SATURDAY 1ST JANUARY 2021

Budget 2022: President Laments Alterations By N’Assembly, Signs Reluctantly Ready to submit amendment bill early 2022, assents to 2021 finance bill Deji Elumoye in Abuja After expressing deep concern about changes effected on the 2022 budget by the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday

reluctantly signed the N17.127 trillion 2022 Appropriation Bill into law.

The presidency had submitted a N16.391 trillion proposal to the national assembly but the lawmakers

increased the budget size to N17.127 trillion.

The President, who also assented to the 2021 Finance Bill at a brief ceremony at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, further

hinted of the readiness of his administration to submit an amendment to the 2022 Appropriation law to the legislative arm early in 2022 to take care of the alterations by the National Assembly.

Buhari, while signing the two documents in the presence of Senate President, Ahmed Lawan; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Federal Executive

Council (FEC), expressed strong reservations about the ‘‘worrisome changes’’ to the budget.

Buhari said the lawmakers Continued on page 5

Wema Bank Gets Shareholders' Consent for Capital Restructuring, N40bn Rights Issue… Page 14 Saturday 1 January, 2022 Vol 26. No 9762

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Lawan: Senate to Review Electoral Bill, 1999 Constitution January Says lawmakers will find way forward on direct primary clause Our Correspondents The President of the Senate,

Ahmad Lawan yesterday announced that the Senate would review the rejected

Electoral Act Amendment Bill and the 1999 Constitution immediately it resumes

plenary on January 18.

The National Assembly transmitted the Bill to

President Muhammadu Buhari on November 19, last year, with recommendations

on electronic transmission of Continued on page 5

As 2022 Rolls in, Buhari Preaches Unity, Hope, Resilience, Forgiveness ‘We remain grateful to the Almighty God for yet another year attained as a country, united by a common destiny and resolute in our determination to overcome the several challenges along the path to building the great and prosperous Nation of our dream’

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Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to welcome the year 2022 with hope and envisions a year of continued progress against combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.

The President, in his New Year message to the nation, said the persistent insecurity in certain parts of the country might have threatened the incremental gains achieved in the real sectors of the economy and in the administration's

overall objective to position the nation on the irreversible trajectory of sustainable growth and progress.

According to him, the path to nationhood is often fraught with unpredictable difficulties and challenges, and most tried and tested nations often prevailed through dogged determination, resilience, concerted commitment to unity, and the conviction that the whole of the nation, standing together against all odds, is by far greater and Continued on page 5

SIGNED AND SEALED… L-R: President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan and President Muhammadu Buhari after the signing of the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law by the President in Abuja….yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification to March 31... Page 14

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PAGE FIVE BUDGET 2022: PRESIDENT LAMENTS ALTERATIONS BY N’ASSEMBLY, SIGNS RELUCTANTLY reduced the amount allocated to some projects, but added 6,576 projects of their own to the 2022 budget.

He announced that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumed, to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to the administration did not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.

The President said: ‘‘I signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law to enable its implementation to commence on 1st January 2022. ‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

"Some of the worrisome changes are as follows: Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive. ‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation. ‘‘Reduction in the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively. ‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances; ‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification. ‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’

President Buhari also expressed concern about the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

The President expressed his reservations about the ‘‘Inclusion of new provisions totaling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects

in the Service Wide Vote which negates the principles of separation of powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

He said: ‘‘The changes to the original Executive proposal are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/ or increases in the amounts allocated to projects. ‘‘Provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly. ‘‘Reductionbin the provisions for many strategic capital projects to introduce ‘Empowerment’ projects. ‘‘The cuts in the provisions for several of these projects by the National Assembly may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion, especially some of this Administration’s strategic capital projects. ‘‘Most of the projects inserted relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of State and Local Governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed.”

According to the President, the 2022 Budget provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion.

The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly. ‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.

Buhari announced that as the 2023 Budget is going to be a transition budget, work would start in earnest to ensure early submission of the 2023-2025 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, as well as the 2023 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly.

He, therefore, directed Heads of MDAs to cooperate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, more specifically with the Budget Office of the

Federation, to realise this very important objective.

On COVID-19 and budget implementation, the President said despite the lingering adverse effects of the pandemic, he was happy with the success recorded in the implementation of the 2021 Budget.

President Buhari commended the understanding and speedy action of the National Assembly on this matter.

To achieve the laudable objectives of the 2022 Budget, President Buhari pledged that the federal government would further intensify revenue mobilisation efforts.

He expressed optimism in the ability of the government to finance the budget considering the positive global oil market outlook and the continuing improvement in non-oil revenues.

Buhari said: ‘‘I also appeal to our fellow citizens and the business community at large to fulfill their tax obligations promptly. ‘‘However, being a deficit budget, the specific Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the National Assembly shortly. ‘‘I count on the cooperation of the National Assembly for

a quick consideration and approval of the Plan when submitted. ‘‘All borrowings will be judiciously utilised and invested in our future growth and prosperity.’’

Lawan Defends Lawmakers The President of the Senate has said the National Assembly was correct in its judgment by tampering with Budget 2022.

Lawan spoke at the Presidential Villa shortly after the President signed the budget.

He said, “I think the most important thing is that Mr. President is happy with the majority of what the National Assembly has done. That is the most critical thing that we need to focus on.

“As for the observations Mr. President has raised, this is a natural and logical tendency between the executive and the legislature. Sometimes, our views on certain issues may not be the executive’s view.

“So, I don’t think what the President did, by raising some observations, is something we should worry about. I’m happy that the President

signed the budget in the first place. And he said it's going back to the National Assembly to seek amendments or virement. This is a natural, logical legislative process.

“I believe that the National Assembly was right in its judgment, but there is nothing wrong in the executive arm of government coming back to the National Assembly to see how we’re able to dialogue and go through the process and see where the misunderstanding is. But I don’t think that is supposed to be a worrisome development for us.”

Lawan further explained that government-owned enterprises should contribute double the N500 billion revenue reflected in the budget.

“This is based on judgments why we asked for more resources coming from the independent sources, especially from the government-owned enterprises of about N400 billion to N500 billion is because we believe that these government-owned enterprises should contribute even much more. In fact, I hold the opinion that they should have contributed about a trillion, at least, not N500 billion or so.”

LAWAN: SENATE TO REVIEW ELECTORAL BILL, 1999 CONSTITUTION JANUARY results and direct primaries for political parties, among others.

But in a letter addressed to the upper and lower legislative chambers, Buhari kicked against the recommendation of direct primaries for political parties on the grounds that it “violates the spirit of democracy” and subsequently declined to sign the Bill.

In a New Year statement he personally signed, titled “Let’s keep faith in Nigeria,” Lawan said the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was handled with the spirit of patriotism, even though it was rejected by the President.

He said: “We believe that sustainable democratic governance requires a transparent and credible electoral process. Following the decision of President Buhari to withhold assent to the Bill, we shall make further consultations on the issues on our resumption of plenary in January.

“We shall find a way forward on this critical legislation in the new year. We are determined to deliver an Electoral Act that stands the test of time in safeguarding democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria.

“We are also looking

forward to receiving the report of our Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution upon our resumption from recess. We believe that the outcome of this very important exercise will promote unity, stability and peaceful coexistence in our country.

“The Electoral Act Amendment Bill and review of the 1999 constitution will be topmost on our agenda as we reconvene for Legislative business in the New Year.”

Lawan also revealed that the promises made to Nigerians with respect to focusing on legislation had been kept by the ninth National Assembly.

Pointing out the gains of the Assembly, Lawan stated that the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which had defied passage for about two decades, was broken by the Assemblywhich got it signed last year.

He stated that the Assembly was focused and would never be distracted from the implementation of its Legislative Agenda as spelt out following its inauguration in 2019.

He said, “The Year 2021 was challenging for people all over the world. It is praiseworthy that beyond the challenges, we can see

the rays of a bright future from the New Year.

“As your elected representatives, our new year pledge is to continue to pursue our common desire of a just, peaceful and prosperous country.

We promise to continue to discharge this responsibility without fear or malice, confident that by working in harmony, Nigerians will build the great country that is their abiding dream andmanifest destiny.

“Without a doubt, insecurity is today one of our biggest challenges.

However, I can attest that the government is resolutely addressing these challenges.

As a critical contribution to that effort, the National Assembly has appropriated more funds in the 2022 budget to enhance the operational capabilities of our security agencies.”

Lawan urged Nigerians not lose faith in the country and its democratic institutions.

He said Nigeria’s challenges would be overcome and become mere footnotes in the nation’s glorious national history.

The President of the Senate said the ninth National Assembly was focused and would never be distracted

from the implementation of its Legislative Agenda as spelt out following their inauguration in 2019.

He said: “Within the context of that Agenda, we have passed many critical bills and have many more to roll out in the New Year.

“At the beginning of 2021, we made specific promises to the Nigerian people with respect to our legislative focus. We are proud that we have kept those promises.

“For instance, breaking the jinx of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which had defied passage for about two decades, was high on our agenda in 2021. With the cooperation of the Executive and the support of the key stakeholders, we were able to break the jinx. We passed the Bill and got it signed into law in 2021.

“This piece of legislation will significantly impact the Nigerian economy and propel a significant turnaround in our oil and gas sector.”

On the annual national budget, Lawan said: “Upon our inauguration in 2019, the ninth National Assembly had promised to reset the national budget calendar to January to December cycle, to make our fiscal system predictable and consistent with international best

practice. We have since 2019 passed the national yearly budget every December to enable the President to sign it into law before the New Year.

In accordance with this, on Friday 31st December 2021, we witnessed the signing into law by the President, the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

“Timely passage of the budget enhances the performance of the economy and has specifically aided our recent quick recovery from recession. We are determined to sustain this trajectory to act as an impetus to our economic planning and projection.

“The much that we have been able to accomplish this far can be attributed to the commitment and dedication of my fellow distinguished colleagues and honourable members and the prevailing atmosphere of cordiality between the National Assembly and the Executive. We intend to sustain and even improve on this in the New Year and beyond.

“I appeal for the continued understanding and support of all Nigerians for the government at all levels. As your legislators at the federal level, we will continue in the true spirit of our mantra to “work for Nigeria.”

that his administration had put in place after the outbreak of the pandemic.

Buhari said, "We remain grateful to the Almighty God for yet another Year attained as a country, united by a common destiny and resolute in our determination to overcome the several challenges along the path to build the great and prosperous Nation of our dream.

"We have given the utmost priority to fighting corruption and other related offenses which have been a bane to the growth and prosperity of our dear nation. We have made major strides and breakthroughs through the innovative use of technology and forensics in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures with commendable results to

show that the anti-corruption drive of our administration is succeeding.

“In the meantime, the accomplishments so far can be traced to the dedication of the nation’s anti-corruption agencies who have received the necessary support needed to effectively prosecute their duties. As we welcome 2022, let us, with hope, envision a year of continued progress against our combined challenges arising from security and socio-economic issues.

“As it is said, the past is but a story told, the future will still be written in gold. Let us be united in our fight to keep our nation united against all odds and with gratitude, celebrate life in this new epoch.

I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year."

AS 2022 ROLLS IN, BUHARI PREACHES UNITY, HOPE, RESILIENCE, FORGIVENESS would ultimately be more prosperous and viable than the sum of its distinguishable parts.

Buhari, while noting that the issue of security remains one of the priority areas that his administration had given utmost attention, said as a follow up to its promise to re-energise and reorganise the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police, his administration had invested heavily in re-equipping the military in line with upgrading the platforms and firepower required to tackle the current challenges being faced in the country.

The net results of these efforts, according to him, have been the number of insurgents and bandits who have willingly surrendered

and continue to do so through various channels and the Safe Corridor created for that purpose.

The President said his government realised that victory on the battlefield was just one aspect of sustainable victory, “as to fully win this war, the government must also win the peace and real security lies in winning the hearts and minds of the affected citizens.”

To this end, he said his administration would be working with international partners and neighbouring countries, as well as deploy multi-faceted solutions that would be targeted at addressing human security at the grassroots, before it leads to insecurity.

Buhari lauded the courage and resilience of all Nigerians, which according to him,

was evident in 2021 as the nation, like other countries of the world, faced significant challenges that occurred as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the efforts to restore the global economy and social order.

He expressed gratitude to the gallant military, police officers, and other security agents who had lost their lives in the cause of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation against both internal and external aggressors, assuring their families that their sacrifices would not be in vain.

Buhari equally remembered and commiserated with Nigerians who had lost loved ones as a result of insecurity in different parts of the country, noting that every life matters and every single death caused

by any form of insecurity is a matter of personal concern to him both as a citizen and as the President.

On the economy, he said his administration had shown a high level of resilience to record some significant achievements despite the turbulence that has characterised the nation's economy and the global economy.

Buhari stressed that the major wins recorded could be clearly seen in Nigeria’s most recent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), with a 4.03% growth recorded in the third quarter of 2021, indicative of the recovery being recorded in the economy and the confidence that is being shown through the policies

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NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

FG’s 2021 Performance Claims, a Litany of Lies, Says PDP Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government’s performance claims as reeled out by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, as a litany of lies and another celebration of falsehood by a failed administration.

In statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party maintained that the performance claims by the APC-led government could only be a product of delusions of grandeur; a joke of the year, as the word on the street where the real Nigerians are, is completely at variance with

the fabricated lies and imaginary performance indices contained in the report.

According to PDP, “is it not unpardonable that instead of facing its failures to secure our nation, the APC-led government which is still habouring a selfconfessed terrorism apologist, is celebrating the mass killings currently going on in our country by engaging in self-praise in the face of failure while terrorists continue to ravage our nation?”

On economy, the PDP said that the APC government had become so addicted to falsehood that it had forgotten that Nigerians are aware that the PDP government handed over a $550 billion economy - largest in Africa and 26th globally and a

diversified economy to the APC in 2015.

According to him, “Our nation has become the poverty capital of the world due to the mismanagement, corruption and recklessness of the APC government.

“In 2015, Nigeria’s external debt was $7.3 billion. Today under the clueless APC government, in just over six years, the external debt has reached over $38 billion and counting, with no corresponding investment in the economy or infrastructure.

“Today, the poverty rate in Nigeria is 71 per cent as against 32 per cent when the APC government took over

in 2015. Between January and September 2021, over $1.8 billion dollar was expended on debt services, yet the APC government can shamelessly claim to have performed in 2021,” he said.

“It is self-evident that only the APC gangsters can claim to have performed in the face of life discounting experiences of the ordinary Nigerians. Thankfully Nigerians now know them for who they are,” he added.

The PDP said that the APC government has nothing to say to the fact that under its watch, the naira has collapsed from N198 to a dollar handed over to it in 2015 to over N500

today; that the pump price of fuel has risen from N87 per liter in 2015 to N165 per liter today; that unemployment has risen from 7.3 per cent in 2015 to over 33 per cent today and that price of food items have so skyrocketed that millions of Nigerian families are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life.

The main opposition party said that it was ludicrous that the APC government claimed to be fighting corruption when it has become the haven of compromised and corrupt politicians, adding, “Evidently, that is why it has no answer

to reports of how APC leaders and their cronies stole over N25 trillion from various government agencies. It also explains why the APC government has failed to prosecute its officials and APC leaders openly indicted for corruption.”

On infrastructure, the PDP said that it was indeed appalling that the APC-led government could list projects that exist only on paper as achievements and even attempted to appropriate projects by PDP administrations.

The PDP challenged the APC government to name one landmark project it conceptualised, commenced and completed in the last six years.

Group: 2022 Will be for Actualising Osinbajo’s 2023 Presidency Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Progressive Project (TPP), the umbrella organisation of various groups mobilising support for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo presidency in 2023 has said that year 2022 would be a more spectacular year for those mobilising towards actualising his presidency.

The group’s Director of Operations, Dr. Usman Usman in a statement issued yesterday, said after moving quietly across various states, it now has much cause for optimism about 2022.

It stated: “With the increasing support from citizens in all parts of the federation, 2021 has been a great year but 2022 will be a more spectacular year for those mobilising towards actualising an Osinbajo Presidency in 2023.

“TPP, the umbrella organisation of various groups, including the Progressive Consolidation Group (PCG) which has been moving quietly across various states, now has much cause for optimism about 2022.

“In a season where many top politicians only hide and weigh things very carefully before throwing their weight behind anyone, Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule pointedly told us that progressive governors are very much inclined towards the presidential candidate that we want.”

The group noted that the

warm and fatherly support from the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk as well as his positive comments on the leadership qualities of Vice President Osinbajo rank high among all those mobilising for an Osinbajo presidency.

It pointed out that the nation’s prevailing challenges and the deep historical significance of whatever choices made only reinforce the need for others to join in drafting Osinbajo for the 2023 presidential race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The group stressed that members of all groups associated with the effort to mobilise nationwide support for Osinbajo’s presidential ambition have been instructed to acknowledge the democratic rights of others to aspire for any position.

It said there was no need to insult or use derogatory words against other aspirants considering the fact that Osinbajo is the most qualified to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari and build further on his legacies.

“Like other well-informed Nigerians, we made critical assessments far beyond mere partisan considerations and all rational indicators throw up the name of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as being most qualified and most adequately prepared to undertake such assignment,” it said.

FCT Minister Tests Positive to COVID-19 Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Musa Bello, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The minister confirmed the development on his Facebook page yesterday. He said he was currently undergoing isolation and treatment at home. FCT spokesman, Anthony Ogunleye also confirmed the development in a statement yesterday.

He said the minister remained in high spirits while isolating at home. The minister said he decided to do a COVID-19 test on Thursday morning after feeling unwell

from December 28 He disclosed the test came out positive on Friday morning.

Bello said he was currently doing fine, although he had a sore throat, feverish feeling and mild running nose.

He, however, said experts assured him that his symptoms were mild because he had already received two shots of the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vaccines.

“After a hide and seek period spanning 21 months (one year, nine months) between COVID-19 and my humble self, the virus finally caught up with me during the dying days of 2021.

CALL TO SERVICE …

L- R: James Lookie, Mrs. Patience Zuofa-Diri, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Governor Douye Diri, Mrs. Christine Enegesi and Dr. Simon Amaduobogha, during the swearing-in of the four new state High Court Judges at Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday

Senate Spokesman: No Amount of Propaganda, Gang-up against Oyetola will Thrive Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo The Spokesman of the Senate, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, has said that no amount of propaganda and gang-up against the incumbent Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, would see the light of day.

He said the party had put in place strong mechanisms and internal structures around the governor to ensure his emergence not only at the primary but also at the next governorship election.

Bashiru noted that the re-election of Oyetola was God’s project that could not be upturned by mere mortals.

This is even as he warned political detractors and interlopers against heating up the polity as election draws near.

The Senate Spokesman who is the Senator representing Osun

Central Senatorial District spoke in Igbajo, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state, during the inauguration of 13.15km Ada-Igbajo Road reconstructed by Oyetola after 33 years of neglect.

Bashiru who called on those aspiring for one political office or the other to nurture their ambition with caution, politeness and tread softly, said the majority of the party’s loyalists are solidly behind Oyetola re-election.

He challenged those who want to contest against the governor at the party’s primary to do so with civility and stop maligning his personality, saying such an act will rather earn them disgrace and hatred, not empathy.

Bashiru said: “We are not saying no one should contest against Governor Oyetola at the primary. What we are saying

is that no one should take the advantage to hurl abuses on any member of the party or the personality of Mr. Governor.

“Contest is the beauty of democracy. It gives strength to democracy, but it shouldn’t be abused. As it is, one person has obtained form to contest in our party and we are expecting others to follow suit; but all we know is that no amount of propaganda, political gimmicks and gang-ups can pull down the already-built winning structure of the incumbent governor to return re-elected.

“We are aware of the intent of those that are making noise that they want to contest. They should go ahead and if they don’t have the funds to obtain nomination and declaration of intent forms, I will lend them

to show that no one is against their show of interest to contest.

“With God on our side, we are confident of winning both the primary and the real governorship election. As we all know, the first general election supervised by the governor took our party to victory. We won 23 seats out of 26 seats of the State House of Assembly. Similarly, our party won six seats out of nine seats of Federal House of Representatives and two Senatorial seats out of three. This is a pass mark and it shows that we are fully on the ground.

“As you all know, a lot of things have been addressed capable of taking our party to the promised land and earn us victory at all elections. Our governor is committed to this and we are assured of victory

by God’s Grace.

APC Caretaker Committee Promises to Conduct Rancour-free National Convention Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, has assured that it will conduct a rancour-free national convention of the party.

The National Secretary of the committee, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, gave the assurance in the party’s New

Year message to Nigerians.

He said: “APC assures all party members and indeed Nigerians that the CECPC is poised and ready to meet up with the tasks ahead in 2022, particularly the conduct of a rancour-free APC National Convention.

“The CECPC will surely bequeath a progressive party and structure that will continue to install and entrench APC governments at all levels to put Nigeria in its deserved rank in

the comity of nations.”

Akpanudoedehe also assured that the party would continue to proactively and constructively engage critical stakeholders on issues that affect Nigerians.

Reeling out the achievements of the Caretaker committee, Akpanudoedehe said it has won into the APC fold three serving state governors and scores of parliamentarians from other political parties.

The secretary said the com-

mittee had successfully reviewed the APC Constitution.

The party noted that it has ended and resolved inherited litigations and court cases instituted by many aggrieved members against the party for various reasons by reaching out to the aggrieved members who have consequently responded to the CECPC reconciliation.

It added: “It has scrutinised and paid for the inherited debts with respect to the services to the party in the past administration.”

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COMMENTARY

THE DANGERS OF UNDERESTIMATING OMICRON The world cannot afford another fire in the house, writes Rajendra Aneja

T

he Omicron variant of Covid-19 is posing a severe threat to mankind again. It brings back memories of the draconian lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, when the entire world was frozen and traumatised.

The average number of daily new cases in the USA has reached 243,099. Around 1,200 people are dying daily in the USA due to the disease. Netherlands is on a strict lockdown from 19 December 2021, to 14 January 2022, to contain Omicron. The UK is getting 76,000 new cases daily. The UK Government is under pressure to impose more restrictions to control the virus. In UAE, Abu Dhabi has introduced scanning at its borders to arrest the spread of the disease. This is immensely sensible.

Mortality data from the USA National Center for Health Statistics, reveals that life expectancy dropped by 1.8 years in 2020, as compared to 2019. Around 528,000 more Americans died in 2020 than in 2019.

This is the highest increase in single-year mortality, since 1933.

Covid has contributed to about 10 percent of these deaths and is the third-most common cause of deaths. So, every step should be taken to vaccinate the entire world and encourage vulnerable groups to take booster jabs.

As Omicron invades more countries, it is time for nations to authorise the third booster jab for health workers and senior citizens.

The World Health Organisation’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) has underscored that, “Evidence on waning vaccine effectiveness, in particular a decline in protection against severe disease in high-risk populations, calls for the development of vaccination strategies optimized for prevention of severe disease, including the targeted use of booster vaccination.” Israel has shown leadership, by permitting the fourth booster jab.

Nigeria, with a population of 206 million people, has vaccinated only 2.1 percent of its population with both jabs and 4.5 percent with at least one jab. Yet it wisely authorised the third booster for its citizens.

President Muhammadu Buhari, set the ball rolling by taking the third jab himself. The proposed plan of the German BioNTech to manufacture 50 mn. vaccine doses annually, from 2022 onwards in Rwanda or Senegal, is an encouraging step, for it will augment availability in Africa.

India should not be lulled into indifference to Omicron, just because the daily number of infections are less than 10,000 cases per day. India is a large, crowded country. Enforcing wearing of masks and social distancing have proved difficult. Like many other developing countries, India too has faced serious issues in arranging ICU beds, oxygen, medicines, etc., when the virus attacked the population viciously in 2020-2021. So, India has been wise to permit the third booster shot.

Crowded countries like India, Nigeria, etc., should be preparing to fight Omicron right away.

All countries should authorise the third booster shot for health workers and senior citizens. The CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), has said that they may have to take a production cut of 50 percent, due to weak demand from the Government of India. The SII has now boosted exports to the African countries.

No country can afford to take its eye off, from the Covid-19 crisis.

PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT IF THEY DO NOT TAKE THE JABS, THEY ARE NOT MERELY ENDANGERING THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO THEIR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS.

For instance, India is slated to hold state elections in 2022. Every time there has been an election, the Covid-19 cases have risen sharply.

During elections, there are massive public meetings, travel and interactions, very often without masks and social distancing. Hence it is important to deliver the third jab expeditiously and widely in India, before the elections.

Along with ensuring vaccinations, developing countries in Asia and Africa need to augment food supplies also to the vulnerable. Around 381 million people in Asia and 250 million in Africa do not have access to adequate food, according to Akinwumi Adesina, President of the Africa Development Bank. Nutrition is essential to fight any infection.

The reluctance to take the Covid-19 amongst many people, is a serious cause for alarm. In Britain, youngsters below the age of 30 years have not been enthusiastic about the vaccinations.

A survey by Oxford University revealed that about 25 percent of the people interviewed, had a fear of needles. Hence, they were hesitant to take the jabs. Even in some African countries, where only two to five percent are inoculated, there are often vaccines available freely, but there are no takers. Even though booths have been established to vaccinate, there are no queues. The general feeling is that, “I am fine. I do not need the jabs”. Others feel, “I am healthy, Covid cannot touch me.”

Many people have heard stories of after-effects of the vaccines like formation of clots, fever and dizziness. These may have occurred in some cases due to co-morbidities. A sustained educational campaign, in a persuasive style, is required to ensure that people welcome the jabs. Opinion leaders like community and religious leaders, professors, movie and rock-stars, should lead the vaccination campaigns in Africa.

Governments need to ensure 100 percent vaccination of their people.

Britain is planning vaccination passports, for the public to attend football matches and even universities, to incentivise the young to vaccinate. In France, the vaccinations surged only when President Macron told his countrymen that they would need vaccine passports to enter cafes and bars.

Many companies in the USA and UK plan to ensure that all office staff and even visitors, are fully vaccinated, before entering the premises. In India too, many domestic workers did into take the jabs, till their employers told them that without vaccinations, they would not be allowed to work in their homes.

People need to understand that if they do not take the jabs, they are not merely endangering themselves, but also their families, friends and neighbours.

The world must not return to the trauma of the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The pandemic resulted in 280 million infections, 5.4 million deaths, loss of jobs, livelihoods, homelessness, hunger and even psychiatric illnesses like depression. The world cannot afford another fire in the house.

Aneja was the Managing Director of Unilever Tanzania. He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and the author of books entitled, “Rural Marketing across Countries and “Business Express”. He is a Management Consultant.

UFOK IBAAN, UDOMA AND IKOT ABASI WOMEN’S WAR Akpandem James relives the Ikot Abasi Women’s War, in song and dance

A

bout this time 92 years ago there was palpable tension in a place which is today known as Ikot Abasi, in Akwa Ibom State.

The place was then known as Egwanga.

The then colonial government came out with what was seen as an obnoxious tax policy. The women protested. They were mowed down in cold blood by agents of government. Bedlam! Doomsday! Wailing and mourning and gnashing of teeth defined the landscape.

Humanity in that clime never saw a hellish moment before; and no more thereafter.

The women had in their rage destroyed the buildings of the Native Court and part of the staff quarters located in the area. They were protesting the imposition of irregular taxes. The rest is now being told as history. The seed was sown in Owerri Province on November 23, 1929. It blossomed and spread to Aba, then to Calabar Province and then to Ikot Abasi where it boiled over. In the afternoon of Sunday, December 15, 1929, the angry women descended on the symbol of the native authority in the area. It’s a story that has been told over and over again in history books, from different perspective.

In Uyo, on the night of December 23, 2021, the story was relived in song and dance, in a stage play titled “Ufok Ibaan – the Ikot Abasi Women’s Uprising.” It was presented by Joseph Edgar, a celebrated artist known as the Duke of Shomolu. The Ibom Hall venue of the command performance was aglow as the cast brought alive the experience in front of a live audience which included the immediate past Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Orman Esin (who represented the state governor); CEO of SO&U, Mr Udeme Ufot; Mrs Uto Ukpanah (representing MTN, one of the main sponsors) and the Vice Chancellor of Akwa Ibom State University of Uyo, Prof Nse Essien, The production was well put together. It

was electrifying. Udoma called it a really wonderful production.

Incidentally, the Ikot Abasi protest was led by the grandmother of the former minister. She was killed in the process. Senator Udoma never met the woman, but he heard enough stories about her to make him proud of his heritage. During the presentation, which he was the special guest, the former minister in his speech, told the story of his grandmother and the event the led to her death. In one night, the 1929 protest was showcased in two forms – story and drama. The Duke of Shomolu and his cast acted the drama; but this is the story, as told

by Senator Udoma: “As you all know Madam Adiaha-Edem, the leader of the Ikot Abasi Women protesters was my paternal grandmother. She was a very successful trader and community leader. As a big trader, she was a wholesale distributor of products such as bar soap, salt, detergents, stockfish, and kerosene. Her traded volumes were so large that, to guarantee her supply, she used to deposit large sums of money with such big trading outfits as G.B. Ollivant Limited and African Traders Corporation. She also had a big market stall and was a seamstress. A very enterprising woman indeed!

“But not only was she successful, she was also independent minded. She did not mind going against local norms once she was convinced about something. That was how she converted to Christianity, a few years after my father was born. She became such a strong Christian that she even tried to convert her husband, my grandfather. But my grandfather was adamant that as a leading and highly respected figure in the society, and as a custodian of the culture and traditions, he could not abandon the beliefs of his ancestors! This caused tremendous stress in their marriage and led, ultimately, to a divorce.

“She was a truly remarkable woman. Unfortu-

nately, since she was killed in 1929, and I was born in 1954, I never met her. I don’t even know what she looked like because in 1929 our people had not yet developed the practice of taking studio photographs of themselves. However, as a young boy I heard stories of what happened to my grandmother. I used to marvel at her bravery and courage and that of all the women who accompanied her in confronting the British colonial administration.”

After painting a picture of the life and times of his grandmother, Senator Udoma gave a narration of what came to be referred as the Ikot Abasi Women’s War. “The immediate cause of the protest was the introduction of direct taxation, which the women understood was going to be extended to trading and other activities, principally carried on by women.

Whilst the introduction of direct taxation in 1929 was resented by all, it was the women who were adamant that they were not going to pay any such taxes.

“Many of the women were, like my grandmother, traders, and they travelled around and had extensive connections. The first protests erupted in Oloko in Owerri Province on 23rd November, 1929. It spread quickly to Aba and certain parts of Calabar Province.

But it was in Egwanga, now called Ikot Abasi, that the protests came to a head. In the afternoon of Sunday, 15th December, 1929, the angry women destroyed the buildings of the Native Court and part of the staff quarters.

“The next day, Monday 16th December, the women were invited to meet with the District Officer, A. R. Whitman. Even though some of the women were reluctant, my grandmother, as their leader, convinced them to go. She reckoned that change could only come after engagement, and negotiation. She led the women leaders to meet with Mr. Whitman and presented him with a list of seven demands – the most prominent was a commitment

from the Government not to tax women. A Nigerian female lawyer, Mrs. Nkoyo Isikalu, who has commented on this, has referred to these demands as Nigeria’s first Bill of Rights!

“Just after the document had been typed, signed and distributed, more women arrived, and a crowd surged towards the office breaking through the stick fence. Even though the women were unarmed, Whitman lost his nerve and ordered the soldiers to open fire. A Captain Hill, who commanded the troops, was the first to fire. He brought out his pistol and shot my grandmother at point blank range. She died on the spot. The other soldiers fired their rifles straight at the women and 25 women were killed outright. More women were killed in the ensuing stampede.

“There was palpable shock that unarmed women who were simply protesting against government policy could have been mowed down in this manner. My father, who was then just 12 years old, was invited to the scene by the British to identify the body of his dead mother. He was inconsolable and was traumatized by that incident. The whole community was in shock. How could this have happened to some of the leading women in the community who were simply exercising their rights of protests!

“The Government immediately deployed more troops to Ikot Abasi and announced the setting up of a commission of inquiry headed by Donald Kingdom. As to be expected, in its report, the commission described it as a mob action directed at overthrowing the colonial administration and justified the action of the District Officer.

“However, the Women’s War had a tremendous impact on the subsequent development of women in the region, and on the colonial administration itself.

A number of administrative reforms were introduced in the years following the protests.

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JANUARY 1, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

In the spirit of the season...

Would You Give Up Your Tribe for Nigeria?

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o whom do we owe allegiance – our tribe or Nigeria? The Nigeria’s unity. reality is some of us, if not most, define our existence and The fact is Nigeria’s fissures are accented by some elders in the identity from a tribal standpoint. We think in tribal amplipolitical class who created them in the first place. They keep at tude and act in protection of the tribe. Our tribe comes first; them, stoking controversies and ethnic tension to sustain their own we steal, fight and even kill for the tribe. The nation as an entity relevance. If not, why will a 94-year-old who has seen it all, elect to is split into disparate collections of kinfolk with unrequited loyalty. be a tribesman?

This is the trouble with Nigeria. The state is perpetually slaughtered Over the years, I have not at anytime heard Chief Edwin Clark for the tribe. speak in defence, in support or in the praise of Nigeria. It is either We must give up tribal allegiance. Like I said in the column, he is talking about former President Goodluck Jonathan, some Ijaw ‘Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba must surrender ethnic identities’; we, the agenda or issuing threats against the state. I do not think this is the Igbo, the Hausa, the Yoruba, the Fulani, the Ijaw, the Esan, the way to go for a man who has benefited immeasurably from the Urhobo – and all other ethnic nationalities -- must surrender our country and who is one of the few elders who saw Nigeria from ethnic identities to the Nigerian identity. This does not imply infancy. abandoning our roots, but embracing an expansive identity for High Chief Clark should hearken to Obasanjo’s advice that ‘’until the survival of our country. the state emerges, Nigeria will not make the desired progress as Giving up the tribe means putting the interest of the nation tribesmen will always sacrifice state for tribe’’, and that ‘’it is about first; it means acting on the philosophy of the monolithic time you change from a tribesman to a statesman of character’’. whole as against group agenda; it means eschewing divisive The tribesmen will keep setting Nigeria back. Political groups are utterances and actions; it means accenting our strengthens emerging ahead of the 2023 presidential election, but their focus and areas of convergence rather than promoting discord and appears to be on a candidate who will represent the region’s interest – not Nigeria’s interest. How can we make progress this way? points of divergence; it means embracing our common identity We have to give up the tribe for Nigeria to truly live and thrive. as Nigerians and consigning the tribal identity to secondary Nigeria is for all of us, and we must work towards a society relevance. It means being Nigerian. where unity, justice, peace, and harmony breathe in the busy streets We have a nation to build. Reading Waziri Adio’s ‘Arc of of Aba; where they hover across the brown roofs of Ibadan, and the Possible’ – a memoir on his stewardship as the executive where they stroll on the fine sands of Sokoto. secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Nigeria first.

Initiative (NEITI), I was unnerved by some of the revelations Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist in the book. There is a total system collapse -- traditional rulers mounting vigil at government offices to secure jobs for their dependents against laid-down procedures; national assembly members demanding job slots through blackmail; party officials demanding a slice of the proverbial national cake, religion T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R deployed for slaughter, and so on. The public EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU office is principally considered as sectional booty MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO and appropriated for insular ends.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU Really, some Nigerians will not survive in a CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI just, fair and equitable system. Corruption and EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI indiscipline at the top is because of corruption THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE and indiscipline at the bottom -- and vis-a-vis.

We are victims of the systems we create and enable.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D perhaps one in the very few and eclectic league EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA of statesmen in Nigeria. Obasanjo has never been GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, shy to declare his Nigerianness. He once said ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI he is a ‘’Nigerian first, before being Yoruba’’. At DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE a time when much vaunted ‘’statesmen’’ have DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH become tribesmen, Obasanjo still bears the torch ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI – unflinching and unquenching.

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI While some elderly Nigerians, some in their DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 80s and 90s, who should be bastions of national TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com unity, still think and speak from ethnic stumps, Obasanjo never ceases to speak in defence of

When Will Africans Ride in Their Trains?

T

he new zeitgeist in Africa is the development of rail and trains. It is not a new technology. Nigeria had its first rail line in 1896. But all of a sudden after years of neglect African leaders have woken up from their slumber. The sad reality is that despite over 100 years of rail technology in Africa, Africans can’t still build their own rail. What makes it so sad that we cheer at new rail lines when we are 100 years behind.

Most of the rail lines are from China. The sad part is that when the Indians were building the first rail lines in Africa over 100 years ago, China barely had a rail link but today China is now developing our infrastructure for us and giving us loans for good measure while we celebrate. Recently a new rail line was opened in Senegal, the cost is over $1.7billion but the GDP of Senegal is less than $20 billion. I must repeat if African must grow, African trains must be built by Africans or the supposed development will be another tranche of slavery. We must spend money on education and research so we can build our own infrastructure and develop at our own pace. We need do this quickly so our infrastructure drive doesn’t become an infrastructure tra Rufai Oseni, Lagos

A Positive Test for Humanity

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here are a lot of sick people in the world, and I am not just referring to those with COVID but rather those that have obtained test kits and are now selling them for extravagant prices.

There are also those that are probably selling fake tests too.

This is a time when we want to see the best of people and it is so apparent in our medical workers, but we all need to be our best by getting those vaccinations, staying safe by wearing masks and isolating if we have too.

Let’s make 2022 a great year.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

14

NEWS

Air Force Chief Charges Newly Promoted Officers to End Insurgency Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, yesterday called on officers promoted to senior ranks in

the military to generate ideas to tackle security challenges gripping the nation and bring it to an end.

This comes as members of the 41 Regular Course of the

Again, FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification to March 31 Emma Okonji The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, yesterday, conveyed the approval of the federal government to further extend the deadline for the National Identity Number (NIN)Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification, from December 31, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Pantami, in a statement jointly signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and the Head, Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Mr. Kayode Adegoke, said the extension became necessary, following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, to extend the date in order to give Nigerians ample time to register their NINs. Pantami also said the NIN enrollments across the country have exceeded 71 million.

Yesterday’s extension of the deadline made it the tenth time that the federal government would be extending the deadline since the directive on NIN-SIM verification and linkage was issued for the first time in

December 2020.

Following the inability of Nigerians to meet up with the initial December 31, 2020 deadline, because the deadline was unachievable, the federal government had to extend the deadline, and had since then, continued to extend it.

In the statement on the recent extension, Pantami said: “The stakeholders have applauded the federal government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country.

As of 30th December 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over 71 million NINs with over 14,000 enrolment centres set up across the country.

“Furthermore, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has also set up enrolment centres in over 31 countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora. The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about three to four SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the federal government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.”

2023: We’ll Use Votes to End Bad Governance in Abia, Says APC Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed its strong belief in the power of the electorate to engender change, saying that votes would be used to flush out bad governance in Abia in the forthcoming general election.

This, the party explained, informed its grassroots mobilisation agenda across the state aimed at making Abia voters recognise the power they possess and the need to use it at the polls to end the over 20 years of stagnation caused by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Leader of Abia APC, Chief Ikechi Emenike made this known

while addressing party faithful at their end of year meeting which was preceded by a thanksgiving service held at St. John Methodist Church, Umukabia Okpuala in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state.

He said that APC was working very hard to raise the quantum of votes that would guarantee its triumph at the polls, adding that Abia people were ready to make strong statements with their votes against the ruling party.

The party chieftain therefore charged the Abia APC faithful to go for votes which is the legitimate weapon for use in political battle in a democracy, adding that nothing should be left to chance.

Ikpeazu, Sanwo-Olu Sign 2022 Appropriation Bills into Law Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia and Segun James in Lagos The governors of Abia and Lagos states, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu respectively, yesterday signed into law their 2022 Appropriation Bills.

Governor Ikpeazu signed into law N147, 282, 196, 200 2022 Appropriation Bill barely 24 hours after its passage by the state House of Assembly.

While Governor Sanwo-Olu

signed into law the N1,758 trillion 2022 Appropriation Bill christened ‘Budget of Consolidation’ at the Lagos House Ikeja.

Ikpeazu had on December 14, 2021 presented a budget of N147.8 billion before the House but it appeared that, after tinkering with the original budget outlay, the lawmakers scrapped N0.5 billion from it.

However, there was no alteration in the ratio of capital expenditure to the recurrent expenditure as the former still got the larger chunk.

Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated members of the course, who were promoted to the enviable ranks of major general, rear admiral and air vice marshal respectively.

Amao, who spoke in Abuja, said the beneficiaries of the promotion exercise should bring to bear their wealth of experience in tackling security challenges confronting the nation.

He said promotion was the beginning of another phase in the career of the promoted senior officers.

“To those of you who have been elevated, I urge you to

see your promotion as the beginning of another phase of your career in the service, which of course, comes with greater responsibilities.

“I am particularly elated because this is indicative that the Nigerian Air Force now has more strategic and analytical minds in our pool of manpower resources to bring to bear their knowledge and experience on how to tackle the security challenges facing the nation,” he said.

Amao spoke as members of the 41 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) celebrated members of

the course, who were promoted to the enviable ranks of major general, rear admiral and air vice marshal respectively.

Speaking at the reception held at the National Defence College, the President of the 41 Regular Course Alumni Association, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), expressed joy at the elevation of members of the course in the three services.

He said the promotion was the outcome of perseverance and hardwork which were the hallmarks of the 41 Regular Course.

He thanked the federal

government and the military high command for finding the affected officers worthy of elevation.

He tasked his course mates to remember that such promotion was a call to higher responsibility and expressed confidence that they would deliver on their areas of assignment.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya, who was represented by the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Maj. Gen. Yusuf commended the celebrants for reaching the peak of their career.

BUILDING SYNERGY. . .

L-R: Adesola Okunseinde, Bukola Akinyan, Khadijat Kazeem, Yetunde Emiola, Olamide Lawal (SA on Youth and Sports to Ogun State governor), Hon. Babatunde Olaotan (Patron of the Dynamic Diamond Sisters For DA and SSA on Government House and Special Duties, Ogun State), Adebisi Olaotan, Bolanle Akinroye and Titi Fagbote, during the group’s visit to Olaotan at the Government Secretariat, Oke Mosan, Abeoukuta… recently.

Wema Bank Gets Shareholders’ Consent for Capital Restructuring, N40bn Rights Issue Wema Bank yesterday received the approval of its shareholders at a court-ordered meeting to restructure its capital ahead of the raising of fresh capital through rights issuance early next year.

The Bank obtained the approval at an extraordinary general meeting where its shareholders unanimously voted for the scheme of arrangement to reconstruct its shares. The Bank has shares in issue of over 38 billion units, and the shareholders consented to a reconstruction of

one share for every three held.

Commenting on the meeting, the MD/CEO, Ademola Adebise said: “We are pleased with the support given and confidence expressed by our shareholders.

We have come a long way in the last decade - from negative capital, we now have over N60 billion in shareholder’s funds and a balance sheet size above N1 trillion.

“With this approval of shareholders, we will begin the rights issuance to raise our capital base

to over N100 billion. This gives us room to increase our financial intermediation and further scale up our business,” Adebise said in a statement issued by the bank.

Adebise further commented on some recent issues, including reports alleging a face-off between the Management of Wema Bank Plc and one of its customers.

The MD/CEO said, “The Bank’s attention has been drawn to recent media mentions of certain customer obligations

and reassures our shareholders and customers that the Bank has and will continue to operate with the highest level of due process, corporate governance policies and procedures.”

ALAT, the Bank’s flagship digital banking solution, continues to deliver results and recently won the “Best Digital Bank of the Year Award 2021.”

Wema Bank expects to close the year strongly with improved returns to shareholders.

Finally, MFM Recovers Stolen U.S. Church Branch, Bank Accounts Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), a prayer and deliverance church in Nigeria with branches in all continents of the world, has recovered it’s Maryland, USA branch stolen from it by the branch pastor, his wife, and 11 others.

According to a statement by the Church yesterday, it also recovered other church assets belonging to MFM, including bank accounts

earlier converted to personal use by the pastor and his co-conspirators.

The feat is sequel to a longdrawn litigation, which got a head on October 22, 2021 when the pastor, his wife the 11 others lost their legal action to retain their stolen church and other assets of the church, including the bank accounts.

A judge heard the trial and found in favor of Mountain of

Fire against all defendants.

The judge entered judgement requiring the pastor and the co- defendants to return the real property, bank accounts, assets and awarded Mountain of Fire damages and attorney’s fees.

The church properties located at 5503 & 5506, Church Road in Bowie were returned as was the money remaining in the bank accounts.

The defendants; however, refused to satisfy the remainder of the judgement totaling over $150,000 pending their appeal.

Their appeal was denied in a unanimous decision. They next petitioned for a Writ of Centiori, seeking to file an appeal with The Maryland Court of Appeals.

The Chief Judge denied their request outright without a hearing.

Hazard Allowance: JOHESU/AHPA Urges FG to Redress Inconsistencies Sequel to the federal government’s decision to improve hazard allowances of all health workers in the country, irrespective of their rank and professional callings, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have urged the government to immediately redress the inconsistencies identified with the new circular on Hazard Allowances for the

Health Workers on CONHESS. Acting Secretary of JOHESU, Comrade Matthew Ajurotu, who expressed the gratitude of the bodies to the government, however, faulted the restrictive clause in the circular approving the payment which excluded certain categories of health workers from being paid the hazard allowance.

According to him, “JOHESU/AHPA believes it was impossible for government at

all levels to pay commensurate hazard allowances to all cadres of health workers, given the lean economy the Federal Government continues to project.

“JOHESU/AHPA strongly protests the divisive and discriminatory lexicons of Clinical and Non-Clinical staff which was introduced in the new NSIWC circular because none of the staff who are on the CONHESS AND CONMESS

structures was designed as Clinical and Non-Clinical in their original employment terms.”

According to the statement, the Union hinged its position on the fact that nothing has changed in the condition precedent to the employment of the various cadres of health workers in the last 12 years to warrant discrimination in the payment of their hazard allowances.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

08054699539

Tears for Zamfara Women

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t was heart-wrenching reading the accounts of how terrorists gangrape and kill women in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

While reading, I struggled to hold back tears; tears for hundreds of violated, displaced and traumatised women, struggling to recover in camps away from their original aboard in Tsafe.

These devastated women recounted their ordeals in a series of interview granted a national newspaper last Wednesday.

I’m talking about our mothers, daughters and sisters being hauled, humiliated and desecrated by terrorists. For most of them, their tears may never dry because they have also lost husbands and children.

Hundreds of people have been slaughtered, and hundreds of women and children displaced in weeks of unending attacks by the terrorists in several villages in Tsafe local government.

One of the displaced women, who simply identified herself as Hajara, picked up courage and declared: “They are gang raping us, and if any woman or lady dares to reject their sexual advances, she would be shot dead instantly. Several women were killed for not accepting their sexual demands. A woman was pulled out of her matrimonial home by the criminals.

They had wanted to rape her but when she refused to go with them, they began to drag her until when one of them shot her dead despite her husband’s plea.”

A male IDP, who identified himself as Mustapha, recounted the harrowing story of how his granddaughter was shot dead for not submitting herself for a gang rape

Matawalle

in a community called Bakin Manya in the same Tsafe local government: “When they shot her dead, they lurked around the community and attacked those who wanted to bury her. The funeral rite wasn’t held there. Her remains were taken to Tsafe for burial.”

Eight days ago, in multiple attacks in seven villages within and around Gusau

Local Government Area of Zamfara, the terrorists abducted 33 women and girls.

This was after they killed 10 people.

The terrorists operated in the villages for almost 24 hours, unhindered. Those that escaped from the terrorists ran to Damba community inside Gusau, where an IDP camp has developed. Here, women (some pregnant) and children sleep on bare floor, with little food for survival.

How can this be happening in a country with a government? There are never repercussions for the actions of these terrorists. They are hardly arrested and put on trial. This is the level beloved Nigeria has degenerated in almost seven years of the Buhari government. Abductions and gang-raping of women and girls by terrorists take place virtually everywhere in the North-west and the North-east; that of Zamfara State is the most pathetic.

There is hardly any local government safe for women and children in Zamfara State and other troubled states.

The most painful aspect of the attacks is that the masterminds are known to security agents and governors. In Zamfara, the story is the same, yet Governor Bello Matawalle and security agents are not taking concrete steps to end this madness.

For example, the terrorist making lives of residents of Tsafe LG unbearable is Adamu Aleiro. Security agents know him.

Matawalle knows him. This bastard has sacked many communities in Tsafe, raping, killing and maiming. Aleiro often extend his madness to Kaduna and Niger states.

He is also the mastermind of persistent attacks on communities in Faskari Lo-

Most Nigerians Can’t Afford N340 Per Litre Petrol

Ahmed

The other day, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed was lamenting what she claimed was an average of N250 billion monthly subsidy on petrol and that the federal government could no longer sustain it. She said the costly monthly subsidy was making NNPC’s remittance almost zero to the federation.

Government subsequently announced that the fuel subsidy regime would come to an end in the second quarter of this year.

The finance minister added a legal angle, saying that the Petroleum Industry Act has a provision that all petroleum products must be deregulated.

The truth the supporters of subsidy removal are not facing is that if Nigeria’s economy is being properly managed, we would not be talking about fuel subsidy removal. Nigeria’s situation with leadership looks hopeless. Is it not depressing that one of the largest producers of crude oil in Africa is still struggling with refining the black gold? The federal government has no business trying to run refineries. A good government will create an enabling

environment for the private sector to run refineries. We’ve had governments after governments in this country, and they have all failed to direct Nigeria’s economy in that direction. The masses of the people are paying heavily for these failings. Now, they want them to pay more.

Nigerians will have to pay around N340 per litre of petrol if the so-called subsidy is fully removed. They say the landing cost is around this figure. Now, let’s get it straight. NNPC is the sole importer of petrol. It does it through crude swap. The cost of shipping and duties are responsible for a large part of this landing cost. It is part of the so-called subsidy paid. This would have been avoided if Nigeria is refining locally.

Nigerians are also paying for the corruption and inefficiency of the NNPC, as the sole importer of petrol. The crude swap, through which it does this, is fraught with corruption and wastefulness. This opaque crude-for-fuel swap, now known as Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) is clearly skewed against hapless Nigerians and incapable of delivering a fair and competitive petrol price to them. It must be stopped. For me, crude allocated to the NNPC for the swap should be sold and revenue paid into government’s purse. If the private players are the sole importers of petrol, without subsidy, the landing cost per litre will go down drastically.

Proponents of subsidy removal pretend to be unaware that 99 per cent of Nigerians lack the financial capacity for a N340 per litre petrol. They want this to happen in this same country, where the minimum wage is N30,000 monthly. Most employers of labour are not even paying. So many state and local governments are not paying this useless minimum wage. The personal economies of the masses of our people can’t support N340 per litre petrol. Nigeria’s economy is in a mess, with frightening unemployment rate.

Companies are collapsing, with millions of people losing jobs. A N340 per litre petrol,

with its multiplier effect, will destroy not only the poor, but also the middle class.

Subsidy removal proponents also talk about petrol being smuggled to neighbouring countries because it is cheaper here. So, Nigeria has to sell at a premium to discourage smuggling. This is a weird argument. Nigeria has thousands of Customs men manning these boundaries. These persistently fail to stop the smuggling of petroleum products; yet, these border defenders are still keeping their jobs. It means the leadership of this country has failed. Now, Nigerians must pay for this failure. Our people must pay for the ineptitude and corruption of our Customs men by buying petrol at N340 per litre.

The talk of paying N5000 transport allowance to the poorest to cushion the effect of the planned removal of subsidies on petrol is balderdash and inconsequential.

The long and the short of my Epistle is that the federal government should, for now, perish all plans to remove petrol subsidy. Conditions in this country are not ripe for this. There is so much pain; so much suffering in Nigeria. Suicide rate is on the rise because of this pain. Numerous Nigerians are walking corpses. Many go to bed without meals and wake up not sure of breakfast. Fuel subsidy removal must be suspended until the Dangote refinery begins operation. A liter of petrol from Dangote refinery can never be anywhere near N340 per litre. With local refining, the additional costs of shipping, port charges and duties, will go off petroleum products.

For those saying the PIA makes it mandatory to remove subsidies on petroleum products, my message to them is very simple: The Constitution of Nigeria supersedes the PIA and clearly states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the priority of the state. Removal of subsidies will be a threat to the welfare of Nigerians. The federal government must respect the Constitution in this regard and perish plans to remove subsidies.

cal Government Area of Katsina State.

Recently Aleiro killed dozens of people in Kadisau, a community in Faskari.

Emboldened by the failure of security agents to tame them, the terrorists entered Gada in Bungudu LG of Zamfara State last Tuesday, killed the District Head, Umaru Danbawan Allah and razed his house. Many other residents were killed during the attack.

Matawalle paid huge sums to Aleiro in 2019 in the name of amnesty. This did not stop his heinous activities for a single day. The Zamfara State Governor simply provided him cash to acquire more guns. Matawalle has compounded the problem in this state by heaping money on Fulani militias in the name of amnesty.

The day I gave up on Matawalle was when he said “most of the bandits take up arms due to the injustice to them by some members of the society.”

The Zamfara governor adds: “If you investigate what is happening, and what made them to take the laws into their hands, some of them, sometimes were cheated by the so-called vigilante groups.

They normally go to their settlements and destroy property and take their animals. They did not have anyone to speak with, so sometimes, they go for revenge. When vigilante groups attack them, they go for reprisals. That is exactly what happened.”

That’s the kinked Matawalle justifying lawlessness by terrorists. It’s a big shame.

Yes, Matawalle met Zamfara in a very bad situation in terms of security, but Zamfara deteriorated greatly under him.

Instead of settling down to tackle the problem as the state’s Chief Security Officer, Matawalle is busy taking sides.

The result is the blood of innocent people flowing freely daily here.

In a related issue, security agents have been persistently indicted in terror attacks across the country. The latest is the one from a group of elder statesmen in Zamfara State. They accused the security agents in the state of indiscriminately releasing arrested terrorists and their collaborators, describing it as one of the factors responsible for the escalation of the insecurity in the state.

The group raised the alarm after a meeting in Gusau. A former member of the National Assembly who represented Zamfara Central constituency, Senator Saidu Dansadau, spoke on behalf of the group: “The committee expresses its dismay and disappointment over indiscriminate release of criminals by the authorities who either arrest them or to whom the criminals are handed over when they are arrested by the military, vigilante group, or any other security organisation.

“We appeal to the law enforcement agencies in the state to, for the sake of God, have a paradigm shift from this indiscriminate release of criminals and resort to arraigning the criminals in the court of law because the meeting identified this indiscriminate and incessant release of criminals as one of the immediate causes of the escalation of criminality in the state.”

Surely, Dansadau and his colleagues know what they are talking about. Those in charge of security in Zamfara State have refused to respond to this grave allegation, meaning that it is real.

The federal government remains a big failure in terms of security for troubled Zamfara people and others in the distressed parts of North-west and North-east. Terrorists roam freely in hundreds and control territories while the government and security agencies continue with so much deceit laced with ineptitude. Security glitches under his government are ceaseless and consuming too many innocent lives. Clearly, the security and welfare of the people have never been on the priority list of this jaded federal government.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 1, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

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Alibaba January 1st Concert Returns Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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n the first day of 2022, the prestgious Alibaba January 1st Concert will take place live at the Eko Hotels Convention Center, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year concert is as much significant in that the 2021 edition was cancelled following the Covid-19 pandemic. The significance extends and also rubs-off on the latest edition themed the ‘Gratitude Edition’ which is dedicated to doctors and healthcare workers who were on the frontline in the fight against the pandemic.

It is as well as in honour of the many thousands who lost their lives. “Gratitude to the medical professionals that were in the frontline since the pandemic broke. Some paid the Supreme sacrifice. It’s thank you time”, a post by the event originator and legendary comedian, Alibaba reads. Known to be the unofficial kick-off of each year entertainment wise as it is being held on New Year’s Day, this edition will feature performances by an array of A-List Nigerian stars.

According to Alibaba, who also survived the pandemic last year, it is not just a vague phenomenon. “Real lives have been impacted since it broke out in 2020. “Lives have been lost and families have been changed forever. We want to pay tribute as well as appreciate the frontline workers that have toiled endlessly to curtail the spread and help nurse other victims back to health.” For the duration of the event, physical attendees will not be more than 50% of the capacity of the hall.

“At this period, it is of utmost importance that all stipulated protocols are followed to the letter. The human race has a huge chance in eradicating this scourge but we can only do so if vaccinations are received, social distance maintained and masks are worn during indoor occasions. The January 1st Concert is committed to making this happens even as we produce an exciting and memorable show for our guests.”

In addition to the show line ups in music, comedy, and awards, is the annual spontaneity competition, which

Alibaba

presents car gifts to 6 most spontaneous comedians, will feature 12 comedians who have qualified through a keenly contested audition. More excitingly, comedians who will perform at the event will wear medical scrubs.

The Awards segment of the show,

which recognises Pioneer Nigerians who were first to achieve a significant landmark in their fields, will this time present Certificates of Appreciation to deserving institutions and individuals. “The prize is presented to deserving award recipients at the January1st

Concert. This year, we are devoting and dedicating the award to those who did something or achieved a landmark for the first time in Nigeria. The award is named after my friend and brother Zakiloooooo…Barister Efere Mista Ozako, an entertainment lawyer who cannot be forgotten.”

Dan Dizzy: The Rap King of Freestyle Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Dan Di D Dizzy

Owerri, capital city of Imo State, bubbled on the eve of Christmas 2 2021 as astute businessman and entertainment guru, Obinna Iy Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, formally opened another nnight club called Carlito.The upbeat event turned out to be a galaxy o of stars and superstars. High point of the night was when Port H Harcourt rap star, Dan Dizzy andTuface Idibia a k.a 2baba mounted tthe stage to do what could be regarded as an impromptu collabo.

Guests were dazed by the scintillating performance of the two m musical stars… especially the part of Dan Dizzy picking up words ffrom every move and gestures made by 2baba to freestyle. His ttransitions between his bars are amazing and the revelers could not ju just resist as the smiles on their faces show they are entertained as tthey hail the rapper and to the amazement of 2baba who was left dumbstruck. Such nod within a short space of time shows how gifted d hhe his.

To be fair, like most internet sensations of the 21st century, Dan Dizzy, whose real name is Daniel Darius, really has fast grown a D hhuge fan-base, all thanks to his spontaneous rap prowess. Recall he sstarted gaining recognition across the country for his viral street rap videos, where he freestyles to entertain random listeners on ra tthe streets of Lagos and Port Harcourt with his powerful rhythm and rhyme laced around words and activities he picked and added

to his rap. His strong prowess in his ability to make music out of any random word holds not much of a secret but sheer talent. Dan Dizzy revealed in a recent chat. “I don’t have any secret. I just take life very simple and music is just a gift, it is a talent. I don’t do anything, I don’t rehearse when I am alone, I just chill on my couch and when it is time to rap, I just open my mouth and it comes to me.That is how it is for me. Music is just in me. It is just there constantly.”

Fitting his style of music to a particular genre is not much of a big deal when described due to his talent spills over. “I feel like I have so much talent that I can’t focus on a particular type of music but I do Afro-pop and hip-hop.” He began his musical career in 2009 in Port Harcourt where he was raised and then joined a record label, Cadilly Entertainment, officially in 2017. He has an EP in the works which might turn LP. On personal account of his music journey, Dan Dizzy says, “I started doing music commercially after I finished secondary school.

I met a friend, Mr. Isaac, who took me to the house of Burna Boy’s former producer. I used to sleep and frequent the house a lot; the house was basically a music house for all. It was where everyone goes to when they wanted to make music. I learned a lot in the house and from there, I started to go to a lot of shows where I would basically do a lot of freestyle and get paid. I used to go to a lot of streets just to do freestyles. So that’s how I got into music commercially.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

UduX and Music Streaming in Nigeria Azuka Ogujiuba

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or the first time in the Nigerian entertainment space, a record of 300,000 people were privy to the life coverage ofWizkid’s made in Lagos concert held in the iconic 02 arena in London. It was the first time a show of international repute was brought to Nigerians in the comfort of our rooms, offices and on the screens of our phones.The mountain was brought low so we could climb. And, despite the fact that the partnership ofWizkid, UduX and Africa’s telecommunication giant, MTN could only bring to the screens of our gadgets, the Day one of the epoch-making event which was November 28th, it left an indelible mark in the hearts of Nigerians, because it was the first time such a feat was achieved by an African artiste, and it brought hope to Nigerian music lovers that no matter how far, they can always connect with their favourite artistes. It was a remarkable event which stood as the No 1 trend on NigerianTwitter for five hours.

The digital streaming industry has been dominated by notable companies- YouTube Music, Apple iTunes Store and Spotify for too long, and to break from the norm and also register its presence/share of the live streaming accolades and dividends, UduX was launched in April 2019 by a NigerianTech Company known as Groove Platform. It set out to bridge the gap in music value to the audience. Founded by Chidi Okeke, who serves as the CEO, UduX is so far living up to its billing. It has been licensed by the three major global record companies under its coverage and they are Sony, UC andWarner.

As a result ofWizkid being signed to Sony Music, it was easier for UduX to secure the license for the live-streaming of the MIL concert. Dialing it forward a notch, it has a catalogue of over 20 million tracks of local and global collections with top notch sound quality.

With reference to the origin of UduX, video streaming was not part of the master plan, but as a focal opportunity, which substantiates the consumption of video contents more than any other form of content, UduX took the opportunity to be endeared to more audience like it has never been heard of.

The founder and CEO of UduX, Chidi Okeke, said: “UduX is an innovative solutions platform within the music eco-system, constantly seeking ways to create meaningful experiences that people can connect with and root for. Wizkid’s performance at the O2 Arena provided an opportunity for uduX to deliver on this mandate, most especially as we as Nigerians, applaud and celebrate Wiz’s evolution as an artist and musical achievements.

“The live streaming of Wizkid’s O2 Arena concert is just the beginning of uduX’s foray into offering Africa more immersive entertainment experiences. We are in a digital age that is eliminating physical and geographical barriers and providing opportunities for curating experiences that weren’t possible before. Nowhere is this more visible than in the entertainment space, think of AR and the Metaverse. Admittedly video is more at the tail end of immersive experiences, however it is a step up from what’s been available in Africa.”

The chief operating officer of the company, Douglas Jekan adds: “Since its inception in Nigeria, UduX has pioneered diverse initiatives to provide our subscribers with well curated, innovative and high-quality musical experience but this was a new high.

The Wizkid live-stream also came at the perfect time as we and other Nigerians applaud and celebrate his musical evolution and Grammy Nominations”.

In line with the details of UduX and MTN partnership, while eulogizing the achievement of Wizkid, the CMO of MTN Nigeria Adia Sowho said: “The record-breaking concert by one of Africa’s greatest is an epic feat, for which all of Nigeria and Africa is proud. MTN proudly supported the show by enabling more than 10 times the arena’s capacity to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their homes across Nigeria.We hope that this is the first of many opportunities to bring the world to Africa and take Africa to the world”.

Jekan further said: “Technology and entertainment are coming together in different ways to bring more immersive and wholesome experiences to personal spaces.

Chidi Okeke

While video is not the most immersive experience, as we’re in the age of argumentative reality and the metaverse, it is richer than just audio. For a show of this magnitude, we felt we needed to bring as much of the experience as we could, not just the sound.”

As expected, after the show, there has been a surge in patronage of the UduX platform, but it is not only grateful for that, but for the fact that it was able to bring joy and happiness to a lot of Nigerians.

UduX is clearly breaking barriers and tearing down the limitations to the growth and experience of African music and dissemination worldwide.

The company has reaffirmed its buff for consistency, “to continually offer music video streaming among its services because people consume it more than any other artistic contents.”

As against the proposed, that the access to the event via live streaming will be free, a mix up ensued and MTN customers had to pay N1,000 before gaining access before they realised it was actually free. Subsequently, UduX apologised for the inconvenience and also made the best out of the situation. Without a doubt, UduX was best for Wizkid’s concert as it has been very innovative

in championing the course of African music overtime.

“ForWizkid, it was a chance to show his Nigerian fans love and we facilitated the whole thing, pulling the experience out of the 02Arena and making it available to Nigerians via our platform,” said Jekan.

On the 19th of December, UduX once again rebroadcasted the MIL event as promised, along with the documentary series in collaboration with MTN. Said Jekan: “There is also a free subscription to stream any visual content of your choice on the UduX platform after the details of your eligibility had been verified.”

On the collaboration with MTN, Okeke relished how a shared goal, ideology and philosophy made the whole collaboration process easy, adding, “The partnership with MTN andWizkid was built on a shared philosophy- one that represents taking the best of Africa to the world. MTN is one of the largest telecommunication companies in Africa. In so many ways, they embody this philosophy.”

Nollywood’s Brilliance at Inkblot’s 10th Anniversary Ferdinand Ekechukwu

The crème de la crème of the entertainment, fashion, business and media worlds came out in their numbers recently to celebrate with leading film production powerhouse, Inkblot Productions on its 10th-year anniversary gala which coincided with the exclusive premiere of its latest blockbuster, Superstar, in collaboration with FilmOne Entertainment, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island Lagos.

The star studded night saw Nollywood brilliance shone supreme with movie stars and filmmakers like Dakore Egbuson, Niyi Akinmolayan, Adunni Ade, Stan Nze, Pere Egbi, Bucci Franklin, Beverly Naya, Shawn Faqua, and more lighting up the big event.

The music stage where a full live band performed some irresistible Nigerian classics got guests showing off dance steps. It was an effusive moment so to describe the

feelings in celebration of the milestone.

Inkblot co-founders Naz Onuzo, Zulumoke Oyibo, and Damola Ademola also chronicled their amazing feats of the last 10 years and reeled out what is next for the production house. With an emphasis on humility, excellence, and execution, Inkblot has built a truly remarkable company over the past decade.

Over the past decade, Inkblot has been committed to delivering premium, entertaining films that tell diverse stories from Nigeria and around the world.

With its partners and some of the best filmmakers out there, the 10-year anniversary of the Inkblot, which grew from humble beginnings to become one of the leading production companies in Nigeria, that made some of the biggest hits in the Nigerian film industry including The Wedding Party series, The New Money Series, The Set Up, Up North, Who’s The Boss, Charge and Bail, and many more.

Inkblot founders L-R: Damola Ademola, Zulumoke Oyibo and Chinaza Onuzo

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

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Passion of Mary Slessor Premieres, Stars Ibinabo Fiberesima Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ith its premiere last week in Port Harcourt and Uyo, respectively, new movie, ‘Passion of Mary Slessor’ is set for release. Starring Nollywood veteran Ibinabo Fiberesima as the lead, the feature Àlm marks Ibinabo’s much awaited return to the screen. The Moses Eskor directed charity project features legendary Nollywood stars such as Zack Orji, Segun Arinze, King Bassey, Moses Armstrong, among others.

Recounting his journey on the historic Àlm project, Eskor said. ´I stood on the Memorial Cairn and made a vow to intensify on the research of her activities with the people of Itu and Ibiono Communities, I made a vow to make a movie telling the story of her passion and sacriÀces to humanity. I knew how massive the Àlm project will be and the Ànancial implication so I bowed right there and prayed to God Almighty…. Five years later, that prayer was answered.”

Speaking on the epic movie, the former Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) president in a post on Instagram, revealed that she played the role of Mary Slessor. In the post showing BTS pictures, she wrote: ´I feel so blessed playing Mary Slessor in the Àlm Passion of Mary Slessor.”

In another post she wrote ´Blessings always. I feel like I am playing myself in the Passion of Mary Slessor. I am glad I am back to Àlming. I need all your support, love and prayers.”

Shot in Akwa Ibom’s capital city, Uyo, Passion of Mary Slessor is an Etijay Concept movie about the Scottish

A scene from the movie

Presbyterian Missionary, Mary Slessor, who was reputed to have stopped the killing of twin children and fought for the

rights of women in Calabar, Cross River State. Ibinabo Fiberesima made her acting debut in the Àlm Most Wanted. She has

also featured in several movies like 76, Letters to a Stranger, The Ghost, Ladies Night, The Twin Sword, Rivers Between and Pastor’s Wife.

Father Omega

Reverend Father of Revolutionary Music Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

I

t makes for history when a reverend father appears in bowler hat and offers revolutionary music that rivals Bob Marley’s offerings for class. Reverend Father Emmanuel C. Umezinwa, aka Fada Omega, is indeed a class act. A Professor of Music at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Father Umezinwa wowed the audience with his accomplished performance in the forecourt of Testimony Place, near Arroma Junction, Awka in the evening of Sunday, December 5.

“A Cry for Nigeria” was the first number dished out by Fada Omega. In his brief introduction of the song, Father Omega narrated that he was inspired initially by the riffs of Bruce Springsteen. Even as reggae is the underlying beat of his music, Fada Omega is quite eclectic.

The ace music prelate followed up with “Undertakers”, a no-holds-barred rendition of the state of a nation being buried in installments by the leaders.

Fada Omega upped his ante with the pulsating number “Stop Fooling Yourself” that got the audience singing along with gusto.

His rendering of the fourth number, “Revolution”, laid bare the revolutionary ethos of the priest who would not sit idly by while the underclass suffered.

There was a short interlude of a conversation between Father Umezinwa and the Managing Director of Anambra Newspapers and Printing Corporation (ANPC) Sir Chuka Nnabuife.

Sir Nnabuife started out wanting to know whether Father Umezinwa preferred Fada Omega or Fada Emma as his stage name. Fada Omega took the prize.

The personable reverend father revealed that he was not restricted to reggae or country music but could put to application a wide range of musical genres.

Father Omega on stage Fada Omega is not one to fall for easy labels, but insists that music helps to foster change in society, arguing that “Jesus Christ was a revolutionary.”

He informed the audience that back in 2005 he went for voice training in a studio in the United States only for the studio manager to wonder at the Nigerian being able to sing excellently through all the ranges.

Fada Omega is a natural baritone who does not believe in the existence of falsetto or false voice in the music get-go.

He had been composing and playing music for the past 30 years or so, and in 2003 recorded highlife tunes for his age grade in his native Akpo town in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

He had over the years been producing classical music on radio. He hardly uses notes when composing the songs. He is quite open to his music being recorded for keeps.

The Fada Omega concert was engineered remarkably by a First Class student of his in the Music Department, Gerald Eze, a winner of the coveted Christopher Kolade music award and the singular exponent of the Igbo musical instruments Oja and Ubo-aka. Gerald Eze talked of his intent to immortalize the musical genius of Fada Omega.

The generous hosts, Dr. Patrick and Barrister (Mrs.) Amaka Ezeno, offered to keep to the testimony of hosting the performances as ever. A sage like Fada Omega would always find a home here, Mrs. Amaka Ezeno asserted.

In a lighter mood, Igwe Chidi Onuigbo said he was very afraid that Fada Omega without the restraining clothing of the soutane could go on a rampage!

For Hon. Ikem Uzoezie, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, “Fada Omega’s music is timeless and will go a long way in assisting the social revival needed in Nigeria.”

Rev. Father Chika Okpalike of the Ekwulobia Diocese marveled at the abiding relevance of Fada Omega’s songs having been composed three or two decades earlier.

The evening’s performance was rounded up with the number “We Shall Overcome”. It was music that throbbed with the hope inspirited on mankind by Nelson Mandela.

Fada Omega represents a phenomenon whose time has come. Given the great influence of prelates on the people, Fada Omega carries remarkable charisma into the turf of changing the society for the better. He stands up for his beliefs, daring all dictators and the conservative types. He has built up a good following, and it aids the progress of the society that he is working with the Department of Theatre Arts of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for the release of his musical videos.

A professional to the core, Fada Omega is intent on going to the last detail to see that everything is done well.

It was indeed an evening to cherish, complete with a two-man theatrical performance.

Necessary lessons were learnt from all Fada Omega’s songs, notably “A Cry for Nigeria”, “Undertakers”, “Stop Fooling Yourself”, “Revolution” and “We Shall Overcome.”

Fada Omega is a voice destined to rule the waves. Nobody who encounters him in song is ever bound to forget him in a hurry. He makes sound and meaning with an assurance that uplifts the soul. In this day and age of meaningless songs by ill-assorted youths calling themselves musicians, Fada Omega is the way to go.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

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JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

Who Shall Stop Illegalities of CDAs, Residents’ Associations, LASTMA?

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

S

ome streets in Lagos are simmering and almost at boiling point barely waiting to erupt like a volcano. It is already bad enough that most people who live in Lagos are already under immense pressure perpetually provoked by traffic snarls, floods, invasion by street urchins (areas boys), and other criminal elements and their activities including electricity outages, multiple taxes, and a host of other dysfunctionalities in a highly mercurial megacity.

Rather than being left to confront their known demons, a combination of some Community Development Associations (CDAs), Residents” Associations, and LASTMA are aggravating and almost tipping the boiling point over. Recently, in some areas around Surulere, a pattern has emerged where LASTMA officials, conniving with the some rogue Residents’ Association, deliberately invade streets in the day, tow away vehicles to their offices, and compel the owners to pay ridiculous sums for abandoning their vehicles on the streets.

When it first got to my attention, it sounded strange and I felt it was ridiculous and impossible.

But I got a rude shock last month when I got back from work only to discover that a 20-ton truck I recently acquired was towed away from its packed position without any prior notice. On enquiry, I was told that LASTMA officials came that afternoon and towed away my truck. My first reaction was: tow away my truck on whose instruction and for what offence? The most shocking part of this drama was that no one left me neither a note nor an oral message to say who they were, where they were from and could be contacted, and why they removed my truck without contacting me and where I could reach them to retrieve my truck.

Without this vital information, I concluded that my truck had been stolen by unknown persons. I contacted my learned friend, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), he said it was wrong and they had

no right whatsoever and had gone beyond their brief to go to my street and remove my truck. He advised that I should report to the police and I did.

One Inspector Udoh was assigned the case as the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and he went about his job diligently.

Having provided every evidence and information required of me, the IPO began investigating who invited LASTMA to come to the street and remove my truck. Days led to weeks and weeks to a month. In the process of the investigations, the IPO discovered that it was the chairman of Ajao Road, Residents’ Association whom I’ve never met in my life that ordered the removal of my vehicle without even contacting me. According to my source, he removed my truck simply because I was Omo Igbo (Igbo indigene).

The invitation for him to come to the station for an interview was ignored completely not until I started mounting pressure on the IPO to let me know the progress if need be to press charges. At this point, the chairman reportedly honoured the invitation and rather than interviewing the IPO as he was required to do procedurally, but because he claims to be highly connected and above the law, he chose to go straight to the Area Commander of Area ‘C.’ True to type, the Area Commander dismissed the matter and instructed the IPO to tell me to go away and pay and collect my vehicle from LASTMA without looking at the pros and cons of the matter.

How did we get to this point? I live on Ayo Idowu Close off Ajao Road, at the outset of flooding that usually occurs on our street, it was decided that the gutters should be desilted for free flow of rainwater.

To make that possible, all vehicle owners were advised to move their vehicles to safe places to free the path for trucks that would evacuate the debris from the gutters. These were the circumstances that influenced moving my vehicle to Ajao Road.

Now, I did not for once abandon my vehicle on the street as it is claimed but packed the truck properly

right in front of Calabar Community Hall with which I have an affinity. No one lives in this space as it has right from the beginning been dedicated as an events centre. So it is inconceivable that the promoters of the Hall would be complaining about the parked truck that poses no threat to them and the hall in any way.

My private investigations have revealed that some rogue streets residents’ associations in these areas seeking to be empowered to carry out such underhand arm-twisting methods of extortion, went into partnership with the CDAs citing security concerns as primary reasons. And based on this illegal alliance, they are hiding under it to commit all forms of atrocities and unleash a reign of terror and impunity on residents or persons they have axe to grind in their respective neighbourhood in cohort with LASTMA. Relatedly, it was reported that the CDAs ordered the removal of vehicles to pave way for the smooth visit of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. Another corollary is that the speaker is complaining that vehicles parked on roads newly constructed under his constituency projects would hasten their relapse. None of these two could be independently verified or confirmed.

Is LASTMA empowered to go to the street and impound vehicles? A police source who spoke on condition of anonymity said just as the Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO) has no right to impound or check any vehicle on a federal road, LASTMA is not empowered and has no right to impound any individual’s vehicle from their street. According to him, when it comes to security concerns, the CDAs and Residents Associations are duty-bound to report any threats to the police adding that it is the Police that has the power to either remove or invite LASTMA to remove any vehicle after informing the owners.

I am a law-abiding citizen and equally know my rights. What happened on Ajao Road is simply ethnic profiling, unprovoked malice, and hatred for someone you have never met in your life. I doubt if they were to

S. O.: A Sunny Outstanding Man of Ideas

Y

esterday, December 31... the last day of 2021, was his 71st birthday.

He would have spent it with close family friends in sombre genuflection, and private introspection.

Even if he was wont to celebrating the day in the lavish Nigerian style, as he grew deeper in his walk with God, and as he nudged others around him to follow the straight and narrow path, every year’s celebration would have dwindled in splendour, revelries and victuals...as more and more of his disciples would have found reasons to spend that day in close communion with their Maker, in close proximity of their immediate families. Rather than go cavorting with the genial man of delicate nuances but steely work ethics - even if he is the inimitable Dr. Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase.

Yes, the founder of Sports Souvenir, Complete Sports, International Soccer Review, Complete Football International, Climax magazine, Success Digest weekly, SuccessDigest Marketplace, and more if we search deeper.

Now, this uniquely gifted man of letters and ideas has touched many lives - in journalism, sports, personal development, entrepreneurship, digital marketing, ministry, etc. Always in pursuits of new ideas and better ways of increasing knowledge, wealth and wisdom. Were he born in a more responsive and egalitarian society, SO (as we call him behind his back) would have flowered as a philosopher, philanthropist and global wealth disseminator. I believe so.

Today, I scoop from my latest memoir (FAME: Untold Stories of Its Rise & Fall), a chapter devoted to my contact, contract and connection with this former soldier turned journalist, turned publisher, turned pastor, turned business coach, turned author, turned digital marketing guru.

Obazu-Ojeagbase Obazu Ojeagbase

“The year nineteen ninety was an epochal year for me: on January 22, I got a letter from the organisers of the Nigerian Music Awards, NMA, indicating that I had been nominated for the “Entertainment Writer of the Year ‘89”. It was signed by my mentor, and a writing great, Mr. Ben Tomoloju as chairman of the awards committee. In February, I moved to my first apartment - a two-bedroom hideaway at No. 1, Ladoje Street, off Oko-Oba Road (Gengeto), Agege. On Friday, March 2, at the National Arts Theatre, in the presence of the most prestigious audience the Tony Okoroji-led PMAN could muster, I was announced as the winner of the Entertainment Writer award…

Still in the glorious 1990: Before the end of June, I had collected my first driving license (temporary) at the Ikorodu Local Government Area - though it was another one year before I had a car to drive on a regular basis. Without jumping to the end of a story at its introduction,

it was in the same June that I resumed at the Plot 3, Alhaji Adenekan Street, Okota offices of Complete Communicat tions Limited, the publishers of Climax magazine. As usual with me, I jumped into the fray, badgering through all sorts of impediments and resentments w without any worries in the drive to fulfill t dictates of my ‘manifesto’. the Interestingly, I met some nice people on the ground: the lovely, ever-charming editor, Moji Danisa was not a stranger t me; her hulking smooth-talking to deputy was Ehi Braimah. My entry point designation was as a deputy editor (entertainment and leisure - see bromide of my acceptance of appointment offer).

I believe we all shared the same office, w while reporters and line editors filled t large newsroom. Downstairs, the the production room was well-manned, as t building also housed the sporting the titles. Mumuni Alao, cheerful, calm and deliberate, was the editor of the major sports publication, Complete Football.

He is now the Managing Director of the group, I believe.

Working at Climax was great, contrary to my misgivings...up close, you could hardly find a better boss than SO. He met all my requests, didn’t interfere unduly with my editorial and professional decisions - even some he couldn’t help hiding the chuckles in bemused astonishment, I presumed. I asked for and got a foldable camp bed - as it was virtually impossible to go home daily as a result of the enormity of the paradigm-shifting tasks I had set for myself. Working like a demented snake charmer, I criss-crossed nooks and crannies of Lagos, and tapped sources all over the world, shaking news ‘trees’ for juicy and exclusive information.

My immediate target was to get the magazine mentioned in the next awards (NMA), if not snatch the ultimate prize from the perennial winners, The Punch. It didn’t bother me that we had only seven

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

carry out a parade today, the chairman of the Ajao Road, Residents’ Association would even recognize me. I can not also claim that I know him because I have never met him in my entire life.

What has come to the fore here is the gradual build-up of ethnic hatred for non-Yorubas in some of these enclaves. I am not Yoruba and have never claimed to be one and would not lay claim to being what I am not. However, from the Constitutional perspective, I am a Lagosian having been born here in Dr. Maja’s clinic on Lagos Island when my father worked as a federal civil servant here in Lagos. To call me Omo Igbo simply because I parked a vehicle on a street is the height of intolerance.

Lagos is just one state out of 36 states in this country including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and there are Yorubas plying their trade over Nigeria including my state, Cross River, assuming this same treatment is meted to Yorubas there what would be the conclusion?

Notwithstanding, there is a redeeming moment by two fine gentlemen who came to my rescue and their combined initiatives reassured me that there is hope yet on the horizon. Shortly after the IPO gave me the message his Area Commander directed him to, I decided to utilize my goodwill.

I called my colleague and friend, the Lagos state Commissioner of Information, Gbenga Omotosho, and narrated my ordeal, he laughed and assured me something would be done and that I should not bother myself.

Last week, I called him again and he directed me to go to Alausa to meet with the Special Adviser to the governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Olayinka. I must say that my trip to Alausa was with mixed feelings because I did not know what to expect. As it turned out, I was in for a pleasant shock. The SA’s office is on the second of a fourth storey building and I was directed to his office from the security people downstairs.

Readers can read full article online www.thisdaylive.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

months to achieve that.

I met some hard-working, ready-torumble guys in Climax who made the transition easier for me: Al Humphrey Onyanabo was the main driver for society news… a couple of others were quietly buzzing with all sorts of stories (their faces fail me now). There was Yetunde Fosudo, wife of star actor and lecturer, Sola Fosudo, who was in charge of the women’s page. There were also younger chaps like the funky society reporter with the seemingly cheery bounce, Lanre Ijaola.

The outcome of our relentless and punishing regime of work, craft and audacity resulted in barely concealed rumours of organisational reshuffling by the beginning of 1991. From discussions with the Publisher, it became apparent that he wanted my involvement to spread further than what was obtainable.

A promotion letter dated January 31, 1991 dropped on my table: Moji had been removed as editor, Ehi had been seconded to one of the sports magazines (International Soccer Review, ISR) as its editor, and I was made the editor of Climax.

And the hustles became more intense, and consuming. Some new folks had joined us: I remember one particularly - the ever resourceful investigative reporter with his incredible ‘world explosives’, Ben Charles Obi.” He died a few years ago, in 2014.

To Be Continued - Have a great and fulfilling New Year.

(Excerpts culled from the chapter three of FAME: Untold Stories - Nov. 2021)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

21

POLITY

Making NSCDC’s Blue Uniform a Pride

Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi was appointed the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and CIvil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on March 1, 2021. With less than a year in the saddle, the words on the lips of his personnel is “the sky is blue”, showing the pride they now have in putting up the blue uniform of the NSCDC. Michael Olugbode reports on the landmarks of Audi and how he promotes synergy among Nigeria’s military and paramilitary services

Audi on the field with some of his men

A

wise man once said: “To overcome the recent quagmire confronting the nation’s security architecture, there is need for all security agencies to come together and work assiduously to achieve a common goal”. This wise man is no one but a highly cerebral Dr. Ahmed Audi, mni, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Audi made the clarion call for synergy among all military, paramilitary and security outfits in the country to put the troubling insecurity to rest during a panel discussion on “Nigeria’s security and law enforcement agencies and the challenges of policy and program implementation” organized for the participants of senior executive course 43, 2021, at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic studies (NIPSS) Kuru, Jos recently.

Audi said: “We must not sit down and watch some doom and gloom merchants who denigrate their own country to put clogs in the wheels of peace and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.”

He hammered on the fact that security agencies need each other to perform creditably in the onerous task of ensuring internal security, stressing that there is need for renewed synergy, cooperation and collaboration to tackle the inherent insecurity challenges “because no service has a monopoly of any strategy and we must go back to the basics and meet at the drawing board to speak with one voice if we must win this asymmetric war.”

Audi continues: “Even though there is interdependency, every agency has a clear-cut mandate and we all know our limitations, there is no need for the rift or unhealthy rivalry we are experiencing today which is causing us a lot of drawback. We should all look at the bigger picture which is national security, in order to put Nigeria back on track and share information and intelligence to solve our security problems.”

He maintained that NSCDC can boast of well over 20,000 graduates and about 47 PhD holders in the service as at today.

He went further to intimate that the Corps personnel have undergone different composition of trainings by virtually all security agencies in the country and this gives it a comparative advantage of versatility and competence to intellectually and strategically collaborate with any agency of government genuinely interested in the growth and development of Nigeria.

Audi however appealed to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to come up with a robust policy that would create an enabling environment for security operatives to function effectively, lessen their burdens and improve their welfare as this will serve as a catalyst for the operatives to put in their best and perform effectively.

The NSCDC is assumed to be one of the least in importance but the truth is that there is never anyone with least importance in the security architects, which even demand a role from the un-commissioned civilians; as it is popularly said, security is everyone’s business.

Audi’s intellectual capability is surely positioning the NSCDC for optimal performance when the nation needs miracle from whichever direction to surmount the numerous security challenges. The NSCDC boss, who came into the saddle less than a year ago, has prompted several achievements in the agency.

Audi, upon assumption of office on March 1st 2021, immediately set out to change the narrative of the agency from an otherwise moribund organisation to a high-flying security outfit in the country through focused and qualitative

leadership, thus, creating an enabling environment for an industrious and highly motivated workforce committed to quality service delivery, integrity and patriotism. Realizing the pivotal roles of the agency in governance process, he worked towards greater inclusiveness of the service in the security architecture of the country which is a pointer to his determination to make the NSCDC a world class organization.

Some of the achievements of Audi include: Safe School Initiative under which there was an establishment, training and commissioning of a formidable, well kitted Female Squad to checkmate the menace of kidnapping of school children in the country and stoppage of any kinds of threat or breach of security in our educational institutions. This effort has been replicated in all state commands across the country. And to ensure that this works, a vulnerability survey of all schools in the country was carried out to determine the number of schools that are prone to attack by terrorists and this has helped in developing strategies for schools’ protection in Nigeria.

Staff welfare has been improved by placement of personnel on their respective appropriate ranks; fostering steps towards payment of staff promotion arrears: sanitization of the promotion process and successful release of 2019 promotion exercise and distribution of letters to successful personnel across state com-

mands, thus scrapping previous cumbersome procedures and administrative bottlenecks.

The completed promotions during Audi’s time, has been received as one of the most transparent and meritorious promotions within the NSCDC with promotion of all junior officers from level 03 - 06, payment of disengagement allowances to retirees who were abandoned and had lost hope of survival, payment of burial benefits to over 120 next of kins of deceased personnel long forgotten and issuance of Group Personal Accident cheques to over 30 officers and men who suffered varying degrees of accidents in the cause of discharging their duties within the last five years; promotion of some Deputy Commandants who have been stagnant on the rank for minimum of ten years to the rank of Commandant of Corps and provision of 200 units of two bedrooms and three bedrooms housing for junior and intermediate officers; morale of personnel cannot be anywhere but at rooftop.

Another area of achievement of the present leadership is in Capacity Building which include roll out of operational vehicles and equipment to different departments and directorates; Commandant General’s merit Awards to outstanding personnel; establishment of the Rapid Response Squad; appointment of acting DCGs and administration of oath of allegiance for the first time in the history of the Corps and launching of Gender policy document.

Close to Capacity Building is the Training and Manpower Development where more attention has been focused having identified it as a major tool for human capital development. A number of regimental and capacity building training programmes have been organised for officers and men of the NSCDC. Another area where Audi made intervention is in the repositioning of the private guards security company department which he sanitized, repositioned and restructured to serve in line with the globally acceptable standards because of the dynamics of crime and robust intelligence gathering function it performs.

In a bid to fulfill the federal government’s avowed plan for food security in Nigeria and Borno State in particular through provision of physical security to farmers on their farmlands and protection of Agro-Allied investments, the Commandant General trained and deployed more Agro-Rangers personnel and created new Agro-Rangers Base station to expand the areas of coverage and boost farmers confidence which resulted in the large turnout of farmers as well as the bumper harvest this year which in turn debunked the rumors making the rounds that farmers have deserted their farms.

In fact, the list of achievements in the short time Audi rose to the helm cannot be easily captured because daily, he brings innovation to move the NSCDC to the next level of respectability and acceptance. Now, the NSCDC blue uniform is worthy of being adorned, courtesy Dr. Ahmed Audi.

CELF, Setting Agenda for Education in Kwara Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Education remains a vital tool for socio-economic and political development of the society. No wonder, all levels of governments, corporate organisations and non-governmental organisations work round the clock to promote education.

This is why a non-governmental organisation based in Kwara State, the Countryside Emerging Leaders Fellowship (CELF), decided to set an agenda by providing leadership zeal for the rural students so that they can also enjoy education advantages, just like those in the urban areas in the state.

The choice of the rural population is not far-fetched as there abound a large number of students in rural areas that can contribute to the nation’s economic development. But they are not getting the desired attention due to lack of contacts with those that matter in the society. It is based on this stand that CLEF moved into the grassroots of Kwara State in order to tap the potentialities of rural students so as to make them great scholars of tomorrow for the state and the nation.

To this end, 32 students of equal gender from the core rural areas across the 16 local government areas of the State recently underwent a two weeks camping at the Army Headquarters, Sobi Ilorin. Top leaders and mentors, including Dr Kadiri Khadihat Kehinde of University of Ilorin (he won the Gani Fawehinmi Impact Award for her Works in combining photography with community development activities) and a Community Development expert from BUK, Prof M.B Shittu among others, were drafted to address the rural students. They spoke on why they have to believe in themselves and continue to strive despite the limitations and disadvantages of the environment they came from.

The students who were later inducted as Fellows were granted full scholarships by the state’s government with

The founder of CELF, Olohungbebe

a charge to domesticate the knowledge and development mindset they have been exposed to, and to positively impact their various communities. The Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Engr Yakubu Danladi-Salihu who visited the students promised legislative frameworks for funding.

The founder of CELF, Mr. Lawal Olalekan Olohungbebe, a community development practitioner, said the essence of the programme was to create a similar platform for rural youths as obtained in the urban areas to enable them further their education and become more productive.

He said: “Most of those from the rural areas lack these opportunities the urban population is exposed to. We want to create a platform for the rural youth to grow. They have been exposed to three thematic areas of self-development and entrepreneurship, which will expose them to opportunities in their various neighborhoods and community development.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

POLITY

Nwobike, SAN v. FRN: Concept of Unconstitutional Vagueness Khrushchev Ekwueme On 20.12.2021, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered a landmark decision in Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN v. Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the sense that the decision rightly seeks to ensure that Nigerians are not ensnared by vaguely couched criminal laws enacted by the Legislature. Although a lot of academic ink has been spilled on the review of this decision, as far as this writer knows, none of the commentaries on this case addresses in substance the constitutionality of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State (which is in pari materia with section 126(1) of the Criminal Code Act) vis-à-vis the provision of Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) (the “Constitution”). Thus, this piece focuses on an analysis of the constitutionality of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and section 126(1) of the Criminal Code Act. A discourse on this issue is acutely relevant because in the exercise of its power to embark on judicial economy, as endorsed by many decisions of the Supreme Court such as Tanko v U.B.A. Plc. [2010] 17 NWLR (Pt. 1221) 80 at 93, paras.

A-B, the apex Court in Dr. Nwobike SAN v. FRN did not opine in substance on the constitutionality of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State beyond holding that based on the Respondent’s failure to challenge the adverse determination of the Trial Court that the offence contained in the said section 97(3) is not defined under any written law, the provision is inconsistent with section 36(12) of the Constitution. The thesis posited in this piece is that the provisions of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and section 126(1) of the Criminal Code Act are unconstitutionally vague and perforce void on account of their inconsistence with section 36(12) of the Constitution, having regard to the provision of section 1(3) of the Constitution.

For purposes of clarity, the said section 97(3) provides that “Any person who attempts, in any way not specifically defined in this Law, to obstruct, prevent, pervert or defeat, the course of justice is guilty of a misdemeanour, and is liable to imprisonment for two years.” The phrase “in any way not specifically defined” in this provision makes it demonstrably clear that the offence created by Section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State is “not specifically defined”.

In providing normative content to the provision of Section

Joseph Nwobike

36(12) of the Constitution, the Supreme Court (per Honourable Justice Afolabi (JSC)) in Chief Olabode George v Federal Republic of Nigeria [2014] 5 NWLR (Pt. 1399) 1 at 22, para.

A held that “Any conduct that must be sanctioned must be expressly stated in a written law […]. That is what section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution provides. Such conduct should not be left to conjecture. As well it cannot be inferred by the Court”.

The concept of unconstitutional vagueness which is triggered by ambiguously worded criminal or other penal provisions such as section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State is well developed in the jurisprudence of the Supreme Court of the United States and the decisions of this Court are of persuasive force before our Courts. In Johnson v United States [2015] 576 U.S. 591 (2015), the Supreme Court of the United States held that the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process in the Constitution of the United States prohibits the government from “taking away someone’s life, liberty, or property under a criminal law so vague that it fails to give ordinary people fair notice of the conduct it punishes, or so standardless that it invites arbitrary enforcement”.

Against this backdrop, in determining the constitutionality of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State in light

of the constitutional command in section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution, the cross-cutting question is whether the specific conduct criminalised by section 97(3) is not left to conjecture or inference by the Court. Based on the decision of the Supreme Court in Yabugbe v. C.O.P [1992] LPELR-3505(SC) Pp 39 – 40, Paras. F - B, in answering this question, the provision of section 97(3) excerpted above should not be construed in isolation but harmoniously with other relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. Clearly, section 416 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, the interpretation provision of the Law, does not define “perversion of justice”. Similarly, the gamut of Chapter 11 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, entitled “Offences relating to the Administration of Justice”, which embodies the said section 97(3) and the related Chapter 12 of the said Law entitled “Unlawful Release, Escapes, Obstructing Officers of Courts” do not fill the gap in the said section 97(3) regarding the specific information on the conduct which constitutes “perversion of justice” under the sub-section.

The universe of what is tantamount to “perversion of justice” is wide and section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and section 126(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as presently couched, do not give fair notice of the specific conduct punishable under the provisions. In addition, adjudicating over the offence of perversion of justice created by the said provisions will put our Courts in the invidious position of speculating in order to fill the gaps in vague provisions in criminal statutes, which is impermissible.

In the premises, the decision of the Supreme Court in Dr. Nwobike SAN v. FRN to discharge the Appellant has strong constitutional support and the attacks on the Supreme Court on account of this decision are unwarranted. The major learning from this decision is that the “leave the details-to be-sortedby-the-courts legislation” in the field of criminal law in Nigeria is likely to be struck down by our Courts or convictions based on them are likely to be set aside by our Courts. Accordingly, an amendment of the provisions of section 97(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State and section 126(1) of the Criminal Code Act in order to state explicitly therein the specific conduct criminalised is hereby recommended. t %S ,ISVTIDIFW 6 &LXVFNF 1BSUOFS 0MBOJXVO "KBZJ -1 5IF PQJOJPO FYQSFTTFE JO UIJT QJFDF JT FOUJSFMZ NJOF BOE OPU UIBU PG 0MBOJXVO "KBZJ -1

PHOTO NEWS

Managing Director, ISN Products Limited, Mr Felix Ofungwu; 2021 National Winner, ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award, Mr Friday Odum; Director Medical Laboratory Services, Lagos State Health Service Commission, Mr Tajudeen Olatunji and Head Zonal Officer, SouthWest, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Mr Offutalu Paulinus at the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award Grand Finale event held at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.....recenly

L-R: Marketing Manager (West Africa), Shalina Healthcare. Mr. Folorunsho Alaran; University of Ibadan, 2nd Runner Up, Ms. Okafor Cynthia Chidera; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Winner, Shalina; Young Talents Award, SYTA Season 3, Ms. Zakariya Farida; (Best Pharmaceutical Student in Nigeria); University of Lagos,1st Runner Up; Oyeniyi Adedoyin Emmanuel, and Vice President/ Head, Shalina West Africa, Mr. Arun Raj, at the National Grand finale of SYTA 2021 held in Lagos… recently DAN UKANA.

L-R;Founder, BrandLee Solutions and Project Manager, WIDAFEP, Omole Imosemi; Assistant Marketing Manager, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Victor Falope; Founder and Trustee, The Oluwafunmise Imosemi Foundation, Oluwafunmise Imosemi; and Head Teacher, St. Davids Primary School, Okesuna, Lagos, Jumoke Juba, at the 2021 Widows and Family Empowerment Programme (WIDAFEP) organized by the Oluwafunmise Imosemi Foundation in Lagos….recently

L-R: Head, Established Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Olufunke Isichei; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Demola Sogunle; One Million Naira Grand Finale Winner, Sunday Aderibigbe Adeleye; One Million Naira Grand Finale Winner, Ernest Chibuikem Ihe; Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi; and Head, Main Markets Clients, Stanbic IBTC Bank Emmanuel Aihevba at the Stanbic IBTC 2021 Reward4Saving Promo grand finale in Lagos…..recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

23

POLITY

The Magodo II Homeowners’ Predicament Nothing is as unsettling in all of humanity as seeing the prospect of one becoming homeless, particularly through eviction that could have been avoided. Homeowners and residents of Magodo Phase II are bracing themselves, as it is becoming likely that they may be forced into this ugly path through no fault of theirs. The homeowners bought land in this highly priced axis of Lagos State, not knowing the long history of litigation that is trailing it. Sixty five years ago, the then military government in Lagos State acquired the land from the original owners for ‘overriding public interest’. These aborigenes said they were not compensated but watched in utter disbelief when they started seeing the government petition the land for sale to their friends and associates. Their disagreement with the government over this alleged betrayal of trust compelled them to seek redress in the high court, which upheld their plea. The Lagos State Government approached the appellate court and lost to the original land owners. Six years ago, they lost to the original owners at the Supreme Court, which reached a judgement that 495 plots of land be given to the original land owners. Bennett Oghifo writes

A

ccording to those familiar with the invasion of Magodo II recently by a team of heavily armed policemen that accompanied bailiffs from the Lagos High Court, it was to take possession of the facility in accordance with the Supreme Court judgement.

The anti-riot policemen that accompanied the bailiff took strategic positions within the highbrow area, while some youths, apparently recruited by the Shangisha Landlords Association, the original landowners, moved from house to house inscribing “Possession Taken” on them.

It would be recalled that the then military government of Lagos State acquired the area for public use but later allegedly sold the land to government officials and their cronies, a situation which made the original owners, through Shangisha Landlords Association, to approach the high court for redress.

The court then ruled that both parties should maintain the status quo in the area, but in disregard of the court order, the state government continued to sell the land.

The high court eventually, in its final judgment, ordered the state government to give the Association and its members 549 plots of land as a matter of “first priority”. Dissatisfied with the high court judgment, the government approached the appeal court which affirmed the judgment of the lower court on the matter and ordered that Lagos State should, as a matter of first priority, give back 549 plots of land to the original land owners in the Shangisha Landlords Association.

The matter went on to the Supreme Court which also affirmed the judgment of the lower courts. The Supreme Court judgment was handed down six years ago but the Lagos State Government refused to execute the judgment.

Meanwhile, many of the landlords said they bought their land from the Lagos State Government, adding that they were not aware of any litigation on the land when they bought and that they were given certificates of occupancy (CofO).

On the ugly situation, the Lagos State Government issued a statement, signed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, condemning the execution of the Supreme Court’s judgement.

In the statement titled, ‘Illegal Enforcement of Judgement

by Shangisha Landlords Association in Re SC/112/2002 between Military Governor of Lagos State & ORS v Chief Adebayo Adeyiga & ORS’, the government said the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court only recognised the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment in the “allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village.

“The judgment only relates to allocation of 549 plots of land and not possession of any land.”

The full statement reads: On the 21st of December, 2021, it was reported through social media platforms that the Shangisha Landlords Association with stern looking Policemen took over Magodo Area of Lagos State in purported execution of a Supreme Court judgment.

“It is a known fact that judgment was delivered in 2012 by the Supreme Court in Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. Vs. Adebayo Adeyiga & Ors in Appeal No: SC/112/2002 wherein the Apex court affirmed the judgment of Court of Appeal and High Court delivered on the 31st December, 1993 in Suit No: ID/795/88 wherei“I hereby enter judgment for the plaintiffs against the defendants as follows – A declaration that members of the Shangisha Landlords Association whose lands and or buildings at Shangisha village were demolished by the Lagos State Government and/or its servants or agents during the period of June 1984 to May 1985 are entitled to the first choice preferential treatment by the Lagos State Government before any other person(s) in the allocation or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha village and I make the order against the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants (particularly the Lagos state Government and Land Use and Allocation committee) as agreed in the meeting held on 16th October 1984 with the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Development Matters, Lagos State.

“It is obvious from the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court that the judgment only recognized the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment in the “allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village.

“Several attempts by the State Government to resolve the matter amicably have been on even before the judgment of the Supreme Court was delivered. It is therefore not surprising that the Supreme Court held on page 27 of the judgment thus; “…… This Court appreciates the magnanimity of the Lagos State Government in the proposals to effect an amicable settlement of this matter. The ball is now in the court of the counsel to the respondents who has a statutory duty to advise them

Homeowners and residents of Magodo 2 locked out of the estate

properly to give the government their maximum co-operation in the execution of this judgment.

“The State Government engaged the Judgment Creditors between 2012 – 2015 and made proposal to re-allocate land to the Judgment Creditors at Magotho Residential Scheme within Badagry Area which was rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga but majority of the Judgment Creditors led by Yemi Ogunshola, Jelili Yaya and Adeleke Adefala accepted the offer. Due to division within the Judgment Creditors, another round of settlement was initiated in 2016 which culminated in the proposal to re-allocate the Judgment Creditors to Ibeju Lekki Coastal Scheme situate at Ibeju/Lekki which was also rejected by Chief Adebayo Adeyiga.

“Subsequent to the rejection, the State Government has been in dialogue with majority of the Judgment Creditors from 2019 with a view to reach a concession towards implementing the Judgment.

“Noteworthy also is the pending application for interlocutory injunction dated 1st December 2020 before the Court of Appeal in Appeal No. CA/L/1005A/2018 seeking an order restraining Chief Adebayo Adeyiga and others (including their agents, servants privies or howsoever called, particularly the Police) from entering into, giving direction, taking possession or in any manner disturbing the quiet enjoyment of property owners in Magodo Residential Area Scheme.

“The Lagos State Government has equally observed that the execution was carried out by unknown Bailiffs as the Sherriff of the High Court of Lagos where the Judgment emanated were not responsible for the purported execution carried out on the 21st December 2021 at Magodo. The purported execution is therefore contrary to Order 8 Rule 17 of the Supreme Court Rules 2014 and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders Part iii of the Sherriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004.

“The Judgment before the Supreme Court was not in respect of declaration of title and the Supreme Court did not in any way grant title to land to the Judgment Creditors. The Judgment Creditors had no claim for possession and none was granted as no survey plan was tendered before the Court.

The judgment is not affixed to any land anywhere and only

Civil Servants in collaboration with some government officials fraudulently acquired the land in the course of the legal battle to reclaim the land. We will not take responsibility for their lack of due diligence before purchasing the land

declared that the Judgment Creditors are entitled to allocation of land from the State Government.

“The State Government is therefore dismayed by the action of Chief Adebayo Adeyiga (one of the Judgment Creditors) who misled the Nigeria Police in attempting execution of the Judgment notwithstanding the pending Appeal against the issuance of warrant of possession by the then Chief Judge of Lagos State on 16th March 2017.

“The State Government enjoins the general public to remain calm especially Residents of Magodo Residential Area, while investigation into the unwarranted incident is being carried out with a view to prosecuting any person found culpable.

The Lagos State Government has the high regard for the rule of law and will protect the interests of all parties.”

Following developments after the execution of the Supreme Court Judgement, where some alleged frivolous CofOs surfaced in Magodo GRA Phase 2 in Lagos, compelling the original owners of the land to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Chairman of Shangisha Landlords Association, Chief Adebayo Adeyiga told journalists of this new development, while reacting to reports by Magodo Residents Association that it was not aware of the Supreme Court judgement mandating the Lagos State Government to return 549 plots of land to the original owners of the area.

Chief Adeyiga stated that any CofO issued after 1998, after the judgement was passed is null and void. “We are aware that Governor Babatunde Fashola did not sign any C-of-O nor did Governor Ambode, following the judgement.

“So, how did the present occupants of Magodo get the C-of-Os? We have done our audits and have found over 600 C-of-Os that are fraudulently obtained.”

The Chief Adeyiga-led Landlords Association of Shangisha in addition, wants the supreme court to make a pronouncement that will enforce the execution and possession of their land. The Shangisha Landlords Association said the claim by the Magodo Residents Association that it was not aware of the judgment reached in 2012 was untrue, adding that the Lagos State Government that sold the land to them, was fully aware of the Supreme Court judgement.

Pa Adeyiga said, “Civil Servants in collaboration with some government officials fraudulently acquired the land in the course of the legal battle to reclaim the land.

“We will not take responsibility for their lack of due diligence before purchasing the land.” He said a former Governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola had instructed the Civil Servants “to give us our land, but this was ignored. After obtaining the Supreme Court judgement, the Magodo Residents Association declined to pay ratifications which is the practice all over.”

Adeyiga added that when the land was under litigation, the state’s Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development was also a party, and as such, it cannot issue a building approval. Regardless, he said almost 600 buildings inside Magodo have building approvals. “There is no doubt that all these buildings did not exist in the face of the law.

“Also, if the residents association claims to have gone to court and secured an order of status quo, why should they continue to build and sell lands when the entire land is a subject of litigation?

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SATURDAY JANUARY 1, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY JANUARY 1, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

MILESTONE

Hope and Sherry Gbagi

Garlands for Igiedesiri, Abohosiri of Ughievwen Kingdom Sunny Igboanugo

O

ginigbo is indescribably beautiful! A bustling rural community in Otujeremi, Ugheli South Local Government Area of Delta, it sleeps and wakes up with nature. As you are separated from the chaotic, staccato noise of the hustle and bustle of Warri and bid goodbye to the misty air, the after-effect of gas flaring, one of the menaces in the crude oil production process, which continues to underscore the many contradictions of Nigeria’s bipolar history, the cleansing process begins in and out of your physical system.

Not only that your eardrums secure some form of freedom from the heavy assault of human and machine noise, but your lungs and other internal organs too. They witness some burnishing and gradual regeneration leading to massive relief.

Welcome to the countryside. Observe that even the earth itself appears quite enchanting.

Notice that unlike the red earth that creases the air with dust, leaving the firmament discoloured and ugly, the white sand, like the seashore of the beach, one of the features that strikes an observant eye as you hit Effurun in the city of Warri, stretches all through down to the hinterlands.

Then Oginigbo, the resplendent community hits you as you travel further. As a first timer, it might be a further advantage to decline a car ride. Accept to travel in keke, or okada to enable a better view. You may have many things to thank nature for when you savour the complete effect. The lush greens from the mangroves leave you breathless, especially if you are lover of trees and the flora.

The effect of this thick vegetation could mean that erosion might not be a problem, just as it might serve as a buffer to wedge flood damage on the freshly-tarred road running through it. You simply felt the panorama like lullaby serenading the soul as speed through as your eyes strain to capture the much they could. No wonder this place, they say, is another stronghold for trees, wildlife and even highly-prized ornamental animals.

There might be the debate yet as to between the bright lights of the skyscrapers, the complicated bridges and road networks, the hustle and bustle, and other concomitant features of the big cities, and the caressing quietude of the countrysides, which is preferable. In fact, the late Owelle of Onitsha, Nnamdi Azikiwe, advised some areas must be left in their natural states and that not everywhere should be developed. To demonstrate that he

Gbagi

left his Inosi Onira Retreat in the busy city of Onitsha, to take residence at his Onuiyi Haven in Nsukka, a nondescript, lonely and quiet ambience in the university town. To the present day naturalists, Oginigbo emphasises this as man’s best friend. The Owelle, went on to live for 96 years, far more than others who chose otherwise. Perhaps, he could have lived more, if the development he feared had not met him in his chosen abode.

Tucked between these lush vegetation and exquisite ambiance, in Oginigbo, the country home of Sherry and Hope Gbagi seemed to introduce a different dimension of how modernity and nature could cohabit in a marriage of conviviality. Both seem to not only complement, but actually celebrate each other by exacerbating the beauty of both sides.

It was the point of convergence on this day, as a flurry marked the preparations for one of the major events the community would witness in 2921. The pair had made the list of the candidates to be conferred with traditional titles at the grand finale of the activities marking the tenth coronation anniversary of Okobare of Ughierwen Kingdom, Mathew Ediri Egbi, Owahwa 11.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, December 9, must meet what one of the participants in the beehive referred as The Gbagi Standard perfection.

But for many of the visitors to this ancient community, especially those from the cities, where the environment presents a different

picture, it was not all about the stream of activities, but more of what nature had on the offer. It was pure bliss watching the sunlight cascading down the firmament, offering an enchanting vista as the night met the day in the dimming shade. Early risers were lucky too to witness the exciting display of picturesque scenery created by the rising sun in-between the trees of the mangrove.

Behold culture and tradition! It was a different demesne decked in colours and concepts, at the palace of the Okobare.

Lined up on the dais in front of the Ogwan Uririn Ughievwen, Ughievwen Memorial Pavilion on this particular were the traditional power of the ancient stool. Decked in dominant colours of red and white, they exuded all the powers of the traditional institution common in rural African communities.

Accentuated by gaily-dressed men and women, who came in their best outfits and titled men and women, the atmosphere created a galaxy of rich colours and beauty.

Then, came the cultural displays that took the centre-stage at different times, intermittently to give the crowd, especially the visitors more than enough to cheer. They included the dance of the maidens - young, adolescent girls, who put their innocence on display in their natural state, to underscore the untainted purity and pristine lifestyle usually required as part of the development of women before marriage in typical African societies. Young men flipping into the air and balancing on the ground in beautiful acrobatics that synchronised with the music and other telling unique stories by their costumes and dance-steps were on hand, as teasers that kept the crowd pretty occupied even before the emergence of the monarch.

For lovers of seafood and other local delicacies, the event also provided an opportunity to taste the best. Locals displaying trays of wellspiced edible worms, prawns, snails, made brisk businesses as they moved in different, to caress their taste-buds and satisfy their desires.

Underscoring the fact that here in this kingdom, nothing seems to happen out of sync, everything appeared to follow a predetermined sequence of traditional order.

So, as the music blasted from the different dance troupes, as the chiefs of the kingdom did their thing, while expectant candidates rest waited to join the exclusive class of title holders, the door to the pavilion opened, heralding the emergence of the monarch.

At exactly 12.35 pm, the Okobare, Owahwa 11, stepped out with the the flourish and regal splendour emblematic of the measured gait of an African royalty. Five minutes later, at 12.40pm, the chiefs, including the ones waiting to be conferred, went to pay homage.

In a short message, he greeted his subjects

and visitors, wishing them well and emphasising that his kingdom welcomed everyone, irrespective of individual leaning and political persuasions. “Whether you’re APC, PDP, APGA or any party, you are welcome to my palace,” he said.

Stressing that the Ughievwen kingdom was known for peaceful and harmonious relationship with other kingdoms in the state and the country as a whole, he called on investors to take advantage of the peaceful nature of the kingdom to invest in the area.

Echoing the message of the monarch, Sam Oyevbaire, former Minister of Information and Culture, and a high chief in the kingdom, who said that the ceremony was to honour outstanding sons and daughters of the land, who had made the community proud, explained that the reason for the recognition was not all about the wealth, but the recipients must add the virtues of untainted records of good character, exemplary leadership and contribution to the overall well-being of the land.

They must not only strive to conquer outside and bring laurels back home, they must also serve as the beacon to illuminate the way for people by the symbolic lifestyles they must be associated with, adding that the recipients had discharged themselves in this regard.

So, at exactly 1.45pm Hope Gbagi, Head of Sales (HOS) at the Intercontinental Distillers became the Igiedesiri of Ughievwen kingdom. He was handed the certificate by the traditional ruler, after sprinkling his bare body with white powder. After about an hour it was the turn of madam, who was equally conferred with the title of Abohosiri. Both titles were meant to depict the reflections of what the two represent in the community.

Igiedesiri literally means the Road to Blessing, while Abohosiri, means the Hand of Peace. The apt expression is that through the hand of peace, the road to the blessing of the kingdom, had been paved.

Thereafter, all road once again, led to Oginigbo, for a grand reception and entertainment of guests. There, apart from the well known foreign and Nigerian dishes, were the local Urhobo delicacies. Many of those who had heard of the wonders of Owoh soup and starch as one of the best dishes there is in Nigeria since the discovery of fresh fish pepper soup and plantain, it was time to confirm. Many of them indeed, gave the testimony in the affirmative.

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets like Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”

Andoni Bubbles with Unity Carnival Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

T

he Council Chairman of the Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State, Mr. Erastus Awortu, said his administration was liaising with local and international conservationists to make Andoni a tourism area.

Awortu disclosed this yesterday, at Asarama Community in Andoni during the maiden edition of the Andoni Unity Carnival organized by the council.

He said the event, which was part of yuletide activities across communities in the area, was initiated to foster development and consolidate on the peace process of his administration.

“My administration will continue to ensure that our forest, sea lives are preserved seeing we have

an uncommon topography where the rain forest is bordered by such an aesthetic large stretch of sprowling and advantageous sand beach,” Awortu said.

Expressing satisfaction on turnout during a boat regatta at carnival, the chairman explained that the display of passion by the people showed a total acceptance of peace and desire for development.

“This is one event the council has attached so much importance, we are happy it’s successful in terms of attendance and display of our latent culture.

“I call it Iatent because in as much as we understand our rich cultural heritage and natural endowments, , the world is yet to know about them and we are happy to showcase them to the world,” he said.

Narrating the overall motive for the carnival, the chairman stated that the exercise was expected to attract investors to the area, create employment

for the youths as well as promote peace and development.

“The cynic environment is quite obvious, the winding creeks, the large stretch of sand beaches, forest, ocean reserves, human capacity and rich natural vegetation are of course a tourist delight and an investors’ heaven.

“Our rain forest haboures some of the rear wild animals like the elephants, wild cats, hippos and even the dolphins which are a lovely sight to behold around the athlantic beach.

“The world is evolving and Andoni is not an exception, we know we are endowed with rich oil and gas resources which are currently being tapped by the oil industries.

“No douth, oil exploration activities has proven to have serious effects on the environment and the people, a more reason we should make tourism

a biggest economic catch point for Andoni local government area,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lawmaker representing Andoni/ Opobo-Nkoro federal constituency, Mr. Dagomie Abiante has lauded Awortu on his achievements especially in the area of peace, security and rural infrastructural development in Andoni council.

He said: “Not too long ago, I made a promise to work with you as you pilot development in Andoni because I recall, a few years back at festive moments such as this, travelling to my hometown Ngo, the Council’s headquarters was usually an expensive venture with fully cladded police escort!

“What a shame, I belong here and should freely coexist with my people, it is in doing so that I can feel their pulse, appreciate who we are and understand our geniue pains to enable me effectively table them before relevant authorities.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

01. 1.2022

Emmanuel Dennis

A Controversial Drop from AFCON

NEWS

TITLE RACE HOTS UP PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Emmanuel Dennis shot Watford in front against West Ham United at Vicarage Road

Emmanuel Dennis

A Controversial Drop from AFCON While Emmanuel Dennis was expressing his delight at his invitation for the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cameroon, the eggheads at Watford were having other ideas concerning the striker.The Hornets not ready to lose their jewel to the biennial competition capitalised on the late NFF’s invitation email sent to the club, but the Nigeria federation would not have any of it, insisting Dennis must join the party to Cameroon. The federation yesterday however made a U-turn on its initial stand by dropping the former Brugge striker

W

atford Manager Claudio Ranieri had claimed Nigeria missed the deadline date to call up Emmanuel Dennis for the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Watford could stop their star striker from leaving to take part in the tournament.

Dennis was called up by Nigeria for AFCON penultimate weekend and the 24-year-old was due to meet up with his national side after New Year’s Day but Ranieri believes Watford have grounds to keep him at Vicarage Road, The Hornets boss says Nigeria failed to send a ‘pre-call’ before a specific deadline.

Dennis, 24, was named in Nigeria’s 28-man AFCON squad on Boxing Day and gushed over the news on Twitter, posting: ‘Proud to get a call up to represent my country.’

However, Ranieri has since cast doubt over his participation in the event, as he believes Watford have grounds to keep him after Nigeria failed to submit a ‘pre-call’ before a specific deadline.

‘I’m not so sure I’ll miss Dennis now and if he goes to the national team, we have to wait,’ the Hornets boss said.

‘The email didn’t arrive at the right moment. The national team has a time to send a pre-call. They didn’t respect the days, and I want to see.’

Ranieri added: ‘The email arrived late. They have a time when they need to send a pre-call; if they don’t send it,

we can choose.’

Dennis, who has scored eight goals for Ranieri’s 17th-place side, was due to meet up with the Nigeria squad after Watford’s Premier League clash with Tottenham on New Year’s Day, but that has now been thrown into doubt.

Sources close to the player have revealed that while he is still hoping to go, Dennis does not want to cause any issues with his current employers.

According to the Watford Observer, the Nigerian Football Federation deny any wrongdoing and was confident that Dennis will be involved next month.

They believe clubs need to be notified five days before individual matches and 10 days in advance of a tournament, which would allow them to send the pre-call on December 30 given AFCON does not get underway until January 9.

Dennis have eventually been dropped out of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Hornets have reportedly refused to release Dennis, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season.

A NFF statement said Dennis had been excused because Watford were “baring fangs”.

Dennis, 24, will now be available for Watford’s league games against fellow strugglers Newcastle and Norwich, as well as their FA Cup third round tie at Leicester City on 8 January.

Watford manager Claudio Ranieri said: “I knew the board and Nigerian board were speaking. I accept every decision

they find and that for me is finished.”

Asked whether the decision for Dennis to remain with his club disrespected Afcon, Ranieri added: “No. They have a lot of players and then they changed the managers and everything. We were ready to give over the players, they didn’t do it. The two boards spoke and for me it is OK. “Of course he wanted to go to play but he also wanted to help Watford.”

Dennis have been replaced by Sparta Prague striker Peter Olayinka.

Nigeria’s opening fixture at the tournament then comes two days later against Egypt.

Dennis has three caps for Nigeria, but the last of his three appearances came over a year ago in a 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone.

Since then, he has been overlooked for national team engagements.

But his move to Watford from Club Brugge in the summer offered him a fresh opportunity, which he has duly taken.

The Nigerian attacker has scored eight goals and recorded five assists in 15 Premier League games for the Hornets this season, which has earned him a recall to the national team.

Indeed, Arsenal icon Ian Wright has highlighted the importance of Dennis to the Watford side after the red-hot striker scored again in a 4-1 loss to West Ham United in a Premier League clash at Vicarage Road.

With his strike against the Hammers, the Nigeria international has been di-

rectly involved in 20 goals in his last eight Premier League games for the Hornets (six goals, four assists), having a hand in 66.7 percent of the goals Watford have scored in these games.

Statistically, those numbers clearly show Dennis’ importance to Watford, who could be without their talisman for at least three matches in the coming weeks.

Speaking on Premier League Productions’ Premier League Wrap, Wright said: “At the start Tim Sherwood mentioned that Dennis is the one if anything could happen it’s probably going to come from him.

“That’s beautifully taken, composure, he’s not rushing that.

“He’s going to be sorely missed when he goes to the AFCON because that’s exactly what Watford need” The Nigerian forward is one of the hottest African prospects in Europe right now, but he could miss out on his chance to represent Nigeria because of administrative hiccups.

A solution is still currently being discussed between the club and the NFF but the situation is expected to be resolved in the coming days, with club sources saying they are keen not to show any disrespect to national sides.

Dennis has emerged as one of the bargain signings of the summer transfer window, with Watford paying four million euros to Club Brugge to sign the striker.

Interestingly, West Ham captain Mark Noble has labelled Dennis’ early strike in the Hammers’ 4-1 rout of Watford a great goal.

The Hornets suffered their fifth successive loss in the Premier League on Tuesday evening despite their Nigerian talisman giving them the lead in the fourth minute.

Dennis fired a rising shot into the top corner to break the deadlock after evading the challenge of Craig Dawson, taking his tally in the top-flight to eight goals in the process.

Speaking to BBC Sport post-match, the Hammers captain said: “I think it was always going to be tough here because we had a lot of players here who played two days ago and Watford had a lot of time off with Covid issues.

“They started with a great goal for Dennis but then I think we controlled the half and deserved to go 2-1 up.”

Only Liverpool’s Egypt winger Mohamed Salah (24) has had more goal involvements than Dennis (13) in the Premier League so far this season.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

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

20 20 19 19 19 18 17 18 18 18 19 18 19 18 17 18 17 16 19 19

39 29 34 9 9 4 2 -1 -2 -1 0 -4 -9 -4 -8 -18 -13 -9 -23 -34

50 42 41 35 31 31 30 25 25 24 23 22 21 20 19 16 13 11 11 10

Premier League TODAY

Arsenal v Leicester v Watford v Crystal Palace v

Man City Norwich City Tottenham West Ham

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

SUNDAY

Liverpool’s Mo Salah battles for possession with Chelsea Marcos Alonso when both sides met in the first leg at Anfield

Brentford v Aston Villa Everton v Brighton Leeds Utd v Burnley Southampton v Newcastle Chelsea v Liverpool

14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 16:30

MONDAY

Man Utd

v Wolves

17:30

v v v v v v

Madrid Vallecano Granada Sociedad Celta Vigo Barcelona

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

v v v

Levante Bilbao Sevilla

18:00 20:00 20:15

La Liga SUNDAY

One of the biggest games of the English footballing calendar comes up tomorrow when second-placed Chelsea welcome third- placed Liverpool to Stamford Bridge.The two sides played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Anfield back in August and Sunday’s clash certainly promises to be quite the occasion. Both teams head into this clash battling

S

econd meets third in a tantalising opening to 2022 at Stamford Bridge, as title rivals Chelsea and Liverpool prepare for battle in the capital.

Tuchel’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion last time out, while the Reds were sunk by Leicester City in a 1-0 defeat.

Winter was certainly unforgiving to those in Blue, as a frustrated Tuchel bemoaned his side’s growing absentee list after Brighton took a point home from Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

Romelu Lukaku returned to the starting lineup with a bang as he headed in the opening goal after 28 minutes, but last-minute hero Danny Welbeck restored parity for the Seagulls in second half injury time as Chelsea once again came up short at home.

The Blues have now fallen eight points behind runaway leaders Manchester City, though the season has only just reached its midway point, Tuchel claimed that it would be “stupid” to think his depleted side are capable of competing for top-flight glory.

Four of Chelsea’s last five Premier League encounters at Stamford Bridge have now ended 1-1, and failing to keep a single home clean sheet in that run represents quite the downturn from Chelsea’s formerly steadfast defence under Tuchel.

Despite the Blues boss’ comments, it would be folly to write Chelsea off the title race ahead of the New Year, and they were certainly done a favour

by Leicester before the confidence-

sapped Reds make the journey south.

Before the first ball was kicked at the King Power, all the signs pointed towards a Liverpool victory. The Reds had enjoyed a six-day recovery period after dumping the Foxes out of the EFL Cup, while Brendan Rodgers was short of options 48 hours after that 6-3 loss to Manchester City.

However, Leicester dug deep to pick up a morale-boosting festive win in front of their own fans, as Ademola Lookman came off the bench to strike before the Foxes defence held firm to dampen the spirits on the red half of Merseyside.

Defeat at the King Power marked only Liverpool’s second loss in the 2021-22 season across all competitions, and the third-placed Reds now find themselves nine points adrift of Manchester City having played a game fewer, and fourth-placed Arsenal are suddenly just six points behind.

Of course, Klopp’s crop will leapfrog the Blues back into the top two with just a point in the capital, but they have failed to beat three London sides in Brentford, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur away fromhomeso far thisseason.

Neither Chelseanor Liverpooltendto kick offthe NewYear on ahigh noteeither,but recent historyisin theReds’ favour,astheyhaveonly lost twoof their last 11Premier League games against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will be looking to record their 11th Premier League victory in a row when they head to the Emirates Stadium today to take on Arsenal. The Citizens

are currently eight points clear of second-placed Chelsea at the top of the table, while Arsenal occupy fourth position, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham United. Arsenal faced plenty of criticism in the opening months of the 2021-22 campaign, but it has been a positive few weeks for the Gunners, who have won each of their last five matches in all competitions, including four straight Premier League victories over Southampton, West Ham, Leeds United and Norwich City. Mikel Arteta’s side have actually scored 14 times in their last three matches, having thumped Sunderland 5-1 in the EFL Cup on December 21 before putting five goals past Norwich in the league on Boxing Day. The Gunners had been due to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league on December 28, but the match had to be postponed due to coronavirus issues in the Wolves camp. Nevertheless, the North London club have still played 19 Premier League matches during the 2021-22 campaign. A record of 11 wins, two draws and six defeats has brought them 35 points, which is enough for fourth position, four points clear of fifth-placed West Ham, but Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United will also both believe that they are firmly in the top-four race at this stage of the campaign. There will be no Arteta on the touchline for this match, with the Spaniard testing positive for coronavirus, and there has allegedly been an outbreak among the staff at the club. Man City, meanwhile, will enter this weekend’s contest off the back of a 1-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday night. The

Getafe Atlético Elche Alavés Real Betis Mallorca Monday Villarreal Osasuna Cádiz

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Mo Salah Diogo Jota Jamie Vardy Emmanuel Dennis Cristiano Ronaldo Emile Smith Rowe Heung-Son Raphinha Mason Mount Michail Antonio Raheem Sterling Bernardo Silva Sadio Mané Neal Maupay Conor Gallagher Luiz Jorginho Callum Wilson

CLUB

Liverpool Liverpool Leicester Watford Man Utd Arsenal Tottenham Leeds Chelsea West Ham Man City Man City Liverpool Brighton Palace Chelsea Newcastle

GOALS

15 10 9 8 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6

Citizens have now been victorious in each of their last 10 league matches, which has seen them rise to the top of the table, collecting 50 points from their opening 20 matches of the 202122 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side are eight points clear of second-placed Chelsea and nine clear of third-placed Liverpool, and second will welcome third in the league on Sunday, so Man City could be even further clear at the summit heading into the next set of fixtures in England’s top flight. The reigning English champions will take on Swindon Town in the FA Cup on January 7 before hosting Chelsea in the league on January 15, and there is a danger that they could start to run away at the summit.

Man City have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Arsenal in all competitions, including a 5-0 victory in the reverse match at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season, while they have not lost against the Gunners in the Premier League since December 2015.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Abiodun Afini poses with his dummy cheque of one million Naira and the Mojisola Ogunsanya trophy he won as the best boxer at the 24th edition of the GOtv Boxing Night at the Molade Okoya Indoor Sport Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium

AFCON 2021

Health Concerns, Injuries Constrain Changes to Nigeria’s Final 28-man List Victor Osimhen’s positive test to the coronavirus pandemic a couple of days ago and injury to the versatile Abdullahi Shehu have constrained changes to Nigeria’s final 28-man list for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations starting in Cameroon next weekend.

The goalkeeping department is untouched, but the forced exclusion of Cyprus –based Shehu, who can slot easily into sections of the defence and midfield, has made way for hardas-nails right back Tyrone Ebuehi, now with Venezia in the Italian Serie A, and England –based Oluwasemilogo Ajayi returns to the group for

Africa’s flagship football championship following injury to centre-back Leon Balogun. Ajayi can also play as a midfielder.

Osimhen’s absence paves way for Greecebased Henry Onyekuru who was also at the last finals in Egypt. In-form rapid raider Emmanuel Dennis, whose English Premiership club is baring fangs, has been excused to provide room for Czech Republic –based forward Peter Olayinka.

The 33rd Africa Cup of Nations finals will end on 6th February.

Super Eagles’ Squad

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho; John Noble; Daniel Akpeyi; Maduka Okoye Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem; Kenneth Omeruo; Oluwasemilogo Ajayi; William Ekong; Olaoluwa Aina; Jamilu Collins; Tyrone Ebuehi; Zaidu Sanusi; Olisa Ndah Midfielders: Frank Onyeka; Joseph Ayodele-Aribo; Wilfred Ndidi; Chidera Ejuke; Kelechi Nwakali Forwards: Ahmed Musa; Samuel Chukwueze; Henry Onyekuru; Moses Simon; Sadiq Umar; Taiwo Awoniyi; Odion Jude Ighalo; Alex Iwobi; Kelechi Iheanacho; Peter Olayinka

Djokovic may Make Australian Open U-turn Novak Djokovic is still hoping to play in the Australian Open, according to Serbia team-mate Dusan Lajovic.

The world No 1 pulled out of the season-opening ATP Cup, which begins today, where he had been due to lead his country.

That duty will instead fall to Lajovic but there remains no confirmation over whether or not nine-time champion Djokovic will defend his title at Melbourne Park next month.

At a press conference ahead of the ATP Cup, Lajovic said:

“Unfortunately he’s not able to come here but he was I think hoping, same as we did, that somehow he will be here. Unfortunately he’s not, and we’ve got to deal with it.”

Regarding Djokovic’s chances of playing in Melbourne, Lajovic added: “He just said that he’s not coming to the ATP (Cup) and trying to get to Australian Open.”

All players must either be vaccinated against coronavirus or secure a medical exemption from the Victorian government,

for which there are strict criteria.

Djokovic has repeatedly refused to say whether or not he is vaccinated but he has previously voiced vaccine scepticism and has spoken out strongly about his belief that athletes should have the right to choose.

Players have been arriving in Australia over the last few days and stepping up their preparations for the 2022 season but, with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 surging across the world, disruption appears inevitable.

DStv, GOtv to Beam All AFCON Matches Live SuperSport channels on DStv and GOtv will again be the number one destination for football fans with the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon 2021.

All 52 matches will be broadcast live on DStv and the full offering on GOtv, with dedicated channels to ensure the widest, most entertaining broadcast of the 33rd edition of the event.

Top analysts and presenters will be on hand to deliver world-class coverage.

“AFCON is the continent’s showpiece event and we are delighted to offer it

on various channels and platforms,” said John Ugbe, MultiChoice Nigeria CEO. “With many big-name players and so much at stake, our expectations are of a hard-fought, entertaining tournament that delivers the action that African football is synonymous with.”

CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba said: “SuperSport is an important platform in Sub-Sahara and we are excited to team up with them for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations. It is important for CAF to ensure

that the AFCON, being the single-biggest sporting event on African soil, and prime content, is accessible all over the world. This event is consumed not only by Africans but enjoys a global audience.”

On DStv, viewers can watch the matches on SS Football Plus (channel 202) which will be renamed SS AFCON. While GOtv will broadcast the matches on GO Football (channel 31).

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday 9 January and continues to Thursday 6 February, 2022.

NBA Games Airing Live on DStv, GOtv DStv Confam and GOtv Max customers can look forward to thrills and spills from the world’s best basketball league, with ESPN and ESPN 2 the premier venues for coverage of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The

2021-22 season will continue till January 6, 2022.

The first of two live NBA Regular Season games this week arrives on the evening of Friday 31 December, as the Boston Celtics welcome the Phoenix Suns to the TD Garden in Massachusetts at

7pm live on ESPN (DStv channel 218 and GOtv channel 37).

January 2 then features a clash between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks at 9:30pm live on ESPN (DStv channel and GOtv channel 37).

L-R: CEO, Lewis Boxing Promotion, Henry Lewis; Super Middle Weight, Bolatito Oluwole; Project Manager, Lewis Boxing Promotion, Omolara Ojo and Banter Weight, Opeyemi Adeyemi during the press conference on the forth coming launching of the promotion in Lagos yesterday Abiodun Ajala

Igoche Mark: My Plans for Nigerian Basketball The Chairman of Mark Mentors, Igoche Mark echoes his passion for basketball and why he thinks is the right person to revive the fortunes of Nigeria basketball. He was put on the spotlight with ex- player, Skambo Morrison and coach Scot Nnaji providing back up. Olawale Ajimotokan reports How would you describe your passion for basketball and why are you offering yourself for NBBF elective post?

I am the chairman of Mark Mentors Basketball Club of Abuja, Apa Flame Basketball Club of Otukpo, Benue State, founder/initiator Mark D’Ball basketball tournament and former board member of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF). I have been in basketball for so long and most of my friends, everybody I have known are basically from basketball.

My passion for basketball started years back when I actually wanted to play the game to the international level, but somehow I believe that it wasn’t my destiny to play professional basketball abroad. I tried several times and they didn’t work out for me, but then I didn’t give up on basketball.

That I didn’t get the opportunity to go abroad to play basketball, pushed me to start developing basketball locally.

I feel that the opportunity that I never had, I can make it happen for the younger generations and that is what keeps pushing me on in trying to provide opportunities for younger players to fulfill their dream in basketball.

“That was what pushed me to start the Mark D’Ball Basketball Tournament 11 years ago. Again my passion for basketball and desire to develop the game also propelled me to start the Mark Mentors Basketball Club, which became the pinnacle of basketball in Nigeria because we came in with a different standard. If you remember then when there was a basketball league in Nigeria, we were the envy of all the teams and everybody wanted to watch Mark Mentors play.

We were the only one of the few teams that had foreign coaches and foreign players.

We had two foreign coaches and players who were playing

for us. We committed so much money to it, time and otherwise to make that happen and we were Nigerian champions.

Looking back, I’m not pleased with the development of basketball Nigeria and that is what is pushing me to rededicate myself to basketball and offer myself for service.

How have you consulted with stakeholders and what is the assurance they will buy into your aspiration?

I am glad to say here that the basketball family is strongly behind me. They share my aspiration and they are with me on this journey because they understand my passion for the game of basketball.

I am eminently qualified and good enough to do the job. That was why after much consultation and pressure to run I decided to offer myself for service.

In the NBBF, if you know how it works you have to be on board first before you can contest for the position of the president just like it is done in the senate where you have to be a senator first before becoming a senate president.

To get on the board, I am coming from the North-central and subsequently vying for the position of the president.

How do you plan to unite a divided NBBF and can you give us insights into your philosophy if elected President?

First and foremost the division in the basketball family right now is much.

The basketball family now is even worse than a political party which should not be. We are all here because we love

this game and that is enough to unite us. One of the first things I will try to do is to unite the family, we don’t need division. Our strength is in numbers.

Secondly, I will focus on development and when it comes to developing basketball there are a lot of programmes that we would run to develop the game at the grassroots.

One of the critical aspects of developing basketball is infrastructure. Basketball, unlike football where you can put two sticks or two stones and you have goalposts and start playing, basketball needs equipment.

So, infrastructural development of basketball is very important if you really want to develop the game and by the grace of God if I am given the opportunity with the collaboration of stakeholder, this is one of the things I will do.

It is a pity that right now Nigeria cannot host any international tournament because we don’t have the gym to do that. A country that is so big with all our rating in FIBA, exposure and players in the NBA and everything that we have, it should not be so.

Other smaller countries that are not up astateinNigeriahavegyms and they are hosting international tournaments. We should be able to host international tournaments.

The leagues, local tournaments and championships are very vital in developing the game.

It is something that is making people say that if I am given an opportunity I will do it. It is sad that home basketball players are hungry to play. Three days ago, I was going round where private people areholding tournaments and clinics, I could see how they were hungry to play. Anywher e the players hear there is a basketball tournament or clinic they are there because of the hunger to play.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Maduka Okoye Torn between Club and Country Okoye

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he 22-year-old shot-stopper is expected to be between the sticks when the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, but he may not get to finish the tournament should Nigeria go far after Sparta Rotterdam coach Henk Fraser has suggested that Maduka Okoye should make an early return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Watford bound goalkeeper is one of the key players at the Sparta Stadion. However, his brilliance has not been complemented by his teammates as The Castle Lords currently sit 17th in the Eredivisie.

Sparta Rotterdam have won just two of their last 13 Eredivisie games, and they currently risk relegation, as they are three points away from safety.

Due to this reason, Fraser wants his star player to return to the Netherlands, even if it would mean that Okoye leaves the Super Eagles camp before the end of their AFCON campaign.

“I understand that the final of the Africa Cup and the Rotterdam derby will be on the same date,” Fraser told FCUpdate.

“I think he will go there, but he owes it to Sparta. So I think he’s nice after the first, maybe should come home in the second round.”

The AFCON kicks off on January 9th and ends on February 6. This means that if Nigeria reached the competition’s final, Okoye would miss Sparta Rotterdam’s first three Eredivisie fixtures after the midseason break.

Okoye caused a major scare to Nigeria fourth African Cup of Nations ambition when he recently got injured but has since recovered.

He suffered a shoulder injury in

Baring any unforeseen circumstance, Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye should be between the sticks for Nigeria when the three-time champions kick off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign but the Watford-bound shot stopper is at a delima between saving Sparta Rotterdam from relegation and helping Nigeria to a fourth AFCON win after his request for an early return from Cameroon Sparta Rotterdam’s 1-0 loss to Ajax in the Eredivisie encounter.

The 22-year-old was replaced in the 24th minute after he collided with an opponent with reports showing that the goalkeeper suffered a shoulder injury, sparking fears over his availability for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Okoye played a crucial role in Nigeria’s progress to the play-off round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after they finished top of their Group C ahead of Cape Verde.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Alloy Agu, has expressed delight following the return to action of Okoye.

The three-time African champions were handed an AFCON boost after the Watford new signing returned to action for his Dutch club against Vitesse last Saturday.

Okoye featured for the entire 90 minutes, much to the delight of Agu. “I was very delighted and relieved to see Maduka Okoye in action,” the goalkeeper trainer told PUNCH Sports Extra.

“I have always stressed that he would be available for the AFCON despite fears across the media.

“We monitored him and were always in contact with him. He told us he would be available for the weekend game and I am very

happy because that’s the most important thing.

“We want all our players healthy ahead of the AFCON and that means we have all our players available for selection. They are all in good form and it means the competition is high and for us, that is where we want to be – where we find it difficult to pick our number one choice because of the fierce competition. It is good for the team as well.””

Okoye is indeed confident the Super Eagles can win a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Cameroon.

The 22-year-old will be appearing in his first major competition with Nigeria after helping the Super Eagles secure a place in the AFCON finals and he had stated that his main objective is to help the Super Eagles win the ultimate prize in Cameroon.

Okoye is one of the first players to pay tribute to erstwhile National team Manager, Gernot Rohr after he was fired as Super Eagles coach.

Rohr took a gamble with Okoye then in the German fourth division and today the shot stopper has signed a contract effective January 1, 2022, to join Watford in the Premier League.

“You turned my young football career around, helped me and gave this career a big boost!” Okoye saluted on social media

“You let me do what I have always dreamed of – playing for my fatherland Nigeria.

“Thank you for almost three amazing years, your support and your trust.

“I am wishing you the best Coach Rohr.”

Okoye made his Super Eagles debut in a friendly against mighty Brazil in 2019.

He has since become the country’s No 1 goalkeeper.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

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AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Safe Roads: Exploring Pernod Ricard’s Unwavering Efforts to Curb Drink Driving

The New All-electric Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53, a Luxurious All-electric Drive

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ith With the new EQS 53 4MATIC+ (combined WLTP power consumption: 23.4-21.1 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined, WLTP: 0 g/km; electric range, WLTP: 529-586 km)[1] Mercedes-AMG is embarking on the all-electric future of Driving Performance. The first batteryelectric AMG production model is based on the Mercedes-EQ architecture for luxury and executive-class vehicles. It thus fits seamlessly into the group-wide electric strategy. The luxury saloon with an output of up to 560 kW has been newly developed or refined in Affalterbach in all performance-related areas. It impresses with brand-specific features wherever the customer can experience them directly: from the technology to the exterior/interior design and the emotive vehicle sound.

“The AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is the first allelectric ambassador in the performance segment, made in Affalterbach. It is tailor-made for car enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of innovative electric mobility in a luxurious ambience, coupled with sportiness and agile driving dynamics. With our first all-electric AMG vehicle, we will undoubtedly appeal to and win over a new clientele for Mercedes-AMG. In addition,

the EQS 53 is further proof that Mercedes-Benz is consistently driving electrification forward with all its brands as well. Further all-electric AMG models will follow in the not too distant future, also on our AMG.EA platform developed entirely in-house,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “Also with electrification, we ensure that our models based on the EVA2 group platform will deliver on our AMG brand promise. Our customers can also look forward to a dynamic and emotional driving experience in this area.

We ensure this with AMG-specific solutions, particularly when it comes to the drive system, suspension, brakes and, above all, sound,” says Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. At the heart of the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is its performance-oriented drive concept with two motors. The powerful electric powertrain with one motor each at the front and rear axles has fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which optimally transmits the drive power to the asphalt in all driving conditions. The basic version achieves a maximum total output of 484 kW (658 hp), with a maximum motor torque of 950 Nm. With the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package, which is available as an option, the

maximum output increases to up to 560 kW (761 hp) in RACE START mode with boost function. The maximum motor torque is then up to 1020 Nm. In this case the new Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a battery charge level of at least 75 percent. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package. In the base version the AMG EQS accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (minimum 30 percent battery charge). Its maximum speed is limited to 220 km/.

AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE: emotional sound spectrum for a unique driving experience Mercedes-AMG models have always stood for emotionality. The vehicle sound has always been an important part of the typical AMG driving experience. This will continue to be the case in the future. The EQS 53 4MATIC+ brings a new, powerfully sonorous sound to electric driving. Its sound system uses special speakers, a bass actuator and a sound generator to create a special sound experience in two versions: “Authentic” or, as an option, “Performance”.

This exclusive AMG SOUND EXPERIENCE is generated inside and out with a tonality and intensity to match the current driving status, the selected driving mode or the driver’s wishes.

Toyota Nigeria Wins 4 Prizes at NAJA Awards

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he annual Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) awards which recently held in Lagos was another night of glitz and glamour which brought together auto Industry giants and leaders of the various auto brands marketed in Nigeria.

The NAJA Awards was instituted to reward and recognize vehicle models that performed outstandingly well and rose above their peers within the years.

Toyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) models shone like a million stars at the event winning three of the NAJA prized awards.

Toyota Starlet, a new entrant in

the company’s array of models won the MOST TRANSFORMED NEW ENTRANT OF THE YEAR award.

Toyota Hilux fondly nicknamed the WORK HORSE, won the PICK-UP OF THE YEAR award while the bus that Nigerians love, the Toyota Hiace won the MINIBUS OF THE YEAR award.

The highpoint of the night was the award of the PILLAR OF NIGERIA AUTO INDUSTRY bestowed on the Chairman of TNL, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, also deservedly called Mr. Toyota, in recognition of his invaluable contribution to the industry spanning over 50 years.

The awards were dedicated to customers for their loyalty to the brand and continued patronage.

2022 Toyota Hilux

Wine and Spirits company Pernod Ricard Nigeria recently launched a ‘don’t drink and drive’ campaign which is geared towards keeping roads free from accidents caused by drink driving throughout the festive period, reports Vanessa Obioha Drink-driving which refers to driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, has been a leading cause of road accidents worldwide. The effects of alcohol abuse vary greatly, as any amount of alcohol in the bloodstream can impact ones driving ability. Safe driving requires the ability to concentrate, make good judgements and quickly react to situations. However, drink-driving affects these skills, putting one at risk of causing an accident or highway injury.

Annual toll of fatalities from road accidents according to the World Health Organization is 1.25 million. The Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola in the beginning of the year, lamented that more people died from road accidents than the capricious coronavirus or malaria. Recent reports from the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) further indicate that no fewer than 41,257 injuries and deaths were recorded on highways in the last eight years.

The statistics are worrisome, particularly during the festive period when people often fall prey to the luring effect of alcohol misuse. With parties, music concerts and other entertainment events springing up everywhere to create a celebratory mood, it becomes pertinent that road users are adequately educated on the dangers of driving while inebriated.

One of the companies leading the campaign against drink-driving is Pernod Ricard Nigeria, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, the number two worldwide producer of wines and spirits. The company recently launched a ‘don’t drink and drive’ campaign tagged ‘Safe Roads’.

Although the campaign is geared towards the festive period, the wine and spirits company’s broader vision is to keep the highways free from accidents completely by creating awareness on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The campaign which kicked off with a sensitization programme for commercial drivers at the Ojota New Garage bus park in Lagos on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, had in attendance representatives from the FRSC, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos; Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

To further drive the message home, a drama group, Dre Sticks, delivered a riveting performance to enlighten the attendees on the dangers of drink driving. Pernod Ricard Nigeria further contributed to the Safe Roads cause by presenting a donation of breathalysers — a device used to measure the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath — to the FRSC.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

AUTO WORLD

Hyundai Motor to Present Unlimited Mobility Enabled by Robotics at CES

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yundai Motor Company will take the stage at CES 2022, to present its future vision for robotics and the metaverse under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’.

The company’s CES press event to be held from 3:00-3:45 p.m. PST on Jan. 4, 2022, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 2F Oceanside D. The press event will also be livestreamed via the company’s YouTube channel (Link).

At CES 2022, Hyundai Motor will communicate how the company’s robotics business will drive the paradigm shift towards future mobility, going beyond the traditional means of transportation and fulÀlling mankind’s aspiration for unlimited freedom of movement.

Under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’, Hyundai Motor will share its vision of how robotics will complete the metaverse by connecting the virtual world with reality as a medium, and eventually overcome the physical limitations

of movement regarding time and space.

Hyundai Motor will also showcase its new PnD (Plug & Drive) robotic module platform under the new concept of Mobility of Things (MoT), which aims for the provision of mobility in everything — from traditionally inanimate objects to even community spaces.

CES 2022 visitors will be able to experience the company’s exhibition booth that will show how mobility in the real world can be advanced with robots and oͿer a glimpse of the future robotics society, which will enable transportation between the virtual and real world.

The company will also exhibit its robot product lineup, including the recently revealed Mobile Eccentric Droid (MobED) as well as Boston Dynamics’ Spot® and AtlasTM. Robotics demonstrations and dance performance programs will also be presented at Hyundai Motor’s exhibition booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall #5818, from Jan. 5-8.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

Fixit45, CFAO Motors Partner to Improve Auto Parts Buying Experience Buoyed by its continued commitment to enabling and facilitating value-creating interactions across stakeholders in the automotive industry, leading auto tech platform, Fixit45, with its sub-brand, Xparts has partnered with Winpart, a subsidiary of one of Africa’s longest operating auto distribution company, CFAO Motors to improve sourcing and distribution of auto spare parts in Nigeria.

While Fixit45 has been building the infrastructure that enhances the quality and meaningful interactions across verticals that include auto repair and maintenance services, fleet management, auto care, refurbishment and upgrades, repair financing, and mechanic workshop solutions, it has developed Xparts, an e-commerce and search platform for auto parts sourcing and delivery.

Winpart, is a leading Independent Aftermarket (IAM) automotive spare parts wholesaler, distributing top-quality certified spare parts, sourced directly from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) such as Aisin, Bosch, Coopers Fiaam, Cworks, Denso, Dunlop, Kavo, Philips, Riken Tyres, Valeo and catering to fleet customers, retail stores, independent repair workshop network, and end-users across the country.

Speaking at a signing ceremony in Lagos, Managing Director, CFAO Motors, Patrice Porte noted that CFAO has been committed to delivering value to Nigerian

consumers for the past 118 years while adding that its’ knowledge of the African market has enabled the auto giant proffer tailored solutions to customer needs.

“This partnership is a testament to our enduring legacy in this market. We see strong synergies and alignment in terms of strategy and values from both brands. We are encouraged that this partnership will afford consumers the opportunity for better services and affordable products. This is the beginning of a great story that will positively define the Nigerian aftersales market”, he said.

CEO and co-Founder, Fixit45, Justus Obaoye, reaffirmed the businesses’ core mission to enable and facilitate value-creating interaction while emphasizing the primacy of collaborations in moving the industry forward.

“We are a team of young people who are committed to delivering and facilitating quality services and automotive products to end-users. In CFAO, we have found a good fit and strategic partner who can help us deliver on our key objectives. For us, a key plank for getting things done is collaboration. These collaborations are vital and will help us scale. Customers should expect something that the industry has lacked for a while - quality coming at an affordable price point with guarantees to boot,” Obaoye explained.

Fixit45 and CFAO Business Leaders

Safety Guide for 2022 Happy new year and welcome to 2022.I hope you had fun with your family and friends as well as with your neighbours. Well, as you plan your return journey, please kindly look though my piece last week and this week to guide you on your way back. What you are reading is the concluding part of my focus on how to return safely with your loved ones. Let me start with defensive driving which is a must driving skill required by all drivers.

Globally, defensive driving is the ‘’voodoo’’ to safety on the road. It is therefore an all-round medication. A defensive driver assumes he is the only sane driver on the road. Since crashes are caused by individual errors, he is always cautious, obeys all rules and develops the right attitude such as patience, care, skill as well as consideration for other road users. A defensive driver never allows his safety to depend on the response of other. He therefore anticipates wrong actions of others, always gives correct prompt as well as adequate and clear signals.

Are you a prayer warrior? An experienced driver?

Are you too familiar with the roads you travel? Do you drive a sleek car? State of the art car? Or do you drive an articulated vehicle? A luxury bus? All these have a way of playing on your confidence on the road. Never allow the size of your vehicle get into your head and cause you to drive aggressively toward others or affect your comportment. Drivers often feel they are the masters of the road and tend to allow these and other factors affect their attitude to road usage. Remember that that machine is beyond you. Although you are the pilot, never assume that

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

you can never be involved in a crash. Therefore, please always drive by the rules This season is season of merriment with lots of drinks. Driving under the influence of alcohol or hard drugs is dangerous and illegal. This is because alcohol causes over confidence, poor judgment, lack of coordination and recklessness and also affects your vision. To stay alive, please drink but stay off the wheels.

Although, data on road crash to justify the danger of fatigue in Nigeria is scarce, globally fatigue remains a hidden killer. Many have died in the name of tyre burst, speed, dangerous overtaking when in actual fact the real factor may have been fatigued that was ignored as nothing serious. What really is fatigue?

According to the Australian material, a combination of any of the following warning signs means the driver is becoming fatigues: yawning, eyes feeling sore or heavy or vision starting to blur.Others include daydreaming- thinking of everything else but not your driving, not concentrating, becoming impatient,

reactions seem slow, speed creeps up and down, making poor gear changes, wandering over the centre line or onto the road edge or feeling stiff or cramped, feeling hunger or thirsty, having difficulties keeping your head up or eyes open, hearing a droning or humming in your ears or when you don’t notice a vehicle until it overtakes you.

When you notice these signs, please don’t ignore it. Don’t plead the blood either. Don’t even border binding the ‘innocent devil’. Hey, it is not even time to blast in unknown tongues. It is not the devil. Not your in-law. Not your angry landlord. Not even your jealous colleague in the office. But you, yes you.

Once fatigue sets in, there is little you can do about it except stop as soon as possible and take a break.

Take a break, sooner rather than later. Driver fatigue can be just as deadly as drink driving or excessive speeding. The problem of fatigue is that it slowly develops and drivers often don’t realize they are too tired to drive safely. Ironically; there is always a warning sign. Mine began with yawning. Fatigue, according to research is caused by lack of sleep or broken sleep. Alcohol and some medications can also cause sleepiness. Although the need for sleep varies among individuals, sleeping eight hours in a 24hours period is common. The effect of sleep loss builds up. Regularly losing 1 to 2 hours sleep a night can create a “sleep debt: and lead to chronic sleepiness over time. Just being in bed doesn’t mean a person has had enough sleep. Disrupted sleep has the same effect as lack of sleep, illness; noise activity can interrupt and reduce the amount and

quality of sleep.

Like every other driving habits or problems, fatigue has its fair share of myths. For those freaky about night trips or night journeys, the notion is that it is safer to make the trip at night in rhythm pattern built into it. If you are driving when you would normally be sleeping you will be fighting yourself to stay awake. The chances of falling asleep at the wheel after your normal bedtime, especially in the early hours of the morning, are very high.

There is also the notion that it is a good idea to start the trip after work. But do you know the risk involved travelling after work is certainly not the ideal and this is a fact. After the mental and physician office work demands during the day, you will be too tired even though you will not realize it. The safest thing to do is to get a good night sleep about 7-8hours of undisturbed sleep) and start your journey the next morning.

There are those who think that loud music will keep you awake. Agreed that loud music can.

However, it will only help for a while. It might even distract you from the driving task or even send you to sleep.

What about coffee? Gworo (kolanut)? What if combined with Cigarette? Caffeine is only short term solution and will have less effect the more often you use it. It might make you feel more alert but it won’t keep you going for long. Sleep remains the long term solution. So, please learn to catch enough sleep and rest before you even attempt that journey.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

INTERVIEW Ezenwa-Okoro

We Neglect Our Vibrant Youths at Our Own Peril Rita Ezenwa-Okoro is a pacesetter in the Creative Industry. She is the Principal Communications Consultant and Chief Creative Officer of ROC, a strategic communications company that provides cutting edge solutions for businesses to become the go-to brand in their industries. ROC recently launched the first of its kind e-commerce advertising boutique agency that services businesses on a global level. Rita is also the Founder and Lead Visionary of Street Project Foundation, an organisation that uses Creative arts as a tool to facilitate opportunities for Youth Employment, Social Mobilization and Cross-Cultural Dialogue. In collaboration with Women in Advertising, she convenes the programme called Digital Amazons, which aims at balancing the gender scale in the creative sector of the industry through capacity building and internship placements. Street Project Foundation recently won the Intercultural and Innovation Award organised by United Nations Alliance of Civilization and BMWGroup in Dubai. In this interview withTHISDAY, Rita talks about the Award, how her Street Project Foundation has been impacting the lives of Nigerian youths and women using creative arts to develop their talents in many areas. Excerpts:

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I think I’m the only one in my family who studied a course that is in alignment with my natural gift. You’ll notice that this is a challenge world over, especially in a country like Nigeria, where for many years having a white collar job was more prestigious than being a creative or being one in the orange economy. And so a lot of young people are unemployed because they are wasting a lot of their time focusing on areas that are not their natural inclination and so there is a quote that we use in our organisation, ‘we believe we can make a sustainable living doing what we love’.

So, start first with identifying what you love and by doing that, you can then hone the skill because now what doesn’t feel like work, it doesn’t feel like a job, because it’s something you love to do and when you’re able to hone your passion, and hone your skills, it’s easier to thrive and that way we can curb unemployment and we can develop the skill set of young people. Another reason why Street Project Foundation exists is that we believe in the power of play and performance to be used as a tool to develop soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, skill building and also building one’s confidence and also managing young people’s mental health. It would amaze you how much the Performing Arts or the Creative Arts allow young people to express themselves and express their emotions and in that process they experience feelings and development that allow them to thrive in life. That’s it in a nutshell.

et’s start with the honour bestowed upon you and your organisation recently. When you received the news about your nomination, how did you feel and what do you think were considered before the award was given to you?

It was part of a long process. We had to apply for the award, for one, and we had to be shortlisted for the Award. We also had to do some due diligence in terms of the programme and how well we’ve run it, our financial capacity just to show that we are an organisation that can be trusted and is transparent and an organisation that’s got integrity. We had to prove that. It was followed by an interview coordinated by the United Nations Alliance for Civilisation and Accenture and of course, BMW Group.

All of them were presented and we were interviewed. I think it was two weeks later or a month later that we then received an email saying that we had been selected as one of the top ten across the world for the Award. Obviously, we were very excited.

What about your Street Project Foundation? How did it start? What are you trying to achieve with your Youth Booth Camp launched in 2016?

Street Project Foundation started as far back as 2008. It was shortly after I finished my youth service and I was part of a community development service group called One House Music Unit and what we did was we took music to the streets, we used music as a tool for social transformation. I was Vice President of that group of young people. We were all over Nigeria, as you’ll expect, it was the National Youth Service Corps. After the one year of creating music, recording music and presenting it under Ojuelegba Bridge, under Ikeja Bridge, in schools and in churches, we were taking music that spoke about the unity of Nigeria, that talked about ending ethnic and religious intolerance, music that spoke about peace and just doing that work for one year triggered something that was in the inside of me and I think it was proper.

So, after my youth service year, I reflected on what I wanted to do and it definitely was to continue that work. How I wanted to do it, I didn’t know at the time. And it evolved and so in 2008, there was more clear direction on how I wanted to proceed with this work, even though I also was pursuing a career in advertising, having studied Creative Arts at the University of Lagos. And so I tinkered with it a bit and we and started the programme called Street Play, which eventually evolved into Street Project Foundation. The whole essence is to use Creative Arts to facilitate youth development, cross-cultural dialogue and social mobilisation. It would be a longer story if I told the entire story. The long and short of it is what that street project is about.

Also what stirred me up to do this has to with my background. I’m the last born of six children.

Ezenwa-Okoro

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There seems to be a new industry now in Nigeria, carved out of the creative industry which many young people are embracing and that is skit making. How involved are you in that as part of your intervention to develop young talents?

Yes. In general, we call it content development. A lot of our programmes are aligned to that, they encourage young people to create content. So, the Creative Youth Boot Camp, which we received the Award for, allows for that as well. So, our young people create stage plays, short films, and radio dramas and even paintings; they exhibit their work as well. The beautiful thing about the Creative Youth Boot camp is that we expose the young people to different genres of the Arts. So, even if you came in auditioned as a musician we let you explore what it feels like to be visual artist and we’ve found out that it has proved to be valuable because our young people then discover new talents in that regard.

And then the current project we are running in support with Voice Nigeria and that we are doing in collaboration with Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network is called Artvocacy, where we are teaching our young people how to use Arts to advocate for social justice issues they care about. And in that process, they create a short film, they create podcast series, they create a coffee table book and they create online

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INTERVIEW We Neglect Our Vibrant Youths at Our Own Peril skits that will be used to build and grow the movement on social media. By and large, it’s a lot of work we do with our young people is content development.

From your organisation’s profile, you have done interventions in Lagos and Abuja. Are there plans to spread it to other states of the Federation?

We have footprints in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu. We’re going to Enugu come January to run our Artvocacy further. That’s where we are in the country, but our goal is to be widespread, nationwide, to be a national NGO that focuses on youth development, youth development using Creative Arts as a tool.

You have also been involved in championing efforts aimed at placing women in a position using digital programme. Can you dwell more on this?

For many years I work as a copywriter and concept developer. And so, I’m a creative through and through. For the many years I worked in Advertising, I was often the only female in the Creative Department. It was a challenge seeing females rise to the position of Creative Director. I faced that challenge as well. And then coming out of mainstream advertising, even though I still consult, it was a problem that myself and my kids needed to address. Being an organisation that uses Creative Arts for youth development, it just makes sense to develop a programme that addresses this.

So, we went into partnership, we collaborated with the Association of Advertising Practitioners of Nigeria’s Committee of Women in Advertising to commence the programme called Digital Amazons. It is more or less like a crash programme for female creative in Digital Marketing, Graphics Design, Photography, videography, storytelling, and project management enterprise development.

Exposing them to these things and more or less turning their analogue creative skills to Digital Creative Skills, and by so doing creating space for women in the Creative Industry by developing their capacity. And why this particular programme is so intriguing is because the moment we are done with the training with these young women, we match them up with mentors and place them on internship in the Advertising, Media and Digital industries.

I’m glad to say that because of how well our pilots came in 2019, we got a support from World Connect in the United States to run another Digital Amazon programme early this year. And now we have got funding from the United States Development for Africa, that is USADF and LSETF, that’s Lagos State Employment Trust Fund to train 200 young women in 2022. And that’s taking women out of the labour market and getting them gainfully employed by giving them 21st Century skills.

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 has affected virtually every business across the world. How has this affected your organisation?

You know when crisis comes, it either breaks you or it strengthens you. Yes, COVID-19 came with a lot of bad sides, but it strengthened our capacity even more. We had always wanted a hybrid format of working in terms of the way our organisation is structured, because we have staff in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.

And so what strings all of us together is really being online, constantly online, working online and then when we have to run the camps, we need to be physically present.

And so that helped a great deal because it meant that we even have to strengthen our capacity even more in terms of how then can we also run our boot camps online.

I’ll give you an instance. In 2020, we were in the middle of the second cohort of the Creative Youth Camp Art for Social transformation when the COVID-19 struck us in Nigeria and we also had to lock down and shut down everywhere. This was week two; immediately we had to start thinking about how we were going to run this boot camp virtually and at the time, our young people were limited because we work with young people who are from low income background.

Not everyone of them had the kind of fund that allow them get on zoom consistently

So I was saying that there is a development phrase that says ‘nothing about us without us.’ So, when the COVID-19 issue struck us, we had to speak to our young people also working with us to come up with a plan on what we could do with them virtually, this led us to revolutionalizing.

So on WhatsApp we were able to galvanize the young people, from March to about August 1st when they then got their graduation. So, it took them a longer time to graduate but we engaged them using the WhatsApp platform; I think created content for our YouTube channel. You know when you’re talking about skits, we were able to put that together and edit it remotely and they were creating things like that. They also created a programme called Word for Word, which is a programme that has to do with teaching people sign language. This is for persons with disabilities because a lot of our programmes, we teach inclusion, which means that we must always have persons with disabilities represented in our programmes, and during that set we had persons who were hearing-impaired.

So, it was an opportunity to teach young people sign language and we had thirteen episodes created through interaction on

WhatsApp and very limited interactions through zoom. And then we had another sensitization done telling people about covid-19, educating people about COVID-19, what they needed to do at that time, which we ran on radio. So, we had our young people creating a jingle and an advertorial to tell people about safe practices during Covid-19. So, that’s how we were able to weather the storm during the peak of the Covid lockdown. So, I would say against all odds our young people still thrived during that period because we were creating, we were engaging them even though we were all locked down in our homes. So, like I said crisis could either break you or make you stronger, and for us, it made us stronger so that when we then came back to in-person training, we saw the need to expand our curriculum to having mobile phone story telling. So, in subsequent creative classes, we started teaching our young people how to create short films using their mobile phones. And so we actually had a short film that has been aired on Pop Central, and has also been nominated for an award that was done using their camera. It’s called ‘Keeping it 100’. You’ll find it on our website. It’s the first video you’ll see there. So, our young people were

One practical way and I’m an advocate for this, of getting our young people engaged, is by creating the infrastructure and sustaining the infrastructure where young people can thrive. This is a big issue in development. One of the major areas where our cost is higher is finding space, adequate space where we can run our programmes

Ezenwa-Okoro

creating against all odds because we didn’t allow the circumstance to weigh us down.

Instead, we were innovative and I believe that was one of the reasons we won the Intercultural Innovation Award because of our tenacity as an organization.

What are your plans for 2022?

There is a lot going on in 2022, like I mentioned, for the whole year next year, we are going to be running the Amazon’s Programme and building the capacity of 200 female creatives. We are also going to be running another Creative Youth Boot camp in the second quarter of next year in support of the United Nations Alliance of Civilization and the BMW Group. The award will come with a 20,000 dollar grant which will enable us replicate the Creative Youth Boot Camp again. They will be creating a short film and other certain episodes and radio drama that will talk about social issues that young people care about, speaking against xenophobia, speaking against Gender Based Violence, speaking against and educating people about social issues and what they need to do.

We are still running our Artvocacy programme, which uses Arts to advocate on social issues that young people care about.

We say speak up and not shut up about the social injustice in our country. So, they’ll be using their various Arts. We don’t see it as a problem, we see it as a movement. Just a few days ago, that was Sunday, December 12, we activated the Artvocacy Movement in Abuja and next year we are activating the Movement in Enugu. As I said, the vision is to spread this movement across Nigeria and that way our young people will be able to direct their energy in a positive way because we know that right now protesting on the streets is unsafe because of how closed up our country is becoming when they see our young people being very vocal about the real issues that are affecting us as a society.

So, Artvocacy creates an alternative way to advocate for these issues. You see our plate is full in 2022.

What better way do you think the government can help the creative industry and by extension, the youths?

One practical way and I’m an advocate for this, of getting our young people engaged, is by creating the infrastructure and sustaining the infrastructure where young people can thrive. This is a big issue in development. One of the major areas where our cost is higher is finding space, adequate space where we can run our programmes. In Lagos alone I know there are over twenty youth centres, but out of the 20 youth centres, maybe one and a half is actually functioning. Others are dilapidated, some have been turned to places of worship and it doesn’t augur well.

In developed countries, there are resource centres for youths. And they don’t joke with it. There’s resources centres, sports centres, creative centres, where young people go on a daily basis. After-school programmes exist. We don’t have these things. I’ve spoken about Lagos, we have no idea of how many youth centres are even available across Nigeria that are functioning or if they are in existence at all. In Abuja I know there are centres that have been built but nothing is happening there.

So, it’s either they have the infrastructure and they don’t have the people who know how to run these centres properly. So, one practical step is getting infrastructure in place for youth development. An organisation like ours will be able to run this infrastructure across the nation because we have a blueprint on how to run programmes. And having infrastructure in place will create employment for a lot of young people as well because people have to man those things. But they will also need to have the capacity to be able to run these places in such a way that truly the community should be able to see what young people are doing and see young people thrive. If we do not invest in our youths, there will be problem for this country. And one way is to focus on that infrastructure. And it’s beyond your typical institutions like schools and all of that. Much as it is important, not everyone can get into higher institution.

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R:Member, Governing Council, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria,Mr. Seun Oderinde; Group Executive/Head Investment Banking and Operations, FBNQuest, Mr. Patrick Mgbenwelu; receiving the Investment Bank of the Year Award on behalf of FBNQuest; President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr. Bayo Olugbemi; Chief Financial Officer, FBNHolding, Mr. Wale Ariyibi at the 2021 Banks and other Financial Institutions’ Award ceremony in Lagos... recently

L-R: former National Chairman, Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers(NICE)!, Engr. (Dr.) Tunde Olatunji; Special Guest, Engr. Femi Shittu; Founding Chairman, NICE, Engr. (Dr.) Hamed Lawal; National chairman, Engr. (Dr.) Tang Tanko; and Lagos chapter chairman of the Institution, Engr. Olawale Bolarinwa, during 2021 Annual Dinner and awards of the Institution in Lagos...recently

Moroccan firm, Dolido Takes-over Leadership of Mouka Indigenous bedding brand, Mouka has announced its change of ownership to Dolidol, a market leader in Francophone Africa based in Morocco.

According to the organisation, its latest transaction with the regional market leader heralds Mouka’s expansionary move and solidiÀes its leadership position in the mattress market.

Commenting on the deal, CEO of Mouka, Mr Raymond Murphy stated that Mouka’s a΀liation with its new owner would strengthen the organisation’s output and delivery.

He added that Dolidol’s expertise

will be introduced to boost Mouka’s operations as well as quality of its product portfolio.

On his part, Chief Operations OfÀcer of Mouka, Mr Femi Fapohunda said, “With Dolidol’s stake in Mouka, our consumers and trade partners should look forward to new and ground-breaking innovations due to the technological expertise Dolidol brings onboard. In addition, from an operational point of view, we look forward to improved productivity and product quality that meet consumer needs and exceed their expectations.”

Mouka’s Chief Commercial O΀cer,

Dimeji Osingunwa added, “I believe this strategic ownership will create additional investments in the expansion of the Mouka’s footprint within Nigeria and beyond our borders. I look forward to the synergy between the Mouka and Dolidol in deploying a world-class route to market strategy”.

Also commenting, Chief Executive O΀cer of Dolidol, Mohamed Lazaar said: “I believe the acquisition of Mouka will allow Dolidol to strengthen its presence in the continent and complement its growth in the region with an addressable market of around 200 million Nigerians.”

Experts Seek Strengthened Collaboration between Fintechs, Banks Some experts have emphasised the need for a strengthened collaboration between fintechs and financial institutions to enhance the former’s intermediary role.

They declared this at the Information Technology (IT) and consulting webinar hosted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) recently.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of SystemSpecs, Demola Igbalajobi specifically lauded fintech organisations for effectively taking up the role of financial intermediary.

He added however that fintechs must improve on their relationship with traditional financial institutions, open banking, artificial Intelligence (AI) and web automation.

He explained that the rapid growth of digital technology innovation had spurred

fintech platforms, facilitating solutions in several areas including mobile money, insurtech, agrictech, crypto transactions, and many others.

“Fintechs are making inroads due to a number of factors including their agility and speed to market, less risk-aversion, focus on service rather than regulation, and the current inefficiencies in the operations of traditional banks.

“Fintech can be operators that provide direct services to customers. They can provide platforms as a service, develop platforms for other financial entities, or serve as a support platform for ancillary services such as data referencing, data verification, and collection.”

He expressed further that as a result of

modern technology, fintechs are aiming to replace the current framework of licensed intermediaries and trusted central gatekeepers.

He pointed out that despite growing innovations, there were still areas of concern as fintech platforms become ever more important as facilitators of financial transactions.

“These include the need for fintech specific regulations as well as compliance with the various regulators in the system such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

“There is also need for data privacy, data security and stability of the fintech companies themselves, to reduce risk to consumers,” he said.

Lagos Partners UK Cooperative College onTraining, Empowerment The Lagos State Cooperative College (LASCOCO) has struck a partnership deal with the United Kingdom Cooperative College to boost capacity of its students.

The provost of LASCOCO, Mr. Akorede Ojomu disclosed this during a recent working visit to the College by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Parastatals Monitoring, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo.

According to Ayantayo, the working agreement between both parties with the UK Cooperative College would allow students and staͿ of LASCOCO to undergo exchange training programmes in academics and other development areas where support may be required.

He said, “We have concluded agreements with United Kingdom Cooperative College on the exchange training programme. The agreement has been endorsed by the Ministry of Justice in principle and is undergoing Ànal adjustment and as soon as this is done from the Ministry’s end, we are good to go.

“The essence of the programme is to expose our students to the best training in the world on cooperative studies and management in order to achieve and deliver on the College’s mandate

of producing highly skilled manpower to the cooperative movement as well as create a platform and opportunities for Nigerians to develop and pursue a career in cooperative business activities”.

He informed also that aside from the international collaboration, the college was liaising with other state government training institutions such as Lagos State University, specialised vocational skill acquisitions centres such as the Women Development Centre, Technological Incubation Development Centre and Ibile Micro Finance.

He noted that the role of collaboration was nonnegotiable in achieving major goals.

Ayantayo urged the institution to improve its curriculum for students and enhance service delivery to customers and stakeholders for improved patronage and economic sustainability.

He stressed that cooperative societies were essential to the development of the informal sector of the economy as it engages a high percentage of the populace.

He thus urged the college to train and produce quality personnel to manage cooperative societies for economic growth.

Interswitch Announces Plans Flour Mills Appreciates to Digitise Transport Sector Customers, Trade Partners Africa’s integrated payments and digital commerce company, Interswitch has said plans to digitise the transportation of people and goods in the country are in the pipelines.

The organisation which disclosed this at the Lagos Transport Fest, stated that the need for technology in all sectors including transportation was fast becoming popular.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The role of digitisation in Nigeria’s Urban Mobility’, Business Development Manager, Mass Transit Indeco at Interswitch, Nnenna Aja – Nwachukwu stated that more than before, technology “is gaining prominence in solving multifaceted challenges associated with daily commuting, right from the booking stage to the actual movement of passengers.”

She explained that COVID-19 restrictions, in addition to loss of revenue in nudging

companies and entrepreneurs, expedited the birth of innovative solutions that guarantee safe and convenient commuting.

She said that the new transport solutions would be unveiled to the public in few months to add value to rail, water, air and road transport operators as well as private Àrms oͿering mass transit and ride-hailing services.

“We built a solution to digitise the transport system and connect with consumers through the Quickteller platform, making the process of booking for transport and payment seamless.

“What we are doing with the platform is essentially to leverage technology in enabling the processes. The platform is robust and inclusive such that it caters to the needs of both the government and private companies.”

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. (FMN) has expressed appreciation to its customers and trade partners at its annual Customer forum and awards ceremony that held in Lagos.

According to the company, the gesture was part of the company’s commitments to ensuring growth of partners, in addition to collaborating and investing in them.

Managing Director of Foods Division, FMN, Devlin Hainsworth stated that the occasion also afforded the organisation an opportunity to reward its distributors who had consistently demonstrated high volumes across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

“Working with our esteemed trade partners, FMN has remained consistent with its purpose of feeding the nation every day. We have been doing this for over 61 years and are determined to continue on this course. “To do so effectively across the length and breadth of the country, we need long-term partnerships

with dealers who have the infrastructure, technical expertise, and local knowledge necessary to ensure that our products reach the final mile. Feeding the nation is a huge undertaking, which we have assessed in collaboration with our trade partners who share our vision, even as we continue to explore additional undiscovered potential for growth.” Remarking, FMN’s Head of Sales, B2B, Paul Udochi assured of improved relationships with the partners.

He said, “We are a customer-centric organisation, which is why we’ve reserved time at this event to recognise our customers and reassure them of our mutually beneficial cooperation.

“We will remain constant and do everything possible to assist our consumers. We will continue to assist them in developing their skills and capabilities for growth. We will work to ensure that we grow together in the future since they are a critical component of the business”.

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TRIBUTE Mike Adenuga

The Man with the Midas Touch Abolade Akinsanmi

H

e is an enigma, always on top of his game, full of surprises and always many steps ahead.

Welcome to the world of the billionaire par excellence, the man with the Midas touch. Dr. Michael Ishola Adenuga. Right from his early age when he hit his first million at the age of 26 running family business, the bull as he is fondly called has always been exceptional in his deeds and actions. His movement to the top hierarchy of the nation’s entrepreneurship cadre in his early thirties was very swift and done with utmost precision.

At barely 36, Adenuga who holds an MBA from Pace University, USA owned two top banks: Equatorial Trust and Devcom and by early forties he had successfully entrenched himself in the nation’s oil industry. Such was the determination and tenacity of the bull, forging ahead with full focus and conquering businesses along the way.

Not only did he own these businesses, he administered them with utmost efficiency that saw each of them becoming success stories over a very short period of time.

Permit me to quote one of the top journalists that Nigeria has produced, Mike Awoyinka and his view on the guru, “Let me start by saying a man’s decision determines his success or failure.

Success is a journey needing God, knowledge, wisdom and gut instinct. In the case of Adenuga, his parents’ dream was for him to follow his brother, Demola’s footsteps to study at the University of Ibadan but he had the American Dream. Unknown to his parents, he was making moves to enter an American University, By the time the admission letter came, Mama had no choice but to let him go. Going to America was Adenuga’s best decision. There he was taught

by Prof. West, a marketing guru who influenced Adenuga’s intellectual evolution and marketing savvy evident in the success story of Glo”.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria telecommunications market was boosted in 2001 with the licensing of three GSM network operators, namely MTN, Airtel (formerly Econet Wireless/V-Network/ Vmobile / Celtel /Zain / now Airtel) and MTel. The fourth operator, Glo Mobile, came in 2002 when it was licensed as the country’s second National Carrier. By 2007, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced the unified licensing regime, granted 3G licences to four operators and also licensed Mubadala Development Company as the country’s fifth GSM Operator (it subsequently started operating under the name Etisalat now 9 mobile).

Mike Adenuga was firmly entrenched in the Nigeria economy by 2001 when the Obasanjo’s AdministrationdecidedtoofferGSMlicencesto businesses to operate and like all top businessmen, he bided for a licence but lost out .Like a typical bull that he is, he refused to back out, even when his ICL had lost $20m.. He returned powerfully later and got a bigger package which today has translated to a national carrier, Globacom. Glo is the only indigenous GSM Company operating in the country and forging ahead of competitors. It is also operating in Ghana and was until recently in Benin Republic.

Globacom, the telecommunication giant commenced services in Nigeria with panache on 29th of August, 2003 and with a vision to be the market leading service provider in the country. The company from inception to date has demonstrated its commitment to creating value with its products and services, thus empowering millions of Nigerians in the process.

While other networks, which started operations about two years earlier, claimed that “per second billing” was impossible Adenuga outwitted them convincingly with Glo entering the market in a grand style and offering Nigerians the elusive per second package, thus justifying its inaugural pay off line; people, power and possibilities and eventually forcing other networks to follow suit to the delight of millions

Adenuga

A big congratulations to Dr Mike Adenuga jnr.

(CON) for being a true Nigerian who believes in Nigeria by investing heavily in the country. He successfully raised the bar by getting the license and laying the foundation for the first indigenous GSM Company in Nigeria of Nigerians.

18 years on, under Adenuga ‘s astute leadership Globacom has a record of many firsts in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry and has remained a pacesetter in spite of rolling out its services two years after other networks have started operations. Some of the record of firsts includes ;championing per second billing, first to implement 2.5 G network in Nigeria, first to implement 3G network in Nigeria, first to offer 4 G LTE, first to offer Blackberry solutions in Nigeria and first to launch of submarine cable (GLO 1) which provides efficient and fast broadband internet services.

Glo remains a leader in the telecoms sector with about fifty million subscribers including multinational corporations, decision makers in the public and private sector, students, artisans and those in rural communities connected to the network.

These subscribers are enjoying access to high quality products and affordable telecom services.

The company has remained very committed to social investments in its areas of operation. It has extensively supported

the movie Industry in Nigeria (Nollywood) and in Ghana (Ghollywood) with notable actors and actresses chosen as Glo Ambassadors. This move and many others had empowered African arts and culture. The sponsorship of several cultural festivals in its areas of operation is another aspect of its Corporate Social Responsibilities which has resonated with the people. In addition to these are countless donations and support by Dr. Adenuga in different parts of the country, thus empowering Nigerians in different areas of human endeavour.

Globacom’s support for sports is legendary, particularly football in Nigeria and Ghana where the company sponsored the national teams for many years as well as the League. The Supporters’ Clubs in both countries are also not left out. It is also remarkablethatGlosponsoredwithoutfail, the annual CAF Awards, which celebrates the best footballers and administrators in Africa, (male and female) for a decade.

A period in which the award’s stature changed from a mere event to that of a major global sporting gala, attracting top personalities from different parts of the

world. Another outstanding gesture from the guru was in 2013 when he rewarded the Super Eagles who won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa with a whopping &1million and many more.

Lending credence to Dr. Adenuga’s support for Nigerian sport, particularly football, former Sports Minister, late Bala Ka’oje stated that “National Telecommunications Company, Globacom spent over N3 billion to sponsor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the then Nigeria Premier League”, He also added that Globacom also paid the salaries of then Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Berti Vogts between 2007 and 2008.

It was generally estimated that Dr. Adenuga spent over N25 billion to date to support sports in Nigeria in the last 18 years. There was also the Glo Soccer Academy which trained young footballers to kick-start their career in professional football. The finalists of the academy were trained in Dubai Soccer Academy and Manchester United Academy respectively.

Adenuga also sponsored top Golf tournaments known as Glo Golf Tour West Africa which offered millions of naira to winners. There were also different editions of the Glo Marathon with outstanding prizes for winners.

In 2013, Globacom started the sponsorship of English Premier League live matches on Supersport, thus giving footballers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa the opportunity to watch live football matches and also follow their football clubs all through the season. The sponsorship of the matches is still running in 2021, 9 football seasons non –stop.

Is there any area where Dr. Adenuga has not intervened? He has been very magnanimous and kind to sports in Nigeria and Africa.

Globacom at 18 has no doubt grown to become a major player in the Nigerian telecom industry by offering subscribers best value for money through introduction of quality products and services such as Glotxt 4 millions which has seen many Nigerians winning millions of naira.

Other offerings like Glo Infinito, Talk more, Yarn me more and Glo Gista in the past, as well as recent products like My Own Don Beta Promo and Mega Data Packages as well as the popular Berekete which one way or the other help subscribers to pay less while using the Glo network. This encapsulates the network’s philosophy of empowering Nigerians and giving them access to the best value and pricing.

A big congratulations to Dr Mike Adenuga jnr.

(CON) for being a true Nigerian who believes in Nigeria by investing heavily in the country.

He successfully raised the bar by getting the license and laying the foundation for the first indigenous GSM Company in Nigeria.

The living legend has through Globacom made a bold statement that all things are possible through determination, focus and hard work. He led the pack,setting the standard for young and upcoming Nigerians to believe in themselves and their country.

And just before we say Au revoir, the guru pulled another fast one last month when he led his top officials to Paris to sign a business contract between Globacom, and Eutelsat, the French Satellite conglomerate. The move, which is in support of the Federal Government’s plan to extend internet services to the rural areas of the country, will help to open up Nigeria’s rural communities to broadband internet. Many communities across the country without access to internet links will benefit immensely from VSAT/Satellite-based internet service and Satellite-based community Wifi internet service, courtesy of Globacom.

What else can one say than to salute the man with audacious courage and great tenacity.

An entrepreneur par excellence and one of the greatest businessmen Nigeria has ever produced.

Happy 18th anniversary, Globacom!

Vraiment, Monseiur Michael Adenuga a bon Coeur.

Abolade Akinsanmi, writes from Lagos.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

45

NEWSXTRA

New Year Messages...

New Year Messages...

Archbishop Martins Urges Nigerians to Enter 2022 with Optimism The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has enjoined Nigerians to be optimistic and to embrace a positive mind-set as they enter the New Year 2022, filled with renewed trust in God Almighty.

In his New Year message signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, the prelate admitted that there were indeed numerous challenges that characterised the outgoing year for the country as a whole and for the majority of Nigerians.

He, however, urged Nigerians to look beyond the shortfalls and negatives of the past and approach the New Year with optimism and positive expectations.

He advised them to shun every attempt to create fear and apprehension by the predictions of doom that are being circulated in the social media space. He counselled that Nigerians should simply be full of prayers, committing all experiences to God rather than dwell on such predictions that

can only lead to depression and further mental anguish.

Archbishop Martins said: “We thank the good Lord for making it possible for us to see the New Year. As we celebrate, let us remember our brothers and sisters who passed on during the year, thereby ending their earthly journey. We pray that their souls find lasting peace with God. “For those of us who are still alive, let us remember the admonition of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace to us: not to fret

or fear over tomorrow, but to live with the courage and belief that each day is in the hands of God, and He has the blueprint by which He will make our lives better in the coming year. On our part, we must do that which is right and good towards our neighbours, living in peace and harmony with everyone. We must not allow the predictions of doom and other challenges that we face to lead us question the presence of God even in our circumstances. He is able to turn around all things for good.”

New Year Messages...

Ekweremadu Tasks FG on Security, State Police Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged the federal government to rescue Nigerians from worsening insecurity by prioritising the decentralisation of policing, starting with state police in the New Year.

Ekweremadu made the call in his New Year message to Nigerians, saying the much needed development, good governance, and credible 2023 elections would rely overwhelmingly on security of the lives and property of Nigerians.

He regretted that a vast nation like Nigeria that should thrive on the strengths of agriculture and industrialisation, was being overrun by multifarious criminal cartels, which have been exploiting the country’s hugely unpoliced territories. The lawmaker noted

that whereas more political leaders were coming to terms with the imperativeness of state police, the political will was still gravely lacking.

“The primary purpose of government is the security of the lives and properties of citizens without which other promises of democracy, including good governance, credible elections, and development will remain in abeyance.

“Unfortunately, 2021 will be remembered as the year that various criminal gangs, once again, took advantage of our largely unpoliced and underpoliced spaces to inflict tears, sorrows, and blood as they continue to terrorise, abduct, raid, tax, and kill hapless citizens.

Dakuku Peterside Comforts Rivers’ Civil Servants Bennett Oghifo

ABIDING IN GOD… L-R: Former General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, his wife, Rev. Mrs. Stella, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Uzoma Ikechi Emenike, her husband and Secretary, APC Contact and Strategy Committee, Chief Ikechi Emenike, after the annual family thanksgiving of the Emenikes at St. John Methodist Church, Umukabia Okpuala, Abia State...recently

Gbajabiamila Calls for Renewed Hope, Commitment to Nation’s Aspirations Udora Orizu in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has rejoiced with Nigerians for marking the end of the year 2021 peacefully and ushering in the New Year 2022.

The Speaker in a statement said though 2021 was tough in view

of the challenges that the citizens grappled with, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2022 promised to be better.

Gbajabiamila urged the citizens to renew their hope in Nigeria and show more commitment to their fatherland for the country to move to the next level of growth and development.

While paying glowing tributes to those Nigerians who made sacrifices for the country to remain united in the outgoing year, he expressed optimism that Nigeria would come out better and stronger from its current challenges.

He called for more vigilance in view of the security situation in some parts of the country.

“Our greatest strength as Nigerians lies in our fortitude and our ability to come together to achieve grand visions despite our differences. This moment in our history requires embracing these strengths more than ever.

In the new year, let us focus on the things that bring us together,” he said.

A former governorship aspirant in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has condemned the state’s government for instituting “draconian policies” that impoverished civil servants and hastened the deaths of frail pensioners.

Peterside stated this in his New Year message to Rivers State indigenes and residents, where he assessed the impact made by the state’s government on the people in the year 2021.

He said, “The season, especially the beginning of a New Year, is a time to reconnect with family and friends and to renew the spirit of love, re-ignite bonds and celebrate the gift of life.

“It also offers us the time to reflect on the past year, while we prepare for the New Year, which marks a new season in our lives.

“As we review the past year, 2021, it is time to refocus on the dreams of our founding fathers, as a state; strive for new possibilities and re-draw our aspirations for the future of our families and our dear Rivers State.

However, he said, “In the year 2021, Rivers civil servants, who constitute the engine room of government, suffered draconian policies in the hands of a regime that cared less for their welfare.

“In that year, close to 400 government-owned property statutorily occupied by senior civil servants and their families were forcefully taken over and the occupants ejected. Today those same official quarters have been gifted to politicians and those close to the government in a manner most demeaning and dehumanising of the former legitimate occupants.

“Further in their anti-labour and anti-civil servants policies, the Rivers State Government promoted no single civil servant in 2021, the same sad situation in the last five years and none has been officially sponsored for any training to enhance their capacity to function.”

According to Peterside, “The woes of Rivers’ pensioners, those men and women who gave their best years in the service of our fatherland, intensified in 2021 as the government held-on to about 12 months of their legitimate gratuity and pension.

“Teachers in state-owned university demonstration primary and secondary schools were owed in 2021 just like in 2016 to 2020, as the government insisted on not paying them even in the face of a valid court order that they be paid. So, for more than four years, your government cared less how those teachers and their families survived.”

CAN Warns against Abandoning Nigeria Needs a New Nigeria’s Challenges for 2023 Elections Reawakening, Says Atiku Obi Urges Nigerians to Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has advised Nigerian leaders not to jettison eͿorts to address the numerous challenges facing the country in their selÀsh bid to secure positions for the 2023 general elections.

In its New Year message to Nigerians signed by CAN President, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, the association enjoined all to use the opportunity of the New Year for fasting and prayers to ask God to rescue Nigeria from those who are hell bent on destroying it.

CAN lamented that criminal activities of the bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

other unscrupulous elements have made most parts of Nigeria largely unsafe.

It said that criminals have taken over the country, invading communities, markets, churches and schools killing, maiming and destroying property without much resistance or hindrance.

CAN also lamented that the major focus of politicians now appears to be on the 2023 general election.

“2021 was one year too many as a result of the ways and manners these criminals have been operating with impunity as if this is not the country we have been all these years.

The former vice president and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last general election, Atiku Abubakar, said that in the New Year that Nigerians needed a new awakening to move forward.

In a New Year message he personally signed, Atiku said, “this New Year, 2022 promises to be a remarkable one.

It is one year that is Àlled with hope and optimism. It is one year that comes with a unique opportunity for us to redeÀne the remainder of this decade. Moving forward into the decade of the 2020s, our New Year resolution should be about eschewing divisive

and parochial tendencies and embracing inclusion and general good.

“We cannot continue to kick the same can down the road, yet again. We need a reawakening. And it is a reawakening that must invigorate our unity as one people of one good country.

That is the commitment that we must pursue in this New Year.

“We must seek to do something diͿerent and, in doing so, let us become peace ambassadors of God. Hate and strife never build a nation. They even destroy the individual faster. Rather, unity and understanding bind a nation together,” he stated.

Sustain Hope in Country

The immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a renewed spirit of hope and hard work among Nigerians in 2022, even as he urges Nigerians not to give up on the country.

Obi, in his 2022 New Year message, explained that though things were difficult in the country at the moment, Nigerians should remain resolute in their struggle for a better nation. He reminded them that everyone had a role to play for the development and progress of the nation.

“While every indices of development is in the negative direction in Nigeria, we must not allow this ship called Nigeria to sink. With hope and collective hard work,

we can turn around the trajectory of the nation,” Obi said.

As the country gears up for the 2023 general elections, Obi advised Nigerians to critically re-evaluate their leadership selection process, which, he said, was crucial to the future survival and progress of Nigeria.

“May this New Year rekindle in us the resolve to do what is right for the sake of our nation. May we find the inner strength to live above our present challenges and continue to collectively contribute positively to building our nation,” Obi implored.

He further wished every Nigerian a productive New Year while praying God to bless all their productive endeavours.

46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 1, 2022

NEWSXTRA

New Year Messages...

New Year Messages...

New Year Messages...

Ganduje Preaches Reconciliation, Peace Building in 2022 Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that year 2022 should usher in a new era of peace and reconciliation among political parties’ stakeholders in the state and the country in general.

He said the next few months should also be for internal democracy to Áourish where political parties are expected to produce more credible representatives at various levels who have the capacity and ability to win elections and subsequently build on laudable programmes and policies initiated by the past

DONE DEAL …

L-R:Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu handing over the 2022 Appropriation Bill shortly after signing it into law to the Chairman, Lagos House Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Gbolahan Yishua and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja…yesterday.

Jonathan Tasks Nigerians on Building a Just, Peaceful Society Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has charged Nigerians and other Africans to continue to work towards building inclusive, just and peaceful societies in the years ahead.

Jonathan stated this in his New Year message in which noted that 2022 presents new opportunities to “build our nation for ourselves, our children

and grandchildren.”

The message read: “I congratulate fellow Nigerians, Africans and friends across the world for the opportunity of entering into the New Year, 2022.

“The past year was characterised by many global challenges amid the ravaging eͿect of COVID -19 and its variants.

“We have continued to live with the new realities imposed

by the pandemic and consequences resulting from existing problems such as insecurity, poverty and climate change.

“Across the world, there is a global demand for justice, peace, hope, security and sustainable development.

“The attainment of these global and national aspirations should occupy the hearts and minds of citizens and leaders in our nations in this New Year

2022, if we are to rebuild a better world for the upcoming generations.

“Building an inclusive, just and peaceful society is a task that we must prioritise in 2022, as we cannot aͿord the luxury of a nation with endless agitations.

“2022 presents to us new opportunities to build our nation for ourselves, our children and grandchildren.

Repent or Be Destroyed by God, Baptist Church Tells Trouble Makers Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

President of the Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Adelani Akanji, has advised all those perpetrating criminal acts against innocent Nigerians to change their ways or expect the wrath of God in the New Year.

In his New Year message, Akanji said the passing year was very tormenting on Nigerians

but expressed the hope that the New Year will see an end to the tribulations and afflictions.

He said: “Those who trust in the arms of flesh will fail, all those weapons of war that people are carrying will be destroyed unless there is repentance. Therefore, this is a year of God being glorified and if God will be glorified, let us be ready for His strange methods.

“It doesn’t matter what the

reality looks like in Nigeria, this year 2022, expect God’s strange method. This year, you will be assisted, God will be on your side like He assisted the Israelites.

“Finally, to the evildoers, this year your time is up. Stop pursuing innocent people of this country, stop pursuing children of God, stop pursuing the people of Nigeria because as you keep pursuing them, you will enter

into destruction and God will be glorified.

“God will be glorified this year and I pray that we will experience his glory but on what side will you be? Be on the side of those that will be assisted and those who are assisted will look and see the destruction of the enemy.

This year, we will, with our eyes, see the destruction of the enemies of this nation.”

Bennett Oghifo The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged Nigerians to envisage a positive 2022 “with hope and with the unyielding determination that our hope and collective toil will succeed in bringing forth a more prosperous and just nation.

Hope that things will be better.”

Asiwaju Tinubu stated this in his New Year message, he personally signed, saying that “Each new year is like a door, a portal that opens to a beckoning future. But also one that closes upon what has passed.

Upon reaching this door, we all must be cognizant and attentive to the lessons of what has already come so that we better navigate that which is yet to come. This New Year is no different.”

He thanked God that “we have reached this moment. The outgoing year had its blessings but

Embrace New Year with Optimism, Glo Urges Nigerians Telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, has urged Nigerians to be optimistic that the New Year 2022 will usher in new opportunities and new blessings.

In a goodwill message released yesterday in Lagos, the telecommunications giant expressed hope that the New Year will be replete with unique opportunities for Nigerians to recalibrate their personal and economic desires with enhanced vigour, determination and passion.

The company said every New Year gives new opportunities to re-order priorities and correct the mistakes of the past, and urged people to embrace the New Year with determination to succeed and aͿect circles of inÁuence and nation more positively.

While felicitating with Nigerians on the successful completion of year 2021 and witnessing the beginning of the New Year

for many of us it was a hard and difficult one of serious challenges and struggle. The entire world continued to be troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant social and economic woes. Nigeria fought wisely and bravely to prevent the worst of the pandemic from visiting us.

We succeeded in great part but we still felt and feel the eͿects of this unprecedented public health challenge.”

Tinubu said Nigerians should take solace in one incontestable fact that “with relatively few resources, we have contained this disease more than it has contained us. This speaks to the strength and resilience of our national spirit. This episode has shown us that when we put our collective will and energy to a thing, nothing will stop us from our common purpose. Nothing can beat back our pursuit of the common good.

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has urged the people of the state to reÁect and draw on the lessons learnt in the preceding year in all aspects of human endeavours and continue to work for peace and unity as well as security and development of the state and the country as the New Year begins.

In his New Year message issued yesterday by the Director-General, Press AͿairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, the governor projected that the 2022 will oͿer the citizenry a new vista and opportunity to renew their faith in God, as he urged the people to look to the future with optimism.

He also expressed optimism that the year 2022 will be a bright and prosperous one for

both the state and Nigeria.

Yahaya acknowledged the resilience and perseverance of the people of the state in the midst of socio-economic di΀culties, insecurity and the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its consequential eͿects.

He enjoined the people to maintain the undying spirit and enter 2022 with hope and renewed faith.

While urging the people to continue to live in peace with one another, he assured of continued support and cooperation with security agencies to combat all forms of criminal activities in the state.

He congratulated the people of the state for seeing the end of 2021 and stepping into the New Year in high spirits, encouraging them to continue to work hard enough and show resilience in order to overcome the challenges and emerge stronger.

2022, the company noted that though the outgone year had its challenges, the New Year should be embraced with gratitude to God and renewed patriotism to the fatherland.

The company however called for more collective hard work, sincerity of purpose, and commitment by all Nigerians in order to improve the country’s economic prospects.

The network seized the opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for supporting the brand through the last 18 years of operations, adding that Globacom is totally committed to delivering unlimited value to its subscribers in the New Year.

“We promise to continue to roll out products and services that will satisfy the yearnings and expectations of our teeming subscribers in the New Year in terms of innovation, competitiveness and quality of service,” Globacom concluded.

House Minority Caucus Urges APC-led FG to Be Remorseful for its Failures Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Navigate the Gombe Gov Asks Citizens to Maintain Future with Lessons from the Past Undying Spirit and Enter 2022 with Optimism

leaders.

In a New Year message issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, the governor said from all indications recent event in Kano is likely to bring a new dawn in political history of the state.

He said the event, which saw Kano political gladiators emphasising on the need for reconciliation, elicited excitement from the people of Kano State who have been yearning for the much-needed peace and conciliation in order to advance the cause for proper development in the political terrain and the society at large.

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government to be remorseful for its failures.

The Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, said this in his New Year message to Nigerians where it urged the APC government to do a deeper introspection, change its corrupt ways and focus on the well-being of the people ahead of its exit in 2023.

It said: “More importantly, the Minority Caucus counsels the APC-led federal government to be remorseful for its failures, use the New Year for deeper introspection, change its corrupt ways and focus on the wellbeing of the people ahead of its exit in 2023.”

The caucus urged the APC administration to take urgent steps to tackle poverty, unemployment, high costs and infrastructural retrogression by growing the productive sector and allowing hard working and creative Nigerians, especially the youths to be meaningfully

engaged, instead of resorting to false performance claims.

It also urged the APC government to have a rethink on its borrowing spree and reckless accumulation of debts, which have placed a huge economic burden on the nation.

It added, “Furthermore, the APC-led government should end its lip service and adopt proactive measures to decisively tackle escalated acts of terrorism under its watch. Our citizens have suffered a lot and the New Year should usher in a new lease of life.”

The caucus assured that as representatives of the people, it remains unwavering in the insistence on accountability and delivery in all sectors of our national life.

In that regard, it noted that the caucus has set out strategic templates for enactment of critical legislations as well as intensified oversight activities to ensure greater productivity, check corruption, plug all areas of waste and see to it that budgeted resources are used only for the well-being of the people and development of our country.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 1, 2022

47

SPORTS XTRA

Balogun Ruled Out of AFCON Over Fitness Issues

R

angers defender Leon Balogun has been ruled out of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad after losing his fitness battle.

The 33-year-old was named in the Super Eagles’ final 28man list for the Cameroon tournament last week but has now been forced to with-

draw from interim manager Augustine Eguavoen’s side.

Balogun has not played since limping off injured during the Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Hibernian in November.

The centre-back returned to training earlier this month but was facing a race against time to feature for his country and he has now been forced

to accept defeat.

It was expected Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst would be without three key players throughout January with Balogun, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey all named in Nigeria’s provisional squad by previous boss Gernot Rohr.

However, Bassey’s surprise omission and Balogun’s

lack of fitness will mean both players will stay in Glasgow, with Aribo now the only Light Blues star travelling to Abuja for a pre-tournament training camp.

Balogun will now use the extra time to prepare the rescheduled Old Firm clash on February2andshouldNigeria fail to reach the semi-finals then Aribo will also return in

time to face Celtic at Parkhead.

Meanwhile, Rangers are unlikely to recall defender Nikola Katic from his loan spell at Hajduk Split.

The 25-year-old returned to his homeland in the summer as he looked to get muchneeded game time under his belt after a severe knee injury ensured he spent a year on the sidelines.

The Light Blues have the option to recall the centre-

back in January but it is believed they have no immediate plans to bring him back to Scotland.

With fellow centre-halves Balogun and Filip Helander nearing a return to competitive action after injury, Katic is now likely stay in Croatia until the end of the season.

He scored an own goal on his most recent appearance in a 3-3 draw against Lokomotiv Zagreb on December 11.

Cancelo to Face Arsenal Despite Facial Injury from Robbery Attack

Leon Balogun could not find the required fitness level to play AFCON

Iheanacho Charges African Countries to Prove Point with AFCON Amidst call by many European Leagues calling for the postponment of the African Cup of Nations which kicks off in January, Super Eagles andLeicesterCityforwardhas called on all African teams to provetheirqualityatthebiennial competition.

Overthelastfewweeks,there has been a lot of shenanigans, mainlyfromEurope,withmost clubs calling for the postponement ofAfrica’s biggest event.

Even though it is just nine

days to the tournament, the bickering has not stopped, and as time goes on, it seems as though the European club sides are making purposeful efforts to prevent their players fromrepresentingtheircountries.

An example of such a case is Emmanuel Dennis‘.

However, Leicester City man Iheanacho believes that Africa deserves better and can prove that they deserve better by showing quality on the pitch.

“We need to keep doing what we’re doing and do our best and keep showing the world that Africa deserves more and there are more opportunities for good footballers over there,” Iheanacho told Talksports.

“Our competition needs to be looked at as well but I think we need to prove with our play that our competition is underrated by doing extraordinary things on the pitch, by scoring goals, by performing

really well so when we do that it will speak for itself.”

Nevertheless, it does not seem like Iheanacho’s statements will end anything anytime soon because the Europeanclubs’majorboneof contention is that theAFCON falls at the time of the season when they need their players most.

Iheanacho is part of Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the competition, which kicks off on January 9 in Cameroon.

AFCON Hit by Surge of Pre-tournament COVID-19 Cases Cameroon’s football federation said four of their players have tested positive for COVID-19, with the Africa Cup of Nations hosts set to kick off the tournament against Burkina Faso in just over a week’s time.

Pierre Kunde Malong, Jean Efala,MichaelNgadeuNgadjui and Christian Bassogog had been under observation since Wednesday due to “strong suspicions” and will continue to quarantine apart from the group, the Cameroon Football Federation said on Thursday.

Nigeria, meanwhile, have also been dealt a blow with the news that striker Victor Osimhen, who only just recovered from a facial injury sustained while at Napoli, tested positive ahead of a flight

Napolireleasedastatementon ThursdaysayingthatOsimhen, whohadbeenduetoflytoNaples from Nigeria for a check up on his cheekbone, would isolate in his home country. With 10 days togotillAFCON,Osimhenisstill expected to go toCameroon.

Algeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco, who are among the favourites for the Cup of Nations, havealsobeenalsobeenhit byCOVID-19inthebuild-uptothe tournament.

TheIvorianssaidplayersarrivingfromEuropeattheirtraining camp in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had tested positive and been put into quarantine by local authorities.

They did not name the players nor state how long they will have to isolate but the rest of

the squad would continue with their training, a team statement on Thursday added.

Ivory Coast have been preparing in Saudi Arabia since Monday and are due to stay until Jan. 5, before heading to Cameroon, where they will compete in Group E against Algeria, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Algeria earlier this week said forwards Youcef Belaili and defenders Mohamed Amine Tougai and Houcine Benyada had tested positive at their training camp in Qatar.

They will have to “observe theperiodofquarantinerequired by sanitary protocols before re-joining the squad,” said the Algerian federation.

On Thursday, Spanish club

Barcelona said their Moroccan player Abdessamad Ezzalzouli had also tested positive, putting his participation at the finals in doubt. His nationality was also provingcontroversialthisweek, asheobtainedSpanishcitizenship and putting him in line for their national team.

AllplayerscalledupfortheCup of Nations but whose clubs are playingthisweekendareallowed tostayattheclubsuntilMonday in a concession announced last week by the Confederation of African Football.

Cameroon, who have won the Cup of Nations five times, will compete in Group A with Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia at the tournament, which gets underway on January 9.

Joao Cancelo will be part of Manchester City’s squad to face Arsenal today, with the full-back determined to play despite being injured in a robbery two days before.

The 27-year-old suffered cuts to the face after attempting to fight off a gang of four intruders at his home.

City’s medical staff have assessed the Portugal international and cleared him to play at the Emirates.

Cancelo will travel to London with the City squad this evening.

The defender posted an image of his injuries on Instagram on Thursday.

“Unfortunately today I was assaulted by four cowards who hurt me and tried to hurt my family,” he wrote.

“When you show resistance, this is what happens.

They managed to take all my jewellery and leave me with my face with this state.”

Cancelo has been a key part of the defending champions’ march to the top of the Premier League table, appearing in all but one of City’s games in the competition this season.

He was voted into the Professional Footballers’ Association Premier League team of the season in 2020-21, having arrived at City in a £60m deal from Juventus in August 2019.

“After so many obstacles in my life, this is just one more that I will overcome,” Cancelo added.

As an 18-year-old, the Portuguese was a passenger in a car accident that killed his mother.

Manchester City said in a statement they were “shocked and appalled”.

The club said: “Joao and his family are being supported by the club and he is helping the police with their enquiries as they investigate this very serious matter.”

Athlete/Sports Administrator, Brown Ebewele is Dead A former Nigerian athlete and administrator, Brown Ebewele is dead.

Ebewele fondly called ‘Juju Man’ died yesterday afternoon at a private hospital in Warri, Delta State after a surgery.

The no-nonsense former athlete rose to become the Director of Sport and later Commissioner of Sports in Edo State during the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

The success of Team Nigeria at the 2003 African Games hosted by Nigeria in Abuja was partly due to the efforts of Ebewele.

He introduced decathlon into Nigerian sports and dominated it until he retired as an athlete.

He was always in the forefront in the battle for athletes to get their due rights from administrators who are fond of shortchanging them.

The most prominent of them was his spat with Jim Nwobodo as Minister of Sports.

At various times, he led such states as Delta, Kano, Borno and Edo to decent outings at the National Sports Festival.

Ebewele’s first competition for the then Bendel State was at Kaduna ‘77 edition of the National Sports Festival.

Competing as a mature athlete, Ebewele won a gold medal for Bendel State and also set a national record in the hammer event in Kaduna.

16-year-old in Mauritania’s AFCON 2021 Team Mauritania have included a 16-year-old in their squad for theAfrica Cup of Nations, while Malawi have drawn heavily on locally-based talent for the tournament.

Teenage AS Douanes midfielder Beyatt Lekweiry was

a surprise call-up by Mourabitounes coach Didier Gomes da Rosa, who took charge in November.

Lekwiery featured at last year’s Under-20 Arab Cup aged 15, and is set to be the youngest player at the tourna-

ment.

Sierra Leone picked 17-yearold goalkeeper Ibrahim Sesay while 18-year-old Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri was called up by Tunisia.

Former Fulham forward

Aboubakar Kamara, now at Greek side Aris, is also in the Mauritania squad while Nancy defender Souleymane Karamoko and Le Havre attacker Pape Ibnou Ba get their first call-ups.

Brown Ebewele... died after surgery in Warri

Saturday, January 1, 2022

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MISSILE

Masari to Opponents of Power Shift “Yes the constitution did not say you must shift or rotate power. If you collectively decide to elect a president from any part of this country, have you violated the constitution? The constitution is made for us and not us for the constitution” –Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State speaking in support on power shift to the South in 2023.

MIKEOZEKHOME GUEST COLUMNIST

Of Fake Prophets, Marabouts and End-of-Year Doomsday Predictors

A

s the year comes to an end, Nigerians will soon be regaled, entertained and gripped with the theatricals and Baba Sala’s Alawada Kerikeri histrionics of many fake Prophets, Imams and marabouts that generously abound in the Nigerian religious space today. Nigerians may not be irreligious nor unreligious, afterall. But, many are superficially religious without actually being religious, holy or Christ-like. Many are gullible and easily susceptible to the beguiling wiles, shemes and false prophesies dished out yearly by so called men and women of God. Some await these doomsday prophesies with relish, eclat and bated animation. Some do with fear, anxiety and suspense. Once in a while, some prophesies appear to come true. Afterall a Minister that dies after a prophet globally ‘profesies’ that “a prominent politician will die”; and a Governor that defects from his now suffocating political party on whose platform he ascended to office, is attributed to the prophesy of a Prophet who had said, “I see a Governor crossing over from his political party ro another”.

Pray, are these not mere educated guesses and conjectures? Who does not know that some prominent politicians must die, or that some Governors must escape from the asphixiating iron grip grip of their suffocating political parties, to breath some free oxygen of freedom and political liberation; or be with the ruling party at the centre to be EFCC-compliant ?

So, most of these so called prophesies are false, alarmist and constitute mere analytical guesswork. They merely prey on the simple receptive minds of a suffering and conqered people looking for succor and comfort zone from any source, howsoever.Karl Marx was right afterall when he once described religion as an opium of the masses.Religion intoxicates and inebriates like an afrodisiac, giving a false sense of grandeur of illusion.

In the holy Bible ( Matthew 7:15-20 ), Jesus Christ had warned his followers, “beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits”.

True to form, many fake Prophets, Alfas, para-psychologists Imams, marabouts, star- gazers, seers, nichromansers, witch doctors and fake prediction peddlers use the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, or the holy Quran, or Ogun, the god of iron, to undesevedly elevate themselves to lofty heights and win unwary converts to their lucrative business centres, otherwise called churches,

IGP, Usman Baba

mosques and shrines. The situation is quite ugly.

There are people who suffer from the Stockholm syndrome, people who ironically show love and affectation to their traducers and repressors. There is also the story of Stalin and the chicken, regarding how to Perpetually put a people down and repress them. It was in the last days of the collapsing Marxist experiment in the Soviet Union. Stalin was said to have called for a live chicken to make an unforgettable statement before some of his henchmen.

Stalin forcefully clutched the chicken in one hand and with the other hand, he began to brutally and systematically remove the chicken’s feathers, until the screaming and struggling chicken was dropped featherless. Then, Stalin was said to have done the unthinkable. He told his audience, “now you watch”, as he placed the chicken on the floor and walked away. Stalin threw a handful of grains at the poor bird, which inspite of the excruciating pains, began to follow Stalin about. Shockingly, the bird bent down and began to eat the grains from

his hand. Turning to his dumbfounded colleagues, Stalin intoned quietly, “ this is how to rule the people..did you see how that chicken followed me for food, even though I had caused it so much torture? People are like that chicken.

If you inflict inordinate pain on them, they will follow you for food the rest of their lives”.

Jesus Christ had seen this story about false prophets coming on board when he warned long ago, “ take heed that no one leads you astray.Many will come in my name, saying, I am he! and they will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet..And if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ or look, there he is! do not believe it. False Christs an false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed, I have told you all things before hand” ( Mark 13:5-7; 13:21-23; Matt 24:4-5; 24:11; 24: 23:26 ).

The Ghanaian authorities have just moved against such end-of-year peddlers of fake and alarmist predictions. This is therefore one area (amongst many), where the Nigerian authorities have so far abysmally failed, and where Ghana now appears to have excelled.They have decided to bring to book through their law courts, any fake Prophets and false prediction peddlers that cause undue fear, alarm, panic and needless rockus in the society. Such people are not only disturbing the public peace; they are actually disturbing the souls and hearts of innocent citizens with their doomsday prophesies that rankle and terrorise the unwary. Such people who suffer thereby are entitled to legal remedies in our law courts against such doomsday prophets in civil actions.

Besides, such fake predictions are also criminal. Sections 114, 392, 399, 417, 418, et al, of the Penal Code which operate in the northern parts of Nigeria, deal with publication of false news that may constitute offences against public

True to form, many fake Prophets, Alfas, parapsychologists Imams, marabouts, star- gazers, seers, nichromansers, witch doctors and fake prediction peddlers use the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, or the holy Quran, or Ogun, the god of iron, to undesevedly elevate themselves to lofty heights and win unwary converts to their lucrative business centres, otherwise called churches, mosques and shrines. The situation is quite ugly

peace; or excite hatred between classes of people; insult, annoyance, criminal intimidation; or breach of the peace.

There are equivalent provisions in the Criminal Code that operates in the southern parts of Nigeria. Section 39 of the Criminal Code applicable to Lagos state is very loud and clear on it, as it prescribes two years imprisonment for those who publish rumours and false statements calculated to cause fear and alarm in the larger society.

Sections 1, 24 the Cyberimes Act also outlaws cyberstalking, offensive, obsene, pornographic or menacing messages intended to cause annoyance, insult, obstruction, hatred, illwill, needless anxiety, inconvenience, danger, fear of death, violence or bodily harm.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, section 505 ( 1) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 54 of the Disaster Management Act, prohibit and criminalize the making, publishing or circulating of statements, false alarm, warnig, rumour, or any report that are capable of causing fear,panic or alarm. Similarly, section 18 par 1038 of the US Code criminalizes hoaxes, false and misleading information.

Even section 46 of the EFCC ( Establishment Act), 2004, criminalizes any act which is a violation of the Criminal or Penal Code and which may endanger the life of a person, or intimidates, or causes fear, force, coercion or incitement.

Many Nigerian government officials, being largely superstitious and fearing their own shadows for grand larceny of our common patrimony, go nochodemusly, cap in hand at night,to secretly patronize these agents of doom. They hire and pay heavy sums of money to marabouts, Imams, Champlains, Alfas, Evangelists, Witch doctors, Prophets and Nichromansers, to predict the unknown bowels of tomorrow. These gullible thieving politicians forget that only God knows tomorrow. Ruben Abati, former presidential spokesman for former president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, once wrote extensively on Aso Villa and the types of looming spirits and apparitions that inhabit it. He told us some government officials even complain of loss of manhood.What Abati didn’t appear to know is that it is simple law of Karma that afflicts them. They were merely reaping the whirlwind of th wind they had sown.

So, Nigerians, I urge you to collate the avalanche of fake prophesies that would soon deluge us, for possible court actions.The law is clear: “ ubi jus ibi remedium” ( where there is a right there is a remedy”.

Wishing all of us, dejected, repressed, oppressed, denied, marginalized, brutalized,suffering, yet, smiling Nigerians, a blissfu yuletide, even in the midst of our individual and collective sweat, sorrow, pains, pangs and blood. Nigeria shall be great again, amen.

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