine World), with rewards on every purchase.

The event is to hold on every last Saturday of the month, activities will include brand introduction, with highlights on the health benefits of the brand and sampling of the many exciting ways to enjoy the brand. According to the General Manager, Mr. Joseph Okonkwo,

the tasting is aimed at “sharing the health benefits of the premium bitters and reinforcing that a healthy choice in beverage consumption is a way to personal preventive approach to health.”

Laden with anti-oxidants, an antiinflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-aging property, Fernet-Branca is sure to yield valuable health gains.

To further promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles and habits in the pandemic, the brand also comes in a sweeter, refreshingly minty variant, Brancamenta which appeals to the female and younger folks.

Fernet-Branca is an Italian premium herbal bitters made from the aging of wine, herbs and spices. Its recipe is a special journey through the 27 herbs, roots and spices that make up its secret and unique special formula.

Education Technology Àrms in the country have come together to raise the bar of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education in the country to enhance multi sectoral development.

The Àrms, 9ijakids, Edufun Technik and STEM-METS which believe in catching them young assembled over 1300 children between ages 7 to 13, both within and outside the country to engage them in practical and theory lessons on STEAM subjects, tagged ‘Children’s Day STEAM Fun Fest’.

According to the organisers, the initiative was thought of given the signiÀcance of STEAM to the growth, sustainability and stability of Nigerian economy.

The Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titilope Adewusi said “The pandemic has further reinforced the importance of STEAM which has become a critical component to helping Nigeria win the future. However, report has it that 80% of secondary school students are unaware that they have what it takes to be great and successful in STEAM subjects. The future is digital,

and we need to help children harness their future potential by investing in STEAM education today.”

The virtual event that lasted for two hours was fun laden, engaging STEAM workshops, games activities and short talks from all local and international facilitators.

The children also participated in several activities, ranging from science experiments, a talk on the Internet of Things, engineering, digital art and Math games. Prizes were also presented to winners of at the end of each activity.

There was also a STEAM competition where 10 winners emerged on diͿerent STEAM projects which solved problems in their homes/ communities. The winners were presented with cash prizes, amazon tablets as well as STEAM kits and resources.

One of the speakers at the event who is also an inventor and Time Kid of the Year 2020, Gitanjali Rao shared her experience with the children on how she invented a water quality testing device called “Tethys” and an app called “Kindly”.

Africa Set to Become a Global Hub for Agritech Africa’s agricultural sector is set for exponential growth in the coming decade, research commissioned by Microsoft and compiled by Africa Practice reveals.

A statement by Microsoft said with a projected value of USD1 trillion by 2030, the continent is poised to become the global centre of agritech solutions and has also seen rapid growth in e-agriculture solutions.

“With agriculture sustaining 70 per cent of Africa’s livelihoods, Microsoft believes that agriculture is a key sector in Africa. Developing agritech solutions to enable data-driven, precise and connected farming will help farmers across Africa optimise yields, boost farm productivity and increase their profitability. Leveraging our extensive partnerships and initiatives network, Microsoft, through its 4Afrika initiative, is committed to ensuring that all farming communities are equipped with the latest tools like AI, IoT and edge computing to improve productivity and sustainability across the sector.

Africa is fast becoming a global leader in the agritech space – between 2016 and 2019 the agritech sector grew by 44 per cent year-on-year, and the continent has registered the

highest number of agritech services in the developing world, reaching over 33 million smallholder farmers to date.

Agriculture already accounts for 14 per cent of GDP in Africa and for 52 per cent of the continent’s workforce.

It’s expected that as the continent’s middle class rapidly grows, they will drive increased demand for fresh produce, while the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) could boost intra-African trade by 49 percent.

Through increased investments in inputs, storage facilities and irrigation infrastructure, Africa is expected to increase its agricultural output by up to three times by 2030.

Covid-19 has made digital interaction critical Smallholder farmers account for 80% of the farming community, and it’s predicted that up to 200 million smallholders will be registered for agritech solutions by 2030. Mobile connectivity is predicted to reach over 55 percent by 2030, compared with 45 per cent currently, meaning that over 85 percent of smallholder farmers could have access to feature or smartphones and mobile solutions.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ˜ ͺ͸Ͱͯ

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NEWSXTRA

Father Mbaka Banned from Commenting on Partisan Politics Festus Akanbi Apparently in a bid to protect its image and insulate the church from political controversies, the Enugu Catholic Diocese has banned the controversial Spiritual Director Adoration

MinistryEnugu,Nigeria,Rev.Fr. Ejike Mbaka, from commenting on partisan politics.

The church announced the ban in a letter his Bishop, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, conveyed to him after his penance.

The letter also announced

the conversion of the adoration ministry to chaplaincy to allow the diocese direct control of Adoration Ministry.

By this development, Mbaka will no longer solely oversee the activities of the ministry as its spiritual director, with a

source explaining that making the ministry a chaplaincy, brings it under the control of the Enugu Diocese and gives the Bishop the power to appoint a chaplain to oversee its operations.

The bishop further stated that he can appoint any ministerial officer “to assist the chaplains to oversee the pastoral activities of the ministry.” ”There shall be no partisan politics either by way of active engagement or by prophetic

namingofcandidatesforposition of power.”

These directives were announced following Mbaka’s resumption to church activities of the ministry which was suspendedfollowinghisone-month private retreat.

Following the desecration of the Catholic Cathedral Church allegedlybyMbaka’ssupporters, hehadannouncedtheimmediate shutdown of all activities in the ministry till June 10, 2021.

Mbaka’s supporters had attacked the Bishop’s Court and diocesan cathedral, destroying valuables,propertyanddesecrating the HolyAltar of the church.

But Mbaka in a release he personallysignedsaidhewould be embarking on private prayer retreat for penance and atonement.

Fr. Mbaka thereafter apologised to the Catholic Church in Enugu and his Bishop for the desecration of the church.

Buhari to Launch 'Deep Blue Project' in Lagos

HONOURED FOR EXCELLENCE...

L-R: President General of Enugu West Youth Peace Forum (EWYPF), Comrade Ebube Samuel Nebo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Ike Ekweremadu at 'Award of Thanksgiving' in recognition of the governor's commitment to peace, good governance and youth inclusion, in Enugu, yesterday

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday, June 10, in Lagosperformtheofficiallaunchof the assets under the Integrated NationalSecurityandWaterways Protection Infrastructure, also known as the Deep Blue Project.

Preparatory to the launch, the MaritimeSecurityUnit(MSU)of the Deep Blue Project, comprising personnel from the Nigerian Navy, NigerianArmy, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police, and DepartmentofStateServices,are conducting simulation exercises for the event on the land, air, and sea assets of the Project to confirm their readiness for full deployment.

"While this exercise is ongoing, members of the public, especially those living in coastal communities, are advised to remain calm, as this exercise is only meant to test the readiness of the assets," said a statement from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

AccordingtoDirectorGeneral of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, “With the deployment of the assets of the Deep Blue Project, we are entering another level of

Access Bank Empowers Women in Workplace Festus Akanbi Access Bank Plc has commenced a programme of empowering women in the workplace through the Access Women Network (AWN). The network is one of the threepronged approaches it is using to promote gender equality and women’s economic empower-

ment.

A statement from the bank described the Access Women Network (AWN) as one of the largest female networks in Nigeria with members across 12 African countries.

According to the statement. the network was established to support, develop, empower, promote and retain female

Nigeria's Ambassador to the US Loses Mum Lady Felicia Olaocha Ohadiugha, the mother of Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Uzoma Emenike, has died at 92. Her family of late Sir Martin Agwu Ohadiugha of Umule, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia

State, has announced the burial arrangement, stating that she would be laid to rest in her home after a requiem mass at the Holy Trinity Parish, Umule, Ohuhu, Umuahia on Saturday, June 26, 2021, following a Virgil Mass at Holy Trinity Parish, Umule, Umuahia on Friday June 25, 2021.

There will be an Outing/ Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Mama, Nwanyiocha as she was affectionately called, at Holy Trinity Parish, Umule, Ohuhu on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

Her Excellency Uzoma Emenike, first Nigeria's female ambassador to the USA, is settling down in her new mission having been honoured by the Lady Felicia Olaocha Ohadiugha US. Mission Nigeria, recently.

employees in Access Bank.

“Amongst other things, AWN: Provides an avenue for women to network and build relationships for career advancement, fosters collaborative thinking for the Access woman alongside colleagues across the industry, in other sectors and successful entrepreneurs, provides a platform for women to gain inspiration

and learnings from role models via mentorship programs and AWN cluster groups.”

The statement listed others to include the desire to help women deal well with job stressors, provides women with learning and development tools and techniques, insight and advice for personal development and leadership roles, among others.

LASU: ASUU Blasts Ninalowo over Botched VC Selection TheimmediatepastPro-Chancellor andChairman,GoverningCouncil ofLagosStateUniversity(LASU), ProfessorAdebayoNinalowo,has beenaccusedof“twiceorchestrating the charade” that resulted in astalemateintheappointmentof a substantive Vice Chancellor by theSenate’sselectioncommittee.

Thehardknockcamefromthe LASUchapter ofAcademicStaff UnionofUniversities(ASUU)in a statement jointly signed by its SecretaryandAssistantSecretary, Dr. Tony Dansu and Dr. Adeolu Oyekan respectively.

Recall that in a newspaper advertorial recently, Professor Ninalowo had joined issues with the state government over thedissolutionoftheinstitution’s 11thgoverningcouncil,accusing

GovernorBabajideSanwo-Olu,the Visitor, of vendetta.

Thegoverningcouncilwasdissolved last month by Lagos State Governmentbasedontherecommendation of a Special Visitation Panelsetupfollowinganoutcryof stakeholdersallegingunderhand dealings by the senate selection committee in the two successive attemptsatshortlistingcandidates.

Respondingyesterday,LASU’s ASUUdefendedtheactiontaken bythestategovernment.Instead,it blamedthetwobotchedattempts onNinalowo“flagrantcontravention of extant laws, breach of due process,failureandtotaldisregard tofollow...ownlaiddowncriteria inhisdesperationtofoisthisown preferred candidate who did not meet the stated requirements.”

national security designed for totalspectrummaritimesecurity andbetterdomainawarenessusing some of the latest technology.

“This effort to secure our waters would give Nigerians more leverage to harness the enormous resources of our maritime environment and aid the drive towards economic diversification.”

The Project, which was initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transportation and Federal Ministry of Defence, is being implemented by NIMASA.

ThemainobjectiveoftheDeep Blue Project is to secure Nigerian waters up to the Gulf of Guinea.

The Project has three categories of platforms to tackle maritime security on land, sea, and air.

The land assets include the Command, Control, Communication, Computer, and Intelligence Centre (C4i) for intelligence gathering and data collection; 16 armoured vehicles for coastal patrol; and 600 specially trained troops for interdiction,knownasMaritime Security Unit.

2023 Guber: Ijaw Royal Fathers Drum Support for Gbagi Omon-Julius Onabu ÓØ ÝËÌË As consultations by aspirants for 2023 Delta State gubernatorial race intensify, traditional rulers of ijaw ethnic extraction in the state have thrown their weight behind former education mlnister, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, saying he has stood himself out as a formidable leader that Delta needs to succeed incumbent, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Specifically,theIjawmonarchs expressedconfidencethatGbagi, as a proven entrepreneur and industrialist would be best placed to help carry out the much-need industrialisation of the state and tostepupthethetempoofdevelomentofthestateunderthepresent administration.

Nevertheless, the royal fathers assuredGbagitheywouldcontinue toprayforbecauseGodAlmighty alone can give power and who can make him governor in 2023.

The monarchs spoke when the PeopleesDemocraticParty(PDP) governorshipaspirantvisitedthe IjawCouncilofTraditionalRulers in Warri, yesterday.

On ground to receive Gbagi werethechairmanofthecouncil, paramount ruler of Ogulagha kingdom,HRMJosephTimighan, Pere of Siembiri Kingdom, HM CharlesAyemi-Botu, Pere ofAkugbene Mein Kingdom,HRMLukeKalanama,Pere of Ogne-Ijoh kingdom, HRM Couple Oromoni, Mobene III and others.

HRM Timighan noted that Gbagi's visit was to seek the blessing or prayers in respect of his ambition to be governor of Delta State come 2023.

The monarch said, "What we will do is prayers; we will take yourrequestaspartofourprayer points,forGodtogiveyouwisdom and good health to achieve your mission. Only God will do it, we will only support " HRMKalanamaalsosaid,"You (Gbagi) are a household name in DeltaandNigeria.Wearepraying foragoodleaderthatwillcontinue

fromwherethepresentgovernor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, will stop and you are also an Ijaw man."

Inthesamevein,HRMAyemiBotu,wholedthemonarchsinthe specialprayerforthegubernatorial aspirant,said,"Youhaveallittakes to transform the state and take it toanotherlevel.So,goandgetthe PDPticket;wewillprayforyou."

The aspirant, who told the storyofhisrelationshipwithsome Ijaw personalities, commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his development strides in the state.

"There is no local government area across the three senatorial districtsinthestatethathehasnot tarredbetweenonetotenroads",he remarkedaboutthedevelopment strides of Governor Okowa.

Gbagi said, "I am one of you, and I am here to present myself toyou.MystrengthisthatIaman industrialistandIhavethecapacityandconnectiontoindustrialize Delta State.

"Governor Okowa has done something unique in the past six years;hehasbeenabletomanage inter-communal crisis without whichwewouldnothavepeace.

Pleasecontinuetosupporthimto finish strong.

CHANGE OF NAME

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͽ˜ ͺ͸Ͱͯ

NEWSXTRA ˾ lj Ƽ ǃNJƾdžDŽljǂ ǑǀǍǍǀƼƾǏDŽNJlj˜ ǐǎNjǀljƿǎ ǒDŽǏǏǀǍ̳ǎ NjǀǍƼǏDŽNJljǎ ˾

According to the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, Gill Atkinson, the federal government must not suppress basic freedom as all Nigerians have the right to freedom of speech.

Tweeting from @GillAtkinson11, she said: "All Nigerians have the right to freedom of speech and the responsibility not to misuse that right. Any action taken by Government must be measured, proportionate and not suppress basic freedoms."

Her tweet was liked by the Twitter handles of @UKinNigeria and Paul Arkwright, the former UK diplomat to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Bar Association threatened to challenge the twitter suspension in court.

NBA President, Olumide Akpata, described the decision as illegal.

He said: “Whether one likes it or not, we are operating a constitutional democracy, the primary consequence of which is that everything must be done

according to law; and government must be conducted within the framework of recognised rules and principles which restrict discretionary power.

“The Nigerian Bar Association finds no constitutional or legal authority to support the peremptory action of the Federal Government to suspend the operations of Twitter in Nigeria and deprive Nigerians of their right to freely express their constitutionally guaranteed opinions. Beyond

the dent on our constitutional democracy, at a time when the Nigerian economy is unarguably struggling, the impact of arbitrary decisions such as this on investor confidence is better imagined.

“Consequently, if this decision is not immediately reversed, the Nigerian Bar Association will have no choice but to challenge same in the interest of the public and our democracy.”

Human rights lawyer, Mr.

Academy of Medicine Specialties Debuts ÏÝÞßÝ ÕËØÌÓ

The quest to promote excellence in medical research and education in Nigeria received a boost during the week with the approval of the Academy of Medicine Specialties of Nigeria.

The objectives of the academy include the promotion of excellence in medical research and in education in Medicine and the enhancement of human health and welfare.

According to a statement by the Editor, Inaugural Committee of the academy, Prof Ogunniyi Adesola, the academy was approved by the Federal Government and Allied Matters Act 0f 1990, on June 11th, 2019.

Its objectives, among others, are to promote excellence in medical research

and education, the application of research in medicine and the enhancement of human health and welfare.

It explained that members of the academy, described as a policy research organisation, shall be persons qualified to practice medicine or dentistry or non-medical practitioners in the related medical specialties.

Meanwhile, the academy, which is to be inaugurated on July 29, 2021, at Radisson Blue Hotel Ikeja has invited eminent scholars to provide academic and professional leadership and to tackle various health challenges in the country.

“After thorough deliberations and due diligence, the Academy has invited eminent and outstanding scholars who have made landmark contributions

in Medicine and Medical Specialties as Foundation Fellows. They have been drawn from all geopolitical zones of the country and those in the Diaspora,” the statement said.

It pointed out further that the invitees “consist of Fellows from the basic medical sciences, basic clinical sciences, clinical sciences, dental sciences, and emeritus fellows.

“The Academy of Medicine Specialties believes these outstanding experts would continue to provide academic and professional leadership in all the various health and medical challenges facing the country as well as enhancing the science, art, theory, and practice of Medicine.,” the statement said.

The statement described

its members as elected based on their outstanding professional achievements and commitment to service on matters of significance to health.

The Board of Trustees of the academy include, Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku as the chairman; Prof Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie ViceChairman; Prof Augustine Ohwovoriole, Secretary Board of Trustees, and Prof. Oladapo A. Ashiru as Treasurer and President of the Academy.

Of recent. the Academy of Medicine Specialties has been very active in providing strategic advisory to Government and the public on the status of the COVID-19 Pandemic through information provided by its Rapid-Response Initiative group.

Femi Falana (SAN), said the decision to suspend Twitter shows that Buhari has suspended Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.

The human rights lawyer argued that the suspension is also at variance with the Freedom of Information Act which seeks to expand information and access to it.

Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka described Twitter suspension as unbecoming of a democratically elected President.

According to the Nobel Laureate, if Buhari has a problem with the micro-blogging platform, he should sort it out between them personally, the way ex-US president Donald Trump did and not rope in the right to free expression of the Nigerian citizen as collateral damage.

He adds: “In any case, this is a technical problem. Nigerians should be able to work their way around. The field of free expression remains wide open, free of any dictatorial spasms!”

Tweeps Prepare to Use Virtual Private Networks Nigerian tweeps are already contemplating using Virtual Private Networks to have access to Twitter, as soon as the suspension of the social media platform’s operation in Nigeria takes off.

For most of yesterday, Nigerians on Twitter expressed their displeasure at the federal government’s ban and were suggesting alternative ways to continue the use of the

platform.

One @itzbasito said, “FG have suspended twitter in Nigeria, Please suggest some free VPNs you know jare, let’s help ourselves.” @UPGodwin shared a “list of VPNs to download while Federal Government Suspension of Twitter in Nigeria lasts: 1. Windscribe 2. USA VPN 3.

Nord 4. PIA 5. IPvanish.” @FestusGreen said, “Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has just announced the indefinite ban of Twitter in Nigeria. This ban/suspension can’t be challenged in Court, because the courts are on strike.

They’d earlier banned security and development. Can they ban VPNs, and dozens others?”

Political activist, Deji Adeyanju said, “Buhari has added another tyranny achievement to his record: Twitter suspension in Nigeria. Unrepentant tyrant.”

In another post, he said, “No shaking I have VPN.” Twitter's Reaction Micro-blogging site, Twitter, says the suspension of its operations in Nigeria is “deeply concerning”.

Twitter’s Senior Policy CommunicationsManagerforEurope, Middle East and Africa, Sarah Hart, stated this yesterday night.

“The announcement made by the Nigerian Government that they have suspended Twitter’s operations in Nigeria is deeply concerning.

“We’re investigating and will provideupdateswhenwe know more,” Hart said.

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Bishop Kukah on Insecurity “How did Nigeria come to this tragic situation? We know who they are, who they believed in and where their inspiration comes from. There is no ambiguity about those who are killing our people and why they are doing so and where their inspiration comes from” – The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, lamenting about insecurity in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari And His War Against Twitter

F

ellow Nigerians, I had planned to write on a different topic today, but man proposes and God disposes. Nigeria has become such a rollercoaster that it is very difficult to catch up with news and events. Since President Muhammadu Buhari and his acolytes took power six years ago, our country has known no respite from news of gloom and doom. Where we had looked forward to the easing of our pain, what we got was a dissipation and destruction of our gain.

It has been one day, one fight. Even a world heavyweight boxing or wrestling champion who fight for fun and for finance will ordinarily get tired at some point and decide to retire, but not these ones. Where there is no fight, they will find it and create one, making sure it is bigger and more violent and virulent than the last. There is a sense in which you are made to feel that those in charge of this government thrive only in chaos and confusion. They seem to get off on playing to the gallery and practising dangerous brinksmanship. And so, the country lurches from one foreseen disaster to another unforeseen problem and then back to another foreseen calamity and the orgiastic cycle and circle of a litany of woes continues and persists forever.

We had been warned, long before President Buhari finally won the Presidential election at the fourth attempt, that he was too rigid, pugilistic, dictatorial, vindictive, divisive, venomous, fundamentalist, unbending, unyielding, and all that, but we dismissed all those allegations as belonging in his past. I was one of those who repackaged him as a People’s General, a veritable, certified, dyed in the wool democratic who had become a true friend of the lumpen proletariats, the most honest and frugal gentleman alive. We had good reason for reaching what has now turned out to be a highly fallacious conclusion. We had been led to believe that the President had turned over a new leaf and had imbibed democratic principles and in the process jettisoning everything regimental, military and authoritarian. The General certainly spoke the language of politicians, he even renounced his past toga of a high-ranking military officer and instead embraced politics like one who had always been a politician of the Nigerian hue.

He probably had become better than them, playing them at their own game, like the military strategist and tactician that he has always been, when he stooped to conquer. Sometimes this President, feigns ignorance, plays possum or fakes diverse maladies, merely to get out of a tight situation. Deniability and a willingness to abdicate responsibility are the hallmarks of this regime. I am beginning to think that it is no longer coincidence that the President is always absent when urgent matters affecting the national discourse and the nation’s future and destiny are at stake and being discussed.

When it comes to matters which he holds dear and are closest to his heart like the issue of cattle and Fulani nomads from neighbouring countries, the President is astute, engaging and articulate. I do not believe in selective amnesia. It is a mere tool of manipulation and I am starting to feel that the President has worked it out to a Tee. Indeed,, when one critically examines the President’s posture and position on certain matters, it becomes as clear as day that we are being had and taken for a ride. Those matters which directly affect and concern the President and his constituents are

Buhari

usually swiftly dealt with. Outside of this, the President is characterised by snail-like speed, indecisiveness, bumbling and failure to interact with colleagues, and others, with any degree of process and precision.

It was not to say that we didn’t know his major shortcomings, which would always include his taciturnity, bad temper, reclusiveness, modest education, antiquated worldview, and so on. But we were so sure that his deficiencies would be protected and covered by a more cosmopolitan, cerebral, mild-mannered, affable, genial Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

Sadly, we were dead wrong, and the error was absolutely brutal and fatal. Not only were things worse than imagined, as these vices held sway and appeared to hold the person and his office with a vice like grip, but they were also beginning to give rise to fatalism and morbidity. Under Buhari’s government, the falcon can no longer hear the falconer and things have absolutely fallen apart.

So here we are begging our leader to have mercy upon us and get a few necessities of life right for the general good of us all. I do not know why it has been impossible to reduce the spate of highly violent insecurity in the land. When Buhari came, insecurity was mainly volatile in the North East but today it has spread, uncontrollably, rapidly, and sporadically, across the length and breadth of Nigeria. What makes it so strange is the fact that Buhari retired as a Major General in the Nigerian Army and he was expected to be more competent than regular politicians in matters of insurgency. But that has not been the case. Instead, insurgency, militancy, insurrection, banditry and kidnapping have been on the rise. The perpetrators have become bolder and more brazen. Their exploits seem to be achieving greater superlative status by the day. Despite this fact, the government appears tepid, even timid, in its response. It is definitely afraid to engage these hoodlums, some say, for fear of offending their beloved kinsmen.

After all, the speed and rate at which the Government tries to put down and supress innocent protests in the South East will seem to suggest that the Government can be actively proactive and decisive whenever it pleases the President to doo so.

Anyway, all that have become sorry tales.

They have merely given rise to a feeling of

helplessness and hopelessness in the people.

Nowadays, Nigerians merely shrug their shoulders and roll their eyes as if to say, “what’s new”.

What has made matters worse is the glaring nepotism that exists and the manner some people from certain parts of Nigeria believe they are being treated like second class and third-class citizens in their own country. Many sections of the country have virtually given up on President Buhari ever changing his ways or style. Time and time again, the President is presented with opportunities for directing a new beginning, at least in the area of appointments.

At reach turn, the President has spurned the opportunity and instead repeated that which makes it easy for his traducers and detractors to remark that a leopard cannot change his spots. The most recent is the opening, and avenue, for the President to appoint a new Chief of Army Staff from the South East, or the South generally, with the untimely and tragic demise of the former Chief of Army Staff, the late Major General Attahiru Ibrahim. Instead, President Buhari went back to his tested, tried and trusted method of making such a highprofile appointment from the North. When he appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya, many concluded all hope for any salvation or redemption for President Buhari was lost. All entreaties to change have fallen on deaf ears.

The President has not hidden his disdain for the people of the South East in particular.

Any time the Igbo people chose to protest the injustices and marginalization meted to them; President Buhari has always responded with brute force. He sent in the army and crushed any act of rebellion mercilessly. In interviews and in general speeches, Buhari left no one in doubt that he was never a fan of the Igbo people.

As if this was not bad enough, the President made a major gaffe this week when he brazenly and defiantly threatened to deal ruthlessly with the young people who must have been too young during the last civil war. He promised, emphatically, to handle them in the language they understand, thus invoking the sad spirit of a genocidal war that claimed millions of lives. The President’s media team compounded the problem by acting ignorantly, about the social mores and rules of engagement of social media, when they put such a direct act of threat and intimidation on social media: “Many of those misbehaving today are too young to be aware of the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the Nigerian Civil War. “Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand.”

Unknown to them, the world has since moved far away from the kind of maximum rulership that Major General Buhari enjoyed as Head of State from 1984-85. Nigerians promptly protested against this level of intolerance from their democratically elected President.

The terrible news, of ethnic bias and racial intolerance and abuse, instantly attracted world attention. Social media was on fire and there were many protest tweets to Twitter to delete Buhari’s unfortunate tweet and suspend his account. Before one could say Jack Robinson, Twitter had responded in kind by deleting the odoriferous tweet and suspending the recalcitrant account. Of course, President Buhari’s ego was critically bruised.

Of course, it was not in the character of a pseudo-democratic government to let such a simple and straightforward matter pass without rancour or much ado. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, wasted no time in coming out to offer a blistering criticism of the action of Twitter, naming it as being “suspicious!” My very dear Alhaji must have forgotten that Nigeria’s gra gra has its limitations, and that Twitter is an institution far more powerful than gods with feet of clay. The same Twitter that yanked off the most powerful President on earth, Donald Trump, is the same one that the President of a country, in search of loans from wherever it can get it, wants to take on by embarking on reciprocal activity.

You must give something to us Nigerians.

We are good actors; the reason Nollywood is very successful. Vehemently rebuking Twitter for disrespecting our President is folly when you have absolutely nothing to back your sabre rattling. Nevertheless, Lai Mohammed felt that this was the path to thread, in a bid to demonstrate how farcical and unserious our leaders have become. Many people were even surprised the Government did not accuse Twitter of being bribed by some corrupt politicians to tarnish the wonderful image of a saintly leader.

I thought the inane press conference would have sufficed. However, trust the Nigerian government to go for the jugular of Twitter, it announced yesterday that it has suspended Twitter operations: “The Federal Government has suspended indefinitely the operations of the microblogging and social networking service Twitter in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the suspension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, citing the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence. It distresses me that a learned person like Lai Mohammed would make such a feeble, woeful statement, knowing it is a futile one.

The Minister said the Federal Government has also directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to immediately commence the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations in Nigeria.

Ironically, the announcement of Twitter’s retaliatory suspension was made on the Twitter page of the Federal Ministry of Information which generated some comic relief for millions of Twitter addicts globally.

This news was greeted with incredulity across the civilized world, wondering why a President Buhari would feel superior and untouchable if President Donald Trump could be sanctioned, and all he could do was to sulk and whine in one corner of the White House. And that was a President whose life was totally dependent on Twitter and who could actually tweet directly without the assistance of aides and did so.

With this draconian development, it is obvious that Nigerians should brace up for full-blown dictatorship which we thought had long been put behind us in 1999. The Buhari government have now come full cycle and is no longer comfortable with criticism. It has started a blistering war of attrition on its critics through the unfortunate retaliation against Twitter. How this would be managed, let alone achieved, would be seen in the days ahead!

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