SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY 2023

In Dialogue with Economic Summit Group, Tinubu Says Nothing Wrong with Endless Budget Deficits Bennett Oghifo The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu yesterday in Lagos

unfolded his comprehensive economic plan for the organised private sector before the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), and further defended the heavily

criticized endless budget deficits of the Buhari administration.

Under Buhari’s APC federal government, the budget deficit rose from N2.41 trillion in 2016

to N11.34 trillion in 2023.

But Tinubu disagreed with arguments that fiscal deficits by the federal government are inherently bad.

He said: “All governments, especially in this era of fiat currency, run on budget deficits.

This is an inherent part of modern governance. The most powerful

and wealthiest governments run deficits, as do the poorest nations.

“A budget deficit is not Continued on page 5

Obi, Kwankwaso, Yakubu to Speak at Chatham House...

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NNPC Set for Drilling of First Oil Well in Nasarawa State Targets March, as Gov Sule, Abdullahi Adamu, Tanko Almakura, Emir of Lafia applaud development Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho in Lagos Two months after the presidential flag off of oil drilling in the Kolmani oil well straddling Gombe

and Bauchi states, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) announced yesterday that it would commence drilling for oil in Nasarawa State in continuation of its oil exploration

activities in the country’s inland basins.

The NNPC said the ‘spudding’, which is the beginning of the process of drilling a well in the oil and gas industry, involves the

clearing of a surface hole, then lining it with casing and cement to protect groundwater. This, the NNPC said would start in March, this year.

Chief Corporate

Communications Officer of the NNPC, Garba Muhammad, in a statement, noted that the Group Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mallam Mele Kyari, made the disclosure of

the Nasarawa drilling when the Governor of the State, Abdullahi Sule, led a delegation of prominent indigenes of the state on a courtesy Continued on page 5

S’Court Paves Way for Fresh Criminal Forfeiture Actions against Abacha Family FG can now recommence investigations into corruption allegations against family Alex Enumah in Abuja A five-man panel of the Supreme Court yesterday refused to grant a request by members of the family of the late General Sani Abacha, for the stoppage of fresh criminal forfeiture proceedings against the ex-Head of State and some members of his family.

Abacha, who ruled Nigeria between 1993 and 1998, was accused alongside some members of his family of looting the nation’s treasury.

Some of the loot starched in foreign countries such as the United States of America, United Kingdom were repatriated to the country and were deployed in various roads and rail projects by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Both Mohammed and Abba Abacha had in 2013, on behalf of themselves and other members of the Abacha family, approached the apex court to set aside the judgments of the Court of Appeal and a Federal High Court, which Continued on page 5

LATE ABBA KYARI’S DAUGHTER WEDS… L-R: National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Monguno; President Muhammadu Buhari; Governor Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State; Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the wedding of the daughter of late Abba Kyari, who was Chief of Staff to Buhari, at the National Mosque, Abuja ...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Okowa Thanks Atiku, PDP Leaders for Vice-Presidential Ticket... Page 5

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Buhari Urges 'Global South' Leaders to Agree on Common Agenda for Tackling Debt Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has called on leaders of the “Global South” to agree on a common agenda on ways to reduce the increasing burden of debt and inflation on that

region of the world.

The “Global South” are regions within Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, with similar socio-economic and political characteristics.

Most, though not all, of these countries are low-income and

often politically or culturally marginalised on one side of the global divide.

Addressing the Global South virtual summit yesterday, the President, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina,

expressed optimism that the meeting, hosted by India, in its capacity as the voice of the South, will address issues of climate change, food security and access to energy.

According to him: “This huge debt burden has significantly

Okowa Thanks Atiku, PDP Leaders for Vice-Presidential Ticket Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, for choosing him as presidential running mate in the February 25, 2023 election.

Similarly, Okowa expressed gratitude to the Delta PDP and the people of the state in general for their overwhelming and unflinching support over the years, urging them to further demonstrate that love and support by ensuring that PDP secures at least one million votes at the forthcoming presidential election.

The PDP vice-presidential candidate stated this yesterday at the party's campaign rally for Ika South and Ika North-East local government areas of the state in continuation of the party's campaign across the 25 local government areas of the state.

While describing the ticket as humbling and a testimony of the confidence the party and the presidential flag-bearer reposed in him and his leadership capabilities, he said that discharging the challenge of that responsibility depended on the support of the

people.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of PDP supporters at the area that constitutes his homebase, Dr okowa said that he fully appreciated the years of enthusiastic support, saying there was a need to continue on that trajectory by voting for all PDP candidates in the forthcoming general election in line with what was now a tradition in the state.

Since the old Bendel State till now, nobody from Delta State has emerged Vice-President, he said, stating that they should make that happen now with their massive votes.

Okowa said, "So, we are thankful and asking for your support because I know that you will back me and my party to achieve the task of recovering Nigeria.

"By the special grace of God, you have always supported me throughout my political career and I have seen Ika people come out in great numbers in the past, but I have never seen this kind of crowd in our campaigns here.

"I want to use this opportunity to thank the leadership of PDP and our Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, for finding me worthy to be the Vice-Presidential candidate of our great party.

"I have challenged our people

in Delta that as a state we must cross the one million votes mark and as people of Ika nation, I challenge us to deliver a minimum of 180,000 votes for the party.

"I urge you all to justify my selection by ensuring that all our votes in Ika nation will go to PDP and God will bless you as you continue to work hard for us to deliver in all the elections."

Okowa said the choice of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Delta PDP governorship candidate was divine, urging the people of Ika nation and all Deltans to support him.

On his part, the candidate, Oborevwori, commended the people of Ika for their massive support, and assured that his administration’s MORE Agenda would develop all parts of the state equitably.

Chairman of the party in the state, Kingsley Esiso, said that Ika people were fortunate to have produced a governor and now vice-presidential candidate of the party and urged them to vote 100 per cent for the PDP to justify the party's choice of Okowa as Atiku Abubakar's running mate.

Director-General of the State's Campaign Council, Hon Funkekeme Solomon, said PDP built the country from 1999 to 2015, but regretted that APC had

S’COURT PAVES WAY FOR FRESH CRIMINAL FORFEITURE ACTIONS AGAINST ABACHA FAMILY had declined to stop investigations into the allegations of corruption against the family.

After counsel to parties in the matter made their final submissions and adopted their briefs of arguments for and against the appeal, last year, the apex court subsequently fixed January 13, 2023 for judgment.

Delivering judgment in the appeal which has lasted nearly 10 years at the apex court, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the unanimous decision of the five-man panel held that the concurrent findings of facts in the matter are unassailable and consequently dismissed the appeal.

However, the order as to cost of the legal action was not made by the panel.

Respondents in the appeal marked: SC/641/2013, include the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Inspector General of Police (IG), DCP P. Y. Hana (Chairman, Special Investigation Panel), the National Security Adviser (NSA) and

Magistrate Sonja Nachbaur (of the Principality of Liechtenstein).

The grouse of the appellants was that the two lower courts erred in law when they arrived at the decision that plaintiffs/ appellants lacked necessary legal authority to initiate the suit seeking to stop investigations into corruption allegations against the family.

Recall that the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, had in July 25, 2013, affirmed the judgement of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, which on June 26, 2009, dismissed the suit by the Abacha family, on the grounds of lack of locus standi (the legal capacity to approach the court on the subject matter of the suit).

Shortly after its inauguration in 1999, the Olusegun Obasanjo administration made allegations of criminal misappropriation of funds against the late General Abacha, members of his family and some companies said to be owned by them.

Based on the allegations, the then AGF, Kanu Agabi, acting for

the federal government, made a request to the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein for mutual assistance and to initiate criminal proceedings of forfeiture against members of the Abacha family and companies in which they have interests.

At a point in the proceedings before the Princely Court of Liechtenstein, the government of Liechtenstein requested the relocation of the court sitting to the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Nigeria to enable Magistrate Sonja Nachbaur take further evidence from some identified Nigerian witnesses.

Following the Nigerian government’s granting of the request for the proceedings to be moved to Nigeria, DCP P. Y. Gana issued summons to witnesses to appear before Magistrate Nachbaur (a Magistrate of the Principality of Liechtenstein), who was to sit as a court in the territory of Nigeria.

Dissatisfied, the Abacha family then commenced the legal action against the respondents.

NNPC SET FOR DRILLING OF FIRST OIL WELL IN NASARAWA STATE visit to the NNPC Ltd. in Abuja.

The announcement is coming about two months after the inauguration of the Kolmani oil well which straddles Gombe and Bauchi states.

The Kolmani project entails an oil refinery of up to 120,000 barrels per day capacity, a gas processing plant of up to 500 million standard cubic feet per day, a power plant of up to 300-megawatt capacity and a fertiliser plant of 2,500 tons per day.

Kyari stated that results of exploratory activities confirmed the presence of substantial hydrocarbon resources in Nasarawa State.

The NNPC boss called for prompt action on the project as the global energy transition has led to a reduction in investment in fossil fuels.

“This work must be done very

fast because the whole world is walking away from fossil fuel due to energy transition, the earlier you go to market, the better for you, otherwise, 10 years from now, no one will agree to put money in petroleum business except it comes from your cash flow,” he said.

Kyari added that community support and a conducive environment was key to a successful operation in the area in order to avoid the experience of the Niger Delta.

In his response, Sule congratulated the GCEO of NNPC on the successful commencement of oil production and the Kolmani Integrated Development Project, which was launched in November 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari, which he described as similar to what obtains in Saudi

Arabia.

“I want to congratulate you, the management of NNPC and the federal government for what you have done at Kolmani, for those who don’t know what you have done for Nigeria, you have written your name in gold,” Sule stated.

He commended President Buhari for his support while assuring the NNPC of a conducive environment.

According to the statement, the governor was accompanied on the visit by his deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and first governor of the State, Dr. Abdullahi Adamu; his predecessor, Senator Tanko Almakura; Minister of Environment, Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi; and Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, amongst others.

destroyed the country since it took over in 2015.

He, however, assured the people that PDP would restore the glory of the country and reset it for greater height, and appealed to them to vote for the party.

At Boji-Boji Owa, eight House of Assembly candidates of other political parties in the state, led

by Mr Andrew Akawe of Accord Party, dropped their ambition and cast aside their respective parties' flags in favour of the candidate, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola of the PDP, who is also Okowa's daughter.

derailed many countries’ development plans. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia/Ukraine conflict has further aggravated the situation.

“In this regard, I wish to advise fellow leaders to agree on a common agenda to enable us to put forward our collective demands to the “Global North” through India as the voice of the South.

“I would urge India to further intensify efforts to facilitate the flow of Foreign Direct Investment to the Global South using its leverage as President of G20."

While appreciating the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for inviting him to participate in the Summit, President Buhari noted that the Global South was driven by historical ties and sense of deep solidarity in pursuit of bridging the gap between the South and the North.

He described as very commendable the initiative to convene the summit entitled “the

Voice of the Global South” under the theme: Unity of Voice and Unity of Purpose.

The President hailed India’s emergence as the voice of the Global South, considering the role the country played during its two-year terms at the United Nations Security Council and the humanitarian gesture it extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said: “Excellencies, it is in line with the vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future that India calls for this Summit, bringing together leaders of the South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform ahead of the G20 Summit later this year.

“Nigeria is in full support of this noble initiative and hope that the outcome of the Summit will be given top priority at the G20 meetings.”

Leaders of India, Kazakhstan, Ecuador, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Suriname and Peru delivered statements at the Summit.

IN DIALOGUE WITH ECONOMIC SUMMIT GROUP, TINUBU SAYS NOTHING WRONG WITH ENDLESS BUDGET DEFICITS necessarily bad. Look at the Japanese example with high government borrowing and low inflation. The real issue is whether deficit spending is productive or not. Unproductive deficit spending is a compound negative, especially if backed by excessive borrowing of foreign currency. This is not classroom economics but it is the lesson of the real economic history of nations.”

The interaction, which provided an opportunity for Tinubu to present his plans to another group of stakeholders just as he has been doing in various town hall meetings across the country, saw him itemise his administration’s path to economic recovery if elected in next month’s presidential election.

He noted that before economic recovery could be achieved, the nation must be secured, stating: “First, to achieve the economy we seek, we must resolve the pressing security issues. No nation can flourish with terrorists and kidnappers in their midst.”

The dialogue again gave him an opportunity to emphasise the importance of the private sector and his administration’s readiness to partner them.

He said, “My core belief is that the private sector must be the prime driver of economic progress. However, the government establishes the framework within which the private sector must operate. If that framework is sound, the private sector will flourish. If the framework is frail or incomplete, then the private sector will struggle.”

He added that his administration would immediately on getting to office, urgently address fiscal, monetary, and trade reforms to effectively increase domestic production, thus serving to curb imported inflation, and to ensure better macro-economic stability by accelerating inclusive growth and job creation across Nigeria.

To achieve this, he listed principles that will guide their plans and policies. These principles include how to tackle inflation, petrol subsidy and monetary policy.

“I do not hold to the mainstream view that all forms of inflation are best tackled by interest rate hikes and shrinking the economy. Supply induced inflation does not lend itself to this harsh medicine, just as one does not cure a headache by plucking out one’s eye.

“It is based on this idea that I believe we must remove the PMS subsidy immediately. It has outlived its shelf life as a public good. We will neither subsidise neighbouring countries’ fuel consumption nor allow a select few to reap windfall profits and hoard products.

“And the subsidy money will not be ‘saved’ because that means elimination from the economy.

Instead, we will redirect the funds into public infrastructure, transportation, affordable housing, education and health, and strengthen the social safety net for the poorest of the poor, thus averting increased security challenges.

“Fiscal policy will be the main driver. Monetary policy is weaker and a less effective instrument.

Bad monetary policy is, of course, destructive. But even good monetary policy cannot carry the load the fiscal arm can.

Thus, we must steadily remove ourselves from the fiction of tying our budgets to dollar denominated oil revenues.

“This is effectively pegging our budget to a dollar standard. It is as outdated as the fuel subsidy itself.

It is also restrictive and ties the economy to slow growth. Just as the common man must mentally sever the cord to the subsidy, the elite must sever the cord to this artificial fiscal restraint.”

He said his administration’s budgeting would be based on the projected spending levels needed to push real annual growth rate above 10 per cent, while reducing the unemployment rate, so that the economy can be doubled in seven years.

He added that to cater for the economic needs of the over 200 million Nigerians, his administration will expand the manufacturing base to provide jobs, and also create affordable goods and products for the population.

He said, “For our industries to thrive, they need inputs, many of which are agriculture based. The present administration has invested heavily in agriculture, providing loans and expanding the country’s total area of cultivated land for crops, livestock and fisheries.

We will also promote vibrant commodity exchanges that will guarantee minimal pricing for produce.

“We will build on this, with a focus on using technology and expertise to accelerate growth in yields. We will deliver the critical infrastructure necessary to achieve the commodity transformations and agribusinesses to plug seamlessly into higher, more lucrative, entry points in regional and global value chains.

“Building on this foundation, we will accelerate the faithful implementation of the ‘Infrastructure Master Plan’ by adopting proven financing structures till we deliver an acceptable stock of hard infrastructure through seaports and airports; and road, rail and water transportation linkages that

can support our desired economic growth.

“Fixing the perennial problem of energy supply is a top priority.

There is no version of the world where Nigeria’s ambitions for itself can be achieved without solving the problem of how to provide energy to homes and businesses across the country.

“What we need to do, going forward, is to improve the enabling environment, further decentralise transmission, and deliver cost reflective tariffs to attract more private investments in the sector.”

The former Lagos State governor said restrictions were placed on import and foreign exchange to promote industrialisation but “it has instead enhanced smuggling, reduced revenues, impoverished consumers, and raised production costs for firms.”

To solve this, he said his administration will improve transparency, moving toward a unified exchange rate. According to him, by relaxing stifling trade and capital control policies, domestic and foreign investors will be encouraged to invest more in the economy.

“Thus, unification of the Naira exchange, and the transparency it creates, will be a top priority of this administration when elected,” Tinubu added.

On the issue of unemployment in the country, Tinubu promised to focus on the creative sector, which has an opportunity to provide millions of jobs annually.

He said, “Taking the creative sector as one example of a sector that already engages millions of our youth, the sector has significant untapped potential for generating quality jobs and foreign exchange earnings for our country.

“From music to movies to fashion, when elected, our administration will create a legal environment that can attract muchneeded private investment into the sector, eliminate widespread piracy and copyrights issues, as well as support the development of quality hard infrastructure needs.”

Tinubu also added, “We will work to ensure all borrowing is geared toward productive economic activity, focusing on internal debt discipline.

“Closing fiscal gaps, promoting domestic revenue mobilisation, implementing tax reforms, curbing corruption and optimising budget implementation are crucial for economic viability. Streamlining bureaucracy and reducing cost of governance will be imperative.

“Policy options to boost non-oil revenues are key to our revenue mobilisation strategy. The use of technology to drive reforms implementation is crucial."

Project to commence 1st quarter of 2023 THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

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NEWS

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

Obi, Kwankwaso, Yakubu to Speak at Chatham House The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Ob; his counterpart in the New Nigeria

Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso; and the Chairman of the Independent National

FG Promises Support for Osun As Adeleke Pays Buhari ‘Thank You’ Visit Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to consider the requests for assistance made by the new Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who was at State House, Abuja on a ‘thank you’ visit.According to a release issued yesterday by the Media Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, the Osun governor, among other requests, canvassed for support on infrastructure development, a proposed new economic city and free trade zone, tax credit, and other federal facilities in the State of the Living Spring.

Adeleke, elected on platform of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he had come to appreciate the President for providing a levelplaying field in the election held in July, 2022.

Speaking with journalists after meeting with the President, Governor Adeleke lauded President Buhari for signing the Electoral Act and entrenching democracy further in the country.

The governor, who described himself as a beneficiary of the President’s action, further noted

that the President’s action has also earned Nigeria more respect with the international community, where the country is now considered as being ready for real democracy.

Asked about the purpose of his visit to the State House, Adeleke said he was on a ‘thank you’ visit to the President, saying “I am happy to tell you that I just saw our President, looking so well, looking so good and I’m happy about that.

“Since my election, I feel like I should come and say hello to Mr. President and thank him for signing that Electoral Act because I benefited from it. That paved way for free and fair elections and the international community is applauding Nigeria, that Nigeria is set for democracy.

“So that is why I’m here today; to see him, thank him and wish him well in his remaining time in office,” he said.

If other issues were discussed, the governor said “nothing, that’s the main reason. We just greeted and some of the other things I already submitted and I will see the Chief of Staff for us to discuss on the way forward for the federal government to assist Osun State.”

Abiodun Inaugurates Esure Road as Campaign Train Hits Ijebu East James Sowole in Abeokuta Like he did during similar tours, the campaign train of the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, yesterday, inaugurated the Ensure Road the Esure Road in Ijebu-Mushin, Ijebu East Local Government Area as his campaign trail for re-election hits the council area.

Abiodun, at the event, promised that the light-upthe-rural-areas project of his administration would commence in earnest with the distribution of electricity transformers and solar system this week.

He vowed that people in the hard-to-reach areas in the state would experience a new lease of life with the provision of electricity in their respective communities.

The governor said the construction of the 2.1kilometres Esure Road was in keeping with the promises he made in 2021 during the campaign for the local government election.

He noted that the road, apart from linking the first College of Health Technology in the state, would reduce the wear and tear of vehicles plying it, calling on the people to maintain it.

He said, “This road is yours. I want to admonish you to take ownership of this road. This road has been built

through your commonwealth and taxes. Make sure it is not abused or turned into mechanic workshops,” Abiodun said.

He called on the people to collect their Permanent Voters Cards before the January distribution deadline and elect competent leaders.

“Without your PVC, you will not be able to vote and you must vote because I am sure you want the continuity of what we are doing here today. I plead with you to please collect your cards and vote for us.

“Governance is a serious business and it’s not meant for the mediocre, but people with proven track records in public and private endeavours,” Abiodun said.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Akin Adesanya, said the road was part of the administration’s inclusive policy to ensure that all parts of the state benefit from developmental projects.

He said the road, which was built to standard, would reduce the stress motorists go through while boosting the economic activities in the area.

Chairman, Ijebu East Local Government Area, Wale Adedayo, appreciated the governor for reconstructing the road, pleading with him to help in providing access roads in Yemoji area as the axis is currently witnessing increased development.

Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will speak at the Chatham House research event billed for next week.

This is coming ahead of the February 25, 2023, presidential election.Giving the details of the event on its website, the international think tank group explained that the event is

part of a series of events and outputs examining Nigeria’s 2023 elections and political developments.

In its schedule of events, Obi, who is a former Anambra State governor, will on 16th of January 2023 discuss his vision for policy and governance reforms in Nigeria, including the priorities for tackling deep-rooted

insecurity and corruption, and measures to promote social and political mobility for Nigerian citizens.

While the INEC boss, Yakubu, will discuss preparations and priorities for ensuring electoral integrity and inclusivity on 17, January 2023.

He will also discuss key challenges and plans for the

conduct of the elections, including election security and the use of new technological systems.

Kwankwaso will discuss his policy ideas for improving systems and services in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the country’s education sector and the wider priorities for ensuring secure and inclusive service delivery on 18, January 2023.

THE WINNING TEAM… L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State and All Progressives Congress Senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; First Lady, Ogun State, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun; Governor Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and Chairman of the APC Campaign Council, Ogun State, Senator Olalemilekan Mustapha, at the party’s campaign rally at Ojowo, Ijebu Mushin in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state on Thursday

Again, Retirees Protest in Niger State Laleye Dipo in Minna For the seventh time in a spate of six months scores of retirees have protested in Minna, the Niger State capital, asking the state government to pay their pensions and gratuities some of which had been outstanding for 11 years.

The latest protest started from the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre to the Government House, where they blocked the main gate thereby stopping entry or outgoing of workers and other government

officials.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions such as: ‘Pay us our entitlements’, ‘We are dying’, ‘Enough is enough’.

The pensioners also vowed to campaign against the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next month’s election.

At a stage the protesters assembled and said Muslim and Christian prayers, asking God to touch the heart of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to pay their dues.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ogundele Ayodeji

and the Director of State Security Services (DSS) were however able to prevail on the protesters to have a meeting with two government officials, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane.

At the meeting, the representatives of the pensioners were assured that “something will be done” about the demands and “we will get back to you within one week.”

The leader of the Joint Action Committee of the retirees, Mr.

Daniel Zita, said they agreed to call off the protest in respect for those that intervened, adding that “if within the period given nothing is done we will continue with the protest.”

Zita, however, said next time they will only dialogue with the governor, not any of his aides.

It would be recalled that it took the intervention of the governorship candidate of the APC, Mr. Umar Bago, for a similar protest to be suspended last December.

Bago was said to have donated 2,000 bags of rice to the pensioners to ameliorate their problems.

Ologbondiyan Drums Support for Atiku/Okowa in Kogi Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Ahead of today’s campaign rally in Kogi State, the immediate past National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Spokesperson for the Presidential Campaign Council, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, has urged the people the state to come out en masse to receive Atiku/Okowa campaign train.

Ologbondiyan, who made

the call while interacting with journalists in Lokoja, yesterday, stated that time has come for the PDP to reclaim power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) after seven and half years of maladministration .

He explained that life was better for the citizens under the PDP government than what was being experienced under the presentAPC-led administration, urging the electorate to vote out bad government.

Ologbondiyan appealed to the electorate to vote Atiku Abubarka as president and Ifeanyi Okowa as vice president in the forthcoming presidential election in February.

He assured Nigerians that the Atiku/Okowa presidency will return Nigeria back to lost glory and revamp the ailing economy.

Meanwhile, former deputy governor of Kogi State and the State Director General Atiku/ Okowa for President Campaign,

Yomi Awoniyi, has inaugurated 11 vehicles donated by the Adamu Mahmoud Atta Support Group .

Awoniyi commanded Atta for donating generously to the Atiku/ Okowa campaign, tasking other loyal members of the party to emulate the founder of AMASG. He urged them to work for the success of the PDP during the forthcoming general elections in Kogi State and ensure that the party delivers all candidates.

AON’s Case against FG Over Nigeria Air Moved to Abuja Chinedu Eze The suit brought by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) against the federal government over the establishment of the national carrier, Nigeria Air, would be moved to Abuja from Lagos.

The first, third and fourth defendants (Nigeria Air, Minister of Aviation and the Attorney General of the Federation) filed a motion asking that the court

move its proceedings from the Federal High Court, Lagos, to the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

In a Motion of Notice jointly signed on January 13, 2023, by Liman Sulieman Shehu (esq), Maimuna Shiru, Orlowo Oluwaseun, the court accepted that the proceeding be moved to Abuja but didn’t specify a date.

The notice read: “Take notice

that this Honourable Court may be moved on the....day of .....2023 of the hour of 9’oclock in the forenoon or so soon thereafter as counsel may be heard on behalf of the 1st, 3rd and 4th defendant/praying this Honourable Court for the following orders: An order for this Honourable Court transferring this suit to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja judicial division for determination, being the judicial

division of this Court on substantial part of their business and for such order or further orders as this Honourable Court may seem fit to make in the circumstances of this case.”

On November 19, 2022, AON filed an originating summons against the federal government for the establishment of a new national carrier after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways.

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NEWS PDP Urges Security Agencies to Place APC Leaders on Watchlist Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the security agencies to place the leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on watchlist and take urgent steps to halt implementation of its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s directives to his party members to deploy violence and

underhand dealings in the 2023 general election.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, made the call yesterday in Abuja during an interactive session with journalists.

Quoting the statement credited to Tinubu during his Chatham House engagement in London where he said, “Political power

2003 Polls: Police Train 79 Mopol Commanders As IG Meets UN over Reforms Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Police yesterday commenced a two-week residential refresher training for 79 Squadron Commanders of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force at the Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, Osun State.

A statement by Force Headquarters said the training programme was geared towards strengthening the operational efficiency of the squadron commanders and for more effective tactical deployment of their personnel to ensure a secured and hitch-free environment before, during, and after the 2023 general elections in order to reduce the crime rate to the barest minimum in the country.

It said the focus of the course includes the use of contemporary riot control gadgets for suppression of riots and other serious disturbances, crowd control techniques, ambush and counter-ambush, diplomatic protection, combating internal

security challenges and insurgency as well as gun safety and weapons handling.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, charged officers and men of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to effectively make use of the opportunities the training would offer them and improve on their crime control mechanisms and general safety strategies, especially towards having free, fair and credible 2023 general elections.

Meanwhile, the IG met with representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) to discuss possible areas of partnership to strengthen the oversight and accountability mechanisms of the Nigeria Police Force including the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and the Provost Department of the Force.

Abe to Rivers People: Let’s Create Our Dream State Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcour Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has expressed hope for a better developed and peaceful future for the state.

He urged Rivers people irrespective of their ethnic nationalities to work together to create the state they all dream about.

The governorship candidate promised that if elected as governor of the state in March this year, his administration will ensure fairness and justice for every

part of the state.

Abe spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital while addressing candidates from other political parties, who came together to endorse him The SDP governorship candidate said: “What you have asked is that we should treat Rivers people fairly, treat them justly and do justice in this land so that people can enjoy in their own laughter.

“That is all I have been talking about. I also want to ask Rivers State people because by now it is clear to all that if it is by voting and it will be by voting I will be the governor on the 29th of May.

Delta Communities Witness Four Killings in 24 Hours Sylvester Idowu inWarri Four persons including two vigilante operatives have been killed in Sapele and Ubeji/ Egbokodo in Sapele and Warri South local government areas of Delta State within 24 hours.

The vigilante operatives were killed between Thursday night and early hours of yesterday at Amukpe Junction in Sapele by suspected gunmen that have been creating insecurity in the town for the past three weeks.

The killings created tension as fellow vigilante operatives blocked

major roads protesting the murder of their colleagues.

At Ubeji and Egbokodo in Warri South, two youths were hacked down in what was suspected to rival cult war.

Though the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) could not be reached at the time of filing this report, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, in a statement, directed security agents to fish out the masterminds of the killings in the council.

is not going to be served in a restaurant. They don’t serve it a la carte. At all cost, fight for it, grab it and run with it,” he said the APC and its presidential candidate know that they have no chance at all in the coming elections, having been rejected by Nigerians because of their multiple failures, recklessness, humongous corruption, violence and continuing infliction of pains, hardship and life-discounting experiences on Nigerians in the last seven and half years.

Ologunagba noted that Nigerians are not ready to continue with a hopelessly corrupt, miser-

ably incompetent and viciously insensitive political party, which has mortgaged the future of the country with an accumulated N77 trillion debt as revealed by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

He stressed that this explains why the APC and its presidential candidate allegedly continue to promote and encourage violence in various parts of the country including attacking Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) facilities.

To this end, Ologunagba said: “The PDP also demands that security agencies should place APC leaders on watchlist and

take urgent steps to halt APC’s implementation of Asiwaju Tinubu’s directives to his party members, as contained in the recently leaked video, to deploy violence and underhand dealings in the 2023 general elections.”

The PDP spokesperson also said the main opposition party had been following the many narratives being promoted by the APC with the view to blackmail critical election stakeholders to accede to its design to postpone the 2023 general election, particularly the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

He pointed out that the PDP

had earlier alerted the nation of a well-oiled plot by the APC to orchestrate the security situation and promote circumstances to warrant the postponement of the 2023 general election by the INEC. According to him, “The APC and its leaders are desperate to use their doomsday orchestrations to frighten and blackmail INEC to alter the electoral schedule after which the APC will take advantage of the situation to unsettle the general election, foist a constitutional crisis and truncate the nation’s democratic process.”

THANK YOU VISIT . . .

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke (L) being welcomed by President Muhammadu Buhari to his office at the Presidential Villa , Abuja...... yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Court Dismisses PDP’s Alleged Unlawful Nomination Suit against Tinubu, Shettima Alex Enumah in Abuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, dismissed the suit filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking the disqualification of presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and his vice, Senator Kassim Shettima, from the 2023 general elections.

Justice Ekwo dismissed the suit on the grounds that the PDP lacked locus standi to institute the suit in the first place.

The court which observed that

the suit was caught by the principle of issue estoppel, described it as an abuse of court process The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, Tinubu and Shettima were 1st to 4th defendants respectively in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/1734/2022 and filed on July 28, 2022.

The plaintiff had challenged the validity of Tinubu to participate in the 2023 presidential election on the grounds that Shettima’s nomination as his running mate was in violation of Sections 29(1), 33, 35 and 84{1)}(2)} of the Electoral

Act, 2022 (as amended).

The PDP submitted that Shettima’s nomination to contest the position of vice president and Borno Central Senatorial seat contravened the law The PDP, which sought an order disqualifying the APC, Tinubu and Shettima from contesting the presidential election scheduled for February 25, also sought an order nullifying their candidacy.

The plaintiff prayed the court to order INEC to remove the names of Tinubu and Shetima from its list of nominated or sponsored candidates eligible to contest the

presidential election In their preliminary objection to the suit filed by their lawyers; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and argued

by Thomas Ojo, the respondents urged the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.

They argued that the plaintiff (PDP) lacked the legal right to file the case, which invariably was challenging the political party’s decision and its nomination of candidates for the polls.

They further submitted that such act was an internal affairs of APC which they argued was non-justiciable.

Supreme Court Dethrones Obong of Calabar, Otu V, Orders Fresh Election Bassey Inyang in Calabar The Supreme Court judgement yesterday declared the throne of the Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, vacant and ordered that a fresh election be conducted for the position In a judgement written by Justice Amina Augi, and read

by Justice Akomoye Agim, the Apex Court upheld the June 4, 2013, judgement of the Appeal Court, Calabar and ordered for a fresh election in accordance with the 2002 Constitution of the Palace, so as to guarantee justice and

equity.

The Supreme Court also agreed with the Appeal Court judgement which declared that the plaintiff in the matter Etubom Anthony Ani (MON), was not qualified to participate as a candidate in the process of electing a new Obong of Calabar The Supreme Court affirmed the judgement of the Appeal Court which had declared that Otu V was qualified to contest the election for the emergence of a substantive Obong of Calabar.

In the judgement delivered on June 4, 2013, Justice Garba Lawal (now a Justice of the

Supreme Court), ordered that “the 1st Respondent (Etubom Ani) who admittedly was not capped/inducted into the Etuboms’ Council of the Palace of the Obong by the Obong at the time of the selection process of the Obong of Calabar, was not traditionally qualified and eligible to vote and be voted for as the Obong of Calabar under Exhibit 1/20.

“That the 1st Appellant (Abasi Otu) was traditionally qualified and eligible to vote and be voted for as the Obong of Calabar under Exhibit 1/20 at the time of the selection process.”

The Appeal Court had set aside the selection process that produced Etubom Ani as candidate, and also set aside the March 31 proclamation of Etubom Abasi Otu as Obong, ordered by the Etuboms’ Conclave of the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, whose mandate it is under Article 5(a) (ii) (iv) of Exhibit 1/20, to do so.

The Appeal Court had ordered the Etuboms’ Conclave “to conduct another process of selecting a new Obong of Calabar, in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit 1/20 and in strict compliance with the rules of natural justice.”

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SATURDAY JANUARY 14, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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12

JANUARY 14, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

LAGOS AND THE 2023 CENSUS

Everyone who lives and earns a living in Lagos should stand up and be counted, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

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f everything works out according to plan, the 2023 National Population and Housing Census is scheduled to be held in April after the general election in February and March 2023.

The last time the country had such an exercise was in 2006 during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.

Globally, the significance of a credible National Census cannot be overemphasized. It provides comprehensive and detailed data on the whole population in addition to demographic, social and economic characteristics by the lowest administrative or geographical level and related rates and indicators.

It also offers necessary data enabling the assessment of the population status during the inter-census period as well as monitoring demographic, social and economic changes taking place during the same period.

Similarly, it provides basic data for all sectors in the country (education, health, population, etc.) with a view to contributing to the formulation, monitoring and evaluation of plans related to the provision of services needed.

In addition it gives data on housing units as well as their facilities and features related to living conditions, basic data needed to work out a clearly-defined housing policy aimed at ensuring prosperity for citizens, as well as indicators on houses conditions and extent of their relationship with public services.

A credible census also offers a comprehensive and modern framework for buildings, houses and households by various administrative divisions. Such a framework is necessary to design and use samples for conducting various household surveys.

This will be positively reflected on the accurate measurement of the various phenomena to be investigated such as fertility, mortality and migration, which are used as the basis for calculating population growth rates and estimates of the post-census population.

Additionally, Census gives an accurate picture of the status and features of houses for the purpose of assisting in drawing up housing and construction plans for the future.

In a federal system like ours, census provides the framework for revenue allocation, creation of local governments and political representations, among others.

It is, therefore, not surprising that Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has passionately appealed to all Lagos residents to participate fully in the census by cooperating with the NPC officials and committees set up by the state government in the series of activities lined up towards the exercise.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the appeal at the stakeholders’ summit on the 2023 Population and Housing Census held recently at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, at the Secretariat, Alausa Ikeja.

Everyone who resides in Lagos must be part of the coming census.

It is not right for people living and earning their living in the state to travel out of Lagos during the exercise. That will be tantamount to short-changing the state in the scheme of things.

It is particularly crucial for residents of the state to fully participate in the exercise in view of the perceived anomalies in the previous census figures. The result of the last exercise indicated that the

THIS IS THE TIME TO GET IT RIGHT. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ANOTHER ROUND OF CENSUS WITH DISTURBING, CONTROVERSIAL AND SPURIOUS OUTCOMES

population of Lagos was 9,013,534, which was then reviewed upward to 12,772,884 in 2019, making our population the second largest in Nigeria, after Kano State.

Although Lagos State has always contested these figures on the basis that they do not reflect the actual population of the state, it nonetheless remains the official population figure upon which national planning decisions and some resource allocation decisions are based.

That is why the opportunity of another census should not be treated with levity by residents of the state. This is the time to get it right. We cannot afford to have another round of census with disturbing, controversial and spurious outcomes. Hence, everyone living in the state must stand up to be counted.

As usual, Governor Sanwo-Olu is not leaving any stone unturned in the bid to draw the attention of Lagosians to the coming exercise.

He has launched the 2023 Census Implementation and Strategy Plan.

Besides, he has also announced the setting up of five additional committees in line with the National Population Commission’s strategy and vision. This is in addition to the Technical Committee he had earlier set up.

The new committees are Census Advisory Committee, Census Logistics Committee, Census Publicity and Advocacy Committee, Census Security Committee and Census Monitoring Group.

When added to the recently held stakeholders’ summit on the census, this is a strong indication that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu -led government attaches huge value to the coming exercise.

Fortunately, we can now count on new technologies that make enumeration easier and more credible. In that vein, it is heartwarming to note that the 2023 Census will be a digital census, taking advantage of digital tools and technology.

Without a doubt, knowing exactly how many we are in the country is a basic foundation for socio-economic growth and prosperity. It is common knowledge that those who fail to plan, plan to fail. We cannot plan adequately for the future, without possessing accurate data that shows us today’s patterns and tomorrow’s trends.

Hence, for us to have a credible and nationally acceptable census in 2023, all stakeholders must deploy various means to ensure widespread sensitisation and enlightenment of all our people, in readiness for the commencement of the exercise.

We must get the word out, in various local languages and media formats, and let people know why it is important for us to have an accurate population count, down to every locality in the country. We have a responsibility to get it right this time, for ourselves and for future generations.

We cannot overemphasize the critical role a credible National Census plays in achieving effective and result-oriented planning.

The proposed 2023 exercise is extremely important because it will also provide the vital data and statistics that will enable the state government to plan better and deliver more effective infrastructure and social services to the people.

Ogunbiyi is Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Chuks Akamadu writes to extract commitment on how the candidates will tackle the twin scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking

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espectfully Sirs, I wish to commend you all for the incredible energy and resources each of you is expending on selling your candidacy to the electorate. But for personal attacks some of you and your aides hurl at opponents, it would have been both factual and safe to say that it’s been an exciting moment.

I am particularly impressed by the way the media, traditional and new, have been putting you to task in order to ascertain your suitability for the job you seek. So, in the process, you have had to share your thoughts and plans – some written, some spoken – on some critical national concerns including, but certainly not limited to, economy, insecurity, restructuring, subsidy on petroleum products, corruption, etc.

Regrettably, I have observed that none of you has so far made a definite commitment to sustaining the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) in the event he emerges victorious at the February 25th presidential election. This, in my view, is nothing to cheer about and indeed could potentially hurt the unrelenting efforts of National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA), her collaborators and a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

I am frightened by the level of ignorance you have displayed in relation to this worsening emergency on our hands! You all seem to be separated from the grim reality staring us in the face as a nation. By the way, how many of you know that, according to UNODC World Drug Report 2022, the hundreds of millions of persons that abused drugs from 2000 to 2010 increased by 26% in the following decade (2010-2020)? On the home front, shouldn’t we be disturbed that 29.4 million Nigerians – or more, aged between 15 and 64 years, are firmly in the vice grip of drug abuse? Pray, do you, as

presidential contenders, care?

Same UNODC Report under reference reveals that “young people are using more drugs, with use levels today in many countries higher than with the previous generation”, just as it raised the alarm that “women remain in the minority of drug users globally yet tend to increase their rate of drug consumption and progress to drug use disorders more rapidly than men do”. Perhaps rather more depressing is the fact that amid all these, drug abuse prevalence in Nigeria is said to be thrice that of the world average. This is where we find ourselves in, yet Nigeria’s 18 presidential candidates fail to recognize the war against drug abuse and illicit trafficking as a national priority! Or how else can one explain the palpable indifference?

Worse still, none of you, with due respect, seem to be knowledgeable, at least going by your public utterances, about the nexus between drug abuse and the insecurity in our land. How then can you successfully quell insecurity and violent crimes with such lethal ignorance? This obviously leaves much to be desired.

I have in the past had occasion to call out National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over the conspiratorial roles they play with deviant Nigerian artistes who litter our electronic media space with drug abusepromoting content. These our entertainers do this with crude impunity and, curiously, go unpunished. Why? Simply because the institutions that are charged with the responsibility of forestalling and/or sanctioning breaches look the other way - while the society continues to suffer helplessly.

My highly esteemed candidates, I ask: do you endorse the status quo? And rather more importantly, if (or since) you are not sufficiently acquainted with the prevailing state of affairs, how would you then be able to respond decisively to emergent issues that border on drug abuse and illicit trafficking?

As I write, the nation is full of praises for NDLEA – and for the right reasons, too. The Agency under the watch of retired Brig-Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa has, in the past two years, done tremendously well. The figures out there bear eloquent testament. The seizures, arrests, forfeitures, prosecutions and convictions very well justify all the accolades being heaped on it.

For the records, one stand-alone accomplishment the Agency has to its credit is the formal launch of the National Drug Control Masterplan (2021-25); and that document deserves every proactive safeguard against possible reversal or loss of ground of any sorts. It is for this reason that I reckon that each and every one of you should, as a matter of national interest, make a definite commitment to the sustenance of the raging onslaught against the twin scourge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. This should be an inviolable desideratum in the eyes of voters.

This has become necessary in order to extract guarantees from the potential heads of post-Buhari administration, as well as place the right premium on the painstaking efforts and resources of the distinguished assemblage of stakeholders that produced the Masterplan. At this juncture, I would like to specially thank the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the United Nations Office on Drug and Crimes (UNODC) for their unflinching support to

Nigeria in our resolve to rid our nation of the hydra-headed monster called drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Your labour of love shall not be in vain!

However, as beautiful as the Masterplan is and as impressive as the NDLEA scorecard is, a diligent observer would have noticed that the bulk of the successes recorded by NDLEA so far are in the domain of drug supply reduction (DSR) which borders on possession, in commercial quantity, of narcotic and illicit substances on the one hand and the trafficking and largescale sale of same, on the other hand.

It is evident that NDLEA has not been able to replicate same feat in the drug demand reduction (DDR) sector of the battle, on account of obvious limitations that range from legal to financial - and more. There are also challenges in the areas of operations, personnel and logistics. Should we revisit the NDLEA Act for greater outcomes? Or do we now have a need for a constitutional amendment that would relocate drug matters from the exclusive list to the concurrent list? Again, how much of these issues do you know? And how do you intend to tackle them in the event of an electoral triumph on February 25th and eventual swearing-in on May 29th?

My dear presidential candidates, Nigerians – particularly the youth – are eagerly waiting for your thoughts, ideas and plans with respect to how best to retrieve the future of our dear nation from the satanic claws of drug abuse and illicit trafficking and return it to the glorious path of sustainable development. You either speak now or risk losing our votes on February 25, 2023.

Akamadu, M.IoD is President, Centre for Ethical Rebirth Among Nigerian Youths

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JANUARY 14, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

How long will this continue?

Abuse of Witchcraft in Benue State

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he Advocacy for Alleged Witches exists to provide a platform for victims and survivors of witchcraft accusations and witch persecutions to tell their stories and share their experiences. Victims of witchcraft accusations are often denied a voice. Witchcraft accusation is a silencing process for the accused. No one gets to hear their side of story. Accounts of witchcraft accusers and hunters are accepted as the truth. The accused suffer in silence; they are made to resign to their traumatic situation.

But the AfAW is working to change this situation. The AfAW is trying to break this wall of silence, a criminal silence that has been maintained over the years. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches exists to empower and enable victims and survivors of witch persecution to speak out and recount their experiences. A provision of an opportunity for the accused to tell their stories and recount their experiences in a friendly and supportive environment would hopefully have a cathartic and therapeutic effect. It would get them to heal and recover from the trauma. This was the case with Mr Dona who attended the event of the AfAW in Benue in December last year. Mr Dona listened to a radio program where the organizers invited victims and survivors of witch persecution to participate in its event.

At the AfAW event, Dona recounted how he was accused and attacked by the son. He stated that the son mismanaged his school fees and could not complete his university program. So he asked the son to go and work to get some money to complete his university education.

The son relocated to the village to do some farm work and later got married. The wife gave birth on two occasions but the babies later died. There was no medical report from a hospital that showed the cause of death. No autopsy was carried out. The son accused Dona of being responsible for the death of the children. He alleged that Dona killed the children through witchcraft.

Dona’s son stopped communicating with him. While visiting the village in May 2022 to see his aging mother, Dona’s son confronted him. The son came towards him charging and threatening to hit and kill him with a stick, in revenge for the death of his children. Dona resisted the son. Other family members came out and subdued the son. But the son damaged the car; he smashed the windscreen and mirrors of Dona’s car. Dona was lucky; he was able to resist his accuser and attacker. Many accused people are not so fortunate. They are attacked and killed, or they incur some serious health damage. The accused

are mobbed, lynched and murdered in cold blood. Many accused people do not survive to tell their stories or recount their experiences.

On January 11 2023, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches redeemed a pledge of N50,000 made to Dona. People suspected or accused of witchcraft or harmful magic and medicine suffer physical attack and harm. But people seldom come to their rescue or assistance. Motivated by the Biblical verse that says “suffer not a witch to live, many people ignore, abandon and allow these innocent people, family and community members to die. Alleged witches are innocent and should not be attacked, killed or suffered in any way as widely believed and practiced in various places. Members of the public should resist all witch hunters and witch persecutors. As in the case of Dona, people should extend support, care and compassion to accused persons everywhere. They should overwhelm witchcraft accusation, witch persecution and witch hunting in the communities.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

APC’s Deceptive Educational Policy

T

he APC-led federal government has intensified the debate for students’ loan that was initiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The debate is now all over again despite the fact that it gathered hot criticism from Nigerians when it was first brought to public

space.

It’s frightening that the APC does not understand that tuition-free proposal for higher institutions of learning constitute serious steps towards addressing the issue of mass ignorance in the country.

In a country of mass unemployment, the APC wants students to seek for loan to get higher education and then begin repayment two years after concluding their NYSC programme. It’s pathetic that the APC does not offer to address the issue of the poor funding of the educational sector.

As against their claim, students’ loan does not in any way expand access to education. In fact, suggesting that institutions will now charge “cost reflective” tuition fees is sending a clear message to students and parents that the support services that enable students to access education and succeed in higher institutions of learning will no longer be provided by the government. The APC has shown that they are determined to leave students with high amount of debts. Nigerians must resist this attempt to put them under the burden of eternal debt.

One could conclude that the Wale Babalakin Committee report is what the APC and their Presidential candidate aimed at enforcing. We all read how the committee recommended the introduction of high tuition of #1m and also suggested that an education bank that would grant T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R loan to students for the purpose of paying EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE the high tuition be established. This is DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU simply what the APC aimed at cementing MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO by taking the hands of government off DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI education under the guise of education EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN loan.

MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI Their claim that the beneficiaries of the THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE students’ loan must begin repayment two years after completion of NYSC programme fail to put into consideration the obvious reality that a larger percentage of Nigerian T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D graduates are unable to find jobs years EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA after leaving school and that those with GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, the initiative to start small businesses lack ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE enabling environment to start a thriving DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI business.

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH Nigerians would be afforded another ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI opportunity at the poll to reject the APC CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI and their plan of putting the burden of DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO eternal debt on their strained shoulders.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Kazeem Olalekan Israel, Ibadan

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2022

NEWS Runsewe Commiserates With Anyiam-Osigwe’s Family Over Death of AMAA President President, Africa Region of World Craft Council (WCC) and Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has described the death of 53-year-old founder of Africa Movie Awards (AMAA), Peace AnyiamOsigwe, as a painful loss to Nigeria’s creative sector.

Runsewe, who is also President, Africa Region of World Craft Council (WCC), said the death of AMAA founder left D YDFXXP GL΀FXOW WR ÀOO DQG SUD\HG *RG WR give the family, and the L-R: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo with the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke at the State house in Abuja…yesterday entire Nigerian culture and entertainment sector the fortitude to bear this sudden tragic loss “in a year, the industry is looking up to create more jobs for youths in Nigeria.”

“What a loss to our nation and industry. On behalf of NCAC, my family Alex Enumah in Abuja forwarded to the Independent be sacked and his name be February 25, 2023. and the entire Nigerian and “For clarity, the PDP states in African cultural tourism National Electoral Commission forwarded to INEC as the right The National Publicity Secre- (INEC) as candidate of the PDP candidate of the PDP was turned an unequivocal term that our industry, I condole the candidate for the Borno Central Anyiam-Osigwe family.” down by the court. tary of the Peoples Democratic for the Borno Central seat.

However, the APC in a Senatorial election remains His nomination was however Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Party (PDP), Debo Ologunagba, yesterday, stated that contrary challenged by Hon. Jubrin Ta- statement claimed that following Hon. Umara Muhammad who was also the President, Movie to the rumours and mislead- tabe, who had won the May 23, the courts judgement, the PDP .XPDOLD DV FRQÀUPHG LQ WKH Association of ing information by the All 2022, primary but later withdrew has no candidate for the Borno list of candidates for the 2023 Producers in Nigeria, died general elections as published at a Lagos hospital.

Progressives Congress (APC), from the race two months later. Central Senatorial election.

GOOD TO SEE YOU…

PDP to APC: Kumaila Remains on the Ballot for Borno Central Senatorial Election

Hon. Muhammed kumaila, is still in the race for the Borno Central Senatorial seat and remains the candidate to beat in the February 25 senatorial election in Borno State.

Ologunagba, in a parley with journalists in Abuja, condemned the APC for peddling lies that the party following court’s decision has no candidate for the Borno Central Senatorial poll.

Kumaila had emerged winner of the July 15, 2022, primary election, and his name accordingly

Tatabe had in a letter dated July 14, 2022 voluntarily withdrew as candidate of the PDP, necessitating the conduct of the July 15 primary which produced Hon. Kumaila.

But while a Federal High Court in Maiduguri on MonGD\ QXOOLÀHG WKH HOHFWLRQ WKDW produced kumaila as candidate, another Federal High Court in Abuja, the following day dismissed Tatabe’s suit challenging the nomination of kumaila.

Tatabe’s request that Kumaila

Reacting, the PDP spokesman told journalists in Abuja, that it is pertinent to address the “attempt by the APC to mislead the public by falsely claiming that the PDP has no candidate for Borno Central Senatorial District Election”.

Speaking further, Ologunagba said, “Our Party has been made aware of mischievous and misleading claims by the APC, that the PDP has no candidate for the Borno Central Senatorial election scheduled to hold on

by INEC.” The National Publicity Secretary was of the opinion that the APC’s resort to falsehood “further exposes the fact that the APC in Borno State is intimidated by the towering credibility and popularity of our Borno Central Senatorial Candidate, Hon. Umara Muhammad Kumalia among the people for which they are eager to troop out en masse to vote for him on February 25, 2023”.

Global Professionals Unveil Intervention to Combat Bad Leadership, Development Crisis Gboyega Akinsanmi

socio-economic development.

It disclosed this ambitious The Forum of Global Nige- plan in a statement its conrian Professionals (FGNP) has veners, Sir Dan Amechi, Dr. unveiled an intervention aimed Victor Abayomi Oluwi Chief at combating poor leadership Stanley Wokocha and Dr. Sanni and underdevelopment in Mahmud issued yesterday.

Nigeria and other African While Amechi and Oluwi are countries by extension.

UHVSHFWLYHO\ D VHQLRU ÀQDQFLDO FGNP, an assembly of crime compliance consultant accomplished professionals and adjunct professor at Conwithout bias for any ethnic cordia University of Edmonton, nationality, political party and Alberta, Wokocha is a technocrat religious sects, also promised and international businessman WR ERRVW LQÁRZV RI GLDVSRUD and Mahmud specialises an remittances into the country information technology security But in its statement yesterday, with its drive to spur sustainable

FGNP, also christened Global Professionals, said it set up an LQÁXHQWLDO WKLQN WKDQN ZKLFK would positively catalyse development in the country with a drive for a new national order.

Quoted in the statement yesterday, Oluwi, also an adjunct professor at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, said FGNP had come to inspire Nigeria to victory against underdevelopment, poor leadership.

Oluwi said the forum “aims to inspire Nigeria’s victory against mediocrity.

The professionals in FGNP

have a good tactical mind, and Nigeria is still the place to go for discerning investors in the world. Everyone will soon come to rave about the FGNP ideas,” Oluwi said.

Oluwi, currently Faculty of Business Administration, Canadian Imperial College, emphasised that Nigeria needed “all its accomplished professionals scattered around the world today - more than ever before – to driver sustainable development. At FGNP, we have decided to answer that call.”

Nextier: How Youth Population Can Make or Mar Nigeria’s 2023 Polls A group of public policy experts in Nigeria’s electioneering process has determined that the estimated over 70 per cent of the youth in the country expected to take part in this year’s general elections, form the critical factor in the eventual outcome of the polls to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The experts however cautioned that youth participation could be a recipe for violence

or a potential risk factor for thwarting the process, if not properly managed by the political stakeholders.

In the preliminary report released by Nextier SPD and made available to journalists in Abuja this weekend, data gleaned from the INEC in 2022, following a rigorous clean-up of the voter registration using the $XWRPDWHG %LRPHWULF ,GHQWLÀFDtion System (ABIS), showed that young people aged 18-34 years would account for 76.5

per cent of 9,518,188 million newly registered voters in the country.

The report authored by Dr. Chukwuma Okoli, an Associate Consultant at Nextier SPD and a Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, and Dr. Ndu Nwokolo, Managing Partner and Chief Executive at Nextier SPD with an Honorary Fellow at the School of Government and Society, University of Birming-

ham, UK, noted that youths remain a critical stakeholder in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.

They warned that their teeming number which accounts for about 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population makes them a force to reckon with.

According to Nextier, their growing enthusiasm in the electoral process as demonstrated by their recent increased turnout for voter registration makes them an attraction for political parties and contestants.

Similarly, the NCAC boss also commiserated with Mrs. Chika Balogun, former Director General, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Studies (NIHOTOUR) who lost her husband recently and who had been interred according to Muslim rites of passage.

“Mrs. Balogun is a valued partner and sister and we at NCAC send our heartfelt condolences, wishing Chika to stay strong over the loss of her dear husband,” Runsewe stated.

Also, Runsewe sent a condolence message to Mrs. Chioma Ezike of Radio Nigeria and Justina Okpanku of Just Tours, both lost their father and mother respectively.

“These are trying times for our friends and partners and we thank God for the lives of their parents who lived their full age and gave us these brilliant culture journalists who have been making contributions to the growth of the culture economy.

“NCAC stands with you both at this hour of your parents’ passage. Please remain strong,” Runsewe prayed.

Prof. Ramota Karim Emerges 4th Vice Chancellor of Fountain University Professor Ramota Olayinka the university to the next Karim has joined the list level. of other female University She is a Professor of Food Vice Chancellors in Nigeria Science and Technology. such as Professor Folasade Ogunsola of University of Lagos, Prof. Ibiyemi Bello of Lagos State University, Prof.

Florence Obi of University of Calabar, among others.

The academician recently emerged Vice Chancellor at an emergency meeting of the Governing Council of Fountain University, Osogbo, held on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Awa Ibraheem, announced that the Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Professor Karim as the 4th Substantive Vice Chancellor of the university.

The Pro Chancellor informed that the appointment of Prof. Karim which is for a four year term, in WKH ÀUVW LQVWDQFH ZLOO WDNH HͿHFW IURP VW 0DUFK as the tenure of the current Vice Chancellor lapses on Tuesday, 28th February 2023.

Dr. Ibraheem praised the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Amidu Olalekan Sanni, for his passion, forthrightness and dedication to duty, all of which were not only second to none, but made the working environment so conducive.

While congratulating Karim on this well-deserved appointment, the ProChancellor urged her to be steadfast by providing her very best towards uplifting

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

RingTrue 08054699539

Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Buhari’s Melodies of Deceit on Boko Haram

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari’s assertion in Yobe State last Tuesday that he had decimated Boko Haram left me dejected. He gayly declared that God had helped his regime to clear Boko Haram in the North-east. The President noted that the threat of terrorism was the most critical security challenge inherited by his regime and expressed delight that normalcy had returned to affected states in the North-east.

Buhari wants Nigerians to believe that he had fulfilled the commitment he made to them in his May 29, 2015 inaugural address to frontally and courageously tackle Boko Haram terrorists and stabilise the country.

“In the North-east, God has helped us to clear Boko Haram, the economy has picked up,” declared the President.

Which victory over Boko Haram and by extension, ISWAP, is our President talking about? Perhaps, Buhari is talking about another country. This proclamation is preposterous, depressing and a disservice to the people of Borno State still under the servitude of Boko Haram. It is clearly a subterfuge. Buhari has in eight years failed to change the blood-spattered story of Borno State. Rather, Boko Haram terrorists have become emboldened and expanding territories with intense carnage. As I pen this piece, three local governments in Borno State – Guzamala, Kukawa and Abadam - are dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP. The terrorists run a government and collect taxes from the traumatised people.

What is happening in these three local government areas is that security agents have abandoned them. So, there is hardly any story of Boko Haram attacking security agents or vice versa. Two other local government areas – Gwoza and Chibok - experience intermittent attacks.

In all, 20 of the 27 local governments in Borno State are unsafe. Eight weeks back, ISWAP fighters stormed Malam Fatori, in Abadam LG of Borno State, killing and maiming. Hundreds of houses were destroyed and scores of innocent Nigerians killed.

An army base in Malam Fatori was also attacked with an undisclosed number of soldiers killed. The terrorists, who drove trucks fitted with machine guns, spent over 24 hours in Malam Fatori, committing atrocities unhindered. In the predawn attack on the base and the town, the jihadists hurled explosives to kill residents; some

Eight weeks back, ISWAP fighters stormed Malam Fatori, in Abadam LG of Borno State, killing and maiming. Hundreds of houses were destroyed and scores of innocent Nigerians killed. An army base in Malam Fatori was also attacked with an undisclosed number of soldiers killed. The terrorists, who drove trucks fitted with machine guns, spent over 24 hours in Malam Fatori, committing atrocities unhindered inhabitants drowned in a nearby river trying to flee. A military source said, “ISWAP terrorists caused huge destruction which we are working to quantify. They attacked the military base and engaged troops in a fight while a second group went on a killing spree and arson in the town.”

Abadam LG, on the western coast of Lake Chad, remains a stronghold of Boko Haram and ISWAP. ISWAP has its headquarters at nearby Kamuya village, which is the largest ISWAP camp in Lake Chad area, about eight kilometres from Malam Fatori. All the previous attacks on Malam Fatori were launched from Kamuya, a village ISWAP has fortified with mines and heavy weapons. The Nigerian military knows this. To destroy ISWAP, Kamuya must be taken.

Early last year, Governor Babagana Zulum picked up courage (though, still half-truth) to declare that Boko Haram controls Abadam and Guzamala local government areas of the state. “Government and people of Borno State, especially those from southern and northern parts of the state, are worried about the increasing number of ISWAP groups who have been terrorising their communities,” declared Zulum.

Borno State, the epicenter of Boko Haram is still bleeding. This is the crux of the matter. The blood stains in Borno represent the crux of the matter. Boko Haram and ISWAP are inflicting pain, controlling

territories and collecting taxes in many communities in this state.

How can Buhari claim to have defeated Boko Haram when most parts of beleaguered Borno State remain largely in darkness for years due to the tenacious sabotage of facilities supplying electricity to the state by the terrorists. This is one big security failure that has persisted for too long. Even in Maiduguri, the state’s capital, though there is improvement, public power supply has not been fully restored to all homes.

Terrorists have persistently bombed two of the power towers along the DamaturuMaidugiri 330kV transmission line, which often plunge the Borno State capital city into darkness.

The other line feeding the city of Maiduguri from Damboa was destroyed by the terrorists years back. The towers are obvious targets for Boko Haram; yet, for years, an effective security arrangement can’t be put in place for them. In this modern security era, a good government should be talking about protecting the towers with drones from a preemptive and properly staffed control centre. Unfortunately, this has not been so in Nigeria. All these are happening and Buhari claims to have conquered Boko Haram.

It is depressing for a government to persistently make claims of degrading Boko Haram, yet, IDPs can’t return to their homes. There are still 18 formal IDP camps outside Maiduguri, with scores of

My Take away from Obasanjo’s New Year Letter

F

or me, the most important part of Obasanjo’s New Year letter to Nigerians was his appeal to everyone to put the past injustices behind us and move forward as one country, with equity as a driver. Yes, we need to build a new Nigeria. We must ensure that equity is dominant to achieve it. Surely, this is the only way we can build a peaceful, united and prosperous country.

Obasanjo’s words of wisdom resonate: “Just let us agree to move forward together in mutual forgiveness, one accord, inclusive society, equality and equity. Together and without bias and discrimination, fear or favour, we can have Nigeria of one nation in diversity, in truth and in practice. Let us honour, cherish, respect and even celebrate our diversity which is the basis of our potential greatness and strength.

“If we will only continue to harp on wrongs done by each of us individually or collectively, we will never be able to stand together. If we will continue with wide brush to paint a national or sub-national group as bad and never to be trusted with leadership because of past error or mistakes that some of them were responsible for and treat their offspring as inheritors, it will amount to great injustice that will surely lead to no peace, no security

and no stability for development and progress.

“First, no group is faultless; second, for the greatness of the whole, we need one another as constituents of the whole; third, we cannot be talking and working for Africa’s integration and for Nigeria’s disintegration at the same time. Why for instance should I be stigmatised or despised because of my place of origin, place of birth or where I come from? Where I was born, by whom I was born and when I was born were not choices made by me.

They were choices and prerogatives of God. “Any antagonism against me on that basis is unfair and is tantamount to fighting against God, the Creator. Such a derogatory attitude and mindset do not build any human institution let alone a nation. While not forgetting the past, let us put the past behind us for it not to continue to mar our present and our future and that of the coming generation. We must rise above primordial animalistic instincts and behaviour. Yes, we are human and higher than animals in the wild. Let us develop national ethos and national characteristics that can take us collectively to the Promised Land.”

These are words of wisdom. I cherish them so much. So, what next after this letter? We have to pick a President with capacity (physical and mental), in order to build a new, united

Obasanjo

and truly egalitarian Nigeria, where equity rules. The man at the apex matters a great deal.

As we prepare to vote for a new President in less than six weeks, we must ensure a radical departure from the past. Nigeria needs an “Obama.” I will elucidate in subsequent weeks.

informal ones. Governor Zulum forcefully and brazenly dismantled the 15 formal IDP camps in Maiduguri, even when their towns and villages are still unsafe.

After almost eight years of Buhari, there are over 500,000 troubled people in IDP camps across Borno State.

The questions for Buhari are: Why would a man, his wives and children remain in a squalid IDP camp if his community had been recovered from Boko Haram? Why would they be struggling for a meal a day in the IDP camps, with scores killed daily by hunger, disease and malnutrition, if they can safely return home? The truth is that these people can’t return to their homes because Boko Haran controls these towns and villages. Rann, Customs House, Muna Garage, Elmiskin, Gongulong, Fareyi are some of the sites overflowing with IDPs struggling for limited food. There is severe hunger in these encampments.

President Buhari persistently saying that he has technically defeated Boko Haram is heartless. Under Buhari’s watch, Boko Haram became the deadliest terror group in the world, with thousands killed in the last eight years. Even in IDP camps, these traumatised Nigerians are persistently attacked and killed by Boko Haram and ISWAP. Buhari was in Borno State a few months back and one of the dizzying developments during his one-day visit to the state was that he was on ground in Maiduguri, and still virtually inaugurated 500 resettlement houses at Molai, on the outskirts of the town. Why? For fear of Boko Haram and ISWAP. On that day, Buhari went physically to inaugurate the Teacher’s Quarters at Bulumkuttu Railway junction, but was panicked by terrorists to virtually inaugurate the houses at Molai.

Molai is just about 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of Maiduguri, yet, the security report did not favour the President, with his armada of security, from venturing there. This same President goes around echoing that the terrorists in Borno State have been decapitated.

The truth is that Boko Haram and ISWAP are very much alive and kicking in many parts of Borno State, sustained by unending deceits by those charged with the responsibility of ending this reign of terror. Many in Borno State Government have also cowardly chosen to remain silent.

Simply put: They are unwilling to speak truth to power. Only the truth can set this state free.

Boko Haram/ISWAP aside, the security glitches under the Buhari government are frightening, ceaseless and consuming too many innocent lives. He inherited Boko Haram and brought Fulani militias, killer herders, bandits, kidnappers and other terrorists roaming freely across Nigeria. The Jangebe, Kankara, Kagara, Greenfield University, Afaka, Tegina, Yauri, Abuja-Kaduna train and other abductions/killings carried out with so much ease, shows frightening ineptitude of the Buhari government.

How will Buhari explain hundreds of AK47-wielding Fulani militias in the forests of Zamfara, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger and Kaduna states, killing and maiming? Culprits are hardly arrested to account for their crimes. As usual, our President openly orders the arrest of these criminals but it hardly happens.

Human lives are sacred and must be protected. Indeed, governments exist to protect human lives and any regime that can’t do this is a failure. This is the truth all forces of good must persistently hammer on the head of this current federal government. Buhari is a big failure in this area of securing Nigerians. This ugly situation for almost eight years now is unprecedented.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 14, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Runtown Celebrates 5th Studio Album at Ghana’s All-Black Party Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Maria Chike’s Inspiring Photos Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

19

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Ibinabo Fiberesima Unveils ‘Amanyanabo The Eagle King’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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bout a fortnight ago, popular actress Ibinabo Fiberesima released the teaser for her upcoming movie titled ‘Amanyanabo The Eagle King’. The exbeauty queen and model in a recent post yesterday announced that the movie which LV WKH ÀUVW IURP KHU QHZO\ HVWDEOLVKHG 4XHHQ Bae Studios Production is set for release.

The movie is based on the true life story of an African Warrior King Ibanichuka (Ado VI), the last sovereign King of Okrika. His reign was interrupted by British forces as a result of his struggle for the identity of his people. This story which has been retold through oral and written history will be captured on motion pictures for the very ÀUVW WLPH

Set in 1892, the historic movie highlights the rich culture of the people and the organized system in place at the time consisting of its customs, administration, economy, defense and foreign relations.

Ibinabo said she was inspired to FUHDWH WKH ÀOP DIWHU UHDGLQJ DERXW King Ibanichuka and was surprised that this important history was not widely known.

Shot along the creeks of Okrika in Nigeria’s Niger-Delta area, the movie which was directed by Fred Amata features a star-studded cast including Nkem Owoh, Columbus Irosanga, Monalisa Chinda, Walter Anga, Patrick Diabuah, Lucien Morgan, Gentle Jack, Sonny McDon W, among others. The date for the Ibinabo Fiberesima and Nkem Owoh on set of the movie.... premiere will be announced soon.

Michael Jackson’s Ex-wife Lisa Marie Dies at 54 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Lisa Marie Presley

isa Marie Presley, the former wife of Michael Jackson and daughter of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, has died aged 54. Her mother, Priscilla, announced the death of her daughter who was reported to have VXͿHUHG D FDUGLDF DUUHVW ODVW 7KXUVGD\ /LVD was last seen publicly at the Golden Globe Awards on Tuesday night in Beverly Hills.

Priscilla Presley said she was devastated to announce her daughter’s passing. “It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us. She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman

, KDYH HYHU NQRZQ µ VKH DGGHG Elvis and Priscilla Presley have just one child, Lisa Marie. In the 2000s, she had her own albums available and performed live. On January 10, she was present for Austin Butler’s triumph for best actor in a drama for his role as her late father in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis at the 2023 Golden Globes.

After Baz Luhrmann’s musical Elvis was released last year, Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley began attending red-carpet occasions and award ceremonies with movie stars.

Lisa Marie attended her father’s birth anniversary celebrations in Graceland, an American home where Elvis resided, and passed away, just days before she died unexpectedly. Elvis lost his life in August 1977, while Lisa was just nine.

Description: Lisa Marie, Michael Jackson’s ex-wife is dead.

Mercy Johnson Reveals Health Shakira’s Song Attacking ex-partner Condition, Life-long Medication Sets Social Media Alight Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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opular Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie has opened up about her battle with cancer and the surgery she had to battle it. Johnson opened up about the phase on her show, ‘Mercy’s Menu,’ with Joke Silva. Johnson revealed that she and her husband had to face their new reality and everything that came with it head-on.

According to her, her last child was 6 months old when they found out about it, and during the surgery, she found out that she had to live on medication for the rest of her life. Mercy said, “I’ve never discussed it where I had a cancer scare and I had my thyroid removed. It was like a journey for us. We had kids and my last was six months at that time “We kept saying that we have to understand that, ‘this is the new us. Let’s go get the surgery done’. And when we go there, they said I was going to be on medication for the rest of my life. It was a reality that we had to sit down. Them giving me a time that ‘you cannot miss my medication. As you wake up, that’s Mercy Johnson WKH ÀUVW WKLQJ· DQG WHOOLQJ PH DOO RI WKH diagnosis of her husband, veteran actor VLGH HͿHFWV µ Silva had earlier told Okojie about how Olu Jacobs. According to Silva, accepting she was able to manage the dementia her husband’s new reality helped her to manage the situation better.

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olombian singer and songwriter 6KDNLUD VHW VRFLDO PHGLD ÁDPLQJ last Thursday with the release of her latest song, in which she disses again her ex-partner Gerard Pique, a retired Spanish IRRWEDOOHU 7KH VRQJ ´%=53 0XVLF 6HVVLRQ µ was listened to 34 million times in just 17 hours and generated an avalanche of comments.

Shakira separated from former Barcelona footballer Pique, 35, in 2022 after more than 10 years together. The 45-year-old music star takes no prisoners as she launches into a tirade against her former partner, 35, even taking a pop at his 23-year-old girlfriend, Clara Chia.

“Lots of gym work, but work your mind as ZHOO µ VKH VLQJV ´<RX VZDSSHG D )HUUDUL IRU D 5HQDXOW 7ZLQJR D 5ROH[ IRU D &DVLR µ VKH continues.

“I wouldn’t go back to you, even if you cried or begged me … I was out of your league and WKDW·V ZK\ \RX DUH ZLWK VRPHRQH OLNH \RX µ -XVW in case there were any doubts about who the song was aimed at, Shakira includes a couple of word plays using the names Pique and Clara.

The track’s release was accompanied by a publicity campaign that included an airplane Á\LQJ RYHU WKH $UJHQWLQH VHDVLGH UHVRUW 0DU de Plata, dragging a banner containing a line from the song: “A she-wolf like me is not for VRPHRQH OLNH \RX µ Reactions to the song began trending on social

media, where Shakira has tens of millions of followers. It is the third song she has dedicated to the couple’s separation, which was announced in June. The couple was together for more than a decade and has two sons: nine-year-old Milan and Sasha, seven. They never married, and Shakira did not share her estimated $300 million fortune with Pique.

He retired in November after a glory-laden 18-year football career, earning enough to invest in several multi-million euro business projects.

Shakira had wanted to resettle with her two children in Miami but has been ordered to stand trial in Spain for tax fraud.

Prosecutors have requested an eight-year VHQWHQFH DQG ÀQH RI PLOOLRQ HXURV million) for evading 14.5 million euros worth of taxes between 2012 and 2014. Pique was himself convicted of tax fraud in 2016 and later RUGHUHG WR SD\ WKH WD[ R΀FH PLOOLRQ HXURV

Shakira and Gerald Pique

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

20

PERSPECTIVE Abiodun Unsettling Opposition in Ogun State Femi Ogbonnikan

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otwithstandingthevirulenceof theattacksoftheoppositionin Ogun State against Governor Dapo Abiodun, support for his administration has continued to grow in leaps and bounds.

In the same way, people’s endorsement of his re-election bid has built up to a flood tide. As Carrie Chapman Catt, an American Activist, who fought for Woman Suffrage in America in the early 20th, rightly quipped, “When a just cause reaches a flood tide, whatever comes its way must fall before its overwhelming power.” Whatever gang-up against governor Abiodun cannot but fall like a pack of cards.

Since May 2019 when Governor Abiodun assumed the mantle of leadership on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the media has been inundated with one campaign of calumny or the other. But his exercise of infinite patience and forbearance under all circumstances makes him a shining star among his political rivals.

Once again, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recently roused the rabble, accusing the governor of mismanaging public funds leading to unprecedented infrastructural decay across the 20 local government area of the state. In its feeble attempt to make political capital out of the recent protest by the nonteaching staff of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, over alleged non-payment of their salaries, monthly contributory deductions, and other entitlements, the party accused the state government of being insensitive to the plight of the workers and pensioners. It also applauded the renewed anti-graft war initiative of Nigeria Financial Intelligent Unit-NFIU, urging the agency to beam its searchlight on the Abiodun administration.

A statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ogun State, Asiwaju Akinloye Bankole, reads in part: “In the spirit of public accountability and probity, it is indeed patriotic to lend support and encourage genuine efforts aimed at ensuring public sanity. It is in the light of this, the Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with all excitement, appreciates the renewed anti-graft war initiative of Nigeria Financial Intelligent Unit-NFIU, as launched on States and Local Government administrations in Nigeria recently.

“The NFIU, just as all other public facilities owes the good people of Ogun State a duty to make its findings public immediately for the people to truly know the financial position of the State and details of all clandestine deals surrounding the finances of the 20 LGs since the inception of Prince Dapo Abiodun and his rudderless APC government in Ogun State.”

What a laughable accusation or outright disinformation! And by the way, who is afraid of the anti-graft agency? In the first place, since Governor Abiodun assumed office in 2019, his administration has been running open, transparent, and accountable governance in the state. It is equally on record that he inherited a near-zero treasury from his immediate past predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun. As a matter of fact, he had to go the extra mile to raise funds to pay the June 2019 salary of the state workers in his first month in office. Interestingly, Hon Akinlade Abdulkabir, the running mate to Adebutu, as a key member of the past administration, is well acquainted with the state of the state before the exit of Amosun as the governor. He is free to speak up now and challenge the fact if he has contrary evidence.

In addition to the paucity of funds that confronted the administration at its inception, there were also several uncompleted projects left behind for it to grapple with. Yet, despite the limitation of resources available at his disposal coupled with the exigency of the time as occasioned by the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the entire human race, nay Nigeria’s fragile economy, the Governor took up the challenge in his stride and worked assiduously to complete all abandoned road projects across the state, including the flyovers in Abeokuta, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Sagamu, and Sango-Ota, among others.

As someone who believes in the dignity of

Ab Abiodun bio iodu iod dun dun

labourandrespectforseniorcitizens,Governor Abiodun made regular payments of workers’ salaries and gratuities of pensioners a top priority of his government. So far, over N70 billion has been released for the payment of inherited gratuity arrears since he assumed office in 2019, while the administration has also increased the quarterly payment to defray outstandinggratuitiesfromN500mtoN600m.

Upon all this, the governor has consistently assured that he would continue to put the welfare of the people, especially the senior citizens at the centre of his developmental agenda without necessarily neglecting the infrastructural facilities that are needed to boast the industrial capacity of the state. As of today, the economy of Ogun is on a sustainable path having achieved over N70 billion in Internally Generated Revenue between the months of January and September last fiscal year. This significant feat can be attributed to the quality reforms such as the Ogun State Land and Revenue Management System; Judicial reforms; tax reforms and all other public financial management reforms initiated and implemented by his administration.

With the dawn of a new year, optimism is high that things would be better in the months ahead, especially with the sharp focus on digital initiatives and infrastructural development that will make the state both economically and financially viable. It is in order to engender ownership of the process that the state has adopted openness and direct engagement of the citizen as a way of ensuring fiscal discipline. In this regard, the administration has gone the extra mile to institute the State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2020 to streamline the activities of the various agencies to ensure public accountability as well as effective implementation of ideas and policies of government to uplift the economy.

While the naysayers are busy plotting and strategizing on how to run down the administration, Governor Abiodun has kept a sharp focus on changing the socio-economic dynamics in the state along with transformation of the infrastructural landscape.

As someone who believes in the dignity of labour and respect for senior citizens, Governor Abiodun made regular payments of workers’ salaries and gratuities of pensioners a top priority of his government. So far, over N70 billion has been released for the payment of inherited gratuity arrears since he assumed RIÀFH LQ ZKLOH WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ KDV also increased the quarterly payment to defray outstanding gratuities from N500m to N600m

Sometimes, people criticise for cheap mischief-making or to score political points.

But facts are facts. When this government cameintopower,therewereonlyfivefunctional ambulancesfortheentire20LocalGovernment Areas of the state. Within that time and now, the government has purchased 35 additional ambulances, making a total of 40 available for emergency services. It has also rehabilitated Primary Healthcare Centres across the state with the recruitment of more medical perspectives to fill in vacant positions.

For the education sector, the insinuation is rife that Governor Abiodun has abandoned the 27 Model Schools built by the immediate past administration of former governor Amosun watching them rot away. Only a few gullible can buy into such an allegation, for the discerning minds know that it is part of the antics of the opposition to confuse the electorate. First, from the onset, the idea of Model School was ill- conceived, structurally defective and poorly funded by the immediate past administration as a conduit pipe. It was deliberately designed as white elephant projects to hoodwink the people, which was the reason it was abandoned by the same government that initiated it. The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, ObaKehindeOlugbenle,recentlysaidthismuch, while the Committee headed by a former President Nigerian Society of Engineers, Adekunle Mokunolu, that reviewed projects done between 2009 and 2019 in Ogun State also declared it “structurally defective.”

The question for those vilifying Governor Abiodun for not continuing the idea of model schools is: Should the present government continue with the N27 billion project which was originally meant to serve the selfish political interest of an individual, while neglecting other critical areas that are required to boast the standard of education in the state? The answer is no.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Kunle Somorin, with the current rate of inflation in the country, each of the schools will gulp nothing less than N1.05bn to N2bn to complete.

“The Mokuolu-led Contract/Project Review Committee set up on July 29, 2019, submitted its report in September 2020, and hinted that more than N218.380bn would be needed to complete projects within the period under review,” he stated. This is obviously staggering for an economy that is still struggling to rebounce back after the prolonged effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of funding the wasteful venture, that whopping sum of money could be used to renovate dilapidated schools across the state, which is why the present government has resolved to convert some of the schools into other uses, while also focusing on general rehabilitation of collapsing infrastructures that would serve the overall interest of the students in the state regardless of their social status.

For example, the Tech Hub on Kobape Road on the outskirts of Abeokuta was one of the supposed Model Schools that was moribund for eight (8).years. So also the one in Ikenne that was converted into a 128-bed Isolation and Treatment Centre for COVID-19. With the priority the administration accords the education,severalpublicprimaryandsecondary schools have been constructed, reconstructed and renovated to provide better learning environment in the state.

By opting for a review of the policy idea to meet the need of the greater number of people, Governor Abiodun has once again shown that the object of government should not necessarily be the glory of ruler but the happiness of the common man. Today, apart from ensuring free education for all children in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools and the welfare of teachers,therehasbeenprogressiveincreasein allocation to education up to 20 percent of this year’s budget with a commitment to continually do so till the United Nation Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) benchmark is achieved.

Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

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PERSPECTIVE Enugu 2023: Choosing a Leader in Time of National Security, Economic Crisis Arinze Darlington Nnamani

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n recent times, insecurity has dominated the discourse, as terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping heightened in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central, separatist agitations and abductions for ransome and crude oil theft ravaging the South-East and South-South, while cultism, armed robbery and sundry crimes are competing in the South-West. And the situation has substantially deteriorated since 2017 with the South East, which used to be a peace haven growing more restive and dangerous each passing day.

Unfortunately, despite a whooping N12 trillion spent by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration on defence and security sector in the past seven years, security has only grown worse. Unemployment, absolute poverty, illiteracy, and neglect of the youths continue to create ready pools of manpower for criminal enterprises with vast implications for the country.

According to BusinessDay, the rising inflation in the country amounts to 11% of Nigeria’s GDP, which is about 119 billion.

Similarly, projects worth N12 Trillion were abandoned in Nigeria due to insecurity and other challenges according to data from TownTalks. The impact of insecurity is reflected in the performance of macro economic indicators, investment inflow as well as economic performance. In the same vein, the global peace index for 2022 compiled by the Institute For Economy and Peace ranked Nigeria 146th out of 163 countries with a score of 2.712. Insecurity also contributed to Nigeria’s inflation performance, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

It is therefore a huge relief for the people of Enugu State that an accomplished entrepreneur and public administrator, has thrown his hat in the 2023 governorship election in the state. Such leaders as Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, who is an embodiments of competent and visionary leadership, are made especially for times like this.

His personality, character, and values with his evocative and overwhelming vision for Enugu State have continued to shine in his ongoing town hall meetings across the 68 development centres of Enugu. He is fast reviving hopes among the people of Enugu that the state will emerge stronger from the daunting socio-economic challenges in the country today and South East today Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution is clear that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary responsibility of any government. In line with this, Mbah has promised to work assiduously to put in place a preventive and deterrent security system over the usual fixation on punishment. This, he said, would require a multi-pronged approach such as a massive deployment of technology, massive job creation, skill acquisition and vocational training, among others.

He is also an advocate of community policing and community participation in the provision of security and maintenance of peace needed for the envisioned rapid growth and development. The aim is to

Mb Mbah bah h

expand collaborations with the security, more robust and actionable intelligence gathering, etc. for a more secure Enugu State.

Mbah’s plans to consolidate on the Security Trust Fund already established by the current administration to ensure improved funding of security in the state. This will ensure that the provision of operational vehicles, communication equipment, as well as the training and retraining of security personnel of both the federal security agencies and the community-based security organs. It will also ensure the roll out of a system actively monitored CCTV cameras across the state, collaboration with relevant authorities to acquire drones for aerial surveillance and the enhancement of the detective ability of the Enugu State police command by

investment in modernisation of key facilities like fingerprint analysis systems and databases, forensic laboratories, ballistic laboratories and DNA laboratories.

Meanwhile, it is heart-warming that Dr. Mbah, a highly exposed and well-read captain of industry understands the place of quality and massive infrastructure to the economic transformation of the country in general and Enugu State in particular. This will also in turn boast security. Consequently, he has laid out an ambitious blueprint for this infrastructural transformation, which includes the construction of over 10,000km of roads in Enugu State in eight years if elected.

The naysayers, who think he is

Meanwhile, it is heart-warming that Dr. Mbah, a highly exposed and well-read captain of industry understands the place of quality and massive infrastructure to the economic transformation of the country in general and Enugu State in particular. This will also in turn boast security. Consequently, he has laid out an ambitious blueprint for this infrastructural transformation, which includes the construction of over 10,000km of roads in Enugu State in eight years if elected

promising too much should note of the high stakes in the international politics that Nigeria will have to contend with and manage if she is going to feasibly resolve her infrastructural challenges were made more obvious during the 48th summit of the Group of Seven (G7), which held in Krun, Germany in June 2022. Although the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and its attendant global economic challenges was top of its agenda, the world leaders also announced a $600 billion partnership for global infrastructure and investment for Middle and low-income countries, as an alternative to the belt and road initiative of the People’s Republic of China.

If the western leaders could unveil a global infrastructure development package in response to China while the main focus is on Russia and its invasion of Ukraine underscores the importance of infrastructure to global politics and economic competitiveness of countries. There is, therefore, a need for Nigeria to review the state of the country’s infrastructure, which stock stands at 35% of GDP and is therefore below the 70% of GDP found in larger economies. This low infrastructural stock makes Nigeria economically uncompetitive.

It should be noted that the private sector played a key role in arguably the most successful multilateral social economic recovery programme. The Brookings Institution, a private think tank, helped in rebuilding Europe after the second World War with the European Recovery Programme of 1948 otherwise known as the Marshall Plan.

So, those who argue that the PDP gubernatorial candidate is making too many unachievable promises to the people of Enugu given the drastic fall in allocations from Abuja do not seem to have taken note of how Mbah’s mind works. A careful look at his well-detailed manifesto, which note only lists his plans, but also how to achieve them, will clearly show that he has downplayed, hardly mentioned, let alone relied on the Federation Account. He is focused on private sector backed transformation.

He is focused on migrating Enugu State from a public sector driven economy to a private sector driven economy.

All said, the primary responsibility of leadership is decision making. Leaders are elected to take their people from one level to a higher one. Equally, great leaders surmount daunting challenges to accomplish great tasks. Great leaders are visionaries. They are not just looking at the challenges; they are focused on where they want to take the people to and how they are going to get them there.

What stands Mbah out from the rest of the pretenders and contenders is that we can at least look at his accomplishments in the private sector where he built Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd. from a N1 million capital base that commenced active operations in 2008 from a one-room studio apartment in Lagos State to the number company in the Nigerian downstream petroleum industry.

That company not only controls 23% of the market today ahead of Conoil, Mobil, and other majors, Pinnacle Oil and Gas’s capital base is in billions of dollars.

That is the power of vision, competence, and right decision making. This is why when Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah says that he will grow the state’s economy exponentially from $4.4billion to $30 billion; when he says that he will build over 10,000km of roads; when he says that he will make Enugu the most secure state in the country; when he says he will eliminate poverty and engender agric and agro-allied revolution, we believe him because he is not only well prepared, but also comes with practical antecedents of doing great things – unlike others that are coming to Enugu people with promissory notes.

Nnamani writes from Enugu.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 14, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

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POLITY

Megwara: We are Ready to Welcome Atiku to Abia State

TheDirectorofMediaandPublicityoftheAtiku/OkowaPresidentialCampaigninAbiaState,ChiefKingsley Megwara says plans are on course to welcome Atiku Abubakar to the state on February 10. Megwara, who recently spoke with Nduka Nwosu, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State is working hard, sensitising the people of Abia on the qualities of Atiku and his ability to unite Nigerians

C

hief Kingsley Megwara is busy doing what he enjoys doing, politicking, this time as the spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign in Abia State. The former Diaspora Adviser to former Abia State Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, is glad to say his team is working hard sensitising the people of Abia on who the real PDP Presidential candidate Atiku is, as February 25, 2023, is a matter of days from now. “We are currently educating them, particularly pointing out the high points of Atiku from his days as a Customs Officer to his eight years as Vice President; we are stating in clear terms all that he did under the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

“The more people get to know these things the more appreciative they are of him. He was immensely helpful to the average Igbo businessman as a Custom Officer.

At a time young Igbo traders had issues with Custom Duty payments, Atiku came to the rescue, giving them a lifeline, clearing their goods only to come back later to pay for such goods. These are testimonies from our people. He was a hands-on Vice President whose input is manifest in most of the great achievements attributed to the President Olusegun Administration. as Vice President.”

Megwara insists that Atiku remains the most experienced among the Presidential contestants, some of whom were governors in their last incarnation as heads of government. There is a sharp distinction, he argues, being the governor of a state and being Nigeria’s Vice President for eight years.

According to the Atiku/Okowa spokesman in Abia State, Atiku presided at several Federal Executive Council meetings in the absence of the President, making him to know and understand the problems of this country. That is why, he stresses, many believe, he has the unifying capacity to bring the country together, “bringing together the cohesive forces of brotherhood and sisterhood binding us together as Nigerians. This is what we preach to the people. We call him the unifier; he is the only man among the pack, that can bring healing to the nation, a healing this country needs now.”

According to Megwara, Atiku will surprise a lot of people because of the capacity he possesses, and part of his current assignment is to go out every day and convince the people who this Atiku is. “We do not do that by talking down on the other candidates; I have never done that. The job right now is to educate the people and let them know the facts leading to this election.”

Regarding the membership of the governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in the G5 Group led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Megwara’s response is one that makes Ikpeazu a self-seeking governor whose adventure has not in any way approximated to a political or economic benefit adding that no one governor supersedes the collective will of the people. “Unlike in the past when party chairmen held the levers of a political party at the state and federal levels, the governors fund the state party structure and control the party. They took away the powers of the state chairmen of their parties, a dangerous development.

“Our governor being in G5 is irrelevant to what we are doing. Okezie Ikpeazu is just one person. The teeming population of PDP members in Abia State is more powerful than Okezie Ikpeazu. We do not know what his motivations are” What Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is doing, he notes, is not in consultation with Abia leaders such as Chief Adolphus Nwabara, Chief T. A. Orji, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Dr. Eme Okoro, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and several others too numerous to mention. Adds Megwara: “I do not think Ikpeazu’s current adventure agrees with the position of the leaders of our state. That said whatever is motivating the governor, is also not in agreement with the people of Abia State. The collective will of the people supersedes the personal ambition of Ikpeazu.

Megwara While reveling on what looks like the newfound love between the people of Abia and the PDP, Megwara is reminded of the looming phenomenon that is Peter Obi in a space considered to be the rose garden of the Labour Party candidate and his Obedient Movement, yet the bubbly Atiku/Okowa Presidential campaign spokesman, remains unfazed. Reason: no matter what, the evidence on ground suggests that Atiku will have a good slice of the bread from the Abia electorate.

He gives honour to whom honour is due, acknowledging Obi as a risen, not a rising star who should be accorded critical respect for the way he is giving Nigerians hope for a new day. Despite all of that, Megwara cannot go down without reminding you we are discussing an Atiku with tremendous experience, with a unification mantra needed now, and with the experience of a commander-in-chief, a man who is investment savvy and with a global connection network waiting to energise the Nigerian economy so weakened by what he calls the bad governance of the All-Progressives Congress (APC).

Says Megwara: “The Peter Obi phenomenon is real.

Our brother Peter Obi did well as governor of Anambra State. That is why sane people like me will never make any deteriorating remark about him. Having said that, what we are playing is politics. I am in PDP where I have a compelling interest to defend my party and my Presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar. I go out every morning to convince my people that Atiku Abubakar is better prepared than the rest of the candidates.

“Atiku is prepared to serve the country as President and Commander-in-Chief at a time the security situation in this country is in a bad shape. We do not just need a President; we need a Commander-in-Chief. Nigerians will get the kind of leader they have been yearning for and we are extremely excited to tell them about the man Atiku. Federal presence in Abia is little to write home about with dilapidated infrastructure. Federal roads are in bad shape. We will hold closed a closed-door meeting with him to articulate our peculiar problems and present to him for his consideration when he becomes President.

Who will receive Atiku when he arrives Umuahia February 9 and 10 next month considering the fact the state governor is in the G5 while his deputy Ude OkoChukwu is on the side of the elders of the party and the

Governorship aspirant unlikely to be presented to the people by the President because of ill health? Megwara is asked. His response: “Just four days ago, the South-east chairman of the Atiku/Okowa Campaign Council, Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji held a meeting with the leaders of the Southeast. It was a strategy meeting weighing our strengths and weaknesses state by state.

The likes of, the Deputy Governor of Abia State His Excellency Ude Oko-Chukwu, who is the Chairman of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council in Abia State; and the fact that he is the Chairman of the Atiku/ Okowa Campaign Council in Abia State, tells you where everybody stands. We are a party-oriented people.

“We believe the party is supreme. Once a primary is conducted; once your party picks its candidatesGubernatorial, Senatorial, House of Reps members, State House of Assembly members, etc. you are bound to work for your party; the alternative is to leave the party. When you disagree with what the party has done, the option is to leave.

“None of them has left the party; they are busy causing a tremendous amount of confusion for the party. We are prepared to stand up for the party; an olive branch has been sent out severally with little or no response from them. The Presidential aspirant has held five closed door meetings with Wike, and nothing came out of it. What else?”

“Abians should expect a federal presence in an Atiku administration. Right now, we do not have a federal secretariat in Abia State. Ikot Ekpene-Umuahia Road remains a death trap over the years. These issues will be addressed. We would present what Abians wanted, not one man negotiating for us. It is not about appointment, not about who becomes the next Minister of Defence.

Those are irrelevant to Abians. What is relevant to Abia is the federal presence and infrastructure.”

Is Megwara worried that Professor Uche Ikonne, the PDP Governorship candidate in Abia State Professor Uche Ikonne has ceased to be visible in the campaign trail and party activities? He says yes that the Abia PDP is visibly worried about Professor Ikonne’s absence and inability to do what he should be doing now, campaigning and being accessible to the people; right now, he says, that is not happening adding: “Ikonne emerged the party’s candidate after a keenly contested gubernatorial primary.

However, a lot of people have been worried not seeing Ikonne in the campaign trail. For some of us, that is worrisome, and I would think that The PDP Chair in Abia State Dr. Asiforo Okere should respond to this with some measure of depth. I currently speak for the Atiku/ Okowa Campaign Council in Abia State. Many of our party members are worried. They are beginning to ask questions about the whereabout of their gubernatorial candidate Prof. Uche Ikonne who has not been seen in the last two months.

“My prediction is that Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is our next President by the grace of God. The current suffering of Nigerians would be arrested by the incoming President Atiku. Workers are suffering; the price of a bag of rice, and the price of gas have skyrocketed; under the PDP a bag of rice sold for N10,000, now it is N40,000. Fuel has gone up from N86 to N350; at least that was what I bought it today. The naira devaluation is several times worse than what it was when APC came to power. You have a debt profile of N77 trillion but how much of what was projected as capital expenditure justifies what was actual? How can any sane person vote for APC?” Your party has its own issues, and many believe APC and PDP are two sides of the same coin. Do you agree?

Megwara is asked. PDP can be viewed as the equivalent of the Democratic Party in any sane and civilised democracy such as the US, he avers but as for APC, Megwara says it could have been equated with the Republican Party in the US in terms of patronage of big business and less concern for the common man. APC, he insists, is right below that, with a riddled corrupt form of governance.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

POLITY

Why No State Can Catch Up with Lagos Economically Gbenga Adeoye

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read a book in 2022 with the title “Success is not an Accident.” In deed the author has a clear understanding of the impact of deliberate decision. One of the reasons I like one young man I am providing mentorship for is that his words of prayer reads every time as follows: “God will intentionally bless you sir.” The word that attracted me most in this prayer is that word “intentionally”.

Lagos is a state that has been so deliberate and intentional in what they do. The development in Lagos is not an accident. Recently I got an SMS in Lagos stating that I have been penalised for driving with expired vehicle license and the vehicle papers was actually renewed that same day after it was brought from a workshop where repairs and upgrade were carried out.

“How do they get to know this?” This was the first question I asked. Through traffic camera probably at Ikoyi was the answer from a brother who understand auto database management. Of course, the only error was that the system has time lag between the renewal of papers and the database to which camera pictures were synchronised. They understand that they may not be right at all times and so there is a room for you to contest or object to the bill if you can prove the basis was wrong, and they will delete the fine.

Payment option was also there with card. I objected because my papers were renewed that same day when the car were brought out of workshop. What a wonderful state moving towards US and UK in billing and traffic offence management.

Beyond this experience, there are two major factors and one of the factors had 13 other reasons why no other state in Nigeria can catch up with Lagos State.

The fact that Lagos was a former capital of Nigeria is an advantage that will continue to work for the state. That has made it the commercial capital of Nigeria to the extent that even when the capital was moved to Abuja, Lagos remains a centre of Excellence.

Apapa Sea port and the Airport at Ikeja could be regarded as part of key projects that put Lagos at an advantage, which is as a result of being the capital of Nigeria as at when most of such projects were developed. Regardless of the “capital advantage” of Lagos, there are deliberate and intentional projects that set Lagos apart. Since the time of Baba Jakande, Lagos have been so deliberate in its development programmes.

If we take it from 1999, here are the list of deliberate projects whether completed, ongoing or those about to start. Join me as we take a look at those projects.

Lekki Free Trade Zone: Most manufacturing aimed at solving our import dependence problem are at Lekki Free Trade Zone.No State in Nigeria can stand shoulder to shoulder with Lagos on this.

Lekki Deep Sea Port: One major asset that any nation require for international business is sea but sea can only be useful if the port is well-developed. Newly completed Lekki Deep Sea Port is a Lagos state idea and that is one key project that is unique in Africa.

Dangote Refinery: If anyone is in doubt about the impact of Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, the person just needs to wait a little and see how Nigeria will stop importation of finished

petroleum products. In addition to that, Fuel Scarcity and heavy demand for Forex to import fuel will end with Dangote Refinery.

Again, kudos to Lagos. Even though I am Jealous of Lagos because I was expecting that project at Olokola in Ogun State but Lagos and Ogun are two states difficult to separate and as such we rejoice with Lagos in South-west. It is our collective gain and glory.

Ikoyi Link Bridge and Lekki Epe Expressway: These two projects are wonderful. Those who link Ikoyi from Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 understands better. The kind of traffic people experience before that bridge was hell. When the road from Victoria Island is fully completed to Epe, then driving around Lagos Island will be as easy as eating Pap and Bean Cake.

Lekki Airport: There is no doubt about the fact that the population of people in Lagos require more than one Airport.

The Economic impact is so huge that it will be difficult to project the positive impact now. No State in Nigeria can match that as well.

The new Blue Rail Line: Very soon, moving around Lagos will become so easy as most cars will be off the road, once traffic is reduced, productivity will increase. Rail Transportation is one thing that set London apart from any city in the world.

China is doing all that can be done to have rail lines and stations that beat the western designs.

The Tax Collection System: The Lagos Tax System is Super.

If you pay tax in any bank in Lagos, they will issue you the receipt instantly. In some states in Nigeria, you may not get receipt for one month. In Lagos, there are some dedicated staff that calls taxpayers and they are so pleasant on the phone while reminding tax payers to pay within a particular time.

The system is really working in Lagos. Other state should go and learn from Lagos.

The BRT Lanes and Buses: This is one project that is unique and it will complement the metro rail. No state can match it.

Lagos Judicial System: Lagos has Fast Track Courts, Small Claims Courts and a lot of uncommon innovations in the administration of Justice in Lagos State. God bless Prof. Yemi Osinbajo for his role when he was Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice but in addition, kudos to those who came after him and continue to improve on those foundations. The system is different.

Lagos can also be regarded as The Capital of Commercial Legal Practice. Most of the law firms that are of international standard are located in Lagos. Even Lagos Campus of Nigerian Law School is said to be the most tedious in Nigeria for students. I can testify to that having passed through that Campus, but for me, I will say it is positively tedious.

Entertainment and Social Gatherings: There is no state in Nigeria that has the kind of Social life like Lagos, we call it Eko for Show, may be because Ijebu and Egba people are plenty in Lagos, because when it comes to social gathering in Nigeria, you cannot beat the Egbas and the Ijebus. In fact may be Egbas and Ijebus can say in Yoruba that” Awa laleko”, meaning, we own Lagos.

There is no need to prove this. It is just a mere expres-

sion of demography or their percentage in Lagos Social gatherings.

Where in Nigeria can you find the kind of men at Ikoyi Club, Metropolitan club, Polo Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, Boat Club and so on? No State has such. Lagos is unique. Everyone wants to be in Lagos.

One interesting thing is that members of these clubs in Lagos are drawn from the entire country and not necessarily Lagosians by birth. The network of these men and women is beyond normal.

Even young people for their NYSC want to be in Lagos.

Many still want to live in Lagos despite the traffic. There is something so special about that Lagos.

Churches and Church Leaders are more in Lagos: Even though a lot of people argued that churches should have been factories, but God’s factor in history have been instrumental to the greatness of Israel and some other countries founded on the foundation of righteousness. America started like that till today, you still hear “God bless America.”

RCCG model parishes in Lagos are unique places of worship, House on the Rock, Winners Chapel, CMS Church, Ikoyi Baptist, Methodist, Foursquare, MFM, Trinity Church in VI, Deeper life, Citadel formerly Latter Rain, Apostolic Church, Covenant Christian Centre, Day Star Christian Centre, The Shepherds Flock among many others are wonderful places of worship.

The fact that Pastor Kumuyi and Pastor Adeboye (who are exceptionally Holy men God) are touching the soil of Lagos regularly is like Elisha & Elijah dwelling in a given land. Ogun State shares in the unique blessings of having RCCG camp, MFM, Canaan Land and Deeper life Camp too but more importantly having the first Church in Nigeria.; (The St. Peters Cathedral in our own Ake @ Abeokuta) is not in vain. Back to Lagos, the Church Community in Lagos is beyond human imagination. You need to just wors≠hip in these churches, and you will know that Lagos must be blessed.

Eko Atlantic City in VI: US has laid the foundation of their Embassy which has the office and residence of staff. The project is one unique one that attracted investors from all over the world. No such anywhere in Nigeria.

The giant of it all is the 4th Mainland Bridge which has a four years completion time. The kind of business impact along that bridge is beyond explanations and imagination.

The bridge will traverse Abraham Adesanya to Badore and then on the lagoon to Ikorodu, and it will burst out on Lagos Ibadan Expressway way around sparklight. This is more than a Miracle because it means that anyone going to Lekki from Abeokuta or Sagamu have no business to drive to Berger and Alapere nor Iyana Oworo but just join the 4th Mainland Bridge from the express.

The impact on real estate for offices, residential, and cottage industries will be phenomenal. Congratulations to Lagos State Dr. Adeoye is a Lawyer and a Chartered Accountant.

He believes that National and Economic Development is a function of the quality of people in leadership. He can be reached via e-mail on dga@gbengaadeoye.com Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

NASENI Pleads for Release of 1% Allocation from Federation Account The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna, yesterday pleaded for the release of 1% due to the agency from the Federation AccountAccording to a press statement by NASENI, Prof.

Haruna, who made the plea during a courtesy call on Governor Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, also said the agency would soon establish Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skill Acquisition Centre in Borno State.

He requested for about 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new institute and another 10 hectares for the skill centre.

Haruna said the massive skill training of youths was to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations.

He said: “Your Excellency may also recall that you were a member of the Ad-hoc Committee of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) on Modalities of partnership between NASENI and State Governments, as it relates to 1% of the Federation Account. This committee, which is headed by former Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State recommended, with the approval of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), that the agency has justified the need for the fund.

“You are a member of the standing committee of the National Economic Council (NEC) on NASENI’s 1% allocation from the Federation Account. Despite the approval of NEC, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the approval of the National Assembly and Mr. President, NASENI is yet to start receiving 1% of the funds from the Federation Account.

“I am therefore seeking your support and assistance not only for the commencement of remittance to NASENI dedicated account but also for the payment of all arrears due to the agency from the Federation Account.”

L-R: The Coordinating Director (Science) of the of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Prof. Umar Ibrahim Gaya; the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of NASENI, Prof. Mohammad Sani Haruna and Governor Babagana Zulum, shortly after a visit by NASENI EVC to Maiduguri… yesterday.

Haruna also said the agency would soon establish Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI) and a Skill Acquisition Centre in Borno.

He sought for 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new institute and another 10 hectares for the skill centre.

He added: “I have the mandate and instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari, who doubles as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), that is my boss and my chairman to convey to your Excellency and the lovely people

of Borno State the following glad tidings.

“I wish to convey the Presidential approval for the location and establishment of Industrial Equipment and Machinery Development Institute (IEMDI). It is one of the 12 new institutes of NASENI approved since 2021 by Mr. President.

“He has also approved the establishment of a skill acquisition and training centre in Borno State at a location of your choice.

“There will be skill development training for 100 youths selected from all the local governments in the state on modern vulcanizing methods and application with start-up kit in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide training of teeming youth.

“The massive skill training of youths is to guarantee employability and bridge the existing gap in various occupations created by the collapse of crafts, vocational schools and technical colleges. The training in Maiduguri is scheduled to start on 30th January 2023.

“I am also here to request for a minimum of 20 hectares of land for the take-off of the new NASENI institute and another minimum of ten hectares for the construction of the skill development centre. It is the desire of President Muhammadu Buhari that these centres be constructed and commissioned before the end of December 2023.

“I am to also thank you in advance for granting my request for land and other amenities and commend you for the fashion, zeal and patriotism that are your signature and method of leading Borno State. I congratulate you for all you have achieved and congratulation in advance for what you will be doing for the people of Borno State I Sha Allahu in your second tenure.”

Responding, Governor Zulum promised to mobilize his colleagues to ensure the release of the 1% allocation from the Federation Account for NASENI.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

POLITY Disunity, Bane of Kwara-south Development, Says SDP Senatorial Candidate Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

K

wara South Senatorial District candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming general elections, Prof. Wale Suleiman has identified lack of unity as a major challenge in the socio economic development of the area.

He said this has also prevented the people of the senatorial district from presenting a common front capable of accelerating the infrastructural and political growth of the district.

Speaking in Ilorin on the sideline of unveiling of his programme tagged, ‘Kwara South 2023 Restoration Agenda,’ held at Kwara NUJ state secretariat, Prof. Suleiman said, “From 1999 to

date, Kwara South politics is devoid of unity, focus and development.

“From the two local government areas of Igbomina/Ekiti and Oyun divisions created by the military administration of Brig. General David Lasisi Bamigboye (rtd) in 1968, we have progressively moved to seven local government areas, especially with the last creation of local government areas in 1996.

“We have been having these seven local government administrative centres with minimal developments.”

Suleiman added that, “In the last 23 years (19992022) we were only able to have the leaders of our choice for three years (1999-2002).

“As from the year 2003, our political actors have always been made for us by political power blocs outside Kwara South and this type of democracy is the political disempowerment of our people and

stunted development and unity of purpose and this also remains the problem of the senatorial district.”

On his agenda, if given mandate to represent the senatorial come this polls, Prof. Suleiman said that he would provide acceptable leadership that will put the people of the area together.

This, he said, would go a long way in engendering common interests so as to promote equity, fairness and justice of the people of the senatorial.

He also said that he would remain patriotic to fight the needs of the people, adding that such a strategy would address poverty and boost the socio well-being of the people since representation is about the people.

He, however, called on the people of the area to vote SDP in the forthcoming general elections so as to provide effective leadership that would advance the needs of the common people in the state.

MAAN Holds Meeting, Gets New President Justina Uzo Mobil Annuitants Association of Nigeria (MAAN) recently held its 2022 National Summit (Forum/ General Session) in Lagos.

The group, comprising ex staff of Mobil Oil Nigeria (now 11plc) and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (ExxonMobil) availed themselves of the opportunity to interact and discuss MAAN affairs.

It was also at the occasion that MAAN confirmed Mr. Samuel Okpo Okpanku as the new President, of MAAN. Through their representatives, the two former employer companies communicated their goodwill messages and their Yelutide season’s greetings to their Annuitants.

Chairman at the Forum and General Session, Mr. Chris Obi led in the molding of Resolutions which were fashioned towards an improved positioning of the association - going into the long-term period.

The resolutions were debated and duly passed.

The organisers of the Forum held at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Sports Club, Surulere, Lagos, said Member Annuitants of both companies who are presently retired at locations all over the world, took part in the meeting.

Okpanku revealed that not a few participants from various locations across Nigeria and those in the diaspora joined the meeting tagged “Strategy Reviews Forum and General Session” via ZOOM Video conference App. Meanwhile, prior to his new position, Okpanku had earlier been acting for the late MAAN President, Alhaji John Gwadebe Ibrahim who sadly, passed away in January 2022.

Other members of the Executive Committee (EXCO) include the earlier elected General Secretary, Mr. John Yakubu Ali and, Treasurer, Mr. Titus Kayode Odunewu.

Obi (chairman at the summit) congratulated the new MAAN President and expressed gratitude

L-R: Group Head, Marketing and Communication, Access Bank Group, Chioma Afe; Access More Mega grand prize winner, Colin Chukwanu Egemonye; Group Head Consumer Banking, Access Bank Group, Njideka Egomeju; and Head Digital Transmissions, Oluremi Tinuolu-Gabriel, at the Access more Mega Rewards prize presentation ceremony held in Lagos… yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Okpanku to all MAAN members worldwide for their active participation and contributions of useful motions to the success of the 2022 MAAN Strategy Reviews Forum and General Session.

L-R: Chairman, Yanga Games Technology Limited, Derrick David Kentebe; Chinedu Ani Emmanuel; and Simi Drey, both are ambassadors of Yanga Lotto; General Manager, Yanga Games Technology Limited, Emmanuel Arogundade; and Director, Yanga Games Technology Limited, Simon Waterton, during the media introduction of brand ambassadors to Yanga Lotto in Lagos … recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director, Chemical Technology, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MSTI), Mej L-R: Author, “Portrait of the Quintessential First,” Mr. Tunde Opeseitan presenting copies of the book Bassey; Minister of State MSTI, Henry Ikechukwu; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Monilola Udoh; and Director, Science and Technology Promotion, Alhaji Shuaibu Umaru, during to the Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Marina... recently SUNDAY ADIGUN a Press briefing on 2023 Technology Expo in Abuja... yesterday ENOCK REUBEN

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Last Week Friday’ Wrong

D

AILY INDEPENDENTof January 3 welcomes us to the New Year: “It is (was) the biggest right (rights) issue in the year.”

“IGP deploys 500 additional policemen to (in) Anambra” You can also deploy along a border.

“While the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram (another comma) made a mince meal of them….”

Not my view: the sadists made mincemeat of them (not a mince meal!).

“Coming at the heel (heels) was the abduction of….”

“In another breadth (a comma) he said that (sic) the government was on top of the….” Existential humanism: In another breath (not breadth)….

Still on DAILY INDPENDENT under review: “One is at pain (on/under pain of) hearing…the passage of PIB Bill.” My own view: the passage of the PIB (without another bill).

“But the truth is that such setbacks have persisted because of NUC’s woeful (abysmal) failure to do its job….”

Finally from the Back Page of DAILY INDEPENDENT: “But I deserve to be heard first before a fatwa is invoked on (against) me.”

DAILY TRUST of January 2 slipped copiously: “The bank robbery, which lasted about half an hour (half-an-hour), it was gathered, could not be resisted by any security agent attached to the bank. This, it was gathered, has led to serious investigations of the circumstances surrounding the robbery. The state police command, it was gathered, has started investigating the circumstances surrounding the robbery.” What is this stupefaction with ‘it was gathered’ that the phrase had to be applied three times in one paragraph? Even a kindergartener cannot write like this!

“In broad daylight, armed bandits stormed Osun town, leaving residents with death and destruction” Who is a bandit? My contemporary dictionaries tell me that a bandit is a member of an armed gang who attack travellers, while banditry is acts of stealing and violence by bandits (using weaponry typically).

So, ‘armed bandit’ is padding—its usage by some international news channels, as pointed out by Mr. Sunny Agbontaen last November or thereabouts, notwithstanding. A bandit, connotatively and denotatively, does not require any nomenclatural embellishment (armed)!

Last week’s edition of this THE NATION signed off 2022 with a bagful of wrongs: “2023: Security, infrastructure top Nigerians (Nigerians’) wish list” “Egypt president warns against new unrest” News review: Egypt’s or Egyptian president “Venezuela VP in Cuba to visit ailing President” (Solution as above) “Two week holiday in Imo” Comment & Analysis Page: Two-week/Two weeks’ holiday….

“Minister accused over Akwa Ibom LG crisis” Politics Today: accuse somebody of (not over) something.

“Is (Are) the Presidency and the National Assembly going back to the trenches?”

“However, my major grouse is with (about) Nigerians and their arm-chair castigation and destructive criticism.”

“Man, 24, charged for killing elder brother” I charge the offender with (not for) lexical murder!

“As we mourn our fallen brethrens....” Do we need a morphological commission of inquiry into etymological abuse? ‘Brethren’ (plural) is non-count.

“Ensure that destruction of life and properties are (is) minimized during such natural disasters.” And this: life and property/lives and properties “Ado Bayero blames FG over insecurity” The man blamed FG for (not over) insecurity.

“Now the truth is that they are always in a shock when things like this happen.” This way: things like these or a thing like this.

“He acts only when he is humiliated, otherwise how can one explain the release of N5 billion for police welfare only after the junior ranks of the police have (had) humiliated him?”

“At the moment Zimbabwe is at (in) the throes of war.”

“Nomination for maritime awards begin” Not yet proximity: Nomination...begins.

“Since its launching (launch) about two years ago, nothing significant….” “…the chances of success of our nascent democracy is (are) low.”

“In the past we have (had) tried and failed but.…”

“The excesses of the last batch of soldiers to rule this country has (have)...” “...the military boys who had earlier adopted a holier-than-thou attitude went ahead to perpetrate all manners of graft and corruption.” The Osborne obscenity: all manner of graft and corruption.

“The interesting bit for us in this part of the world is the anciliary finding…” Spell-check: ancillary.

“What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.” To live in truth is to serve: what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. “…there must be at least six newspapers which owe their workers between three to 6 months (sic) arrears of salary.” The media and the future: between three and six or from three to six.

“Moonlighting, rapid personnel changes, job mobility and the brown envelope syndrome are some of the fallouts of this factor.” ‘Fallout’ is uncountable.

“The governor has (had) been cleared of the allegation last week by the state House of Assembly....”

ADDENDUM Theoretical linguists, curriculum experts and “educationalists” (educationists or educators), working together or separately, have been busy putting forward suggestions for language education reform. Note especially: “educationalist”, like “unwieldy” or “invitee” or “indisciplined”, is not in any respected dictionary.

These comic words were invented by Nigerians.

“Armed robbers again jolted the commercial city of Lagos last week Friday (last Friday/Last Friday week or on Friday, last week).”

“Students write exams half naked (half-dressed/ half clothed/half covered or half clad, or naked/ bare to the waist).”

“I stood up, took another coin out of my pocket and put it near my half–empty (half–full) beer glass.”

Special note: in editorial English, we say or write:

Revisiting Remnants: The Business of Politics

T

ruth be told: we all are part of our problems - the governed and the government, especially in areas of public and private accountability in the management and intercourse of economic

interests.

Big-time business leaders have racked up debts so big that the government had to create an amorphous bank to buy up those system-wrecking loans and bad debts; perhaps to somehow redeem some of them down the line. These are loans and overdrafts that you hear about and blink several times, wondering what sort of collaterals were accepted to release such humongous amounts; and why such collaterals could not be amortised to defray substantial part of these so-called bad debts. Many companies, and banks, have collapsed because of sharp practices and irresponsible underhanded deals which were subsequently squandered on unrelated and unprofitable ventures and acquisitions. Airlines, manufacturers, assemblies, exporters, etc, have shut down for sundry reasons; but we have hardly seen many prosecuted for squandering public funds entrusted to banks and hedge funds.

Taxation and evasion are issues woolly and worrisome in this clime. Many, corporately and individually, have developed plans and processes that challenge the efficacy and capacity of revenue collection agencies. We deign to pay taxes because we have hundreds of reasons why the government does not deserve a portion of our sweat; however a system not fully accommodated in unreliable periods would not suddenly correct itself, and swiftly become sacrosanct when we achieve a modicum of a dependable society.

The fourth element that we need to tackle before we can reap and sustain the full benefit of a great nation is this: We need to fix our Politics. No sophistry, mani-

festo, propaganda or declaration of ethical reorientation can change the minds of present operators and concessionaires of our politics, such that they will somehow turn a good leaf, and start oozing goodness.

Only in the movies.

A candid appraisal of the way we practise politics, and consequently approach governance, clearly shows that our current pass of poverty, inadequacy and inequalities will only mature, mutate and produce more millions of deviants and desperados. The lament is real; our politics is farcical and Machiavellian, when you pause to remove the veil of partisanship and other base sentiments. Irrespective of the political party, the state or locality, Nigerian politicians, with few exceptions, often seek different ways and waifs to foist instability and discontent when they are not directly in power; while those clutching the levers of government spend several hours each day fomenting terrors and tortures for their restless opponents, even when it is clear that they are not in any position to resist the damnation, nor are they capable of projecting any spunk of challenge.

Within this mix of moves and counter-moves, it is certain that many lives would have been lost in street and nocturnal confrontations; property and possessions destroyed; the innocents - unaware or ill-fated by mere association - are usually the collateral appendages for future justification of reprisal, or indemnity for juicy appointments and other patronage.

Many of us see the beasts and brutes in politics, and swear never to sit in council with them, so as not to be contaminated by their viruses; yet we are mesmerized, and

therefore enticed, by their prodigious affluence and uncountable wealth locked in dungeons impenetrable to weak monetary and fiscal institutions and watchdogs…

Clearly, our political parties and politicians have different definitions of vision, spirit and power. We chant those words at rallies, in our manifestos and in debates, but the actions and identifiable policies of our political class show they have a scant understanding of the meaning and examples of vision in governance. Twenty three years into the fourth republic, we are still grappling with the philosophies and raison d’être of our major political parties, when you consider their actions, unspoken characteristics and words that are delivered in moments of national sobriety.

Sometimes, you are left with a lingering feeling that apart from the seemingly obvious fact that in many states, and federal institutions, our best and brightest have been shunted out of prominence; we have now formatted a process that denies and forbids some of our best and brightest minds any hope of sitting at the table of power and influencing the future and the potential prosperity of this country.

When you mention the ridiculous matter of corruption, every politician, irrespective of party affiliation, seems confused about the groans of the ordinary Nigerians on soaring cases of corruption, in high and low places, despite the so-called anti-corruption activities of this current regime. We are not too amazed though, as we remember that since the 1970s when the phenomenon of armed banditry escalated after the civil war, and multiple coups, we have continued to witness the great exploits of our anti-robbery squads even as the spate and madness of armed robbery soared. In fact, up until the dissolution of the Special Anti-robbery Squads (in 2020), amid general protests (#EndSARS), it appeared to many that the law enforcers were becoming more notorious and draconian that the robbers

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

half clothed/half covered/half-dressed/half clad (‘clad’ is obsolete as a participle) naked or bare to the waist or clothed from the waist down or naked/ bare, or fully dressed: half-full (not half-empty); semiliterate/half or sub-literate/half lettered (not semi illiterate); half sighted (not half blind); half alive (not half dead); employment problem or unemployment (not unemployment problem).

Unlike other intellectual leaders of Nigerian progressive movement, such as Professors Ikenna Nzimiro, Eskor Toyo, Akin Oyebode, G.G. Darah, Doctors Edwin Madunagu, Ola Oni, Segun Osoba, O. Onoge, Bala Usman, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye is not an “academician” (academic) in a formal sense. Special note: ‘an academician’ is not synonymous with ‘an academic’ just as ‘presently’ is not synonymous with ‘at present.’ ‘Presently’ always means SOON and ‘at present’ always means NOW. Another note: an academician is somebody who works in or is a member of an academy—for instance, the Nigerian Defence Academy, the French Academy or the Russian Academy. It does not mean the same thing as a university don/guru/intellectual or scholar—such a person is called an academic. Its plural is academics.

It should be noted that although “still yet” is not accepted as a standard phrase, “yet still” is quite accepted. “Yet still” is used by modem writers, particularly British journalists and writers. Example: “At home (in the U.S.A) the terrifying problems of crime, racial violence, social disharmony refused to yield to oratory, however inspiring, or to law, however comprehensive yet still the Kennedy magic advanced. He was not really a radical; if anything, he was a careful conservator. Some select people called “speech writers” are very fond of mechanical errors that result in failed, fractured or diseased English. It is very sad. Yes, it is our moral duty to ensure that some folk are not allowed to kill this universal language.

Please note that while ‘general consensus’ is unacceptable, ‘broad consensus’ is and while ‘heavy downpour’ is not allowable, ‘great downpour’ is.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

we set them up to curtail.

The reason the case of politics is endemic, and very difficult to treat, is the abdication of responsibilities by organs created to deflect and redress excesses of the executive arm of government which is largely populated by politicians. The legislative and judiciary arms of government have failed the citizens more often than not. While the case of the legislature is sadly understandable, as they are filled to the brim with politicians whose veins are throbbing with the baser component of the lamentable virus; that of the judiciary is particularly worrisome. We believe that most members of the bench are not politicians, though sometimes, the pronouncements and ambivalence coming from that arm make us wonder if the same virus has not marginally contaminated our pristine institution.

Add that to a disruptive and defective electoral process, where even professors cannot be trusted to keep their fingers in their pockets, bedeviling what ought to be a sacrosanct duty with the corrosive infestation of the politicians’ viruses. The desperation of the politicians, exemplified by the brigandage of political thugs and compromised electoral umpires, set us up for a macabre drama in circles. Is it now possible to tell hungry and harried voters, who see politicians as vultures sitting over the carrion of the national treasury, not to demand to be paid in consumables and tokenism before they will surrender their votes? It’s a damning circle of poverty: one of mind, the other of stomach… but the end is the same: catastrophe!

GLOBAL SOCCER

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

189TH MANCHESTER DERBY

14.01.2023 PAGE. 29

Paul Onuachu

Hammers’ Solutions to Goalscoring Woes?

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Paul Onuachu consistency in front of goal is what is attracting him to West Ham

Paul Onuachu

Hammers’ Solutions to Goalscoring Woes?

Having just managed to score 15 goals in 18 matches in the Premier League, the same number of goals Paul Onuachu has scored this season in the same number of games, West Ham United are now turning direction to the Super Eagles striker for solution to their goal scoring problem

W

est Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Genk striker Paul Onuachu, and the Nigerian could be the man to solve the Hammers’ goalscoring woes.

According to French publication Jeunes Footeux, the Irons, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton are all keen on signing the 28-year-old, who has continued his fine form with Genk in the 2022/’23 campaign.

The report claims that the 6 foot 7 forward will likely cost around €25 million (£22 million) for any interested Premier League suitors this month, with the Nigerian forward having hit 15 goals in 18 games so far this term.

West Ham, as a squad, have managed just 15 goals in 18 league matches this season, with only Nottingham Forest and Wolves scoring fewer, so it seems clear that David Moyes needs attacking additions if he wants to distance his team from a relegation battle.

West Ham have long endured a striker ‘curse‘, with marquee signings such as Sebastian Haller, Simone Zaza and Jonathan Callieri, all failing to deliver the goods in recent years.

While Michail Antonio has stepped up in the past, it seems clear from his disappointing performances so far this season – with the Jamaican boasting just two

goals in the Premier League – that he is no longer good enough to be starting every week in Moyes’ side.

Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca also looks to be heading down the same route, as he has managed just three top-flight goals so far, with WhoScored awarding him a disappointing 6.54 rating for his performances.

Therefore, it seems clear that Moyes needs an effective main striker in his squad in the second half of the campaign, and Onuachu could be the ideal man, especially if he can translate his prolific form in Belgium to the Premier League.

Since signing for Genk in 2019 from FC Midtjylland, he has gone on to make 130 appearances, in which he has contributed a hugely impressive 83 goals and 10 assists.

The Nigeria international dubbed a “phenomenon” by Genk CEO Erik Gerits would arrive at the London Stadium in confident mood and would certainly be a threat to Premier League defences with his height and finishing ability.

Former professional footballer John Fashanu was full of praise for the forward after he scored for Nigeria in 2021, saying: “I want to tell Onuachu well done and a big congratulation because he has proved to everybody that he is still number one and indeed a goal king.”

Onuachu has consistently found the net in his spells in Belgium and Denmark and deserves a shot in the Premier League,

for he could be a big difference-maker in Moyes’ West Ham side in the second half of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is reported to be looking at 6ft 6 striker Wout Weghorst, BBC Sport reports. But he is also being linked with signing a striker who is even taller than Weghorst, Genk powerhouse-Onuachu.

Onuachu stands at a gigantic 6ft 7; a height which exceeds two metres tall.

French outlet Jeunes Footeaux report United have studied Onuachu and are weighing him up as an option. The report adds that there is not total agreement at Old Trafford that he is the right player, even though Erik ten Hag is said to be a fan.

At present all signs point to Weghorst being Manchester United’s priority, and the Dutch connection certainly helps, with Ten Hag keen to sign a player he knows well, who can slot in immediately. (Manchester United had since signed Weghorst and may have a role to play in today’s Manchester derby).

But if this move is unsuccessful, possibly due to complications with either Burnley or Besiktas, then Onuachu may become an alternative the club turn to.

Onuachu would however cost United a fee, as opposed to being available for loan.

Even if this was around £15 million, it would be more than the club may have to offer this month.

He is under contract at Genk only until

2024, so it’s possible United could do a deal on the cheap – but a loan would be better for the club, as there should be a bigger spending pot available in the summer, and a wider choice of strikers to choose from.

From a stylistic perspective, Onuachu and Weghorst are both giants in football terms, and this could be a profile of player Erik ten Hag is looking for, so he can switch up his current attacking options.

Onuachu has been in prolific form for Genk this season, boasting 15 goals in 18 Jupiler Pro League appearances, plus one goal in the cup.

Genk signed Onuachu from Danish side Midtjylland in 2019, where he scored 74 goals in 181 games.

He has scored at an even more frequent rate in Belgium, netting 83 goals in 130 matches for Genk.

Onuachu has six goals in his last four games, which included scoring all four goals in Genk’s 4-1 win over Charleroi in November.

Meanwhile, Onuachu has continued his fine run in front of goal in 2023 when he netted his 14th goal of the league season for table-topping Genk to beat champions Club Brugge 3-1 on Sunday afternoon.

The Belgium Jupiter League top scorer fired his 14th goal in the 67th minute, when he outpaced his marker inside the box before he drove home.

He has now scored 15 goals in all competitions this season.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

United, City Divide Manchester in 189th Derby Manchester United will go head-to-head against their‘noisy neighbours.’-City in today’s Premier League kickoff at Old Trafford as the Red Devils try to cement their grip on the top-four place, while Pep Guardiola would be going for the jugular and put pressure on league leaders-Arsenal in his quest to becoming the first manager since Alex Ferguson to win three straight Premier League titles. United would be bouyed by their nine home run in all competitions, while City would be hoping to put behind their 2-0 loss to Southampton midweek in the FA Cup. However it pans out, it will definitely be a game for the neutrals to enjoy Premier League Table Arsenal Man City Newcastle Man Utd Tottenham Fulham Liverpool Brighton Brentford Chelsea Aston Villa Crystal Palace Leicester Leeds Nottm Forest Bournemouth West Ham Everton Wolves Southampton

17 17 18 17 18 19 17 17 18 18 19 17 18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18

26 29 21 7 12 4 12 7 2 0 -5 -8 -5 -7 -21 -21 -9 -10 -16 -18

44 39 35 35 33 31 28 27 26 25 25 22 17 17 17 16 15 15 14 12

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Man Utd v Brighton v Everton v Nottm Forest v Wolvers v Brentford v

Manchester United must find an answer to Erling Haaland’s antics to get something out of today’s derby

T

he 189th Manchester derby takes place at Old Trafford at today’s lunchtime when Manchester United play host to fierce rivals Manchester City in an intriguing Premier League showdown.

The Red Devils will be seeking revenge after suffering a humbling 6-3 defeat against the Citizens at the Etihad Stadium in October.

There has been plenty to smile about at Man United since their loss to City, as Erik ten Hag has steered his side on a superb run of form, losing just one of their last 18 competitive matches – a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa in early November and they have won all six games since the World Cup break.

United’s most recent success came in the EFL Cup when they booked their place in the semi-finals courtesy of a 3-0 home win over Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night.

Ten Hag has now won 20 of his first 27 competitive matches in charge of the Red Devils, the fewest games taken to reach this landmark by any manager in the club’s history. The Dutchman appears to have restored belief at the Theatre of Dreams, having overseen vast improvement in fortunes, with domestic cup glory and a top-four place in the Premier League now firmly in their sights this season.

Man United, who currently sit fourth in the Premier League table and level on points with Newcastle United in third, have accumulated more points (35) than any other team since and including their 2-1 victory over Liverpool on August 22, winning 11 of their 15 matches during this period.

However, their rich vein of form will be put to the test by reigning topflight champions Man City, who have come out on top in each of the last

three Manchester derbies by an aggregate score of 12-4. The Red Devils have also lost more Premier League home fixtures against the Citizens (eight) than against any other opponent.

Man United’s overall form and recent run at Old Trafford bodes well ahead of today’s contest, though, as they have won nine consecutive games on home soil and have kept seven clean sheets in the process.

Victory for Ten Hag and co would move them to within one point of City in second place and six points behind leaders Arsenal, who follow up Sunday’s North London derby with a clash against United next weekend.

Audacious conversations of a potential title charge for the Red Devils may soon come to the fore should their strong form continue, with 20 league games still remaining.

After cruising to a 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup third round last weekend, many would have predicted another comfortable win for Man City against Premier League basement club Southampton in the EFL Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday night.

However, the Citizens were deservedly beaten 2-0 by the Saints and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes for the first time in 275 matches since a 3-0 Champions League loss to Liverpool in April 2018. Pep Guardiola also endured the first-ever domestic cup quarter-final exit of his managerial career, ending a 15-game winning streak at this stage.

Hopes of an unprecedented quadruple are now over this term, and Guardiola will be keen for his side to bounce back in what will be his 500th top-flight game as a coach today – his 246th in charge of Man City – as they bid to reduce the five-point gap that currently separates them from Arsenal at the Premier League summit.

The reigning top-flight champions have seen their impeccably high

standards slip slightly in recent months, dropping eight points from as many league matches, while they have also failed to score in four of their last seven away games across all competitions.

However, Guardiola’s side will relish a derby-day trip to Man United, having won nine of their last 14 visits to Old Trafford in all tournaments since and including their iconic 6-1 league triumph in October 2011.

A perfect way for City to rebuild their momentum ahead of a challenging fixture schedule – including two games each against Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – would be to secure a record 19th Premier League victory over the Red Devils this weekend, completing a record sixth top-flight double over their bitter rivals in the process.

After scoring six against Ten Hag’s side at the Etihad just three months ago – courtesy of memorable hat-tricks bagged by Erling Braut Haaland and Phil Foden – City could also break their own club record for the most goals scored against United in a single campaign (eight goals in 1954-55) if they find the net at least three times today.

Meanwhile, the North London derby headlines Sunday’s Premier League action, as Tottenham Hotspur entertain bitter rivals and league leaders Arsenal.

The Gunners ran out convincing 3-1 winners over Antonio Conte’s sluggish side earlier in the season, but the Lilywhites tend to prove a different beast in North London derbies on their own soil.

With United and City to come before the end of the month, business both on and off the field will be telling when it comes to Arsenal’s title credentials.

Arsenal defeated Spurs at the Emirates in October, but Tottenham

Man City 12:30 Liverpool 15:00 Southampton 15:00 Leicester 15:00 West Ham 15:00 Bournemouth 17:30

SUNDAY

Chelsea Newcastle Tottenham

v v v

Crystal Palace 14:00 Fulham 14:00 Arsenal 16:30

LA LIGA TODAY

Valladolid v Vallecano 13:00 Girona v Sevilla 15:15 Osasuna v Mallorca 17:30 Sociedad v Bilbao 20:00 SUNDAY

Getafe v Espanyol 13:00 Almería v Atlético 15:15 MONDAY

Cádiz v Elche 20:00

Head to Head 21-09-25 Chelsea 0-1 Man City 22-10-02 Man City 6-3 Man Utd 22-03-06 Man City 4-1 Man Utd 21-11-06 Man Utd 0-2 Man City 21-03-07 Man City 0-2 Man Utd 20-12-12 Man Utd 0-0 Man City 20-03-08 Man Utd 2-0 Man City 19-12-07 Man City 1-2 Man Utd 19-04-24 Man Utd 0-2 Man City 18-11-11 Man City 3-1 Man Utd 18-04-07 Man City 2-3 Man Utd 17-12-10 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 17-04-27Man City 0-0 Man Utd

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Erling Haaland Harry Kane Ivan Toney Aleks Mitrovic Rodrigo Miguel Almiron

CLUB

Man City Tottenham Brentford Fulham Leeds Utd Newcastle

GOALS

21 15 12 11 10 9

have won all three North London derbies at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and would love nothing more than to derail their adversaries’ title ambitions further.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alex Iwobi

Iwobi Faces Fitness Race against Southampton Clash Alex Iwobi faces a late fitness test ahead of Everton’s Premier League meeting with Southampton at Goodison Park today.

Against Manchester United in an Emirates FA Cup match a week ago, the Super Eagles playmaker landed awkwardly after he was accidentally caught on the ankle by Tyrell Malacia and was taken off on a stretcher early in the second half.

Scan results confirmed that Iwobi suffered a lateral ligament injury that will be

managed conservatively by the club’s medical team.

When the Toffees released the medical update on Iwobi six days ago, it was speculated that he would be out for around three weeks, but manager Frank Lampard confirmed at the pre-match press conference that the Hale End Academy graduate has responded well to treatment and a late decision would be made on his availability.

Providing an injury update, Lampard said on

the number 17: “Alex has a lesser injury than what we thought so we’ll see in the morning if he’s ready to play tomorrow.”

Iwobi has been an important player for Everton this season, starting all their matches in the Premier League and has directly participated in six goals (1 goal, 5 assists).

Today’s game could be the 15th time the 26-year-old would be facing the Saints in his professional career if he gets the green light from the medical team.

Nice Join Race for Nigeria Striker, Terem Moffi Former French champions OGC Nice are interested in signing Nigerian striker Terem Moffi as a replacement for Andy Delort who may leave the club soon.

Moffi has been a shining light in Lorient this season.

After bagging eight goals last season, the 23-year-old Nigerian hitman has been on fire for Les Merlus, helping them maintain a spot in the top half of the table.

The former KV Kortrijk

man has scored 11 goals in 17 Ligue 1 appearances.

Moffi’s displays have not gone unnoticed, as Everton and Southampton have been heavily linked with him.

However, the Premier League sides are not the only ones keeping tabs on Moffi’s situation at Lorient.

RMC Sport reports that Nice are also interested in his services, as they are in search of a replacement for Delort, who could leave

the club soon.

The OGC Nice hierarchy are already in talks with Lorient in favour of a potential move, but the transfer fee is to be around €30 million.

Nice currently sit 10th in Ligue 1, with 24 points after 18 games. They have managed just 22 goals this season. Moffi’s addition could bolster their goalscoring record.

Les Aiglons have won the Ligue 1 four times

Al Ahly Dream Club World Cup Semi against Madrid Al Ahly could face European champions Real Madrid in the semi-finals of Fifa’s Club World Cup - but must first overcome opponents from Oceania and North America.

The Egyptian giants, 10-time champions of Africa, have been drawn against New Zealander’s Auckland City in the only first round tie.

Should they win that match they will take on Seattle Sounders from the

USA in round two, with the victors then meeting Real Madrid in the last four.

The tournament is being held in Morocco and, with reigning African champions Wydad Casablanca also doubling up as the host nation’s representative, Al Ahly qualify as a second African participant having finished as runners-up to Wydad in last year ’s African

Champions League final.

Wydad go straight into round two where they face Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia.

Brazilian side Flamengo, who like Real advance straight to the semi-final stage, could be Wydad’s last-four opponents on that side of the draw.

Chelsea won last year’s edition of a tournament that global governing body Fifa hopes to expand to 32 teams from 2025.

Barca, Madrid in Spanish Super Cup Final Live on StarTimes Barcelona will face archrivals Real Madrid tomorrow in Saudi Arabia in the Spanish Super Cup final live on the World Football channel, StarTimes.

Kickoff is 8 pm, and Riyadh will be the venue for the Clásico on Sunday.

Real Madrid defeated Valencia in the first semifinal a day before FC Barcelona defeated Real Betis. Barça could move two titles clear of Real Madrid. The final match on Sunday will be Barça’s 16th final against Real Madrid.

It’s five and a half years since the two clubs last met in a final. That was also in the Super Cup back in the days when it was a two-legged affair.

Madrid won that one. In fact, in seven Super Cup finals against the allwhites, Barça have only emerged victorious once, in 2011, the last time they beat their eternal rivals in any final.

The match is available for StarTimes subscribers using antenna decoders on channel 254, while dish users

will watch on channel 245.

“Non-StarTimes subscribers can stream the matches live on StarTimes-ON mobile app on the N800 weekly MAX VIP subscription. Active StarTimes subscribers on classic and super bouquet can stream the matches live on their mobile phones via the StarTimes-ON streaming app at no extra cost by linking their smartcard numbers to StarTimes-ON apps,” Lazarus Ibeabuchi, PR Manager, StarTimes Nigeria, said.

Benjamin Mendy

Benjamin Mendy Acquitted of Rape Charge Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of seven of the nine charges against him.

The Manchester City defender has been cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after a trial which began in August 2022.

However, after 14 days of deliberation at Chester Crown Court, the jury has been unable to reach verdicts on two other charges against Mendy - one count of rape, involving a woman aged 24 in October 2020, and one count of attempted rape, involving a woman aged 29 in October 2018.

Mendy will face a retrial in June over the two charges - alleged rape and alleged attempted rape - that the jury could not decide on.

Mendy’s co-accused, Louis

Saha Matturie, has been found not guilty of three charges.

He faces a retrial on six more charges in September.

Both men denied the charges and said all the sexual activity was consensual.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Tomlinson, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Following a full and thorough investigation into allegations of rape and sexual assault made against Mendy and Matturie a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, who directed that a prosecution case should be pursued.

“There will now be re-trials for the remaining matters later this year and we continue to support the witnesses in this case, and work with our colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service.

“We are committed to investigating all allegations of rape and sexual assault - no matter how long ago they took place. If you are a victim of this type of crime, please don’t suffer in silence, come forward and we will listen to you, we will take action and we will provide you with the support that you need.”

Mendy held his head in his hands as the verdicts against him were read out.

They were delivered on Wednesday but could not be reported until the jury finished considering the remaining two charges.

Yesterday, the judge asked if the jury would reach verdicts if they had more time.

However, the foreman replied: “No. We are at a point now where we can’t agree.”

Nottingham Forest Eye Sarr’s Swap Deal for Dennis Nottingham Forest are reportedly eyeing a swap deal for Senegal forward, Ismaila Sarr, amid Emmanuel Dennis’ struggle at City Ground According to reports, the English team is undertaking a reshuffle to keep their Premier League hope alive.

The Tricky Trees have not been at their best so far since they were promoted to the top-flight division, standing

just two points clear at the top of the league table.

However, Dennis, according to The Mirror, could be one of the scapegoats that might be axed from the team following his subpar performance for the Reds.

It should be recalled that the Super Eagles forward switched to Nottingham Forest from Watford to join his countryman, Taiwo Awoniyi,

for a reported fee of around £20 million.

Since his arrival, the 25-yearold has only scored one goal and provided one assist in 10 domestic league appearances for Steve Cooper’s men.

However, this performance could be a major lead on Cooper’s thought of sending him back to his former club to pick Senegal’s 2022 World Cup star.

Injury Knocks out Moses of Spartak’s UAE Camping

Spartak Moscow have announced their traveling squad for their first training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates ahead of the restart of the Russian Premier League.

Former Nigeria international Victor Moses has not been included in the 27-man squad as he is still recovering from injury.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner has been on the sidelines since August 2022 after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during the club’s 2-0 win

against Ural.

Spartak Moscow coach Guillermo Abascal revealed that Moses will join his teammates later and the midfielder will be assessed by the medical team with a view to his inclusion in the squad for the second training camp that will hold in Abu Dhabi from January 30 to February 11.

In quotes relayed by football24.ru, the Spanish football tactician said: “Both I and the fitness coach are monitoring the condition of Moses.

“We met with Victor in London. I can say that he will miss the first training camp and will arrive only after the 23rd.

We will assess his condition, and perhaps he will be able to take part in the second training camp.”

In Abu Dhabi, Spartak Moscow will take part in the friendly tournament Winline Winter RPL Cup, where they will play with Rostov, Krasnodar and Sochi, and will conclude their preparations in Belek, Turkey from 14-20 February.

Bosso Denies Report He Rejected Bribe from Agent Flying Eagles’ Head Coach, Isah Ladan Bosso has denied a report in a section of the media that he granted an interview in which he claimed to have rejected the sum of €100,000 offered by a football agent to have the latter’s player in the Nigeria U20 squad.

The report claimed that Bosso, who tinkered the Nigeria intermediate team to win the WAFU B U20 Championship in Niger Republic last year and will lead them to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations starting in Egypt next month, made

a statement to the effect that he had refused the amount offered by a certain overseasbased football agent. “Please permit me to clear the air on this news making the rounds about me rejecting an amount of money from a football agent.

I never made such a claim to any journalist, talk less of in a formal interview.

There was no time I made such a statement to either a journalist or any other person for that matter. If anyone has proof of my making such a statement, the person should

come out and tender it in public. “At the moment, I am focused on ensuring the Flying Eagles prepare very well and we are able to pick the very best legs to represent Nigeria at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt. We surely can do without such distractions.”

Bosso also shed more light on the number of players invited to camp for the final phase of preparations ahead of the U20 tournament. “I have also read somewhere that we have 65 players in the camp; this is outright falsehood.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Osimhen was on target for Napoli against Sampdoria last Sunday

Victor Osimhen Not Dreaming the Theatre With Manchester United desperately in need of a striker, Nigeria and Napoli point man-Victor Osimhen, was again the top priority on the list of the Theatre Dreams’egg heads but for the umpteenth time the Super Eagle turned down a move to Old Trafford

M

anchester United’s pursuit of a striker in the January transfer window has ended with a deal for Wout Weghorst after Napoli’s Victor Osimhen rejected a dream to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Nigeria forward, 24, has been on fire ever since joining Napoli in the summer of 2020 for a club-record fee of £63 million. Osimhen seemed quite a risky purchase at the time given that fee but it has more than paid dividends, with the Serie A club becoming one of the most feared teams in Europe.

They are top of the league in Italy and take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the last 16 of the Champions League after topping Group A. Osimhen’s contribution has been vital with 11 goals in 16 matches.

Of course, United have been linked with a move for him before, and as reported by the Manchester Evening News, Osimhen is on the club’s shortlist of targets for the summer and is well admired at Old Trafford.

But Osimhen has rejected a move to the Premier League before. The former Lille player explained in an interview in 2020 why he opted to turn down the chance to play in England.

“Many predicted I will move to the EPL, and I had a lot of interesting offers from some clubs,” Osimhen told CAFOnline in September 2020. “But Napoli was the best choice for me.

“It was so because of the kind of player I want to be in the future, and the kind of great career I want to have. I have no doubt that Napoli is the club I need to achieve that greater height.”

Manchester United’s pursuit of a striker in the January transfer window is ongoing with a deal for

Wout Weghorst being pursued - while others such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen are on the radar. .A number of names have been linked including Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos, but it is clear that the best option for United to target in the number nine position is Napoli’s Osimhen.

The Nigerian hit-man has been in great form this season, scoring 10 goals in 13 Serie A games and his goals have fired Napoli to the top of the Serie A table by seven points. He has been praised by fans and pundits alike for his clever movement in front of goal and how he looks unstoppable playing off the last line.

Osimhen’s pace allows him to leave his markers in the dust over long distances and he also has a good burst of pace over short distances as well, meaning he can get the few inches needed in the box on numerous occasions to make the most of chances.

United are creating more chances under Ten Hag, and with the monstrous numbers that Erling Haaland is putting up at Manchester City, many fans are pining for the time that they were heavily linked with the Norwegian. Osimhen is the best bet to attempt to even that playing field. He cost Napoli around £70 million in 2020 and the Italian club will likely be looking for some return on their investment if they were to sell him to United.

On Wednesday Osimhen received his Power Horse Emerging Player of the Year award (2022) for his outstanding performance in 2022.

They conducted the ceremony in Napoli, a day after Osimhen scored his 10th Serie A goal and led his side to a seven-point advantage on the league table.

At the event, Globe Soccer wrote on their Twitter account, “Victor was not able to attend the 2022

#GlobeSoccer Awards gala in Dubai on November 17th, so Globe Soccer and #PowerHorse decided to hold an awarding ceremony in Naples, Victor’s current hometown.

“Power Horse CEO, Salvatore Caizzone was joined by Cristiano Giuintoli, Sporting Director of @ SSCNapoli, and Enrico Bendoni of Globe Soccer as they handed Osimhen the Emerging Player of the Year trophy.”

Osimhen played 32 matches for Napoli in 2022 and scored 21 goals while he appeared four times for the Super Eagles and scored five goals.

The 24-year-old also responded to the award on Twitter. “Just Received the @Globe_Soccer Award For The Power Horse Emerging Player Of The Year.

Thank You For The Recognition, And To Those That Have Been Supporting Me Through The Years, I Appreciate Y’all. GOD Is The Greatest.”

Former Juventus and Napoli midfielder Raffaele Ametrano stated that he’s impressed by Osimhen’s skillset which he feels makes him difficult to mark.

Osimhen is known for his pace, tenacity and aerial strength while also possessing a powerful shot, qualities that have made him one of the most feared strikers in the world.

The Nigeria international has displayed all these traits in his time in Italy, and Sunday’s Serie A meeting with Sampdoria was a prime example, when he spotted Mario Rui on the ball and sprinted into the box, getting in between the two centre-backs, before connecting well with the defender’s pass to slot home his 10th league goal of the season.

Osimhen also showed his strength when he shrugged off two defenders to score from a tight angle in Napoli’s victory over AS Roma in October.

His goal in Napoli’s 2-0 victory over Sampdoria saw him take his tally to 11 in all competitions and

10 in Serie A, making him the league’s leading scorer after 17 matches, and Ametrano feels he will continue making life difficult for defenders.

“Victor Osimhen, he is a player who tires you to such an extent that you lose the decisive metre,” Ametrano told Italy’s Radio RCC as published by Tuttonapoli. “Even in (Sunday’s) goal, he had a 10/15 metre dash ahead of the defender.”

“It’s not easy to mark Osimhen. He arrives with impressive clarity in the penalty area with the work he manages to do. If he manages to have physical and mental continuity, he will score a lot of goals between now and the end (of the season).”

Osimhen leads the Golden Boot race ahead of Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, M’Bala Nzola of Spezia and Bologna’s Marko Arnautovic, who are all tied on eight.

With Napoli chasing a first league title since 1990, they will need the 24-year-old fully fit, since he gives them a focal point in attack while utilising the chances created by the likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Piotr Zielinski.

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 14, 2023

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

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34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK Tips and Tricks For Preventing Rust in Your Car Preventing rust is a topic that should concern every vehicle owner. Rust not only damages the vehicle, but also takes a toll on its appearance as well as the resale value. If you do not keep your car well-maintained, you are going to see patches of rust appear. Prevention is key. If you let WKH UXVW VHW LQ LW ZLOO EHFRPH GL΀FXOW WR UHPRYH it later on!

Here are some tips and tricks for vehicle owners to help keep their cars free from rust. These tips will slow down the oxidation of even the most fragile parts of the car and will keep it bright, shining and free from rust.

TIP FOR PREVENTING RUST The following rust prevention tips will keep your car rust free.

Mercedes AMG SL 63 4MATIC+

Mercedes Renders AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ in Original Racing Car Look

T

o mark the end of the 2022 Formula 1 season, MercedesAMG has said it is presenting a special model of the SL 63 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption: 13.2–12.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 300-291 g/km)[1].

A statement by the automaker said “It reflects the look of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 E PERFORMANCE racing car. The colour graduation from high-tech silver metallic to obsidian black metallic is inspired by the model from the top class of motorsport. The same is true of the star pattern on the vehicle flanks and the PETRONAS-coloured contrasts: these can be found on the front apron, side sill panels and rear diffuser.” Added to this are 21-inch AMG 10-twin-spoke forged wheels in a matt black finish with PETRONAS-coloured rim flanges. The electric soft top is in black.

The AMG Aerodynamics package not only dramatises the appearance: larger flics on the

front and rear apron, the larger rear diffuser and the active profile in the underbody improve the aerodynamic properties. The same applies to the downforce and aerodynamic drag. This all brings advantages for the driving characteristics at high speeds and for improved efficiency.

The AMG Night package and the AMG Night package II enhance the visual appearance of the “Motorsport Collectors Edition”. With the AMG Night package, selected exterior features are finished in high-gloss black: the front splitter, side sill panels, mirror caps and the decorative trim in the rear diffuser. Added to this are darkened exhaust tailpipes. The AMG Night package II adds further features in black chrome, including the radiator grille, typography and Mercedes star at the rear. In addition, the interior components of the headlamps and rear lights are darkened. The brake callipers of the AMG high-performance composite brake system are also painted black. The AMG fuel filler cap in silver chrome with “AMG” lettering also emphasises the special status of the edition.

The standard AMG Performance seats are available with two upholsteries: in black nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre with red topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the head restraints, or in black nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre with yellow topstitching and embossed AMG emblem in the head restraints. The AMG carbon-fibre trim harmonises with the heated AMG Performance steering wheel with carbon-fibre rim.

The Burmester® high end 3D surround sound system, ambient lighting, the MBUX Interior Assistant, the Driving Assistance package and the head-up display are included as standard in this very extensively equipped special model.

AMG TRACK PACE provides support with a wide range of data when driving on the racetrack. The Load Compartment package increases everyday practicality, while the illuminated AMG door sill panels welcome passengers with the AMG logo.

MotorTrend Honours Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung

H

yundai Motor Group’s Executive Chair, Euisun Chung, has been honoured with the MotorTrend Person of the Year award, having secured the number one position in MotorTrend’s esteemed 2023 Power List, according to a statement by the automaker.

The MotorTrend Power List ranks the 50 most influential people in the global automotive industry each year. During the past five years, Executive Chair Chung has risen progressively from his first appearance on the power list at No. 12 in 2018 to No. 5 in 2022 and now No. 1 in 2023.

MotorTrend named Chung ‘Person of the Year’ for “leading Hyundai Motor Group into a new age.” It also highlighted the exceptional caliber of the vehicles developed under Chung’s watch, stating: “The vehicles coming out of Hyundai Motor Group are notable for their eye-catching design, quality, clever packaging, and good value – and they are proving increasingly difficult to beat.”

This latest critical acclaim follows a proliferation of MotorTrend awards for the Group’s models, which include the Genesis G90 being hailed as the automotive media brand’s 2023 Car of the Year and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 named its 2023 SUV of the Year. Previously, the Genesis GV70 and Kia Telluride took similar honors. “Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia have been hitting balls out of the park repeatedly,” asserted MotorTrend.

In addition to his skill in plotting the course for

Chung the Group’s current success, MotorTrend extolled Chung’s vision of the future. It recognized his “big-picture” thinking and his ability to initiate solutions traditionally regarded beyond the bounds of the automotive industry.

“As Executive Chair, Chung is putting his stamp on the company’s future. His grasp of where the world and the industry are headed, combined with a desire to make the planet a

better place, spurs a broader mission to become a leader in electric vehicles and advanced mobility,” observed MotorTrend. It also highlighted the Group’s pioneering role in smart city planning and a myriad of mobility solutions, including robots and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

Commenting on the depth and reach of Chung’s vision, MotorTrend added: “In that sense, he does his father and grandfather proud, pushing the entire Hyundai Motor Group to new levels.

1. WASH AND WAX If you wash and wax your vehicle regularly, the chances of it rusting will decrease enormously.

Dirt not only makes your vehicle look untidy, it also has a lot of moisture in it – one of the main causes of rusting. Washing your vehicle every couple of weeks will prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt. Additionally, waxing it with a good quality car wax at least every four months will keep the paint safe from contaminants that tend to cling to the surface and cause openings in the paint which let in moisture.

2. PROTECTING YOUR CAR AGAINST ROAD SALT Rusting of the vehicle speeds up if you live near the sea or during winters when there is a lot salt on the road. The best way of preventing the rusting of your vehicle because of road salt is to have it cleaned regularly, and then oiling the underneath of the car with the right lubricant like WD-40. This will provide a barrier between the surface of the vehicle and the moisture which is the main cause of rust.

3. COATING IT WITH WD-40 When it comes to rust prevention coating, nothing beats WD-40. It keeps the metal surfaces dry which is the key to preventing rust on your vehicles.

For best results, make sure you wash and clean the car well before applying WD-40. Don’t only spray it on the exterior body of the vehicle, but also spray it on the underside of the car which is more prone to getting rusty. With a coat of WD-40, your car will remain free from the trouble of rust DQG WKH GL΀FXOW\ RI JHWWLQJ ULG RI LW 4. BEWARE OF NICKS AND SCRATCHES The way that parking lots are laid out and built, vehicles are parked much closer to one another than ever before. This increases the risk of receiving scratches from neighbouring cars when the doors are opened. Scratches can also be caused by pebbles or tiny rocks striking the vehicle when it is being driven. These nicks and scratches let moisture in, which leads to rusting of the vehicle.

5. INSPECT THE CAR REGULARLY Inspecting and examining your car regularly is also important for rust prevention. Look for rust on the body of the car and see if the paint on any part of the car is blistering up or bubbling as this is the beginning of the problem of rust.

Particularly look at these three areas for rust: the trunk and the engine, the external painted parts of the car and the undercarriage.

If there is going to be a long period of inactivity, wash the car and spray it with WD-40 – the best rust prevention spray. Don’t drive too close behind other vehicles to prevent nicks caused by the kicking up of pebbles. Also, keep your car covered with a car cover whenever possible.

Cars are prone to rusting and if they are not taken care of well, the rust will grow without you even noticing it. Keep the above-mentioned tips and tricks in mind to keep your car rust free.

Brits have been protecting their cars from rust for the past 60 years using WD-40. It is the ideal rust prevention lubricant that is easy to spray and provides premium protection against rust.

(Source: WD-40)

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

AUTO WORLD

NAJA Awards: Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi L200 in Contest for Best Pickup

T

oyota Hilux, Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger will contest for the position of Pickup-Truckof–the-Year at upcoming awards, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA).

7KHVH DUH DPRQJ WKH ÀQDOLVWV NAJA announced for its 2022 Nigeria Auto Industry $ZDUGV VFKHGXOHG IRU -DQXDU\ DW 2ULHQWDO +RWHO 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV NAJA Auto Awards is an annual event that celebrates auto brands across the entire auto value chain in Nigeria. Finalists that also emerged in Nigeria auto awards are, GS4, Geely Coolray, Suzuki S-Presso in car-of-the-year battle According to the awards committee, dozens of GLVWLQJXLVKHG DXWRPRWLYH MRXUQDOLVWV IURP GLͿHUHQW PHGLXPV VHOHFWHG WKH ÀQDOLVWV EDVHG RQ WKHLU evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their professional work.

In the Car-of-the-Year category, Suzuki S-Presso, GAC GS4 and Geely Coolray will battle for the top prize to be presented at the night of the awards.

Finalists for the 2022 awards in other categories have also been announced. In the Truck-of-the-Year category, the battle is straight between Sino truck Dangote, Shacman – TSS and JAC from Lanre Shittu.

Innoson, Mikano and GAC will slug it out for the Assembly Plant-of-the-Year category.

Ford Ranger

Mitsubishi L200

Toyota Hilux

In the luxury car segment, Porsche, Mercedes and BMW models are the front runners.

Elizade Autoland (JAC), Stallion Hyundai and CFAO will battle for the outstanding auto workshop honour. ,Q WKH 689 FDWHJRU\ FRPSDFW .LD 6HOWR *HHO\ Coolray and GAC GS4 have been nominated.For /DUJH 689 7R\RWD /DQG &UXLVHU ZLOO ORFN KRUQV with GAC GS8, BMW X7 and Range Rover (Autobiography).

Lanre Shittu (JAC truck), TSS (Shacman) and Dangote Sinotruck will also battle again for the truck plant of the year award.

Giving insights into the nominees, Chairman of the 2022 Award Committee, Rasheed Bisiriyu, said

all vehicles nominated in the various categories represent exceptional value and designs.

“We are using our respected, trusted platform to recognise and acknowledge best-performing EUDQGV LQ GLͿHUHQW VHJPHQWV DQG FDWHJRULHV DFURVV the entire auto value chain.”

According to him, the award event, which has now become a major industry show, celebrates and rewards automotive excellence.

He also revealed that Founder/CEO of ABC Transport, Frank Nneji, and Deputy Managing 'LUHFWRU RI &)$2 0RWRUV 0U .XQOH -DL\HVLPL would be honoured with the Auto Personality of the year in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of Nigeria’s auto industry.

Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Aliyu Jelani, will also be honoured as Promoter of Local Content in auto assembling in Nigeria.

Late Chairman of Globe Motors, William Anumudu, and Charity Maduka, the late wife of Coscharis Group president, Cosmas Maduka, have been pencilled down for posthumous awards at the event.

In his own comment, Chairman of NAJA, Mike Ochonma, said the auto journalist body has always believed in bringing together all the stakeholders in the automotive sector to build a stronger community DQG VWUHQJWKHQ FRQVXPHUV· FRQÀGHQFH DQG WUXVW in the industry and their brands.

Kia Wins Good Design Awards for 2023 Niro, Concept EV9

.

ia Corporation has received four prestigious accolades in the 2022 Good Design Awards transportation FDWHJRU\ IRU LWV 1LUR &RQFHSW (9 (9 ,QIRWDLQment System, and Magenta Design Infotainment System.

According to a statement by the auWRPDNHU WKH DOO QHZ .LD 1LUR IHDWXUHV a bold and dynamic design inspired by the brand’s acclaimed ‘Opposites United’ GHVLJQ SKLORVRSK\ ² VSHFLÀFDOO\ LWV GHVLJQ pillar ‘Joy for Reason’. The perspective takes inspiration from nature, while the FKRLFH RI FRORUV PDWHULDOV DQG ÀQLVKHV VWULNH WKH SHUIHFW EDODQFH EHWZHHQ .LD·V environmentally responsible approach to mobility and a future-oriented passenger car vision.

developed from deposited waste removed from the fragile marine ecosystem. .LD·V (9 ,QIRWDLQPHQW 6\VWHP DQG Magenta Design Infotainment System are VSHFLÀFDOO\ RSWLPL]HG IRU HOHFWULF YHKLFOHV and based on a stunning paper-themed Graphical User Interface (GUI). Based on the black-based color seamlessly integrated within the panoramic curved display, the delicate and soft feeling associated with paper inspires and infuses the overall design theme, while the progressive, high-resolution graphic images displayed are realized with green and violet key colors.

The 2023 Kia Niro .LD·V DZDUG ZLQQLQJ SURGXFWV DQG V\VWHP UHD΀UP WKH EUDQG·V 7KH .LD &RQFHSW (9 HPERGLHV .LD·V WKH ¶.LD 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ 0RYHPHQW· GLJLWDO VRIWZDUH unwavering commitment to accelerate its commitment to sustainable mobility presentation. The design of the boundary- transformation to a sustainable mobility solutions, which the company recently breaking concept vehicle was inspired by solutions provider, in line with the company showcased through its future vision at nature and incorporates upcycled materials maxim of ‘Movement that inspires.’

Do You Have a Tyre Inflator Today, I wish to draw the curtains on my series on tyres. My focus on tyres started towards the end of the 2022 Christmas celebration. I know some did not spare to even glance through my piece while some others were kind enough to UHDG WKH ZULWHXSV 7KH VHULHV VWDUWHG ZLWK P\ ÀUVW focus, titled “The New Tyre Commandants. In this piece, my focus was on the vital importance of tyres as the most important part of a vehicle but unfortunately the least understood.

I drew readers’ attention to the fact that without tyres your vehicle is useless and reminded them that buying tyres is a task you need to undertake very carefully otherwise your safety and that of others could be put in great danger. I concluded by reminding them that before buying any tyre, they must give serious consideration to the size, age and its physical condition. I followed the piece with another important one titled, ’Installing New Tyres’. This piece focused on how and where to install your new tyres. When most people buy new tyres, they tend to install them in the front axle. They give a number of reasons for doing so.

Among such reasons are that with the engine in the front, new tyres should be in the front since WKH\ DUH VWURQJHU VR VKRXOG HͿHFWLYHO\ VXSSRUW the weight of the engine; new tyres will be less SURQH WR VXͿHU D EORZRXW DQG VLQFH EORZRXW RI a front tyre is more dangerous than that of a rear tyre, it is safer to install new tyres in the front; DQG IURQW W\UHV VXͿHU WKH ULJRUV RI DFFHOHUDWLRQ braking, steering and bad road conditions more and so wear out faster than the rear tyres.

So, new tyres are better installed in the front?

I debunked the reasons which sound logical but dangerous. Last week, I took on the need to own a tyre gauge as priority because of the challenges of the absence of standard tyre gauge even among vulcanizers based on study conducted and also the knowledge gap among a handful who yet pretend to be experts. The concern was to guard

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

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

against incorrect tyre pressure which is a killer.

If you run a check on your tyre pressures now with a quality tyre pressure gauge (not the abused/ overused roadside vulcanizer’s gauge), you will appreciate why the above alarm is sounded. Such a check may reveal that at least one of your tyres LV LQFRUUHFWO\ LQÁDWHG 9HU\ IHZ YHKLFOHV LI DQ\ will pass this test.

So, correct tyre pressure is a must for any safety conscious motorist. But the big question is, how do you ensure that what the vulcanizer pumped into your tyre is the correct pressure?

Only a quality tyre pressure gauge will tell you.

A quality gauge will also enable you to gauge your tyres at the right time and to ensure that all the tyres maintain correct pressure before the vehicle is driven out for the day.

This is particularly important if you are in the transport business or if you are travelling.

Never rely on the roadside vulcanizers’ gauge.

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

7KH VHFRQG RSWLRQ LV WR LQVWDOO D KLJK SURÀOH automatic tyre monitor. This is a state of the art device that uses sensors and a wireless monitor

to monitor your tyres on a 24-hour basis.

It alerts the driver well in advance about an impending tyre blowout or failure. It pinpoints the exact tyre so that the driver will take appropriate measures to deal with WKH VLWXDWLRQ ,W DOVR HͿHFWLYHO\ WDNHV FDUH of premature tyre wear.

If you own a car, you should save your life and time by owning a high-quality durable tyre gauge and a portable high quality rapid action/durable electric tyre LQÁDWRU 7KLV FRXOG VDYH \RXU OLIH DQG \RXU time as stated below.

Let us start with saving your life in an LVRODWHG ORFDWLRQ <RX FRXOG KDYH D ÁDW W\UH in an isolated and dangerous location. With \RXU W\UH LQÁDWRU \RX FDQ TXLFNO\ LQÁDWH your tyre and get out of harm’s way.

The second is in saving your time/saving you from embarrassment. For instance, when going out in the morning, you could GLVFRYHU \RX KDYH D ÁDW %\ WKDW WLPH LW is not likely to get a vulcanizer. So, your SHUVRQDO LQÁDWRU DQG JDXJH ZLOO GR WKH work for you.

The third is preventing tyre blowout: Tyre blowouts are often caused by incorrect tyre SUHVVXUH :LWK \RXU W\UH LQÁDWRU DQG JDXJH \RX ZLOO JDXJH DQG LQÁDWH \RXU W\UHV ULJKW How do you know the correct tyre size/ pressure for your vehicle? Your correct tyre VL]H SUHVVXUH LV WKH RQH VSHFLÀHG E\ WKH YHKLFOH PDQXIDFWXUHU <RX ZLOO ÀQG \RXUV on the sticker by the driver’s door where the manufacture ring date of the vehicle is written. Pump your tyre to the vehicle manufacturer’s tyre size/pressure; nothing more, nothing less. :KHQ¶V WKH EHVW WLPH WR JDXJH DQG LQÁDWH your tyres? Best time is when the tyres are not hot, ideally in the morning before

you drive out. If you do so when the tyres are hot, you will get an incorrect reading because WKH KHDW ZRXOG KDYH JLYHQ WKH W\UH DUWLÀFLDO LQÁDWLRQ DQG VR \RX ZRXOG WKLQN SUHVVXUH LV correct or more when it is not and then you risk a blowout.

Beware of the DANGEROUS vulcanizer’s error!

The vulcanizer, most likely, does not know the VSHFLÀHG W\UH SUHVVXUH IRU \RXU YHKLFOH DQG PD\ not even have an accurate gauge. So, your tyre, PRVW OLNHO\ ZLOO EH GDQJHURXVO\ RYHULQÁDWHG Most vulcanizers think that the bigger a tyre is, the bigger the pressure should be. However, the reverse is the case; the bigger the tyre, the lower WKH SUHVVXUH 6R D YXOFDQL]HU FRXOG LQÁDWH D W\UH ZLWK YHKLFOH VSHFLÀFDWLRQ RI VD\ SVL WR SVL there by putting one at a very grave risk. If you are using a vulcanizer to pump your tyres, you DUH WKH RQH WR WHOO KLP WKH SUHVVXUH VSHFLÀFDWLRQ for your vehicle and use your own gauge to FRQÀUP WKDW KH KDV SXPSHG WKHP FRUUHFWO\ ,W is your life. A lot of people have died and are still dying as a result of the vulcanizer’s error!

In fact, the vulcanizer’s error is the major cause of tyre blow outs! So, beware!

3UHYHQW \RXU YHKLFOH IURP VNLGGLQJ RͿ WKH road/somersaulting in emergency braking: Major cause of this is incorrect tyre pressure which PDNHV WKH W\UH QRW WR KDYH D ÀUP JULS RQ WKH URDG :LWK \RXU W\UH LQÁDWRU DQG JDXJH \RX ZLOO pump and gauge to the vehicle manufacturer’s VSHFLÀFDWLRQ VR WKDW \RXU W\UH FDQ KDYH D ÀUP JULS on the road and minimise skidding/somersault.

Save your tyres from premature wears and WHDUV :URQJ W\UH LQÁDWLRQ LV WKH PDMRU FDXVH RI ZHDUV DQG WHDUV ,I \RX RYHULQÁDWH WKHP they will wear out on the crown (top). If you XQGHULQÁDWH WKHP WKH\ ZLOO ZHDU RXW DW WKH HGJH 6R XVH \RXU JDXJH DQG LQÁDWRU WR JDXJH DQG pump according to the vehicle manufacturer’s VSHFLÀFDWLRQ WR VDYH \RXU W\UHV

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

36

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Marketing Executive, SystemSpecs Group, Benson Ubanye; Head of Business Development, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), Tereigh Ozakpo; Staff, Holy Family Home for the Elderly, Angela Gabriel; Product Manager, FundACause (STSL), Damilola Davids; Business Development Manager, (STSL), Olakunle Afolabi; and Head, Brands and Marketing, SystemSpecs Group, Henry Eguabor, during the 2022 ‘Sharing A Smile’ Christmas Campaign Outreach, an initiative of FundACause and SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL) to the Holy Family Home for the Elderly, Mushin, Lagos, recently

L-R: Manager, Sustainability, IHS Towers, John Isiekwene; Manager, Sustainability and Impact Reporting, MTN Foundation, Edward Fagbohun; Lead Consultant, Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) and Chief Executive, CSR-In-Action, ‘Bekeme Olowola; Partner Business Manager, HP Inc, Elizabeth Nwajei, and Executive Secretary, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbolahan Awonuga, at the Telecommunication and Technology Sustainability Working Group (TTSWG) Year-End ‘Sip and Tech’ held in Lagos… recently.

Firm Reiterates Commitment to Deepening Mouka Partners Lagos, Inclusion in Extractive Industries Celebrates First Baby of 2023 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP &65 LQ $FWLRQ KDV UHD΀UPHG FRPPLWPHQW WR inclusion in Nigeria’s extractive industries at the just concluded Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) conference.

Now in its 11th edition, SITEI aims to explore possible reforms in critical sectors, focusing on how the rights of suppliers, women, youth, business, and communities’ interests are advanced.

This year’s conference is themed, “Holistic Inclusion in the Extractive Industries”.

The conference is held in partnership with Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Ministry of Environment, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Ford Foundation, and Zenera Consulting.

Speaking, Chief Executive, CSR-inAction, and convener of SITEI, Bekeme Olowola stated that shareholders are

becoming increasingly aware of the need for industry players to demonstrate more structured action and transparency on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.

She said that CSR-in-Action had been a frontliner in facilitating sustainability through advocacy, training, and consultancy.

She said, “Equity was the principal consideration whilst developing the theme and thrust of this conference as we sought to examine how key stakeholders can EHQHÀW IURP WKH ZHDOWK RI RSSRUWXQLWLHV present or that may be created within the extractive industries.

“The conference is designed to meet the need to develop a safe space for these critical discussions, and we are convinced this event has taken the subregion one step closer to providing the solutions to the issues faced in the sector.”

Chairman, SITEI Organizing Committee, Meka Olowola said, “The conference has continued to yield tangible all-year-round impacts in the extractive industries. We’ve seen it birth initiatives such as the Community Engagement Standards, which was developed to ensure smooth and HͿHFWLYH LQWHUDFWLRQV EHWZHHQ RLO DQG JDV companies and their host communities; Earth Woman Documentary, which was created to highlight the plight of women in extractive communities and The Corporate Sustainable Investor Report (CSIR), amongst others.

In attendance were government agencies, LQYHVWRUV UHWDLOHUV ÀQDO XVHUV DQG ORFDO community members.

Some of them are, Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Teshome Nkrumah; and Director, United Nations Regional Commissions, Rosa Malango, amongst others.

Indigenous manufacturer of mattresses and other bedding products, Mouka has honoured families of babies born on New Year’s Day 2023, in demonstration of its commitment to adding value to life.

Mouka participated in celebratory events to welcome the newborns across 13 public healthcare facilities in Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Kaduna, Kano, and Plateau States.

In Lagos, Mouka joined the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) lbijoke Sanwo-Olu, at selected public health facilities across the metropolis, where it presented gift items to mothers of the Nigerian pro-technology and The report stated, “Pollution is caused LV WKDW WKHVH IDFWV DͿHFW \RX PRUH ÀUVW EDELHV 7KH JLIWV comprised pillows, Dino non-governmental organisation, by the lifestyles and use of ICT gadgets than you think.”

Telecommunication and Technology globally. The energy waste emitted in It tasked organisations to track ICT mats and Dreamtime Sustainability Working Group, TTSWG, powering heavy use of the internet emissions more religiously and called Baby mattresses.

The babies were has called for more sustainable practices by millions around the world and a for spread of knowledge on practices born by Mrs. Iromain in workplace to contain Information load of accessing wireless networks that enable sustainability.

Communication Technology (ICT) are very high, and that generates “We need to unite as true Nigerians and Mrs. Olufoye in emissions. enough carbon dioxide to impact to engage in practices that can have a Ebute-Meta General The organisation also stressed aware- the environment adversely.

VLJQLÀFDQW LPSDFW RQ SXVKLQJ DJDLQVW Hospital and Lagos State ness and sensitisation on proper use ”ICT now accounts for over 3% of these threats through the best use of University Teaching of ICT products and tools. global greenhouse emissions, and this ICT tools. The earlier we roll up our Hospital [LASUTH], Ikeja is said to more than triple by 2040. sleeves and aggressively campaign respectively.

Speaking, First Lady of It in` a report noted that as much as 7KHVH ÀJXUHV ZRXOG VXJJHVW WKDW ,&7 for this, the better chances we get ,&7 LQÁXHQFHG HFRQRPLF JURZWK LWV has emissions greater than the aviation DW PDNLQJ VRPH VLJQLÀFDQW FKDQJH Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs) lbipollution tendency remained a threat industry, which are currently around before we arrive at a point where it joke Sanwo-Olu said that to the environment and economy at 2% of global emissions. If there is begins to cost us economic collapse”, welcoming newborns is a V\PEROLF DQG VLJQLÀFDQW large. one thing, we are very certain of, it it warned.

Organisations Tasked on Sustainable Practices to Manage ICT Pollution

O2 Academy Restates Commitment to Talent Development Nigeria’s online advertising school, O2 Academy has pledged commitment to professionalism, as its announced registration for its 2023 academic session.

The digital school urged knowledge seekers in advertising to take advantage of its RͿHULQJV LQ WKH SHULRG WR KRUQ WKHLU VNLOOV The organisation in a statement disclosed WKDW LW ZLOO EH RͿHULQJ GLYHUVH FRXUVHV ranging from Art Direction and Graphics Design, to Film Editing, amongst many others.

It stated, “Our weekly programmes last for 3 months while that of weekend is for 2 months. Our programmes are deep and rich, with industry experts who come around to mentor and lecture students on

LQGXVWU\ WUHQGV ZKLOH DOVR RͿHULQJ WKHP an opportunity to network. We indulge interested ones not to procrastinate any longer and take advantage of the opportunity to upgrade their career and get independent.”

The foremost advertising hub over the years, continuously serves as a knowledge refresher for mature advertising practitioners in Nigeria and across Africa, while helping to expand the frontiers of knowledge for aspiring professionals in the advertising industry.

02 prides itself as a citadel of learning that understands the power of capacity building and human resources as the engine room for business growth and sustainability.

event that brings forth the assurances that human heritage is carried on to the next generation.

She said, ‘’The gift of a new baby is a priceless one from God Almighty and as with a lot of cultures, across the world, the birth of a child brings good fortune to society. We are here today not just to celebrate new life but also to seek opportunities to make a GLͿHUHQFH LQ WKH OLYHV RI the people who need our assistance.

“Bearing in mind always that our show of love, kindness and compassion is only an extension of gratitude to our maker for the same grace granted to us’’.

She also commended philanthropists and corporates, including Mouka who partnered with the state to identify with the newborns.

Commenting, Managing Director of Mouka, Mr. Femi Fapohunda assured of continued advocacy for a healthy sleep culture, especially from childhood.

“This is why we are donating the Dreamtime mattresses, specially designed with children in PLQG WR WKH ÀUVW EDELHV of the year, “he said.

Group Spreads Love to School, Supports Learning A group, Class of 97 of the Old Students Association of Lagos State Model College Kankon (LASMOCK), Badagry has donated educational items to its alma mater to improve learning output.

The group stated that the gesture aimed to enhance classroom learning and support quality education.

President of the group, Adepehin Martins stared that the donation was part of activities marking the group’s Silver Jubilee.

Items donated included 75- inch digital interactive boards presented to both junior and senior schools.

Martins added, “This is our token contribution towards educational development

of upcoming generation. However, it’s a FROOHFWLYH HͿRUW DIWHU PXFK GHOLEHUDWLRQV as to the best way to celebrate 25 years of our exit from LASMOCK. “We consider this as a social responsibility to give back to the school that produced us. We chose to celebrate with the school VWDͿ DQG VWXGHQWV DQG DOVR JLYH EDFN LQ our own little way”.

Responding, Principal of the Senior Model School, Mr. Segun Ibitoye appreciate the gesture, stating that the school was perhaps WKH ÀUVW JRYHUQPHQW VFKRRO WR XVH LQWHUDFWLYH boards in the state.

He also called on others to emulate the donor.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

37

PEOPLE Yoyinsola Makanjuola Turbaned Iya Adini Musulumi Sunday Ehighiator who attended the turbaning ceremony of the late Alli-Oloko Balogun’s great-greatgranddaughter, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola as the Iya Adini Musulumi of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, and great-great-great grandson, Alhaji Monsur Kehinde Alli- Balogun as new lmam of the Mosque in an elaborate and grand event organised by the business tycoon’s descendants would attest to the fact that it was an ecstatic moment of celebrating their progenitor, Alli Balogun whose remarkable and unmatchable legacies and achievements continues to live on, 90 years after his demise

T

alk about nobility, affluence, influence, wealth unmeasurable, life-changing impact, innovation, mentorship, entrepreneurship, human capital development, life investment, diversification, investment, unmatchable merchandising, vast business orientation, risk-taking, laudable account-keeping skills, great trading instinct, sharp intellect, philanthropism, religiosity, to mention but a few, are all words that come to mind when talking about this great man called Alli-Oloko Balogun, who lived for 103 years. Being the biggest account holder with the then British Bank of West Africa (Now First Bank), the largest bank in Nigeria during his time, Alli-Oloko Balogun’s name would always come to mind.

It was with pomp when on Sunday, January 8, 2023, the entire Lagos Island and its environment stood still for the Alli-Oloko Balogun’s descendants who took advantage of the turbaning to celebrate the legacy of their progenitor whom one can literarily say still lives on after almost a century after his demise. The grand ceremony was organised by The Alli-Oloko Balogun Descendants Union to honour their own.

Extolling the virtue of the business magnate, Alli-Balogun’s offspring took turns to reminisce on the legacies and achievements of the late business magnate, and his impact on Lagos state and the Muslim community, especially with his imposing mosque built close to a century ago.

Alli-Balogun’s offspring spread across many generations of accomplished children and grandchildren to great-great-great grandsons and daughters. It has been 90 years since the business titan passed; his image and name still loom large in Nigeria.

On records, Alli-Balogun bequeathed his family wealth that has lasted from generation to generation and today, they have continued to extol the virtues of the legend in their rights by living up to his name in character, conduct and philanthropism.

Among several of Alli-Oloko’s offspring is Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola, the wife of Caverton Boss, Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola. Alhaja happens to be the great great granddaughter of the legend. She is an educationist trained in England and has impacted many lives through her school which she has been running for decades.

Apart from impacting lives through her career exploits, Alhaja Makanjuola has also imbibed the life of a philanthropist just like her progenitor, by putting smiles on people’s faces.

A very loving, relatable, caring and generous woman, Mrs. Makanjuola has continued to be true to herself with her down-to-earth attitude. You have to be close to her to know who she is as she mixes freely with all and sundry irrespective of status, background or age.

It was no surprise when the descendants found her worthy for the title of Iya Adini Musulumi of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, to propagating her grandfather’s love for Islam.

Looking regal in a white flowing gown matched with green headgear and other clothing accessories at the occasion, the ever smiling Alhaja Makanjuola was elated to accept the title.

Speaking after her turbaning, she described Alli Balogun as a legend. She said, “The occasion is significant because we remember our great legend. When we talk about someone that is specially chosen first by the Almighty Allah and the community, we will say my great-great-greatgreat grandfather was a legend.

“It is a historic day for us as a family, which is why we put everything aside today to come and celebrate him. We are extremely excited that his offspring are being turbaned as the Imam

On the extreme left is the newly Turbaned lya Adini Musulumi of Alli Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola surrounded by her family members

of the mosque he built almost over a hundred years ago.

“I am extremely excited because it has to be like that. He single-handedly built his mosque with no other mosque around. It’s a matter of charity beginning at home when you have your own on top of things you built to glorify and worship Allah.

“It is an everlasting legacy that we should have one of us as part of ‘The League of Imams in Lagos State’, and I wish him all the very best and pray that the Almighty Allah continues to increase his knowledge, and guide him right at all times.”

Speaking about her turbaning she said it came to her as a surprise as she had thought she was still young for the title, “but well I can see now, that even the Imam of Lagos and our own newly installed Imam are quite young, that is why I accepted it.

“So, I thank God, I am so elated and I feel honoured and I pray to the Almighty Allah to continue to guide me just to live the legacy and keep it going for our children coming behind us.”

Also speaking, the newly installed Imam of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaji Monsur Kehinde Alli- Balogun gave all the glory to Almighty Allah for the new feat.

He said, “Although I never expected that I would become the Imam of the family, just as a popular saying goes, ‘if you are not chosen you can never become a leader’, I thank God that I was chosen.

“I give glory to Almighty God, and I give thanks to my family for giving me this opportunity, and I pray that the Almighty Allah continues to be with them and watch over them in all their endeavours.”

Earlier, while delivering his welcome address, the Chairman, Alli-Balogun Descendants Union (an offspring of Alli Balogun), Otunba Nurudeen Adegboyega Ojora-Adejiyan said the family took three of Alli Balogun’s left-overs to heart, “The good name, Alli Balogun that must not be tarnished, Family Bond and the edifice named Wasinmi Mosque.”

According to him, “For the mosque, we saw that we do not have a choice, because the old man, fought a battle at the Lagos Central Mosque, left the place reminiscences of Sunny Ade’s song, ‘…maja, masaa, lafinmo akinkanju loju ogun.

Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola

“He left the battlefield, with his Imam and supporters and moved to this site to build the mosque, as well as a befitting house for the Imam by the side of the mosque.

“Unfortunately, since the mosque started its Islamic chores, it has not been blessed with a direct blooded relative as Imam despite the strong Islamic learning of its ancestor legendary and family members.

“We are therefore thankful to Allah, and appreciative of the Muslim community of Lagos led by His Eminence, Alhaji Sheik (Engr) Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, the Chief Imam of Lagos, for supporting the family’s quest on the nomination of our son from the Busari branch of the family, Alhaji Monsur Kehinde Alli Balogun to be turbaned as the Imam of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque after almost 90 years of our patriarch’s demise.

“The descendants union will not be found wanting at the forefront of supporting the Lagos Central Mosque, its Ratibis at

all times as well as keeping the Islamic relics in better shape than bequeathed to us with Allah’s guidance.”

Speaking in an interview, another another offspring of Alli Balogun, and the Vice Chairman, Alli-Balogun Descendants Union, Dr Gbolahan Alli Balogun said all through life, the name Alli Balogun has served him very well in good stead and described the turbaning of his bloodline as historic.

He said, “This event is a slice of Lagos history for several reasons. No Alli Balogun has been an Imam in the mosque. It has always been an issue of succession so to say.

“But this time around, that succession has now fallen on Alli Balogun for the first time.

So, for me, it’s a slice of Lagos history and a very memorable occasion for us.

“It goes way beyond having our bloodline among the League of Imams. The extent of support the Alli Balogun family has offered the Lagos Muslim family, whether in the central mosque or otherwise, is enormous. And you could see part of that today that most of the people who were turbaned today are Alli Balogun’s offspring.

“And you can see the extent they go to contribute to the maintenance of the mosque. And like I said earlier, the mosque is in good shape.

“Three or four years ago, we carried out an integrity test, because here is a mosque that is 98 years old. And the structure is still fantastic and could last another 100 years. And as it is now it is in a very good shape.”

The highpoint of the event was the official turbaning of the new Imam of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque by the Chief Imam of Lagos State.

This was immediately followed by the turbaning of other Chiefs including Alhaja Makanjuola as the Iya Adini Musulumi of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, and Alhaja Falilat Sanusi as the Otun Mogajia of Alli Balogun Family by the newly installed Imam.

The Imam also turbaned Alhaja Wasilat Ayoka Alli Balogun as the Iyalode Adini of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque; Alhaja Riskat Abeni Alli Balogun as the Majeobaje Adini; Alhaja Kuburat Shokunbi as Arowose Adini; Alhaja Sikirat Adeola Olowookere as Agbesinga Adini and Alhaji Dawudu Omotoyosi Ibrahim as Sanmori Adini of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JANUARY 14, 2023

38

NEWSXTRA 2023: Abiodun Hosts Trade Unions, Harps on Individual Prosperity James Sowole in Abeokuta 7KH 2JXQ 6WDWH *RYHUQRU Dapo Abiodun, has said that his administration would continue to introduce programmes and poliFLHV WKDW ZRXOG HQVXUH LQGLYLGXDO prosperity of the people of the state.

7KH JRYHUQRU DGGHG WKDW KLV administration would continue to OLYH XS WR LWV YLVLRQ RI SURYLGLQJ DQ HQDEOLQJ HQYLURQPHQW IRU enterprises to flourish in the state.

Abiodun made this known yesterday at the June 12 Cultural &HQWUH $EHRNXWD ZKHQ KH UHFHLYHG leaders and members of the Union of Tipper and Quarry of Nigeria, Plank Seller Association and Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria.

OIL IN NASARAWA …

R-L: The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari and the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, during Sule’s visit to Kyari in Abuja...yesterday

$QDPEUD 6WDWH *RYHUQRU Professor Chukwuma Soludo, was yesterday appointed the national leader of the All ProgresVLYHV *UDQG $OOLDQFH $3*$ E\ LWV 1DWLRQDO ([HFXWLYH &RPPLWWHH *RYHUQRU 6ROXGR·V DSSRLQWment was announced in a statement the party issued after its NEC meeting which was held DW WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO &RQYHQWLRQ Centre in Awka, Anambra State.

The statement was titled: ‘Soludo Takes Charge, Appointed National Leader of APGA by the 1DWLRQDO ([HFXWLYH &RPPLWWHH of the Party’.

“This has humbled me! I’m feeling the weight of history right now. The APGA is a coalition of DOO SURJUHVVLYHV , IHHO WKH ZHLJKW of our forebearers and those

ZKR KDYH VDFULILFHG WKHLU OLYHV WR HQVXUH WKH VXUYLYDO RI WKLV JUHDW SDUW\ µ VDLG 6ROXGR DIWHU UHFHLYLQJ a certificate of appointment from the National Chairman of the party, Victor Oye. According to Soludo, “There ZDV D JUDQG SURJUHVVLYH DOOLDQFH in the First and Second Republics that included the UPN, RPP, NPP, and others. ´$OO RI WKH SURJUHVVLYHV DUH dispersed throughout this republic. APGA is a 21-year-old political party that was the first to be registered with the word ¶SURJUHVVLYHV· LQ LWV QDPH ´$OO SURJUHVVLYHV FDOO $3*$ home. It’s a history with two leaders, and I’m honoured to be the third.

“I must pay tribute to my predecessors, Late Sir Chukwuemeka Ojukwu of blessed

memory, the first National Leader of APGA; Chief Willie Obiano, my immediate predecessor as the APGA’s second leader, and here I am. ´, SOHGJH WR ZRUN HYHU\ GD\ with all of you, our thronging PHPEHUV VR WKDW DOO SURJUHVVLYHV in Nigeria will know that APGA is their home.

“APGA is the third largest political party in Nigeria and will grow from strength to strength.

When the country is ready, APGA ZLOO EH WKHUH WR SURYLGH WKH WUXH SURJUHVVLYLVP WKDW 1LJHULD FUDYHV “APGA has the potential to make Nigeria the world’s largest black nation. APGA has the SRWHQWLDO WR H[SDQG LWV GRPDLQ LQ 1LJHULD :H KDYH UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ LQ WKH *RYHUQRUVKLS +RXVH RI 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHV DQG 1DWLRQDO House of Assembly.

Handlifters Celebrates 20th Anniversary, Fetes the Less-Privileged Funmi Ogundare

IRU SHRSOH WR OLYH D JRGO\ OLIH He stated that it is appointed The Handlifters Praying Group, unto man once to die and after UHFHQWO\ KHOG LWV WK DQQLYHUVDU\ that judgement. ´:H KDYH D UHVSRQVLELOLW\ WR of unbroken prayers for the nation The Visioner of Handlifters ZRUN YHU\ KDUG WR PDLQWDLQ DQG and its leaders, when they also Praying Group, Pastor Chinyere H[SDQG RXU SDFH used the opportunity to distribute Adegboye, said the occasion “This great party has my IRRG LWHPV WR WKH OHVV SULYLOHJHG was meant to mark the anpersonal commitment. I came to in the society.

QXDO WKDQNVJLYLQJ SURSKHWLF this platform after many thoughtSpeaking the programme held GHFODUDWLRQV RYHU 1LJHULD IRU ful years, and I read the party’s at the palace of the traditional 20 years of unbroken focus, constitution and manifesto. It is ruler of Onigbongbon, His Royal praying for other nations and the first political party to pledge Highness, Oba Oluwasegun its leaders behind closed doors support for true federalism.

Adeyemi Ajasa who is also a ceaselessly, adding that it was “APGA is still the road map to supporter of the group, the guest also aimed at reaching out to a better Nigeria. I will uphold this speaker, Apostle-General Anselm the community with food items party’s principles and ethics,” he Madubuko used the occasion to such as rice, beans, gari, indomie said, adding that APGA’s policies preach on a united Nigeria and and gift items to celebrate. were centred on the people, and that the party focuses on equity in its appointments.

“We increased employee pay by 10 per cent. This is a SUR SHRSOH JRYHUQPHQW EHFDXVH WKDW LV ZKR ZH DUH :H OHDYH no one behind, which is why &KDLUPDQ &KLHI ([HFXWLYH at work.

ZH DUH SURJUHVVLYHV ZKR FDUH 2΀FHU 1LJHULDQV LQ 'LDVSRUD She implored other Nigerian about people.

Commission (NIDCOM), Abike youths to be inspired by the Dabiri-Erewa, has described DFKLHYHPHQW RI 'U ,MHRPD the appointment of Dr. Ijeoma $NXQ\LOL WKXV EULQJLQJ D SRVLWLYH Akunyili, daughter of the late image to the country.

Dr. Akunyili, according to Prof. Dora Akunyili, as the Chief 0HGLFDO 2΀FHU RI WKH -HUVH\ &LW\ a statement released on the Medical Centre, an RWJ Barnabas R΀FLDO ZHEVLWH RI WKH FHQWUH LV Health facility, in the United States WKH ÀUVW $IULFDQ $PHULFDQ PHGLFDO election as its candidate, Alhaji RI $PHULFD DV ZHOO GHVHUYHG DQG SURIHVVLRQDO WR VHUYH LQ WKH UROH Speaking on her appointment, Atiku Abubakar disappeared not surprising. from the campaign trail, PDP In a congratulatory statement, Ijeoma was quoted as saying “I has resorted to making “ir- Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment am grateful for this opportunity, responsible” statements just of Ijeoma did not come to her DQG , ORRN IRUZDUG WR VHUYLQJ WKH WR ÀOO PHGLD VSDFH as a surprise knowing the kind residents of Hudson County and Onanuga said: “Our atten- RI WUDLQLQJ VKH UHFHLYHG IURP KHU FRQWLQXLQJ WR SURYLGH VDIH LQQRYDtion has been drawn to the late mother, a disciplinarian to WLYH H΀FLHQW DQG HTXLWDEOH FDUH ´,W LV D WUXH SULYLOHJH WR OHDG MXPEOHG SUHVV VWDWHPHQW JLYHQ the core.

E\ WKH UXGGHUOHVV DQG YHU\ Dabiri-Erewa said Nigeria is WKH FOLQLFDO HͿRUW DW -HUVH\ &LW\ Medical Center and to create confused Peoples Democratic proud of Ijeoma for her wonderParty today. ful feat, which was due to her sustainable health outcomes for “Knowing that it has no GHGLFDWLRQ UHVLOLHQFH DQG H[FHOOHQFH our community.”

SDWK WR YLFWRU\ DQG QR UHDO DJHQGD IRU GHYHORSPHQW WR VHOO to Nigerians by its absentee presidential candidate, PDP KDV QRWKLQJ SURÀWDEOH DJDLQ to engage in other than raising false alarms, manufacturing Salami Adeyinka outright lies and disseminatThis was disclosed by the LQJ LQQXHQGRV WR GHFHLYH WKH &RQYHQHU DQG 0DQDJLQJ public.”

7KH (YHQW ;SHULHQFH $IULFD 'LUHFWRU &(2 =DSSKDLUH (YHQWV 7(;$ LV VHW WR KROG LWV WKLUG Funke Bucknor-Obruthe in Lagos edition from the 17th to 19th of recently.

January 2023 in Lagos.

According to her, this became Led by Nigeria’s foremost QHFHVVDU\ DIWHU D UHÁHFWLRQ RQ under the Lagos State Listed HYHQW SODQQHU DQG )RXQGHU the success of the conference in 6LWHV 3UHVHUYDWLRQ /DZ RI =DSSKDLUH (YHQWV )XQNH DQG ZLWK RYHU 7KH ODZ SURYLGHV D IUDPHZRUN Bucknor-Obruthe, participants DWWHQGHHV IURP GLͿHUHQW FRXQWULHV IRU WKH SUHVHUYDWLRQ SURWHFWLRQ DQG ZRXOG EH LQYROYHG LQ H[FLWLQJ in Africa. restoration of historical properties LQIRUPDWLYH LPPHUVLYH LQFOX:LWK WKH SURJUHVVLYH FRPHEDFN and cultural heritage sites in the VLYH DQG XQXVXDO H[SHULHQFHV from the pandemic, she noted that state.

HQJDJLQJ WKHP RQ GULYHUV IRU they are delighted to return for the According to this law, listed sites sustainable business growth, third edition with the theme, ‘The shall not be altered, demolished curated sessions, emerging Reset’ and will feature a lineup of RU LPSURYHG XSRQ ZLWKRXW WKH LQQRYDWLRQV DQG WUHQGV LQ WKH VSHDNHUV IURP GLͿHUHQW FRXQWULHV FRQVHQW RI WKH JRYHUQRU industry. in Africa and the diaspora.

Soludo Appointed National Leader of APGA Bennett Oghifo

Abiodun, who also noted that his administration in the last three and half years has embarked on the construction and reconstruction RI RYHU NLORPHWUHV RI URDG across the state, added that his administration has also embarked on the construction of low cost housing units across the state.

7KH JRYHUQRU ZKLOH QRWLQJ WKDW his administration has also begun to plant thousands of trees in the forest UHVHUYHV DFURVV WKH VWDWH DGGHG that the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone situated within the Agro Cargo Airport would DYDLO SODQN GHDOHUV LQ WKH VWDWH DQ opportunity to supply planks for furniture manufacturers that would berth in the zone

Dabiri-Erewa Hails Akunyili’s Daughter’s $SSRLQWPHQW $V &KLHI 0HGLFDO 2ͿFHU LQ 86

PDP Stakeholders Strategise to Give APC Accuses PDP of Atiku Landslide Victory in S’East Manufacturing Lies Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-east geopolitical zone are upbeat on the chances of the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to win in the zone.

The former ruling party used to control most of the states in the South-east but the party is presently in control of two (Abia and Enugu) out of the ÀYH VWDWHV But major stakeholders of 6RXWK HDVW 3'3 KDYH VWDUWHG ÀQH WXQLQJ VWUDWHJLHV WKH\ ZRXOG GHSOR\ WR GHOLYHU WKH ]RQH WR WKH SUHVLGHQWLDO ÁDJ bearer in the presidential poll scheduled for February 25, 2023

Emerging from a strategic meeting Tuesday night held at the country home of the South-east Coordinator of Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Theodore Orji, the stakeholders declared that Atiku would take the South-east with ease.

To make it possible, the stakeholders said that they ZRXOG OHDYH QR VWRQH XQWXUQHG LQ PRELOLVLQJ YRWHUV LQ WKH ]RQH WR JXDUDQWHH D ODQGVOLGH YLFWRU\ IRU WKH IRUPHU YLFH SUHVLGHQW whom they described as a friend of Ndigbo.

They appealed to Ndigbo WR JLYH PD[LPXP VXSSRUW WR PDP candidates in the 2023 general election, saying that under PDP the South-east would be accorded its due recognition in the country.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) of the All ProJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& KDV accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of manufacturing lies because it has no path to YLFWRU\ LQ WKH )HEUXDU\ presidential election.

The Director, Media and Publicity, APC PCC, Bayo Onanuga while reacting to PDP’s allegation in a statement issued yesterday said, the ruling party has nothing but pity for a PDP that has become a mess and total embarrassment to itself and its despondent members.

He noted that for lack of anything tangible to tell NiJHULDQV VL[ ZHHNV WR D JHQHUDO

Advocacy Group Bemoans the Destruction of TBS Iconic Gate Yinka Olatunbosun Legacy also known as Legacy DQ KLVWRULFDO DQG HQYLURQmental interest group of Nigeria, has condemned the unlawful destruction of the iconic gates at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos Island.

The gates are essentially historical monuments and emblems of

Nigeria’s independence.

Prior to the demolition, the SUHYLRXV HQWUDQFH VWUXFWXUH KDG gigantic sculptures of four white KRUVHV KRYHULQJ DERYH WKH JDWH DQG VHYHQ UHG HDJOHV ZKLFK DUH symbols from the national emblem signifying Strength and Dignity UHVSHFWLYHO\ Other monuments in the square include the Remembrance Arcade

(with memorials to World War I, :RUOG :DU ,, DQG 1LJHULDQ FLYLO ZDU YLFWLPV DQG WKH VWRUH\ ,QGHSHQGHQFH +RXVH EXLOW LQ which was for a long time, the tallest building in Nigeria.

In a press statement published on Legacy 1995’s social media platforms, the group remarked that the TBS is one of the listed VLWHV PDUNHG IRU SUHVHUYDWLRQ

Event Xperience Africa Third Edition Set to Hold

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JANUARY 14, 2023

39

SPORTS XTRA

Osimhen Helps Napoli Pummel Juve 5-1

S

uper Eagles striker Victor Osimhen registered a brace and an assist for Napoli in their 5-1 demolition of Juventus.

Napoli had a tough task in their hands when they took on Juventus in the SerieAyester night. The Partenopeans had a seven-point gap at the summit of the table, and they needed a win to keep their title charge alive. However, Juventus were also looking to keep their eight-game unbeaten streak alive.

The Partenopeans were on

a different level straight from the blast of the whistle. They pushed Juventus back from the onset with their dangerous attacking play.

Spalletti’s side needed just 14 minutes to get into the lead, and it was the handiwork of the deadliest duo in the Serie A. Outstanding Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia fired a strong shot, which ricocheted off the goalkeeper to Osimhen, who calmly slotted in to make it 1-0.

Napoli got their second in the 39th minute, and it was the duo that combined

again – this time Osimhen the orchestrator. The Super Eagles striker played in Kvaratskhelia, who showed great determination to get on the end of his pass and fired a low drive into the bottom corner.

However, Napoli were pegged back just three minutes later after Angel Di Maria scored to make it 2-1.

Nonetheless, the Partenopeans entered the second half with more urgency, and they were hugely rewarded.

Amir Rrahmani scored in the 55th minute to make it 3-1 for the Partenopeans. Then Osimhen scored his brace in

the 65th minute off another assist from Kvaratskhelia.

Eljif Elmas put the final nail in Juventus’ coffin in the 72nd minute with a beautiful goal to make it 5-1.

Osimhen was in devastating form against Juventus scoring with two headers.

Despite the threat that he apparently possesses, the defenders in the Italian top-flight have little or no answers to the Nigerian.

There were a few physical battles in the game.

Osimhen was a target a few times from the big

Juve defenders.

The Nigerian also inadvertently got himself in a spot of bother - first he left a flailing arm on the cheek of Manuel Locatelli which meant the latter required medical attention.

He then forcefully nudged Brazilian defender, Sandro to the ground.

The imposing nature of his game is not a bad idea albeit he has to be careful not to overtly do this often.

The win gives Napoli a tenpoint lead at the summit of SerieA. It also snaps Juventus’ eight-game unbeaten run.

Osimhen now has twelve goals in 14 Serie A games.

Aruna, Meshref Book Q’finals at WTT Contender Durban African champions Quadri Aruna of Nigeria and Dina Meshref of Egypt confirmed their status as the players in the continent after taking down their French and Polish opponents in the round of 16 of the WTT Contender Durban 2023.

The two players started the year on a winning note in the first round with Aruna beating China’s Sun Wen 3-1 (12-10, 1513, 11-13, 11-8) while Meshref was a standout player on the first day of main draw action as she opened her account with a notable win.

Facing off against World No.86 Yuan Wan of Germany, who came out on top in their one and only previous meeting at WTT Feeder Düsseldorf II 2022, Meshref was determined to put things right at the second time of trying, and she secured her revenge.

With the whole of Africa behind her and the Egyptian

star embraced her time in the spotlight, producing a sublime display to see off Wan 3-1 (119, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9), to set up a round of 16 showdown with World No.67 Natalia Bajor in the process.

In the round of 16 tie against French teenage sensation Felix Lebrun, Aruna produced his best performance this year against the giant-killing European star.

Despite losing the first game at 3-11,Aruna restored parity in the second game at 11-6. But the Frenchman dazedAruna in the third game and despite leading 10-7, Lebrun took five consecutive points to win at 12-10. Even when Aruna was on the brink of exiting in the fourth game with the French star needing a pointtocompletehiswin,Aruna fought well to win the game at 15-13. The deciding match was dominated by the Nigerian as he won 11-5 to end the dream of Lebrun in South Africa.

Argentina Face Fifa Charges over World Cup Finals’ Conduct Osimhen celebrating one of his brace against Juventus yesterday

No Messi-Ronaldo Rivalry in Saudi as PSG Star’s Al Hilal Move Debunked

A

gainst the backdrop of recent reports t h a t Paris StGermain forward Lionel Messi has been approached by Saudi Arabia side, Al Hilal, where he is expected to renew rivalry with Portuguese super star, Cristiano Ronaldo, the report has since been debunked.

Messi has not been approached by Al Hilal

and would not consider a move to Saudi Arabia, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague says.

Recent reports suggest the Argentina international, 35, has been offered £245m to move to the Middle East.

Messi’s contract expires in the summer but, according to Balague, he is close to finalising a deal to remain at PSG. “There hasn’t been an offer from Al Hilal,” says Balague.

“PSG and Messi are organising a meeting in the next few weeks to finalise the deal that will keep him in Paris.”

Messi helped Argentina win the World Cup for the first time since 1986 in Qatar last month.

He said after the tournament that he planned to keep on playing for his country, while Balague says he is also determined to win more things in Europe.

“Right now, his motiva-

tion is to stay in Europe,” Balague added.

“He is favourite to win the Ballon d’Or, he is still in the Champions League, he has big targets after winning the World Cup. “Not only does it make no sense to approach him with that offer, it hasn’t existed.”

Messi joined PSG from Barcelona in 2021 and has made 54 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 24 goals.

Leeds ‘Best Performance’ Not Enough at Villa Park

A

ston Villa may have beaten them 2-1 in the Premier League last night, but Leeds boss Jesse Marsch said it was his side’s “best performance” in his 11 months in charge.

Leon Bailey finished off a swift counter-attack to give Villa an early lead and Emiliano Buendia headed in their second before Patrick Bamford’s late strike

for Leeds.

Marsch told BBC Sport: “It was the most complete performance we have had since I’ve been here. It is a really positive sign for me.

It hurts to lose but a really positive performance.

“I’ve tried hard to create a process and understanding of how we want to play football. I am really satisfied to now see it start to come together.”

Marsch, who took over last February, sees his side remain two points above

the drop zone.

“We have to stay focused on our process and not get stressed out by the table.

I want us to stay laser focused on us,” he said.

Bailey had a hand in both goals with the Jamaican winger finishing off a counter-attack after a great run by Boubacar Kamara in just the third minute to put the hosts ahead.

That was Villa’s only shot in the first half, with Leeds having two

penalty appeals rejected, a Rodrigo goal disallowed for offside and missing big chances.

Villa debutant Alex Moreno denied Rodrigo with a goalline clearance and keeper Emiliano Martinez pulled off a wonderful reaction stop to deny Jack Harrison from close range.

Unai Emery’s hosts were better in the second half and they got the goal to make them more comfortable - thanks to the video assistant referee.

World Cup winners Argentina are to face disciplinary proceedings for “offensive behaviour” and “fair play violations” committed during the final in Qatar, Fifa has announced.

They have also been cited for potential “misconduct of players and officials”.

And the Argentine FA has been charged with breaching media and marketing regulations during the tournament.

ArgentinabeatFranceonpenalties in the final to be crowned world champions for the first time since 1986.

It is not clear which players or members of the country’s coaching team have been charged with committing offences or what those offences actually are.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez made a lewd gesture with his goalkeeper of the tournament trophy after the match,beforebeingfilmedinthe dressing room mocking France star Kylian Mbappe.

Messi-No Saudi Arabia move

Fifa has confirmed three potential breaches of its disciplinary code : article 11, which covers offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play, article 12, which covers misconduct of players and officials, and article 44, which covers marketing regulations.

An investigation will now be carried out, during which time Argentina will be able to respond to the charges.

Croatia, who were beaten by in the semi-finals, are also being investigated for potential breaches relating to discrimination, as well as order and security at matches.

Meanwhile, Serbia have been fined 50,000 Swiss franc (£44,000) and handed a partial stadium closure - 25% of seats closed - for their next “A level” international following “chants

by Serbian supporters and team misconduct”duringtheir3-2defeat by Switzerland in a Group G match at the World Cup.

Saturday, January 14, 2023

TR

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& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

The African Bar Association to DSS “The DSS must comply fully with the decision of a Federal High Court in Abuja, which barred it and any other security agencies from arresting or inviting the CBN Governor over alleged charges of terrorism and economic crimes” –The African Bar Association warning the Department of State Services against harassing the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

OLA AWONIYI Ahmad Lawan: Doyen of Nigerian Parliament @ 64 GUEST COLUMNIST

A

hmad Ibrahim Lawan, the Distinguished Senator representing Yobe North Senatorial District of Yobe State, turned 64 on Thursday, 12th January, 2023. Within those almost six and a half decades, he has seen it all, especially in public service. In just about five months from now, he will conclude his tenure as the 14th President of the Nigerian Senate and his sixth consecutive session in the National Assembly.

Lawan has been around in Abuja for such a long time that it is easy to assume he was never elsewhere. Yet, his earliest work experience was in academia, and it lasted long enough for him to bag a Doctorate degree in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) before yielding to the pull of partisan politics as Nigeria groped for a way out of military rule in 1997.

In that calling of politics, Lawan has since clearly made his mark. And that is not just because he attained the dizzying height of third in the order of succession. Before finally taking the Senate Presidency in 2019, he had been the Senate Leader for four years from 2015. He had also held other key positions in Parliament even as a member of the minority caucus.

People see politics as a dirty game. But Ahmad Lawan does not see it that way. For him, politics should not change the core beliefs and the principles that an individual holds.

He believes that service to the people should be the driving objective of partisan political practice. And whether in politics or elsewhere, Lawan also believes one’s yes must mean yes always.

This world view has, in no small measure, paid off for Lawan in his almost 26 years in politics, 24 of which have been as a federal lawmaker. A member of the pioneer class of the National Assembly of the Fourth Republic, he was first elected in 1999 to the House of Representatives from the Bade/Jakusko Federal Constituency of Yobe State. He was re-elected to the House in 2003. But in 2007, Lawan moved over from the Green Chamber to the Red Chamber as the Senator for the Yobe North District. He was re-elected to that Senate seat in consecutive polls in 2011, 2015 and 2019.

If you know what it takes to win elections in Nigeria, you would appreciate that what multiple winners like Lawan have accomplished is no small feat. His numerous reelections underscore the fact that his constituents appreciate the quality of representation that he has been delivering to them in Yobe North District. In spite of the fact that Lawan is from one of the smallest ethnic groups in the district, the constituents found satisfaction in his representation and kept renewing his mandate election after election.

The life of a politician is not all glossy as it may sometimes seem. Election is not a tea party. A parliamentarian in particular needs very hard work to even get a return ticket from the party. In Parliament, getting the support of colleagues to push motions and bills through requires deep knowledge and passion for the subject; focus and temperament. It is actually an extra burden if you are a Presiding Officer in Parliament. Success or failure at every stage has its implications.

Lawan

No wonder, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, the Governor of Kaduna State, at a recent public function in Abuja, said he does not want to go to the National Assembly when he leaves his current seat, unlike many former governors now do.

Speaking as chairman at the second edition of the “Distinguished Parliamentarian Lecture” organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), the governor said: “The Legislature is one branch of government I know I can never function. The hard work needed to convince people to support even your motion is something some of us have no patience for. You know management in the Executive is very straightforward. It is very hierarchical and once you are a governor, your word is almost law. But in the Legislature, everybody is equal and there is no management that is more difficult than managing your equals. I don’t envy Mr. Speaker and the Senate President at all because their job perhaps is the hardest job in this country. Managing equals is difficult.”

In spite of the challenges, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has shone at the National Assembly since he joined it in 1999. Lawan is today one of only two lawmakers remaining in the National Assembly from that inaugural 1999 set. He has also attained the most enviable of heights in those many years of service in Parliament, becoming the “first among equals” in the Upper Chamber, which is the very pinnacle of the hierarchy in the Parliament of any democracy.

That unique feat combined with his longevity in the institution have made him the Doyen of the Nigerian Parliament.

In his role since June 2019 as the 14th President of the Senate and Chairman of the ninth National Assembly, Lawan has raised the bar of leadership for whoever will take the baton from him. He has demonstrated the value of parliamentary experience as a prerequisite for election as a presiding officer for the Upper Chamber.

His experience of more than two decades in

assistant, courtesy of Professor Jubril Aminu, the then Vice Chancellor of the school, who created the window of opportunity for the top graduating students of the institution.

By 1990, Ahmad Lawan was in Cranfield University in the United Kingdom for his masters and doctorate programmes in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) on a European Union scholarship. He returned to Nigeria in1996 to resume his teaching career at UNIMAID. However, just one year later, he had been pulled elsewhere.

Yet, Lawan said he had no politics in mind at this time.

“When I completed my studies and returned, I had little idea that I would join politics. Until a year after I returned, then something happened,” Lawan recalled.

Nevertheless, his stint in the Ivory Tower left deep impressions on him and contributed to shaping his world views, as he virtually took the gown to the town.

“I will not like to describe myself as an accidental politician. But maybe a reluctant one because I never imagined that I will be able to survive in the kind of political environment that we have in Nigeria. But when God is with you, nothing is impossible.”

Ahmad Lawan’s political journey started with the now defunct United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP) in 1997. That was during the General Sani Abacha aborted transition programme.

In 1998 when the transition to the Fourth Republic began under the regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Lawan joined the newly formed All Peoples Party (APP), which was later renamed the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). He was elected vice-chairman of the party in Yobe State.

Shortly after, in 1999, he was elected into the House of Representatives. He was elevated to the Senate eight years later in 2007, after serving two terms in the House. All through that period, Lawan was in the opposition in Parliament, until the All Progressives Congress (APC) took power in 2015, two years after the party was formed by a merger of his ANPP with three other legacy parties.

Following the victory of the APC in the 2015 general elections, Lawan was endorsed by the new ruling party for the position of Senate President. But as he always say, he missed the position because it was not God’s time.

However, in 2019, he clinched the seat with the votes of members of both the ruling APC and the opposition. The rest is now history.

However, from my vintage point of observation, I have realised that he did not become the 14th President of the Senate and Chairman of the Ninth National Assembly by happenstance. It was the result of many years of self-preparedness, self-discipline, consistency, perseverance and tenacity of purpose.

Those attributes are essential for success in any endeavour and Lawan obviously learned that very early. And wherever he goes next, they will accompany him and pave the way for more success.

As I wish the Sardaunan Bade a happy 64th birthday, I also wish him divine guidance in his future endeavours.

Parliament has made him an encyclopedia on the inner workings of the National Assembly.

Lawan has the standing rules at the tip of his fingers. When any of his colleagues raises a Point of Order, he would ask the colleague to specify the order. But before the text is read out, Lawan already knows the provision and its applicability.

As the “first among equals,” Lawan knows the importance of fairness and even-handedness in the conduct of the affairs of the Senate. This is evident in how he presides at the plenary where every distinguished Senator who has a contribution to make knows they would get the chance to do so. Lawan’s guiding principle is that before the majority has its way, the minority must have its say.

And Lawan knows the value of cooperation across party divides in the Legislature. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the job of a Presiding Officer is to know when to hit the gavel and when not to. As one of Lawan’s aides privileged to watch from ringside, I heard him many times saying that he had no choice but to hit the gavel or rule in favour of the majority voice vote even when he held a different view to the voice vote. That is democracy.

Lawan also knows the value of harmony between the Legislature and the other arms of government, particularly the Executive, without compromising the independence of the Legislature. He believes that the Arms should work together in inter-dependence so as to deliver service to the people.

Years of deep and passionate involvement in the operations of Parliament at the highest level have enabled Lawan to understand that the enhancement of good governance and sustenance of democracy are the paramount roles of the National Assembly, and indeed every Parliament.

Born on 12th January, 1959 in Bade, now in Yobe State, Ahmad Lawan attended the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) and graduated with a B.Sc. in Geography. He was immediately •Awoniyi is Special Adviser on Media to the offered a job by the university as a graduate President of the Senate

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