SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY 2023

New Naira Notes are of International Quality, Security Printing Firm Assures Nigerians, Cautions against Tests Nume Ekeghe The Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM) has assured Nigerians that the new Naira notes in circulation are of

the highest quality as the old notes, while warning the public against carrying out experiments on the new notes.

Massive criticisms continue to trail the new Naira notes,

particularly the inks that bleed quickly when the notes fall in water or are rubbed on white surfaces.

But the NSPM in a statement yesterday, signed by its Managing

Director/Chief Executive Ahmed A. Halilu, stated that the new notes are of the same substrates and passed through the same printing processes and finishing procedures which it has been

doing since 2014.

Halilu states: “The attention of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) PIc has been drawn to various clips, skits, concerns and comments

on various platforms regarding the quality of the redesigned banknotes that were recently unveiled and issued by the Continued on page 5

El-Rufai: NAF Air Strikes Restored Security in Kaduna...

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DSS Now Says it Has No case against INEC Chairman Confident Yakubu storms NYSC HQ to mobilise corps for elections Bennett Oghifo in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday declared that it

has no case against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu.

This is apparently in reaction to a judgement of a Federal Capital

Territory (FCT) High Court, which dismissed allegations of false asset declaration against Yakubu last Wednesday and also barred the DSS, the police, and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) from

investigating him over his asset declaration.

On the same day, a confident INEC Chairman stormed the headquarters of the National Youths Service Corps in Abuja

to mobilise corps and assure them that the commission will continue to place a premium on the security of NYSC members on election duties.

In a statement signed by

the spokesperson of DSS, Peter Afunanya, it refuted the assumptions that the service is in court with Yakubu, over alleged Continued on page 5

Buhari Opts to Campaign for Bola Tinubu in 10 States PDP: President foot-dragging on crusade for Tinubu because candidate has brought APC more grief than glory Atiku hails Oyo residents that chanted his name at Makinde’s rally

Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council yesterday announced that President Muhammadu Buhari would attend just 10 state rallies of the ruling party’s presidential standard bearer for the 2023 election, Bola Tinubu.

In a swift reaction, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the President’s decision to join Tinubu’s campaign in just 10 states is not surprising and a confirmation that Buhari had been foot-dragging in campaigning alongside Tinubu “who has brought them more grief than glory.”

On the same day, the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, hailed Oyo residents who chanted his name at the campaign flag-off Continued on page 5

BINANI AT THE VILLA… L-R: The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State, Senator Aisha ‘Binani’ Dahiru; President Muhammadu Buhari; National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu; and the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen; when the President received Binani at the State House, Abuja…yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Zulum: Borno State 90% Safe for 2023 Elections... Page 5

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Zulum: Borno State 90% Safe for 2023 Elections Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has assured that there is no cause for alarm conducting the 2023 general elections in the state as the security situation had stabilised at 90 percent.

The governor, who spoke with newsmen yesterday after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja, also gave a progress report on the rehabilitation and resettlement process for the internally displaced persons (IDP) in the state.

Commenting on the security situation in his state, Zulum said though there is no place without some level of security challenge, the state government

had received support from the federal government and the military.

According to him, much progress had been made at restoring the state to its former peaceful state.

Asked if the people of the state will not be disenfranchised during the upcoming election scheduled for the first quarter of 2023, Zulum said, “People of Borno State voted during the 2015 elections. They also voted during the 2019 elections. Can you compare the security situation in 2019, 2011 and now? The security in Borno has improved tremendously by over 90%. So we don't have any problem.

“Eligible voters can go and cast their votes on election day, Insha Allah, in Borno State, we

don't have any problem.”

Going forward, he said the plan of his government in the new year would entail seeing “how we can sustain what we are doing. So far, so good in terms of security, the federal government has done well, the military has also done very well. We are now looking into the possibility of rehabilitating the victims of the insurgency.

“Quite a number of them have surrendered and then the federal government is supporting our mission of rehabilitating them, but most importantly, we are yet to complete our resettlement project of which very soon we shall resettle communities of Gudumbali Local Government Area of Borno State and then we shall also resettle all our

BUHARI OPTS TO CAMPAIGN FOR BOLA TINUBU IN 10 STATES of Governor Seyi Makinde last Thursday in Ibadan, saying: “Oyo State, I heard you loud and clear yesterday. I take it warmly as a vote of confidence in me and our great party, PDP.” The spokesperson of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, in a statement yesterday listed the states where the president is expected to join the campaign train as Lagos, Adamawa, Cross River, Katsina, Imo, Yobe, Kwara, Sokoto, Ogun and Nasarawa.

He said: “The states are Adamawa State on the 9th of January; Yobe State on the 10th of January; Sokoto State on the 16th of January; Kwara State on the 17th of January; Ogun State on the 25th of January; Cross River State on the 30th of January; Nasarawa State on the 4th of February; Katsina State on the 6th of February; Imo State on the 14th of February and the grand finale in Lagos State on the 18th of February.

“The PCC expresses its profound gratitude to President Buhari, the leader of our great Party, for his sterling and inspirational leadership at this time and for galvanising our teeming members and supporters across the country.

“We urge our party faithfuls and supporters to turn out en masse, as usual, in the forthcoming campaign rallies.

The zero hour is nigh; our spirits must be high; we must not relent in this our collective march to our victory that is divinely ordained.”

Keyamo reiterated that the president was in attendance when Tinubu kicked off his campaign with a rally in Jos, Plateau State, in November 2022.

The president had recently said he was committed to the campaign of the APC standard bearer and all members of the party vying for elective positions.

But the opposition PDP said the President’s decision to join Tinubu’s campaign in just 10 states is a confirmation that Buhari had been foot-dragging in campaigning alongside Tinubu “who has brought them more grief than glory.”

The PDP in a statement by its Director of Media, Bashorun Dele Momodu added it was obvious that President Buhari and many senior APC chieftains are palpably embarrassed about the quality of their Presidential campaigns which has been extremely lackluster.

“Their candidate has failed miserably to even sell his own manifesto. It has been one gaffe after the other. To President Buhari's credit, he was able to put up a robust defense when he was accused of some shortcomings in the past.

“In Tinubu's case, his team has resorted only to bullying opposition and the media without offering responsible explanations to very serious

accusations and allegations.

The social media is awash with incredibly embarrassing jokes and comedy skits about a once ebullient and well-respected South West political icon.

“It is therefore not surprising that President Buhari has been foot-dragging in campaigning alongside a candidate who has brought them more grief than glory. Just imagine that the President uttered no word when he handed the party flag to Chief Bola Tinubu.

“That was the first disturbing sign that all is not well in the APC House of Commotion.

Not even Asiwaju's ally and former Attorney General of Lagos State, Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has been seen standing next to him to defend his policies and personal character and attributes.

Only a few rabble-rousers and political jobbers are left to goad him on. This is the most unusual Presidential campaign I have ever witnessed.”

Atiku Hails Oyo Residents Who Chanted His Name at Makinde’s Rally Meanwhile, Atiku yesterday hailed Oyo residents who chanted his name at the campaign flag-off of Governor Makinde.

While speaking, Wike told the crowd at Mapo Hall that they should vote for PDP candidates at all levels.

“Vote for Seyi, vote for PDP senators, vote for the house of reps candidates, the other one (president), Seyi will come to you,” he said.

As he was emphasising that Makinde will tell them who to vote for as president, the Rivers Governor was disrupted by chants of “Atiku, Atiku”.

Reacting yesterday morning, Atiku said on twitter that he heard the Oyo State residents “loud and clear”, adding that he takes it as a “vote of confidence.”

Atiku said: “Oyo State, I heard you loud and clear yesterday.

I take it warmly as a vote of confidence in me and our great party, PDP. You proved that my love for the Pace-Setter State over the years is not in vain.

“My promise to you is this: we shall work closely together in the mission to Recover Nigeria.”

Last Thursday, four governors of the PDP - Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ipeazu (Abia), and Nyesom Wike (Rivers) - were in Oyo to support Makinde.

Known as G5, the five PDP governors have been absent from the campaign rallies of Atiku and are demanding the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman of the party.

The demand for Ayu’s resignation is on the grounds that the party’s presidential candidate

and national chairman cannot be from the same region.

The governors said they will reveal who they intend to support as president before the end of January.

PDP Salutes Oyo People The PDP yesterday saluted the commitment and courage of the people of Oyo State for their support for Atiku and all other candidates of the party in the 2023 general elections.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party commended the tenacity of its members and supporters in Oyo State “for expressing their support for Atiku at the flag-off of the PDP Governorship Campaign in Oyo State on Thursday, January 5, 2023, in defiance of attempts to dictate their electoral preference.”

Ologunagba said: "The overwhelming chanting of “Atiku!

Atiku!” by the resilient crowd in rejection of a request that they follow the dictate of some individuals in the Presidential election summarily conveyed, in one voice, their non-negotiable resolve to vote Atiku as the next President of our country."

He described the people of Oyo State as independent-minded and political savvy “who have again demonstrated their sobriquet as Pace-setter in the politics of Nigeria by establishing that power lies in the Will of the people and not the endorsement or dictate of any person or group of persons.”

Ologunagba said, "The expression of the people of Oyo State at the flag-off event firmly signposts and reaffirms the support of the South West Geo-Political Zone for Atiku and all our candidates in the South West and across the country."

The PDP counseled “those seeking to dictate to Nigerians on their electoral preferences” to retrace their steps especially now that it is clear that the people are not ready to be swayed by personal, group or sectional consideration in their support for Atiku Abubakar and the PDP. Ologunagba said, "Nigerians across board have found in Atiku Abubakar the desired integrity, cognate experience, capacity, ability, mental alertness, presence of mind, Pan-Nigeria deportment and required Will Power to unify and lead our nation at this critical time.

"Our Party therefore charges the people of Oyo State, the Southwest Zone and all Nigerians to remain firm in their resolve by coming out en-masse to vote, as well as take every measure available in a democracy to protect their votes in the overall quest to rescue our nation from the maladministration of the APC and return her to the path of national stability, peace, economic prosperity and happiness of all that Atiku Abubakar embodies."

refugees that are living in the Republics of Niger, Chad and Cameroun. The President has given approval to this effect and very soon we shall start.”

Speaking on the progress so far made on returning displaced persons back home, Zulum said all the official IDP camps within the Maiduguri metropolis had been dismantled, adding that all unofficial ones will be dismantled a few months from now.

He said: “Resettlement is not something easy, it will take a very long time, but the most important thing is that those that are very much in need to be resettled will be resettled. We have closed down all official IDP

camps within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, as I said last year.

“For now, we don't have any official IDP camp within Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

The unofficial camps will also be closed in the next few months.”

On claims that some parts of the state are still under the control of insurgents, he said, “Even in the developed world we still have some pockets of insecurity, but by and large, we have succeeded a lot. Over 90% of our security station has been improved.

“We’ve noticed improvement in terms of security in Borno

State. In Borno State we are doing very well now. Our rehabilitation and resettlement is also going very well. We are looking forward to seeing how we can rehabilitate MaiduguriGomboru/Ngala Road and then Maiduguri-Banki Road, with a view to opening up opportunities for the people to earn their means of livelihood.”

On his re-election bid, asked what his chances against the opposition are, Zulum said, “It is impossible to question the destiny of God,” and when asked how his campaigns are progressing, he said, “Very well.

Borno State is in APC family, one big APC family.”

NEW NAIRA NOTES ARE OF INTERNATIONAL QUALITY, SECURITY PRINTING FIRM ASSURES NIGERIANS, CAUTIONS AGAINST TESTS Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“As the nation's foremost security printing and minting company saddled with the responsibility of producing the country's currency (Naira), we find it expedient to address the salient issues and further enlighten Nigerians on the features of the Naira and, most importantly, the misconception about the quality of the new Naira notes.

“The NSPM PIc has been meeting the currency needs of Nigeria with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria since 2014. Indeed, Nigeria has achieved zero importation of currency, developed local capacity and, to an extent, conserved

foreign exchange within this period.

“It is, therefore, basically the same as the other notes in circulation. It also leaves traces of intaglio inks when rubbed on plain white surfaces. It is, however, important to note that new banknotes are generally light when issued, then become heavier in circulation on getting in contact with dirt and moisture.”

Halilu said in addition, the second stage of currency printing (Intaglio) requires a heavy deposit of special inks with fairly large particles to give a tactile feeling of the portraits, as well as other raised prints by way of design.

“One of the properties of intaglio inks is non-solubility

in water and ease of transfer (light stain) on plain white materials owing to the size of the particles. This is generally a security feature of all banknotes that easily differentiates them from forged or counterfeit notes.”

Urging against experiments, he added: “The Naira is our legal tender and national symbol.

We, therefore, urge Nigerians and other users of the Naira banknotes not to subject our banknotes to experiments in order to prove a point. We assure all Nigerians that best international practices have been deployed in the production of our national symbol, the Naira, and we shall continue to ensure that it meets international standards.”

DSS NOW SAYS IT HAS NO CASE AGAINST INEC CHAIRMAN non-declaration of assets.

One Somadina Uzoamaka had filed a suit, marked FCT/ HC/GAR/CV/47/2022, against the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and Yakubu, seeking, among other things, an order of mandatory injunction directing and compelling the INEC chairman to step down, pending the investigation and consideration of the allegations against him by law enforcement agencies.

Afunanya clarified that the service never went to court against the INEC chairman.

The DSS spokesperson also denied insinuations that the security agency is involved in the matter.

He said: “This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading.

“It falsely left an impression that the service went to court against the INEC chairman.

“Nonetheless, the service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements, who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

“One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony.

“Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the Service but also other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitutional roles.”

The DSS also warned the individuals and groups it accused to desist from their devious plans and advised all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law.

“While assuring Nigerians and the international community of the service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by Mr. President and commander-in-chief, the

service urges all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity,” adds the DSS in the statement.

Yakubu Assures NYSC Members of Safety Meanwhile, with less than 54 days to the presidential election, the INEC Chairman yesterday assured that the commission will continue to place a premium on the security of NYSC members on election duty.

Yakubu said this in Abuja when he led the management staff of the commission on a courtesy visit to the Acting Director-General of the NYSC, Mrs Christy Uba. He described the role of NYSC members as the most critical in the election process.

According to the chairman, the NYSC members operate at the most important level of election, which is the polling unit, the only level where citizens actually vote.

Yakubu said: “So, for that reason, we will also extend insurance cover in case of injury or other emergencies to all corps members involved in election duty.

“Working with the security agencies, we will also extend protection and security to the youth corps members’ lodges when they are deployed to the field on election days.

“This is because we have had some unhappy experiences before, when some hoodlums raided the corps members’ lodges in some places, while they were on election duty.

“So, we will continue to take whatever step that is necessary to protect and guarantee the security and welfare of the corps members.’’

The chairman said the commission would continually operate within the framework of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the commission and the NYSC. He also assured that there would be training and retraining of the ad hoc staff, the majority of who were youth corps members in the handling of election technology.

Responding, Uba expressed the

NYSC’s continued readiness to partner with the commission, adding that a lot had been achieved over time.

According to her, regarding the forthcoming election, the NYSC members are eager, as the youths are very interested in it, and will make sure that they work hard to make things right.

“On preparation for the 2023 general elections, we have directed state coordinators to encourage corps members to register on the INEC portal, and I believe they have done that.

“NYSC Welfare and Service Department is expected to visit states to assure corps members and staff of the commitment of INEC and NYSC, to their safety while on election duties.

“This is to further encourage them, given the situation we have found ourselves in. They need to be assured that their security is being taken care of.’’

Uba said state coordinators had been directed to combine names and phone numbers of key security personnel in the states and local government areas for dissemination to corps members who wish to participate in the exercise.

She said that all state coordinators had also been directed to liaise with all Directorate of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to identify crisis-prone areas in the state.

According to her, such volatile areas will be forwarded to the NYSC headquarters for monitoring.

Uba said in view of the number of corps members that would be required by INEC, the scheme had concluded plans to hold the 2023 Batch A Stream One course in January.

This, she said, would add to the number of corps members, who would be available to participate in the process.

“We need to work in our present reality, there is the need to review the allowances paid to the corps members.

“The chairman should please look at the conditions and ensure some level of improvement as contained in the MoU,” Uba said.

Project to commence 1st quarter of 2023 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

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NEWS

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

A’Court Reinstates Zamfara State PDP Governorship Candidate Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto State yesterday reinstated the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governorship candidate in Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, as the contender representing the party in the 2023 election in the state.

The judgement sets aside the ruling of the Federal High Court sitting in Gusau, in November 2022, which had earlier disqualified Lawal.

Back then, the PDP governor-

ship candidate urged members of the party, supporters, and the public to remain calm following the nullification of the primary that produced him.

A statement by Lawal’s media office further said the judgement by the Federal High Court, Gusau, was a distraction strategy at play, noting that Lawal’s legal team would challenge the decision at the Appeal Court and had expressed confidence that the decision would be set aside.

The Federal High Court

BBHS Old Boys’ Association Ready for Centenary Anniversary Preparations are in top gear for the centenary anniversary of the famous Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta.

This was disclosed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the school’s Old Boys’ Association under the leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland.

According to the BoT, many of the physical infrastructure projects initiated or facilitated by the Old Boys’ Association are nearing completion for the anniversary, which holds between 16 and 23 January.

Among these are the Sir Kensington Adebutu Alumni Building, built by Sir Kessington Adebutu; the 500-capacity new

the tragedy was heart-wrenching and a big loss to the families of the deceased persons and to the communities they served as farmers and merchants.

“I join the bereaved families and the Government of Kebbi State in mourning the death of the departed persons. I pray to Almighty Allah to repose their souls and give their families the needed consolation at this time.

“I send my condolences to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the good people of Kebbi State,” he said.

Atiku Most Accepted Presidential Candidate in Oyo, Says Campaign Coordinator Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Former deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, yesterday declared that against all odds, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is the most acceptable presidential candidate in the state.

Gbolarunmi, whoistheCoordinator, Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation in Oyo State, in a statement issued yesterday,lauded members of the party for the love they showed for Atiku during the “Freedom Walk” organised for him (Atiku) on Wednesday and at the Mapo Hall during the campaign flag-off of the Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday.

It would be recalled that Gbolarumi, Elder Wole Oyelese, Olooye Jumoke Akinjide, Femi Babalola Jogor and other prominent PDP members jointly addressed a press conference at the

suit on the bases of judicial provisions and interest of fair hearing arguing that technical defaults could not supersede judicial provisions.

Justice Talba said the trial judge was wrong to discountenance documents submitted from INEC, but the trial court did not stipulate a period of conducting re-run election and notices of participation.

He added that they perused all the arguments presented by different Counsels, citations of court judgements and other judicial considerations and arrived at the decision, thereby setting aside the lower court judgement and answering the

prayer sought in affirmative.

He said the trial judge, Justice Aminu Bappah-Aliyu of Federal High Court Gusau had failed on his legal responsibilities in judicial considerations, giving parties fair hearing and others.

Justice Talba awarded N200,000 as cost to Appellants against the Respondents.

Meanwhile, in another judgement for a separate suit delivered by Justice Talba also upheld prayers of Lawal-Dare, Maina-Waziri and Mande against the same Respondents.

He agreed that Respondents could not prove that PDP primary election Appeal panel

goes into hiding as evidence was not adduced.

Responding, the PDP chairman in Zamfara State, Alhaji Muhammad Lugga, said the judgement is victory for democracy .

He maintained that PDP will commence campaigning immediately saying they are set to rescue the state from the hands of cabals.

He noted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state knows that it cannot win election in Zamfara State that is why they stopped at nothing to ensure that the PDP would not feature in forthcoming general election.

sports complex and the main entrance to the school premises, all of which are undergoing painting in readiness for commissioning.

Also, to be commissioned are the new N43 million main access road built by the 1984 class set and the Centennial Park built by the Old Boys’ Association.

Professor Olukayode Oyesiku, a former Vice Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education and National President of the Old Boys’ Association, has called on all Old Boys to fulfil their commitment to the celebrations by making their minimum statutory contributions, which will grant them access to all the programmes lined up for the week-long celebrations.

Tinubu Mourns Victims of Kebbi Boat Accident Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed grief over the recent boat accident in Kebbi State where at least 14 passengers lost their lives.

The boat conveying about 100 rice farmers to Samanaji, a riverside community of Koko/ Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State capsized on Tuesday, leading to the death of some of the passengers.

Reacting to the accident in a statement by his media office yesterday, Asiwaju Tinubu said

had ruled that the PDP had no candidate for the said position in the forthcoming election in the state.

However, the judgement of the Appeal Court yesterday readmits Lawal into the race to contest for the seat of governor of Zamfara State.

In a unanimous judgement read by Justice Abubakar Talba on behalf of others, he said the appellants had succeeded in proving all the seven grounds of appeals canvassed by the Counsels and all resolved in favour of the appellants.

He dismissed all the preliminary objections on competency of the appeal

NUJ Press Centre on Tuesday while they also jointly organised the walk on Wednesday.

Gbolarumi said the turn out of the PDP members during the walk and the way they were shouting and chorusing the name of Atiku in the presence of the G5 governors, was a manifestation of the love the party members in the state have for Atiku.

The former deputy governor of the state, maintained that Atiku is the most accepted candidate in Oyo State, South-west geo-political zone and the country at large.

The Coordinator, Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation in the state, while thanking the prominent leaders of the party that include Oyelese, Akinjide, Femi Babalola, and others who made the “Freedom Walk” a success, also expressed gratitude to the party members, who came out en masse to show their support for Atiku.

ACCEPT OUR CONDOLENCES… L-R: Baba Ijo, Our Saviour’s Church (Anglican Communion) Ikenne, Chief Emmanuel Osibona; Baba Ewe of Our Saviour’s Church (Anglican Communion) Ikenne, Otunba Idowu Adenuga; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his wife, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun and former Governor of the State and the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, during the burial service of Prince (Dr.) Babatunde Adedapo Onafowokan at Our Saviour’s Church (Anglican Communion) Ikenne, Ogun State on Friday

Intervene on Matters Affecting Imo, Uzodimma Charges Elders Council The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has appealed to members of the Imo Elders Council to wade into the matters affecting the progress and development of the state, particularly, on insecurity.

He gave the charge yesterday when he met with the leadership of Imo Elders Council at the New Executive Council Chambers, Owerri.

Uzodimma charged the leadership and entire membership to speak to the political detractors and the opposition to interrogate their consciences over what they are doing and how it will help Imo State to either grow and develop

or retard.

Welcoming the elders led by their Chairman, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the governor expressed happiness seeing them again this New Year and assured them of his continued readiness to cooperate with them always.

He told them that the Executive Bill on the establishment of the body had long been signed into law, informing them that his administration is appreciative of their activities.

The governor said that his government is open to dialogue and discussions with whoever that claims to be aggrieved “as long

as the person or group comes up with what will move the state forward to the benefit of Imo people.”

He therefore reminded them that it is their responsibility to intervene, “because time is running out and this administration is exhausting her patience.”

The governor assured of the readiness of his government to restore order, repair dilapidated infrastructure and ensure peace and security of lives and property “as the sole responsibility of any government.”

Uzodimma, who thanked God for His mercies and

blessings to Imo State, noted that “in spite of the lean finances, government has been able to meet her daily demands and even contended with the excruciating challenges of the moment.”

He however bemoaned the situation where none of the seven oil companies operating in Imo State pays taxes to the state government.

“Regrettably, taxation is only shouldered by the common populace,” he said, adding that having met with them severally without positive response he may be pushed to the wall to apply force to recover what belongs to Imo people, in terms of tax payment.

Stop Placing Financial Burden on Congregation, Bishop Adekunle Charges Clergies James Sowole in Abeokuta The Bishop, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Egba Diocese, Reverend Emmanuel Adekunle, has admonished Christian clergies, to stop placing unnecessary financial burden on their congregations.

Adekunle charged clergies to be accountable to whatever accrued to the church rather than overburdening worshippers with several charges in the name of raising funds.

The Bishop gave the charge while addressing journalists at a news conference to commemorate the 180th Anniversary

of Christianity in Nigeria.

He said some churches deceived members of their congregation that it is when they give all they have to the church that they can prosper, saying the practice makes some pastors concentrate on property preaching over salvation.

Condemning the wrong practice, the Bishop said whoever wants to get rich must work hard and do things with fear of God. “We must work to eat and get prosperous. It is wrong to place burden on church members.

We have turned out churches to fund raising organisations

every time. We do not need to force people to bring money to churches.

“Rather than forcing people to bring money every time, Reverends should be more accountable for whatever members bring to House of God,” Adekunle said.

The Bishop, who went historical on the title ‘Socio-Econonic and Political Contributions of the Church in the Development of Nigeria’, said the coming of Christianity to Nigeria, had brought tremendous development in the areas of education, medical services, politics, culture, agriculture development, journalism and many other areas.

He reiterated the importance of government at all levels to partner the church to achieve more national development noting that government alone should not be saddled with the responsibility of development.

He urged the government to support Christian religious organisations to achieve success and overall development of the society.

He said, “Both government and Christianity should partner for national development. The church should not fold its arms and depending solely on government will not help our development.

SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

8

NEWS Tinubu: I Won’t Fight Shettima Like Obasanjo Fought Atiku Says his administration will reform government policies on crypto assets Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has assured that Nigerians would not experience the quarrelsome style of leadership between 1999 and 2007 if elected as president.

He added that unlike what was witnessed during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo when he fell apart with his Vice, Atiku Abubakar, Tinubu said such would not occur during his administration.

Tinubu stated these in his address during a town hall meeting with the youth in Abuja organised

by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State with the theme, ‘Nigeria 2023: Setting the youth agenda’.

Tinubu stated: “Nigerians would not experience the quarrelsome style of leadership between 1999 and 2007 in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his vice,

Atiku Abubakar, fought in public.

“I and Shettima won’t abuse each other in Wuse Market like Obasanjo and Atiku. I don’t want to say this but I can’t help it,” Tinubu said.

The former governor of Lagos State was accompanied at the event held at Chida Hotel by Bello (Kogi), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) ex-governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare and many chieftains of the APC. He promised to serve Nigeria “tirelessly, faithfully and honestly” if he clinches the office in the February 25 election.

While promising security agencies and personnel that they would be properly trained, compensated and managed, he called on the youths to vote him into office, saying they would not regret it.

He assured that his administration would help take advantage of recent innovations in blockchain

technology by reforming government policies around use of crypto assets.

This, he said, could provide over one million jobs within his administration’s first two years in office. Tinubu in a statement issued by his Media Office said being the dominant population in the country, the support of the youths was important in building a better Nigeria. He said: “I will create a thriving and conducive environment for you to complete

your education, start work or start a business, and earn a decent wage.

“With hard work and focus, you will once again be able to buy a car or a motorbike, buy a house, settle down, start a family and create a better life. I have plans to actualise all these dreams and can confirm that with your support these dreams will become a reality.”

The APC presidential candidate said his administration would help take advantage of recent innovations in blockchain technology by reform-

ing government policies around use of crypto assets.

Acknowledging that entertainment and sports have helped put Nigeria on the global map over and over again, Tinubu promised to build world-class entertainment venues and stadia across the country.

He added: “I promise a thriving digital economy where those interested in pursuing careers of integrity in ICT will be able to do so. We will also ensure that Nigeria can take greater advantage

of relatively recent innovations such as blockchain technology.

“We will reform government policy to encourage the prudent use of blockchain technology in finance and banking, identity management, revenue collection and the use of crypto assets. We shall implement policies that will train and build capacity among Nigeria’s large and youthful population to take greater advantage of the opportunities presented in ICT.

El-Rufai: NAF Air Strikes Restored Security in Kaduna Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, said yesterday that military operations especially air strikes vanquished armed bandits, a situation that led to improved security in the state.

He commended the gallantry of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in restoration of relative peace in the state.

The governor spoke when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja.

Governor el-Rufai while expressing the gratitude of the people of Kaduna State to the CAS for improved security situation in the state disclosed that the state witnessed significant improvement in the security situation in the state, as several terrorists’ commanders were neutralised by the NAF air strikes while the remnants have relocated from the state.

“On behalf of the govern-

ment and people of Kaduna State, I came to thank the Chief of the Air Staff, branch chiefs, air officers commanding, officers and men of the Nigerian Air Force for the excellent work done and still being done in Kaduna State. The security situation in our State and environs has improved drastically. Please keep up the excellent work,” he said.

In his response, Air Marshal Amao thanked the governor for the visit as well as the support and cooperation the NAF received from the government and people of Kaduna State in tackling the security challenges in the entire North-west region.

He further stated that the NAF would continue to do its best to make the country safe and secure in line with the constitutional responsibilities.

“We will continue to do our best until entire country is safe. We have professional and experienced operational commanders overseeing various operations across the country,” the CAS stressed.

Construction Suspended on LagosIbadan Expressway, Resumes on Monday Construction of the LagosIbadan expressway suspended by the federal government to ease movement on the road during the festive season will resume on Monday.

In December last year, the Federal Ministry of Works removed lane barriers to enable swift travel but they were reintroduced on the Kara Bridge stretch between Tuesday and yesterday when they were again removed to make movement fluid for returning holiday makers and for others who must use the road.

However, Julius Berger, the contractor handling the LagosSagamu stretch is expected on site on Monday, Jan. 9, to complete work between Kara and the

popular Long Bridge within 20 days.

“We understand and realise that there are still a lot of people who are still coming back from their various journeys.

“To this extent, we have asked the contractor, after completing that section (Kara), to hold on and remove the barriers to come back next week when we shall come back to complete the other section between Long Bridge and Kara to the final layer,” said the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr Umar Bakare.

The Controller said the government would always sensitise the public to the progress of work and appealed for patience of road users around construction zones.

WATER IS LIFE . . .

L- R: Minister of Water Resources, Engr Sulaiman Adamu; Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar lll and the Commissioner for Water Resources, Mijinyawa Yahaya, performing the official flag-off of the rehabilitation, upgrade and expansion of the Gombe Regional Water Supply project in Gombe...yesterday.

NIS, NCoS Get N1bn Security Grant from ASR Africa Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have been awarded N1 billion from Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa) Security Sector Support Grant in recognition of their many successes.

A statement yesterday from the spokesman of the NIS, Tony Akuneme, revealed that the award of N500,000,000 was given by the Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa) Security Sector Support Grant, in recognition of the many successes recorded by the Service both nationally and internationally.

He noted that the award was given in a brief event at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday.

Akuneme said the Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Idris, while receiving the award letter, commended the Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the initiative and for recognising the strides of the Service.

He restated the Service’s commitment to Nigeria as well as the global security while assuring the delegation of ASR Africa that the grant will be effectively utilised.

On his part, the Controller General of Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, while receiving the award of N500,000 on behalf of his agency at his office, applauded the initiative and promised to make judicious use of the grant as intervention to improve on the Security of custodial centres

by adding another layer of technological surveillance that will enhance the remote monitoring frameworks.

The CGC also said that the grant will provide the Service with equipment in ensuring that the security solutions cover a wider range of custodial centres and will reduce the chances of further attacks. “While in capacity building more personnel will enjoy quality training on how to effectively utilise the IT solutions in driving the Service forward and this will improve the morale of staff,” he said.

Nababa added that the image management of the Service would not be left out as he promised to bring to limelight the efforts of the CGC through hi-tech equipment.

He equally promised to expand the Service by employing more technology to make the Service at par with international correctional centres in developed countries.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Initiative, Dr. Ubong Udo, who presented the awards to the two agencies, said the organisation is set up as a vehicle to drive his Chairman’s mission for Nigeria and Africa and to create a platform where Nigerians and Africans can take responsibility to solve their own developmental problems by looking inwards.

He noted that the initiative has tree thematic areas which include health, education and social development, adding that the awards were given due to the agencies meeting the specified criteria.

2023: LP Candidates Will Contest All Elections in Ogun, Say Stakeholders James Sowole in Abeokuta The Labour Party (LP) yesterday said none of the party’s candidates in Ogun State would step down for candidates or candidates of any other party irrespective of any level of election.

The party said its candidates would contest for 40 offices in the forthcoming election explaining the LP would contest the presidency, the three senatorial districts, nine House of Representatives and 26 House of Assembly seats in the state.

The LP National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Abayomi Arabambi, made the clarification

while addressing journalists at the end of the stakeholders meeting held at Obi/Datti Campaign Office in Abeokuta, Ogun State Arabambi, who was flanked

by Mr. Michael Ashade and Michael Fehintola, the Chairman and Secretary, respectively and other officers of the party, said there are no longer factions within the party.

He said all stakeholders of the party right from the national level to the ward level, had agreed to put the past behind them as advised by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Publicity Secretary, who flayed the Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for castigating Obasanjo for endorsing Mr. Peter Obi for president, said Nigerians would be shocked by the results of the February 25 election.

He said, “Both the PDP and APC are pained because Baba Obasanjo endorsed Obi for president. They said he has no electoral value that his action is meaningless. Why do they all visited him at different times?

“If his endorsement does not matter, why are they reacting to it. They will all be shocked when election result is released.

“If you look at the figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the figures of those who registered after the emergence of Peter Obi, shored up because Obi has renewed hope for Nigerians.

Obasanjo must have seen something unique about Peter Obi and his endorsement was not for fun.”

He therefore said all members of the party have agreed to work assiduously, to ensure that our candidates win the forthcoming election at all levels.

He explained that all crises, either at the national and state levels, had died and buried and the party was poised for victory.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2022 9

NEWS Emir of Dukku Extols Gov Inuwa’s $;RUHVWDWLRQ 'ULYH 'HYW ,QLWLDWLYHV Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

SEEKING GOD’S PRESENCE… R-L: Cathedral Priest, Rev. Isiah Opayemi; Senior Circuit Steward, Bro. Abiona Babarinde; Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Akande; Bishop’s Chaplain, Rev Emmanuel Alegbeleye; Circuit Presbyter, Very Rev. Johnson Sunday; Cathedral Senior Steward, Bro Olabode Adeyemi, all of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West, during the Christmas service held at the Cathedral of Blessing, Palm- Avenue, Lagos… recently

ASUU Demands Increase in Education Tax To 10% Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2022

NEWS

Soludo: We Need Leaders Who Believe in Nigeria David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof.

Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has said that Nigeria needs leaders who truly believe in the country.

Soludo stated this when the presidential candidate of the New National People’s Party (NNPP), Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, Awka.

The governor commended Kwankwaso for his tenacity in politics, describing him as a politician who is committed to the country.

“I want to commend your tenacity and belief in the country, your exemplary public service and commitment to our nation.

“I’ve always said that those ZKR KDYH VRPHWKLQJ WR RͿHU VKRXOG RͿHU LW WKURXJK SXEOLF service. Public service is the biggest philanthropy.

“In Anambra and indeed, the South-east, we pride ourselves as being republicans and that is freedom to converse.

“Here in Anambra is the home of Azikiwe, Akweke, Chinua Achebe, Okadigbo, and so on and so forth and here we are

One of the country’s fastdeveloping startups, eha Impact Ventures, has announced its collaboration with Stanbic IBTC to de-risk a $300,000 loan to EHA Clinics, a world-class primary healthcare provider in Nigeria.

Stanbic IBTC’s loan will fund EHA Clinics’ expansion to two new locations in Lekki, Lagos State, and Lugbe, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. The new facilities in Abuja and Lagos are estimated to provide quality care to an additional 60,000 people annually. :LWK WKH ORDQ WKH FOLQLFV ZLOO EH RXWÀWWHG ZLWK KLJK TXDOLW\

ROYAL ENDORSEMENT… Governorship candidate of APC in Abia State, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, his wife and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Dr. Uzoma Emenike, their children with Traditional Rulers from Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State at the country home of the Emenikes in Umukabia Okpuala after a Thanksgiving service ...recently

known as people who freely express themselves and associate themselves.

“My position is that everyone should be allowed to canvas freely and allow the people to make their choice.

“It’s a serious matter of where the country is and where the country will be in future. It is time for the progressives to begin to think of the ordinary person,” Soludo said.

On his part, Kwankwaso

lauded Governor Soludo’s development initiatives. ´:H DUH KHUH WR RSHQ RXU R΀FHV EXW ZH IHOW WKDW ZH couldn’t come to Anambra without coming to pay our respect to you.

SDP Guber Candidate, Abe, Promises to Review Rivers Anti-Cultism Law

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

To ensure a safe and peaceful state, the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has promised to review the state’s Anti-Cultism Law if elected as governor of the state in March this year.

He said the current AntiCultism Law in the state has only succeeded in increasing the number of cult groups existing

EHA Impact Ventures Partners with Stanbic IBTC to Provide Loan for the Expansion of EHA Clinics

in the state.

Abe spoke at the 30th Ogoni Day Celebration, recently held at the Birabi Memorial Grammar School (BMGS), Bori, Headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, “For years we have been searching for this security in Rivers State and we have been using the same style; buying guns, buying armoured cars, pushing people, passing laws, passing this, passing that.

Are we safer? No! “In 2023 we are going to try VRPHWKLQJ GLͿHUHQW :H ZLOO continue to do the things we have been doing, but we are going to open a new dialogue on VHFXULW\ :H DUH JRLQJ WR UHYLHZ the Anti-Cultism Law, because we have seen that that law has increased the number of cults and has made us more unsafe than it has worked in our favour.

“So, we will review it and be DEOH WR GR WKLQJV GLͿHUHQWO\ /HW·V

try a new approach. So, security is going to be multidimensional, but the social aspect of security. ´:H KDYH VR PDQ\ WKLQJV that we can use to engage our youth, we can engage them ZLWK WUD΀F GXWLHV ZH FDQ engage them with extra moral classes in the communities, we can bring those graduates that are idle at home and pay them something to be going to the schools in the evening to teach the other children.

Asmau Ali Foundation Raises Fund for the Blind Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Asmau Ali Foundation has organised an art exhibition to create awareness towards the plight of the disabled, particularly the blind.

The holiday art exhibition held in Abuja which gathered art connoisseurs from all walks of life was sponsored

by Kpakpando Foundation and Ovation Magazine.

The host of the exhibition, Asmau Ali, said the proceeds from the art exhibition would be used to buy Braille books for the blind. She described the Asmau Ali Foundation as an NGO which exists strictly for helping the disabled community.

Mary Nnah

Igbo Business Leaders Want Ohanaeze Ndigbo to Sustain Obiozor’s Legacies that they received the sad news with shock.

The association expressed its A group of prominent Igbo sorrow in a statement signed by EXVLQHVV OHDGHUV DQG LQÁXHQWLDO its President, Ikem Ume-Ezeoke personalities have advised and made available to the media, 2KDQDH]H 1GLJER :RUOGZLGH WR noting that Obiozor was a great sustain the sterling legacies of its man whose transition is a great late President-General, Professor loss to Ndigbo, whose interest George Obiozor, saying that he he worked so hard to protect. stood for peace, unity, equity It also noted that the death and justice. of Professor Obiozor “is a huge The Lagos-based group under and painful loss to Nigeria as the aegis of Umunna Lekki a whole because of his great Association (ULA) described value to Nigeria’s quest for unity, the death of the 10th leader especially at this crucial point of the apex Igbo socio-cultural in our nation’s history. organisation as painful, adding The group highlighted the

late Prof. Obiozor’s role in the search for national unity and inclusiveness, saying that he was “a bridge builder, a trailblazer, an astute diplomat, and an undeniable patriot who loved Nigeria exceedingly.”

According to ULA, Obiozor was never found wanting in the overall dialogue regarding the needed progress of the nation, even as he was committed to the promotion of the Igbo worldview in matters of national concern.

The group described Prof.

Obiozor, as “the epitome of hard work and a worthy ambassador

Lamido to Obasanjo: PDP Made You What You Are But Now You Endorsed Peter Obi

Katsina APC Governorship Candidate Receives 1,500 Defectors from PDP

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Dutse

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The former governor of Jigawa State and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Sule Lamido, has said that it was unfortunate and sad for former president Olusegun Obasanjo to endorse Peter Obi as his presidential candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

Lamido spoke yesterday

in Bamaina town of Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of the state while addressing the party members during the formal reception to welcome back to the party his former deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmud Gumel.

Lamido, who described Obasanjo’s decision as unfortunate, emphasised that this would not stop the party from victory in the forthcoming general elections “by God’s grace”.

The Katsina State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, has received 1,500 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by a former councillor in Rimi Local Government Area, Abdul’aziz Makwalla, into the APC fold.

Radda, in a statement yesterday by the Director, Media and Publicity of his Campaign Council, Ahmed Abdulkadir,

said he received the defectors while rounding off his campaign tour in Katsina senatorial where he donated eight motorcycles to members of the Vigilante Groups of Nigeria (VGN) in Rimi and Kurfi local government areas of the state.

According to him, the donation was his modest contribution towards assisting them to fight insecurity in the areas. He donated five motorcycles in Rimi and three WR :XUPD FRPPXQLW\ YLJLODQWHV in Kurfi local government.

The auctioned art works were part of the collections she sourced IURP GLͿHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH ZRUOG during her travels.

“The Art Exhibition is all the arts around me. And it’s taken LQ GLͿHUHQW SODFHV RI WKH ZRUOG because I like to travel and all the proceeds that people send on the art go to Asmau Ali Foundation in order to raise fund to buy Braille books for the blind because Asmau Ali Foundation is a disability foundation all for helping the disabled community,” she said.

She stated that the disabled community is her target because it always pierces her heart and hurts her feeling that someone is blind.

Safety Expert Tasks Government on Enabling Environment

&KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI Hybrid Group Limited, Dapo Omolade, has tasked governments at various levels on the need to provide the enabling environment for health and safety in Nigerian society.

Speaking at the maiden and protector of Igbo collective interest who did his best as Alumni Network event president-general of Ohaneze.” organised by the company with The late diplomat had served the theme, ‘Reconnecting for as the Director-General of Ni- Impacts’, Omolade, who said, gerian Institute of International government is supposed to be $ͿDLUV 1,,$ 1LJHULD·V $PEDV- a regulator in the health and sador to the United States of VDIHW\ DGGHG ´:H KDYH ODZV America and Israel as well as in Nigeria, we have guidance, High Commissioner to Cyprus. principles and standards that :KLOH FRPPLVHUDWLQJ ZLWK WKH have been developed in Nigeria. family of Prof. Obiozor and the Government has to lead and Igbo nation on his demise the when government leads and Umunna Lekki Association called sets up a pace for what to be on Ohanaeze to rally round and done, we would then take what elect a good leader, who would continue to build bridges and Gov Bello Condoles Kogi NUJ promote national unity.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

medical equipment to provide quality care to EHA Clinics’ customers. To secure the loan, eha Impact Ventures, the majority shareholder of EHA Clinics, provided Letters of Credit to Stanbic IBTC. “Improving access to quality healthcare in Nigeria is one of eha Impact Ventures’ major goals,” said Evelyn Castle, eha Impact Ventures CEO. “To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), trillions of dollars of investment are needed. Philanthropy and impact investors alone are not going to be enough.

Chairman Over Wife’s Death Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has commiserated with the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kogi State Council, Mr. Momojimoh Adeiza, over the death of his wife, Mrs. Zainab Adeiza, who died at 46.

Governor Bello in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, expressed sadness over the death and prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give the family fortitude to bear the loss.

government has decided, go out there and implement them.”

SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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Ϳ˜ ͺ͸ͺͻ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Happy New Year...

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to saturdayeditor@ thisdaylive.com. along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

Nigeria and Troubled Institutions

A

cross the world and even across history, strong institutions have always been at the core of any virile democracy.

Whether it is those who keep the peace, grow the economy or promote democracy itself, strong institutions have always been key in determining whether a democracy strives or wallows in darkness.

It has always figured that democracy famously described by no less a figure than Plato as a government of the people, by the people and for the people has always blossomed when rules and structures were actually made stronger than those who keep, and staff them.

But this has not been an easy journey by any means. Democracy has always faced mammoth resistance everywhere by those who would rather they are put above these institutions. For these people, being placed above the law is key to keeping their heads above water in an increasingly dysfunctional country.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, there is a consensus that two of Nigeria’s most critical institutions, being the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will come under unusual scrutiny. This scrutiny which is projected to be quite intense is believed by many to be a necessary accompaniment of the enormous responsibilities the two institutions are expected to shoulder if Nigeria is to come out of pivotal elections unscathed.

For the INEC, it’s hands will be full in organizing elections in a country where historic suspicions and failures conspire to deny the body the benefit of doubt whenever elections come around.

Nigeria’s history of failed leadership and monumental corruption always makes INEC’s task infinitely more difficult whenever elections come around. The experience has always been that usually, even before the first ballot is cast, there are many who believe the Commission to be working hand- in -hand with those who would undermine the integrity of elections in Nigeria.

So against the backdrop of poor funding, mounting security concerns and allegations of executive interference, INEC also has to confront weighty credibility issues as it conducts elections in Nigeria.

All these make it an institution deeply troubled already. It has also raised deep concerns about security in some parts of Nigeria ahead of the elections. It remains to be seen just how well it will do.

When it rains, it pours. As for the Nigeria Police Force, it continues to pour. It has always poured as long anyone can remember. When earthshaking protests rocked Nigeria in 2020, it was because a rogue unit of the police had finally bitten more than it could comfortably chew.

Reforms were promised, but they have remained only

that. In the time when insurgency has made inroads into Nigeria’s already messy security situation, the police has found its key task of maintaining law and order a veritable nightmare.

Like INEC, Nigeria expects the hapless men who staff the police to work miracles with shockingly poor funding and impossible conditions of work.

The police are expected to provide security to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections which INEC is expected to oversee. Two key Nigerian institutions face what is certainly an unenviable task, one which is looking increasingly impossible by the day. Whether they get it right will go a long way in determining where Nigeria would find itself after the elections.

In the elections proper, Nigerians must turn their attention to those who can guarantee strong institutions for the country. The mess Nigeria finds itself enmeshed in today has to do largely with the fact that strong men have always been preferred to strong institutions.

These men many of whom have always shown a predilection for extraordinary corruption have over the years deliberately and gleefully worked to weaken Nigeria as a country.

For the sake of Nigeria and Nigerians, the hope is that the right decisions are made for the good of all.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

An Open Letter to Smart Adeyemi

R

ecently it was in the news that the Hon Minister of the FCT, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, though not an indigene of our state, requested the President as the leader of your party, the APC, to support you as the consensus gubernatorial candidate of your party in the state. We received this endorsement by the minister with joy because it is a project whose time has come.

For us and many who love Kogi State and filled with a sense of justice for peace and political co-existence of the state, and aware that politics is a mathematical science, the unfolding scenario since this announcement attests to the fact that you are really the choice of the people of Kogi State come 2023.

We are writing to request you declare for the gubernatorial seat of the state in the next dispensation at this juncture before alignments, re-alignments, and new declarations by desperate politicians to annul the gentleman’s agreement we had in the state about the rotation of the gubernatorial office between the senatorial districts, begins.

We are also using this open letter to remind the other two senatorial districts that have been allowed to occupy the seats previously to respect this gentleman’s political agreement in the state for the unity, peaceful co-existence and development of the state because the repudiation of this political IOU’s will damage the political fortunes of the state moving forward.

We as a group desirous of the state’s progress through this process have decided to be involved in this leadership recruitment drive for the next governor of the state. After deep reflections and political peer review of the various political actors from the western senatorial district, we found you the most worthy of this office because of your political credentials.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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

Musa Wada, Coordinator, Kogi concerned youth for positive change

Send Them Home

T

he Elgin Marbles, actually the Parthenon Marbles, have been Greek for over two thousand years and still are in every way except location.

They were taken, realistically stolen, by Lord Elgin in the early 1800s and most people believe should be returned but that is actually illegal under British Museum Act 1963 and offers to ‘lend’ them are insulting.

One of the most obvious concerns that many museums have is that they would be emptied of items that were acquired, a weasel word for stolen, during times when the attitudes were different. Different attitudes do not condone theft.

Let’s return the thefts of the past to their rightful owners and put the past attitudes in the rubbish bin of time.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

RingTrue 08054699539

Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

The Obsessive Security Chap Called Yusuf Bichi

I

thought the story was fake when it first emerged early in December last year that the Department of State Service (DSS) was surreptitiously working to obtain an ex-parte order from a court in Abuja to arrest and detain the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

I could not imagine the Director General of the DSS, Yusuf Bichi sending somebody to court for this spiteful purpose. But it turned out to be true. I was shocked to the marrow when one of Bichi’s men appeared before Justice John Tsoho on December 15, 2022, asking for permission to arrest Emefiele over thoughtless allegations of terrorism financing and fraudulent practices.

I’m not sorry to say that the DSS under Bichi’s leadership has persistently been an embarrassment to this country. This latest vindictive move against Nigeria’s CBN governor, Emefiele, is a national mortification that threatens this country’s economy.

It is a disservice to the Nigerian state and a degradation of the nation’s image. Bichi cared less about the negative impact of his inconsiderate war against Emefiele on this country. Moreso, the DSS was asking the court for permission to arrest Emefiele, without concrete facts to support its application. It was a flimsy and disgraceful application.

Justice Tsoho, upon perusal of the documents submitted by the DSS, captures the ricketiness of the application thus: “The entire affidavit depositions, especially as per paragraph 4 of the supporting affidavit, purport that preliminary investigation has revealed various acts of terrorism financing, fraudulent activities perpetrated by the respondent and his involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension. These are no doubt grave allegations, but which the applicant has not presented any concrete evidence to support.

The applicant should have taken the court into confidence while seeking the exercise of its discretion in favour of granting the application.”

Simply put, the affidavit submitted to Justice Tsoho did not substantiate or provide any material fact of terrorism and corruption against Emefiele. The DSS’s acts are clear attempts to inhibit the rights of the CBN Governor, while supporting a personal agenda.

I guess that was why in another ruling on December 23, Justice M. A. Hassan of a High Court in Abuja, restrained the DSS from arresting or detaining the CBN Governor. The judge held that the DSS, “acted wrongfully and illegally in instigating President Muhammadu Buhari against Mr. Godwin Emefiele in respect of the exercise of his statutory duty relating to the issuance of monetary policies and directives in the interest of the national

Bichi

security and economy.”

Justice Hassan further declared that any continuous harassment, intimidation, threats, restriction of free movement, abuse of right of office, surreptitious moves to arrest, and humiliation of Emefiele were “vindictive, unwarranted, abrasive, oppressive” and same constitute a flagrant breach of his rights to personal liberty, dignity and human person”, and were thus illegal and unconstitutional.

Another shocking development at Justice Hassan’s court was that in an affidavit in response to the ex parte, the EFCC (listed as one of the parties against Emefiele) stated that it had no case against the CBN governor and that Emefiele was not under its investigation.

The anti-graft agency accordingly asked that it should be discharged from the matter being that the agency is an unnecessary party. Bichi and his men were badly startled by this. The EFCC has simply decided not to be used for a vindictive purpose.

I concur with those asking the Attorney General of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, to commence criminal inquiry, arrest and prosecution of all persons and personnel of the DSS involved in the plot to frame up Emefiele for terrorism financing.

One of such Nigerians is a lawyer, Mr. Peter Abang who is seeking for a full-scale criminal inquiry into the circumstance leading to the failed attempt by the DSS to frame the CBN Governor on terrorism financing charges as well as other sundry offences. Honestly, this is the way to go, if we want this nonsense to end.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) was apt when it called on

President Muhammadu Buhari to put his house in order over the disgraceful DSS action and “save the country from, repeated, gratuitous national embarrassments.” For me, it is shocking that Buhari is silent while Bichi’s shenanigans persist.

SMBLF adds: “It is unthinkable that the DSS would recklessly and carelessly accuse Emefiele of financing terrorism and involvement in economic crimes of national security dimension. This is not only shameful but a disgrace to the Buhari administration and the Nation, and capable of unsettling the socioeconomic tractions of the country.

Where is the evidence that the CBN Governor is involved in terrorism financing?”

The SMBLF wondered why the DSS didn’t present its findings to the President for consideration and necessary action, if indeed, the allegations against the CBN Governor were genuine: “We wonder whether it is those instructions given to him by the President, which he carries out that make him a terrorism sponsor or there are personal actions and activities he had carried out without the president’s approval and instruction. It is bemusing that Bichi and his backers, presumed all citizens have been ‘conquered’.”

It is instructive to note that the SMBLF also contended that it would be inexcusable to allow Bichi to remain a moment longer in office as DG of the DSS, if indeed, President Buhari was not aware of the plot to arrest Emefiele. This is germane. I fully agree that Bichi should be relieved of his position, without any delay, because, by his action against Emefiele, he showed disloyalty and insolence to the President and the nation.

Besides, he is incompetent. A man that has failed woefully in the war against terrorists ravaging Nigeria is punching a harmless Emefiele. Which nonsense “terrorism funding” is Bichi talking about? Yes, the DSS boss should also be made to render an unreserved public apology to Nigerians and to the CBN governor, before being kicked out.

Bichi dabbles into areas he has no business with. I remember the DSS boss asking the NNPC to restore efficient fuel supply within 48 hours. What is the business of the DSS with this? So, what happened after his useless deadline? Till date, long queues persist in petrol stations across the country.

Bichi, who still thinks we are in a military era, should not be seen working as DSS boss in a democracy. I will never forget how Bichi unleashed operatives of the SSS on inoffensive protesters in Abuja, November 2019. Truckloads of operatives, some with masks, used pepper spray to disperse protesters gathered around the DSS headquarters in Abuja to demand for the release of Omoyele Sowore. One of

Unpaid Salaries of Teachers in Benue State

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overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State follows Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers around like an errand boy. He is one of the four governors that queue behind Wike whenever “Governor Port Harcourt” addresses a press conference. Ortom also joins Wike on holidays (Spain and London were their last destinations) to drink choice wines and eat expensive food while his people are wallowing in pain. It is very sad that a large number of people Ortom governs are in agony, some inflicted by Ortom himself, while he is junketing around the world with Wike.

Today, I’m focusing on the plight of public primary schools’ teachers in Benue State who are being owed 13-month salaries. Yes, primary schools’ teachers are under local governments, but the governors control the federal allocations to these local governments. Governors are sole signatories to the joint accounts with local governments as specified in the 1999 Constitution. So, they steal whatever they want from LG allocations and allocate whatever they want to any sector of

the local governments.

In Benue State, allocations for the payment of primary school teachers have been miserable in almost eight years of Ortom as governor. This is why public primary schools’ teachers are being owed 13 months.

Benue State chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Levi Akuma, stated that the backlog includes 10 months in 2017, December 2021, and February/March 2022. Akuma adds that teachers are going through hardship due to the unpaid salaries.

Speaking on a stay-at-home by the teachers last October, Akuma said, “What happened recently wasn’t a strike, but our teachers stayed at home because they didn’t have money to transport themselves to work. We were in October at that time.”

I challenge the Benue governor to clear the salary backlog of primary schools’ teachers this January. Dear Ortom, history will never forgive you if you leave office without making primary schools’ teachers happy.

Ortom

the DSS guys even fired live shots. Many of the protesters were injured in the melee.

Some journalists also had their tools seized.

The attack on pro-Sowore campaigners on that November 2019 was absolutely unnecessary.

To use Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka’s words, it was crude naked power. Firing live bullets was despicable. Who the hell is Bichi to have approved that kind of assault on innocuous demonstrators?

Bichi is leading a brand of secret police known for suppression as it was under Nigerian Army despotisms of the 1980s and 1990s. The DSS, as we have it today, is an organisation with little regard for established order. That illegal detention of Sowore in 2019 was only one of several. Under Bichi, the DSS illicitly held some Nigerians in its custody, in defiance of substantive court orders. Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky readily come to mind. They were held for years illegally If indeed, we are in a democracy, the DSS boss has no business staying a day longer in office. He should be substituted immediately.

His disdain for the rule of law is legendary.

Obaseki

A Word for Gov Obaseki

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y dear Governor Godwin Obaseki, pensioners in Edo State are seething, and rightly so. Since your government took over in 2016, pensioners have not been paid a single year gratuity. This is just one issue on the long list of your atrocities against these seniors.

That was why retirees of the Edo State civil service and those of local government service were on the streets of Benin in their hundreds this week to protest non-payment of 10 and13 years gratuities respectively.

The protest, which started at the Oba Ovoranmwen Square, disrupted vehicular movements for hours. The seniors had to do this to get the desired attention. Obaseki, you have inflicted too much discomfort on these retirees.

The leader of the seniors laments: “In 2017, the present government called those who retired in 2012 and 2013 for screening. They were screened at Imaguero College and the yellow paper, which is the authority they have that the government is owning, was withdrawn from them (which is the practice) and then told to go and wait for their alert. Till now, none of them has been credited with their money.

The alert is still being expected several years after…The previous government tried to pay at least one set in a year. Let this government start paying like its predecessor did.”

Many have died waiting for their gratuity in Edo State. Obaseki, this piece is to prick your conscience. Things must change after today. I would like to see you put smiles on the faces of these seniors. This is a task that must be done.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

SUPER SATURDAY Krystal Okeke Chanchangi

I will Continue to Uplift, Encourage Next Generation Model, mentor, actress, philanthropist, Dr. Krystal Okeke Chanchangi is very passionate about a new Nigeria where things work. And as a young diaspora leader, which she really takes a pride in, has continued to pursue her goal of empowering and uplifting the next generation through diverse humanitarian projects and leadership programmes. Chanchangi talks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu, about her various projects and activities with regards to culture, new generation, youth orientation and politics Chanchangi

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s a Nigerian female diaspora and the National Peace Awards holder, how have you been able to project this status and recognition?

Award is recognition of good doing and it’s more or less recognition of things that people do. In my case, I have continued to pursue the goal of bettering cultural unity, peacekeeping and empowering next generation. I have continued to

host various multicultural shows, humanitarian events and leadership programmes to uplift the next generation through my Kids Multicultural Word Organization and America Nation Multicultural Inc. + Africa Multicultural World Foundation to better all communities I am associated with, meaning the northern part of Nigeria, the eastern part of Nigeria and the United States of America - Chicago Illinois Las Vegas, Nevada area and so many other places. I continue

to uplift the next generation not to earn more awards but to encourage them to have a leadership skill & well cultured mindset for the future.

Tell us about your humanitarian work within rural communities in the country with regards to some of the projects you have embarked So, my Africa Multicultural World Foundation, we are solely focused on empowering the underprivileged community and supporting them with the necessary human needs. We have made

sure that we have given money to a few kids both in the north and the east to empower their journey for education. To also empower youths to be in businesses and for me that is the biggest thing we can do and that was the main initiative in creating a foundation called Africa Multicultural World Foundation. We make sure we raise funds from where I’m stationed in the United States and help this youth to start a business, send the little kids that cannot afford school fees to schools, provide educational supplies. And to be honest with you,

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

SUPER SATURDAY I Have Continued to Pursue the Goal of Enhancing Cultural Unity do these things there are other people there that are non for profits not for the betterment of the society but for the betterment of themselves.

What projects have you had on the platform of your Kids Multicultural World Organization? And what’s the essence of the America Kids Multicultural show?

We have held over thirty programmes; leadership, business initiative, cultural event and fashion shows in 2022. We have an annual programme every Saturday where we have close to 50 kids come on and we talk about leadership.

And we talk about setting up businesses, allowing these kids to explore their talents through acting, through modeling, through public speaking, through their interest. The main idea of Kids Multicultural World Organisation and mission is to unite a diverse nation, to build leaders of the next generation and to empower our next generation. To unite a diverse nation through tribes, ethnicity, and to also, you know, create a better world for our kids to stay safe and to stop committing crime.

Would you say you have been able to promote cultural inclusiveness with your several initiatives and in what ways?

Promoting culture and inclusiveness is one of the things I am known for here in the United States of America, and hopefully in Nigeria. Because as someone that comes from a multi-cultural background - northern and eastern background originally from Taraba State and Anambra State - I have found peace in promoting unity, in promoting culture, uniting a diverse nation which is known to be a mantra affiliated with my Kids Multicultural brand here in the United States. I have created programmes over the years.

In fact, on October 31st, 2022, we hosted our Las Vegas Kids Multicultural Show, attracting close to 75 cultures globally.

Under my brand, I have mentored thousands of kids because we have a weekly seminar where we educate and empower kids about their heritage and where they come from and taking pride in who they are and raising them to be leaders from speaking to the way they talk and to learn different languages. This year only, I have hosted close to thirty programmes plus shows that has to do with culture and inclusivity. So, that will tell you a lot about the kind of person I am and about the kind of passion I have about culture.

Most times, we see people who engage in philanthropic initiatives using it as a vehicle launch pad into politics. Would we be seeing you delve into politics?

(Laughs)…okay, well nobody knows the future and nobody knows what the future holds. We are giving a chance to potential people to run the country next year. If they go in and they don’t make Nigeria great again, a lot of us young Nigerians based in and outside Nigeria would eventually have to step up and be the change we want to see in the world, politically you know. But if you ask me, I don’t believe you have to be a politician to make a difference in your country of origin.

How can we change these narratives and make it more inclusive for people like you that have made appreciable and admiring efforts in growth development and humanitarian activities?

Like I said, power is not giving, power is taken. We the youths have to step up.

We need to be the voice of ourselves.

This is not even being about the voice of the voiceless because we have been out there tirelessly fighting. So, we need to step up and fight. Fighting doesn’t necessarily mean going out and protest, no. Fighting means doing exactly what I’m doing, going ahead to be the change you want to see in the world by creating your own journey, by creating your own success. And it’s very important for us

Chanchangi to, you know change our thinking first; that’s number one. Change our approach to the government, elect the right people.

I think we definitely need to create a way that we can actually see the numbers. We have to make a decision of who actually gets empowered. I’m not sure how that works; I have never been in politics. But I hate the fact that people lose their lives and a lot of youths have lost their lives in the process of trying to better Nigeria again. It’s also very important for us to frame our country in a better way.

What leaning or affiliations have you regarding politics and the new generation?

Well any affiliations with politics... I believe if I have a friend in politics that is currently a leader, I do not think my decision comes from the individual being my friend. Making a political decision on my site is based on what you have done for the people with the previous positions you have gotten. So, that is the first answer. The second is that the new generation, well like I said I am all for that you know this is our time, season, and this our time for youth to rise. I definitely want to see more new generation coming in not with a corruption mindset to eat their own money, get into politics take money and feed their family. I want to see people that are hungry to see the country excel and see the country prosper, eager to rise our youth and next generation to a greater height. That is what I want to see.

Looking at your engagements and from a mindset of a young person and interest in the activities of the new generation, can we say they are really the future of the country?

Most definitely the youths are the future of the country. Teach them the right thing and encourage them, don’t discourage them, don’t tell them politics is not for them. Let us relinquish that power of godfatherism going on. Let us accept the youth are the future of tomorrow.

Have you thought about when you depart from this world that who is going to lead?

It’s not going to be your children. You

need to set up the next generation. So, yes I truly believe that the youth of Nigeria are the future of tomorrow. We have way too much talent in Nigeria. Every time I’m in Nigeria, which is almost half of a whole year; six months out of a year you see a lot of kids on the street selling oranges. These are kids that are very talented because I have conversations with them before ever even thinking of giving them anything. We have kids fixing phones, technology young kids their talent is not to be compared with anything. They are so passionate for the world and themselves and their families. Why don’t you think they can lead the country?

Every election cycle in Nigeria portends new possibility and hope for a positive change with a new government. But after election things remain the way they are, even worst with the order of things. What do you make of this?

You know what I feel like we citizens of Nigeria are responsible for the actions of any leader elected into political office. A lot of political leaders come in and they promise a lot; to do a lot of things and make a lot of changes and they promise heaven and earth to better the economy, the educational structure, and roads and the lights…things like that. They lie just to get into the office. I don’t know if these leaders actually don’t have the capacity to lead or they just come in being deceitful. According to my ideology, I believe that every citizen is responsible to vote for the right person to be in an office.

How we know the right people is by researching and checking the pattern of what they have brought to the table all through their time been a politician or I guess being

an individual. If you do your research very well you will definitely know if that person is capable or not capable of being the good leader because little position of being the chairman determines you leading in the smaller chamber which shows how well you led. For example, we do have so many people that are running right now to become the Nigerian president for next year. I don’t want to mention names. It’s time for us to look at these people their history what they have done and see how well they have served the people.

But like I said, we do need more avenues for youth. We don’t need people that have led to keep leading. I’m hoping that Nigeria would allow us youth to lead.

Can you share with us the general perception of Nigerians living in the diaspora regarding Nigeria’s next election?

To be honest with you, a lot of Nigerians leaving in the diaspora that I have had conversation with, I think the pool is really high a lot of people are really having hope in that Mr. Peter Obi coming administration; they think he is going to be the change, the voice for the youth. Some other people also think that Mr. Atiku is going to the change and the voice of the youth and the country.

To be honest with you, my political views remain unannounced because obviously over the years we have had promises and we haven’t got the real... I mean whatever they have promised us; we haven’t got a result from the promises they made in the past. As a young diaspora leader which I really take a pride in, my mind is open and I am praying to have the wisdom to be able to make a decision on whom to vote for at this election. I am tired to see Nigeria fall and I am tired of seeing Nigerians deceived. Nigerians are being deceived to be honest. Our country is being deceived by the leaders and our country is been cheated by its own leaders; if you Google the highest paid senators in the world is Nigeria and the poverty capital of the world is Nigeria.

Honestly does that make sense to you? I guess it doesn’t.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

POLITY

Uzodinma’s 3rd Year: Distracted Yet Determined Tony Wakiki

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etween the assumption of office as Governor of Imo State in January 2020 and January 2023, Governor Hope Uzodinma has continued to make impressionable footprints in Imo State in spite of the various battles he had had to confront.

First was the battle of nomination as the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress which was heavily resisted by the then incumbent governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Okorocha was said to be so powerful that for the eight years he held sway in Imo State, he boasted of having retired all prominent politicians like Ararume, Izunaso, Uzodinma, Udenwa, Ihedioha, and Ohakim who literally went into political exile in Abuja and elsewhere.

Okorocha bestrode Imo political landscape like a colosus and would not consult with any godfather or elder statesmen, shutting down all possible voices of reason including even the clergy. The likes of elder statesman, Engineer Iwuanyanwu and Archbishop Obinna were completely relegated and disregarded by the leadership style of the Emperor from Ogboko.

It was against this backdrop that Uzodinma crossed over to the APC from the PDP having himself been sidetracked by the Ihedioha group during those days of the Modu Sherif versus Ahmed Makarfi struggle for the soul of PDP across the country by the two groups.

Nigerians especially or Imolites couldn’t have forgotten in a hurry how Senator Okorocha who was the then incumbent governor of Imo State and leader of the APC in the state at that time, blocked his brother Uzodinma from joining the Imo APC family even after he had been welcomed with red carpet by the then Adams Oshiomhole led national headquarters of the ruling party. The contempt was so loud and overt that even the APC chairman in his native Omuma ward who dared to register Senator Uzodinma into the party at the ward level, was beaten blue black by the dare devil agents of the powers that be then.

Against all hostilities, Uzodinma went ahead to secure the mandate of the APC to fly their flag in the 2019 governorships elections. Of course, the sitting governor then went bananas having been blindfolded by the trappings of power, to believe that nobody in the entire length and breadth of Imo state had the balls or resources to stop his anointed son in-law and chief of staff, Uche Nwosu from succeeding him as governor.

Uzodinma’s emergence as APC gubernatorial candidate was greeted with wild jubilation akin to the jubilation amongst Nigerians about the “obidient movement”. Not a few Imo citizens had lost hope about the dismantling of the Rochas

Uzodinma dynasty, until suddenly like a thunderbolt from the skies, Uzodimma came calling to redeem their hope again. The jubilation and acceptance of an Uzodinma emergence was arguably, more because he had seemingly liberated the people from a self-acclaimed political czar who boasted of sending all his contemporaries to exile in Abuja.

Uzodinma was therefore expectedly the toast of the political firmament in Imo, when juxtaposed with his other contestants like Ifeanyi Ararume who still had a credibility issue from the Obasanjo days or an Uche Nwosu who still carried the infamous tag of an Okorocha’s glorified house boy.

Ihedioha had presented the image of an untainted citizen perhaps because his covert escapades in Abuja as a three-time federal representative could not be easily scrutinized by the ordinary Imolites.

Be that as it may, governor Uzodinma has never lost focus for one second in his avowed commitment to God and Imo people to deliver quality governance to all and sundry. The distractions since Uzodinma mounted the saddle are legion, both natural and man-made. In 2020 the governor had barely settled down when he was sworn in when COVID struck.

The whole world was put on hold by the pandemic and Imo state was not left out by the lockdown which lasted till around October. The state also got her fair share of the destabilisation caused by the public uproar against the brutality of the

Nigeria police, popularly called ENDSARS. Fast forward to Easter of 2021 when the infamous unknown gunmen saga happened upon the state with the twin suicide attacks of both the Owerri central correctional center and the state police command. Over 2000 criminals were let loose on Imo soil in one fell swoop. From that fateful Easter Monday to the end of 2021 and for the better part of 2022, both the governor, his security apparatus and indeed the bandits themselves have not known any peace, even though the governor has successfully fought the bandits to a standstill.

In point of fact, most Imolites have continued to wonder how the governor was still able to deliver on the several achievements which are visible even in the midst of all the distractions and violence. The 34 kilometer stretch from Owerri to Orlu as well as the 45 kilometers from Owerri to Okigwe were delivered in this unstable period with a level of quality finishing that has been attested to even by Uzodinma’s strongest critics. Even the 27 kilometers road that goes from Owerri to Umuahia passing through Mbaise, Ihedioha’s hometown is currently under massive construction by Uzodinma. This brand of politics without bitterness is unprecedented.

On other fronts, Uzodinma has continued to advance the development of the state with uncommon vigor and determination in spite of the huge distractions. Since 2020 till date, all the civil servants in Imo state have enjoyed free rides to and from work. The governor also provided brand new vehicles for all the security agencies in the state, ditto for permanent secretaries, judges and most recently traditional rulers.

Uzodinma’s prudence with public funds have continued to shock his friends and associates who had looked forward to a regime of merry making given his well-known life of charity and philanthropy. He has left no one in doubt as to his avowed determination to use every kobo of Imo people’s money for their welfare and development. For the second Christmas running, the governor paid all Imo workers the 13th month salary as Christmas bonus, a feat that has made their counterparts from neighboring states jealous of Imo public servants. It is also on record that after the initial verification of salaries and pensions, no single Imo civil servant or pensioner is being owed. The few workers who are yet to be properly cleared are undergoing verification processes prior to receiving their arrears owed. Needless to mention that the government had saved billions of naira from all the hitherto leaking conduit pipes through which ghost workers and dead pensioners were being paid for years.

Wakiki, a public commentator wrote from Owerri Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Late Captain Hosa: Garlands for a Consummate Philanthropist Ifetayo Adeniyi and Patrick Ochoga

He was never found wanting for once. With this, he caught the admiration of his business partners’ home and n English playwright, poet and actor, around the world.

William Shakespeare in Julius Caesar said, The life of esteemed personalities, Captain Hosa, “When beggars die there are no comments who left us about, teaches an indelible lesson that a life seen but heavens themselves blaze the death worthwhile is not the one that accumulated all the wealth of Princes’” but the one that yielded himself as a channel to fill others.

Since the consummate philanthropist and An avowed family man, Okunbo was married and had Achiever par excellence, Captain Hosa joined 11 children. He died on 8th August 2021, at a hospital in the Saints on August 8, 2021, the heavens London. He was aged 63. have not stopped blazing forth. The famous American Captain Okunbo is a trained commercial pilot who Physicist, Albert Einstein was famously quoted to have owned chains of businesses in agro-allied, petroleum, said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” This telecommunications, power, real estate, and banking aptly captured the life of Captain Hosa, who would have industries, amongst others. At age 21, Idahosa Wells turned 65 today.

Okunbo became a pilot, and it was widely reported that at Hosa, championed at managing human and material 30, he had logged 7,500 hours of flying time as a comcapital, came to the world at the right time, did his best mercial jet plane pilot. and left the stage like a colossus with indelible milestones Many years later, Okunbo ventured into agriculture with when the ovation was still reverberating. That Idahosa the ownership of the company Wells Farm Limited, where Wells Okunbo was a business magnate, investor, philanhe invested millions of dollars in greenhouse farming and thropist, and trained commercial pilot is not news but he agro-allied business for Edo. fulfilled the divine mandate of wealth, which is to touch Idahosa Wells Okunbo had over fifty sea vessels for lives. security and crude oil movements. Captain Hosa Okunbo Like the large-hearted soul that he was, the business companies, Ocean Marine Ltd and OMS Tankers Ltd, magnet did not go into business to amass fortune for bailed out NNPC when the NNPC was challenged to himself and family but as a channel to wipe tears off the move crude in marine vessels to the refineries. face of humanity. He saw wealth as an instrument, given He served as chairman and director on numerous by the Almighty God for the restoration of human dignity. company boards in Nigeria, spanning multiple business And true to divine expectation, he did not disappoint sectors such as the agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunicadivinity. tions, power, real estate, and banking industries. Okunbo Captain Hosa in life and times epitomises the age-long is also the father-in-law of the 21st Olu of Warri, Ogiame saying that generous souls, who build others never die, but Atuwatse III. merely transited to greater glory. Because of the human Okunbo had his primary education at Government bridges he built in his lifetime, today, it’s as if Captain is Primary school in Benin City, old Bendel State, now Edo still here with us. Like the generous Dorcas of the Bible, State. He proceeded to Federal Government College, thousands, who found their bearing in life the largeWarri, in 1971, where he sat for West African Senior School heartedness of Hosa have not stopped shouting it to high Certificate Examination. Okunbo was a native speaker of heavens. the Edo language, and a fluent speaker of English.

At the time he joined the angels on August 8, 2021, the Okunbo pursued a desire to become a pilot by studying skilful business man, left no one in doubt that he came at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria, to add value and substance to humanity. His intellect, Kaduna State, and became a professional commercial patriotism and leadership acumen steep in humility and pilot at the age of 21. He also attended ACME School sound judgment stood him out. In the age that integrity in of Aeronautics in Fort Worth Texas in 1983, where he business is a scarce commodity, Captain left clean records. obtained an Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

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Captain Hosa Upon graduation, Okunbo became a professional commercial pilot, and was made a captain in 1983 at the age of 25. He was a flight captain with Intercontinental Airlines for about two years, then was employed by Okada Airlines for three years. In 1988, he retired from piloting at the age of 30, having logged over 7,000 hours of flight time, and ventured into private business.

Okunbo established Hoslyn Ventures Nigeria Ltd, a company that was involved with procurement in the Nigerian petroleum sector. He was the founder and chairman of the following Nigerian companies: CMESOMS Petroleum Development Company (CPDC), which, in September 2019, signed $875.75 million alternative financing deal for the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) operated OML 65, The Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Abuja. A five star rated hospitality firm, Wells San-Carlos Agro Farms Ltd., which, in March 2016, unveiled a $750 million, 9,000-hectare (22,000-acre) farm intended to “create 85,000 jobs in Edo State.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

POLITY

Wema Bank: Exit of a Fintech Guru and Entry of another IT Czar Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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ust as a golden era closed last week, another decade of consolidated growth and development anchored on digital optimisation and innovation beckons in Wema Bank Plc as Moruf Oseni assumed the reins of leadership of the oldest indigenous bank in Nigeria after a purposeful and legacy defining leadership of Ademola Adebise who retired after a glorious 12 years stint.

Adebise, a fintech guru, a consummate corporate engineer and manager, a computer expert and the man who built competitiveness for Wema through digital banking innovation and process re-engineering, is coincidentally succeeded by another astute Computer Engineer and erudite banker with proven prowess in corporate banking, treasury management, and digital optimisation and innovation.

The twin event of last week is, therefore, a win-win for the bank.

Adebise who joined Wema Bank in 2009 from Accenture Nigeria as an Executive Director, and later became Managing Director/CEO in 2018, was Executive director in charge of South Bank, Deputy Managing Director (supervising Corporate Banking, Treasury, and Support Functions at Wema Bank (2009 to 2017) In July 2018, Adebise became the acting Managing Director, following the retirement of Segun Oloketuyi his predecessor. On approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria, he became the substantive Managing Director/CEO. Adebise obtained a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science between 1983 and 1987.

From the University of Lagos Adebise h and a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the Lagos Business chool and attended the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of the Harvard Business School. Adebise led Wema Bank to its most outstanding and sterling financial epoch, producing a streak of unrivalled financial performance in the history of the bank in the last four years.

He returned smiles to the faces of weary shareholders by paying dividends in the last three years after a 14 year-wait. Today, shareholders are smiling and happy with the bank. His share reconstruction programme of the bank has led to accelerated share price growth and capital appreciation for the shareholders thereby building wealth for them. He expanded the Bank’s footprints to other locations in Nigeria, and improved the performance of the Bank and spearheaded the first dividend payment in 14 years. Since then, he has ensured consistent dividend payment over the last 4 years.

The Bank has grown its Total Assets by 155%, from N470 billion to over N1.2trillion. Deposits also grew by 214% from N350 billion to N1.1 trillion. He initiated the partnership with Bank of Africa to support its customers across the African continent which has increased the Bank’s market share and customer base. All these led to an additional growth of 2 million customer accounts in Nigeria and a market share of 3% of industry volumes. The Bank is now the leading collection bank for state and government agencies due to its effective and efficient platform. The Bank’s rating by agencies was upgraded to BBB investment grade.

His best legacy at Wema Bank is undoubtedly the ALAT platform, the first fully digital bank in Nigeria which allows customers to open and operate their accounts without visiting the bank’s branches. Customers can apply for loan, forex and make multiple payments through ALAT thereby making banking convenient, safe and fast for the customers.

The Bank significantly changed the digital landscape through the ALAT platform. The innovative platform also came tops in the KPMG Digital Scorecard for leading retail banks in Nigeria and this was based on in-depth insights into the state of user experience on retail banks’ digital channels.

Furthermore, the Bank launched the first SME

Moruf Oseni

Ademola Adebise

Business School for capacity building and empowerment of SMEs – this has benefitted over 20,000 small businesses.

The Bank also became one of the founding members of the United Nations Environmental plan for financial institutions (UNEP-FI) and continues to provide digital solutions for societal impact.

Adebise also embarked on fresh capital raising through a rights issue through which N40 billion fresh capital was raised. This has strengthened the resilience and solidity of the oldest indigenous bank in the country. He changed the demographics of the work force, attracting and hiring young professionals for the bank, a development that has brought improvement s in business processes, outputs and efficiency.

Among the numerous awards Wema Bank won under his leadership include the “Best digital bank (Fintech award)”, and The “Best Bank in customer service by KPMG”. The bank’s efficiency rating also went many notches up, as was adjudged as one of the best three banks in the first half of 2022 by

Nairametrics, among others.

The new Managing Director/CEO, Oseni, comes on board with ample executive management experience and proven leadership and managerial attributes. He joined Wema Bank in June 2012 as an Executive Director, and has over 25 years of experience with more than 16 years at Senior and Executive Management levels.

He was an Executive Director for six years and Deputy Managing Director for the last four years and has demonstrated capacity to lead the Bank.

As DMD, Oseni was responsible for the Digital Optimisation Directorate which includes Digital, Retail, Treasury, Operations, and the Technology Divisions. Oseni was also the Executive Compliance Officer of the Bank. He supervised the launch of ALAT – Nigeria’s 1st digital Bank that has received local and global awards and multiple accolades.

Before joining Wema Bank, he was the CEO of MG Ineso Limited, a principal investment and financial advisory firm.

Prior to MG Ineso, Oseni was a Vice President at Renaissance Capital, and an Associate at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup Global Markets in London.

The new Wema bank MD holds an MBA from the Institut European d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a Master’s in Finance (MiF) from the London Business School and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is also an alumnus of both the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) of the Harvard Business School and King’s College, Lagos.

Financial analysts believe that the growth and upward trajectory momentum of Wema Bank will continue to accelerate and move in leaps and bounds under Oseni who has exercised oversight and superintendence on all the business and technical divisions of the bank and made them market leaders.

Meanwhile, Shareholders too have endorsed the leadership succession at Wema Bank Plc with the active retail shareholders expressing optimism that the appointment of Mr. Moruf Oseni will lead to improved performance in the years ahead.

Chairman, Ibadan Zone Shareholders Association (IBZA), Mr. Eric Akinduro said the succession was indicative of good corporate governance at the bank as the seamless transition will enable the bank to build on its growth momentum.

The Bank has grown its Total Assets by 155%, from N470 billion to over N1.2trillion. Deposits also grew by 214% from N350 billion to N1.1 trillion. He initiated the partnership with Bank of Africa to support its customers across the African continent which has increased the Bank’s market share and customer base. All these led to an additional growth of 2 million customer accounts in Nigeria and a market share of 3% of industry volumes. The Bank is now the leading collection bank for state and government agencies due to its effective and efficient platform. The Bank’s rating by agencies was upgraded to BBB investment grade

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

26

POLITY

De Prestige Boyz Club Donates to Motherless Children

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he need for public spirited individuals, corporate bodies and organisations to extend their hand of fellowships to the less privileged in the society has again been stressed.

Making the charge last Monday was Mr. Tade Ademola, President, De Prestige Boyz Club while leading the members including their spouses and children to Bab-Es- Salam Home in Lagos State to donate various food items to the facility.

While commending the management of the motherless children home for providing a conducive and enabling environment to raise children, Tade also said that the Club decided to bring their children along so as to make them appreciate the privilege they have in their various homes as well as inculcate in them the spirit of giving and sharing.

“We bring our children here today for them to know that life is not always a bed of roses and for them to appreciate whatever we provide for them at home and more importantly to teach them the acts of sharing with the hope that when they grow up, it won’t be difficult for them to have a sense of compassion,” Tade said.

While appreciating and commending members of De Prestige Club as well as other corporate bodies and individuals for their generous donations of foods and various items, the head of the Home, Mr. Hassan Tahir noted that the Home had benefited immensely from the goodwill of Nigerians.

In his response to a question from one of the kids who sought to know why they are taking care of children from other parents instead of their own, Tahir noted that the home takes care of only children who have lost their parents and have nowhere to live or nobody to take care of them, adding, “just as you have your parents with you, we are the parents of these ones you see here.”

Earlier, the Club held an interdenominational prayer service session both for the members, their families and the nation. In his sermon, a Pastor from The Redeem Evangelical Mission (TREM), Laja Osanyibi commended members of the Club for putting God first in the year saying that the prayer session could not have come at a better time other than the second day in the year.

De Prestige Club which was formed four years ago has 14 members from both within and outside Nigeria with the main objective of leaning helping hands to members.

L-R: Mr. Tade Ademola, President, De Prestige Boyz Club with Hassan Tahir, head, Bab-Es- Salam Home after presenting various food item to the home.

2023: Amina Ajayi Warns against Violence, Backs Tinubu Former President of All Nigerian American Congress (ANAC), Chief Amina Temitope Ajayi, Aka Mama Diaspora, has urged presidential candidates and other candidates in the 2023 elections to ensure that their supporters do not engage in violence, before, during and after the elections.

She also advised against involvement in electoral fraud and other illegal conducts.

Ajayi spoke after her installation as Iya Adini JAMSAN

by Jamuhiyat Salat Niyass Society of Nigeria (JAMSAN) at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

She expressed delight for her installation, adding that it was the making of the Almighty Allah.

Ajayi also called for religious harmony, adding that there was no need for people to engage in violence or killing in the guise of religion.

Ajayi said, “I am so happy. I am so blessed. This is not the making of a human being. It is from the divine, it is

Chief Ajayi being installed ‘Iya Adinni JAMSAM’…recently. from Almighty Allah. It is from Almighty God. It shows that we are all one. It shows that religion should not separate us. I am advocating for national unity. Religion should unite us. We should pray together. A nation that prays together, stays together. That is why they said ‘the cry

L-R: ‘Dear Football Fans’ winner; Akintobi Akintunde; Guinness Brand Manager, Cynthia Ufele; ‘Dear Football Fans’ winner, Adesola Mayungbe; and another winner, Emmanuel Faisheme at the prize-giving ceremony held at the Guinness Nigeria Plc headquarters, in Lagos... recently

L-R: Mother of the baby of the year, Mojisola Mohammed; representative of Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity, Dr. Anwoju Niyi; Chairman, Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Head of Hospitality Ministry, Trinity House, Ajibike Arhuere; Chief Matron, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Rachael Abidoye; HOD, Social Welfare, Trinity House, Olayemi Mary; and Keke and Ehizenan Ighodalo during the presentation of baby items to the baby of the year at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital…. yesterday

of the faithful availeth much.’ Faithful are those who worship God.” Ameer JAMSAN, Sheik Tirimzy Adekunle Ibn Kareem Adeleke (Omo Papa Sheik), said Chief Ajayi was selected and installed based on merit and competence.

Chief Ajayi, who is also the National Coordinator, Women of Substance, also canvassed support for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.

She stated that Tinubu has the capacity to unite Nigeria.

She said, “Asiwaju is the right man and has the capacity to unite Nigeria. He is a finisher. Let him do it.”

Chief Ajayi also on the Campaign Council of Asiwaju PPC Grassroot Engagement and Orientation, South West, advised political parties, their candidates and supporters to avoid ‘do-or-die’ orientation in the 2023 election.

She stated that if the parties and their candidates really wanted to serve Nigerians, there was no reason for them to engage in violence, electoral fraud and any other unlawful act.

L-R: Director of Sustainability and Governance, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray; Executive Secretary, LSETF, Teju Abisoye; Managing Director, Sahara Group, Emmanuel Magani; and COO, Wecyclers, Yemisi Ayansola at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to roll out recycling hubs in 12 local government areas aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in Lagos State… recently

L-R: Non-Executive Director, NB Plc, Adeyinka Aroyewun; Managing Director/CEO, NB Plc, Hans Essaadi; Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dr. Kola Jamodu (CFR); Company Secretary/Legal Director, NB Plc, Uaboi Agbebaku; Non-Executive Director, NB Plc, Sijbe Hiemstra; and Non-Executive Director, NB Plc, Ibrahim Puri, during the NB Plc’s Extraordinary General Meeting held in Lagos... recently

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

7.01.2023

NEWS

BLUES ON RAMPAGE PAGE. 29

Emmanuel Dennis Falls Short of Expectation at The Garibaldi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Emmanuel Dennis tries to get past Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro

Emmanuel Dennis

Falls Short of Expectation at The Garibaldi Barely five months after joining Nottingham Forest as one of their high-profile players for a record fee of £15 million from Watford, the tricky Trees could no longer accommodate Nigeria international, Emmanuel Dennis after failing to impress and are ready to ship him out to any interested club

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ottinghamForestareprepared to listen to offers for Emmanuel Dennis despite only signing him last summer for £15million from Watford as the 25-year-old has failed to make an impact and Forest need to streamline their squad to strengthen again this window.

The Super Eagles striker has failed to replicate the same brilliance he showed at Watford last season Dennis has proven to be a big disappointment having arrived as part of a major overhaul at the City Ground in the summer. He has mustered just three Premier League starts and has scored one goal.

Having started the season with Watford, playing a handful of games in the Championship for them before making the move to Forest, moving Dennis on becomes more complicated.

Options open to Dennis and Forest would be for him to move to a club abroad, or if he wants to remain in England, he would only be eligible to return to Watford, given players cannot play for three teams in the same season as per FA rules.

Plans are in place to offload Dennis before the deadline on January 31.

The Nigeria international has been made available this month for transfer as Forest move to trim their 25-man squad to

bring in new signings.

In the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United on December 27, Dennis appeared as a second-half substitute and is alleged to have infuriated coaching staff for his part in the home team’s third goal.

Forest Manager, Steve Cooper said last week that the club, who spent £150 million in the summer, will sign more players in January in a bid to beat the drop, but is very aware that he needs a consistent group of players.

“For sure, we have to get to a point where we have got a settled group. That’s not to say we are not settled,” Cooper said.

“Togetherness, spirit and culture come over the course of time. There’s no doubt about that.

“That’s the intention and it’s games where you learn a lot about players’ personalities and characters and they learn a lot themselves. That’s how they build relationships.

“So, yes, we are going to need a settled group. But if you look at the number of games we’ve got coming up, we’re going to need more than a team.

“Injuries can happen. And you can make five changes in a team.

“You need to prepare for more than a starting XI because there’s so many times when players have come off the bench and had a positive impact for us - sometimes a negative one as well - it’s a good reminder

all the time of preparing everyone that we can.

“But we have got to get consistency and that’s what we are trying to do.”

The former Club Brugge has been more of a squad player since he joined Forest and has made 10 Premier League appearances this season, but seven of those have been from the bench.

The Telegraph reports that the Nottingham Forest coaching staff were unhappy with Dennis’ performance in their 3-0 loss to Manchester United and have admitted that they are looking to add some quality to the squad. For that to happen, they would need to shed some weight and Dennis could be one of the scapegoats.

The Nigeria international has had a nomadic career, playing for five different European clubs.

Dennis is currently valued at €12 million as per Transfermarkt. He has a big point to prove if he wants to remain at City Ground. The team is currently fighting tooth and nail to stay afloat in the Premier League.

At this stage last season, Dennis already had six-goal contributions in the Premier League (three goals and three assists), which was impressive, considering it was his debut campaign.

Dennis’ performance even caused a club versus country row after Watford denied him from joining up with the

Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision irked many Nigerian fans, who questioned Dennis’ desire and commitment. Nonetheless, all was forgotten as Dennis returned to the team for the World Cup playoffs.

While the 24-year-old could not help Nigeria qualify, Dennis went on to have a great finish to the season with Watford.

The Super Eagles star scored seven more goals in the Premier League and recorded three assists to end up with 10 goals and six assists.

Although Dennis’ displays could not help Watford escape relegation, it got him a move to another newly-promoted Premier League side, Nottingham Forest.

Reports say his poor performance is not the only reason why Nottingham Forest are considering selling the Nigerian international but his attitude has always been a problem ever since he broke out four years ago.

At Club Brugge, he acted petulantly and was suspended after his teammate sat on his favourite seat. The decision eventually led to his exit, joining FC Cologne on a loan deal.

Dennis therefore needs to fix his character issues and over-bloated ego.

An upsurge in his form would surely end any talks of ousting him at Nottingham Forest.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man City Set to Compound Chelsea’s Woes After beating Chelsea in the Premier League on Thursday to make the Blues’top-four dream a mountain to climb, Manchester City would be hoping to dump Graham Potter’s men out of the FA Cup as the two sides renew hostilities tomorrow

Riyad Mahrez’s goal was the difference between Chelsea and Manchester City when the two sides met on Thursday

M

eeting for the third time in two months and second time in the space of four days, Manchester City and Chelsea renew hostilities for tomorrow’s FA Cup third-round encounter.

Pep Guardiola’s outfit travelled to Stamford Bridge for Thursday’s Premier League battle and ran out 1-0 winners, despite coming under pressure for the large portions of the match.

Refusing to make any alterations until the 87th minute of his side’s draw with Everton, Guardiola had seemingly learned his lesson as he rang the changes early doors at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea’s periods of promise failed to bear fruit.

Only three minutes after both men were introduced into the fray, Jack Grealish found fellow substitute Riyad Mahrez to tap home at the back stick and settle the close contest in the champions’ favour, allowing them to close the gap on leaders Arsenal back down to five points.

Playing catch-up to old student Mikel Arteta is at the forefront of Guardiola’s mind right now, but there should be scope for the Catalan coach to steer his side all the way to FA Cup glory, having only got his hands on the trophy once since taking over in 2019.

Three years on from demolishing Watford 6-0 in that final, the Premier League champions have three successive semi-final exits on their record, going down 3-2 to eventual winners Liverpool in the final four last season after previous eliminations at the hands of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Also working around an imminent EFL Cup fourth-round tie with Southampton and tackling Manchester United in what promises to be a fiery derby on January 14, a third successive win over the Blues would surely scratch Guardiola off of Graham Potter’s Christmas card list.

Not one, not two, but three injuries were added to insult for Chelsea as their

European aspirations suffered another damaging blow in Thursday’s defeat to City, where Mason Mount (before the game), Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic all joined the ever-growing infirmary.

Nevertheless, Potter could take encouragement from what his side displayed versus the English champions, who often struggled to deal with Chelsea’s slick play through the middle, but such niceties counted for a grand total of zero points in West London.

Fourth defeat from six Premier League matches has left some Blues fans fearing for their spot in the top half never mind a European berth, with Potter’s men now lying smack-bang in the middle of the table in 10th place, but those concerns can wait as Chelsea seek to end a painful spate of FA Cup final losses.

During Man City’s three successive semi-final finishes, Chelsea have reached the final on each occasion, only to lose to Arsenal, Leicester City and Liverpool, and they travel to the Etihad winless in four successive away matches in all competitions.

Prior to victory at Stamford Bridge, Man City overcame Chelsea 2-0 in the third round of the EFL Cup on November 9, but the Blues have won both of their last two FA Cup meetings with the English champions, and as the old saying goes, the third time is the charm.

Meanwhile, Liverpool begin the defence of their FA Cup crown with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield for today’s third-round match.

The Reds enter the clash on the back of a humbling 3-1 loss to Brentford in the Premier League, while Julen Lopetegui’s side were pegged back in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Dreams of an EFL Cup double have already come to an end for Liverpool courtesy of perennial winners Manchester City, and the Anfield faithful may not be all that optimistic about their team’s chances of retaining their FA Cup crown

if recent results are anything to go by.

Jurgen Klopp immediately pointed to perceived injustice in Monday’s 3-1 defeat to Brentford.

While accepting that the manner of his side’s dreadful showing did not warrant anything other than a defeat, Klopp was left infuriated after Mbeumo’s nudge on Konate before Brentford’s third goal went unpunished, as Liverpool continue to play Champions League catch-up in sixth place in the table.

Premier League fortunes take a backseat for the time being as Liverpool begin their quest for successive FA Cup crowns, having overcome Chelsea in last year’s final after only previously getting as far as the fifth round since 2015.

However, the eight-time winners - who are now without a clean sheet in five matches - have gone out in four of their last seven third-round ties while entering the FA Cup as holders, and their most recent exit at this stage coincidentally came at the hands of Wolves in the 201819 campaign.

A first taste of a West Midlands derby for Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui ended with the spoils shared in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, as Daniel Podence’s early effort was cancelled out by Danny Ings 12 minutes from time to leave Wolves in relegation danger.

Lopetegui’s start to life at Molineux can certainly be described as unspectacular, with victories over Gillingham and Everton - the latter coming via a last-gasp Rayan Ait-Nouri’s effort - preceding defeat to Manchester United and Wednesday’s stalemate with Villa.

Only Southampton have performed worse in the Premier League this season than Wolves, who do have four previous FA Cup successes to their name, although not since the 1959-60 season have the West Midlands outfit managed to go all the way in the tournament.

Furthermore, only once have the visitors to Anfield managed to beat the reigning holders of the FA Cup - beating

Manchester United in the 1949 semifinals before getting their hands on the trophy - although a three-game unbeaten run away from home ought to stand them in good stead somewhat.

As well as eliminating Liverpool in the 2018-19 third round, Wolves also dumped the Merseyside giants out in round four under Klopp in the 2016-17 tournament, but the visitors have suffered seven successive top-flight losses to the Reds since their last cup success.

FA Cup Third Round TODAY

Crystal Palace v Southampton 12:30 FG Rovers v Birmingham City 12:30 Gillingham v Leicester City 12:30 Preston v Huddersfield 12:30 Reading v Watford 12:30 Tottenham v Portsmouth 12:30 Blackpool v Nott Forest 15:00 Boreham Wood v Accrington 15:00 Bournemouth v Burnley 15:00 Chesterfield v West Brom 15:00 Fleetwood v QPR 15:00 Hull City v Fulham 15:00 Ipswich Town v Rotherham 15:00 Middlesbrough v Brighton 15:00 Millwall v Sheffield Utd 15:00 Shrewsbury v Sunderland 15:00 Brentford v West Ham 17:30 Coventry City v Wrexham 17:30 Grimsby Town v Burton Albion 17:30 Luton Town v Wigan Athletic 17:30 Sheff Wed’day v Newcastle 18:00 Liverpool v Wolves 20:00 SUNDAY

Bristol City v Swansea City Derby County v Barnsley Cardiff City v Leeds Utd Hartlepool U v Stoke City Norwich City v Blackburn Stockport County v Walsall Aston Villa v Stevenage Man City v Chelsea

12:30 12:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 16:30 16:30

La

TO

Ba

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Vialli

Former Chelsea, Juventus, Italy Striker,Vialli Dies Aged 58 Former Chelsea striker and manager Gianluca Vialli, who played 59 times for Italy, has died at the age 58.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 but said in April 2020 that he had been given the all-clear.

Vialli was re-diagnosed in 2021 and in December 2022 left a role with Italy’s national team to focus on his health.

“Gianluca was a splendid person and he leaves a void that cannot be filled,” said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina.

“I hoped until the end that he would be able to perform another miracle. Yet I am comforted by the certainty that what he did for Italian football and the blue shirt will never be forgotten.”

The FIGC confirmed that a minute’s silence in memory of Vialli will be held before all

Italian matches this weekend.

Vialli made his Italy debut in 1985, a year after joining Sampdoria where he would win the Serie A title and European Cup Winners’ Cup during eight seasons with the club.

Sampdoria said in a statement: “We won’t forget your 141 goals, your overhead kicks, your cashmere shirts, your earring, your platinum blonde hair, your Ultras bomber jacket. You gave us so much, we gave you so much: yes, it was love, reciprocal, infinite. A love that will not die today with you.”

Vialli helped Sampdoria reach the 1992 European Cup final but after losing to Barcelona, he moved to Juventus for a then world record fee of £12m. Vialli spent four seasons with Juve, winning the Champions League, Uefa Cup and Serie A titles.

A Juve statement said: “We

loved everything about you, absolutely everything - your smile, your being a star and leader at the same time, on the pitch and in the dressing room, your adorable swashbuckling ways, your culture, your class, which you showed until the last day in the black and white stripes.”

Vialli joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 1996 and became player-manager in 1998 - the first Italian to manage a Premier League side, taking over from the sacked Ruud Gullit late in the season - and went on to lead the Blues to victory in the League Cup, Uefa Cup Winners’ Cup and Uefa Super Cup. He also guided Chelsea to victory in the 2000 FA Cup final and Charity Shield but was sacked early in the following season after a poor start.

Boro Confident of Keeping Akpom Amidst Everton, Saints’ Interest Manager Michael Carrick has insisted that Chuba Akpom is still a player of Middlesbrough amid speculation linking the in-form striker with a departure from the Riverside Stadium in the January transfer window.

After a poor start to the season, Middlesbrough are now pushing for promotion, and Carrick is aware that the Super Eagles hopeful will be vital to his plans in the second half of the season.

Akpom is having a banner season with thirteen goals in 19 games played, a tally that sees him top the scoring charts in the division.

Having put himself in the shop window, the Hale End Academy graduate is reportedly on the radar of Everton, Southampton and Crystal Palace, as well as two unnamed German Bundesliga clubs.

Akpom is in the last six months of his contract but Boro hold the option to extend his deal by an additional 12 months.

In quotes relayed by TeessideLive, Carrick said : “He’s our player. We’re delighted to have Chuba.

He’s been terrific since I came through the door.

“He’s obviously got his headlines with the goals but he’s given us a lot more

than that. He’s a player we’re delighted to have.

He has 18 months left on his contract.

“The nature of the game is when players are playing well - individually and as a team - people look from outside trying to make their squads better.

“That’s the nature of the beast. We don’t want to lose our best players at all because we feel we’re going in the right direction.

That’s football. Everyone is trying to improve as we are trying to do ourselves.”

Akpom made four appearances in the Premier League during his time at boyhood club Arsenal.

Crystal Palace Make Loan Decision on Valencia-born Nigerian Midfielder Valencia-born Nigerian midfielder David Ozoh will remain at English Premier League club Crystal Palace in the second half of the season.

The Eagles have no plans to loan out the exciting youngster before the close of the January transfer window, as it stands.

Ozoh was linked with a temporary departure from Selhurst Park last summer but the window closed and he stayed put

at the London club.

The 2005-born player has been identified as one for the future and a competitive first team debut for Crystal Palace is inevitable.

He was a reserve option for Palace’s recent Premier League match at Bournemouth and also against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup but was an unused substitute in both games.

Ozoh has played nonstop at Crystal Palace since the age of eight, rising through the ranks before inking his first professional contract last August - a reward for his excellent displays at youth level.

This season, he has represented the Eagles in the Premier League 2, U18 Premier League, Papa Johns Trophy, FA Youth Cup, Premier League Cup and Premier League International Cup.

Terem Moffi

Everton to Battle Southampton for Super Eagles’ Moffi Everton are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. The Toffees are in the relegation zone and need forwards who can help the team in solving the goalscoring issues.

Everton think FC Lorient striker Terem Moffi can certainly help and are considering him in the January transfer window.

The Toffees have been bland and toothless when going forward. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems have taken a toll on him and he is looking like a shadow of his usual self.

The Toffees have scored just 14 goals in 18 games, second lowest tally in the first division. Only Wolves have scored less goals (11) than the Blues of Merseyside.

Lack of chance creation

has also given headaches to Frank Lampard as Dwight McNeil, Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray have failed to contribute to the attack or create much danger through the flanks.

Neal Maupay was signed in the summer from Brighton for a fee of £15 million to provide backup to CalvertLewin but the Frenchman has struggled to make an impact during his first six months at Goodison Park.

According to Foot Mercato, Moffi has attracted interest from two Premier League sides, Everton and Southampton. Moffi has had an excellent campaign with Lorient, scoring 10 goals in 16 Ligue 1 games.

The Nigerian arrived at Stade du Moustoir in 2020 for £7 million and has

been a key part of Lorient since then. Moffi will be a quality acquisition for any team who can acquire his services. Apart from Everton, Southampton are also in the hunt to sign Moffi. Just like Everton, even the Saints are stuck in the relegation battle and sit plum last in the Premier League.

Moffi is comfortable being the lone striker in the front three and has also played as the right sided forward in a two-striker formation.

His swift movement allows the wingers around him to take advantage and make advancing runs.

The Toffees will be getting a rock solid goalscorer should they manage to strike a deal with Lorient and convince Moffi to make the move.

Nwakali Makes Comeback from Injury against Villarreal B Former Arsenal midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has made his comeback, 41 days after suffering a knee injury in a Spanish Segunda Division match against Malaga.

The Super Eagle was included in the provisional squad for yesterday’s league match between SD Ponferradina and Villarreal B at the Estadio El Toralín, and manager David Gallego

was planning to give him minutes.

Nwakali, with the number 11 at the back of his jersey, hopped off the bench in the 59th minute as a replacement for Erik Moran.

The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner helped SD Ponferradina claim a 2-1 victory.

With almost the last kick of the first half, Sergio Lozano opened the scoring for the Mini Submarine,

but Hugo Vallejo brought the game back to parity with a goal in the 57th minute, two minutes before Nwakali entered the fray.

The game against Villarreal B was Nwakali’s eighteen appearance in all competitions for SD Ponferradina since his arrival in the summer transfer window.

Ponferradina are eighteenth in the provisional standings with 24 points from 22 matches.

Guinea-Bissau Honours Pele, Name Stadium after Late Brazilian The Estadio da Rocha in Guinea-Bissau’s second city Bafata is to be renamed the King Pele after the late Brazilian football icon, the country’s government has decided.

The stadium - which is home to Sporting Clube de Bafata - is the second African ground to be renamed in honour of Pele, following a call from Fifa’s president Gianna Infantino that countries around the world should make such a change.

Guinea-Bissau’s near neighbour and fellow Lusophone country Cape Verde announced that their national venue would be named the Pele Stadium on Wednesday.

“As an expression of the public recognition of his status as the King of World Football, the Council of Ministers decided to name the regional stadium of Bafata ‘King Pele’,” a government statement said.

The statement also explic-

itly said the decision was “in response to the appeal of the president of Fifa.”

BBC Sport Africa has been told that Ghana’s National Sports Authority is also considering renaming one of its stadiums.

Pele is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country, and was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.

World Athletics Clears Kenya of State-sponsored Drug Cheating There is “no suggestion” that there has been any statesponsored drug cheating in Kenyan athletics despite a series of high-profile doping scandals, says World Athletics president Lord Coe. Kenya avoided joining Russia in being banned from international competition in November after other nations

voiced their concern to the sport’s global governing body.

Russia has received several bans after a 2016 report found evidence of a state-sponsored doping programme across many sports - but when it comes to athletics, 40% of those currently serving bans are Kenyan.

“We took a different approach to Kenya from the approach we

took with Russia because they were two different cases,” Coe told a joint media conference in Nairobi where he praised the work being done by the Kenyan government.

“The case against Russia was about cover ups that were planned at the state authority level, but there is no suggestion that this is the case in Kenya.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ademola Lookman...leading Atalanta’s top-four challenge

Ademola Lookman Serie A’s New Beautiful Bride Just months after permanent move to Atalanta after several loan spells, Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman may be in for another move in the summer as Serie A champions, AC Milan are planning to woo the Super Eagle to the San Siro as a replacement for Rafael Leao, who may be dumping the Rossoneri in the summer

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igeria international, Ademola Lookman has flourished in the Italian top flight and could be on the move just months after joining the Goddess as Serie A champions AC Milan have set their sights on winger as a potential transfer target in the summer.

According to CMW, Milan will move for the Atalanta attacker should star forward Rafael Leao depart the San Siro amidst interest from abroad.

The Portuguese star is the darling of most of Europe’s biggest clubs after he contributed 21 goals (11 goals, 10 assists) as AC Milan romped to the league title last season.

The 23-year-old has continued off this season from where he stopped last term, scoring seven goals in his first 15 league games.

The reigning champions may have to wait until the summer to replace the former Lille man but they already have their primary target ready in Lookman.

The Super Eagles winger only arrived in Italy in August but the former Everton man

has settled down pretty quickly in Serie A. The 25-year-old’s versatility has been fully deployed at Atalanta where he has functioned as a striker, supporting striker, and sometimes left and right winger.

The result has been brilliant with Lookman registering seven goals and two assists in 15 matches for the Goddess.

However, the ex-Leicester City winger has a contract with Atalanta until 2026 and it may take a significant transfer fee to convince the Blue-and-Black to part with their prized asset.

Lookman is currently valued at 20 million euros, the highest valuation of his career.

The Nigeria international has been a delight to watch in the Italian top flight since joining for less than 10 million euros last summer Lookman has been rated as the best dribbler in the Serie A, a rating that places the winger above more established stars from league leaders Napoli, champions AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus.

Some of Serie A’s most illustrious dribblers include AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lazio’s

Felipe Anderson, Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot, and AS Roma’s Nicolò Zaniolo.

But according to data analytics site WyScout, Lookman trumps them all as the player with the highest percentage of successful dribbles in Serie A. Lookman has completed 73.9 per cent of his dribbles, more than any other player in the Italian top-flight.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old attacker’s dribbles have also come with a positive end result as he has seven goals and two assists in 15 league games for Atalanta.

He is the Blue-and-Blacks’ top scorer this season despite only signing for the club in August.

The Nigeria international will be crucial to Atalanta’s hopes of finishing in the top four at the end of the Serie A campaign.

Lookman has made the Top 100 Biggest Risers on the global Transfer Market valuation.

The 25-year-old winger’s new price tag is 20 million Euros, which is double his previous transfer value of 10 million Euros.

This is partly in recognition of what he has achieved in the first half of the Italian

Serie A campaign.

His seven goals with his club is still among the front runners.

The winger spent last season at the King Power Stadium on a season-long loan from Red Bull Leipzig. In his one campaign at the club, Lookman played a total of 42 times, scoring eight goals and providing five assists. One of his goals was the winner in the memorable 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the King Power Stadium at the end of December.

City were said to be keen on making the deal permanent when the summer window came around. However, both the squad size and financial restrictions over the transfer window meant that a move never materialised.

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 7, 2023

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK 5 Signs of a Failing Crank Sensor When it comes to the proper operation of your vehicle’s engine, one key component is the crankshaft position sensor. It keeps track of the location and rotational speed of your car’s crankshaft.

It also sends the data to the motor control unit in order to make proper adjustments in relation to operating conditions. If your crank sensor isn’t working right, you’ll have a problem on your hands.

In fact, many modern engines simply won’t operate at all if the crankshaft position sensor fails to provide a correct signal.

What follows is a look at 5 signs signaling that your crank sensor might be going kaput.

EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan

Mercedes-Benz Reveals New Charging Network, Tech Updates at CES 2023

M

ercedes-Benz has said it is in Las Vegas for CES 2023, which ends tomorrow, to showcase “Tech to Desire” with several developments that will enrich the lives of its customers.

Most notably, the automaker announced plans to launch a global high-power Mercedes-Benzbranded charging network. Rollout starts this year in North America in partnership with MN8 Energy and ChargePoint. Mercedes-Benz also revealed a number of other innovations and collaborations that give back time, make life easier and generate excitement for customers in the car and beyond.

The Mercedes-Benz high-power charging network In his remarks during the Mercedes-Benz tech talks at CES 2023, Chief Technology 2΀FHU 0DUNXV 6FKlIHU UHYHDOHG SODQV IRU

a Mercedes-Benz branded high-power charging network starting this year in North America.

Rollout in Europe, China and other main markets will follow. The North American network is scheduled for completion by 2027, by which time a total of more than 400 hubs with more than 2,500 high-power chargers will cover the continent. Spaced conveniently at regular intervals close to motorways, major intersections and metropolitan areas, the hubs ZLOO RͿHU D SUHPLXP VXVWDLQDEOH DQG UHOLDEOH charging experience.

The locations and surroundings of the Mercedes-Benz charging hubs will be carefully selected with wider customer needs in mind.

The best possible charging experience will therefore come complete with food outlets and restrooms situated nearby. Facilities will also be equipped with surveillance cameras and other measures to provide a safe and secure charging environment at all times. Selected charging points are covered for protection from

the weather. Depending on region and location, WKH KXEV RͿHU IRXU WR ² DQG XOWLPDWHO\ DV PDQ\ DV ² KLJK SRZHU FKDUJHUV +3& with up to 350 kW charging power. Intelligent charge-load management allows each vehicle to charge at its maximum capacity, keeping waiting times to an absolute minimum. The network will be open to all electric vehicle brands, but Mercedes-Benz customers will HQMR\ VSHFLDO EHQHÀWV VXFK DV WKH DELOLW\ WR reserve a charging spot.

In line with its sustainable business strategy “Ambition 2039”, Mercedes-Benz enables its customers to charge green at its own charging network. This is preferably ensured via green electricity supply contracts RU WKURXJK UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\ FHUWLÀFDWHV from an accredited supplier. Furthermore, all Mercedes-Benz charging hubs able to accommodate a roof will be equipped with photovoltaic systems to provide electricity for lighting, video surveillance etc.

Toyota’s Latest Hybrid Electric technology to Feature in new Corolla

T

oyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced the start of production of its 5th generation hybrid powertrains for the new Corolla. The latest Toyota hybrid electric low-emission powertrains will be made at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) for the new Corollas manufactured at TMUK and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT).

The start of production of 5th generation hybrid engines and transmissions follows the upgrade of seven production lines supported by new investments of €77million and €541 thousand (1) at the plants in Poland and the UK respectively.

TMMP produces hybrid electric transmissions including the MG1 and MG2 motors, integral electrical components of hybrid transmission.(2) These products will be combined with the new 1.8 litre gasoline engine produced at TMUK to form the 5th generation hybrid electric powertrain.

This 5th generation Toyota hybrid technology has lighter, more compact and higher-powered electric motors, which increases the electric drive ratio in the hybrid system. As a result of improved engine calibrations, the vehicle has more power, better overall performance and drivability resulting in lower CO2 emissions for the 1.8 litre version.

The total power of hybrid drive system with the 1.8 litre engine is 140hp, reducing the 0-100km/h acceleration time by 1.7 seconds, to 9.2 seconds.(3)

The new Corolla The new 5th generation hybrid electric HOHFWULÀHG YHKLFOHV KDYH DQ LPSRUWDQW UROH WR SOD\ powertrain replaces the 4th generation systems in our pan-European multi-technology strategy previously produced at TMMP and TMUK since which seeks to help everyone lower their carbon 2018 and 2016 respectively. During this time HPLVVLRQV +\EULG WHFKQRORJ\ QRZ IHDWXUHV LQ TME has accelerated its investments in hybrid 70% and 85% respectively of the engines and technology, and in the last four years, the overall transmissions produced at TMMP and TMUK, HOHFWULÀHG PL[ LQ WKH WRWDO 7R\RWD·V (XURSHDQ ZKLFK LV D UHÁHFWLRQ RI WKH HYHU JURZLQJ FXVWRPHU demand for Toyota hybrid products, said Marvin sales has grown from 30% to 66%.

7R\RWD·V DͿRUGDEOH ORZ HPLVVLRQ K\EULG Cooke, Executive Vice President for Manufacturing, Toyota Motor Europe

1. CRANK SENSOR PROBLEMS COULD MAKE IT HARD TO START CAR One sign that your crankshaft sensor PLJKW EH IDLOLQJ LV LI \RX ÀQG LW KDUG to start your vehicle. The sensor keeps track of the speed and location of the crankshaft. If it’s failing, your vehicle PLJKW EH GL΀FXOW WR VWDUW XS In fact, the problem might be an intermittent one, which can make it more frustrating. On the one hand, it might take a long time to get your vehicle to start. On the other hand, your vehicle might simply refuse to start at all.

2. ENGINE VIBRATION ISSUES Another sign that your crankshaft sensor might be faulty is an engine vibrating problem. Any such issue could signal D F\OLQGHU PLVÀULQJ SUREOHP VWHPPLQJ from a failing crankshaft position sensor.

3. FUEL ECONOMY SLIPPAGE If your car crankshaft is not working optimally, one problem you’ll face is reduced fuel economy. The reason for this is that your vehicle’s fuel injectors ZRQ·W GLUHFW JDV WR WKH PRWRU H΀FLHQWO\ This means your motor will make use of more gas than is required when you’re out and about, which will result in lower fuel economy than normal. Of course, reduced fuel economy could be a function of other problems.

So it will be worth your while to go to an auto service center to have a professional assess the problem and to determine the right course of action.

4. UNEVEN ACCELERATION Are you experiencing car issues such as uneven acceleration where it’s hard to maintain a constant speed? This could be a sign of a failing crankshaft.

If your crankshaft sensor is not working properly, the motor control unit in your vehicle won’t be able to execute the changes to the fuel injection or to the spark timing whenever the engine speed climbs.

5. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON While a check engine light won’t necessarily mean that your crankshaft sensor is failing, that doesn’t mean that this can’t be the case.

Because a check engine light could signal any of a number of problems, you’ll want to use a code scanning tool to ÀJXUH RXW ZKDW WULJJHUHG WKH FKHFN HQJLQH light. You can also go to an automotive service center.

DON’T IGNORE SIGNS SIGNALING POSSIBLE ISSUES If you’ve experienced any of the aforementioned signs of possible crank sensor problems, don’t ignore them. You’ll ZDQW WR ÀQG D SURIHVVLRQDO DXWRPRWLYH facility that can assess the problem and ÀQG RXW ZKDW·V ZURQJ (Source: B&M Auto)

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

AUTO WORLD

New Range Rover Claims Major Design Award

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ew Range Rover has triXPSKHG LQ WKH &DU 'HVLJQ 1HZV DQQXDO &DU 'HVLJQ Review book, claiming the coveted Production Car of the Year award.

Chosen by a panel of H[SHUW MXURUV ² LQFOXGLQJ GHVLJQ OHDGHUV IURP 3ROHVWDU /DPERUJKLQL 9ROYR DQG /XFLG ² 1HZ Range Rover was praised for its reductive design and the way it combines a modern luxury aesthetic with an iconic form that links the new vehicle to its unrivalled 50-year lineage, the automaker said in a statement.

7KH ÀIWK JHQHUDWLRQ 5DQJH 5RYHU ZDV WKH clear winner among the shortlisted vehicles, all of which were launched between April 2021 and September 2022. ´5DQJH 5RYHU LV WKH RULJLQDO OX[XU\ 689 DQG D vehicle of peerless distinction. New Range Rover’s exceptional form embodies modern luxury, and its elegant proportions and optimised volumes are KDOOPDUNV RI RXU 5HGXFWLYH 'HVLJQ SKLORVRSK\ 7KLV DSSURDFK ZDV LQWURGXFHG ZLWK WKH 9HODU LQ 2017 and is now familiar across our Range Rover IDPLO\ µ VDLG &KLHI &UHDWLYH 2΀FHU -DJXDU /DQG Rover, Prof Gerry Mcgovern Obe New Range Rover is clean and elegant, with VHDPOHVV ODVHU ZHOGHG URRI MRLQWV ÁXVK JOD]LQJ

The new Range Rover DQG LQQRYDWLYH KLGGHQ ZDLVW ÀQLVKHUV ZKHUH WKH GRRU SDQHOV PHHW WKH ZLQGRZ JODVV 7KH ÁRDWLQJ URRI JUDSKLF LV D NH\ SDUW RI 5DQJH 5RYHU '1$ while its familiar split tailgate features hidden

shut lines which communicate a new level of precision. %XLOW RQ WKH QHZ PL[HG PHWDO ÁH[LEOH 0RGXODU Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) with a range of

HOHFWULÀHG SRZHUWUDLQV DQG D GUDJ FRH΀FLHQW RI RQO\ ² WKH ORZHVW RI DQ\ OX[XU\ 689 ² 1HZ Range Rover was hailed as “simple, bold and the PRVW HOHJDQW OX[XU\ 689µ E\ MXGJH 6DQJ<XS /HH 6HQLRU 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW DQG +HDG RI WKH +\XQGDL *OREDO 'HVLJQ &HQWUH New Range Rover was also praised by fellow MXGJH 0D[LPLOLDQ 0LVVRQL +HDG RI 'HVLJQ DW Polestar, who said: “For someone who knows what a challenge maintaining purity throughout the process can be, this car and its creators have my full respect.”

7KH 5DQJH 5RYHU 69 DQG 'HIHQGHU WHDPV ZHUH DOVR UHFRJQLVHG LQ WKH &DU 'HVLJQ 1HZV 3HRSOH $ZDUGV ZKHUH WKH\ ZHUH MRLQWO\ SUHVHQWHG with the accolade of Best CMF Team. The Colour, Materials and Finish teams claimed the award for the innovative use of materials and colour to create strong, clear aesthetics that unify the exterior and interior designs of their vehicles. )XUWKHU UHFRJQLWLRQ FDPH DV -DJXDU /DQG 5RYHU GHVLJQHU .HQ <XMLDQ *DQ UHFHLYHG WKH 8QGLVFRYHUHG Talent Award for his exceptional work. Gan, a Masters’ graduate in Automotive and Transport 'HVLJQ IURP &RYHQWU\ 8QLYHUVLW\ FODLPHG WKH title ahead of four other exciting young designers.

The multiple award-winning New Range Rover is priced from £99,375 OTR in the UK.

Nigeria’s Auto Journalists to Hold Awards Ceremony

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he rescheduled awards ceremony of the Nigeria Auto -RXUQDOLVWV $VVRFLDWLRQ 1$-$ will now hold on Wednesday -DQXDU\ DW (NR +RWHOV DQG 7RZHUV 9LFWRULD ,VODQG $ VWDWHPHQW E\ 1$-$ VDLG the event is a great platform to bring together critical stakeholders in the industry and to annually reward excellence in the Nigerian automotive industry.

“One thing has remained true to this remarkable contest; it celebrates and rewards DXWRPRWLYH H[FHOOHQFH 2XU MXURUV DUH H[SHUWV LQ WKH DXWRPRWLYH ÀHOG DQG FOHDUO\ XQGHUVWDQG vehicles and the mobility sector,” said the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Rasheed Bisiriyu.

Categories to be used in assessing vehicles would be: value for money, pricing, cost

of maintenance, depreciation rate, fuel consumption, warranty and dealer access and insurance. +H VDLG ´,W ZLOO DOVR EH MXGJHG RQ GHVLJQ and functionality which will take into account factors such as safety, environment, seating comfort, space, practicality and ergonomics.

“Nominated vehicles will also be selected based on performance such as handling, braking, smoothness and quietness. “Every year, we adapt the scoring system slightly to consider new global and local market trends WR HQVXUH WKH FUHGLELOLW\ DQG REMHFWLYLW\ RI the awards.” &KDLUPDQ RI 1$-$ 0LNH 2FKRQPD VDLG ´1$-$ DZDUGV SUHVHQW D SODWIRUP IRU WKH automotive industry to demonstrate and celebrate the advances made in the key areas of manufacturing, assembling, technology, stewardship, franchising and innovation.”

Participants at NAJA’s awards… recently

Own A Tyre Pressure Gauge If you run a check on your tyre pressures now with a quality tyre pressure gauge (not the abused/ overused roadside vulcanizers gauge), you will appreciate why the above alarm is sounded. Such a check may reveal that at least one of \RXU W\UHV LV LQFRUUHFWO\ LQÁDWHG 9HU\ few vehicles, if any, will pass this test.

Incorrect tyre pressure is the No. 1 cause of tyre blow-outs, sudden tyre failures and premature tyre wear. Incorrect tyre pressure is an invitation to disaster even if the tyres are brand new! It is a time bomb waiting for the right time to explode.

The implication is that each time such a vehicle is driving; the occupants are facing grave danger without being aware of it.

As we gradually attune ourselves to the expectations for 2023 after all the merriments during the 2022 festivities which as usual had witnessed increased motorization in keeping with our penchant for travels, I wish to run another piece on tyres. I do hope the few tips contained in this piece will help us make the right safety choices in 2023 by the mercies of the Almighty God. I humbly urge you not to ignore the WLSV DV LW UHPLQGV PH RI URDG WUD΀F crashes caused by tyre blowout which I cited a fortnight ago which claimed some innocent lives all because of the failure of the driver and possibly because of some engineering defects on the road.

7\SHV RI LQFRUUHFW W\UH LQÁDWLRQ 7KHUH are two types of incorrect tyre pressure.

7KHVH DUH RYHU LQÁDWLRQ DQG XQGHU LQÁDtion. Let us take a look at how they can DͿHFW \RXU W\UHV DQG FDXVH GLVDVWHU DQG what could be done to maintain a proper pressure for your tyres and so prevent or

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

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

drastically minimize blowout and other forms of tyre failures. %ORZRXWV XQGHU LQÁDWLRQ LV WKH FDXVH 8QGHU LQÁDWLRQ LV WKH PDMRU FDXVH RI W\UH EORZRXWV :KHQ D W\UH LV XQGHU LQÁDWHG LW increases what is known as the ROLLING RESISTANCE (RR) as the vehicles move.

RR generates a tremendous amount of heat that could make your tyre explode like a bomb. Such an explosion (blowout) will destabilize the balance leading to a crash and disaster.

2WKHU W\SHV RI W\UH IDLOXUHV RYHU LQÁDWLRQ LV WKH FDXVH :KHQ RYHU LQÁDWHG D W\UH EHFRPHV VWLͿ 7KLV FDQ PDNH LW puncture easily. The internal materials XVHG LQ PDNLQJ WKH W\UH DUH DOVR VXEMHFWHG to undue strain. This would make them snap, leading to bulges or swells. As the tyre hits a pothole or bumps, it can easily FXW DQG KDYH D VXGGHQ GHÁDWLRQ WKDW FRXOG cause a crash.

2YHU LQÁDWLRQ DOVR OHDGV WR SDUWLDO FRQWDFW of the tyres with the road surface. This reduces traction and can easily lead to loss of control when one is on high speed, wet surface, cornering or breaking. Each of these conditions can easily lead to a

crash and disaster.

Prevention-There are two very HͿHFWLYH RSWLRQV WR SUHYHQWLRQ RU drastic reduction of blowouts and other forms of tyre failures. Option 1: own a quality tyre pressure gauge.

As already pointed out, incorrect W\UH SUHVVXUH LV WKH PDMRU FDXVH RI blowouts and sudden tyre failure.

So, correct tyre pressure is a must for any safety conscious motorist.

But the big question is, how do you ensure that what the vulcanizer pumped into your tyre is the correct pressure? Only a quality tyre pressure gauge will tell you. A quality gauge will also enable you to gauge your tyres at the right time and to ensure that all the tyres maintain correct pressure before the vehicle is driven out for the day.

This is particularly important if you are in the transport business or if you are travelling. Never rely on the roadside vulcanizers’ gauge.

Most of their gauges are outright inferior, have been over used or abused over time and may have improper measuring units. In fairness to the vulcanizers, however, they may not be aware of these shortcomings with their gauges.

The second option is to install a KLJK SURÀOH DXWRPDWLF W\UH PRQLWRU This is a state of the art device that uses sensors and a wireless monitor to monitor your tyres on a 24-hour basis. It alerts the driver well in advance about an impending tyre blowout or failure. It pinpoints the exact tyre so that the driver will take

appropriate measures to deal with the VLWXDWLRQ ,W DOVR HͿHFWLYHO\ WDNHV FDUH RI premature tyre wear.

What is your vehicle’s correct tyre pressure?

By the end of the driver’s door of your vehicle, or in the vehicles’ manual, you ZLOO VHH D VSHFLÀFDWLRQ WKDW VKRZV VL]H RI W\UH IRU \RXU YHKLFOH DQG WKH LQÁDWLRQ pressure for the tyre in psi (pounds per square inch) religiously stick to that VSHFLÀFDWLRQ 'R QRW DOORZ DQ\RQH (especially the vulcanizer) to tell you otherwise unless you want to gamble with your life.

It is instructive to note here that it is not the tyre manufacturer that determines the pressure for your tyre, but the vehicle manufacturer. It is the vehicle manufacturer WKDW VSHFLÀHV WKH VL]H RI W\UHV DQG WKH pressure to be given the tyre. He has taken into consideration the weight, VSHHG QXPEHU RI SDVVHQJHUV DUWLÀFLDO LQÁDWLRQ E\ WKH KHDW DQG RWKHU IDFWRUV WR GHWHUPLQH ZKDW WKH SURSHU LQÁDWLRQ pressure should be.

7KH VSHFLÀFDWLRQ \RX VHH RQ WKH W\UHV LV WR HQDEOH \RX WR PDWFK WKH VSHFLÀFDtion of the vehicles’ manufacturer. In this light, it is equally dangerous to use W\UH VL]HV GLͿHUHQW IURP ZKDW WKH YHKLFOH PDQXIDFWXUHU VSHFLÀHG IRU WKH YHKLFOH Gauge and pump tyres at the right time-The right time to gauge /pump is when the tyres are cold. Mornings are most ideal. Before you drive out, gauge the tyres and if there is need to pump, slowly drive to the nearest vulcanizer.

If you are the type that leaves home very early, weekends may be the most convenient time for you.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

36 Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Psquare Appreciates Fans, Announces Reunion Album Ferdinand Ekechukwu

W

eeks after their 2022 world tour, which saw them reconnect with their fans in cities across Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America, following their comeback in November 2021, Nigerian singing duo, Peter and Paul Okoye, popularly known as Psquare, has revealed that the first project of their reunion will be released in 2023. The singers in an appreciation message to their fans also opened up about how 2022 turned out for them.

Psquare, who went on a “100 cities tour” around the world tagged ‘P-Square Reunion World Tour’ said they cashed out at every of their show last year. One half of the iconic duo, Peter Okoye aka Mr. P made the revelation via his social media account where he revealed it was a strategic decision for them not to release a new project in 2022 as they toured and connected with their fans while assuring them of the new body of work.

In an Instagram post by Mr. P, he said: “Confession! Yes it was a game plan not to release any new album after the reunion! Cos we wanted to tour around the world for a

year with our old classic hit songs! And trust @psquare we cashed & sold out! And now we are including a brand-new album in dis 2023. lgbo Sense… Thanks so much Psquare fans for your patience and support! 2023 here we come.”

Interestingly, Psquare in a couple of weeks from now will commence their Europe Tour in the month of March till May 2023. Psquare has been one of Africa’s most famous duos for over a decade with their music winning them massive followership across the world.

They produced and released their albums through Square Records (now Square Root Entertainment) The twin brothers parted ways in 2017 as they pursued solo careers. This brought an end to the multi-award-winning duo. In 2021, the brothers reconciled and returned as a duo announcing in a December 2021 reunion concert in which they apologized to fans for splitting. The musical duo has so far since their comeback released two tracks ‘Jaiye’ (Ihe Geme) and ‘Find Somebody’.

They also performed in multiple countries making special guest appearances at Afronation Portugal and Ghana where they melodiously went down memory lane. Expectedly, fans will be eager to receive a new project from the duo whose music captures different eras of the evolution of Afrobeats.

Psquare

Five Nollywood Movies to Watch out for in 2023 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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number of Nollywood movies LQ SXVKHG WKH ÀOP LQGXVWU\ forward, some away from the traditional cinema route. From a more authentic portrayal of Nigerian stories to partnerships with major streaming platforms, the industry KDG D QXPEHU RI PRYLHV WKDW UHD΀UPHG LWV position on the global map. Expectedly, 2023 will see movies equal such height. Meanwhile, 6KRZEL] OLVWV ÀYH PRYLHV YLHZHUV VKRXOG ZDWFK out for this year Web: Shot in the US, not a few Nollywood movie lovers and fans of superstar actress, Regina Askia has been looking forward to the movie since news came to town that the talented actress who dominated the industry for years would make her come back in the new movie after 20 years hiatus. The screen actress plays Olivia, the wife of Desmond (played by Ramsey Nouah). The story is about love, betrayal, and lust. The highly anticipated movie, whose executive producer is Lekan Ogunjobi, the CEO of Siderz EntertainPHQW ZDV GLUHFWHG E\ 86 EDVHG ÀOPPDNHU :ROH Ogundare starring popular Nigerian actors such as Nkechi Blessing Sunday and Seun Sesan Jimoh.

The big budget movie will also feature some Hollywood stars including Atandwa Kani who played King Tchaka in Black Pantha movie and American actress, Latoya Ward. Packed with

Regina Askia

steaming scenes, the movie is set to hit cinemas, DQG SRVVLEO\ D 1HWÁL[ GHDO WKLV \HDU Dead Serious: According to the movie director Moses Inwang, Dead Serious preaches against suicide and suicidal thoughts. It follows the story of a young man makes several unsuccessful attempts to take his own life after losing the love of his life just a few days to their wedding.

“It’s a romantic-comedy, it’s typically a comedy but one that is themed around a serious topic, suicide.” The movie features favourite actors and comedians such as Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Sharon Ooja, Mr. Funny, Nasboi, among others.

Rita Dominic

Lugard: Boasts of an ensemble of stellar cast, starring Gabriel Afolayn, Kehinde Bankole, Zack Orji, Norbert Young, Kalu Ikeagwu, Debo Adebayo (Mr. Macaroni), Rotimi Salami, Omowunmi Dada, Chinyere Wilfred, Hafeez Oyetoro, Adeniyi Johnson, among others. From the stable of 3 Knights Film in conjunction with B5Films and Monomania Entertainment, Lugard explores the need to educate young ones on the dangers of belonging to confraternities in the universities. The movie tells the story of an intelligent freshman who was initiated into cultism due to his intimidating brainpower in a XQLYHUVLW\ $IWHU KLV ÀUVW DVVLJQPHQW ZKLFK OHG

to the death of a rival confraternity leader, the eponymous character Lugard is being hunted.

The Trade: Inspired by true events, ‘The Trade’ is a fast-paced crime drama on kidnap for ransom in Nigeria. Written by award-winning screenwriter, Yinka Ogun and produced by Foresight Global Films, The Trade tells the story of Dike Maduka, aka Eric, a notorious genius billionaire kidnapper, who has evaded arrest for two decades, and the high-stakes investigation LQWR KLV DFWLYLWLHV OHG E\ IDVW ULVLQJ SROLFH R΀FHU and head of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Superintendant Khalid Abubakar. Directed by Jade Osiberu, the movie features Chiwetalu Agu, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Rita Dominic, Kelechi Udegbe, Gideon Okeke, Gregory Ojefua, Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu, Denola Grey, Stan Nze, Waje, Shawn Faqua, among others.

Gang of Lagos: Gang of Lagos is a high-stakes, gritty and hard-hitting action crime-thriller that centres on a group of friends – Obaloba, Gift, and Panama - who each have to navigate destiny, growing up on the bustling streets and neighbourhood of Isale Eko, Lagos. The movie is inspired by real-life characters. The title is set to star Tobi Bakare, Chioma Chukwuka, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Iyabo Ojo, musicians Chike, Zlatan Ibile, with Jade Osiberu, Kemi Lala Akindoju and Akin Omotosho as co-producers. The Jade Osiberu directorial has found a home on Amazon 3ULPH 9LGHR DQG LV VHW WR EHFRPH WKH ÀUVW ORFDO RULJLQDO IHDWXUH ÀOP RQ WKH VWUHDPLQJ SODWIRUP

Molt’N Makes Waves with New EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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s a budding artiste in a genre that is often dominated by men, Molt’N has faced her fair share of challenges and obstacles as she continues to break the barriers with the success of her recent Eponymous Play (EP), ‘The Outset’. But with hard work, dedication, and a unique style all her own, she has managed to carve out a place for herself in the rap scene and establish a devoted fan base while calling on more female artists to embrace the rap genre.

Molt’N, whose name is derived from the word “molten” and represents her ability to adapt and adjust to any shape or structure she is placed in, is more than just a rapper.

As a singer and songwriter with a diverse range of musical skills and an alter ego that represents her multifaceted abilities, Molt’N’s

talent for crafting memorable, profound O\ULFV ÀOOHG ZLWK UK\PHV DQG UK\WKPV is evident in her recent EP, ‘The Outset’, which has garnered over 200k streams across platforms and earned her a dedicated fan base.

The lovely thing about Molt’N’s EP ‘The OutSet’ is how conscious the rap songs are, as every song has something to which someone can relate.

According to her, “This is a testament to Molt’N’s ability to connect with her listeners and deliver powerful, relatable messages through her music. This EP is one for the history books. I expect more female rappers to come into the industry because is time for us to take the stage.”

In addition to the release of her EP, Molt’N has also had the opportunity to showcase her talent in a live studio performance, an experience she describes

as “unforgettable and surreal.” She also said, “Performing live allows me to connect with my audience on a deeper level and share my music in a way that is raw and authentic.

Despite the challenges and obstacles that come with being a female rapper, Molt’N has persevered and proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

She credits her success to her strong support system, which includes her family, collaborating partners, and fans. “My mother and sisters were heavily involved in the creation of ‘The Outset’, and I equally worked with Lamp 360 Limited to produce the EP and Prime88 Concepts on music distribution. Molt’N is grateful for the support she has received from those around her and is excited to continue making waves in the music industry. With her talent, drive, and determination, there is no doubt that Molt’N will continue to leave a lasting impact on the rap scene and beyond.

Molt’N

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

British Council’s Recipe for the Creative Economy Sanya Onayoade

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he setting was inventive and tastefully ingenious. The ambience of the Paintbox Art Academy in Kano spoke to the creativity needed to support the Nigerian economy. There were children aged four and above utilizing their paint brush to create murals of varying proportions. There ZHUH DOVR SRWWHU\ SRHWU\ DQG UD΀D ZHDYLQJ among others. Hitherto fringe demographics in the arts space such as young females and artisans mixed with creative minds at the British Council Creative Economy Showcase Programme.

Replica events emerged simultaneously in other parts of the country such as Port Harcourt and Lagos. The Port Harcourt event, themed Rivers of Art, featured visual and digital arts, animation, stage plays, comedy and music.

There were stage performances with eclectic choreography, soliloquy and small talks. In Lagos, popular rapper M I Abaga conducted sessions headlined by sundry musical acts and comedies.

Though the British Council initiative is aimed at assisting performance artists and art exhibitors in recovering from the economic challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic, the bigger picture is to use the creative industries as part of the building blocks for the national economy.

In 2013 that Nigeria’s GDP was rebased, the creative industries and the telecoms were part of the matrix used to move the size of the economy from USD 270 billion to USD 510 billion, HͿHFWLYHO\ FDWDSXOWLQJ WKH FRXQWU\ WR WRS RI WKH ladder in Africa. It overtook South Africa which had held the position. The economic mainstay, oil, contributes about 83% to the economy but contributes mere 9% to the GDP. With a huge population of 200 million supported by a paltry GDP from its major revenue class, the Nigerian economy can still be considered weak. Experts believe rebasing the economy would not lead to economic prosperity because while the statistics changed, the reality remains the same.

According to the World Bank, lack of job opportunities is at the core of the current high poverty levels, regional inequality, and social DQG SROLWLFDO XQUHVW +LJK LQÁDWLRQ KDV DOVR taken a toll on households’ welfare and high

Artistes performing at the Port Harcourt event

prices in 2020-2022 were likely to have pushed an additional 8 million Nigerians into poverty.

The creative industries are receiving attention as a future link to economic prosperity. Weighing the importance of Africa’s largest economy and the world’s most populous Black nation to the 8. WKH &KDLU RI )RUHLJQ $ͿDLUV &RPPLWWHH Tom Tugendhat, said: “Nigeria is at the forefront RI FKDQJH LQ $IULFD ,WV WKULYLQJ ÀOP DQG PXVLF scene, tech innovation and multiple opportunities for investment, there is much to admire and value. The enthusiasm of the Diaspora here in the UK is infectious and remains untapped.”

The British Council is providing the platform for a thriving clan of creatives, not just for their livelihoods but to support a struggling national economy. It is believed that the creative industries in Nigeria are rapidly growing economic powerhouses that are increasingly being recognised as pathways for sustainable livelihoods for young people across art forms.

This prospect is, however, facing daunting challenges of weak policy support, lack of infrastructure, low levels of awareness of the livelihood opportunities that exist within the art sectors and limited opportunities especially for networking, collaborations, and skill-sharing.

Besides, this sector was highly impacted

by the Covid 19 pandemic and its attendant economic compaction.

The British Council Creative Economy Showcase Programme which started in November runs through March 2023. It aims to stimulate links among Nigerian creatives by providing them access to the British Council exhibition spaces, for displays, showcases and performances in prime locations in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Kano states.

Lucy Pearson, British Council Nigeria’s Country Director, said: “This initiative by the British Council is assisting performance artists and art exhibitors, many of whom were adversely DͿHFWHG E\ WKH &29,' SDQGHPLF DQG WKH resultant economic challenges. Many creative businesses, particularly those involving art forms that require live performances, are still UHFRYHULQJ IURP WKH ORQJ WHUP KDUPIXO HͿHFWV of the crisis,” The British Council appointed four curators to review submissions from artists and creative entrepreneurs following a widely advertised call for applications that ended in July 2022. The FXUDWRUV IRU WKH IRXU YHQXHV LQ WKH GLͿHUHQW VWDWHV were Creative Arts and Visual Imagery Centre (CAVIC) in Abuja, TASCK in Lagos, StartUp

South in Port Harcourt and StartUp Kano in Kano. The curators selected the best entries for venue support and work with the exhibitors to deliver their work and draw audiences to DWWHQG $OO SURÀWV PDGH WKURXJK WKH VDOH RI WLFNHWV RU RWKHU ÀQDQFLDO UHZDUGV LQFOXGLQJ sponsorships, would go to the exhibitors.

British Council Head of Arts West Africa and Creative Economy Lead SSA, Brenda Fashugba, said the intervention would stimulate creative entrepreneurship. “The Creative Economy Showcase Programme helps resolve several challenges for creative entrepreneurs, such as RͿVHWWLQJ WKH PDVVLYH FRVW RI UHQWLQJ D SUHPLXP venue space, providing communication support WKURXJK SXEOLFLW\ IRU WKH SURJUDPPH RͿHULQJ exhibitors access to the British Council network of art enthusiasts and stakeholders as well as DͿRUGLQJ H[KLELWRUV DFFHVV WR RXU RUJDQLVDWLRQDO knowledge of event management, programme management and planning.”

One of the most memorable art showcases curated by TASCK in Lagos combined the Red Button Fashion Showcase and African Beer with Oma Soft spot music, dance and poetry performances. Red Button, a fashion design house whose designs focus on African stories, powerful women and sustainability, displayed their new fashion collection: green cover. At the same event, Sir Dauda performed some of his hit songs together with ten other performers, including Winny, Emaxee, Mani Lapussh, Phaemous, Phola Preye, and others who also took the stage.

Nigerians are renowned for their creative expressions; vibrant energy expressed through diverse creative demonstrations. Being a country with one of the largest youth populations, Nigeria is positioned to harness this potential for economic growth. There is urgent need to raise awareness among key Nigerian Arts stakeholders and policymakers about this initiative.

Reviewing the Rivers of Art creative performances in Port Harcourt, The Paintbox Experience in Kano and the Incredible Sessions music performances in Lagos that featured Nigerian rapper and record producer MI Abaga, indicates that the Creative industries could truly be an elixir to national economic prosperity.

Sanya Onayoade is Media Consultant to British Council.

At Burna Boy’s ‘Lagos Loves Damini’ Concert Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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frofusion artiste, Burna Boy has had a fantastic music career. He has earned numerous accolades and recognitions to show for it.

The African giant has sold out iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden, State Farm Arena, 02 Arena London, and a slew of other venues around the world. He had a splendid 2022, releasing chart-topping album and singles that dominated local and international charts. His monster hit “Last Last” even made it to Barack Obama’s playlist for 2022.

The Spaceship Entertainment frontline act and owner, after touring the world heavily in 2022, decided to kick off 2023 with a homecoming performance in Lagos. But that didn’t go down well as planned last Sunday January 1, 2022, coincidentally same day shortly after the Grammy-award winning superstar was named one of the greatest musicians of all time

by Rolling Stone, an esteemed music publication which released a list spanning 200 singers it said are among the all-time greatest.

The New Year’s Day show, which was slated to start by 6 p.m. Nigerian time, was said, did not see Damini Ogulu aka Burna Boy climb the stage until 3:30 a.m. Aggrieved fans did not hold back in airing their grievances after waiting over 8 hours for an hour performance at the Burna Boy’s concert dubbed ‘Lagos Loves Damini’. According to the show attendees, via social media, no sort of apology was issued by the singer, but he instead went on to claim he would have left the event if not for fast rising street-hop act Seyi Vibez.

Though his die-hard fans did stayed back and enjoyed the concert despite the long wait. He performed till about 4:42 AM which was just over an hour, taking fans on a journey of his timeless hit songs and they sang along. While he performed,

thousands of fans began to gradually make their way out of the venue. Burna Boy delivered his international smash hit ‘Last Last’ and the heartbreak anthem brought the show to an end.

He would later issue a statement for his late appearance and attribute it to some technical issues and blamed the show handlers at WonderX. According to him, he arrived on time and planned to start the show at about 11 pm. But with the challenges with the audio, he had no choice but to delay until it was fixed. He also suggested he was going to invest in world-class infrastructure for hosting concerts.

While some of his fans accepted the apology others still raged on social media as a video of Burna Boy kicking a fan from the stage dominated Twitter timelines with a simple search for “Burna Boy”. Burna Boy while addressing fans at the show stumped on the face of a supposedly overzealous fan who attempted to climb the stage. In the video making rounds on social media, the fan was seen as he fell off after the unexpected kick.

Nevertheless overzealous, a true fan of Burna Boy should know it’s really a challenge for him coping and has once addressed people who jump on stage during his performance at concerts.

The music star had said he knows it is all love when fans decide to jump on stage but it took him a long while to get used to it. However, Burna Boy added that he is different and he can’t be sure if the ‘stage jumper’ is someone he has offended in the past. The music star then noted that since it is also a show of fan love, people should try their best not to startle him too much so he doesn’t do something crazy.

Burna Boy

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

TRIBUTE Sheikh Alli Balogun: His Life of Philanthropy and Mosque Reputed to be one of the wealthiest in his era, religious and affluence, his opulence, business acumen and humanitarian gesture touched all and sundry. Sheikh Alli Balogun, a renowned businessman born in 1830, was a Nupe Prince of Tapa ancestry and an Awori mother of Isale Eko extraction. He died in 1931 and 90th years after he remains unforgettable, writes Gbolahan Alli-Balogun

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is name is synonymous with Lagos. So popular was his name that nearly a century after his exit from the planet of earth, he remained iconic. Alli Balogun was a wealthy business man, religious leader and politician in Lagos in the late 18th century. In his early life, he was a deeply spiritual kid who is well grounded in reading and learning Qur’an.

Not long after, his father passed on and his uncle took charge of his upbringing, shortly after, his uncle also passed on.

A man of destiny, who wouldn’t allow his circumstances to hamper his vision, barely into his twenties, he had known that the inherited business game his father established had to change and be built upon. From being harboured, tutored and guided, he now had to break out on his own and fully take control of his life.

His first effort at fully fending for himself was in trading in bits and ends, especially iron bands (oja agba). He started off brightly but things moved rather slowly. Very soon, he analysed his competition and his opportunities and came up with the idea that, all alone, he could not reach all of his intended targets without some form of assistance from deploying more human resources to his business. So, he employed a band of people to assist him trade extensively while he conducted the business from the top.

Fortune soon smiled on him because by trading outside religious, ethnic and other sectional lines with his itinerant small timers, he was able to garner a critical mass of customers to satisfy on a daily basis. But, much more than his trading instincts, was his ability to keep his accounting books.

He was so adept at keeping his accounts, it was said that he knew by rote all his transactions and those carried out by his subordinates. With time, he opened his own shops and he was no longer itinerant, even though his employees still were. Sensing his business acumen and his visible success, he was approached by a retinue of European companies to be their representative in Lagos and in the hinterland, trading in merchandise.

This was the beginning of the stupendous wealth of Alli Balogun. Having to trade with those in the hinterland, he figured out pretty quickly that he had to invest more in a transport system. He chose to massively invest in merchandise bearing canoes along the rivers, lagoons and creeks by which he could easily reach out to the hinterland.

This was to markedly improve his fortune and earned him the sobriquet Alli Oloko

(essentially because of his merchandise bearing trading canoes).

Like all forward looking shrewd business people, he decided to diversify into another line of business that will challenge more his sharp intellect. Meanwhile, he had become so successful from merchandising and he was living large. He had imported a Rolls Royce car from the United Kingdom and after a few years, bought yet another Rolls Royce, making two, the second of which he rode during Muslim holidays and festivities.

Then came the idea of supporting entrepreneurs to engage in any line of business and be successful at it, especially those who lacked the financial muscles to attain a decent start or those who had run into financial rough weather in the process.

Combining his book keeping skills and his money liquidity, he set up shop to be a financial potentate in what was then a loose financial regulatory environment. In a short while, he became adept at it, made so much money that he became a first point of call, an alternative and subsequently a competitor, to the risk management functions of the only bank in Nigeria at the time- the British Bank of West Africa (the precursor of today’s First Bank of Nigeria).

Clearly, the most financially successful man of his time, Alli Balogun was the largest depositor in the British Bank of West Africa in that era. Having conquered the business world, he expanded his empire.

Alli Balogun decided to venture into real estate. While he invested in properties with his own proceeds, he also benefited from properties as a result of asset foreclosures and forfeitures from his risk management business.

He built a lavish property of his own on Victoria Street(now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) and called it “Makanjuola House’, a name which also became one of his many aliases.

At Muslim festivities, he had the habit of returning the title deeds of foreclosed properties to their former owners. This gesture was always anticipated and was met with joy and celebrations, every year.

Still, by the time Alli Balogun died in July 13, 1933, he had a total of 44 properties; all on Lagos Island, except for the one in Iddo; opposite the Railway Terminus.

One other noticeable interesting attitude of Alli Balogun was his non-belief in courtship between young people before marriage. He would simply give out his daughters in marriage to his friends and acolytes. Indeed, his first daughter was given out in marriage to the Chief Imam of Lagos, Imam Ibrahim. Subsequently, his other marriage- age daughters were

betrothed to other noble Lagos families.

Given his reach, wealth and influence in Lagos, it was a question of time before Alli Balogun played the politics of his time. The seed for his full involvement in Lagos politics was sown by the British Colonial Government in 1899 when the Colonial Governor, Sir William MacGregor appointed Alli Balogun a member of the General Sanitation Board. Mixing business with religion and politics, the business magnate succeeded.

And many years saw him calling the shot in Lagos politics. While he was dip in the politics of Lagos there were some policies in terms of levels and constitutional matters such as appointments that were resisted.

The intrigues that led to the suspension of the then Oba Eshugbayi.

But sense of reason prevailed, Oba Eshugbayi was reinstated after he agreed to cancel his controversial appointments.

That Alli Balogun was a deeply religious man was an understatement.

There was a fraca in the religious setting at that time where different factions emerged. It was in the midst of all these that Alli Balogun decided to build his own mosque, a stone throw from the Central Mosque, on Victoria Street, now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street. An architectural masterpiece, it had cost him £10,000 at its completion, in 1925.

His mosque would later serveed as a Central Mosque where Jumat prayers will be held. It was such a prophetic riposte. Six decades down the line in the 1980s when the old Central Mosque was pulled down for the building of a new one, the Alli Balogun mosque assumed the position of the Lagos Central Mosque, for the number of years it took for the new Central Mosque to be built.

Of tall, imposing and stately stature, Alli Balogun was highly reputed for his philanthropy, particularly in his avowed and unflinching support to the cause of Islam. Indeed, it was asserted that Alli Balogun was formally introduced to Lagos Royalty by the King of Saudi Arabia in the 1800s because of his philanthropic activities. Not only did he build his own mosque, he also channeled his

The Daily Times of Nigeria of July 14 1933, on its front page announced his passing as that of a Prince Merchant and a Philanthropist. On the lower right portion of the same Daily Times newspaper was the content of a telegram sent by the British Bank of West Africa to its Overseas Head Office, expressing concern about the death of the Bank’s largest depositor. The telegram read: Alli Balogun is dead. What shall we do?

immense resources towards supporting the Jumat Central Mosque; accented and initiated by his name being the first of the eight signatories to the address read at the commissioning of the new Lagos Central Mosque in July 1913, at which Oba Eshugbayi Eleko was in attendance.

Aside, he supported morally and financially in building several mosques in Lagos and Ejinrin. He equally provided resources for native institutions and funded many, such as the Glover Memorial Hall, the Industrial and Commercial Bank, the Nigerian Mercantile Bank, the Young Ansar- Ud- Deen Society School and so many others.

Alli Balogun also took a firm stand in the direction of western education. Even though an ardent Muslim, He insisted that his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grandnieces should benefit from western education; and provided resources to do so. But, more importantly, even the children of his relatives, those of his servants and their children who lived in the neighbourhood were all encouraged to go to school. To make their admission to school easier and to demonstrate who was in charge of footing the bill, quite a number of the non-family beneficiaries even registered their wards with the Alli Balogun surname.

Still, nothing supports Alli Balogun’s philanthropic disposition better than his last will and testament. The will had Alli Balogun’s friend, Henry Carr, O.B.E as Executor and Trustee. After bequeathing some of his huge possessions to the Central Mosque, his children and grand children, he directed that any of his children or grandchildren who showed an aptitude to study Medicine, Law or Civil Engineering should be sent to England for the programmes and the fees and upkeep should be funded from his Alli Balogun Residuary Trust Fund. After this, he applied his mind to his neighbourhood and gave out properties and monetary gifts to all and sundry. Alli Balogun, would bequeath his will to benefit even those living in his neighbourhood’ Variously nicknamed as Alli Oloko, essentially because of his fleet of trading canoes, some of which he had inherited from his illustrious father; and built upon, he was also referred to as Baba L’oke, Kinihun Onibudo, Alli Dodondawa and Makanjuola but it was his chieftaincy title that stuck to his name, hence he became most popular as Alli Balogun.

Neatly carved on the white marble tombstone, underneath where he was buried on Victoria Street (now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) Lagos were the words Alli Balogun 1830-1933 (103 Years); and in the Yoruba language A Lo Ma Ni Gbagbe (Unforgettable). Alli Balogun died on Thursday, July 13, 1933. The Daily Times of Nigeria of July 14 1933, on its front page announced his passing as that of a Prince Merchant and a Philanthropist. On the lower right portion of the same Daily Times newspaper was the content of a telegram sent by the British Bank of West Africa to its Overseas Head Office, expressing concern about the death of the Bank’s largest depositor. The telegram read: Alli Balogun is dead. What shall we do?

Such was the massive impact the life of service Alli Balogun had on Lagos, its people and its politics. May his soul find eternal rest.

Dr. Gbolahan Alli-Balogun writes from Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 7, 2023

TRIBUTE Benedict XVI: A Humble Labourer in The Lord’s Vineyard Fernando Ocáriz

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ith the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, we have lost a priest, theologian, bishop, cardinal, and pope who saw himself as “a humble labourer in the Lord’s vineyard.” Along with our grief, it is natural for us to thank God for his life and teachings. The discretion and sobriety with which the German pontiff lived since 2013, in an attitude of prayer, were his last lesson.

Since I first met him personally in 1986, when I began to collaborate with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith as a consultor, I was struck by his readiness to listen to everyone. I had the opportunity to be alone with him on many occasions for questions related to the Congregation and other matters. In those encounters, he was never the one to end the conversation or to point out that he had other issues to attend to. It was edifying to see his consideration for others’ opinions, even when they differed from his. Contrary opinions could be put to him with ease; they did not bother him, even when they came from someone younger or with less training or experience. The truth was what really mattered to him, so he took his episcopal motto from some words of St. John: Cooperatores veritatis (3 Jn 8).

His love for the Church and the Pope was exemplary, going beyond sentiment. I remember, for example, when Msgr. Lefebvre accepted what was proposed to him and shortly after backed out. Witnessing

Benedict XVI

this, Cardinal Ratzinger was moved to exclaim sorrowfully: “How can they not realise that without the Pope, they are nothing!”

His humility and love for the Lord made him capable of responding with a “yes” to what the Lord and the Church asked of him. It is well-known that he presented his resignation to St. John Paul II on several occasions so that he could be replaced by someone younger, with more physical vitality. When the Pope asked him to remain in office, Cardinal Ratzinger did

so without hesitation.

Shortly after his election to the See of Peter, he said that when St. John Paul II died, he thought he would be able to retire to his native Germany and devote himself to prayer and study. But the Lord had other plans, and he had to hear the words of John 21 applied to himself: “Amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

In the same way, he knew how to step aside when, in the presence of God, he saw that he could no longer adequately exercise the demanding responsibilities that come with the mission of the successor of Peter. Like everyone, I received the news of his resignation with a mixture of sorrow and affection for this great successor of St. Peter. In recent months, his physical strength visibly waned, but his mental lucidity, serenity of spirit, simplicity, and kindness did not.

Knowing how to disappear, serving the Church with silent prayer, was the characteristic note of the years following his resignation. I was able to visit him on a few occasions in his residence in the Vatican Gardens: he was noticeably interested in others and centred in prayer. As he said himself, he felt like a pilgrim on his way to the Father’s house, to the embrace of Christ, who was the object of his love and his long years of study.

In the nearly eight years of his pontificate, Benedict XVI left us a great spiritual and doctrinal heritage in the encyclicals

Deus caritas est, Spe salvi, Caritas in veritate, along with many apostolic exhortations and homilies. The magisterium of his Wednesday audiences — like those related to the Church, the Apostles and Fathers of the Church, and the cycle of audiences on prayer, which form a beautiful and profound treatise on dialogue with God — is enormously rich.

His whole life could be summarized in one beautiful phrase he pronounced at the Mass at the beginning of his Petrine ministry: “There is nothing more beautiful than allowing oneself to be touched by the Gospel, by Christ.” For him, happiness “has a name, it has a face: that of Jesus of Nazareth, hidden in the Eucharist.”

Benedict XVI steered the boat of the Church on the sea of history with his eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, on “days of sun and of light winds, days when the catch was abundant; there were also moments when the waters were rough and the winds against us, as throughout the Church’s history, and the Lord seemed to be sleeping.” But he knew that the boat belonged to Christ.

Benedict XVI has been one of those “lights close by—people who shine with his light and so guide us along our way,” as he so beautifully described in the encyclical Spe Salvi. His work in the vineyard of the Church will have earned him the loving words of Christ: “Come, good and faithful servant, share your master’s joy.”

Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz is the Prelate of Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church.

Osi Samuels@55: Celebrating a Patriot Samuel Ajayi

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hen Dr. Jay Osi Samuels, aHarvard-trainedpublic healthspecialistandthe deputy chief executive officer in charge of programmes of APIN PublicHealthInitiatives, clocked 55 earlier in the week, January 3rd to be precise, there was no fun fair. No clinking of glasses and there was no ordinary gala night to mark the epoch. In fact, didn’t even know he was out of the country then.

And when this reporter reminded him of the milestone,inhischaracteristicmanner,hesmiled andstatedtherewasnoneedforanycelebrations asthejobathandismorethanclinkingofglasses andsharingofbottlesofwine.Accordingtohim, thejobofnationrescuehesethimselftoachieve about six years ago is far from being achieved.

In2017,Samuelshadburstintonationallimelight when he formed the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN, which was later registered as apolitical party at the end of that same 2017. The idea, accordingtoSamuels,wastogalvaniseNigerians who are in the corporate sector to get involved in the political process and stop staying aloof and be criticizing politicians and accusing them of messing up the country. According to him, politics had been seen as what should be left forthosewhodidnothaveprinciplesandhence, Nigeriansinthecorporatesectorwouldjuststay in the confines of their homes on election day and won’t vote not to talk of getting involved to the point of contesting for elective positions.

Samuels himself alluded to this during an interview with THISDAY in 2017 that he too could have stayed within his comfort zone and be lamenting like others and then chose not to do anything.

“I could have stayed in my comfort zone and be watching,” he said that time when explain his reasons for stepping up and deciding to be counted and try to take the country back from the rent seekers that have held it hostage since independence.

Samuels

“ButIfelttherewastheneedtogetthoseinthe corporateworldandtechnocratstogetinvolved in the political process. I believe we could retire theseoldpoliticiansifwearedetermined.Ifallof uskeepsayingitwasnotpossible,thenitwon’tbe”.

He expatiated that ANN as an idea came after several meetings of young and patriotic Nigerians, professionals, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyersandotherswhowereconcernedabout thestateofdecadenceofgovernanceinNigeria.

“We felt it was right for us to play our role, hitherto even though most of us have not been involved in politics. We felt that we can’t just sit on the side line and be complaining instead of beingpartoftheprocess.So,agroupofusstarted coming together. We were initially 10 in number, but with time, we expanded with the original foundingmembersofANN,weare10andwecut across all professions and age. I happen to be one of the oldest among our group at that time.”

Samuels came with the political ideology

called ‘technoticianism’ and those who subscribed to this then were being called ‘technoticians’. When asked how he came about that word that time, he said it was a combination of two words-technocrats and politicians. He explained that those who were technocrats and chose to be part of the political process were to be called technoticians.

The party was eventually registered but unfortunately some external forces conspired with some of those Samuels thought shared same ideals with him to truncate the dream. On the experience, Samuelssaiditwasverydevastatingbuthe alsolearnedsomeinvaluablelessonsthathe would always make use of as he navigates his future involvement in partisan politics.

As 2023 approaches, Samuels has not been fully involved as he was in 2019 but even at that, he believes the nation needs

a new breath of air and it was high time the old politicians in the two major parties were sent into permanent political retirement. According to him, the nation was where it was in 2014 when people were tired of the then ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and started rooting for the now ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. “The people are tired and the mood now is like what it was in 2014 if not even worse,” Samuels told THISDAY earlier in the week. “The people are tired of both the APC and the PDP because they have since realised that these two political tendencies are one and the same. Nigeria needs a new lease of life and that is represented by no otherpersonthanPeterObioftheLabourParty.”

He explained that the bimodal voter accreditation system, BVAS, has almost made rigging impossibleandthatiswhythecareerpoliticians are jittery. He added that the new policies introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, wouldalsomakevotebuyingalmostimpossible.

“That is why they have been attacking both INEC and CBN because the polices of these two critical bodies are game changers. Votes must count and the wishes of the people must reflect in the person that emerges at the end of the day,” Samuels said.

It must be noted, however, that involvement in partisanpoliticshasnotpreventedSamuelsfrom focusingonhisfirstcalling:providingassistance for governments in the area of strengthening public health institutions. As deputy CEO, programmes of APIN, his jobs include provision of strategic leadership, direct program strategies and lead the implementation of donor funded interventions. Identify and lead the process for new business development and support the alignment of organisational achievements with adequate fiduciary management. And the success stories of the organization have largely been due to a team of core professionals who have worked their socks off to ensure that the organisation’s aims and objectives, especially as spelt out by donor agencies, are realised.

Today,theagencyispresentinalmost10states and has recorded verifiable successes in these states.

Saturday, January 7, 2023

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Ezekwesili on Budget 2023 “This is the summary of the hopeless Budget @MBuhari signed into law: Total expenditure is N21.83 trillion. Total revenue N9.73 trillion! The Budget has a deficit larger than revenue by almost N12.00 trillion! Tragic. You all better get your PVCs ready” –A former minister of education, Obiageli Ezekwesili raising concerns about the 2023 federal budget signed by President Buhari.

MIKEOZEKHOME Let Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, a Brilliant Jurist Be GUEST COLUMNIST

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ews that the National Judicial Council (NJC ), the nation’s judicial regulatory agency has reversed its earlier suspension (on corruption charges ) of Hon. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia and re-instated her as a judge of the Federal High Court, has elicited mostly positive – even if muted – responses from a large section of the society, particularly stakeholders in the justice – delivery sector. So far, the apparent lone voice of dissent appears to be that of a Civil Society Organization (CSO), the Access to Justice (or A2J for short).

I was surprised to read a press release, titled (rather most unkindly): “A brutal agonizing stab on the soul and body of Nigeria’s Judiciary”, made

by A2J. The respected organization in the said statement frowned at NJC’s action in reinstating Justice Ajumogobia, a refreshingly welcome act, which it described as “unfortunate”; given what it called, “serious and damning accusations against Justice Ajumogobia”. In its opinion, NJC’s decision “will cast a long and dark shadow over the Judiciary for a long time to come and amplify questions whether the Nigerian Judiciary can continue to legitimately exercise judicial power.”

The CSO called on the NJC to immediately reverse its decision to reinstate Justice Ajumogobia.

No. It is the other way round. The NJC should be commended and accorded plaudits and encomiums for this uncommon act of observance of due process and the rule of law.

To enable us have a full grasp and understanding of the depth and breadth of the circumstances surrounding the NJC’s overdue decision, it is necessary to put forward and review Justice Ajumogobia’s painful and agonizing travails over the years. Her Lordship was first dragged before Hon. Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the High Court of Lagos State on 28th November, 2016, (over six years ago), alongside a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Godwin Obla.

They were arraigned on 30 counts, in which the latter was accused of offering Justice Ajumogobia the sum of N5 million as gratification allegedly to influence her decision in a suit marked FHC/L/C/482c/2010. Furthermore, Justice Ajumogibia was accused of receiving the sum of $793,800 in several tranches from different sources between 2012 and 2015 “so as to have a significant increase in your assets that you cannot reasonably explain the increase in relation to your lawful income.” That trial went nowhere and Justice Ajumogobia was reprieved after she was discharged.

Not satisfied, however, the EFCC re-arraigned her before Hon. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court, who in a ruling delivered on the 19th day of November, 2021, brought her ordeal to an end, as the court accepted her counsel’s application and quashed all the 18 counts against her, which had alleged unlawful enrichment, bribery and money laundering. In the words of the court: “An order is hereby granted striking out or quashing the charge against the applicant in its entirety for being incompetent and this court lacks the jurisdiction to try same.”

If the public thought that the ruling had farreaching implications for the Judiciary in terms of obedience to court orders, more hair-splitting was to arise as to how the learned trial Judge arrived at his judgement.

The answer lies in a subsequent judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal on the 11th of December, 2017, in the case of FRN vs Hon.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia

Justice Nganjiwa. The court in that case held that a serving Judge cannot be prosecuted by the EFCC or any prosecutorial agency unless the Judge had first been probed by the NJC, found guilty and dismissed. Justice Obaseki-Adejumo, JCA, who delivered the lead judgement which was unanimously endorsed by other members of the panel, declared that “the NJC is the sole body empowered by the Constitution to determine allegations of misconduct against judicial officers even on criminal allegations of bribery and corruption made against them.”

Continuing, the intermediate court held that “NJC is created by the Constitution to solely regulate affairs of the appointed judicial officer without interference from any authority, and that it is only when the NJC has given a verdict and handed over such judicial officer (removing his toga of judicial powers) to the prosecuting authority that he may then be investigated and prosecuted by the appropriate security agencies”. This judgement was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court earlier this year on 27th May, 2022.

It was against this background that Hon. Justice Allagoa, upon being presented with the true and correct position of the law, discharged and acquitted Justice Ajumogobia, on the 21st day of November, 2021, as aforesaid. Pray, where is Ajumogobia’s fault in any of these? Is she to blame for seeking justice through the constitutionally – guaranteed medium, having her day in court and prevailing in hotly contested cases that dragged her name in the mud for over six years? Must she be persecuted for being successful and coming out triumphant against all odds - the serial attempts to truncate her illustrious judicial career, prematurely? Must NJC be unfairly lampooned for obeying court orders and refusing to appeal same after discovering its earlier error in hastily terminating her appointment? Is the NJC a court of law with supervisory jurisdiction over courts of law? The answers to these posers are too obvious to admit of any sophistry or Baba Sala’s Kerikeri histrionics. This conveniently takes us to the next question, which is: is Access to Justice right in its opinion?

This question is legitimate because, even though opinion is free, it must, however, be expressed

responsibly, with due regard to the facts of each case and the rights of other persons; and in the peculiar circumstances of this case, the observance of the rule of law, equity, fairness, justice and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.

Yes, A2J has a right to its opinion on the reinstatement of Justice Ajumogobia; but is that opinion correct? Is Ajumogobia’s case of reinstatement to her duties unique, uncharted, or unusual? Is there anything to suggest that NJC’s decision was motivated by any untoward considerations? Was it actuated by inappropriate motives such as a desire “to protect one of its own”, seemingly at all cost? Was the decision, all things considered, in the public interest? Is it fair for Access to Justice to have jumped to the conclusion that it was not? Was Justice Ajumogobia’s case special? Is it unprecedented?

Why should she – as the Organization suggests – remain suspended and traumatised indefinitely for over a year (since November, 19, 2021), even after the Federal High Court had quashed the charges for which she was indicted in the first place? Is law an instrument of oppression? Is it no longer an instrument of social engineering as Prof Dean Roscoe Pound once propounded?

These questions are pertinent because not only was Justice Ajumogobia in ‘judicial limbo’ for well over six years (since November, 28, 2016, when she was first arraigned), hers was certainly not an isolated case. A host of judicial officers who were similarly indicted and charged to court for alleged corrupt practices and unjust enrichment by the EFCC, the Code of Conduct Bureau and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, had since been reprieved, with some of them fully restored or reinstated to their various posts and positions in the judiciary.

Some of these Jurists include, but not limited to, late Hon Justice Sylvester Ngwuta, Hon. Justice Adeniyi Ademola( rtd) of the FHC; Hon. Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa (FHC); and Hon.Justice Agbadu Fishim (NICN). All the charges against them were quashed and dismissed for incompetence; and all of them were reinstated as judicial officers by the NJC. The only curious exceptions were Hon Justices Agbadun Fishin and Gladys Oloitu (FHC), whose secured victories from courts of competent jurisdictions were surprisingly appealed by the NJC, a judicial organ that ought ordinarily to protect the dignity of the courts and to bow to superior decisions of such courts of law that delivered judgements after full-blown trials and hearings duly witnessed by members of the public.

Justice Ngwuta later resumed his duties fully at the Supreme Court. I had the opportunity to appear before him in some cases before he transited. Not few Nigerians believe that his subsequent death not long after his reinstatement to the apex court was occasioned by the humiliation, mental trauma, agonizing ordeal and psychological depression that attended his state - sponsored persecution.

Hon Justice Ademola honourably retired from judicial service after his reinstatement. Continuing in service to an apparently ungrateful and lynching country was no longer necessary. Do you blame him? Former CJN, Walter Onoghen, was literally humiliated, intimidated, harassed, hunted, and finally hounded out of the apex court through a mere ex parte order instigated by an intemperate Executive.

So, why and how is Justice Ajumogobia’s case different, having won her case? Yet, some other Judges were merely investigated and never charged to court at all. Why? That is the question which Access

to Justice should seek answers to. For example, the unfair case of Hon. Justice Nnamdi Dimgba cries to high heavens here. The house of the cerebral and intellectually – grounded scholar-Jurist was crudely attacked, broken into and ransacked by hooded SSS operatives who pulled down doors and windows. Nothing incriminating was ever found on him. But, did the government deem it fit, decent and noble to apologise to him; to balm his bruised ego? No. Has this government ever realized what harm and mental torture are thereby inflicted and etched forever in the psyche of such innocent citizens whose houses were brutally invaded, viet armies, and with them and their families brazenly subjected to intimidation, coercion, fear and humiliation?

In castigating the NJC for reinstating Justice Ajumogobia, Access to Justice unfortunately terribly missed the mark this time around. This is because, without proffering any convincing logical, moral, legal or constitutional arguments for impugning Justice Ajumogobia’s reinstatement following her exoneration by various courts of law, A2J came across in its press release, as less-than-professional (with all due respect); and motivated by less than altruistic considerations. Perhaps, one of the very few instances, though.

For the avoidance of doubt, any criticism of Ajumogobia’s reinstatement can only be accommodated and must be located within the precincts and four corners of the clear provisions of sections 6,153(1)(i),158,292(1) and Paragraph 21(b) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, which clearly spell out the plenitude and amplitude of the functions of the NJC –and no more. Anything short of that would be unconstitutional.

Yes, corruption is bad and judicial corruption is even worse – in fact, more deadly and cancerous.

I once described corruption on September 12, 2013 (after my release from my three weeks excruciating ordeal in the hands of kidnappers), as the 37th State of Nigeria, which I described as the wealthiest and most powerful.

I had therefore theorized, and I still maintain my theory, that we must kill corruption before corruption kills us all. But, in fighting corruption, we must do so within the realm of decency, with respect to citizens’ rights and observance of the rule of law and due process. Fighting corruption with corrupt, unorthodox or unconscionable means is a worse form of corruption. Thus, to condemn a Ajumogobia’s reinstatement to her position from which she was wrongly and unconstitutionally removed in the first place, so as to perpetually subject her to the asphyxiating and hanging Sword of Damocles, despite having been fully cleared of all charges by courts of competent jurisdiction – as A2J appears to suggest– is simply most unfair and uncharitable, to put it mildly.

This stance is surprising, given A2J’s pedigree as an organization consisting mostly of legal practitioners. They are, first and foremost, Ministers in the Temple of Justice. They therefore ought to be familiar with the famous aphorism that, “it is better for 10 guilty men (or women) to be set free than for an innocent man or woman (in this case, Justice Ajumogobia) to be convicted”. This is even worse where such conviction is by the court of public opinion that lacks all the necessary facts and the peculiar workings our justice system. Put simply, A2J got it wrong this time around – big time.

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