SATURDAY 8TH JANUARY 2022

NNPC Must Focus on Profitability, Value Creation, Operate at Par with Global Industry Peers, Buhari Tells New Board Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has mandated the Board of the newly incorporated Nigerian

National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, to ensure that the firm focuses on profitability and operates at par with its industry peers

across the world, “while acting as enabler company that will foster the development of other sectors of our economy.”

Inaugurating the Board

chaired by Senator Margery Chuba Okadigbo, at the State House, Abuja yesterday, the President also charged them to ensure that NNPC strictly

complies with Corporate Governance principles that place premium on doing business with the highest ethical standards, integrity,

and transparency.

Buhari said: ''The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Continued on page 5

Ugwuanyi Summons Security Meeting as Terrorists Kill Scores in Isi-Uzo… Page 6 Saturday 8 January, 2022 Vol 27. No 9769

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Obasanjo: Unemployment Forcing Youths into Violent Groups, Kidnap Gangs Our Correspondents Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday raised the alarm that many Nigerian youths "are enlisting in violent

groups and kidnap gangs" owing to unemployment and the inability of government to manage the country’s population.

Obasanjo, who was speaking

at the Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe symposium in Lagos, also expressed worry about the country’s growing population, especially the unemployed youths.

He said political will and action were key to transforming the country’s population into an asset.

Obasanjo further raised a number of critical questions

concerning how to manage Nigeria’s rising population: “First cluster of questions are: How are we going to feed this growing population?

How are we going to house

them, educate them, provided we have security and other variants of security?”

He said the second cluster Continued on page 5

Heeding Buhari's Advice, APC Govs Convene Emergency Meeting to Actualise National Convention Say date in February still possible as 5 disgruntled members beg Abuja court for restraining order Party set to deal with recalcitrant followers Deji Elumoye, Adedayo Akinwale and Alex Enumah in Abuja, Charles Ajunwa in Lagos The Governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have summoned an emergency meeting in Abuja tomorrow to pick a date for the party's National Convention, in line with the advice of President Muhammadu Buhari that the party should put its house in order to avoid being kicked out by the opposition in 2023.

The Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, who disclosed this yesterday after a meeting with Buhari at the State House, Abuja, said “the party is still hopeful that a date in February is still feasible for Continued on page 5

MARGRET OKADIGBO TAKES CHARGE AT NNPC… L-R: Chairman, Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Senator Margret Chuba Okadigbo; Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva; Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (board member) and Mrs. Lami Ahmed (board member), after the inauguration of the NNPC board by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja...yesterday.

Bogoro Violence: Bauchi Govt Drags Dogara, 28 Others to Court... Page 6

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SATURDAY JANUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 , 2022

PAGE FIVE NNPC MUST FOCUS ON PROFITABILITY, VALUE CREATION, OPERATE AT PAR WITH GLOBAL INDUSTRY PEERS, BUHARI TELLS NEW BOARD Limited is mandated to focus on profitability and continuous value creation beyond the simple fulfilment of legal and regulatory requirements. ''NNPC Limited is expected to operate at par with its industry peers across the world, while acting as Enabler Company that will foster the development of other sectors of our Economy. ''The inauguration of this Board is a major step in the ongoing transition to a more viable petroleum industry that will attract investment to support our economic growth and generate employment to millions of our people".

He added: ''I expect the NNPC Limited to be mindful of our commitments to net carbon zero aspirations and to ensure total alignment with the global energy transition

realities."

President Buhari reminded the Board members that they came on board sequel to the reforms put forward by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which seeks to reposition the Nigerian petroleum industry to a commercially viable and competitive industry in line with global business dynamics and best practices.

The President directed that there should be full alignment and synergy between NNPC Limited, the Upstream

Regulatory Commission and the Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority in compliance with the provisions of the law in all respects to deliver the onerous reforms envisaged for the energy industry.

While thanking the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their seamless support in the journey towards a viable, accountable and transparent energy industry, the President said he would count on the professional insights and

ethical conduct of the Board members to ensure the delivery of his administration’s promises to Nigerians.

Earlier in his remarks, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, said under the present administration a lot had been achieved in the petroleum industry, including the signing of the PIA, the registration of NNPC Limited as a CAMA company and the inauguration of the Board of the NNPC Limited. ''Mr. President, this is history

in the making because this is the first time any President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is inaugurating an independent board of an independent NNPC Limited.

This, however, puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of those inaugurated and those of us in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources,'' the Minister said.

Apart from the Chairman, Senator Okadigbo, other members of the Board inaugurated include Mele Kolo Kyari, Chief Executive

Officer; Umar I. Ajiya, Chief Financial Officer; Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East); Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central) and Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West).

Others are Engr. Henry Obih (South East); Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South); Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West); Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources; and Aliyu Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

OBASANJO: UNEMPLOYMENT FORCING YOUTHS INTO VIOLENT GROUPS, KIDNAP GANGS of questions are: “How do we keep this large army of unemployed youths from exploding? How do we keep them from enlisting in violent groups and gangs

of kidnappers? A not-well managed cluster of population is frightening.

“There appears to be a solution. Political will and political action can make the

population an asset. This is the master key. The key has the will and the action. It is not enough to shout political will in mere political rhetoric.”

The former president also

said there was an index that countries could use to enhance their populations and make it an asset.

“I’m proud to introduce the population and assets

responsiveness index, just as UN, AU and other international agencies have established indices for comparing performance of countries,” he said.

HEEDING BUHARI'S ADVICE, APC GOVS CONVENE EMERGENCY MEETING TO ACTUALISE NATIONAL CONVENTION the convention” during which new national officers of the party would be elected.

In a related development, five aggrieved members of the APC have commenced legal action in Abuja, seeking an order to stop the Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC), under Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, from going ahead with the convention.

This is the latest in the series of court cases rocking the party.

Lalong said the President's warning to the party that it risks losing power to the opposition, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was a signal to the APC to have a seamless convention “so that it will not disintegrate.”

According to him, the President’s warning was for the party to redouble its efforts and do the needful.

Lalong said: “You know when convention is coming, there will be fears here and there. Some people will tell you it will work,some will say it will not work. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but the visit to the President has already assured us and you know that there is already a notice that all the governors are meeting on Sunday. By Sunday, we will tell you when we're holding the convention.

“We've taken a date already. I think during our first date before Christmas, we said we're going to do the convention in February and we are still working on it. As far as I'm concerned, except things change from another angle, we're working for our convention in February.

“The President was raising his fears, but we've already given him assurances that nothing will stop us from having a very peaceful election. Some parties have done their own; the PDP did their own, nothing will stop APC from doing its own.

“So, all the fears that we're talking about, which the President also re-echoed, are also telling the governor's please do more, and keep the party alive. So, by God's grace, we're going to keep our party alive.

“Well, these are things we're going to discuss, but I'm not drawing conclusion, but I always tell you that a political party is about interests, the interests may be the same, they may not be the same, but at the end of the day,

what we’ll do is that we are going to elect people who are going to represent you."

Lalong further assured that the meeting scheduled for tomorrow would address all the contending issues affecting the conduct of the convention.

He said: “People will come with different interests and so when you are preparing like this, you have different interests and those different interests will be aired in different ways.

“But I just want to assure you that in so many ways, when we meet, we’ll harmonise all interests and we’ll come out as one APC and that's what we're hoping; that whatever will be the interests that we're going to discuss, I have a very great hope that at the end of the day, our goal is to elect people who will take care of our party, because that will be the beginning of the process towards electing those who will take over from this present government.”

On whether the several court cases pending against the party and its leadership will not abort plans of the convention, the governor said: “There are procedures for holding court processes.

Many of the court processes were there when we set up the caretaker committee, but up to this moment, if you go to take a census of some of the court proceedings, you will realise that a lot of them have been resolved out of court. So, it's still the duty of the party, it’s still part of the functions of the party to resolve.

“But we must not wait to resolve all court processes before you go to the convention. I don't think so because there are also machineries for resolving court processes, even after convention. I had a court process in my state, that did not stop me from going on and at the end of the day, we resolved the court process and we're still going on, preparing and waiting for convention.”

Asked if the APC would meet the speculated February 5 date for the convention in view of the need for mandatory 21day notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Lalong said “Well, I'm not the chairman of the convention committee, but I want to assure you that we've called a meeting for Sunday and if there is a meeting on Sunday, and you're thinking

about next Friday. Just wait and see what will happen before next Friday. I don't want to draw conclusions now.

“You're already talking of litigation, you draw conclusions, somebody will go and file a case tomorrow.

So, I don't want us to draw a conclusion on that, but I want to assure you that we are meeting. We already sampled the minds of many of the governors.

“We're very hopeful that we're going to get a date and then with the admonition given by the President, it’s a warning signal to all of us to sit up and ensure that we have a seamless, very clean, fair and transparent convention so that our party will not get disintegrated.”

Aggrieved Members Move to Stop Convention Five aggrieved members of the APC yesterday commenced legal action to stop the planned National Convention of the party by dragging the CECPC, under Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The aggrieved members want the court to issue an order restraining the Buni-led CECPC from going ahead with the convention.

Recall that some members of the APC are clamouring for a change in date of the scheduled national convention.

The suit dated January 4, 2022, has as plaintiffs, Suleiman Usman, Muhammed Shehu, Samaila Isahaka, Idris Isah and Audu Emmanuel.

The APC, Buni and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were listed as 1-3 defendants in the court processes.

The plaintiffs are praying the court for an order to stop the convention on the grounds that state congresses are yet to be completed in all the 36 states of the federation.

Lawyer to the plaintiffs, Olusola Ojo raised five questions for the court to determine and also sought eight declarative reliefs.

One of the reliefs included “an order of this Court restraining the 1st and 2nd defendants from organising and conducting the national convention of the 1st defendant unless state congresses of the 1st defendant were first concluded in all the 36 states of the federation and

the Federal Capital Territory.”

APC Set to Deal With Erring Members With the National Convention of the APC being threatened by a plethora of crises, the ruling party may have resolved to come down hard on some erring members to ensure discipline and position the APC to retain power in 2023, THISDAY has learnt.

APC’s planned disciplinary actions are said to be fully supported by President Buhari who wants to leave behind a peaceful and united party in 2023.

According to the President, the ruling party would shoot itself in the foot if “it fails to resolve the disunity and lack of agreement amongst members of the party.”

Therefore, the decision of the party to sanction some erring members is in tandem with the President’s position to instill discipline within the party.

A source close to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, who preferred anonymity, said the APC was considering “very serious and severe disciplinary measures against some people whose activities and utterances are threats to the health of the party.”

The source adds: “I can tell you categorically that the party is coming down heavily on some party members whose actions are becoming dangerous for the unity of the party. Some of the individuals involved are high-profile.

“I am aware of two governors that have been pencilled down for disciplinary action. One is from the North-west while the other is from the South-west.

The governors are said to be throwing stones at the party through their agents. Also, two former governors who are working against the APC secretly have been identified and will be sanctioned at the appropriate time. Also, some Senators and House of Representatives members are fingered in a secret report at the disposal of the party.

“A minister from the Southeast was also said to have been working against the interest of the party. The party may soon unmask these characters and deal decisively with them.”

The source further said “a meeting will be scheduled shortly to address this matter.”

According to insiders at the party’s headquarters, the desperation of some individuals, especially aspirants for the national chairmanship seat of the party, and groups within the APC remain a big threat to the peace and stability of the party.

Another highly ranked member of the party, who does not want his name mentioned, wondered why some aspirants for the national chairmanship seat of the APC want to “derail the party at this critical period instead of helping to build it and consolidate on the gains so far achieved by the Buhari government.”

He adds: “There has to be APC first for these aspirants to realise their aspirations. APC is a big family and it has the capacity to accommodate all interests. Buni is working tirelessly to hold the party together and he needs the support of every stakeholder in order to take the party to greater heights. Buni is not contesting for the party’s chairmanship seat. He will be seeking reelection in Yobe State as second term governor.

“Some political parties have predicted that APC will implode. But I have good news for them – APC will never implode. It’s one united family.

We have internal mechanisms we use in settling matters with dispatch. APC is the party to beat in 2023.”

In the same vein, a group within the APC called Progressive Initiative For Change and Development has called on the leadership of the APC to ensure all crises in the party are resolved amicably before any National Convention is conducted.

The National Coordinator of the Group, Chief Donatus Okereke told journalists in Abuja that the party was clearly not ready for a National Convention with the crisis engulfing some state chapters, urging the national leaders of the party to ensure “proper and thorough reconciliation” before any National Convention is staged.

PGF DG Calls for Buni's Resignation The Director General of Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Dr. Lukman Salihu has called on Buni and the Secretary of the party’s CECPC, John Akpanudoedehe to resign honourably if they can’t conclude preparations for the party's convention.

Lukman stated this in a letter dated January 5, 2022 titled, "APC National Convention: Urgent Matters for the Survival of APC," and addressed to the Chairman of PGF and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State.

The director-general also copied President Buhari and key party leaders in the letter which was sighted by THISDAY. Lukman recalled that on Monday, January 3, 2022, he sent an open letter to all APC leaders titled “Plausibility of February 2022 APC Convention”, which highlighted some of the reasons the APC National Convention should not be postponed.

The party chieftain pointed out that leaders of the party must understand that the survival of the party was at stake and any attempt to continue to contemplate postponement of the Convention means gambling with the future of the party, which he said was unacceptable.

The party chieftain said the failure of the Buni-led Committee to implement decisions makes APC leaders complicit and therefore agreeable to acts that are injurious to the survival of the party.

According to him, the insinuation in the public is that the reluctance of Buni to proceed with implementation of the decision to hold the APC National Convention on February 5, 2022 as agreed was because governors want to continue to control the party, which to the best of my knowledge is not true.

Lukman stressed that some commentators both within the party and in the public have argued that there are deliberate efforts to prevent the convention from holding on February 5, 2022, which was why the CECPC did not make any public announcement or begin to make any preparation.

The director-general said that APC leaders should imagine the consequences of ruining the electoral potentials of the party in 2023 such that beyond losing the federal government, self-implicated legal challenges are created to weaken the electoral prospects of the party simply because of actions or inactions of the CECPC, especially Buni and Akpanudoedehe.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

NEWS

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

Bogoro Violence: Bauchi Govt Drags Dogara, 28 Others to Court Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi State Government yesterday dragged the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and 28 others before a Bauchi High Court for 11-count criminal charges over the violence that marred the 21st memorial anniversary of late Baba Peter Gonto on 30th and 31st December, 2021.

The criminal charges against the defendants were necessitated by the alleged killings and destruction of properties that followed the disruption of the celebration of the leader and crusader of the Sayawa nation in Bogoro, headquarters of Bogoro Local Government

Area of Bauchi State.

As contained in the charge sheet endorsed by the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Bauchi State, the 11-count charge made public yesterday included that Yakubu Dogara who is the number one defendant alongside 28 others accused of conspiring to cause bodily harm on people in the area in order to frustrate the progress of the memorial anniversary.

The 11-count suit reads in part: “Pursuant to Sections 98 (1) & (2), 100 (b) and 103 (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bauchi State, 2018.

Count One: That you, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, male of Maitama, Abuja-FCT, Air Commodore Ishaku Komo (Rtd), male of

Kaduna-Abuja Road, Kaduna, Kaduna State, Rev. Markus Musa, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Peter Emmanuel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Ga’Allah Daniel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town, Iliya Emmanuel, male of Tafawa Balewa Town.”

The charge sheet further stated that, “On or about the 29th, 30 and/or 31st day of December, 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to incite the youths of Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Towns to disturb public peace by burning people’s houses, blocking access roads, physically attacking invited

guests and other participants attending the 21st Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Peter Gonto at Bogoro Town and destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, there by committing offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”

Also contained is that, “On or about the 29th, 30th and/or 31st day of December, 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence Mischief by Fire by burning people’s houses in Tafawa

Balewa and Bogoro To during the 21Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Pe Gonto at Bogoro Town and to destroy and burn all facilities provided for the occasion, thereby committed an offence contrary to section 96 and punishable under section 97 of the penal code law of Bauchi State.

“On or about the 29, 30th and/ or 31st day of December, 2021 agreed to do or cause to be done an illegal act to wit: you conspired amongst yourselves and others at large to commit the offence of Culpable Homicide during the Year Memorial Anniversary and Book Launch of Late Baba Peter Gonto at Bo Town and that you

thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 96 punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Law of Bauchi State.”

Though the charge did not contain the number of people who were killed in the violent attack, nor number of houses razed, unconfirmed reports had it that no fewer than six people were killed while many houses, cars and other properties were set ablaze by hoodlums.

Also, the Emirs of Bauchi, Dr. Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu and Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman were attacked leading to the damage of cars in the two convoys including the official vehicle of the Emir of Dass.

Ugwuanyi Convenes Emergency Security Meeting over Killings in Isi-Uzo Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, has called an emergency security meeting for today, following the mindless killing of scores of traders on Thursday this week at Orie Ogbete Mgbuji Market in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Area by suspected herdsmen in military and police uniforms.

The notice of the emergency security meeting is contained in a public service announcement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Steve Oruruo.

Oruruo said the meeting with Governor Ugwuanyi would hold at the Government House, Enugu, and would be attended by “heads of security agencies in Isi-Uzo Local Government, traditional rulers from Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo Local Government Chairman,

youth leaders, all President Generals, all clergy from EhaAmufu and all heads of Forest Guards and Neighbourhood Watch groups.

All invitees to this meeting are expected to be seated by 9:30a.m. on Saturday, 8th January 2022 at Government House, Enugu.”

The suspected herdsmen reportedly invaded five herdsmen village farm settlements in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu autonomous community on Tuesday and had since remained in those settlements destroying properties and burning houses, and that the fleeing residents were yet to get any form of assistance from the police.

They have also been unable to enter the farm settlements to retrieve the bodies of the slain for burial, adding that large hectares of farmland had been destroyed by the herdsmen.

Gunmen Kidnap 2 Sons of Ex-Taraba SSG as Wife, Daughters Escape Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Two sons of former Taraba’s Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, have been kidnapped by gunmen.

Besides, two of his nieces, his driver and a staff of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Jalingo were abducted along with his sons while his wife, Justice Clara Kataps and his three daughters narrowly escaped being kidnapped.

The incident occurred at about 12.30p.m. on Thursday along Jamptari-Gayam Road in Gashaka Local Government Area of the state while they were returning to Jalingo from Sardauna local government after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

A resident of the area who was said to have identified the gunmen was reportedly killed while trying to escape from the scene of the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Taraba State

Command, Abdullahi Usman who confirmed the incident to journalists stated that the gunmen who he described as armed robbers first laid siege and robbed travellers at about 10:30a.m. on Thursday before returning at 1:30p.m. to rob and kidnap their victims.

Usman however disclosed that a search operation is already being conducted in the nearby forest in collaboration with other security agencies and local hunters to effect the release of the victims.

He further disclosed that investigation into the attacks has commenced with a view to bringing the perpetrators and their accomplices to book.

It would be recalled that the former Special Adviser on Information to Governor Ishaku, Hassan Mijinyawa was kidnapped along the same route three years ago along with his driver.

Meanwhile, Chief G.T. Kataps has appealed to Nigerians to pray for the safe return of his sons and others kidnapped by the gunmen.

THANKS TO UGWUANYI …

L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; member representing Igbo-Eze North/Udenu Federal Constituency, Simon Atigwe; member representing Igbo-Eze North I Constituency/Deputy Chief Whip, Ethel Ugwuanyi and his Igbo-Eze North II Constituency counterpart, Innocent Ugwu, when the people of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area paid a Thank You visit to Ugwuanyi, for entrenching peace, security, development and good governance in the council area and the state... yesterday.

Labour Rejects FG’s Imposition of Tax on Carbonated Drinks Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The organised labour under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked federal government to rescind decision on the re-introduction of excise duties on locally produced non-alcoholic and carbonated drinks.

It cautioned the federal government not to allow the current situation to degenerate into a breakdown in industrial relations in the sector and generally in the country.

The Congress urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the sections of the Finance Act 2022 that re-introduced excise duties on non-alcoholic and carbonated drinks.

In a statement issued yesterday by the NLC President Ayuba

Wabba, the Congress said that apart the eventual revenue losses, the policy will lead to loss of 1.5 million decent jobs.

While justifying their position, NLC said that the food and beverage sub-sector has generated to the coffers of government N202 billion as VAT in the past five years, N7.3 billion as Corporate Social Responsibility and has created 1.5 million decent jobs both directly and indirectly.

In addition, it said government also stands to lose N197 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax and Tertiary Education Tax as a consequence of expected downturn in overall industry performance should the excise duties be effected as being planned.

President Muhammadu Buhari had signed into law the Finance

Act 2022 on December 31. Some of the provisions of the Finance Act include the imposition of excise duties on locally produced non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sugary drinks.

The NLC said the reason offered by government for this decision was to discourage the consumption of sugar by Nigerians as government claims that soft drinks have contributed to upsurge of cases of obesity and diabetes in Nigeria.

However, NLC said it had appealed to the President Buhari, and the leadership of the two chambers of the National Assembly in a letter dated November 27, 2021, pleading that government should suspend the re-introduction of excise duties on locally produced non-alcoholic carbonated

drinks.

“The Congress provided a number of very cogent reasons why government should not go ahead with the decision to impose fresh taxes on soft drinks.

“One of the reasons we advanced was that the reintroduction of excise duties on non-alcoholic, carbonated and sugary drinks will impose immense hardship on ordinary Nigerians who easily keep hunger at bay with a bottle of soft drink and maybe a loaf of bread.

“Our concern is the mass hunger that would result from the slightest increase in the retail price of soft drinks owing to imposition of excise duties as the product would be priced beyond the reach of millions of ordinary and poor Nigerians.

3 Killed as Suspected Herdsmen Set Ondo Community Ablaze Fidelis David in Akure Three persons have been shot dead by suspected herdsmen who invaded Molege Village in Ose Local Goverment Area of Ondo State.

Several houses were set ablaze during the incident which occurred Thursday night along Elerinla near Arimogija by the suspected rampaging herders who were angry that the villagers prevented their cows from feeding on their farmlands.

THISDAY gathered that the

villagers took to their heels when the herders mobilised and set the village and farms on fire while their properties were destroyed by the herdsmen.

Meanwhile, fear has gripped the council area following reports that the herdsmen have perfected plans to invade and overrun other villages and camps in the area.

Reacting, the state Commissioner of Police, Oyediran Adesoye Oyeyemi, said he has paid a visit to the af-

fected camp for on the spot assessment to ascertain the level of damage caused in the area by suspected marauders who attacked the camp and razed houses overnight.

Oyeyemi who reacted through the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami said: “CP during his visit to the scene, met with the community members, encouraged them, allayed their fears and vowed to arrest and prosecute all those involved in the evil act accordingly.

“CP Oyeyemi immediately deployed men of the Special Squads and PMF personnel to the community to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area.

“The command is also using this opportunity to assure the good people of Ondo State of adequate protection of their lives and property in the state and are enjoined to give the police genuine information that will help reduce crime to the barest minimum in the state,” Oyediran added.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

NEWS

Lagos Police Warn Protesters in Oromoni Death Case, Autopsy Reports Eliminate Bullying Claims Bennett Oghifo Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has warned that there would be dire consequences against those protesting the planned reopening of Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos, following the acquittal of some students and house masters arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a 12-year -old student, Slyvester Oromoni Jr in November last year.

According to Odumosu, who held a press conference at Ikeja, yesterday, the students and house masters were released from police custody because autopsies conducted on the remains of the dead student in Warri, Delta State and Lagos, agree that Sylvester

died of natural causes and not from bullying.

However, the Oromoni family Lawyer, Femi Falana SAN and the father of the deceased, Sylvester Oromoni Snr dispute the reports, saying there is an alleged conspiracy brewing.

On Thursday, some protesters had occupied the school’s entrance, insisting it should remain shut until justice was served to the Oromoni family.

According to Odumosu, “At the end of diligent investigation carried out so far, there is no evidence to establish a case of torture, bullying and forceful application of poisonous substance against the suspects. All the suspects denied the allegations of torture, bullying and administering of poisonous

substance to the deceased. Allegation that the deceased was being forced to join a cult group was also not established as other students interviewed denied this.

“In spite of the transparent investigation carried out by the police and the non-establishment of prima facie case against the suspects, some members of the

Ijaw Youths Council, Lagos, led by one Comrade Henry Oyobolo protested in front of Dowen College for over two hours yesterday 6th January, 2022. The protesters including masquerades carried placards and were drumming, thereby causing panic and apprehension.”

He said, “Much as we com-

miserate with the bereaved family on the death of their lovely and promising child, it is advised that the protesters and other individuals or groups who are still aggrieved should go to law court to seek redress instead of taking the law into their own hands.

“Thus, members of the public

who may have any misgivings about the outcome of the police investigation, medical enquiry and legal advice with this case are advised to follow due process in law rather than resorting to self-help. The police will not fold their arms and allow any act or omission that could threaten the peace being enjoyed in the state.”

Ekiti Election: APC, PDP, 6 Others Notify INEC of their Primaries Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday said only eight political parties have notified it of their intention to conduct primaries for the Ekiti State governorship election as at yesterday.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, disclosed this in an interview with journalists.

The eight political parties according to Okoye include, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), African Democratic Congress (ADC); and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Others are Allied People’s

Movement, Peoples Redemption Party; and African Action Congress.

“So far, as at afternoon January 7, eight political parties have given the commission the statutory notice of their intention to conduct primaries for the purpose of nominating candidates for the Ekiti governorship election scheduled for June 16.

“By the timetable and schedule of activities released

by INEC, political parties seeking to nominate candidates must conduct their primaries between January 4 and 29,” Okoye said.

He said that by Section 85 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended), every registered political party shall give the commission at least 21 days notice.

Senate President Seeks Support for Armed Forces Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan, yesterday called on Nigerians to recognise and support the sacrifices and contributions of the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in maintaining the territorial integrity of the country.

The Senate President made the call at the special juma’at prayer to commemorate the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Mosque, Abuja.

He said the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes would be remembered for paying the supreme price to protect the territorial integrity of the country and called for their support and prayers by Nigerians.

He noted that the National Assembly would continue to work closely with the executive arm of government to provide special intervention programmes for the military to enhance their performance.

This, he said, was evident

in the recent special budgetary provisions the two arms of government accorded the 2021 and 2022 budgets to enhance their operational efficiency and proficiency and pledged its sustenance.

“We are going to support you and when I said we, I said as administration, as a government, as a nation, as a people.

“We know the enormous sacrifice that AFN have been doing to protect territorial integrity of our nation, the fight against the various forms of insecurity across the country”, he said.

“We are for you as a legislature, we believe that we should continue. In fact, it is an imperative that we continue to support the Armed Forces through appropriation and other interventions that will enhance their performance,” he said.

He called on all the clergy and other Nigerians to pray for the success of the members of the armed forces for them to succeed.

HEALTHY LIVING . . .

L-R: Director of Hospital Administration, Kehinde Gbajumo; wife of Change Maker President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Lady Yejide Badejo; CMP Gbenga Badejo FCA; Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo; Director of Clinical Service and Training, Professor Adebowale Adekoya and Director of Nursing Service, Adebola Ebinisi-Aina, at the presentation of medical equipment to LASUTH by Rotary Club of Ikeja…recently.

Aku Uka’s Burial Pitches Ishaku against Kinsmen Wole Ayodele in Jalingo The funding of the burial rites of the late Chairman of Taraba Traditional Council, Aku Uka, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi has pitched governor Darius Ishaku against the Jukun people who are his Kinsmen.

Aku Uka joined his ancestors in October 2021 after reigning for 45 years and his funeral rites is scheduled to commence on the 14th of January, 2022.

In a bid to accord the late monarch a befitting burial, a

Central Planning Committee was inaugurated by the Wukari Traditional Council.

THISDAY gathered that upon its inauguration, the planning committee wrote a letter to the state government to request for funds to begin the processes for the burial rites.

After waiting for several weeks for a response from the government, the Secretary of the Wukari Traditional Council, Mr. Bala Useni wrote an open letter on behalf of the planning committee to all sons and daughters

of Kwararafa Kingdom soliciting for funds for execute the burial rites.

However, the decision to write the letter did not go down well with the state governor who expressed his displeasure through a press release dated 4th January, 2022 and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu. The governor stated that the steps taken by the planning committee was not only distasteful but highly embar-

rassing to the state government and the entire Kwararafa race.

According to the statement, “The attention of His Excellency, Arc Darius Dickson Ishaku, Executive Governor of Taraba State, has been drawn to a letter purportedly written and signed

by Bala Useni, Secretary, Wukari Traditional Council, on behalf of the Central Planning Committee soliciting for donations to fund the burial of the late leader of the Kwararafa Kingdom, His Majesty Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa-Ibi..

Buhari: I’m Sad, Devastated over Death of 19 Passengers in Kano Road Mishap Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of 19 passengers who met their tragic fate in a road mishap that occurred along the Kano/Zaria Road on Thursday.

He has, therefore, commiserated with the Kano State

government and the families of those who died in the accident.

In his reaction to the sad incident yesterday, President Buhari through a release by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said, “I’m devastated and saddened by this unfortunate tragedy that claimed the lives of passengers who happily left their homes

without any idea that it was going to be their last day on earth.”

According to the President, “the frequency of road accidents is particularly worrisome and it calls for greater reflection on the importance of safety standards.”

“I understand that the accident was blamed on overspeeding and this account

worries me deeply. Our drivers should take safety regulations seriously; they have the responsibility to protect their passengers. It’s unfortunate that ours is a country where, despite regular public enlightenment programmes by road safety officials, our recalcitrant drivers treat the issue with indifference,” President Buhari lamented.

Don’t Allow Moneybags to Buy Your Conscience, Bamidele Tells APC Members Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti As the January 22, 2022 All Progressives Congress governorship primary in Ekiti State approaches, the Senator representing Ekiti Central, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has advised the party members to resist attempt being allegedly intensified by those he described as “moneybags” to buy their conscience.

Bamidele, an aspirant, advised the party members to vote for those that can uplift the party and bring a paradigm shift to the economic facet of Ekiti, through job creation, encouragement of commercial farming, fighting corruption and allow the party members take absolute ownership of the party for the benefit of all.

Bamidele spoke in Ado Ekiti through the Director General,

Opeyemi Bamidele Campaign Organisation, Prince Akintade Olayisade, while appearing on a political programme tagged “Political Icon”, on a Radio Station VOICE FM 89.9 yesterday.

Speaking about the contributions Bamidele has made to uplift Ekiti, Olayisade posited that he expected the Senator to be commended for sponsoring bills to attract two higher institutions to Ekiti

within a spate of two and half years as a representative of the people.

Olayisade lampooned those spreading the rumour of ineptitude and non-performance against Bamidele as a member of the Senate, describing the legacy of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, as not only outstanding, but unparalleled in the history of Ekiti.

SATURDAY JANUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY JANUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

NEWS Names Ayo Gbeleyi Shangisha Landlord Association Expresses Buhari as FMBN Board Chairman Optimism over Sanwo-Olu’s Promises Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Mary Nnah The Shangisha Landlords Association, Lagos, has expressed optimism in the recent intervention

by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in resolving the unrest in Magodo Estate, saying the governor will live up to their expectations.

There was unrest in Magodo Estate a few weeks ago when dozens of police officers and Shangisha Landlords Association converged at the estate’s gate to execute a Supreme Court judgment.

The officials had said they were acting on a Supreme Court judgment that mandated the Lagos State Government to give back

549 plots to the original owners of the land.

Chairman, Shangisha Landlords Association, Adebayo Adeyiga who said that the crisis started in 1984 through 1986, when the state government forcefully took parcels of land belonging to the association for Magodo Phase II Estate.

Adeyiga said the original landowners of Shangisha had been persecuted by the Lagos State Government and its officials until the state government decided to compensate the original land owners.

According to him, the situation about Shangisha escalated in 1984,

when Lagos State Government came after executive members of the association.

However, in a move to end the land tussle between the Lagos State Government and the Magodo Residents Association, the Lagos Governor, Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday promised to provide 549 plots of land to Shangisha landlords.

Also speaking, lawyer of the association, Deji Fasusi said: “It is true that the court granted 549 plots of land to the judgment creditors, however, that was not all. The first order of the court to the Lagos State Government that the plaintiff should be granted

first choice preferential treatment in the allocation of plots, and the second judgment was that 549 plots should be allocated to the judgment creditors.”

He said further that the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, had visited Magodo few weeks back and had promised that the government wanted a peaceful resolution, “then we told him that we were ready and we’ve been trying to reach out to prevent the narrative that we didn’t want to settle.” The lawyer noted however that today he is glad that the state government has decided to intervene in the matter.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Ayodeji Ariyo Gbeleyi as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Mortgage of Bank of Nigeria FMBN .

According to a statement issued yesterday by Media Adviser to the President,

Femi Adesina, Gbeleyi replaced Chief Adewale Adesoji Adeeyo, who passed on recently.

A Chartered Accountant and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, Gbeleyi is a well-known Ànancial expert who was once a Commissioner for Finance in Lagos State as well as a player in the aviation sector.

Gbajabiamila Lauds Faleke on Chieftaincy Title Ayodeji Ake

Speaker of the House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has lauded Chairman Finance, House of Representative, Hon. James Faleke, on his chieftaincy coronation as the ‘Atunlushe-Akorede’ of Ikeja Land, Lagos State.

Faleke’s wife, Bukunola, was also conferred the title of ‘Yeye Atunlushe- Akorede’ of Ikeja Land.

The chieftaincy titles were presented by the entire Oba in Council under Ikeja Local Government.

Presenting the chieftaincy award to the duo, Speaker Gbajabiamila, commended Faleke for his performance as the Chairman of Finance, noting that Faleke has added value to his immediate society and Nigeria at large.

The speaker also appreciated Mrs. Faleke for being a pillar behind a successful husband whose performance has brought positive transformation to the country.

The event was also graced by politicians, traditional rulers, , and socialites across Lagos State and beyond.

Nasarawa Earmarks N9.7bn to Enhance Skills, Knowledge of Citizens Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

LET PEACE REIGN… L-R: Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Adamu Abdullahi; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and National Leader of the APC and elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Osoba, during the reconciliation meeting of the party at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta...yesterday

Gunmen Kidnap Retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs Hammed Shittu in Ilorin About seven gunmen yesterday abducted a retired Deputy Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service in Obate Village in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incidents happened yesterday morning when the senior retired customs o΀cer

was at his farm.

It was gathered that the gunmen were said to be armed with AK-47 and invaded the farm and kidnapped the retired senior customs o΀cer.

The gunmen it was further learnt were said to have trekked to the farm and took the man away by trekking through the bush.

Sources close to the residents of

the area told journalists in Ilorin yesterday that the suspected kidnappers escaped through the bushes linked to Ogele Village, Pampo Village, Arowosaye Village and the main road linked to Afon Village in Asa Local Government Area of the state.

The residents of the area called on security personnel to assist in the rescue of the victim.

They solicited for security men,

including army, soldiers, police men, vigilance team to ambush these “aforementioned routes between this night and the day break” ConÀrming the development, the state Police Command, through the Police Public Relations O΀cer PPRO , Okasanmi Ajayi, said that serious eͿorts are ongoing to rescue the kidnap victim.

APC Crisis: Reconciliation Committee Meets Another Female Car Winner Emerges Abiodun, Amosun Groups, Pledges Fairness in Glo’s Joy Extravaganza Promotion James Sowole in Abeokuta The National Reconciliation Committee set up by the All Progressives Congress APC to look into grievances emanating from the last congresses of the party, yesterday, visited Ogun State and met with leadership of the warring factions.

The committee led by the former governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, on arrival met with the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, senior leaders of the party in the state including the former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Chief Gbenga Daniel, some former deputy governors, former and serving House of Representatives members and other stakeholders.

During a closed-door meeting with the governor and a few leaders, the committee submitted copies of the petitions submitted

by Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led group to Abiodun in order to get responses.

The committee later proceeded to a venue where another closed door meeting was held with the Amosun group for discussion on the petition.

Speaking with journalists after meeting with Amosun’s group, the chairman of the 11-member committee, Adamu said they have listened to the petitioners and discussed the issues.

He said, “It is a practice we have adopted to always talk first to those that wrote the petition so that we can have the cracks of the issues raised.

Another female winner of a brand new car in Globacom’s Joy Unlimited Extravaganza promotion emerged in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Thursday as 54 subscribers to the network received diͿerent prizes they won.

31-year-old Bello Ganiyat, a mother of three, who received the keys to a Kia Rio car at a prize-presentation event in Ilorin became the 3rd female to win a new car in the promo after ConÀdence Amaliri in Warri, Delta State, and Olamide Aluko in Ibadan, Oyo State.

She expressed gratitude to Globacom for her fortune, saying, “I didn’t believe until I got here this morning and saw things for myself.”

Other winners equally commended Globacom for positively aͿecting their lives. Oluwatobi George Adebiyi, 33, shepherd in charge of Igbotako Diocesan Headquarters of Celestial Church of Christ, who won a refrigerator said he sees the prize as a sign of more blessings to come his way in year 2022.

Also, Ojewuyi Elijah, 33, who won a power generator and Ibrahim Olaleke, 57-yearold winner of a television set, both described Globacom as a company which has shown consistently that it caters for the well-being of Nigerians.

“Globacom is our own and it has never disappointed us,” they chorused.

The Nasarawa State Government yesterday said it has earmarked the sum N9.7 billion in the 2022 budget to enhance the skills and knowledge of its citizens.

This was even as the state government said it has also earmarked the sum of N988,194 million for the economic empowerment of its citizens through agriculture in the same 2022 budget.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, Mr. Daniel Agyeno, disclosed this on the occasion of the 2022 budget breakdown in LaÀa, adding that poverty alleviation programme of the state would gulp the sum of N112,500 million.

The commissioner also

disclosed further that the state government was going to grow the private sector of the state with the sum of N807,750 million in the same 2022 budget.

Agyeno further stated that “The present administration attaches high premium in the accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. In this light, my ministry will monitor closely the implementation of all programmes and policies in this year’s budget.

“I therefore, wish to call on all the accounting o΀cers of the MDAs in the state to be guided by the appropriation law as well as ensure that all revenue due to the state government are properly collected and accounted for so that all the set targets can be achieved.”

A’Ibom NDLEA Arrests 272 Suspects in 2021 Okon Bassey in Uyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA

in Akwa Ibom State in the year that just ended arrested 272 drug suspects and seized 339.818kg of hard drugs.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs. Obot Bassey, disclosed this while brieÀng journalists in Uyo yesterday on the activities of the agency last year.

The suspects, he said, comprised 233 males and 39 females, while the hard drugs seized were 311.2477kg of cannabis sativa, 1.2581kg of cocaine, 0.2882kg heroin,

0.0545kg of meth and 26.970kg of psychotropic substance.

She hinted that the command also convicted 39 persons made up of 37 males and two females with the maximum sentence of seven years imprisonment.

“Of spectacular note was the seizure of 1.2kg of cocaine in Akwa Ibom State being the highest seizure in 18 years.

“The hard drug prevalent in the state is cannabis sativa, locally referred to as “ikongekpo’. There are also cases of the abuse of psychotropic substances such as tramadol, diazepam, codeine, rohypnol, exol 5 among others,” she said.

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JANUARY 8, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

MAGODO, SANWO-OLU AND GENUINE LEADERSHIP Gboyega Akosile writes that the Lagos governor prioritises peace and security above many other interests

I

have read a lot reactions and media reports on the engagement between the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the residents/property owners in Magodo Phase II Estate and a certain Chief Superintendent of Police, who was sent from Abuja to lead the supposed execution/enforcement of the Supreme Court Judgment on the embattled plots of land.

First, we must appreciate the leadership style of the present Governor, as a man who listens. A man of peace, down-toearth and one who takes all shades of opinion before making decisions on any matter. Secondly, Mr. Sanwo-Olu, apart from building structures and keeping his promise across his administration’s THEMES agenda, always prioritises peace and security in the State above many other interests. He recognises that, it is in the atmosphere of peace and security that sustainable development can be achieved. Furthermore, this Governor cares about the welfare of all the residents of Lagos, irrespective of their social status, age or gender. This is why you see him engaging publicly with residents in Ajah over the menace of Okada riders who ride against the traffic. He has also had several other interactions with market men and women in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikorodu, Badagry and other areas over plans of the government. This action is only easy for humble and peopleoriented leaders, who would not just sit back in their palatial offices to issue instructions. Governor Sanwo-Olu goes out to get the job done, even if it entails meeting with the people in their various areas of residence.

The Magodo issue is a bit knotty as it is legal. But, regardless of the circumstances that led to the current situation, the governor, under whose watch the seeming crisis happened, must rise up to the occasion to address it frontally. After all, you inherit both assets and liabilities when one is elected into an office. This, my principal knows and understands very well and in line with the oath he swore to, that he will protect the lives and property of every citizen, he had to wade into the Magodo land issue before it degenerates into a full-blown crisis.

A few opinion writers had rushed to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to paint a picture of what appeared like a “weak” governor. In fact, I saw some laughable comparison of Governor Sanwo-Olu with Nyesom Wike, his Rivers State counterpart.

Pray, what would the latter have done under such circumstances? Would he have slapped the CSP for answering his question, however condescending, or ordered his arrest? Which arm of the security would carry out the instruction? Does Rivers State, like Lagos State, have its own Police, DSS, or the Army? The writer that did this comparison needs to be reminded that all security apparatus is controlled by the federal government in Abuja and their officers are not answerable to any state governments. What we have had in Nigeria is collaboration between the state and federal government. The structure is weak, lopsided and not in the best interest of the federal system of government that we practice in Nigeria. For emphasis, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not weak. He is a democrat, a gentleman, who will follow the due process in every situation and what happened between him and the CSP at Magodo should be a good reason why well-meaning Nigerians need to increase the tempo on the call for true federalism, where all the federating units will have their security arrangements and would not need the Federal Police to carry out a lot of duties in their domains.

Some argued that the governor should have worked behind the scenes and should not necessarily have visited Magodo.

This line of thought is at its best funny. Do you go to sleep when your roof is on fire? I believe no one will do that. Refer to the “invasion” of Magodo by mean-looking, gun-wielding police officers in large numbers, who laid siege to the estate on December 21, creating chaos in the area and fear among the landlords and residents. It took the intervention of the governor for those police officers to stand down the following

IN ALL, WITH HIS INTERVENTION IN MANY LIFETHREATENING SITUATIONS, LAGOSIANS HAVE STARTED APPLAUDING THEIR GOVERNOR. THEY HAVE CONFIRMED HIS GENUINE LOVE AND CARE FOR THE PEOPLE HE IS GOVERNING. MAGODO RESIDENTS CAN NOW GO TO SLEEP WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED

day. He did not have to visit Magodo before the situation was brought under control. He has continued to engage with the law enforcers in Abuja over the matter up till Tuesday morning when another round of crisis occurred. This time, the governor could not and would not sit back in his office and watch some persons disturb the peace that is being enjoyed in his state to be threatened. That to me, is leadership.

I sympathise with those who shared the above opinions especially those who feel strongly about the governor’s engagement with the police officer. I understand their plight and rightly so because Nigerians are not used to civil engagements between elected officials, who are usually Lords and their citizens. We are sorry to disappoint you as Governor Sanwo-Olu will continue to engage the citizens, who he considers as the major stakeholders in his bid to take Lagos to her Eldorado.

The Governors of South West of Nigeria have spoken loudly.

They know that an injury to one, is an injury to all. No one is safe until everybody is safe.

In a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman, His Excellency Governor Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), apart from their condemnation of the exchange between Governor Sanwo-Olu and the police officer, the Forum made it abundantly clear that the present structure where the state governors, who are elected representatives of the people, will have to seek help and approval from an appointed federal officer in some matters relating to security in their individual domains is unacceptable.

He said: “The content of the video is very disconcerting, and this is being charitable. The utter disrespect, which underlines the response of the officer to the Governor establishes, beyond doubt, the impracticability of the current system, dubiously christened “Federalism”. An arrangement, which compels the Governor of a State to seek clarifications on security issues in his jurisdiction from totally extraneous bodies or persons, is a sure recipe for anarchy.

“We condemn, very strongly, this brazen assault on decency.

We call on the IG to explain the justification for this intrusion.

This is not acceptable. Any expectations of rapprochement between so-called federating units and federal security agencies are becoming forlorn, progressively, due to deliberate acts which mock our very avowal to ethics and professionalism.

“We condemn, in very clear terms, the role of the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN in this act of gross moral turpitude.

“We, on our part, will continue to interrogate the current system, which treats elected representatives of the people as mere prefects, while appointed office holders ride roughshod over them as Lords of the Manor. If the purported Chief Security Officers of the States of the Federation require clearance from the office of the IG on matters within their areas of jurisdictions, only hypocrites will wonder why the current security crisis deepens and there appears to be no solution in the foreseeable future.”

In all, with his intervention in many life-threatening situations, Lagosians have started applauding their governor. They have confirmed his genuine love and care for the people he is governing. Magodo residents can now go to sleep with their eyes closed. The judgement creditors are also happy with Mr. Governor’s leadership approach and Abuja can be assured that, again, Lagos under Governor Sanwo-Olu will continue to rise above every challenge.

Clearly, however, what Nigerians need to clamour for is genuine federalism. A system where there will be mutually agreeable terms on exclusive and concurrent list between the federating units and the federal government on matters of internal security, especially the Police.

Akosile is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

SOUTH AFRICA AND THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION President Ramaphosa’s handling of the State Capture Commission report holds lessons for Africa, writes Sonny Iroche

T

he first of a three-part Report of the State Capture Commission, inaugurated about four years ago was received recently by the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa. The Part one of the Report, is in three Sections of an 874- page Report.

Receiving the Report, President Cyril Ramaphosa, promised to post the report on his website, in a matter of hours after receipt of the Report. The Commission, according to the president, has been open and transparent.

The Chief Justice promised that the recommendations of the Report shall be bidding.

However, the president has the prerogative to either implement or not implement the recommendations of the report. But he has the moral obligation to give legal backing should he choose not to implement any parts of the recommendations. The other two parts of the reports, shall all be submitted by the State Capture Commission to the president by end of February this year. The Report covers the

massive corruption, associated with the demise of some State-owned enterprises such as South Africa Airways (SAA) and report on South Africa Revenue Services (SARS). The onus is upon the president to wait for the other two parts of the Report to be submitted before implementation.

This singular act of the ANC led government of President Ramaphosa of South Africa, to set up the Commission and not to attempt in any way to interfere with the inquiries of the report, are highly commendable and unprecedented in Africa.

Now, it is very clear that President Ramaphosa’s decision on the extent to which his government would use and implement the recommendations of the Commission, places him under the scrutiny and assessment of both the international community and the people of South Africa.

History beckons on President Ramaphosa, on how he wishes to go down in the annals

of the country’s history on the fight against pervasive corruption and state capture. The president also commended and thanked the whistleblowers in the country for their patriotic act of bringing corruption cases to the fore, at the risk of their jobs and sometimes at the risk of their livelihood.

Those who have followed the long years of corporate and political career of President Ramaphosa, believe that he would toe the right part of implementing the recommendations in line with the legal framework.

The constitution of the State Capture Commission, the patriotic zeal of the whistleblowers, who volunteered information on corruption practices in several government departments and the men and women who worked tirelessly for nearly four years, President Cyril Ramaphosa for his steadfastness, must all be applauded and commended for this bold and unprecedented investigations of corruption on the African continent of

an immediate past government of the same political party.

South Africa, by this unique action, has again gone down in history for setting the bar of intolerance of corruption, abuse of office and State Capture, irrespective of whose ox is gored.

Clearly, this has set a precedence and an agenda for all the 54-member countries that constitute the African Union.

All South Africans should remain calm, and come together to support whatever decisions that the government comes up with at the end of the submission of the three Reports.

Africa is indeed, truly rising.

Sonny Iroche is a trained Investment Banker, and Chairman of Strategic Alliance Promotion of Nigeria. He sits on a number of Boards of Nigerian Companies. He is a member of the Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade & Investment between Nigeria and South Africa.

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JANUARY 8, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Resolving crisis...

Compensating Magodo Judgement Creditors

T

he attempt by the Magodo Supreme Court judgement creditors to enforce the judgement issued in their favour since 2012 can be viewed within the context of the mounting pressure on land as one of the factors of production which is not only scarce but a competitive resource endowment.

Shortage of affordable housing, a prime derivative of land resource has been a teething administrative twinge of successive administrations in Lagos State.

Giving the riverine taxonomy of Lagos landscape, availability of land for development is in much more restricted supply compared with most states of the federation.

As the de facto commercial capital of Nigeria, the population of Lagos, which is estimated at well above 20 million, is becoming a social economic burden on infrastructural delivery.

Notwithstanding the above narrative, Lagos seems to have missed a strategic and huge housing opportunity in Lekki Phase two.

With a land area of 514.53 hectares, Lekki Phase two was designed and mapped out in 1996 to provide 3,095 residential plots, 64 commercial plots, 47 mixed development plots, 26 institutional plots and 17 recreational plots.

This huge estate however is largely in a state of desuetude with more than 80 per cent of the landmass wearing the antiquated look of a thick forest.

The estate is already powered with electricity and almost all the roads are paved but landowners are not developing as expected owing to the holders’ tendency to hold the landed properties in perpetual speculation.

One other disincentive to development in this estate is the successive governors’ withholding assent into thousands of Certificate of Occupancy without which building approval can be processed.

Consequent upon this administrative negligence, Lagos is losing huge revenue accruable from hereditament value chains which include land use charge, development charge, building approval, consent fees and other sundry statutory revenues.

According to Section 28 of the Land Use Act 2004, “It shall be lawful for the Governor

to revoke a right of occupancy for overriding public interest.”

More than 80% of Lekki Scheme 2 allottees are already in breach of this extant law.

Ultimate public interest would be served if Lagos State Governor invokes the act to revoke all certificates of occupancy or allocations on the undeveloped plots and immediately reallocate same to the Magodo judgement creditors with additional compensation on waivers on cost of title registration and building approval.

These waivers would make up for whatever value differential between Magodo Scheme2 and Lekki Scheme2. It would also put the new allotees in better stead to commence immediate development.

Apart from turning this sprawling estate into developers’ delight, it would incentivize the new plot owners on developmental imperative.

A step in this direction will both assuage the Magodo land debacle and further de-escalate the convoluted housing deficit in Lagos State.

Bukola Ajisola, bukymany@yahoo.com

Buhari and His Age

G

etting old is not entirely a bad thing. As the saying implies age is like fine wine. Age is associated with experience and wisdom. At a certain age one begins to have a better view on society and life. At some point, age starts to tell on you with physical and mental effect, but it is also dependent on your state of health.

Does Nigeria need an old President?

Recently, President Muhammadu Buhari, aged 79, in an interview stated that the effect of age is telling on him and the effect of working seven hours a day is gruesome. I was taken aback by that statement and this has started the age debate in my head. I believe with the challenges facing Nigeria, we need a president that can be thinking for 24 hours and not one that complains about a seven- hour shift.

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

Nigeria is currently faced with myriads of challenges like high unemployment rate, lackluster economic prospects, inflationary pressures and other sundry issues and in all honesty seven hours shift is too small for such challenges. Solving the unemployment problems requires round the clock reviews and checks. It is important to note that a president in his 70s for a country with a median age of less than 20 is a misnomer. In 2023 we should ask ourselves: do we want to go through this age conundrum again or we want effective and unparalleled service delivery for Nigeria PLC? In some months from now, aspirants will emerge. I think it is time to bring up the age debate again and ask critical questions. I want Nigeria to be run effectively.

Rufai Oseni, rufaioseni@gmail.com

He’s a Very Naughty Boy

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ovak Djokovic’s father has called his son “a leader of the free world” but in reality “He’s a very naughty boy!” and like the character in “Life of Brian” he has many misguided followers and in the end will be hung out to ridicule and criticism in the court of life.

On a more serious note, there is a suggestion that while his Visa appeal is going through the courts he will be able to play in the Australian Tennis Open despite apparently being unvaccinated. He is being held in an immigration detainee’s hotel with many refugees who have been kept in captivity for almost 10 years in some cases.

Why might he be allowed to go to ‘work’ when the other people cannot work, leave or stay with any local family members?

Surely it’s not because they can’t play tennis.

It would be fairer if everyone was treated the same irrelevant of wealth, status, culture, race or their Tennis ranking.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

NEWS Kogi CP Warns Police Officers to Stop Extortion Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja The new Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Edward C.Egbuka, has warned operatives of state command to stop extorting money from the public, saying they are paid to serve the people.

While addressing the rank and Àle at state command headquarters in Lokoja yesterday, Egbuka stated that extortions from the public has given the police a bad name already, saying that it is high

time for those who engaged in the negative aspect of policing to desist from such act.

His words: “Stop extorting money from the people who are looking up to you as policemen and women.

My maxim when I joined the police is that I will rather go hungry rather than extort money from anybody.

“Under no circumstances should a policeman have altercation with the people because we are trained to be polite,” the new CP stressed.

Why Bayelsa is Still Backward 26 Years after Creation, Says Kpodoh OUR CONDOLENCES …

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

R-L: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Son of the deceased and Board Chairman of Rebuild Lagos Trust Fund, Mr. Yemi Cardoso and his wife, Abimbola, during the funeral service of Chief (Mrs.) Emmanuella Cardoso at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos Island...yesterday

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Chief Richard Kpodoh, yesterday posited that the egocentrism displayed over the years by successive administrations in the state was the reason for the endemic poverty, hopelessness and underdevelopment despite the rich resources in the state Kpodoh, a vocal political analyst, accused successive governors and leaders of

Budget 2022: Lagos Targets N1.237tn Revenue Segun James Lagos State Government has said that its Year 2022 budget of N1.758tn would be funded through Internally Generated Revenue through the State Internal Revenue Service of 73.5 per cent (N599,04bn) while about 19.2 per cent (N156.65bn) is expected to be generated by other MDAs of government, while the rest would be funded through loans

and bonds.

Speaking during a press briefing on the Appropriation Law, 2022, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube disclosed that the deficit funding requirement is N521.275bn, which according to him, is at 21 per cent of debt service to total revenue of the state.

While giving the revised budget for 2021, the commissioner stated, out of N1.257trn budget size, there

was a total revenue of N984.573bn and deficit financing of N271.994bn.

The budget, which is tagged Budget of Consolidation, has total revenue of N1.237trn.

He explained that as of November 30th, 2021, the budget posted a performance of 73 per cent, adding Revenue Performance was 75 per cent, while Capital & Recurrent Expenditure performed at 65 per cent and 83 per cent respectively.

He added, “The 65 per performance of Capex is the result of our closure of the 100billion Bond transaction, which was oversubscribed in December 2021.

As a result, we believe that Capex performance will close at about 85 per cent by December 2021. This therefore is expected to enable the state to achieve a strong budget performance of about 89 per cent by year end 2021 despite the daunting challenges in the year.”

Masari, PDP at Loggerhead over Entitlements of Dissolved LG Chairmen Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said his administration has paid all the emoluments of the dissolved Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) local government chairmen and their councillors.

Governor Masari, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Katsina, also

accused the main opposition party in the state of delaying the conduct of the local government elections through litigation.

Barely a month after he was Àrst sworn-in six years ago, Masari sacked the 34 local government council chairmen and their 361 councillors over what he termed Ànancial misappropriation by the dissolved o΀cials.

The sacked council o΀cials, all from the former ruling PDP, ran to court to challenge what they described as illegal removal from o΀ce by Masari where they got a judgement in their favour by the Supreme Court.

The Apex Court, in a unanimous judgment in May last year, declared the sack of the council o΀cials as “illegal,

unconstitutional, null and void” and ordered the state government to pay the sacked o΀cials their entitlements for the remainder of their tenure.

Masari, at the media chat, noted that all the entitlements of the dissolved local government chairmen and their councillors have been paid in accordance with the directive of the Apex Court of the land.

Ndigbo Urged to Sustain Culture Obi Decries Hike in Food Prices, Says of Self-help to Deepen Devt Inflation Pushing more Nigerians into Poverty Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

With the ever increasing competition for government attention among the various sections of the country, Ndigbo have been urged to sustain their age-old culture of self-help to deepen development in their communities.

Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, made the call in a chat with journalists after inaugurating a road project constructed by a private citizen, Mr. Julius Nwojo Osiri at Abiriba in OhaÀa Local Government Area of Abia State.

He said that the Igbo spirit of self-help was amply demonstrated in the construction of the road, adding that Ndigbo have over the years learnt to depend less on government.

The former minister recalled

that the culture of self-help was well entrenched after the civil war following the failure of the Yakubu Gowon-led federal government to implement the policy of reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

“We are development inclined, resilience and we don’t wait for government to do everything for us,” he said.

To illustrate the power of self help, Wogu cited the Abiriba community fondly called “Small London” because of its level of development, saying that over 80 per cent of the infrastructure in the community were products of self-help by the people.

However, he pointed out that there is a limit to what could be achieved through self help, citing construction of highways hence the government should not abandon its responsibility to the people.

The Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has lamented the continuous hike in food prices, saying if such trend is left unabated more Nigerians could be further pushed into poverty.

He made this known during his visit to Mary Agro Farms, Udi, Enugu State, founded by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Obodo.

Obi described agriculture as a pivotal component of human existence.

According to him, the hike in food prices was reducing the purchasing power of the people and generating more hunger in society, thus pushing more Nigerians into poverty.

Quoting recent World Bank report on Food Price InÁation, Obi said “About 5.6 million

additional Nigerians would be living in poverty. While food price inÁation would decrease purchasing power and raise poverty across Nigeria.”

He explained that government must intervene with policies that will stop the rising cost of living, especially foods, as it is becoming increasingly di΀cult for many Nigerians to live above the poverty line.

While praising Bishop Obodo for undertaking such a productive venture capable of not only satisfying the food production needs of the immediate environment, but generating jobs for the within the locality, Obi pointed out that insecurity across the country has been the bane of farming across the country.

Obi stated that government has a major role to play in growing the agricultural sector and improving food production.

the state of abandoning the development plan drawn by experts after creation of Bayelsa in 1996.

The former Security Adviser of the state, in a statement said after the creation of Bayelsa by the late Gen. Sani Abacha, experts gathered and produced a plan for the state’s development.

But he regretted that the state’s backwardness started immediately after creation as successive leaders and governors pursued a selÀsh agenda and failed to implement the plan.

Kano Records 106 Cases of Polio Virus

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Three years after Nigeria was certiÀed polio-free, Kano State Government has revealed that it has recorded no fewer than 106 cases of circulating Vaccine Drive Polio Virus type 2, (cVDPV2) in 25 local government areas of the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa, made the disclosure yesterday at a press conference on OBR1 and MNCH Week Integrated Campaigns, held at the Ministry of Health in Kano.

According to him, Kano had joined other 12 states that had so far recorded the new

Emir of Borgu Inaugurates Committee on 2022 Gani Durbar Festival The Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Dantoro (Kitoro 4th), has inaugurated a 15-man Central Working Committee to plan and articulate the cultural tourism ecology of the sixth edition of Gani Durbar Festival.

Also constituted were nine strategic sub committees covering various terms of reference on finance and fund raising, accommodation, feeding arrangements, publicity, security, works, venue and protocol, events, sanitation and logistics.

Alhaji Dantoro also approved the appointment of the chairman of the Central Working Committee in the person of Alhaji Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General of National Parks service, also for the various other sub committees leaving no room for distractions in the various referenced expectations duly assigned.

polio virus for the Àrst time since 25th August, 2020, when Nigeria was certiÀed polio-free

by Works Health Organisation (WHO).

The commissioner said that the country had therefore developed end game strategy to stop the transmission of the cVDPV2, adding that to achieve the goal, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) introduced improved and genetically more stable vaccine called the novel type 2 oral polio vaccine, nOPV2 to respond to the outbreak.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

08054699539

Malami, IG Baba are Purely Lawbreakers

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hy should Nigeria’s Chief Law Officer and the head of the Nigerian police mobilise two hundred men from Abuja for an obvious illegal execution of judgement in Lagos? That the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba as well as the Minister of Justice/Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, mobilised this number of policemen for an unlawful enforcement at the Magodo 11 residential estate in Lagos, is despicable and portrays the Buhari-led federal government as reckless.

The police officer leading the operation, CSP Abimbola Oyewole confidently told Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu that he and his armed colleagues were at the estate on the orders of IG Baba and Malami. For over three weeks, the army of occupation from Abuja has been assisting the initial land owners to inflict pain on the residents of Magodo 11, with threats to demolish their houses, based on a purported judgement of the Supreme Court.

There is only one Supreme Court judgement in this land case between the Shangisha Landlords Association (the initial owners of the land Magodo 11 sits today) and the Lagos State Government. I am sure Malami and Baba have the Certified True Copies (CTC) of this judgement. So, if these two federal law officers have the CTC, then, they have no business sending this army of occupation to Magodo 11. There is no justification for the invasion of Magodo 11 by IG Baba’s boys.

I have spent quality time reading this judgement in favour of the Shangisha Landlords Association, who, no doubt were unjustly treated by the military administration of late Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudasiru in Lagos State. The then military administrator in 1984 demolished their houses and seized their land with the claim that they were squatters and that they erected buildings in Shangisha without the knowledge and approval of the Lagos State Government.

Lagos State further claimed that Shangisha village was a part of the 7,300 acres of land compulsorily acquired by the Lagos State Government in 1969, and “as a result of the acquisition, the land became vested in the Lagos State Government by virtue of the public Land Acquisition Vesting order of.”

In addition, it claimed that the plaintiffs were not physically on the site at the time of the

IG Usman Baba

Malami

acquisition of Shangisha village in 1969.

After the 1984 demolition of Shangisha village, a residential estate (Magodo 11) was later created there by the state’s government and sold. Following pressure from the initial land owners, the Lagos State Government agreed to give them fresh land but reneged. That was why the oppressed Shangisha landlords went to court. The case resolved in court was not over ownership of Shangisha village. It was over the failure of Lagos State to compensate Shangisha landlords with new land as agreed.

But the fact remains that the Supreme Court judgement did not grant approval to the Shangisha Landlords for the repossession of their land at Magodo 11. This is the crux of the matter. Malami and Baba should know that it is the heart of the matter. There is no judgement supporting retrieval of the land. The Supreme Court didn’t grant any approval to the oppressed Shangisha landlords to take possession of properties of individuals in Magodo 11. So, sending an army of occupation to Magodo 11, to assist the original owners regain possession of the land is an illegality. I’m not sorry to say that Malami and Baba went on an illegal enforcement

for personal gains.

The battle in the various courts was not over the ownership of Shangisha village, but over the fact that Lagos State Government reneged on its promise to provide land for the displaced initial land owners. Lagos State Government offered the appellants plots of land in substitution for the one from which they were evicted, but failed to deliver. The copy of the Supreme Court judgement in favour of the Shangisha Landlords declared that members of the Shangisha Landlords Association, whose lands were taken and buildings demolished at Shangisha village by the Lagos State Government and/or its servants or agents during the period of June 1984 to May 1985, are entitled to the first choice preferential treatment by the Lagos State Government before any other person(s) in the allocation or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha village scheme.

Put succinctly, the Supreme Court ordered that Lagos State should, as a matter of first priority, give 549 plots of land to the original land owners in the Shangisha Landlords Association. Malami and Baba know that the declaratory judgment of the Supreme Court only

Akeredolu Should Respond Suitably to Sleaze Accusations The story in town is that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has turned Ondo State into a private firm, with his wife and children running the show. Here, the First Family gets all the juicy contracts, so goes the story.

The latest of the nepotism stories out of Ondo State is about the end of the year concert tagged, “Sunshine Countdown 2021” for which the state ostensibly paid huge amount to his daughter, Teniola and her husband, Michael Olatunde, to organise. The amount paid is a closely guarded secret. There are speculations that it could be about N500 million. I can’t understand why a governor owing civil servants will approve money for a useless concert. Likewise, I can’t understand why Akeredolu will appoint his son, Babajide, as the Director-General, Performance and Project Implementation Monitoring Unit of Ondo State. This is barefaced favoritism.

Babajide is now Chief Contractor in Ondo State. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State recently released a long list of companies supposedly being used by the Ondo First Family to secure government contracts.

It was frightening. I thought Akeredolu would debunk the story with facts and

figures. It did not happen. It may never happen.

The Publicity Secretary of Ondo PDP, Kennedy Peretei remarked: “Every document prepared for Ondo State Government carries Erudit Consulting. It is owned and operated by Babajide Akeredolu, using a proxy, Ibrahim Ashanke. The Providus Bank, Akure Branch account run by Erudit shows it is all Babajide’s transactions.

“Pentabon Limited is another of the companies. Egimka Nigeria Limited is used for contracting purposes and has same Directors as Erudit, Pentabon and Egimka. The account details of these companies show they are all runned by Babajide. Terrenovo Agro, solely owned

by Babajide, is part of the N5.5 billion LPG project just commenced by the state government.

“Claribet Consulting Limited is owned by Babajide and his mother, Betty. The Secretary is Babajide’s Personal Assistant, Damhindi Msendoo, whose name appears alternately as Director or Secretary of most of these companies. Limerite Limited is owned by Babajide Akeredolu and Ilesanmi Ademola (Brainbox). The Company Secretary is Damhindi Msendoo and Pentagon Motusi Limited is owned by Babajide Akeredolu

and Damhindi Msendoo as the Secretary.

“Jakovie Energy is owned by Babajide and fronted by Damhindi Msendoo as the MD. Jakovie has been awarded a rural electricity project in Ondo State. For those who think we are peddling beer parlour rumours, it is better to wake up from your slumber to join the rest of us to rescue and rebuild Ondo State. Take your time to glean through the documents.

We are not arm-chair critics. We do our due diligence. As critical stakeholders, we cannot fold our arms and allow this to continue.”

Every nepotism and corruption allegation against Akeredolu and his family is backed with facts and figures. My dear Akeredolu, the story is that your children and their spouses are on a rampage, looting Ondo State blind. Speak up now for the sake of the state. You stand accused of spending like a drunken sailor while the many months of salaries of workers in the state, like those of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo and Owena Press Limited remain unpaid. Indeed, there is massive pain in Ondo State. Are all these companies listed owned by your wife and children?

Are they enjoying posh contracts in Ondo State? Speak up Akeredolu, speak up!

recognised the Judgment Creditors as being entitled to first choice preferential treatment “in the allocation and or re-allocation of plots in Shangisha Village.”

The Supreme Court also did not in any way grant any land title to the Shangisha landlords in Magodo 11. There is evidently nothing to back their drive for repossession because none was granted by the court.

Another illegality promoted by Malami and Baba in this Gestapo operation was that the Sheriff of the High Court of Lagos, where the Judgment first emanated, was not responsible for the purported execution ongoing at Magodo 11. These two law officers know that it is contrary to Order 8, Rule 17, of the Supreme Court 2014 Rules and Section 37 of the Enforcement of Judgment and Orders, Part iii, of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, LFN, 2004.

Malami, in his response to his lawlessness last Wednesday, carefully avoided the fact that land repossession was not part of the judgement obtained by Shangisha landlords. He was quoted as saying, “Some of the cardinal pillars of democratic government are the doctrine of separation of powers and obedience to the rule of law, inclusive of court orders… the office of the Attorney General wonders how maintenance of the law and orders in the course of execution of the judgment of the supreme can be adjudged by the imagination of the governors to be unruly. We want to restate that the sanctity of the rule of law is not a matter of choice.”

Haba! What rubbish! How can Malami be talking about enforcing what was not ordered by the Supreme Court? This is plainly the Rule of Malami, not Rule of Law. It is preposterous.

There is a personal agenda here.

Honestly, I’m in support of justice for Shangisha Landlords, whose land and house were forcefully taken 37 years ago by the Lagos State Government. Houses were confiscated and demolished without compensation. Some of the landlords could not bear the pain and died after the demolition. However, Malami and IG Baba can’t be fighting to enforce a recovery that was never ordered by the court.

Magodo 11 residents are not responsible for the unfortunate pain inflicted on Shangisha land owners and should be allowed to live in peace. The past military administration in Lagos State is clearly culpable. For me, the original Shangisha land owners deserve not just fresh land but massive financial compensation.

This is what Malami and IG Baba should be fighting for. I challenge Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to do the needful swiftly.

Shangisha landlords should be given land in locations commensurate to what they lost.

This offer of land in Badagry and Ibeju is clearly not it. Also, the Supreme Court judgement did not say anything about compensation for those whose houses were demolished.

For me, beyond providing appropriate fresh land, Sanwo-Olu should also provide immense compensation to those whose houses were demolished. It is heartwarming that the Lagos State Governor met with the Shangisha landlords on Wednesday and resolved to ensure that 549 plots of land are allocated to them. The governor directed the state’s Surveyor-General, the Permanent Secretary Lands Bureau and the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, to immediately identify available plots of land within the Shangisha village scheme for the oppressed Shangisha landlords. This is a task that must be done by Sanwo-Olu. This governor has so far shown courage and commitment. He deserves the support of all.

For the army of occupation from Abuja, IG Baba and Malami should ensure their swift removal from Magodo 11 and rapid posting to Borno State to help in the war against Boko Haram and ISWAP. Enough damage has already been done to the image of the police at Magodo. It was so easy for IG Baba to moblise policemen to Magodo, but he finds it difficult mobilising his men to crime scenes. The IG could not deploy his men in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas of Zamfara State when terrorists slaughtered scores of people in last Thursday.

What a country!

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SATURDAY JANUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Chief Daddy is Going for Broke Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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fter the epic release of “Chief Daddy” in 2018, much anticipation trailed the news of a sequel of the then comedy-drama hit. Fast-forward to January 1, 2022, the EbonyLife Studios production, in conjunction with Netflix dropped the sequel “Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke” on the streaming platform. The fans favourite and one of the biggest Nollywood movies of 2018 ‘Chief Daddy’, tells the unique but hilarious story of a billionaire industrialist, Beecroft.

Following his death, his extended family of relatives, household staff, and numerous concubines and children jostle for his inheritance. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, ‘Chief Daddy 2’ picks up from the post-funeral life of the Beecroft family, as yet another offspring, Laila, shows up, looking to take everything the Beecrofts’ hold dear.

The will is read, and the Chief’s sins are visiting all the children.

The Beecroft clan, who would rather fight than band together, will have to put their greed aside, confront this new foe, find their way to happiness and perhaps discover the true meaning of family.

New additions like Rahama Sadau, Broda Shaggi and Uzor Arukwe, join the returning ensemble cast in true Chief Daddy style. The original Chief Daddy was released on December 14, 2018.

The sequel sees fan favorites Joke Silva, Rachel Oniga (late), Shaffy Bello, Folarin Falz Falana, Funke AkindeleBello, Kate Henshaw, Ini Edo, Patience Ozokwo, Nkem Owoh, Linda Ejiofor,

Netflix’ official poster for Chief Daddy 2

Mawuli Gavor, Beverly Naya, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, and a host of other talented stars reprise their roles from the 2018 feature film.

Speaking on the release, Mo Abudu, the CEO and Founder of EbonyLife Studios says ‘It’s been a busy year for the EbonyLife Group and we have walked a path with

Netflix, our formidable partners, to bring audiences Chief Daddy 2, a bumper-packed, star-filled comedy to start 2022 off with a muchneeded smile. Probably the most star-studded movie in the history of Nollywood. Netflix is bringing Nollywood home this festive season and we are excited to be part of this

journey.’

However, despite its richly packed cast, there has been a frenzy of mixed reviews and negative reports from viewers online since the movie was released with majority faulting the movie’s worth and storyline, arguing that it would have benefited from better screenplay and direction.

DJ Neptune

I Don’t Attach Rules to My Music Disc Jockey, Patrick Imohiosen (DJ Neptune) tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu that his goal this year is to deliver timeless music with his newly released ‘Greatness 2.0’ album, which he hopes would present more evergreen songs to Africa and the world

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hat’s the agenda with Greatness?

It wasn’t originally planned. While working on my debut album, in 2018, I was going to name the project something else. On a particular day, I was taking a nap. It felt like someone was communicating to me that ‘you are doing great stuff; you are doing amazing stuff and greatness is all I see.’ It was so impossible to let go of that voice. I woke up and the word was still ringing in my head. I went back into the studio and started hyping all my songs with ‘greatness.’ That was how that word came to life.

music. While mixing songs sometimes, I blend two artistes to create a remix and it sounds nice. I really don’t have any rules to my music.

Music is spiritual. I might be in a particular place at a particular time and I try to create something out of that. Whatever collaboration I am trying to achieve, the end result has to be great sounds, quality music.

You have been on this journey for quite a while. How does that make you feel?

I feel great, having been around this long. I have seen artistes come and go, and a lot of experience has been gathered. You know that experience is one thing you cannot go to the market to buy; you have to earn it. I might not get it right 100 per cent, but I mean there is a formula for me. I started pretty early and that is the luck I have.

What’s your own input in the creative process?

For me, sometimes, I already have a theme I want to work with. I get my producer to make the beat, while I direct the sounds. I get the artistes to see what I have in my head and then they explore writing a song to it. Most times, if we are in the same space, we join heads together in getting the right lyrics and melodies. Sometimes, the artistes could be very busy and then they record from where they are. I have been in situations whereby, when I tell the artistes my creative direction of the song, they also have another direction. Sometimes, their direction is better than what I was even thinking of. The most important thing for me is the end result; it must align with my brand.

Looking at the body of work, you have a lot of A-list artistes on it. What’s the strategy for you?

When I pick an artiste to work with, it is just I having an idea in my head. I am always thinking of how two different artistes would sound like together on a song. As a DJ, I work with a lot of

What does the whole journey feel like?

The most important drive for me is passion.

Even on days where I am tired and not feeling like working, I still get myself to do it. Today, for instance, I have been doing interviews all day; I performed all night yesterday. I am supposed to be sleeping right now, but it is

already inbuilt. I am used to the hustle.

You are 20 years in the game already. dy. y How did you start? What was it like for or you?

I started in 2001; the major drive wass passion. I was just actually in love with everything that had to do with entertainnment. I didn’t know what aspect at the time. I attended a party and I saw a DJ. I instantly realised that was what I wanted to do; it suits my cool and calm personality. I started taking lessons with DJ Douglas; I also checked a lot of tutorials online.

I also have a book that Obi Asika gifted to Asa Asika who later gifted it to me. It is titled, ‘How To Become A Professional DJ’. We didn’t know what we were doing.

So, I recall that your song, Nobody, was the jam of 2020.

What was the secret behind that track?

Nobody is already a year and half old. Trust me, it still sounds fresh. It is ’s still competing with the hits today; that’s the magic of the song. That is the type of record I want to make. I want to create music om that people can groove to in 10 years from now. There are other records like that. 9ice’s ace’s Gongo Aso, Olu Maintain’s Yahooze, 2Face’s African Queen, and many others. That iss my ss aim as a creative; I want to make timeless music.

DJ N Neptune t

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Excitement, Expectations Trail Glo’s Dance Competition Across Nigeria, there is feverish anticipation for the airing of the Globacom Nigeria-sponsored Battle of the Year regarded as the biggest dance competition in the world. For participants, the show offers a unique shot at attaining a new level of fame and fortune. Underlying this enthusiasm and expectation is a profound testament to Dr. Mike Adenuga, chairman of Globacom’s deep-seated love for the arts and youth empowerment... writes Lanre Alfred

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was getting at least N10 million per annum depending on their level of stardom. But the highest-paid ambassador at a time was P-Square, which, at the height of their fame, was reportedly paid over N200 million and got an expensive SUVeach. While Peter got a 2015 G-Wagon, Paul got a Range Rover as part of the deal.

Aside from direct financial commitments including massive sponsorships, Globacom currently retains the largest number of key players in the entertainment industry as brand ambassadors while upholding that by actively engaging these key entertainment drivers, they, in turn, can help to grow the sector and the economy. Many entertainers, both established and unheralded, have been blessed immeasurably by this love and patronage.

More than any other Nigerian company, Globacom has, over the years, supported the industry by providing platforms for Nigerian nay African entertainers to practice their trade through direct sponsorship of concerts such as Glo Campus Storm, Glo Rock ‘n’ Rule’; Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce; Glo Laffta Fest; Glo Mega Music Nationwide Tour, Dance with Peter, Glo X-Factor, Glo Naija Sings and the popular sit-com, Professor Johnbull featuring among others Kanayo O. Kanayo, Yomi Fash Lanso, Bidemi Kosoko, and Bishop Umeh.

Apart from good music and musicians like Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, and Paul Play Dairo among others, Adenuga loves a good laugh and also loves to spread happiness, hence, his support and sponsorship of many comedy shows like the Glo Lafta Fest regarded as the biggest music, dance, and comedy event in Nigeria and which brings top-rated African comedians like Bovi, Salvador of Uganda, Basket Mouth, Gordons, I Go Dye, 2Cantok, Seyi Law and others together in one place for an evening of unlimited fun and laughter; Glo Slide and Bounce, traveling music and dance show; and the Bovi man on Fire Lagos and Warri editions, among others. His favourite comedians like Basketmouth and Bovi who, at various times have been ambassadors for the Glo brand, have also benefitted immensely from their relationships with the man fondly called ‘The Bull’.

wave of excitement and feverish expectations is currently enveloping many enthusiastic and energetic young dancers across the country as the Glo Battle of the Year regarded as the biggest dance competition in the world is now set for the next stage. For the past few weeks, young Nigerian dancing talents had battled it out in the six audition centres - Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Benin.

The regional winners will go head-to-head in the group stages as the ultimate aim is to win the N84 million prize money and a chance to represent Nigeria at the international Battle of the Year contest. Alongside this is the invaluable and inevitable stardom that would trail the winner and participants as the show goes into a 13-part series on terrestrial and satellite television stations across the country soon.

After regional auditions nationwide, which saw thousands of budding dancers showcasing their dancing skills, it was revealed by Globacom that the next stage of the competition will involve a dance mentorship programme for all regional winners. Some of the judges at the regional auditions include local and international dance legends such as Poco Lee, Pinky Debbie, Izzy Odigie, Mike Adenuga Big Flo, Maxbuck, Dunamis, Franc Okwara, JC Jedor, Poxy (Cameroon), Gidnasty (USA), Menno (Netherlands) and Manuela (Germany).They would feature as judges throughout the show.

About the Glo Battle of the Year Dance Competition The Battle of the Year competition is an annual international breakdancing competition that began in Hannover, Germany, in 1990.The regional qualifying tournaments are held worldwide and culminate in the world finals usually held in Germany with over 12,000 visitors across the world. It is widely regarded as the World Cup of breakdancing.

For the first 23 editions, Battle of the Year was a crew competition. In 2013, a one-on-one competition was added. Since 2014, the oneon-one portion of Battle of the Year is one of ten tournaments that are a part of the competition.

For Glo-BOTY, contestants will slug it out in seven categories viz – Crew Battle, Bboy 1 vs. 1 Battle, Bgirl 1 vs. 1 Battle, Popping 1 vs. 1 Battle, Locking 1 vs. 1 Battle, Crump 1 vs. 1 Battle, and Afro Dance 1 vs. 1 Battle.

The BOTY is so popular worldwide that it has gained attention for positive promotion of hip-hop culture and social unity and spawned the 2007 documentary Planet B-Boy, and a 2013 eponymous feature film, Battle of the Year, both directed by Benson Lee. The Senior Manager, Events and Sponsorship, Glo, Shola Mogaji said, “This is the biggest dance show in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a fast-paced action-packed show where the best dance crews and individuals in the country will go head-to-head and battle one another to see who will represent Nigeria in the next international Battle of the Year competition taking place in Japan.

“This initiative is an international competition that has been running for over 10 years worldwide but it is a one-off life event. For the first time, Globacom is now taking the competition to mainstream media with a 13-part televised reality TV show. Episodes 12 and 13 will be the semi-final and final of the show which will take place in 2022 in Lagos.The ultimate breakdance winner will represent Nigeria at the international Battle of the Year competition.”

Globacom’s Communications Director, Andre Beyers, said the show would offer unlimited opportunities for Nigerian youth to pursue their passion. “In line with our commitment to promoting the Nigerian entertainment industry and youth talent development across the country, we are excited to unleash the unlimited potential of Nigerian dancers and provide the platform for them to showcase their abilities on the world stage,” he stated.

Also, Manorath Shukla of Glo’s Marketing

GLO BOTY further underscores Dr. Mike Adenuga’s commitment to the development of arts and empowerment of Nigerian youths Department said, “It is in the camp that the mentorship programme and the workshop will be organised on dance. Several dance and showbiz icons from across the world will be participating in this project including Kaffy, Poco Lee, Pinky Debbie, Izzy Odigie, Big Flo, Maxbuck, Dunamis, Franc Okwara, JC Jedor, Poxy (Cameroon), Gidnasty (USA), Menno (Netherlands) and Manuela (Germany).”

The Project Coordinator and CEO, House of Royalty, Jolomi Kendaboh, said that the competition was the preliminary to the annual International Battle of the Year breakdance championship. “We are confident that with the backing and full support of Globacom, we would take the standard of the dance competition to the next level,” he said.

GLO BOTY, Another Testament to Mike Adenuga’s Love and Commitment to the Development of Arts and Empowerment of Nigerian Youths Besides redefining the art of telephony in Nigeria and introducing the per-second billing when the pioneer operators said it was

impossible, Globacom, thanks to its chairman, Dr Mike Adenuga, GCON’s love for the arts, has changed the story of many Nigerian entertainers – established and unheralded – alike.

Indeed, the chairman of Globacom’s love for the arts is intrinsic and invaluable. Perhaps after his passion for business, making money, and philanthropy; appreciation of the arts is next in line. Since its inception in 2003, the entertainment industry has featured prominently in Globacom’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives on account of Adenuga’s passion for the industry.

In the intervening years, Globacom has made home-grown stars from the entertainment industry the faces (ambassadors) of its brand while making them worth their popularity in affluence and influence. At a time when entertainers were being paid peanuts for their artistry, Globacom upped the ante, dishing out millions of naira to its ambassadors, and helping them to live the life they only see in the movies or on MTV. The least paid ambassador, sources said,

Adenuga... ‘Baba’ for the Youths As part of reaching out to the youth and motivating and empowering them to attain excellence in their chosen fields, Globacom, in 2010, announced that it was taking over Naija Sings, the music talent-search reality show then organised by MNET, which ‘aimed at discovering, developing and rewarding Nigeria’s brightest and boldest musical talents. In an exclusive three-year deal, the reality show was rechristened Glo Naija Sings and a mouth-watering prize regime including $100,000 cash, a record deal, and a brand newToyota RAV4 SUV was introduced.The telecoms giant promised that it would endorse the winner as an ambassador.

Celebrities like Dare Art Alade, Olisa Adibua, and Tosin Martins were among the beneficiaries as they participated actively in the show.

In 2013, Globacom announced that it would be sponsoring the Nigerian version of the British music reality television show, X-Factor.

Auditions held in Nigeria and Ghana with the ultimate prize being a $150,000 cash reward and a deal to be managed and produced by Sony Music to record an album.

The company also collaborated with MTV on The Big Friday Show in 2012, an alliance that made the show more interactive and gave viewers the opportunity for live appearances on the show. There was an added benefit of GLO subscribers winning its products every week. That was for the unheralded talents who needed a platform and motivation to kick-start their careers.

Many discerning Nigerians, therefore, see the Glo BOTY as yet another path created by Adenuga to give teeming Nigerian youths a platform to achieve their dreams.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Patoranking ‘s ‘Big Name’ Concert Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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he Big Name Concert, which as part of the lineup of stacked December concerts across Lagos in December 2021 had reggae dancehall star, Patoranking deliver jaw dropping performances and shines lyrically at the concert held in conjunction with Toro Entertainment Company on Boxing Day at Eko Hotel, Lagos. The event lived up to its billing as Patoranking did not disappoint after over a month of publicity preceding the concert.

The singer born Patrick Nnaemeka Okoli stepped out on stage with energetic entrance, made possible by his rave dancers and his reggae live band. He started off the night with one of his classics; Suh Different and then went on to perform his infectious record, “Daniella Whine” from his GOE album which featured Jamaican Dancehall Superstars, Elephant Man and Koshens. Of course, the night would not have been complete without performing I’m in love.

But this time however, Patoranking went all out, adding a unique and creative twist to the song. Throwing it all the way back to 2015, this music legend went on to perform his epic hit; My Woman,

My Everything. Another exciting highlight of the show was when ‘Orente’ crooner, Adekunle Gold came upstage to perform High which originally featured Davido. Flavour doubled the energy with a live performance of his songs including Levels, Egedege, and Ijele.

Thrilling the fans further, legendary comedian Basket Mouth stepped on the stage to deliver rib-cracking performance just before Patoranking made another appearance to perform his much-loved song, Confirm before finally telling the audience What Happened in Abule and then performing Celebrate Me. One moment the attendees will not forget in a hurry was when artiste and singer-songwriter Timaya jumped on stage to perform snippets of his songs Balance, I can’t kill myself, Telli Person and Cold Outside featuring Buju. Patoranking went emotional on his long-time friend and brother Timaya, telling the audience that the artiste had a big impact on his career over the years, even going as far as giving him a place to stay.

Afterwards, the duo performed the song that changed their lives and statuses, epic throwback classic,

Patoranking, right, on stage with Timaya at the Big Name Concert...

‘Alubarika’. The final surprise performance of the night was some cultural praise from artiste Kcee which took the audience on a joyride all the way to the East.

Patoranking definitely had the time

of his life performing for his teeming Lagos fans as he took to his Instagram account to say, “Thank you LAGOS. Love you forever! God bless everyone who came out to support & the team. Let’s do it again.”

Toke Makinwa, Nancy Isime are Hollantex Ambassadors Tosin Clegg

H

ollantex, the leading pan-African Ankara wax print manufacturer has signed TV hosts Nancy Isime and Toke Makinwa as Brand Ambassadors.

As the new face of Hollantex, the company said Makinwa and Isime would be instrumental in growing the brand’s presence across Africa.

Thomas Fournier, Founder of Hollantex said: “They will support the development and launch of Hollantex’s new collections, leveraging their keen eye for fashion and ability to assemble show-stopping outÀts to promote the brand’s beautiful patterns. Together they will showcase the true elegance of Hollantex’s Ankara fabrics for today’s leading woman.”

“Toke Makinwa and Nancy Isime are a glowing representation of the African woman, who remains the muse behind some of the most colorful, diverse and intricate patterns of the Hollantexfabrics. We are inspired by their commitment to their craft and dedication to fashion.

They are the perfect embodiment of the Hollantex brand and we see that everyday. From the sets of Nollywood’s biggest productions to the stages of the continent’s biggest events, you can always count on them to be graceful, classy and stylish.”

Commenting on her new role as ambassador of the Hollantex brand, Toke Makinwa said: “As a true fashion enthusiast, prints have always excited me. Hollantex fabrics are vivacious, colorful and full of life, working with this brand makes me feel conÀdent that I can truly live my best printastic life while being bold and beautiful.”

Beginning in January, fans will get a glimpse into the collaboration through photos, videos and styles developed exclusively for this campaign.

Nancy Isime

Toke Makinwa

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Fireboy DML’s New Artistic Direction Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Afro-Life artiste, Fireboy DML sets out for his first ever headline concert tagged “The Fire Concert”. Following an impressive music year characterized by successful hit singles, a critically acclaimed second album and several nods, the singer would usher in the New Year with a night of energetic music performances for teeming fans, revelers and lovers of great music. He is set to release his third album later in 2022, while he has split his time between the US and Nigeria in recent times.

This comes after a whirlwind six months for Fireboy, who has already released two albums in his career; Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, and Apollo. From ‘Jealous’, his breakthrough single, to Laughter, Tears, & Goose bumps, down to Apollo – a project that chronicles evolution, growth, love and pain – Fireboy’s remarkable journey to music has been one that passionate fans have been major players of. He’s still reeling off the robust reception from his recent single, “Peru”, a fans’ favourite that has since garnered the attention of the global music community.

Fireboy DML takes the brilliance a step further with an unexpected collaboration with Grammy award winning act Ed Sheeran for a much-anticipated remix. Released on Christmas Eve, 2021, the 25-year-old musician told Rolling Stone that he was “ecstatic” about Sheeran’s appearance, but that in his eyes, the collaboration is mainly “a big one for the [afrobeats/pop] culture.”

Moreover, he drops a colourful video of this classic tune.

The rhythm and melody are so euphoric with a fusion of Yoruba and English language. Since Fireboy DML, rose to prominence, he has been at the top of his game. Born Adedamola

Ed Sheeran and Fireboy

Adefolahon, Fireboy DML had his big break in early 2019 with the re-release of “Jealous”. An Afropop head-bopper that announced his presence as a major talent, “Jealous” was initially included on YBNL Mafia Family, an album featuring artistes under the label he is signed to in Nigeria, YBNL, owned by Olamide Adedeji (Badoo).

Interestingly, Fireboy doesn’t drop singles at the pace of most musicians in the streaming era. He released his debut album Laughter, Tears, and Goosebumps in 2019, and his sopho-

more album Apollo the following year.

He explains that his process lets him sit with his music for a long time, “looking for any flaws.” Hence, he admits that “Peru”, a song he says took less than an hour to put together, took him into a different artistic direction altogether.

By letting go of some of that patient perfectionism, he was able to loosen up.

Fireboy says making the original track taught him not to overthink things, to “just enjoy the music, enjoy the process.”

It’s fitting since “Peru” is, at its heart, something of a diary entry, retelling the

Bankole: Fashion is a Way of Life Tosin Clegg

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luwagbemisola Bankole is the Creative Director of Labisi Adrian, one of Nigeria’s emerging fashion brands. With about half a decade in the industry, she has been able to craft out a hold for herself with her ever rich creative ideas, statement making pieces and excellence.

Speaking about her journey into fashion, she said, “I have always loved fashion right from my teenage years.

And I always saw myself illustrating designs for different outfits, so as time passed by I decided I would love to own a fashion brand and I made sure that dream came through.

“Fashion is a way of life for me, it’s an art. It’s an expression of how you feel and how you want people to see you. My brand is here to solve the problems of people.

And those who have illustrative ideas of how they would love to look like in each outfit they wear as our

main aim is to create clothes for different women of different styles, class and culture. Fashion is very important in our everyday life because, you can never go around without wearing an outfit or a fashionable item.

It’s something that is already a part of us and would continue to live with us. Fashion is important because it helps us to communicate with people around us using our dressing and how fashionable we are.”

Bankole’s brand appeals to age 18 and above in both slender and plus sizes. With believe in quality and not quantity and also aiming to be recognized both home and abroad. As for aspiration, she said, “I love to see the likes of Tiwa Savage, Sharon Ooja and Inidima Okojie wear my pieces and this is because each one of them has a unique taste of fashion, and I love how they combine outfits.

Their fashion sense for me is top notch and they could literally fit into any designs or outfits.”

Oluwagbemisola Bankole

musician’s first summer in the U.S this past year. “If you think about it, the song is really about a young man in a foreign land, enjoying himself, and just coming out of his shell and having fun and living life,” he said.

The singer made his debut in the top 30 of the Official UK Top 40 Charts with his smash hit single remix, ‘Peru’ on Friday, December 31, 2021. The record became Nigeria’s first song to record one million views on its video from Nigeria on YouTube. The record has now debuted at No. 52 on the US Rhythmic Radio charts.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

PERSPECTIVE

Defogging Austin Avuru’s Sack by Seplat Samuel Ugwu

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lot has been written since the removal of Mr. Austin Avuru as a Non-Executive Director of Seplat Energy Plc. by the Board of the company. Seplat had in a 23rd December 2021 corporate filing to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) announced that its Board had on 22nd December 2021 terminated Avuru’s appointment as Non-Executive Director of the company.

According to Seplat’s Director, Legal and Company Secretary Edith Onwuchekwa, the action was hinged on “breaches of the company’s corporate governance policies and his fiduciary duties”.

“In line with Seplat Energy’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, Platform Petroleum Limited has been asked to nominate a candidate for his replacement on the board, and a further announcement will be made in due course,” the statement read.

Although Seplat did not give details, investigative reports soon showed that the businessman had in March 2020 allegedly acquired interest in another oil firm, Chappal Petroleum Development Company LTD, as a founding shareholder and Director even while holding sway as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Seplat, but failed to declare same. Avuru equally accepted appointment as Chairman of Chappal Petroleum Development while still holding the position Non-Executive Director of Seplat, which he did not also declare to the Board of the later. Both amounted to conflict of interest in connection with Seplat’s business, especially in its planned acquisition of some Nigerian assets in which ExxonMobil Corporation has interests.

However, in a swift reaction, Avuru, through his lawyers rejected the sack, saying it not only breach due process, but also an attempt to tarnish his reputation. In a statement by Osaro Eghobamien and Folabi Kuti, Perchstone & Graeys, the law firm representing the embattled oil entrepreneur, said the action was aimed at “damaging his hard-earned reputation” relaying on “fictitious allegations”.

Although the law firm’s statement instructively admitted that Avuru had taken a dignified position on the issues leading ‘ill-advised action’ by him, it did not give details of the said “ill-advised action’. It described Seplat’s action as a “dramatic summersault”, given its alleged January 9, 2021 letter “urging our client to act with confidentiality”, which the law firm said was customary to its client’s “impeccable character”.

Austin Avuru, who is a co-founder of Seplat, had retired a sCEO of the company on July 31, 2020, but remained on the Board of the Company as a “Non-Executive Director (as appointed in October 2020) until December 22, 2021 when the appointment was terminated by Seplat’s Board over what it described as “breaches of the company’s corporate governance policies and his fiduciary duties”.

Position of the Law and Codes of Corporate Governance By the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, directors owe fiduciary obligations to their company. They are duty bound, among others, to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members, avoid conflict of interest, declare interest in any proposed transaction, and, in fact, exercise their powers and discharge their duties honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the company. They are equally expected to exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill, which a reasonably prudent director would exercise in comparable circumstances.

Specifically, Section 305 of CAMA 2020 provides: “A director of a company stands in a fiduciary relationship towards the company and shall observe utmost good faith towards the company in any transaction with it or on its behalf.

“A director shall act at all times in what he believes to be the best interests of the company as a whole so as to preserve its assets, further its business, and promote the purposes for which it was formed, and in such manner as a faithful, diligent, careful and ordinarily skilful director

Avuru

would act in the circumstances”.

Section 306 provides: “The personal interest of a director shall not conflict with any of his duties as a director under this Act. A director shall not - (a) in the course of management of affairs of the company, or (b) in the utilisation of the company’s property, make any secret profit or achieve other unnecessary benefits.”

Also, Section 308 provides: “Every director of a company shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties of his office honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the company, and shall exercise that degree of care, diligence and skill which a reasonably prudent director would exercise in comparable circumstances.

“Failure to take reasonable care in accordance with the provisions of this section is a ground for an action for negligence and breach of duty”.

Likewise, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) 2018 makes it mandatory for a Managing Director (MD)/CEO to declare any conflict of interest.

“The MD/CEO should declare any conflict of interest on appointment and annually thereafter. In the event that he becomes aware of any potential conflict of interest at any other point, he should disclose this to the Board at the first possible opportunity. Actions following disclosure should be subject to the Company’s Conflict of Interest Policy”, it states clearly.

The meat of the matter However, a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) shows that Chappal Petroleum Development Company Ltd., which was incorporated in 2020 with a registered office at No. 12, Oluwole Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and with N10 million authorised share capital divided into 10 million shares of N1 each, has Austin Avuru as a founding Director.

Section C of the incorporation document (Particulars of First Directors and their Consent Act) names Avuru Ojunekwu Augustine, male, born on August 17 1958 and with international passport number B50004012 as number one on the list. The other founding Director is Imevbore Victor Ohozie.

Also, the form containing names and address of subscribers dated February 21, 2020 has Avuru, Imevbore, and SLG Chemicals Ltd as the shares subscribers.

One of the major worries, however, is that Avuru was still the CEO of Seplat at the time and both Chappal and Seplat operate in the same industry. The other, according to available documents, is that he was appointed the Chairman of Chappal, while still a Non-Executive Director of Seplat. Even more worrisome, is that both companies were competing for assets in which ExxonMobil has interest. Chappal’s bid for the

This is therefore seen as flagrant corporate espionage and breach of trust, Seplat conflict of interest policy, Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Code, and provisions of CAMA 2020. This is so because whereas Avuru knew that Seplat where he was a NonExecutive Director at the time was equally interested in the assets, he participated in Seplat Board’s discussions relating to Seplat’s bid for the assets in spite of his clear conflict of interest, which he did not declare

said asset has been well reported in the media.

Following the discovery of the undeclared conflict of interest, Seplat instituted an enquiry where Avuru had on December 1, 2020 reportedly admitted his conflict of interest in Seplat’s business, especially in the proposed acquisition of some Nigerian assets in which ExxonMobil Corporation has interests. He equally allegedly confessed on the same day to his appointment as Chairman of Chappal as well as to Chappal’s invitation by ExxonMobil Corporation for discussions and likely access to their database in respect of the said assets it intended to dispose.

The Board was therefore said to have been very peeved by the fact that Avuru had already acquired interest in Chappal as a Director and founding shareholder in March 2020, which was nine clear months as at the December 2020 enquiry and while he was also the CEO of Seplat.

He was also serving as Chairman of Chappal while serving as Non-Executive Director of Seplat Seplat Board was particularly miffed by the fact that he failed to declare his conflict of interest to the company while he sat Seplat’s highly strategic meetings, including meetings where the bid for the ExxonMobil Corporation assets, which Chappal was also biding for, were discussed.

This is therefore seen as flagrant corporate espionage and breach of trust, Seplat conflict of interest policy, Nigeria Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Code, and provisions of CAMA 2020. This is so because whereas Avuru knew that Seplat where he was a Non-Executive Director at the time was equally interested in the assets, he participated in Seplat Board’s discussions relating to Seplat’s bid for the assets in spite of his clear conflict of interest, which he did not declare. It is like a General in the army of the enemy camp sitting in the War Council of the other camp.

Besides, as a company that enjoys a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange’s Main Market, Seplat is obliged to voluntarily conform with the United Kingdom’s Code of Corporate Governance (“UK Code”) to which it had committed ab initio.

Just as the NCCG, by the provisions of the UK Code, it is expected of directors of Board to maintain highest ethos and integrity and comply with the company law of in their operations.

Meanwhile, the development allegedly took a major tool last year as Mr. Rolet Xavier, an Independent Non-Executive Director of Seplat, stepped down, citing personal reasons without giving details.

In a notice signed by the Seplat’s Director, Legal and Company Secretary, Mrs Onwuchekwa, and filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), the company said: “The Board of Seplat Energy Plc today announces that Mr. Xavier Rolet, KBE, an Independent Non-Executive Director (“INED”), has decided to step down from the Board of Seplat Energy effective 11th November 2021 for personal reasons.’’

However, allegations are rife that Rolet’s resignation was not unconnected with what individual members of the Board see as a major betrayal of trust. The ExxonMobil Corporation asset is a major one that could further raise the profile of the company if successfully bided for, but have been seriously jeopardised.

Shell and ExxonMobil Corporation lead the International Oil Companies (IOCs) seeking to divest from their onshore and shallow water assets in Nigeria. The American oil giant, which boasts of over 100 oil platforms in the Nigeria is also seeking to divest from upstream assets not only in Nigeria, but equally in the US Gulf of Mexico, the UK North Sea, Vietnam, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Romania, and Azerbaijan to raise USD25 billion by 2025 from such divestments.

Whereas Seplat had last December confirmed through its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Emeka Onwuka, the company’s bid for ExxonMobil assets in conjunction with a partner, there are widespread, even ‘celebrated’ media reports that ex-Seplat Non-Executive Director, Avuru had launched a rival bid for the ExxonMobil licenses.

How will all this play out? Only time will tell.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

SUPER SATURDAY

The Audacity of Shatu Garko History was made recently when 18-year-old Hijab model, Shatu Garko became the first ever Miss Nigeria from a northern state. The 44th Miss Nigeria is also a lover of culture and Islam, her religion. Unlike some conservative Islam adherents, who would argue that the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant is a no-go-area, Garko believes it is something Muslims can delve into without losing one’s sanity, thus opening a wind of unending backlash.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

“4

4th Miss Nigeria, First Hijabi Miss Nigeria,” reads her Instagram bio, where she has a growing number of followers, currently well over 49,000.

Since her emergence as the 44th Miss Nigeria and the first-ever hijab-wearing model to win the Miss Nigeria pageant, 18-year-old Shatu Garko’s feat has continued to spark discussions dominating the history of the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant which dates back to 1957.

Winning the competition means a lot to her. First, it’s her dream. Second, she’s passionate about proving that religion and culture are not barriers to one’s dreams and achieving whatever a person sets out to achieve. Three, she represents a new culture that highlights the plight that besets northern girls. Growing up she has always wanted to be a queen. She sees women on TV crowned Miss Nigeria.

Garko had always wanted to be seen in that light. She just wanted the title Miss Nigeria. Her victory has got all kinds of comments trailing her; being called different names. “Honestly I don’t reply them.

I don’t say anything. I just move on. The crown is already on my head. So there’s nothing I can do”, the Northern beauty told BBC News Pidgin. In prospect, not even anyone can do anything to alter her glory as it is right now.

Strong-willed, goal-driven, and resilient Garko is a testimony to the saying that, “where there’s a will, there’s a way”. From relative obscurity, she has become a sensation across the country. Garko, who hails from Kano State, was crowned Miss Nigeria after beating 17 other finalists

Shatu Garko

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

SUPER SATURDAY ‘The Crown is Already on My Head, so There is Nothing I can do.’

Honestly, Nigerians like judging people. Many people said the president paid for me to get the crown; others said my state governor paid to get crowned.

Some people said my parents paid Miss Nigeria for me to get crowned but that’s not true. Some people who are not even Muslims said that I’m spoiling the Miss Nigeria culture. Honestly, I don’t reply to them, I don’t say anything, I just move on. The crown is already on my head so there is nothing I can do.” at the keenly contested pageant on December 17, 2021, in Lagos. She was also the youngest contestant this year, winning N10 million, a one-year residency at a luxury apartment, brand new car and brand ambassadorship opportunities.

Garko’s first appreciation speech was one dedicated to her mother. And the reason is not farfetched. It’s not easy getting people to buy into her dream of participating in the contest as a Muslim.

But with the support of her mother, it was easy for her to take on the challenge.

Unlike some conservative Islam adherents, who would argue that the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant is a no-go-area, Garko believes it is something Muslims can delve into without losing one’s sanity For Garko, religion and culture should not constitute barriers to one’s dreams in life. “To me, it doesn’t matter what people think. I only believe in what I think. I believe the hijab is not a barrier. I think people shouldn’t criticise but either way I don’t really care. I’m just doing it for me; I am not doing it for anyone,” she enthused.

After clinching this year’s Miss Nigeria crown, her first Instagram post was one addressing Hausa’s rich culture as well as religion. “Nigeria” The queen is coming!”

The Hausa Culture is a big ethnic group that has about 24 million people in Nigeria and its traditions and culture are homogenised,” she wrote. Ironically, this same culture which Garko is passionate about discriminates the process leading to her new position.

Now, that she occupies the position has also collided with her religion. Days after shortly being crowned the 2021 Miss Nigeria, shades of religious incendiary haunted her. It is seen that her recent feat will no doubt inspire several other young women in the northern part of the country to also give the annual contest a shot. And her religion abhors such.

Garko’s emergence as Miss Nigeria has sparked some controversies as some Islamic organisations and individuals were against it. Take for instance, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), backed the Kano State Hisbah Board’s decision to question Garko’s parents over their daughter’s participation in the beauty pageant.

MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, argued that no decent Muslim lady would participate in any beauty pageant like the Miss Nigeria contest, equating the beauty pageant to a popular Nigerian television reality show.

Recall that some days ago BBC Pidgin reported that Hisbah commandant, Haruna Ibn-Sina, said Garko’s parents would be invited to answer questions on their daughter’s actions. Hisbah also stated that the young lady’s participation in a beauty pageant was against Islam and her action might serve as an inspiration for other ladies to act the same way.

Garko responded, saying. “Honestly, Nigerians like judging people. Many people said the president paid for me to get the crown; others said my state governor paid to get crowned. Some people said my parents paid Miss Nigeria for me to get crowned but that’s not true. Some people who are not even Muslims said that I’m

spoiling the Miss Nigeria culture. Honestly, I don’t reply to them, I don’t say anything, I just move on. The crown is already on my head so there is nothing I can do.”

Some northern activists including Aisha Yesufu, and Shehu Sani criticised the Hisbah Board over the planned invitation and the board later disowned the plan.

However, reacting through his Facebook page, Shehu Sani said Garko clinched Miss Nigeria with honour and grace, defying odds, encumbrances and the norms and lifted the trophy.

He explains. “Miss Shatu Garko wore hijab and won. She proved there’s beauty and glamour in decency. She disproved the charm of obscenity. She marched with honour and grace, defying odds, encumbrances and the norms and lifted the trophy. “She is a model who can be a role model. It’s not about the pageant or the beauty. She won for all those who don’t believe that beauty is nudity. She won for all those who wear hijab like her. She should be appreciated by our puritans for threading a different or unusual path and emerging victorious,” Sani said.

Also, a United States-based social commentator, Farooq Kperogi, condemed the Kano State Islamic Board, describing it as hypocrisy.

Maryam, wife of former Emir of Kano and CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, wrote an open letter to Garko, appealing to her to use her reign to speak up about the insecurity ravaging the Northern region of the country. In the open letter shared on her Instagram page, Mrs. Sanusi said Garko should use her beauty for a good cause.

According to her, Shatu should lend her voice to call for an end to the lawlessness happening in the North. Wondering how people can be silent when men in their numbers storm villages in the North to rape women and minors as well as maim people recklessly. Mrs. Sanusi asked the beauty queen to help draw the attention of everyone to the insecurity in the Northern region and also help draw aids to the region.

Hajiya Sanusi stressed that country farmers were losing their means of livelihood, “mothers are broken because their children are snatched from the street and taken away, never to be heard of again.

Even when ransom is demanded and paid, only lifeless corpses are returned to their parents that is why Shatu Garko should speak out.”

Hajiya Sanusi she was crying as she was writing the letter. She recalled the anguish of some victims such as Amina who was raped infront of her father. Halima, Atika and Mario who were burnt to death.

She advised the beauty queen to be respectful to all, be grateful to God and hold tight to her values and principles, the beautiful teachings and traditions of her religion which will be her guiding light.

She warned her of the many temptations coming her way in terms of propagating or advertising things or ideas that are not acceptable to her religion, traditions and principles, encouraged her to say no and admonished her to embrace the five daily prayers of her religion which should be her anchor.

Shatu Garko

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

POLITY Day Bola Ige Resurrected in Ibadan The echoes of the first civilian governor of Oyo State and former Attorney General of the Federation/ Minister for Justice, Chief Ajibola Ige, SAN and what he represented in his lifetime resurfaced in Ibadan on December 23rd, 2021, during the 20th anniversary of his murder when family members and political associates converged to immortalise the late political icon. The one day long celebration kicked off with a memorial and communion service at St. Annes Church, Molete and a luncheon at the residence of his son, Architect Muyiwa Ige. It was rounded off in the evening with a Command Performance, ‘From Kaduna Boy to Cicero of Esa-Oke’ held at Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan. Funke Olaode who was part of the anniversary reports

L-R: Afeez Oyetoro playing Yanmirin, Ige’s neighbour in Kaduna

L-R: Ige’s Immediate family, Muyiwa Ige, his wife Oyinda, Mrs Funso Adegbola, her husband, Gbenro, Ayotunde Salami and husband, Jide

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he late Ajibola Ige’s death drew anger, empathy, sympathy and grief in the land.

He was a shining star and faithful disciple of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

20 years after, his death still remains unresolved. The late Ige was a hugely influential Nigerian politician, visionary, brilliant and courageous. And in tribute to his enduring legacy, memorial and stage play were held in his honour.

Ige may be dead but he is not forgotten. While his immediate family is hopeful that he would get justice one day, every December 23 has been set aside as a remembrance day. On December 23, 2021, family members and political associates trooped out in large number to celebrate the life and time of the sage.

Led by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Funso Adegbola and husband, Gbenro, his son, Architect Muyiwa Ige and wife, Oyinda, granddaughter, Ayotunde Salami and husband, Jide, the 20th anniversary memorial and communion service was held at St. Annes Church, Molete. They were joined by other dignitaries like Senator Olushola Adeoye; Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; Chief Iyiola Oladokun; Amb. Yemi Farounbi and Barr. Niyi Akintola, SAN. The mood was extremely somber but there was a great turn out to honour the late politician. In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, The Most Rev’d J.O. Akinfenwa extolled the virtues of the late Ige whom he described as a true leader. Recalling how the late sage was murdered, Akinfenwa said December 23rd was a dark day that brought Christmas gloom to a happy family. Though the Ige’s killers have not been found, Akinfenwa is delighted that the late Ige’s children have kept his legacy going.

“The lineage of Ige has done well,” the cleric said.

“The Vale College, a foremost secondary school in Ibadan being run by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Funso Adegbola has continued to produce leaders of tomorrow. The milk of kindness has not dried from the his lineage when his son, Muyiwa gave a helping hands to accident victims along Ilesha road.”

The cleric thanked everyone for honouring the late Ige with their attendance. He rounded off his sermon with Matthew Chapter 11: 28 by admonishing all “to come less unto Jesus, all ye that labour and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

After the memorial service, a luncheon was held at the residence of his son, Architect Muyiwa Ige.

And later in the evening a Command Performance, ‘From Kaduna Boy to Cicero of Esa-Oke’ was held at Wole Soyinka Theatre, University of Ibadan where the life and times of the late political colossus was presented through a stage play. The cast was led by renowned Nigerian/British actor, Wale Oyo who played the older Age while Glory Oyejide acted the young Ige. Shola Ogindiwin was Ige’s mother, Kunle Agboola acted as Ige’s Papa and Nollywood actor, Afeez Ayetoro played Yanmirin, character of Ige’s neighbour in Kaduna. Sonorous voice of Damilola Makinde with his song ‘Soldier’ declared the floor open.

The stage play, From Kaduna Boy to Cicero of Esa-Oke unfolded the late Ige’s life trajectory from infant, to his teenage years in the North, his migration to the South-west, his education, marriage, student activism and his foray into politics until the very end on December 23rd, 2001. What the children have done with the stage play it is to keep his memory alive for now and the next 20 or 30 years and no matter how it takes until his killer is found.

Prof. Tunde Awosanmi who directed the stage play, in his note acknowledged the late political as an enigma. “I refuse to put him in the past for he doesn’t belong there. The late politician is more relevant in our present and in the future in our moral and political lives. Nigeria has only been lucky to have just a few political intellectuals participate in its political space and Bola Ige is one of them. Writers are never dead. You encounter them everyday, on the pages of their books and you draw newer meanings as you do so. Ige, an individual who demonstrated such a proficient level of writing, will always live. This is why this performance had had to rely -no choice anyway- on the books written by the Sage of Esa-Oke for content.”

According to the narrative, the late lawyer had his early life in the Northern part of Nigeria where his father worked in the early 19th century first as a railway worker and later joined the army. The drama, from Kaduna Boy to Cicero of Esa-Oke was first produced in 2000 in commemoration of his 70th anniversary, it relied heavily on famous childhood memoir-Kaduna Boy. It has been performed twice since then in 2002 and 2011. In the 2021 presentation to commemorate his 20th memorial, effort was exerted to extend the story of Bola Ige beyond Kaduna Boy- Here, the director of the stage drama, Prof. Awosanmi has found useful people, politics and politicians of Nigeria 1940-1979, a book

written by Bola Ige while in political detention between 1984-1986 during the Buhari/Idiagbon.

Ige’s newspapers articles, and other books written by his daughter, Funso Adegbola, his son, Muyiwa Ige, and political associates came in handy for the superlative stage drama.

The dramatic content of the performance, according to Awosanmi eponymously title ‘Ige’ is merely a small fraction of Bola Ige’s life. As the drama unfolds inside the expansive theatre, Bola Ige’s stylish cap as a supervening symbol for the crystallization of the meaning and essence of the Bola Ige phenomenon was conspicuous.

Speaking further on the play, Awosanmi says the idea compresses the Bola Ige essence into seven philosophical compartments and reflects each in a colour of his peculiar cap-folding. The cap-folding would then been surmounted on a wheeled tripod which is rolled in and out to signify the theme of each scene being dramatised. The audience, through performance was invited to have a glimpse of the seven cardinal points of Bola Ige’s being: humanism, political sagacity, warrior spirit/courageous/ stoicism/ oratory prowess, artistic inclination, sense of responsibility at the family level, and now his ancestral stature from the central symbol provided on set.

Awosanmi commended the entire cast and crew involved in the stage performance who he described as the scapegoat who volunteered to bear the sacrifice and have done it all for Uncle Bola and for nation’s future.

How does Muyiwa Ige feel after 20 years and Nigeria is yet to apprehend his killers feel? “Disappointed and upset by the fact that the chief law of the country can be brought down in his own space and 20 years nobody has been apprehended. We will continue to ask who killed Bola Ige and they should be brought to book.”

The eldest daughter of the deceased said, “God has kept us inspite of the odds against us; the circumstances and the fact that our mum died 16 months after him. It was a lot but God has held us.

We are 20 years older and the grand-children are 20 years older and now we have great-grandchildren.

Even though it has been 20 years, the memories are still very fresh as if it happened yesterday. So it is very upsetting that 20 years after, there is no justice for the Minister for justice and Judicial officer of the land.

“Each time I remember that his killers are yet to be apprehended is very upsetting. It is a dent on Nigeria’s image. Ige was renowned as an apostle of qualitative education irrespective of your parental status; over the last decade, his children have instituted scholarships to keep his legacy alive.

So we are still hopeful because our hope is not in government but in God. And as a lawyer, there is no statute of limitation on murder case even if it takes 40 years or to my great grandchildren they will ask question. So it is going to be from generation to generation in as much as my father’s death is unresolved we will continue to ask question.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

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POLITY

Lekki Estates Residents Reject Breach of Lagos Coastal Road Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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9:20am yesterday, a police van packed with armed men was stationed at the entrance of Goshen Estate, Lekki Lagos. Their presence was expected to forestall likely outbreak of violence following a planned protest by the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) against what they called parceling out, allegedly by the Lagos State Government officials, of parts of the land which a proposed coastal road is to be built to ease the flow of traffic within the axis.

Gradually the residents started gathering, responsible men and women, mostly of middle age. The members of the Lekki Estates, Residents and Stakeholders Association are from over a 100 estates and communities around Lekki, from 1004 Estate to Epe. “All we are saying, give us our road”, they chant, calling out the Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu. One could feel their displeasure as they marched towards the road in question which they say has been in existence for over 40 years.

The chant continued intermittently while they lamented profusely, bearing placards that expressed their grieviances.

They alleged that some private individuals in connivance with some state officials are taking possession of the land and want the state government, as a matter of urgency, to stop the ongoing allotment to private property developers.

The breach of this coastal road has given rise to massive illegal building projects and shanties on the road and has brought hardship to the residents due to the reluctance of the government to develop the coastal road, the only access route for some residents in the area.

According to one of the residents, “We don’t want any leasing or anything like that. Coastal road over 40 years we have been saying the same thing all over. So government listen to us, we need this road. We are suffering around Lekki, the traffic is terrible and we have been looking forward to your promise. You promised when you came to us in 2018, you said that you will build this coastal road for us. Now, what we are seeing is a lot of private development on the coastal way. We are not interested in private development.

“This road is important to us. Let the government know we are suffering around here and we need this road badly; that we need it now! All this leasing and private development along the coastal way is a no, no. It is not acceptable.

LERSA protesting yesterday Mr. Sanwo-Olu what you promised us when you came was that you are going to do this coastal road. It is now that it needs to start. That’s why we voted for you. Keep your promise Mr. Sanwo-Olu. We are suffering on the road, traffic is killing people.”

Addressing the gathering, the president LERSA, Olorogun James Emadoye related the scenarios that residents of the area go through. “First of all, you need to know that the only road that cuts across this region is the Lekki Epe Express Road. And if you ever live in this angle, you will know that for you to move out in the morning to go to your office you need to wake up by 5am. So it was a thing of joy for us during the political campaign and the governor, our governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, promised that he was going to construct a coastal road.

“We knew that that was a good thing because if you think of all the activities that is going on currently in the area you call Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, the Deep Sea Port, the Airport, and all those activities that are said would kick-off very soon, if they start tomorrow, life will become a nightmare for the people of Lekki. Even now life is already a nightmare. And so when our governor Sanwo-Olu promised us that he was going to construct this coastal road, we were all happy and it was one of the reasons we came all out to vote for the APC government.

“But recently, we saw bulldozers bulldozing the roads, and we actually went to church to celebrate that the road construction was going to start. Unfortunately, what we learnt later on was that there is sort of allocation to private

developers because of miscreants. Then we came around to say ‘no, this can’t happen’. Even if you want to allocate the road because of miscreants, go down, down the lane to see where miscreants actually are. Not where we have estates that have responsibile people that are ready to maintain the area.

“So, this is the challenge. We do not want this allocation in whatever form, because just like we experienced on the regional road that is now being constructed, there are people with even C of O around the road alignment. And government now was looking for ways to cut into some members’ estate to claim land. And we went severally to government before we were able to solve those problems. And we can see that that is what is starting here now.

“If we allow this so called temporary allocation in one, two, three years, you will hear ‘oh it has become permanent’.

Not only that, government will start telling us that there’s no fund to pay compensation. We do not want it. We are ready, as a people who are directly affected by the development on this road to cooperate with government in whichever way necessary to ensure that the road is maintained and life is bearable for people of Lekki. All we are saying is stop this allocation.

“When you allocate a place like this to a church, after one year whether you like it or not, you may not be able to tell the sort of development that will come up on that land. It should be stopped. And government should look through the whole road and see what we can do to ensure that this road is developed… And we have done what we should do. And that is by writing to government. We did write to tell them what is happening. We sent out letters to five different offices and, of course, we have not heard any meaningful response from the government.”

Also speaking on the current development, the vice president LERSA, Architect Olusegun Ladega, said this about the axis, made up of both indigenes and property owners and various interests and stakeholder groups. “We seem to be the government’s baby when it comes to generating income from us. We have one of the highest rates on land use charge. What we are saying, and what we have observed, is that severally along this axis the various rights of way, both for roads and drainages, have been encroached upon with impunity.

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Osi-Samuels: 54 Garlands for a Patriot Samuel Ajayi pays tribute to the Deputy Managing Director (Programmes) of the APIN Public Health Initiatives and proponent of the political theory of ‘technoticianism’, Dr. Jay Osi-Samuels, who recently clocked 54.

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n Monday January 3rd, 2022, Dr. Jay OsiSamuels, Havard-trained public health expert and Deputy Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiatives, clocked 54. The Fugar, Edo State-born, going by his style, won’t have thrown any party nor planned any big celebration. But one thing was sure though, friends and close family members would have celebrated this patriot who, few years ago, stepped out of his comfort zone and stood up to be counted in the onerous task of trying to salvage whatever was left of Nigeria.

In 2017, Dr. Jay, as friends and admirers call him, decided to be part of the political process and took a step beyond criticising leaders and complaining. He led the process that culminated in the formation and registration of the Alliance for New Nigeria, ANN. Dr. Jay single-handedly built and funded the party from the scratch. The party, alongside, others was registered late 2017 and it became, indisputably, the most popular of all the parties registered then.

“I could have stayed in my comfort zone and be watching,” he told THISDAY during an interview then. “But I felt there was the need to get those in the corporate world and technocrats to get involved in the political process. I believe we could retire these old politicians if we are determined. If all of us keep saying it was not possible, then it won’t be”.

He explained further: “ANN came about with the meeting of young and patriotic Nigerians, professionals, Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, etc, who were been concerned about the state of decadence of governance in Nigeria and 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 being part of the process. So, a group of us started coming together. We were initially 10 in number, but with time, we expanded with the original founding members of ANN, we are 10 and we cut across all professions and age. I happen to be one of the oldest among our group at that time.”

Osi-Samuels then became the proponent of what was then known as ‘technoticians’, which was used to describe technicracts who were involved in politics. The movement was to gain a life of its own. In fact, as at that time, the party was already having presence in the diaspora. Such was the organisational capacity of Osi-Samuels that more and more

Osi-Samuels

young Nigerians were being drawn to the party.

Unfortunately, those who Osi-Samuels thought were on same page with him were actually agents of same forces the party was trying to dislodge from the political scene. Some of them, who claimed to be for a new Nigeria, were actually agents and messengers of those who were hell-bent on maintaining the old Nigeria.

“Dr. Jay, quite rightly, thought he had put the party on a strong footing and felt time had come to step aside and allow others to continue. That was why he decided to step aside and allow a certain Emmanuel Dania to emerge as the party’s new National Chairman in 2018. But little did he know that the guy was actually working for some top leaders of the ruling APC,” one of the loyalists told THISDAY during the week.

When asked if Osi-Samuels was not being naive, he said that would be very unfair.: “To him, he thought these guys were on same page with him and don’t also forget that they were also young Nigerians in the early and late 40s.”

He said even the guy that was one of the front runners for the party’s presidential ticket was a wolf in a sheep’s clothing.

When asked how he felt then, Osi-Samuels said he was naturally and expectedly devastated by the turn of events but

it was an experience that even a billion dollars could never have bought for him. Even as disappointed as he felt, he said it was an experience that made him realise how enormous the task of rescuing Nigeria was.

“It was a very nasty but also chastening experience,” OsiSamuels told this reporter. “I could have chosen to be ruthless and negate the values that have guided me all through my life.

But if I do that, I would not have been able to prove that I was markedly different from those charlatans.”

He said he was glad that he was able to contribute his own quota to the political development of his fatherland and also, it was a party that was good enough to attract the likes of Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.

Osi-Samuels has since gone back to his first calling: ensuring public health safety and prevention of unnecessary deaths amongst Nigerians and also the strengthening of public health institutions. His organisation, being directly funded by the United States government, has recorded massive positives in the prevention of HIV/AIDS and assisting governments at different levels in terms of intervention against diseases and preventable deaths.

In 2019, the organisation published a book, ‘Turning the Tide: AIDS in Nigeria’. The book chronicled the efforts and successes of the organisation in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The organisation’s chief executive officer, Dr. Prosper Okonkwo, told THISDAY then that the book was necessary to correct the wrong impression that AIDS was on the rise in Nigeria despite their efforts.

“In actual sense, it was actually reducing,” Okonkwo said then.

At presently, his organisation is involved in almost ten states of the federation and is working closely with state governments and international organisations to further empower public health institutions through research and critical interventions.

For Osi-Samuels, a 1993 holder of MBBS from the prestigious University of Ibadan, before practice ceeding to Harvard, life has been good and God has been faithful. He is married to Mrs. Folasade OsiSamuels and the union is blessed with a daughter, Jasmine. hile there might not have been big celebration on Monday, perhaps, his fatherland will one day give someone like him a chance to contribute to the development of the country at a higher level.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

POLITY

How Oil-dependence Truncated Nigeria’s Industrial Development Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka

1990, Malaysia’s export was $32.8 billion. Nigeria is at where Malaysia export capability was 30 years ago. That country, with It is the devil’s excrement. We are drowning in the devil’s a population of 33 million people, exported goods worth $234 excrement - Juan Pablo Pérez Alfonso, Founder OPEC. billion in 2020, which translates to roughly $7,100 for every resident. rdinarily, finding a “treasure” tends to bring In other words, Malaysia progressed; it did so through a joy to the one who found it. Oil discovery has strong Vertical Diversification from its modest agricultural become Nigeria’s developmental achilles’ base (rubber and oil palm) by investing explicitly in high tech heel. In popular parlance, a resource curse. Six sectors’ capabilities, especially electronics. It did not neglect decades after independence, Nigeria remains its agriculture but rather through horizontal diversification, one of the poorest countries in the world. It industrialized its agricultural sector. Malaysia’s biggest export has evolved into one of the least economically- products by value in 2020 were electronic integrated circuits, diversified country in the world because refined petroleum oils, palm oil, vulcanized rubber clothing of a pathological dependence on oil export earnings. The or accessories, and solar power diodes or semi-conductors.

Covid-19 pandemic exposed the dangers of such dependence Petroleum oil contribution to Malaysia’s export declined over in ways never experienced in the past. time. On the other hand, Nigeria’s pathology of oil dependence The yoke of Nigeria’s colonial past of being a supplier became entrenched over time. Nigeria’s oil exports in 2019 were of raw materials rather than a processor of commodities 94.1% of total exports, oil rents amounted to 9% of GDP. The resulted in a country of a net exporter of crude petroleum and poorly diversified structure of the Nigerian economy reveals importer of products mired in perennial debate about “fuel a constrained export revenue of the country. The oil and gas subsidy”. The legacy of oil-dependence also translated to a sector make only a small contribution to GDP despite generatNigerian production ecosystem dominated by foreign oil ing the majority of export earnings. By nature, the Oil and Gas multinationals whose sole purpose is to explore, extract and sector is a highly technology and capital-intensive industry export resources with zero value-addition in situ. Relying relative to agribusiness and other low/medium manufacturing on oil has done little to stimulate growth in the rest of the sectors (textiles, garments, leather processing, consumer goods economy. The manufacturing sector contribution to GDP etc.), employs relatively few people. The oil sector is an enclave, has stagnated at below 10 percent for decades. The country geographically delimited. has achieved neither an agricultural (green) nor an industrial According to OPEC, Nigeria spent $264.57bn importing revolution. petroleum products during the five-year period 2015 to 2020, How does this come about? Oil-dependence sets in motion which means that Nigeria’s petroleum products imports a strong exclusionary effect on other sectors leading to the exceeded its exports by $43.56bn during the period. underdevelopment of manufacturing capacity for industrial The second pathology is the paradox of industrial underexports, and export of processed agricultural goods. This development. This manifests in part, in the so-called resource pathology of dependence is significant and troubling. It curse. It refers to a paradox of a country that finds treasure like has resulted in severe perennial fiscal contraction and other oil or/and minerals resources yet, the country experiences economic challenges including unemployment, inflation, poor or stagnant economic growth. It is the classic paradox of and payments imbalance manifesting in foreign exchange poverty in the midst of plenty. More insidious, the resource shortages. curse results to a situation where a country’s means of producLet me advance the first of three pathologies that chartion are concentrated in a single industrial sector, in this case, oil acterize oil-dependent countries. Nigeria shipped $33.5 production to the detriment of tradable especially, manufacturbillion worth of goods in 2020. The biggest export is crude ing. Disturbingly, decades after oil discovery, the country does oil, a commodity that represents three-quarters (75.4%) of not produce the materials and equipment used in the exploraits total exported goods by value. With a population of 206 tion and production; the sector therefore has limited horizontal million people, the total export value translates to roughly inter-connection to the domestic economy. There is minimal $160 for every person. Compare a country like Malaysia. In domestic manufacturing input in the oil sector, especially in the

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oil product refining.

Effectively, Nigeria is a Consumption Nation. It is not a Production (Manufacturing) Nation. Oil-dependence truncated Nigeria’s industrialization and by implication its development.

How is that? The faster the growth of manufacturing, the faster the growth of a nation’s GDP (wealth). This is why Nigeria ranks 99th on UNIDO’s Competitive Industrial Performance (CIP) index while South Africa, ranked 52nd in 2020.

Third, is the pathology of inequity, including, social/divisions, economic/income, and political/voice amidst natural resources abundance. In terms of quality of life, in 2019, the country ranked 161st on the human development index. The same applies for all the twelve oil-exporting countries in Africa.

Clearly, without exception, minerals and oil producers in subSaharan Africa score low HDIs, they all experience widespread and economically debilitating inequality that fuels conflict and divisions such as we are witnessing in banditry and kidnapping.

In contrast, Asian nations have become rich over the last five decades by manufacturing and exporting high quality goods and services to others. Nigeria will remain poor unless it truly engineers economic diversification. For example, 70% of global trade in agriculture is in semi-processed and processed products. Africa is largely absent in this market while the region, Nigeria included, remains an exporter of raw materials to Asia and the West.

How did a potential treasure find turned to a curse? To be sure, oil abundance is not by itself a curse or a blessing. What determines the development trajectory of such a treasure include the nature of a country’s political economy, policies and the institutional context within which the country operates. Oil in Nigeria became a curse for four reasons among others.

First, elite greed for power and money. Politicians expend oil revenue to extend patronage and entrench cronyism as the next election not the next generation is their mission.

Professor Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, is Senior Special Adviser on Industrialization to the President, African Development Bank. He is a Professorial Fellow, United Nations UniversityMERIT, the Netherlands and a fellow, Nigerian Academy of Engineering.

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PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director, Mutual Benefit Insurance, Femi Asenuga; Publisher, City People Media Group, Dr. Seye Kehinde; Chairman, Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria (GPN), Abiodun Ajala; Group Chaiman, Mutual Benefit Insurance, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi; Managing Director, Marketing Edge, John L-R: Chief of Staff to Trinity House Pastor, Minister Olu-Victor Oyinloye; Minister in Charge, Hos- Ajayi; and Executive Director, Operation, Mutual Benefit Insurance, Biyi Ashiru-Mobolaji, during pital Ministry, Trinity House, Lawrence Ebodagbe; Chief Nursing Officer, Shomolu Primary Health the investiture of Ogunbiyi as Grand Patron of Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria held at Mutual Care Centre, Ms. Tunji-Ogbare Helen; and Chairman,Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ig- Benefit Insurance office in Lagos...recently PHOTO: GPN

hodalo, during the late Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation visit to the Health Centre in Shomolu, Lagos... recently

L-R: Head, SIFAX Inland Container Terminal, Ijora Causeway, Paul Linden; Oluwo of Iwo Land, Osun State, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; Managing Director, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, John Jiang; and Lead Engineer, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) L-R: Mazi Prof. Okoro Ijoma; Barr. Oscar Chukwuma Okoro; Dr. Okwu Joseph Nnanna; Mrs. Priscilla OJ Nnanna; Nigeria Limited, Water Wary, during the contract signing ceremony between SIFAX Shipping ICT Adamazi Mary Ikoku; and Mazi Ugo Okoroafor, during the retirement reception in honour of Dr. OJ Nnanna on Limited and CCECC for pavement construction held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja...recently his meritorious public service by his community, Umu Aro-Okeigbo in Arochukwu, Abia State...recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

08. 1.2022

NEWS

LET THE MATCHES BEGIN PAGE. 29

All Eyes on Chidera Ejuke

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

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GLOBAL SOCCER

All Eyes on Chidera Ejuke

Chidera Ujuke is regarded as one of the best dribblers in world’s football

Ahead of Super Eagles first game at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against seven times champion, Egypt, fans of the Nigeria’s senior football will be looking in the direction of‘master dribbler’Chidera Ejuke to dictate the team’s pace after interim national team coach, Augustine Eguavoen handed the CSKA midfielder the number 10 role

S

ince the exit of Austin Okocha from the national team, the Super Eagles have been struggling to find a player that could dictate the pace and decides how the team play.

The attacking midfield, which is the livewire of a team is one area the Nigeria senior national team falls short. Though several players have been used in the position over the years, but non seems to have been able to perfect the art.

Identifying that creativity in the attack has been one of the Super Eagles’ major problems in recent times, interim national team coach Augustine Eguavoen has decided to take a gamble on CSKA playmaker, Chidera Ejuke by handling him the number 10 role ahead Nigeria’s opening game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt on Tuesday.

The team’s interim head coach believes CSKA Moscow’s excellent playmaker has the ability to help in that regard.

Under erstwhile coach Gernot Rohr, Ejuke was merely a fringe member of the Eagles, despite his fan-pleasing performances whenever he took to the pitch.

Rohr usually preferred Everton’s Alex Iwobi in the creative role for the national team, with the duo of Bordeaux’s Samuel Kalu and Rangers’ Joe Aribo also delivering mixed displays when trying their luck in that role at different times.

Still, the Super Eagles have consistently found it difficult to create goalscoring chances, with the three-time African champions managing to score three or more goals in just three of their

last 17 games across all competitions.

Although Ejuke is yet to score or assist when wearing the green and white, the former Heerenveen man has been brilliant for CSKA, contributing four goals and three assists in 13 matches as an attacking midfielder.

And Eguavoen is convinced that Ejuke’s form and talent could see him become vital for the team in Cameroon.

“The creative role is where the team has been lacking,” the interim head coach said at the press conference before the Eagles’ departure for the 2021 Afcon.

“Of late, we have found Chidera Ejuke, but if it is not working, we may have to change our tactics and be flexible in the way we play.”

Ejuke is one of the 13 debutants in the Eagles squad for the African Nations Cup. But the 24-year-old attacker arrives with an impressive profile, having been ranked as the third-best dribbler in the world, according to CIES Observatory’s latest rankings.

Meanwhile, Ejuke says he is delighted to be making his first Africa Cup of Nations appearance for Nigeria and believes the team will do their best to make the nation proud in Cameroon, just as he said it has always been a dream for him to represent Nigeria at a major tournament.

“I feel happy and excited to be part of the final squad for the AFCON, it’s like a dream come true,” Ejuke said in a YouTube interview.

“Growing up, we’ve been praying for opportunities like this to get to represent our country and for me being part of the team, I’m excited and looking forward to what’s going to happen.”

“We’re looking forward to what’s going

to happen in Cameroon. We’re not making promises but we know we’re going there as a team who is going to fight and work hard to make Nigerian proud.”

Chidera Ejuke was simply superb for the Super Eagles in their 2-0 victory over Central African Republic culminating to his comparison with former national team great,Austin Okocha.

A day after his Yaoundé heroics, he was voted CSKA Moscow Player of the Month for the second consecutive time.

The former Valerenga winger has started the season brilliantly for CKSA, scoring two times and providing two assists in the 10 league games in the Russian top-flight.

It’s not only at club level Ejuke has impressed. The ex-Heerenveen star won new fans with his impressive performance for the Super Eagles.

Ejuke started the first leg of the shock home loss to the Central African Republic, but it was his impressive cameo that caught many fans eyes.

The winger, known for his dribbling skills, moved past the Wild Beasts defenders like a hot knife through butter.

His brilliant solo run in the latter stages of the game earned him comparison with former Super Eagles captain Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

And at the age of 24, his best years are still ahead of him.

Former international forward, Peter Ijeh has stated that Ejuke has the potentials to become an asset to the senior national team, with the help of the trainers.

Ijeh speaking stated that Ejuke’s dribbling skills should be encouraged and also the trainers should help him to the advantage of the team.

Once that is done, the ex-player believes Ejuke will be an asset to the Eagles team...

The Nigerian striker has been a revelation at the CSKA Arena since he joined from Heerenveen in August 2020.

Dutch club Heerenveen snapped up the former Nigerian U-17 star for two million Euros from Norwegian club Valerenga last year.

In just his first season in the Netherlands, Ejuke emerged Heerenveen’s best player, following several incredible displays which saw him smash the back of the net 10 times while making another four assists in the 25 games he played.

But more than the goals, though, were the youngster’s dribbles.

The season before his move to Moscow Ejuke attempted and completed the most dribbles in the Eredivisie, cementing his rating as the best dribbler in the etherlands.

“My desire is to improve further for the good of my team. Maybe getting into goal-scoring position more will mean dribbling less.

“I want to dribble less and score more.

It’s what I intend to do next season. As a player, constant improvement can’t be overruled.”

The forward left Nigeria in 2017 after playing for Gombe United in the NPFFL to start his European career in Norway with Valerenga.

The left winger made his debut appearance for the three-time African champions in an international friendly match against Tunisia last October. He replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw in Austria.

The Super Eagles will begin their campaign on January 11 against Egypt, before facing Sudan on January 15 and Guinea-Bissau on January 19.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

AFCON 2021

Let the Matches Begin After suffering two postponements because of unfavourable climatic conditions and coronavirus pandemic, notwithstanding threats from big European Leagues over release of players for the tournament, Africa’s biggest football showpiece - the Africa Cup of Nations slated for Cameroon will finally kickoff tomorrow with the continent’s best footballers on display.Kunle Adewale in this report takes a look at some of the intrigues that played out before the tournament and the players expected to light up the biennial showpiece

Sadio Mane

Andre Ayew

Mo Salah

Riyad Mahrez

T

he 33rd edition of Africa Cup of Nations was originally scheduled to be played between June and July 2021 but the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) said due to unfavourable climatic conditions during the period, the tournament would take place from January 9 to 6 February 2021. CAF again moved the tournament for the second time to January 2022 following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across the continent, whilst retaining the name 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes.

The 2021 AFCON will however begin in Cameroon on Sunday but not without issues.

Most European clubs faulted the timing of the biennial tournament and were very reluctant to release their players for the

Afcon Trophy

Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Zaha

competition. In fact, some players were not released at the slightest excuse.

A very good case in point was the issue of Nigeria’s Emmanuel Dennis, whom Watford failed to release on the ground that the Nigeria Football Federation was late in requesting for his release.

Some European managers notable amongst them Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp had gone on to belittle the competition.

The Liverpool gaffer was asked about the lack of international breaks until March and in response, Klopp said, “No international break until March, I’ve heard that so often, but in January there’s a little tournament in Africa, I just want to say.”

Former England international John Fashanu indeed slammed Klopp for describing the Africa Cup of Nations finals

as a “little” competition.

Fashanu feels that the German tactician’s comments are a slap on black players around the world.

“This is a big slap on black players around the world. I am very disappointed that somebody who we rated as highly as we did can literally drip that out with his silly mouth,” Fashanu said.

“It is an insult to us all and he owes the continent an apology and he also owes every black football man and woman an apology, to belittle us that way is very dangerous.

“Some black footballers have lost their lives fighting for equality and this man just put us right back by saying our competition means nothing,” Fashanu noted.

Amidst calls by many European Leagues

calling for the postponement of the African Cup of Nations, Super Eagles and Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has called on all African teams to prove their quality at the biennial competition.

Iheanacho believes that Africa deserves better and can prove that they deserve better by showing quality on the pitch.

“We need to keep doing what we’re doing and do our best and keep showing the world that Africa deserves more and there are more opportunities for good footballers over there,” Iheanacho said.

“Our competition needs to be looked at as well but I think we need to prove with our play that our competition is underrated by doing extraordinary things on the pitch, by scoring goals, by performing really well so when we do that it will speak for itself,” the Leicester City striker noted.

However, in spite of all the shenanigans from Europe, Africa’s biggest event will kick off on Sunday with the continent’s greatest soccer exports on parade.

Africa’s hottest property at the moment, Mohamad Salah would be leading the tournament’s most successful team-Egypt in their quest for another conquest. On hand to support the Liverpool forward is Aston Villa’s Mahmoud Hassan.

Algeria’s hope of defending the trophy they won three years ago in Egypt would be championed by Manchester City left winger Riyad Marez, West Ham United Said Benrahma and AC Milan midfield Ismael Bennacer.

The Fennecs indeed sent a note of warning to other title hopefuls after they thrashed Ghana 3-0 in Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

Algeria lifted the Arab Cup in December and they are highly favoured to defend the title.

Nigeria is not short of foreign legion in Super Eagles’ quest for a fourth successful AFCON title. Leading the three times African champion pursuit are Leicester City’s midfield enforcer, Wilfred Ndidi, his Foxes counterpart Iheanacho, in-form Glasgow Rangers forward Joe Aribo amongst others.

The Super Eagles will however be missing the service of Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, who tested positive for COVID-19.

Crystal Palace Wilfred Zaha and AC Milan Frank Kessie would be leading Ivory Coast challenge in the competition, while the sons of former Ghanaian legend Abedi Ayew-Andre and Jordan are still on hand for the Black Stars.

Champion League winner and Chelsea safe hand Edouad Mendy, ably backed by Liverpool forward Sadio Mane, Watford Ismaila Sarr and Napoli reliable defender, Kalidou Kouilibaly would be leading Senegal’s challenge in the competition.

Interestingly, ahead of Super Eagles opening game against Egypt, Nigeria’s captain, Ahmed Musa has started playing the mind game.

The former Leicester City winger has told Salah that Nigeria have several players “more dangerous” than him.

The Reds’ talisman enters the tournament having provided 32 combined goals and assists across 26 games in all competitions, making a strong case to be the best player in the world.

However, Nigeria’s captain believes the Super Eagles have more talented players than Salah in their squad.

“Definitely, I know everybody will be talking about Salah but if you look at our team we have a lot of players they would be worried about,” he said.

“Definitely we don’t have to think about Salah, they have to think about our own players.

“They only talk about Salah but we have Samuel Chukwueze, a lot of players from the wings that are more dangerous, so their defenders too will be thinking about us.”

Nigeria boast several other recognisible names across their forward line, including Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Ihenacho, with former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi also among many others.

As the AFCON 2021 kicks off tomorrow in Cameroon, all attention would turn to Africa for the continent’s football showpiece.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Eagles arrive in Cameroon

Eguavoen Gives Reason Amoo couldn’t Replace Ighalo Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen said he considered calling-up former Golden Eaglets star Akinkunmi Amoo to replace Odion Ighalo.

Ighalo was included in the Super Eagles AFCON 2021 28-man squad but had to drop out after his team Al-Shabab prevented him from linking up with his colleagues.

The Saudi Arabian club denied Ighalo the chance to travel because Ighalo’s

invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) came in late.

It is a similar situation to that of Emmanuel Dennis, who also had to drop out after Watford denied him the opportunity to travel.

However, while Eguavoen was able to call up a replacement for Dennis, he could not invite a new player as a replacement for Ighalo.

The 56-year-old tactician revealed he wanted to

call up Amoo or last season’s top scorer in the NPFL Silas Nwankwo as a replacement for the ex-Manchester United star, but his request was blocked by CAF. “We wanted to call up Silas Nwankwo or Akinwunmi Amoo to replace Ighalo, but CAF insisted that we can’t because the change isn’t injury-enforced,” Eguavoen told the media on Thursday.

Australian Open

Australian Minister Says Djokovic Not Detained Australia Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has said Novak Djokovic is “free to leave any time” and is not being detained, while the Serb’s family and fan protests rage on.

The 34-year-old is currently being held in isolation at the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne, awaiting the outcome of an appeal against the decision by the Australian Border Force (ABF) to cancel the reigning Australian Open champion’s entry visa and deport him. The appeal is set to be heard on Monday.

Djokovic has never revealed whether he is vaccinated against Covid-19, but has criticised mandates ruling

that players must be doublejabbed, and posted on social media before setting off to say he had received “exemption permission.”

Australia Home Affairs Minister Andrews maintained Djokovic was not being detained under any duress in the country, however, as he waits in quarantine for his appeal against visa cancellation to be heard.

“Mr Djokovic is not being held captive in Australia,” she told ABC. “He is free to leave at any time that he chooses to do so and Border Force will actually facilitate that.

“We treat all people who are in immigration detention fairly, equitably.”

She added: “A visa was granted for entry, but that does not guarantee entry.

“He (Djokovic), along with any other individual who is seeking to enter Australia, also has to meet the entry requirements which at this point includes medical evidence of vaccination or alternatively medical reasons why that individual cannot be vaccinated.

“He hasn’t met the entry requirements - there is a lot of chatter about the visa, but that in my understanding is not the issue, it is the entry requirements…that he was not able to produce the evidence which was needed for entry into Australia.”

Regular Golf’ll Increase Life Expectancy, Says Dolphins Lady Captain Lady Captain of Dolphin Golf Club Lagos, Mrs. Onwuegbu Bose Ngozi while highlighting the benefits she derived from the game has said regular playing of golf may even lead to an increase in life expectancy.

The zonal representative South/West in the Nigeria Golf Federation (NGF) described golf as a game of life which keeps one fit at all times and saves one from so many ill health because one can walk 10 kilometers on the golf course which gets your circulation going and encourages heart to work more efficiently.

Onwuegbu said she has benefited greatly health-wise and socially since she started playing golf 2011, but became more active since 2018 which has made her become member of Ikeja Golf Club, Abakaliki Golf Club, TYB Golf Club, GEJ Golf Club, Ibas Golf Club and IBB Golf Club.

The mother of three also termed golf as a gentleman’s game that enhances integrity, “don’t be fooled into thinking golf is a one-man sport. The social aspect is what makes the game so appealing to many people.”

While sharing some of her best moment in the game, Onwuegbu remembered when she travelled to Côte d’Ivoire to play and I came 3rd for Nigeria and was amongst the 1st ten in Kinshasha Congo few months ago apart from several laurels won both locally and internationally, “last year in IGC Asaba, I won the Agcare Charity Cup. I also won the longest drive ladies in Ibom Golf Club a few months ago to mention but a few.”

She added that “many sports can only be played in teams, but golf is a pastime that you can easily enjoy by yourself if you want to.

Sometimes it’s great to spend

time alone. In fact, studies have shown that people who are happy spending time alone tend to be happier overall. When you do play alone, there’s no need to have a scorecard, or to even count the number of shots you take.

And without a rival to keep up with, every hole can be attempted at your own pace.”

“Above all are the great benefits of golf to heart, as mentioned, golf gets your circulation going, encouraging your heart to work more efficiently, and helping to build its muscles. So, golf exercises your heart and keeps your heart rate up.

“This will naturally lower your risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular issues, as well as potentially lowering your levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol. Regularly playing golf may even lead to an increase in life expectancy,” she enthused.

Leicester City players celebrating heir FA Cup heroics

Leicester Begin FA Cup Title Defense Leicester City will today start the defense of the FA Cup as they welcome Watford to the King Power Stadium An all-Premier League FA Cup third-round tie takes place at the King Power Stadium this afternoon, as defending champions Leicester City play host to Watford.

The Foxes begin the long and arduous defence of their crown on home soil, while the Hornets have bowed out in the third round two seasons in a row.

As if their historic 2015-16 Premier League title win was not enough, Leicester once again defied the odds to lift the FA Cup in the 2020-21 season, with Youri Tielemans’s thunderbolt of an effort sinking Chelsea in front of a depleted Wembley crowd.

The images of Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha joining the celebrations on the field warmed the hearts of football fans across the globe in what was a fitting tribute to his late father, but the quest for back-to-back FA Cup titles begins now.

Aiming to follow in the footsteps of Arsenal’s 2014 and 2015 winners, Leicester are well-placed to kick off their FA

Cup journey on the right foot, as Brendan Rodgers’s COVID-hit squad came up trumps against a near full-strength Liverpool in their final game of 2021 thanks to Ademola Lookman’s strike.

The Foxes were due to open 2022 with a fixture against Norwich City before the game was called off due to the Canaries’ coronavirus cluster, and that encounter would have certainly helped them build on their measly tally of two wins from their last seven in all competitions.

However, Leicester are enjoying a four-game winning run at home across all tournaments - averaging three goals per game in that hot streak - but they will be wary of another early exit following Newport County’s famous third-round win in 2018-19.

Claudio Ranieri’s stint at Chelsea did not yield an FA Cup victory, and given the form his Watford side are currently in, it will be a tall order for the Hornets to produce the shock of all shocks in the 2021-22 edition.

Watford memorably made it all the way to the final in the

2018-19 season before being comfortably swept aside by Manchester City, and since then they have suffered back-to-back third-round exits to Tranmere Rovers and Manchester United.

December was a truly forgettable month for Watford, who lost all five of their Premier League games in that month to drop ever closer to danger, and Ranieri may prioritise the relegation scrap over a highly unlikely shot at silverware.

Watford travel to an injuryhit Leicester having lost their last three away games and are hardly in the healthiest shape themselves, but stranger things have happened in this competition notorious for giant killings season after season.

Leicester put four past Watford in a 4-2 victory when the sides met in the Premier League back in November, and while the Hornets tend to fare well in this fixture at Vicarage Road, they have lost their last six games versus the FA Cup holders at the King Power.

AFCON, Copa del Rey, Coppa Italia Live on StarTimes January means football on StarTimes as prized competitions have been lined-up for football fans, with some exclusive to StarTimes.

Soccer fiestas lined up this January include the Africa Cup of Nations, Spanish Copa del Rey, La Liga, Coppa Italia, Super Coppa Italia, and German Bundesliga.

The 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations organised

by CAF will be played in Cameroon between January 9 and February 6.

StarTimes will broadcast all 52 matches live and in full highdefinition through eight sports channels as well as streaming service StarTimes ON. StarTimes has been awarded pay-television and OTT media rights to the tournament across all sub-Saharan Africa territories in English, Portuguese, and local African languages.

Philippe Zou, StarTimes Content Operation Center Director, said: “StarTimes has made a strategic priority to support African football and bring it to fans across the continent.

We are honoured to partner with the CAF again, following the successful broadcasting of the 2019 AFCON and the 2020

CHAN. To us, there is no better way to start 2022 than to watch top African players compete for the continental crown.”

The TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations will be played by 24 teams in five cities (Douala, Yaoundé, Bafoussam, Garoua, and Limbe) across Cameroon, with Algeria as the defending champions.

Several world-class players will be seen in action during the four-week-long tournament.

African football fans will be able to see all the best action of the Africa Cup of Nations on StarTimes’ World Football channel as Africa’s leading digital-TV operator will be showing the games live and in HD. Africa’s gain during that time is often Europe’s loss as clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, PSG, AC Milan, and Bayern Munich will be without some of their star players as they do duty for their respective national teams.

As a result, the competition has not been without its controversy, but all of that will be forgotten when the matches get underway.

Although the tournament has been expanded to 24 teams for the first time in its long history,

the pre-tournament favourites comprise the usual suspects.

Cameroon have already won the showpiece of African football five times and as hosts are certainly in the running to add another title.

Coached by former Portuguese international Toni Conceição, the Les Lions Indomptables squad blends veteran players like goalkeeper André Onana, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Vincent Aboubakar, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting with youngsters like Bordeaux’s Jean Onana and Ignatius Ganago, who plays for Lens.

The hosts have been paired in Group A with Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and Ethiopia. With the four best-placed third-ranked teams also advancing to the round of the last 16, it would be a huge surprise if the hosts do not make it into the knock-out stage.

The holders, Algeria, potentially have a much tougher task.

They are in Group E, together with Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire, who have a formidable squad, headlined by: Franck Kessié, Nicolas Pépé, Wilfried Zaha and Sébastien Haller.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 8, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Umar Sadiq Can He Re-enact Club’s Form at International Stage?

W

hen the Super Eagles file out against Egypt on Tuesday for their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, attention will be on Umar Sadiq to re-enact his blistering club’s form for the three times African champions.

Sadiq recently retained his top spot as the most valuable player in the Spanish La Liga Smartbank with €18m following the latest market update by Transfermarkt.Lm The 24-year-old, who scored 20 league goals in his debut season, hit a valuation of €6m in January before adding an extra €2m in March. By June Sadiq was valued at €15m, and a career-high €18m in October.

The former Rangers striker has shown no signs of slowing down and has been in fine form this season already contributing eight goals and seven assists in 19 matches.

“Transfermarkt.es has updated the market values of LaLiga 2 and confirmed Sadiq as by far the most valuable professional in the Spanish lower house of football,” the website wrote.

Sadiq will play a role again in the coming transfer period when the financially more potent clubs go looking for strikers. However, a move will not be cheap, as Almería has no pressure to sell players through investor money.

Meanwhile, the 2016 Olympics bronze medalist has vowed to Super Eagles fans ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, saying that the players will give their best to ensure a good performance in Cameroon.

Sadiq was a player of interest to erstwhile Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr and was even named on few rosters but club commitments and Covid restrictions prevented him from making his senior debut under the Franco-German.

“First of all, I give thanks to God to be part of this team, you know it’s a

With the likes ofVictor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Paul Onuachu and Odion Ighalo not available for selection in Nigeria’s quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title, the onus has now fallen on the likes of Umar Sadiq to prove his mettle on the big stage. Will the Almeria hit man take his chance? dream come true, out of millions of people I am among those to represent the country so I feel good and blessed,” Sadiq told MTN Nigeria’s We Move With Super Eagles.

“About the 2020-2021 season it was not easy for me my first season in Spain because I have to learn the language and a lot of things, new home, but I have to adapt quickly.”

On his final word to Super Eagles fans, he said: “Keep supporting us and be patient with us and we’ll try to give you all what you deserve.”

The 24-year-old Sadiq has to come to the party in Cameroon with Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Emmanuel Dennis ruled out of the tournament due to a combination of injuries and non-release by their European clubs.

The Almeria striker couldn’t have asked for bigger occasion to showcase what he’s got for his country than to be on the biggest stage of African football starting on Sunday.

The former Partizan Belgrade hitman has finally come home to roost in the Eagles nest after being named on the final 28-man squad for the AFCON. Caretaker coach Augustine Eguavoen quickly moved to include the striker after it became clear Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will not be available in Cameroon.

Umar had been invited earlier by former coach Gernot Rohr, but he was blocked by his Spanish club due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and so

has had to wait for another chance for full international football.

The former Olympic international’s consistency in front of goal over the years couldn’t have been on the blind side of the national team selectors and deservedly he’s in the team to take his incredible club form to the AFCON. It appears Umar is in bed with providence as it appears he could lead the Eagles attack in Cameroon following the loss to injury and COVID-19 concerns to the team’s top marksman, Victor Osimhen.

KRC Genk striker Paul Onuachu was the next option to take over Osimhen’s shirt but the wicked fate of bowing out to injury, appears to crown Umar the biggest winner of all these injury-induced disappointments in the Eagles’ frontline.

Osimhen’s form had been one of the bane of Sadiq as Eagles’ handlers saw little need for the towering striker, but the Kaduna-born ace continued to make bold statements with his goals that also saw him attract interests from bigger spenders like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City.

With Osimhen and Onuachu out, will Sadiq shock even himself to force Barcelona to break the bank for him and keep Osimhen in the dugout thereafter?

Last season, he scored 20 goals in the Spanish Segunda Division and in the current campaign he has already

reached the halfway mark of this tally to prove he still knows his way to goal.

Most importantly, he appears a big-occasion player and Cameroon will definitely give him all the room to prove he didn’t leave his shooting boots in the sunny Andalusia.

He knows the task before him and the mission to end Eagles AFCON bronze party – he cannot afford not to come to the party should Eguavoen hand him the top striker’s role.

The big question is, will he write his story in Cameroon?

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Car Maintenance Tips to Save Your Money Take a look at your extra tire It’s similarly essential to keep the reinforcement tire expanded as it is the four tires under your vehicle. The last thing you need is to find your extra is level while you’re hauling the jack out of your trunk. That is the point at which you’ll have to call a tow truck—which can run you many dollars. It’s smarter to spend a dollar on a pneumatic machine to blow up your extra. That way, you’re saved at the expense of a tow.

Replace the oil Goodness, bounty. What amount can your vehicle’s oil influence your financial plan? Oil issues can probably be the costliest vehicle support issue to fix since oil influences a lot of your vehicle’s capacities. It’s smarter to spend just $25 to get the oil changed than to put it off and hazard destroying your motor—which costs much more than $25 to supplant.

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX

Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX Travels Over 1,000Km on Single Charge

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ercedes-Benzhasdeveloped the VISION EQXX to show how they imagine the future of electric cars, having a range of over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge.

According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, “The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is how we imagine the future of electric cars. Just one-and-a-half years ago, we started this project leading to the most efficient Mercedes-Benz ever built – with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres. It has a range of more than 1,000 kilometres[2] on a single charge using a battery that would fit even into a compact vehicle. The VISION EQXX is an advanced car in so many dimensions – and it even looks stunning and futuristic. With that, it underlines where our entire company is headed: We will build the world’s most desirable electric cars.”

Range and efficiency are set to define the electric era. Outstanding range will make electric cars suitable for every journey and will speed adoption.

Exceptional efficiency will create a virtuous circle of battery size and weight reduction, allowing us to go further with less. Mercedes-Benz is determined to lead the way. We are already leading the charts

of real-world range with the EQS with 245 kW (electrical consumption WLTP combined: 19.8-15.7 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions: 0 g/ km)[1], as evidenced by the recent Edmunds test where an EQS 450+ travelled 422 miles on one charge, 77 miles further than any other car previously tested.

But Mercedes-Benz is not resting. Driven by the idea of zero impact on our planet and a highly responsible use of green energy, we inspired our engineers to go above and beyond.

They are working intensively to take range and efficiency to a whole new level. The VISION EQXX is the result of a mission we set ourselves to break through technological barriers across the board and to lift energy efficiency to new heights. It demonstrates the gains that are possible through rethinking the fundamentals from the ground up. This includes advances across all elements of its cutting-edge electric drivetrain as well as the use of lightweight engineering and sustainable materials. Complete with a barrage of innovative and intelligent efficiency measures, including advanced software, VISION EQXX allows us to explore new frontiers of efficiency.

VISION EQXX – designed for the road trip to electromobility There is a reason why road trips have been a cultural touchstone for at least 70 years, telling stories from the highway in books, movies and

music. The road trip defines freedom, individuality, the very spirit of the automobile and the passing world. Stick a pin in the map – and drive. Be in tune with the tarmac, and with the car. This urge to explore, discover and revel in the world beyond our horizon is part of what it is to be human. It’s the pioneering spirit that pairs vision with the tenacity to make it happen.

The journey to electric mobility is a road trip; as exhilarating as it is challenging, as unknown as it is certain.

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a vehicle designed for that road trip. It answers the progressive demands of a modern generation of customers for and emotionality through innovation. Part of a far-reaching technology programme, this software-defined research prototype was engineered by women and men with the creativity, ingenuity and determination to deliver one of the planet’s most efficient cars – in every respect. They did so using the latest digital technology, the agility of a start-up and the speed of Formula 1.

The result is an efficiency masterpiece that, based on internal digital simulations in real-life traffic conditions, will be capable of exceeding 1,000 kilometres[3] on a single charge with an outstanding energy consumption of less than 10 kWh per 100 kilometres (efficiency of more than 6 miles per kWh).

Hyundai Motor Unveils Plug, Drive Robotic Module at CES 2022

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yundai Motor Company today revealed its Plug & Drive (PnD) modular platform that enables mobility of traditionally inanimate things, from small objects to large community spaces, at CES 2022.

At the event, the leaders of Hyundai Motor and Boston Dynamics presented a shared vision for robotics in both the real world and metaverse under the main theme of ‘Expanding Human Reach’. Hyundai Motor also revealed its plans for creating an advanced mobility experience with an unlimited Mobility of Things (MoT) ecosystem, and showcased a range of robots and robotic concepts.

“We are directing all our robotics engineering and creative efforts toward building the unlimited Mobility of Things ecosystem,” said Dong Jin Hyun, Vice President and Head of Robotics Lab of Hyundai Motor Group. “The goal is for robotics to enable all kinds of personal mobility, connected to communicate, move and perform

tasks autonomously.”

Allowing objects to move autonomously with PnD The PnD modular platform is an all-in-one mobility solution that combines intelligent steering, braking, in-wheel electric drive and suspension hardware. The single wheel unit uses a steering actuator for infinite wheel rotation, meaning it can turn 360 degrees, which enables holonomic movement, like a figure skater. LiDAR and camera sensors allow a PnD-enabled object to move autonomously.

PnD modules can be attached to anything from tables to containers for expandable mobility.

Users can select various drive configurations and platform sizes based on their requirements.

“The PnD Module is adaptive and expandable to match human needs. Because in the world to come, you won’t move your things — they will move around you,” Hyun said. “PnD makes normally inanimate objects mobile. It’s this ability that makes changing practically any space possible.

It’s a way to configure spaces on demand.”

Hyundai Santa Fe

Keep the battery clean Erosion (which seems as though white or pale blue powder) can frame on the terminals of your battery.

Assuming you don’t keep them perfect, the battery could foster a break or not work as expected, leaving you abandoned. Since a quality vehicle battery can cost upwards of $100—and tow can run you much more—purchasing a $5 wire brush and keeping the terminals looking awesome is cash all around spent.

Replace the brake cushions Do you hear a squeaking sound when you hit the brakes? Assuming this is the case, your brake cushions could be hanging on by a thread. Another set can cost up to $300 for every one of the four wheels, in addition to the work charge if an expert introduces them. We realize that the sticker price might appear to be strong.

In any case, you have the option to stop before finishing that Lexus before you is beyond value.

Replace your air filter Your vehicle’s air channel holds contaminations back from coming in through the vents. The air channel has significant work, so you need to treat it well. In addition, utilizing an old air channel long past its life can prompt severe issues for your cooling framework.

What’s more, trust us, you don’t need that. Supplanting your whole AC unit can run somewhere in the range of $1,000 to $4,000.

Get new windshield wipers Contingent upon the make and model of your vehicle, purchasing new windshield wipers can run you from $30 to $50 for the pair. While that appears to be a heavy sticker price for something so minor, proficient wipers are a need when you’re out on the open street. Assuming that you can’t see the road, you truly shouldn’t be driving. What’s more, thinking you don’t perfect the windshield, soil can develop over the long run and may even cause the glass to separate.

Recollect, new windshield wipers are a lot less expensive than a shiny new windshield ($100 to $500).

(Source: Brightotech)

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

AUTO WORLD

BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink Enables Drivers Change Colour at Will

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rivers of current BMW models can change the colour to fit their mood at a particular time using BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink According to the automaker, “Digitisation is delivering an integrated user experience characterised by individuality and emotionalisation in the interior of current BMW models. The My Modes allow the driver to tailor the atmosphere in the interior entirely to their personal mood and the driving experience they want. With the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink being presented on the occasion of CES 2022, the Munich-based premium car manufacturer is offering the prospect of a future technology that uses digitisation to also adapt the exterior of a vehicle to different situations and individual wishes. The surface of the BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink can vary its shade at the driver’s prompting.”

Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development: “Digital experiences won’t just be limited to displays in the future. There will be more and more melding of the real and virtual. With the BMW iX Flow, we are bringing the car body to life.”

The fluid colour changes are made possible by a specially developed body wrap that is tailored precisely to the contours of the all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle from BMW. When stimulated by electrical signals, the electrophoretic technology brings

different colour pigments to the surface, causing the body skin to take on the desired colouration. Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design: “The BMW iX Flow is an advanced research and design project and a great example of the forward thinking that BMW is known for.”

The innovative E Ink technology opens completely new ways of changing the vehicle’s appearance in line with the driver’s aesthetic preferences, the environmental conditions or even functional requirements.

The technology thus offers unprecedented potential for personalisation in the area of exterior design. The BMW iX Flow featuring E Ink demonstrates this potential to impressive effect. Against this background, the BMW Group is driving the development of the technology so that a new form of personalisation can be experienced both on the outside and in the inside of future production vehicles.

Already today, the colour chosen for a car is an expression of the driver’s personality. The choice of exterior paints available for current BMW models covers a wide colour spectrum. In this way, the longing for a wildly expressive, extravagant, or sporty appearance on the outside can be taken into account as well as the desire for an understated, subtle or elegant appearance. New variants are added each year that reflect the characteristics of the model in question and that allow the brand to keep setting trends in the area of exterior design.

BMW colour-change

Ford Plans to Produce 150,000 All-Electric F-150 Lightning Annually Ford Motor Company has said it is planning to nearly double production of the F-150 Lightning™ pickup at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center in Dearborn to 150,000 trucks per year to meet high demand for the first all-electric version of America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-Series. And beginning Thursday, the first group of reservation holders will be invited to place their orders for the F-150 Lightning.

“With nearly 200,000 reservations, our teams are working hard and creatively to break production constraints to get more F-150 Lightning trucks into the hands of our customers,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of The Americas & International Markets Group, Ford Motor Company. “The reality is clear: People are ready for an all-electric F-150 and Ford is pulling out all the stops to scale our operations and increase production capacity.”

Due to unprecedented customer interest, Ford is implementing a wave-by-wave reservation process, with reservation holders being asked to watch for an invitation via email from Ford or to log into their Ford.com account over the next few months. Those who don’t receive invitations to convert for the 2022 model year will have an opportunity to order a future model year vehicle in due course.

Flexibility is key to Ford’s production system

and the way teams are now working to deliver the company’s future lineup of electric vehicles. To deliver this latest increase, a small task force of employees from manufacturing, purchasing, strategy, product development and capacity planning are finding ways to quickly adapt and expand production of the groundbreaking pickup. Ford is working with key suppliers – as well as with its own manufacturing facilities Rawsonville Components Plant and Van Dyke Electric Powertrain Center – to find ways to increase capacity of electric vehicle parts, including battery cells, battery trays and electric drive systems.

“The pride and quality UAW members are putting into building the iconic Ford F-150 Lightning is evident in the high pre-production demand for the new F-150 Lightning truck,” said Chuck Browning, UAW vice president. “UAW members are leading the way in doubling the amount of vehicles Ford is producing for this game-changing model of our legendary union-built vehicle.”

This week marks the final pre-build phase before accelerating into mass production of F-150 Lightning trucks for retail customers and F-150 Lightning Pro for commercial customers. These production-level trucks will be used for testing in real-world customer conditions, collectively accumulating 1 million miles.

L-R: Mr. Chukwuma Maduka; Mr. Peter Maduka; Dr. Cosmas Maduka (Widower); Mr. Cosmas Junior Maduka, at the Service of Songs for late Mrs. Charity Maduka, held at the country home of the Maduka’s in Nnewi, Anambra State, yesterday

2022: My Agenda It was in 2014, that it became a ritual of sorts for me to set an agenda immediately after crossing over to a new year to guide the motoring public.

My annual ritual is also a reminder to stakeholders on what should be a priority in keeping with the fallout of the previous year. Since this ritual began, I do not know how consistent I have been. I do not also know if stakeholders or my readers even take me seriously. For the motoring public, I don’t know their take; maybe they see my agenda as one of those rituals called New Year resolutions that are rarely kept except with the divine help of the Almighty God. Whatever the rating is, I am committed to setting the agenda perhaps as a reminder of my duty to my readers and to stakeholders who share similar worry on the trend of crashes recorded despite the numerous eͿorts and strategies of the Federal Road Safety Corps. As we still bask in the euphoria of crossing over to 2022, we must individually pause to ponder over people whose dreams and aspirations Àzzled away like vapor through what some of us refer to as ‘’just a simple or minor error’’ borne out of bad driving mannerisms built over time. We must therefore think and remember that despite all the novelties necessary for safe driving; the greatest tool is responsible driving which, like we often say in the Corps, starts with you.

Before I dwell on responsible driving as a personal charge to all road users as the foundation for a safer road experience, please allow me to share

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

with you the bigger picture which is the corporate goals of the Federal Road Safety Corps for 2022.

But before I do this, I need to Àrst whet your appetite with how far we fared in 2021 in Zone7, Abuja comprising the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State which is under my watch. Within the year 2021, there were a total of 1509 road tra΀c crashes which resulted in 503 deaths while a total number of 3363 serious injuries were sustained.

The causative factors responsible for these road tra΀c crashes were speeding/loss of control, wrongful overtaking, as well as dangerous driving among others. The critical corridors or accident prone routes where these crashes occurred were Mokwa-Jeba, Lambata-Suleja, Tafa-Jere, KutigiMokwa, Abuja-Airport, Yangoji-Abaji, Giri-Zuba, Kubwa express among others. What this reveals is that speed still topped the number one spot as the most critical causative factor behind road tra΀c crashes.

So what is the bigger picture which would guide

the Corps in its renewed drive to checkmate rising cases of avoidable road crashes in 2022.There are three strategic goals which the Corps has rolled out.

I will highlight them not necessarily in the order they are listed but in the order of my own priorities based on some of the strategies that guided us in my Zone in 2021.Critical to us in my Zone in 2021 was stakeholders’ engagement in keeping with the thrust of the leadership of the Corps which we anchored on our innovative stakeholder meetings’ with Lifeline Care Association backed by all the vital stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory.

This is why I am excited with the goal which seeks to enhance partnership in keeping with the United Nations Global Plan of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 especially on post-crash response.

Post-crash response like I told you earlier was the focus of our stakeholders engagement with Lifeline Care Association which we hope will be escalated to a higher dimension this year.

Meanwhile, I hope you still remember that the Corps was set up speciÀcally to cut down road tra΀c rashes and this goal speciÀcally addresses this statutory mandate which seeks to accomplish Àfteen percent reduction in road tra΀c crash fatality. Please let me not bore you with all the theatrics behind this aspirations but to inform you that to achieve this target, our radar will focus on redressing speed -excess and inappropriate which you will recall I identiÀed as one of the core critical causative factors responsible for crashes that occurred within my Zone in 2021.

Others include driving under the inÁuence of drugs and alcohol, riding a motorcycle without helmet, distracted driving-use of phone while driving as well as seatbelt and child restraints.

Meanwhile, the third goal seeks to consolidate on the road tra΀c data system for improved road safety policy formulation.The focus is to enhance the Corps data systems from collection, collation, dissemination, analysis and reporting.

As the 2022 journey begins and in keeping with the FRSC focus for 2022, speed control is a key intervention. The reason for this as stated earlier is that over the years speed related crashes, dangerous driving and loss of control account for a greater proportion of recorded road tra΀c crashes. This explains why the Federal Road Safety Corps throughout the years has engaged its various stakeholders on the need for a successful implementation which should see crashes pummeling down by a signiÀcant percentage.

Since the campaign commenced, I have been too excited despite hiccups encountered. Till date the record in my Zone reveals that in the year 2019 a total of 5103 arrests were made while a total of 9846 were stopped and a total of 1110were cautioned as part of strategies to enhance compliance by commercial drivers. Within this same period, a total of 6213 vehicles were without speed limiting devices as against 3,633 vehicles that were with the device. The record shows that 3633 vehicles had the device installed).

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Detention: Count, Non-count

H

appy New Year and best wishes to my ardent readers globally: “Gambia: Jonathan, elders (elders’) forum sue for peace” (National News, December 8) “There is no doubt that the use of force against Nigerians holding contrary views on (to) government policies….”

Please note that ‘detention’ is countable and uncountable, depending on application.

“Women possess ‘I can do (I-can-do) spirit.”

“It is a reflection of the consumption (consumptive) nature of African economy….”

“Senators refuse to discuss 2022 budget except President (President’s or Presidential) veto is thrashed out” “The president is a product of free and fair poll and should replicate same (the same) in 2023.”

“He needs to give INEC free (a free) hand to conduct the election.”

“Without free and fair election (free and fair elections or a free and fair election depending on context), Nigerian democracy will be in jeopardy.” “…the first time the legal practitioner is placing himself in the driver’s seat with regards to….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, December 19) No legalese: either with regard to or as regards.

DAILY INDEPENDENT of December 18 circulated four blunders: “Long queues return at (to) fuel stations in Edo….

“I got many destitutes and mentally deranged persons off the streets of Minna” This way: many destitute and mentallyderanged persons….

“The much-anticipated Nigerian spring did not quite kick-off (kick off).” Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation.

Next on the line-up is Vanguard of January 18: “…friends and well-wishers to pay their

last respect (respects) to the departed past president.”

“Police faults (fault) group on personnel killed in Delta” THE NATION of December 18 contributed three infractions to the pool of slip-ups: “Yes, there have been manipulations in the sector, there is no question about it. Yes, we are looking into it….” Let us substitute ‘them’ for ‘it’ to foreclose fuel subsidy fraud! “…dishing out nostalgic and melodious songs of yesteryears (yesteryear) to the delight of listeners.”

“JAMB alerts on (to) fraudulent SMS” (THISDAY, December 18) “Nigeria at the crossroad of insecurity…”

(Vanguard, December 18) Get it right: at the crossroads “PDP commends FG, NLC, others on (for) planned dialogue” (National News Headline, January 4) This reminds me of ‘arrest’ which admits ‘for’—never ‘over’ as abusively used by our local media. Similarly, ‘charged with’ (not ‘charged for’) Both are fixed expressions—not subject to our lexical whims and caprices that give rise to avoidable foibles.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE of January 4 criminalized the English language just once: “…what happens when the law that should ordinarily serve as deterrence has been expunged?” Bigamy in Lagos: act as a deterrent.

The next kindergarten blunder is still from the Nigerian Tribune: “Farmers, cattle dealers in Yewa South poise for war” I am poised for lexical and structural war this year!

THE PUNCH of January 4 soiled its stance: “Oil spills in Nigeria have become such a regular occurrence that they no longer attract interest, except by those directly affected, who must deal with them one way or the other.” Shell’s oil spill: one way or another—not the other. “…that I invented at three a.m. in the

morning.” (Saturday Tribune, January 1) A ‘ .m. in the morning’ indicates stark illiteracy!

THISDAY of December 4 mutilated an entire paragraph and the associated headline: “Butchers engage each other in fracas” The story: “It was a free for all fight (sic) again in Ilorin, Kwara State capital (a comma) yesterday when some members of the butchers (some butchers) engaged themselves (one another) in fracas (a fracas) over….” ‘Free for all’ does not require ‘fight’.

Still on THISDAY: “Why has the ordinary Nigerian (Why have Nigerians, preferably— because who is the ‘ordinary Nigerian’?) not benefitted from these multinationals?” I remember Oloibiri!

“The example of Blessing also goes to show that the era when women are (were) discriminated against in certain field (fields), especially the military, are (is) over….”

“There is already an amendment in the party’s rule on waivers for decampees (defectors).” (THE NATION POLITICS, January 4) ‘Decampee’ is a Nigerian political creation unrecognized by lexicographers.

“NTDC…restoring peace on (to) the Plateau” (THE GUARDIAN, January 4) “…area boys engaged in a supremacy battle using guns and all manners (manner) of weapons….” (THE PUNCH Metro, January 4) “The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been drawn to an information making rounds that the….”

A ‘ n information’? No! Either a piece of information or, preferably, just information.

And this: doing/going (British)/making (American) the rounds (note the article).

“Blue-chips, banks lead, as investors loss N1.381tr in 2011” (Source: as above) For headline currency purposes, as investors lose. General application; banks led, as investors lost N1.381tr in 2011. Grammar transcends profit and loss account.

Toast to the Quintessential Sunny Obazu-Ojeagbase

A

s I was saying (from last week)...

Interestingly, early in 1991, Climax got on the honours list of the Nigerian Music Awards.

I was nominated again for the entertainment writer awards for 1990 alongside the duo of Jude Arijaje and Tunde Kolawole at The Punch, and, I believe, the Vanguard team led by late Ogbonnaya Amadi (or was it Hakeem Ikandu?). Sadly, the Punch team won, but everyone in Climax was thrilled with the immediate recognition - for the first time, and perhaps the last, the magazine got a nomination as one of the three best entertainment journals in Nigeria!

In closing the chapter on my Climax sojourn, it is somehow strange to note that the ending was more inspirational than any other moment. Just a little over three months into my editorship, it became steadily clear that I would have to leave Climax to devote more time to revving the engine of FAME. In May, I believe, I had to hint SO (Sunny ObazuOjeagbase - the Obazu was a latter day add-on) about my increasing investment in the FAME project, and the need to fold up my camp bed in Climax shortly. He was hugely disappointed, but remained magnanimous nonetheless. For the following three weeks prior to my formal disengagement on June 1, 1991, the level of attention and details required to birth FAME had risen exponentially, taking some toll on my usual undivided effectiveness in pushing the Climax work. The sentiment was well captured

by SO in the series of our terminating correspondence.

First, my second resignation letter in one year: “With regrets, I wish to discontinue my services under your employ, as from June, 1, 1991. However, I wish to put on record that my decision was carefully taken after serious thought,

Obazu-Ojeagbase Obazu Ojeagbase

and in cognizance of the fact that I never suffered any ill-treatment, disrespect or misgivings, while our relationship lasted. I also wish to put on record that you have been a most wonderful, tolerating, inspiring, considerate person to work with. And I sincerely cherish our relationship. In fact, I wish I didn’t take the decision. And I apologise for any inconveniences that this might cause.

Thanks for the opportunity, which I hope may reappear in future; on another flank.

Even so, thanks a million.” It was dated May 15, 1991.

The Assistant General Manager, Olu Onasegun, responded curtly, on May 28: “The management has decided to accept your resignation effective June 1, 1991, and to waive the three months’ salaries in lieu of notice as required by this company’s rule for staff of your calibre.

It is pertinent to note that your tenure as the editor brought remarkable improvement in the quality of the magazine in

t terms of content and staff. We wish you God’s guidance in your next station in life.”

The clincher was on the same May 28; apparently, SO wanted to have the last word...and what a word. Here’s a sizable portion of his letter: “Your letter of resignation dated May 15, 1991 (instead of May 20, 1991, the day you actually submitted it) refers. Having had a private discussion with you, a day before you brought in your letter, during w which you told me of your plans, it was no longer a question whether or not your resignation would be accepted. It has been accepted, plus lots of good wishes f your success in your new endeavour. for “It is gratifying to note that your coming to CLIMAX magazine in June 1990 was, for the company, a good investment. You lived up your billing and g gave a satisfactory effort even though the two weeks or so before you turned in your letter of resignation provided a little - anti-CLIMAX to your otherwise excellent performance both as the deputy editor and, later, the editor of the magazine.

“In order to show management’s appreciation for the pride and dedication you brought to your job in CCL, it has been decided that you would not be required to pay three months’ salaries in lieu of notice as is required by this company’s rule for officers of your status.

“It is my fervent hope, and honest wish, that the publishing outfit that you and your friends are going to set up will turn out to be a massive success Amen.

“Nothing can be more difficult than to see a capable hand leave a company.

But I am happy that you are leaving to run your own outfit... which is what I pray should be the next step for all ex-staff of CCL when they leave.

“May FAME bring to you and your

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“It is an affront on (to) Nigerians….”

(Vanguard, January 4) “Arab League summons for emergency meeting” (Source: as above) Delete ‘for’ because of its irrelevance.

“Army deploys more troops to (in) North to battle Boko Haram” (BUSINESSDAY Headline, January 4) Still on newspaper opinions: THISDAY of December 30 committed an unpardonable error—yes, some errors are pardonable in the production of publications: “Bribery and corruption, advanced (advance) fee fraud (419), kidnapping and armed robbery are just a few of the issues for which our nation is being stigmatised.”

“Winner of all expense paid trip to Manchester” (Globacom Bold Picture Kicker) This should not come from my own exclusive telecom firm and transnational pride! Get it right: all-expenses-paid trip to Manchester, home to my own Red Devils, the most successful and richest football club in Europe.

“U.S. stocks decline after five-days gain” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Business, December 30) Either five-day gain or five days’ gain “House on The Rock fetes less priviledged at Christmas” (Source: as above) Spell-check: less-privileged “No nation can thrive successful (successfully) in….” (Source: as above) From Vanguard of December 30 come the next three goofs: “Events that shaped 2021 in the “…it has a strong religion undertone” Politics: religious undertone Message from THE GUARDIAN, erstwhile flagship of Nigerian journalism: “Seasons Greetings” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: Season’s greetings

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

friends as well as the investors not just FAME but FORTUNE.” Such was the power of his conviction, the sweetness of his approach and the clarity of his admonition that I could have sworn that a few drops of tears must have escaped whilst I was reading the letter. ... A little over three months later, SO called the editorial staff of Climax to a meeting, on Thursday, September 12, 1991, feted them, cracked jokes with them, and then bid them farewell. All entitlements paid. He was fed up with what he was getting, and decided to cut his losses... with a promise to invite those amongst them who deserved to be part of a future ‘sequel’. I’m not now certain if he ever returned to that ‘plot’.

The clear message from that unfortunate closure was the need to train, retrain, learn new skills and tactics of your vocation. Wherever you find yourself, do not detain yourself by merely excelling in the narrow confines and comfort of producing excellent results where you are expected to...but by finding ‘new developments’, trends, better ways of doing the same work in different and unusual, beneficial ways - there lies longevity and prosperity.

Seek to stretch beyond the limits of your current capacities...take up new challenges, devise newer skills, more pragmatic strategies, less cumbersome techniques...whatever you do, do not vegetate, however excellently luxuriant the moment seems.

(Second excerpts culled from chapter three of FAME: Untold Stories - Nov. 2021).

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 8, 2022

37

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: CEO, Kidpreneur Africa, Juliet Vincent-Obi; Representative of Access Bank, Suleman Ibrahim; Co- Founders of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi and Yeside Ogunremi at a savings awareness campaign to round off 2021 Savings Challenge organised by 9ijakids and Kidpreneur Africa, in partnership with Access bank in Lagos....recently.

L-R: Vice Principal (administration) Omole Senior Grammar School, Mrs. Agbona Bolanle; Managing Director, Pacegate Limited, Mr. Umesh Amarnani; beneficiary of the Evolve Initiative, Miss. Esther Ogunrinu; and CEO, OVH Energy Marketing, Mr. Huub Stokman, at the Evolve Initiative outreach in Lagos ...recently

CITN Rolls out Plans for 40th Anniversary

Fidelity Bank Extends CSR Projects

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has unveiled plans for its 40th anniversary, just as it reaffirmed its commitment to tax development.

President of the institute, Adesina Adedayo while addressing the press recently stressed the significance of the celebration, given the institute’s achievements and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy in its four decades of existence He recounted how CITN started in 1982 as the Association of Tax Administrators and Practitioners and later grew to become chartered which as a result earned it legal recognition to solely regulate taxation profession in Nigeria.

He said, “From that period till date, the

Fidelity Bank Plc has strengthened its presence in the South West part of the country with the launch of new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

The projects included the provision of maternal and healthcare materials for hospitals, renovation and furnishing of a juvenile correctional facility as well as provision of computers for secondary and tertiary institutions.

The states that beneÀtted from the gesture were Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti as well as Kwara states.

Speaking on the gesture, Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe stated that the activities were in line with the bank’s CSR objectives which are centered on the environment, education, health/social welfare, and youth empowerment.

She added, “These projects are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Number 3 - Good Health and Well-being and 4 Quality Education. They are in demonstration of our corporate belief that proÀts should not only be measured in cash but in terms of the wellbeing of our host communities. That

institute has grown in leaps and bounds, hence the reason for this celebration of our great institute. Noteworthy is the continuous effort of our founding fathers in conceptualizing the birth of the institute, the sustenance of its vision and mission and most importantly, the governance structure that has been able to manage the challenges, success and succession in leadership.”

Adedayo specifically recognised the media in the growth tale of the institute, adding that their continued partnership and support would strengthen the institute focus in developing tax profession in the country.

The CITN boss enthused about the consistency of the institute with the ideals of the vision that founded it, especially in

the area of training, development and certification of qualified and competent members.

He said, “CITN has ensured that it lived up to its duty to continually enlighten and educate the public and stakeholders alike both through members of the profession, district societies and the institute.

“We do this through advisory, involvement and participation in activities geared towards improving the legislative, administrative and policy frameworks of tax education, administration and practice. We make informed input to government’s fiscal and tax policy direction and also update our members on emerging tax policy and related issues”.

Yuletide: Chinese Community Supports Low income earners, Orphanages In the spirit of the season, the Chinese community in Nigeria has reached out to low income earners as well as orphanage homes in Lagos communities.

This gesture was in continuation of the community’s family support programme, “Sharing love without borders,” an initiative meant to put smiles on faces of average Nigerians.

Beneficiaries of the gesture in Ajegunle and Oworosoki parts of Lagos were presented cash and household items ranging from rice, groundnut oil and facemask, amongst others The community also visited Bethesda

Home for the Blind in Surulere, Lagos where it donated a cheque of N500,000, staples and other household hold items.

Speaking on the gesture, Chairman of the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprises Association and Huaxing Arts Troupe Nigeria, Dr Eric Ni stated that the gesture was in fulfillment of the association’s corporate social responsibility commitment.

He said, “We are committed to the society we operate, hence this gesture which has been a continuous thing ever since. We live and conduct our businesses here in Nigeria, and we see this as a way of showing love to the communities that host us.”

A member of Chinese community, Loi Eng Koon said, “ The Chinese community in Nigeria wishes to express our love to every Nigerian, whether you are black or white, muslim or a christian, we wish you all a prosperous new year”.

Responding, Director of Bethesda Home for the Blind, Chioma Ohakwe thanked the donor, adding that the school has been able to start the year on a good note as a result of the gesture.

She explained further that the group has been a consistent donor to the school and urged well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the act.

is why we regularly look for opportunities to advance the fortunes of people in locations we do business”.

The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Women AͿairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Christiana Abioye commended the Ànancial institution for its timely intervention.

She made the remark while receiving a renovated boys’ hostel and administrative block facilities of the Oyo State Juvenile Correctional Institutions/Child Care Unit, Ijokodo from the organisation.

She said, “In its drive to deliver a number of people oriented and social services to the teeming population of the state, the Oyo state government has been able to reach out to many individuals, organisations and corporate groups to partner with it in the achievement of these mandates through the running of an open and sincere administration.

“I am glad that the management of this Ànancial institution was able to avail itself of one of such opportunities oͿered by this administration to discharge its CSR in the state and in particular in this very special welfare institution.”

Firms Enlightens Children Rite Foods Partners ‘Feed the on Savings Culture Needy’ to Feed Nigerians No fewer than 5000 children have benefited from a savings awareness campaign put together by 9ijakids and Kidpreneur Africa, in partnership with Access bank.

The campaign was held to cultivate a “Savings Challenge” initiative as part of activities marking the 2021 World Savings Day. According to the organisers, the savings challenge was initiated to promote financial inclusion in the next generation and encourage a saving culture in children between the ages of 7-15 years.

Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titilope Adewusi explained that the savings awareness campaign was conducted across the six geo-political zones in the country including Lagos, Abuja, Imo, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau and Ogun states.

At the exercise, children were exposed to importance of financial literacy including the fundamentals of earning, savings and investing.

At the grand finale of the campaign held in Lagos, winners were rewarded with cash prize and accompanied with a word of encouragement.

Some of the winners announced were Salaudeen Gbebe, Omoaka Nicholas, BishopAble Clement Etta, Oluwamurewa John Oyekoya-Ibikunle, Vivian Ifeoma Anolue, Tifeoluwa Ayileye and Okoro Favor Adannaya.

Founder of Kidpreneur Africa, Mrs Juliet Vincent Obi remarked that conscious efforts must be put in place to imbibe the attitude of savings in children.

She sai, “Savings challenge was greeted with a lot of enthusiasm and happiness from the children as a lot of them had little knowledge and understanding on the importance of savings. As a result, efforts need to be doubled in this regard.”

Foods and Beverages manufacturing company, Rite Foods has partnered with the ‘Feed the Needy’ initiative to feed Nigerians, as part of its commitments to corporate philanthropy.

The ‘Feed the Needy’ initiative is championed by Nollywood celebrity, Eniola Badmus and aimed to put smiles on the faces of less privileged in Nigerians Now in its fourth edition, the initiative saw the feeding of over 50,000 needy Nigerians, with Rite Foods providing an array of its snacks products to refresh and quench hunger of the many needy who thronged the delivery centre.

Speaking, Assistant Brand Manager of Beverage and Bakery, Rite Foods,

Boluwatife Adedugbe stated that the initiative aligned with the company’s mission to make a meaningful diͿerence in a refreshing way in the lives of people.

“As a company, we are poised to strengthen global solidarity with focus on meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable people in diͿerent communities across the country,” she stated.

Some of the locations visited for the exercise included- Living Fountain Orphanage, Heart of Gold Children Hospice, Nigerian Red Cross Society Motherless Babies Home and Heritage Homes Orphanage.

Others included: Babes Salaam Orphanage Home and Temidire Primary School, Lagos.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 8, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPE ˾ JANUARY 8, 2022

39

SPORTS XTRA AFCON 2021

Super Eagles Warn Rivals with Routine Win in Warm-up Match

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igeria’sSuper Eagles have sent out a warning to the rest of their rivals at the 2021Africa Cup of Nations after they beat Cameroon side Coton Spot 2-0 in their pre-

tournament warm-up match yesterday.

The Super Eagles start their quest for a fourthAFCON title with a clash against Egypt on Tuesday,andtheypreparedfor the encounter with a friendly match against Cameroon’s 15-time champions.

Interim boss Austin Eguaoven played two different teams in each half, with Maduka Okoye staying in goal in the first half.

Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi were the fullbacks, while William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo partnered with

each other in the heart of the defence.

Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Kelechi Iheanacho played in a three-man midfield, with Chidera Ejuke and Ahmed Musa operating on the flanks.

Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi led the line as a goal

from Musa gave the Super Eagles a half-time lead.

The second half resumed with almost an entirely different team, with only Sanusi keeping his place. Alex Iwobi also kept his place, but he only came on midway through the first half for Musa.

Francis Uzoho was in goal after the break while Olisa Ndah and Semi Ajayi were

the centre backs alongside Chidozie Awaziem.

Frank Onyeka, Kelechi Nwakali and Alex Iwobi played from the middle of the park while Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze flanked Sadiq Umar up front.

The second half also produced one goal for the Super Eagles, which came via the boots of Chukwueze.

Buhari Appoints Gbajabiamila Leader of FG’s Delegation to Cameroon Udora Orizu in Abuja

Augustine Eguavoen dishing out instructions to Super Eagles players ahead of AFCON opening game against Egypt

Eguavoen Expresses Satisfaction over Mood in Super Eagles Camp In spite of having barely spent a week with most of the players Super Eagles interim manager,Augustine Eguavoen has expressed satisfaction over the mood of the players in camp, just as he said he is also pleased with how quickly the players have adjusted to his methods.

The Super Eagles arrived in Garoua on Wednesday night

in preparation for the African Cup of Nations, which begins this weekend, albeit Nigeria’s first game is on Tuesday.

There are supposed to be 28 players in camp, but Odion Ighalo has dropped out while Tyronne Ebuehi and Jamilu Collins are yet to arrive.

However, Eguavoen has not wasted any time in enforcing his instructions on the team.

And so far, he is impressed with the kind of response he has gotten.

“No man knows it all, but I have my own philosophy,” Eguavoen said via NFF TV. “I have my own way of doing things, but I will try to make you understand why I want you to do it my way, and we’ve been preaching that from day

one.

“And the boys quite understand me now, and they have never showed any sign of grievances, they’ve been happy, they’ve been responding very well.”

The three-time AFCON winners begin their quest for a fourth title next Tuesday when they trade tackles with the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Egypt Delay Flight to Cameroon after Covid-19 Cases Egypt have delayed their departure for the Africa Cup of Nations and were forced to cancel training after coronavirus cases were reported in their camp.

The Pharaohs, who have

won the competition a record seven times, were due to depart on Friday but will now fly to Cameroon on Saturday.

“Unprecedented times. The more the situation becomes difficult, the more we stay

together and strong,” coach Carlos Queiroz tweeted.

The Nations Cup starts on Sunday, with Egypt facing Nigeria in their first Group D match on Tuesday.

The number of cases and

identities of those who have tested positive have not been disclosed.

“Better we stand together and focus on what we need to do to meet the challenges,” Queiroz’s message added.

Dennis Sends Goodwill Message to Super Eagles Watford attacker Emmanuel Dennis has wished the Super Eagles all the best as they go for a fourth continental title at the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Dennis should have been with the squad in Cameroon as he was named in the Super

Eagles 28-man team for the competition.

The 24-year-old had expressed his delight after finding out he was included in the team. However, he was dropped from the squad after his club Watford prevented him from playing for Nigeria in the

competition.

The Hornets claimed they could not release Dennis because the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) did not send his invitation at the appropriate time.

Nonetheless despite the disappointment of missing

out because of administrative issues, Dennis has sent his well-wishes to the team.

The former Club Brugge attacker took to his Twitter account to wish Austin Eguavoen’s men success in Cameroon.

Mboma Wins BBC African Salah Shortlisted for Best Sports Personality of the Year Fifa Player Award Namibian sprinter Christine MbomahasbeenvotedtheBBC African Sports Personality of the Year for 2021, so becoming the first female winner in the award’s long history.

The 18-year-old became the first Namibian woman to ever win an Olympic medal when taking silver in a star-studded 200m final in Tokyo last year.

“I feel great and really proud to be a Namibian,” she told BBC Sport Africa.

“I dedicate this BBC award to all Namibians. This is a reward for all the hard work I have done.”

Mboma saw off Kenyan runners Eliud Kipchoge and

Faith Kipyegon, SouthAfrican para-athleteNtandoMahlangu, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and South African swimmerTatjanaSchoenmaker to win the award.

She becomes the second Namibian athlete to be recognised in such fashion, after sprinter Frankie Fredericks won the BBC African Sports Star of the Year award in 1993.

“It is always great to put my country on the spot. I always make my country proud and I thank all the Namibians who voted for me. They will go crazy when they hear this,” she said upon learning of her prize.

Mohamed Salah and Sam Kerr are among the nominees for the Best Fifa player of the year awards Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and Chelsea striker Sam Kerr are among the Best Fifa Football Awards’ player of the year nominees.

Salah is on the men’s shortlist with Paris StGermain’s Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.

Kerr has been nominated with Barcelona pair Jennifer Hermoso and Alexia Putellas in the women’s

category.

The winners will be announced at the Best Fifa Football Awards in Zurich on 17 January.

Lewandowski won the men’s award in 2020, while England and Manchester City’s Lucy Bronze won the women’s.

Tottenham’s Erik Lamela is on the shortlist for the Fifa Puskas Award, which recognises the best goal in world football during the year, after his ‘rabona’ finish in the north London derby against Arsenal last March.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila as the leader of the federal government’s delegation to the African Cup of Nations, (AFCON) holding in Cameroon.

The appointment was contained in a letter signed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare and addressed to Gbajabiamila.

The letter was dated January 6, 2022 and read thus: Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, The Speaker of the House of Representative, it is my privilege to convey the approval of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari of your appointment as Leader of the Federal

Government Delegation leading the Nigerian Contingent to the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for Yaounde, Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.

“The Delegation will convey the goodwill message of Mr. President to the Super Eagles of Nigeria which will serve as a morale booster and further demonstrates the Federal Government’s support and commitment to the team during the tournament.

“The group stage matches of the Super Eagles have been scheduled to take place in Garova, Cameroon where Nigeria has been drawn to play in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau on the 11, 15 and 19 of January, 2022 respectively.

Joshua Vows to Revive All-British Title Fight Dream with Fury Anthony Joshua has warned Tyson Fury that he will “get onto the road to being the undisputed champion” and ensure they finally meet in the ring.

Joshua is first set for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk where he aims to avenge defeat and claw back his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight championships.

WBC champion Fury has been ordered by the governing body to negotiate a mandatory defence against Dillian Whyte.

Joshua is aiming for a third reign as world heavyweight champion - his first was shockingly cut short

by Andy Ruiz Jr, a result which he avenged just six months later.

He faces a far tougher challenge against the undefeated Usyk, a former Olympic gold medallist, undisputed cruiserweight champion and one of only three fighters to win the world title in boxing’s biggest two weight divisions.

“If I didn’t fight the best, I may not have lost.

“People have high expectations of me, so they are shocked. I have high expectations too.

“When I lost the first time, I never made excuses but I had my reason.

“I took my loss but I knew I would get it back.

“But this one hurt. There were no problems, I just lost to the better man on the night. But it gave me motivation to pull myself out of that position.”

Coutinho Signs for Aston Villa on Loan from Barcelona Aston Villa have agreed a deal to bring in former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho on loan from Barcelona until the end of the season.

The deal, which is subject to a medical and a work permit being granted, includes an option to buy the 29-year-old for £33m at the end of the season.

Coutinho joined Barcelona in a £142m move from Liverpool in January 2018.

G e r r a rd , w h o d e scribed his former team-mate as a “special footballer” on Thursday, a n d Coutinho were key parts of the Liverpool side who fell just short of winning the Premier League title in 2014.

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Saturday, January 8, 2022

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Ondo PDP to Akeredolu “The world of grandeur and opulence in which these people (Akeredolu and his family) live is in direct contrast with the lives of the people of the state… Even if Ondo State is a territory conquered by Akeredolu, he should act with some decenc” –Ondo State PDP accusing Governor Akeredolu and his family of corruption.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

An Appeal to the Owners of Nigeria

F

ellow Nigerians, on June 12, 2023, Nigeria would have suffered, for 30 ugly years, for the calamitous mistake of annulling our best Presidential election result ever.

For the benefit of those who were not yet born, or too young to understand and appreciate the magnitude of the disaster that hit Nigeria since that saga, let me offer a quick explanation of the premise for my conclusion that this was the freest, fairest, and indeed, the best election Nigeria has ever had and that we continue to suffer the consequences of that election being annulled.

On June 12, 1993, there was a Presidential contest between Chief Moshood Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa (who passed on incidentally and sadly just a few days ago, so both protagonists are sadly now deceased). The election produced a clear winner in Chief Abiola, and this has recently been validated by the Buhari administration.

However, for no clear and unjustifiable reasons, the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida was neither impressed nor excited about that monumental election. The collation of the results of the concluded voting exercise was abruptly stopped and the national announcement of the election results which was widely known to everybody was aborted. Every effort to revalidate that mandate was rebuffed. Chief Abiola, who was the undisputed winner, was frustrated, punished and incarcerated from 1994-98 when he suddenly died in General Sani Abacha’s detention. Abacha himself had died a month earlier. And General Abdulsalami Abubakar took over as Head of State. The rest is history as they say.

Let’s fast forward. Nigeria began a fresh round of transition in 1999 after the demise of Abiola which eventually produced and saw a retired Army General and past Military Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, returning as civilian President. Those elections were fraught with manipulations, allegations of rigging and downright fraud. The results were contested up to the Supreme Court by the opponent, Chief Olu Falae, and President Obasanjo was narrowly declared the winner. He spent eight years this time. There’s no doubt that Obasanjo recorded some successes. He remains one of our brightest, knowledgeable, bravest, patriotic and most famous leaders, but he suffered eventually from the attempt to elongate his tenure, directly, indirectly or fortuitously. His legacy was blighted by that single fact as he ended up eroding some of those measures that had seemingly made his administration successful. He was grudgingly forced to allow the natural succession decreed by the Constitution and handed over to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who also faced an election decried by many as being a farce and massively rigged. Unfortunately, Yar’Adua died in power on 5 May 2010, after being President for almost three years. His Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan immediately constitutionally became substantive President after being the Acting President on the grounds of Yar’Adua’s ill health. There had been some rancorous attempt to stop him being Acting President, but brave Nigerians stood up in defence of the Constitution and ensured that neither the Constitution nor democracy were subverted and truncated. After a total of five years in power, Jonathan lost his second term election to Retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari. Those elections too were largely compromised and would have been worse had it not been for the intervention of the then Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, who stood firm in the face of intimidation

Abiola

and oppression to declare Buhari, who was the opposition candidate and favourite to win the election, the winner. Buhari is currently in his seventh year and second term in office. His second term election was probably the worst of the elections Nigeria has witnessed. There was large scale voter fraud, tyrannical use of security forces and unbridled, brazen and unashamed manipulation of electoral results. In my view, his government has been the worst ever in Nigeria compared to that of his civilian and military predecessors. Most of the grandiloquent promises made by him remain what they are, realistically, all gas, no substance. There is no point setting them out in this discourse. I must be fair and admit that he has achieved some successes but the reverse in the Nation’s security, economy, social life and above all unity which means that his legacy has been damagingly tarnished. It is hard to see how he can recover in the one year left before the next elections. Some measure of redemption may come if he ensures that free and fair elections are conducted, but his recent utterances in this regard leave much to be desired and makes one afraid that the results of this forthcoming elections are already preordained and predetermined.

This apparent failure in government is now the crux of the matter. Buhari’s administration has fundamentally divided Nigeria across ethnic and religious lines. Under his watch, Nigeria not only became the world capital of poverty and penury but also a certified terrorist nation.

It could be interpreted that since June 12, 1993, Nigerians have been severely punished for wasting our best opportunity so far to have a totally detribalized, cosmopolitan, humane and remarkable leader at the helm of our affairs.

If Nigeria continues to tow the present path to perdition, the country is likely to break up cataclysmically and record one of the worst disasters in human history. This is why this appeal that I am now making is very sacrosanct.

Who are the owners of Nigeria, realistically?

Aren’t we all supposed to be? The answer is not so simple and straightforward. The answer is contained in George Orwell’s Animal Farm: “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others…” Some people have hijacked this nation, whether they be a cabal, mafia or just simply a group of power drunk bigots and zealots. They are well known in political circles as they try to

hold the nation by the jugular and manipulate the nation, its fortunes and its people.

I will call on former Presidents, Generals Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ibrahim Babangida, and Abdulsalami Abubakar, to help rescue Nigeria from the throes of death in their lifetimes. Military men of influence such as retired Generals, Theophilus Danjuma, Alani Akinrinade, David Jemibewon, Aliyu Gusau, and others are needed in this mission. The Sultan of Sokoto, The Ooni of Ife, the Alaafin of Oyo, The Oba of Benin, The Obi of Onitsha The Emir of Zazzau, Emir of Kano, Lamido of Adamawa, Tor Tiv, Gbong Gwom, and all traditional rulers should do all within their power to encourage a new direction by supporting fresh candidates with fresh ideas. It is in the interest of our business titans to seek and support those who have managed businesses successfully. It is obvious that hard core politicians can’t change Nigeria. They have been abysmal failures since 1979 and have continued to descend further and further into mediocrity, shallowness and corruption, by intellect, nature and character. The time has come, after 30 years in the wilderness to return to the Abiola template. This clarion call is very urgent.

The self-styled, purported owners of Nigeria have been in control of our collective destinies and the time has come to cajole or beg them to dispel the spell they have cast on Nigeria which has become totally overwhelming and suffocating. For the sake of all of us, things must be put right in the general elections of 2023 and the Presidential election in particular. The office of the Nigerian President is too powerful to be gifted out to an incompetent, outdated and selfish leader. Only a handful of those presently seeking to become President from the present crop of political leaders deserve to be given a chance because they have the requisite credentials of intellect, competence, character and patriotism.

However, these upstanding gentlemen are very dark horses. They have little or no political clout because they are relying on the present structures which have been hijacked by the self-styled political overlords of Nigeria. I would suggest to this crop of politicians to look outside the present system and seek the support of the people who truly matter. That does not mean that they should jettison the major political parties which they belong to. I have consistently said that it is futile to seek to fight the battle for the political soul from outside the confines of the two major political parties unless schisms and division birth a new party as happened in 2015 with the advent of the All Peoples Congress (APC). What I mean is that these few competent politicians, who I have identified but not named, should harmonise their efforts and garner support from the teeming masses, who will make the difference, if properly guided.

The truth though, is that apart from these gentlemen and ladies who are presently with the major political parties but suffering neglect because of their superior intellect and competence, there are several other worthy Nigerians who have the capacity of taking Nigeria to the Promised Land. I believe and know that Nigeria is richly blessed with so many fresh, urbane, educated, charismatic, accomplished and detribalized personalities who are capable of representing us well at home and abroad. A veritable leader does not even have to know everything. Truthfully, it is impossible to find such a person anywhere on earth. All that is required is somebody, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who can identify

brilliant, knowledgeable, competent and diligent patriotic men and women to join him or her in reconstructing this country and changing the mindset of our people. Nigerias must be convinced that the country can be a better place. However, we must first start by empowering a leader who is convinced himself about this fact. Our next President must believe fervently that Nigeria can be turned around and that he can do so. Sadly, I hear several prospective leaders doubt that Nigeria can ever change. That negativity is what is pulling us down. Nigeria and Nigerians had that can do spirit before. We were, and rightly so, considered the giants of Africa.

The world knew that in the Black part of Africa, Nigeria was the country with the greatest potential to catch up with the Western World very quickly. Somehow, somewhere, we squandered that opportunity by collectively embracing and enthroning mediocrity. If we seek bright and distinguished talents that we can call upon to lift us from where we are, why then do we usually end up with some of the personalities we’ve had so far?

I am mystified.

That is why I am deeply concerned about the kind of potential candidates still being thrown up at this time, barely months to Presidential primaries. These are truly worrisome and regrettable prospects when we have outstanding and upright younger men who have distinguished themselves in their respective professions. It would seem we’ve learnt no useful lessons from our inglorious past and we may actually sink deeper and deeper into the abyss and eventual devastating split. I am not a prophet of doom, but I foresee that if we do not get it right this time, it may be end times for the country called Nigeria. As it is, we are tottering on the brink of disaster in all spheres of our national life. Please, let me say it as it should be said, Nigeria deserves the deepest breath of fresh air in 2023. We must bring joy back to our dear beloved country. The best opportunity for that is now.

While we are busy chewing the cud of foolishness by recycling the same incompetent leaders endlessly, a 35-year-old man just became President elsewhere. Who have we offended?

Why are we so docile and backward-looking?

We have tested everyone offered to us and nothing tangible has come from them. While Democracy permits us to keep trying our luck we keep rolling on one spot like barbecue meat and thus end up making a mockery of the democracy that we fought so valiantly for.

Let’s be clear about it. There is no big deal about running a country. I have been interacting with global leaders for decades, I know we don’t require two heads and four legs to perform the needful. Our problem is mainly due to how we often allow those with deep pockets fraudulent, corruptly and illegally acquired from our common wealth to oppress us without challenging them powerfully. We can do so because we have the numbers. We only need to organise ourselves and with steel and determination overturn the odds in our favour. I am very game for this challenge. I urge others to join me in this quest. I believe if we work earnestly together one of us will achieve our objectives and the Nigeria that our visionary forefathers dreamt, campaigned and got independence for will ultimately materialize. The best is ahead of us, hopefully…

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