SATURDAY 16TH JANUARY 2021

FCMB: Adam Nuru’s Wife Speaks, Says Her Marriage Still Intact Festus Akanbi Hauwa, the wife of the Managing Director of First City Monument Bank, Adam Nuru (now on leave) yesterday debunked reports about her purported divorce bid over allegations of infidelity and

paternity scandal against her husband, and a former staff of the bank, Moyo Thomas.

In her response to series of publications alleging that she had decided to move out of her matrimonial home in reaction to the scandal, Hauwa said there was no reason for

her to seek for divorce or to pack out of her matrimonial home.

In the statement titled, “I’m still with my Beloved Husband”, which was made available to THISDAY, Hauwa described the publication as “malicious and a deliberate

falsehood,” asserting that she is still very much with her husband.

She stated: “Following several calls from wellmeaning family members and friends over a malicious publication and deliberate falsehood that I have packed

out of my matrimonial home, I want to clarify for the avoidance of doubt that I am still very much with my husband.

“This fake news was published by an online newspaper in a calculated attempt to further demonise

my beloved husband and a loving father.

“Let me reiterate that at no time did I contemplate leaving my matrimonial home or filing for divorce as no grounds exist for such. I really have no idea Continued on page 5

Rising Food Prices Push Inflation to 15.75%… Page 5 Saturday 16 January, 2021 Vol 25. No 9414

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Fake COVID-19 Vaccines Now in Nigeria, NAFDAC Alerts Lagos reopens 2 isolation centres Global deaths surpass 2 million Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday said it has reports of the

importation of fake COVID-19 vaccines into Nigeria.

Addressing a virtual press conference, the Director General of the agency, Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye

pleaded with Nigerians to avoid the fake vaccines, saying, “they can cause Covid-like illnesses or other serious diseases that could kill."

She said the agency had not

received any application from Covid vaccine manufacturers yet and therefore no vaccines had been approved by NAFDAC. “Covid-19 vaccines are

new, and the side effects or adverse effects must be well monitored, therefore, if NAFDAC does not approve, the public should not use,” the NAFDAC boss said.

Adeyeye said no government establishment or agencies should order Covid-19 vaccines without Continued on page 5

Buhari Orders Service Chiefs to Ensure Synergy in Fight against Insurgents Says government investing heavily in weapons, equipment Charles Ajunwa in Lagos and Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the nation’s service chiefs to ensure synergy in the fight against all forms of insecurity, while also promising that Nigeria will witness a significant improvement in safety this year.

In a series of tweets to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the president also said his government “is investing heavily not only in weapons and equipment” for their use and that the welfare of the armed forces would continue to be the priority of his administration.

Buhari wrote: “As we

commemorate #ArmedForces RemembranceDay, let me pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all the men and women of our armed forces who have paid the supreme price for our unity, peace and security. We also salute our troops currently engaged in internal security operations.

“The welfare and wellbeing of our troops will continue to be a priority. We are investing heavily not only in weapons and equipment for their use, but also in provision of housing, medical care and other areas of welfare. And we will continue to make resources available.

“I am reiterating my Continued on page 5

Shell Completes Sale of OML17 to Elumelu’s TNOG Oil... Page 6

HONOURING FALLEN HEROES...

President Muhammadu Buhari laying a wreath during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

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

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Rising Food Prices Push Inflation to 15.75% James Emejo in Abuja The Consumer Price Index, (CPI) which measures inflation increased by 15.75 per cent (year-on-year) in December 2020 compared to 14.48 per cent in November of the same year, according to figures released yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

According to the CPI figures for December, on month-on-month basis, the headline index increased by 1.61 per cent.

The food inflation rose by 19.56 per cent in December 2020 compared to 18.30 per cent last November.

The increase in the food index was tied to the rise in

the prices of bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, meat, fruits, vegetable, fish and oils and fats.

Also, core inflation, which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce stood at 11.37 per cent in December, up by 0.32 per cent when compared with 11.05 per cent recorded in November.

According to the NBS, the core index recorded highest increases in prices of passenger transport by air, medical services, hospital services, shoes and other footwear, passenger transport by road, miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishments, repair of furniture, vehicle spare parts,

pharmaceutical products, motor cars, maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, paramedical services, motor cycle, dental services and bicycles.

The urban inflation rate increased by 16.33 per cent (year-on-year) in the review period from 15.47 per cent recorded in the preceding month while the rural inflation rate increased by 15.20 per cent in December from 14.33 per cent in November.

In the period under review, Edo, Kogi and Sokoto States recorded the highest year on year increase in food inflation with 24.14 per cent, 23.14 per cent and 22.24 per cent respectively.

On the other hand, Bauchi,

Abia, and Nasarawa recorded the slowest rise with 16.53 per cent, 16.04 per cent and 15.71 per cent respectively.

According to the statistical agency, on month on month basis however, the December food inflation was highest in Edo 3.68 per cent, Benin 3.48 per cent and Gombe 3.00 per cent, while River 0.93 per cent, Osun 0.59 per cent and Ekiti 0.24 per cent recorded the slowest rise.

Similarly, year on year, in December, core inflation on was highest in Bauchi 19.85 per cent, Edo 18.15 per cent and Kogi 18.40 per cent, while Lagos 14.05 per cent, Kwara 13.91 per cent and Abia 13.30 per cent recorded the slowest rise in headline inflation.

On month on month basis however, December all item inflation was highest in Nasarawa 2.30 per cent, Gombe 2.20 per cent and Akwa Ibom 2.16 per cent while Ekiti 0.87 per cent, Rivers 0.67 per cent and Ebonyi 0.61 per cent recorded the slowest rise in headline inflation.

Analysts at the Financial Derivatives Company Limited, led by foremost economist Bismarck Rewane, had said last week predicted that headline inflation would increase by 0.51 per cent to 15.4 per cent in December, describing it as “a hydra-headed monster that has eroded the disposable and discretionary income of consumers”.

“The continued rise in the

general price level is driven largely by forex rationing, output and productivity constraints, higher logistics and distribution costs,” they said.

The analysts noted that consumer disposable income had been negatively affected by the hike in electricity tariffs, general reductions in subsidies, and improved tax mobilisation.

“We believe the sustained pressure in the food basket is reflective of the impact of the underwhelming harvest season, persistent security challenges in the food-producing region and festive- induced demand which further widened the demand-supply imbalance,” Cordros Capital Limited said yesterday.

in the marriage; like they say, it is he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches.

In all of it, I never for once wished him bad. His untimely and sudden death is still a shock to me as it is to many others.

“On no occasion did I ever tell him he was not the father of our two children. It is therefore deliberate falsehood and certainly malicious to allege and insinuate that I informed him that the children are not his. The children still bear his name. Only God knows why he died in an untimely period. It is not in

my place, or anyone’s place to play God and talk with certainty as to the cause of his death, without proven medical facts.

"Despite our separation, we never allowed our differences to affect the relationships we respectively have with the children. He still had conversations with the children like any father will, up until his sudden and unfortunate death. It is quite sad and disheartening to see the pictures of these innocent children splashed all over the internet with very disparaging and weird comments.”

the pigeons was one of the highlights of the events lined up to remember Nigeria's fallen military heroes.

Earlier, the President, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and other top government officials had laid wreath as part of activities to mark this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Buhari, who arrived the Arcade at about 10.05am

amid tight security, inspected a guard of honour mounted by combined Army, Navy and Air Force personnel before laying the wreath at 10.28am.

Vice President Osinbajo was next to lay the wreath followed jointly by President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice

Tanko Mohammed.

The Chief of defence staff, the three service chiefs as well as the Inspector General of Police also took turns to lay the wreath as a mark of honour for the nation's fallen heroes.

The President later signed the Remembrance Anniversary in the company of Osinbajo, the leadership of the National Assembly and the service chiefs.

Adeyeye said as part of the outcome of the Regulators Steering Committee of African Union-3S, a national training of trainers is scheduled for January 12, 19 and 21, 2021 by MHRA to improve capacity of key staff of NAFDAC and NPHCDA on the data collection overview and information.

She said that NPHCDA provided 80 names to ensure that a wide number of their agency staff and partners understand the data collection overview and information required for the COVID-19 safety surveillance while NAFDAC provided 40 names, including the Ministry of Health.

Ikeja. We are also reopening Gbagada Isolation facility.

“Just to give us the confidence that, should in case we suddenly continue to see higher numbers of severe cases, we will have somewhere to manage them."

The commissioner also revealed that the state government is working on building oxygen plants for more health facilities.

Abayomi added: “In addition, we are making our own oxygen so we just erected the first of two plants at IDH. The second one will be at Gbagada and that plant produces oxygen on the grounds of our hospital and it can produce up to 60 cylinders a day. A very sick patients can use up to four or six cylinders in 24 hours."

are likely significantly higher as access to testing has been scarce in a large number of countries.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres marked what he called a "heart-wrenching milestone" as the official tally eclipsed 2 million, emphasizing that behind the figure "are names and faces: the smile now only a memory, the seat forever empty at the dinner table, the room that echoes with the silence of a loved one."

"Sadly, the deadly impact of the pandemic has been made worse by the absence of a global coordinated effort.

In the memory of those two million souls, the world must act with far greater solidarity," he said in a video message.

There is hope on the horizon as several drug makers across multiple countries have developed vaccines that successive governments have authorized for emergency use.

In the US, where the outbreak has been the worst recorded in the world, health officials are distributing two vaccines from drug makers Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech.

Over 30 million doses of the vaccines have been distributed with more than 11 million people receiving at least one dose. Both drugs require two rounds of vaccination separated weeks apart.

FCMB: ADAM NURU'S WIFE SPEAKS, SAYS HER MARRIAGE STILL INTACT where this is coming from.”

She cautioned the media against pushing out unsubstantiated stories, saying, “while I owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have genuinely expressed concern about the fabricated story of moving out of my matrimonial home, let me appeal to the media to abide by the ethics of their profession and avoid the pitfall of rumour mongering and sensational reporting.”

She vowed not to make further comments on the issue which is currently being investigated by her husband’s employers: “There is no truth

to the tale whatsoever. I will not be responding to any further comments made by persons who obviously have an agenda whatever it may be.”

For some weeks now, the social media have been awash with allegations that Nuru had an affair with Moyo, a former FCMB employee, fathering two children with her.

It was also said that the alleged paternity fraud resulted in the death of Tunde Thomas, Moyo’s husband.

But Moyo has since denied that Nuru fathered her kids.

Nuru volunteered to go

on leave to enable the bank investigate the allegations against him.

Moyo, who recently broke her silence on the matter, denied allegations of paternity fraud levelled against her.

In her statement, she also denied ever telling her late husband that he was not the father of her children.

The statement read, “I write in reference to all the allegations and accusations that have recently been making the rounds on the internet and various social media platforms. I have refrained from responding to this

matter for various reasons, one of which is to preserve the memories of Tunde who departed to be with his maker on December 16, 2020.

Memories, not only to me, but to his children, who are still young, and to everybody who had a relationship with him.

"Just like any marriage, Tunde and I had a lot of differences in our marriage, some of which even led to police intervention. But I remain committed to keeping only positive memories of him.

No one can ever understand what transpired between us or what each of us experienced

BUHARI ORDERS SERVICE CHIEFS TO ENSURE SYNERGY IN FIGHT AGAINST INSURGENTS directives to the service chiefs regarding greater synergy and cooperation, and also a more sustained focus on intelligence gathering and interpretation.

I am confident that we will see significant improvement in our security situation this year.

“May the souls of all our departed heroes continue to rest in peace. We will continue to strive to ensure that their

sacrifices on our behalf will never be in vain.”

Drama As Pigeons Delay Leaving Cage Meanwhile, a mild drama played out yesterday at the National Arcade, Abuja venue of the celebration of this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day as the ceremonial white pigeons released from the cage

by President Muhammadu Buhari took time to fly out.

The President who was releasing the pigeons, that ended perching atop the cage one after the other, had to fling open the white cage to release all the birds at once.

Buhari later left the pigeon cage after about two minutes, while the birds shortly after flew in different directions.

The symbolic release of

FAKE COVID-19 VACCINES NOW IN NIGERIA, NAFDAC ALERTS confirming from NAFDAC if the vaccine had been approved.

However, she said NAFDAC “is discussing with manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines” concerning potential Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA), registration or licensing of their product.

She assured applicants that if Phase 3 clinical data are very convincing and robust with regards to safety and efficacy, and the vaccine submitted for WHO for Emergency Use Listing, “NAFDAC will welcome the application for Emergency Use Authorisation in Nigeria.”

She added that companies that manufacture the vaccines can submit their application to NAFDAC if they are genuine.

On the issue of Emergency Use Authorisation and licensing (EUA), NAFDAC said it will use “Reliance” or “Recognition” to expedite action on approvals for vaccines already approved by more matured regulatory authorities.

However, it said that the full dossier submitted by the manufacturer or Market Authorisation Holder (MAH) will be thoroughly reviewed by the Vaccine Committee that is made up of multiple Directorates in the Agency – Drug Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Drug

Evaluation and Research, Pharmacovigilance and Post Marketing Surveillance, Drug, Biologics and Vaccines Laboratory Services.

Despite the use of Reliance for the EUA, NAFDAC said it would note clinical peculiarities in form of serious or Adverse Effects Following Immunisation (AEFIs) in the dossier or application as a guide and caution on what to look out for in each subject after immunisation.

She said that the Agency had been training her staff for this very important aspect of the immunisation.

"The Agency established COVID-19 Vaccine Committee that has been busy developing the guidelines and guidance.

NAFDAC is the first National Regulatory Agency in Africa to have Guidance on Regulatory Preparedness for EUA, Licensing or Access to COVID-19 Vaccines.

"NAFDAC initiated multistakeholder collaboration with National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), UNICEF, WHO and Ministry of Health. The focus is to use a holistic approach for the effective immunisation or delivery of the vaccines and monitor any Adverse Effects Following Immunisation (AEFI).

"The Agency will also use its recently launched Med Safety App for Active Pharmacovigilance of the vaccines in collaboration with the sister agencies. The App is free, and millions of healthcare workers can download it free for ADR reporting. In-country training on the use of the App has begun for the healthcare givers," she said.

The NAFDAC boss said once approval is given by the agency, it would thoroughly monitor the distribution and use of COVID-19 vaccines in the country to safeguard Nigerians from any possible adverse effects.

Adeyeye said NAFDAC plans to use the traceability with GS1 technology to monitor the vaccine distribution in Nigeria using Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).

She said the goal is to prevent fake vaccines from infiltrating the supply chain and to ensure there is no diversion, adding that the effort will create a reliable and predictable supply chain.

According to her, a multistakeholder technical working group has been meeting to address different issues, from access to distribution to traceability (track and trace) of the vaccines, to monitoring of adverse effects following immunisation.

Lagos Reopens 2 Isolation Centres Meanwhile, Lagos State government yesterday announced that it would be reopening two COVID-19 isolation centres which were initially decommissioned, following the increased cases of Coronavirus in the state.

According to the State Commissioner for Health Professor Akin Abayomi, the reopening will boost confidence in tackling cases as they arise.

Abayomi said: “Just to be on the safe side, we are reopening two of our decommissioned facilities, that is at Ajah and

Global Deaths Surpass 2 Million Over two million people have lost their lives to COVID-19 since it was first detected just over a year ago, according to Johns Hopkins University data released yesterday.

In all, the US-based school tracked 2,000,905 fatalities linked to the virus and over 93 million infections. Over 51 million people have recovered after contracting the virus.

The real death toll, as well as the number of infections,

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

Shell Completes Sale of OML17 to Elumelu’s TNOG Oil

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

Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) yesterday announced that it had completed the sale of its 30 per cent interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 17 and its associated infrastructure in the Eastern Niger Delta.

The oil giant disclosed that the facility was sold to TNOG Oil and Gas Limited, a related company of Tony Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings

Limited and Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), for a consideration of $533m.

It stated that a total of $453m was paid at completion with the balance to be paid over an agreed period.

According to Wood Mackenzie, OML 17 is a large onshore license within the NNPC/Shell joint venture which includes the northern half of Port Harcourt, extending from the low-lying swamp northwards into drier

Tears, Tributes for Late Labour Party Chairman Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË It was a gloomy moment as some leaders of political parties paid a condolence visit to the family of the late National chairman of Labour Party, (LP,), Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam at his residence in the Gwarimpa area of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. The parties’ leaders, operating under the umbrella of Inter Party Advisory Council of Nigeria, IPAC, were led by their Acting President, Chief Okey Ralph Nwosu to commiserate with the immediate family over the unfortunate incident.

Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, who was a key member of opposition coalition died in his Abuja residence in the early hours of Tuesday, December 29, 2020. His demise took his political associates, friends and followers by surprised since showed no sign of illness before his death.

Until his death, A.A.Salam, who was the traditional title holder of Baraden Paiko was a renowned trade

unionist before joining politics.

He served as State Chairman Niger State teachers union. A former principal He was the National Secretary of National union of local Government workers for about 25 years. He also served as the National Secretary of Labour Party before he became the National chairman in 2015.

The IPAC members who took their turns to address the widow of the late politician, Hajia Abdulsalam and fist son, Dnajuma Abdulsalam collectively pledged to forge on with the political ideal and believe to birth a new Nigeria devoid of religious and political acrimony.

Most of the speakers were almost overwhelmed by grief and emotion as they delivered their condolence messages.

His bosom and his most trusted ally, the immediate past President of IPAC, High Chief Peter Ojongwa Ameh, betrayed his emotion and others followed suit in shedding tears.

Ameh described the late Labour Party Chairman as highly detribalised Nigerian who who always stood for the good of the country.

Accidents Claim 15 Lives in Edo Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ ÏØÓØ ÓÞã Fifteen lives were yesterday lost in two separate accidents in Arue-Uromi, headquarters of Esan North-east local government area, and Agbede, in Etsako West local government area all in Edo State.

The Arue-Uromi accident reportedly provoked anger as the six casualty involved, four girls and two boys were said to be children of one family.

Two accounts were given for the cause of the accident.

One account said the children were crossing the road when a Mercedes Benz car ram into them, killing the six children instantly.

The second account said the deceased children were playing football when an approaching Mercedes Benz car in an attempt

to dodge a pothole, swerved and killed them instantly It was learnt that the incident immediately provoked anger amongst residents of the area who blocked the road and burnt the Mercedes.

The Agbede accident which was said to be a multiple accident involving a petrol tanker, a Toyota Sienna space bus and two other vehicles, reportedly claimed nine lives; eight males and one female with other unspecified number of passengers sustaining various degree of injuries.

Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corp, Henry Benameisia, who confirmed the accident, attributed it to break failure on the part of the tanker as well as over speeding by the Toyota Sienna bus.

COVID-19: 1867 New Cases Recorded

Nigeria recorded 1867 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 107,345 with 84,535 discharged and 1413 deaths.

terrain where the operating conditions are easier.

It was learnt that there are 15 oil and gas fields on OML 17, six of which are producing, where crude oil is exported through the Trans-Niger pipeline to the Shell-operated Bonny Oil Terminal.

Yesterday, Elumelu stated: “We have a very clear vision: creating Africa’s first integrated energy multinational, a global quality business, uniquely focused on Africa and Africa’s energy needs. The acquisition of such a high-quality asset, with significant potential for further growth, is a strong statement of our confidence in Nigeria, the Nigerian oil and gas sector

and a tribute to the extremely high-quality management team that we have assembled.

“As a Nigerian, and more particularly an indigene of the Niger Delta region, I understand well our responsibilities that come with stewardship of the asset, our engagement with communities and the strategic importance of the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. We see significant benefits from integrating our production, with our ability to power Nigeria, through Transcorp, and deliver value across the energy value chain.”

Speaking further, he said “I would like to thank Shell, Total and ENI, for the professionalism of the

process, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the NNPC for the confidence they have placed in us.”

Speaking on the investment, the President/GCEO of Transcorp, Owen Omogiafo, said “This deal further demonstrates Transcorp’s integrated energy strategy and our determination to power Africa.”

There are insinuations that with the sale of OML 17 eventually, eventually succeeding, Shell had resolved to shift the focus of its operations in Nigeria to the deep offshore where the risks of attacks on infrastructure and oil theft are lower.

In November last year, host communities of OML 17 kicked against the plan by SPDC, to divest the oil block, threatening to disrupt oil and gas operations in the area.

Some representatives of the host communities said divestment without the input of the host communities was not acceptable, saying that divestment extinguishes existing interest and rights which will create a vacuum.

In a press release yesterday, Shell explained that the completion of the sale followed the receipt of all approvals from the relevant authorities of the federal government of Nigeria.

WE COMMISERATE WITH YOU… L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chief Ayo Opadokun; wife of the deceased, Gladys Kanu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, during a condolence visit to Retired Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu’s family at their residence in Lagos, yesterday

Police Lose 2nd AIG in 3 days Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ The Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 8, Yunana Babas is dead.

The Zone 8 Police Command comprises Kogi, Kwara and Ekiti states.

Babas died on Thursday night, three days after the death of Omololu Bishi, AIG in charge of Police Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Bishi, who was among the 13 AIGs appointed by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in December, died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja,

on Monday.

Governor of Kwara state, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, commiserated with the police authorities over the death of Babas, saying “it is one tragedy too many”.

“I received the news of the death of AIG Yunana Babas with shock and sadness. It is one tragedy too many. On behalf of the people and Government of Kwara State, I condole with the entire police family, especially the Inspector General of Police and the immediate family of the top officer, on this devastating development,” AbdulRazaq said in a statement.

“The late officer is a fine gentle-

man, a patriot, and a professional cop who was very passionate about his duty to his fatherland.

I recall the gallant roles the late officer played in some recent security developments in the zone.

The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, described the late Babas as a “decent, gallant and intelligent police officer”.

In a statement issued by Onogwu Mohammed, his chief press secretary, Bello said Nigeria must ensure that law enforcement officers are appreciated while they are still alive and that one of the ways

of doing this is by improving their service conditions.

“On behalf of the good people of Kogi State and myself, may I offer our deepest condolences on this monumental tragedy to his family and friends, the Kogi State Police Command and the national police hierarchy, especially our good friend Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.

“Leadership at all levels must see to it that our law enforcement officers, the men and women who stand between us and criminality, terrorism and total anarchy are appreciated by the system while they can enjoy it.

Tinubu Hails Akande at 82 Former Lagos governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated former Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande, describing him a principled and perspective leader.

He said he would not be where he is at present without the help and support Baba Akande has given him.

In an emotional statement on the occasion of Akande’s 82nd birthday released yesterday by his Media Office, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “Today, I join with his family, friends and indeed all Nigerians to congratulate

Chief Bisi Akande on his 82nd birthday and to commend him for his outstanding contributions to democratic governance and to the progressive cause in Nigeria.

“Characteristic of this selfless man is his enlightened decision not so much to focus on himself this special day but to call each of us to pray for national healing so that Nigeria and Nigerians can overcome harmful consequences visited upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A committed democrat and a prudent yet compassionate

leader of men, Chief Akande has done much for this country and for the progressive family.

In addition to his able stewardship of Osun State, he has been a chief architect of our nation’s progressive political parties.

“In addition to his roles in the AD and ACN, he played a seminal role in the foundation of the APC. He is truly to be considered one of the few founding fathers of the APC. His deft and diplomatic performance as interim chairman of the APC confirmed that Chief Akande is one of our nation’s leading statesmen.

“Since Baba enlisted in the Action Group in the First Republic to support the progressive ideals of late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, he has not looked back. He stands today even more committed to those vital and necessary ideals.

“Like Chief Awolowo, he has devoted his public life to engendering a truly democratic, just and egalitarian society where all people are given the opportunity to attain a happy and prosperous life and no one is condemned to do without the basic necessities that a modern and compassionate society should afford its citizenry.

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NEWS ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE ...

ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE ...

Ugwuanyi Donates Cash, Food to Widows of Fallen Heroes Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, yesterday, donated N5 million and 150 bags of 50kg rice to widows of fallen heroes in the state in commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day. Gov. Ugwuanyi handed over a cheque of N5 million to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Lasisi Adegboye, for onward distribution to the widows.

He also made symbolic presentations of the food items to selected wives of the fallen heroes during the brief ceremony, held at the Parade Ground, Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu, .

The governor also supported the skills acquisition project of the Nigeria Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 82 Division Chapter, with the sum of N5 million and made bulk purchase of the products of the trainees.

The NAOWA, 82 Division Chapter’s skills acquisition programme, according to its President and wife of the GOC, Mrs. Rasheedat Adegboye, is aimed at empowering the soldiers’ families with skills in vocational training for financial empowerment.

Responding, the GOC, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Adegboye, disclosed that it was because of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic that the conventional ceremony organised annually to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Enugu State, did not hold at the usual venue.

The GOC thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for deeming it necessary to identify with the military to pray for repose of their departed colleagues, those who are in the frontline as well as the nation.

He also expressed gratitude to the governor for “all your support over the years to 82 Division and members of the Armed Forces in Enugu State”, stressing: “You have just replicated what you normally do”.

It would be recalled that Gov. Ugwuanyi had, while taking note of the plight of 95 widows during the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, promised that his administration would intervene to ameliorate their sufferings, and consequently released the sum of N19 million to the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, for disbursement to the affected women to start businesses.

WE’RE WITH YOU. . .

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) making a symbolic presentation of gift items to the widows of fallen heroes in the state, in commemoration of the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at the Parade Ground, Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu, yesterday

of the dead by donating generously. Nigeria and Nigerians should contribute our quota towards the upkeep and welfare of our fighting men and their dependants.

“Our empathies and generous disposition towards them would help in engendering the much desired symbiotic relationship and synergy between the civilian populace and the military in furthering the cause of democratic development in our polity. Indeed, our support will symbolize a measure of gratitude.

“We indeed appreciate and commend the entire Nigerian Armed Forces for their invaluable contributions to the continued building and sustenance of our great nation”. Abiodun submitted.

Shun Calls for Division, Inter-ethnic Akeredolu Advocates Collaboration of Wranglings, Abiodun Tells Soldiers Armed Forces with Amotekun Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on Nigerians to shun calls for division, insurgency, banditry and all interethnic, religious and politically motivated wranglings capable of disintegrating the country. Rather, they should embrace team-spirit, brotherliness and compassion for fellow beings.

The governor made this call yesterday at the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, OkeMosan, Abeokuta. He noted that in order not to make sacrifices made by the country’s fallen heroes be in vain, Nigerians must encourage the use of democratic and appropriate institutions in the processes of seeking redress.

Represented by his deputy, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, at the event attended by traditional rulers, top government functionaries, military and para-military organisations, Abiodun opined that whatever peace cannot achieve, war is not likely to achieve it, urging Nigerians to rebuild confidence and trust in the nation’s system and leadership.

“As Nigerians, we should love ourselves. We may speak in different tongues. We may face different directions in our worships. But, in our diversity lies our strength. We have walked hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder to scale many hurdles in the past. We can do it again. All that we need is our joint will and collective determination. Like the heroes that we are honouring today, we must be willing to give our all. Development is only possible in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony.

“As a matter of fact, we must shun the call for division, insurgency, banditry and all inter-ethnic, religious and politically motivated wrangling. We should embrace team-spirit, brotherliness and compassion for our fellow beings. We must encourage the use of democratic and appropriate institutions in the processes of seeking redress. We should bear it in mind that whatever peace cannot achieve, war is not likely to achieve it; and, if it does, it is at a great expense. Let us, therefore, rebuild confidence and trust in our system. Far above all, let us bequeath a nation that is free of troubles and woes to our children”, Abiodun stated.

While praising the gallantry of the armed forces in combating insurgency and banditry in the country, the governor appealed to individuals, corporate bodies and organizations to rise up to the challenge of giving support towards caring for the injured and the families of the dead by donating generously.

Abiodun added that his administration would continue to give support to the armed forces in ensuring that they perform their duties excellently and get encouragement in terms of welfare.

“As we gather to celebrate those heroes of our nation, we must appreciate that they sacrificed yesterday to give us today. We owe the repayment that requires us to give our today to offer a better tomorrow. By doing that, we are “Building our Future Together”.

“Indeed, as the government and people of Ogun State, our hearts and prayers go out, as always, to the relations of the departed heroes and heroines and we pray that God would continue to grant them eternal repose. I appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and organizations to rise up to the challenge of giving support towards caring for the injured and the families

James Sowole ÓØ ÕßÜÏ

Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, yesterday urged the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies to collaborate with the State Security Network known as Amotekun Corps.

Akeredolu made the call while speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day insisting that Amotekun has come to stay.

The governor said the collaboration would became necessary, in order order to provide adequate security in the state.

Akeredolu said while the Armed Forces and other security agencies have weapons, Amotekun Corps have local knowledge and familiar with terrains in the state He urged security agencies to take advantage of Amotekun Corps knowledge and familiarity with their own environment. The Governor assured there would be no confrontation as the Amotekun Corps could offer useful and timely intelligence.

He said: “We have deployed them and they have their motorcycles.

They are the ones in the bush to pass intelligence to us. They know the indigenes and can easily identify strangers within their vicinity.

“Amotekun Corps has come to stay. There is also need for proper policing of every nook and cranny of the country. The regular Nigeria Police force cannot do it alone. Other security agencies must step in to secure the country. There must be a collaborative effort. We must all work together. Policing must be technologically aided. We must have state police in this country.

“I encourage our armed forces to collaborate with State based security outfit like the Amotekun Corps. Let us work together.

The Amotekun Corps are making sacrifices and they are ready to work with the armed forces. It is very crucial. The Amotekun Corps has local knowledge and are familiar with terrains in the state.” Akeredolu stated that Nigeria could have been balkanised if not for the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.

He said his administration would not relent in its efforts at making the wellbeing of the dependant of the fallen heroes its duties, responsibilities and priorities. “We will continue to give non collateralised loan through the Ondo State Micro Credit agencies fo the widows left behind. Other qualified dependant of our fallen heroes who are into small micro businesses to start up or boost their businesses.”

The Ondo Governor later handed over N9.8m cheques to 80 persons including 31 widows of n heroes, wives of retired soldiers and other dependants who are into small and medium scale enterprise.

Military, Others Facing Shortage of Personnel, Says Gov Bello Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has observed that the fight against insurgency and other crimes in the country

is facing difficulty because of shortage of personnel in the military and other security agencies.

The Governor made the observation yesterday after laying the Wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier as part of activities to mark this years Armed Forces Remembrance and Emblem Appeal Week.

Bello said the country has to carryout serious recruitment of qualified personnel for the armed forces and the police and also provide them with modern platforms to enable them confront criminal elements creating insecurity in the country.

The Governor who spoke with newsmen after laying the Wreath also advocated for improved welfare for the personnel to enable them function properly and dedicatedly.

“We all know that the Nigerian Military is over stretched, there is serious shortage of personnel in the military and other security agencies, and I think something urgently needs to be done.

“I strongly believe that the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces as well as other security agencies need to be improved and made to be commensurate with their hard work as they work tirelessly day and night for the protection of the lives, property and peace of our nation”.

“There should be some sort of incentives to support them especially when it comes to their medical demands” Bello said.

The Governor also noted that the Nigeria Army is also overstretched, the manpower is inadequate and overwhelmed by the increasing insecurity in the country.

The high point of the ceremony was the wreath-laying by the governor, Heads of security agencies and Traditional Rulers, and the release of Pigeons to symbolize peace in the country.

There was also 21 gun salute as well as prayers for the souls of the departed soldiers and other security personnel.

Yahaya Praises Armed Forces for Gallantry, Sacrifice Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has lauded the Nigerian Armed Forces for their gallantry and sacrifice to the nation.

Yahaya, who laid wreaths in commemoration of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, lauded the nation’s fallen heroes for paying the supreme prize in defence of the country’s territorial integrity. Governor Inuwa Yahaya equally inspected a guard of honour mounted by officers and men of the 301 Artillery Regiment at the Pantami township stadium.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after leading dignitaries in the wreath laying ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya praised the gallantry and sacrifice of the nation’s fallen heroes and those in service, saying his administration will continue to assist security agencies in maintaining law and order in the state.

He called on the citizenry to continue to show solidarity and support to the living and fallen heroes as well as their families to boost their morale.

Other dignitaries who joined the Governor in the laying of the wreaths at the symbiotic tomb of the unknown soldier, included the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo and the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Muazu Pindiga.

Others are Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Maikudi Shehu, Commander of the 301 Artillery Regiment, Major J. David, Emir of Gombe, represented by the district head of Jalo Waziri, Commissioner of Internal Security and the State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Gombe State Chapter as well as the representative of the widows of the ex-servicemen.

The Gombe State Governor also performed the symbolic release of white pigeons to symbolize peace, freedom, sovereignty and prosperity of the nation.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

NEWS Monarchs Demand Justice in Creation of New LCDAs in Ekiti Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

THANK YOU …

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma laying a wreath on the grave of the unknown soldier to mark the 2021 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day at the Heroes Square, Owerri, yesterday

Pandemonium as Gunmen Attack Bayelsa Community, Raze Buildings Pandemonium broke out yesterday when some unidentified gunmen struck at Ogila-ama community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The gunmen, who came in three speed boats, shot sporadically before setting some buildings on fire, leaving the residents in a panic mode with some of them fleeing into the bush.

A native of the community identified as Bolouikie Ogoro, told newsmen that he received phone calls from his sister and that other people informed him of the armed invasion.

He disclosed that the hoodlums came in three speed boats and fired gunshots to scare the people away before setting buildings on fire.

The state police spokesperson, Asinim Butswat, said

the Commissioner of Police, Mike Okoli, “has dispatched detectives to ascertain what happened in the community.”

Observers noted that the latest attack in Ogila-ama came on the heels of similar invasions in recent times by gunmen as Peremabiri, also in Southern Ijaw LGA, was attacked twice on December 25, 2020, and January 3, 2021, with several residential houses

destroyed, including that of a former militant leader, Eris Paul, alias ‘General’ Ogunboss.

Governor Douye Diri had on January 6 set up two bipartisan peace and security committees to probe the remote and immediate causes of recent attacks by armed men on Southern Ijaw’s Peremabiri and EgbemaAngalabiri communities in Ekeremor LGA.

Police Burst Kidnappers Den in Kano, Arrest 5 Suspects Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Kano Police Command yesterday raided a house in Kano, allegedly rented by kidnappers and arrested five suspects.

The incident occurred in the outskirt of Kano metropolis, at

Jaba, Ungoggo Local Government, following intelligence report.

Sources revealed that four persons, including a female accomplice was arrested during the operation.

The kidnappers were traced to their hideout by the police

after they had abducted 2 people from Zamfara state and kept them in a rented home at Jaba village.

Police spokesman in Kano, Mr Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa confirmed the incident to THISDAY. Kiyawa, a Deputy Super-

intendent of Police (DSP) explained that the “operation is ongoing.”

Sources informed our correspondent that the policemen have picked up five suspected criminals, while high caliber weapons of war were recovered.

Okowa Performs Groundbreaking for N15bn COVID-19: NYSC Opens Camps Tower Fabrication Firm at Issele-Uku Jan 19, Bans Religious Gatherings Omon-Julius Onabu ÓØ ÝËÌË Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, yetersday performed the groundbreaking of the multi-billion naira Tower Manufacturing and Testing, Industrial Fabrication and Hot Dip Galvanising Facility in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, with a promise that his administration would sustain its infrastructural and human capital development programmes in order to stimulate increased local and foreign investment in the state.

The project, which is at the instance of DELFRASCO Industries Limited, is Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative involving the company and the State Government through the Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA).

Okowa said that the state is

richly endowed with human and natural resources, including about 40 percent of Nigeria’s gas reserves, pointing out that his administration has put in place polices and programmes to ensure an enabling environment for investment to thrive.

The governor said that the coming of DELFRASCO Industries further buttresses his administration’s commitment to diversifying the economy of Delta and enhancing its business competitiveness.

Okowa said, “Since 2015 when we came on board, we have enabled the ease-of-doingbusiness in Delta State through several policy initiatives, including the establishment of Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA).

“It is gratifying that efforts in this regard are yielding the desired dividends and, I daresay, Delta is becoming the investor’s

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has shifted the commencement date for the orientation programme for the next batch of corps members nationwide, saying camps would now be opened on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.

It earlier fixed resumption into the camps for Monday January 18.

The announcement came from the NYSC Camp Safe Reopening Project Lead, Dr. Oyeladun Okunromade during a sensitisation webinar for the 2020 Batch B Stream II corps members yesterday.

The organiser of the youth service programme also banned all forms of religious gatherings on its orientation camps.

The sensitisation programme with the theme, ‘Protecting the health of the Nigerian Youth: Safe Reopening of NYSC Orientation Camps’ also had in attendance the Director-General of NYSC, Briga-

dier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, as well as the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu.

The NYSC DG said the Service won’t hesitate to decamp any corps member who fails to adhere strictly to Covid protocols on orientation camps.

Okunromade said corps members would resume 200 daily and would be tested for Covid-19 as soon as they get to NYSC camps, noting that those who test positive for the virus would be isolated at approved NCDC health facilities while those who test negative would be allowed on camps.

The NYSC official warned that corps members who fail to resume at their allotted dates risk resuming with the next batch.

She said corps members are required to fill certain forms on the NYSC website to book their resumption dates.

Some traditional rulers in Ido/Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State have appealed to the Committee superintending over the creation of Local Council Development Authorities (LCDAs) to embrace justice and fairness in the location of the LCDAs’ headquarters .

The traditional rulers; the Olosi of Osi-Ekiti, Oba Oladiran Adewoye Agunbiade, Olugbole of Igbole-Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Olugenga Ajayi and the Onifisin of Ifisin Ekiti, Oba Folarin Fabunmi, backed the creation of new LCDAs from the existing Ido/Osi Council with headquarters in Osi Ekiti.

The monarchs, represented by the Olosi in -Council made the call yesterday while addressing the committee on creation of LCDAs in Ado-Ekiti.

The monarchs in a paper presented to the committee, expressed optimism that the committee would study their

request and do justice to it.

The traditional rulers commended Governor Kayode Fayemi for putting machinery in motion to consider creating LCDAs in the state to bring government closer the people and for administrative convenience.

“The creation of a local government from Igbole-OsiIfisin axis will bring governance closer to the people and ensure administrative convenience.

“This agitation has been on for a long time and that accounted for the recognition granted Osi Ekiti when a new local government was carved out of the old Ero Council and named Ido/Osi local government that is in existent today.”

Also speaking for the delegation, the Odofin of Osi Ekiti, Engr. Olaiya Faturoti, disclosed that similar agitations have been made and presented to successive governments and committees between 1955, 1995, 2003 and 2014.

Oyetola Lauds Fallen Heroes on Supreme Sacrifice for Nation Yinka Kolawole ÓØ ÝÙÑÌÙ The Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, has lauded the supreme sacrifice, selfless service and invaluable roles played by officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in continually ensuring the oneness and indivisible Nigeria.

He saluted the fallen heroes and gallant soldiers and officers for their unparalleled sacrifice in defending the nation’s sovereign integrity, peace and unity since its creation.

This is even as the governor said his administration was resolute to continuously prioritise the welfare and general well-being of the security agents, particularly officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Governor Oyetola spoke yesterday at the Grand Finale of the Year 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Military Cenotaph, beside State House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Oyetola who described officers and men of the Nigerian Armed

Forces as worthy exemplars and selfless citizens, said the nation would continue to be grateful to them for their tireless efforts in promoting unity in the nation’s diversity.

“Today is a day set aside to reflect on the invaluable role you have played and continue to play in nation-building. As courageous and patriotic citizens, you have, in the face of threats, braved the odds to defend our nation’s sovereign integrity, peace and unity.

“As valiant fighters, you have sacrificed your comforts in order to ensure that our nation enjoys the required tranquility to negotiate our quest for prosperity and abundance for our teeming population.

“Today, we recall with gratitude, our fallen heroes who have paid the supreme price for our nation during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, various peace support operations, internal security operations and the fight against insurgency and banditry in the North Eastern and North Western parts of the country respectively.

Women Threaten Nude Protests Against Appointment of NDDC’s Sole Administrator Sylvester Idowu in Warri A Group of women under the Augie’s of Mother of Oil Producing Communities of Niger Delta (MOPROCOND) has threatened to stage nude protests against the appointment of a sole administrator to run the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The women said the appointment was illegal and strange to the act establishing the intervention agency for the overall development of the region.

Arising from an emergency meeting in Warri yesterday, the women disclosed that the nude protest will be carried out simultaneously in all the NDDC offices across the nine states in the Niger Delta region and its headquarters in Portharcout, Rivers state.

MOPROCOND, in a com-

munique released at the end of the meeting and signed by Lady Kagogo Happy as Convener and Mrs. Ogheneruro, Media Officer, maintained that the planned protest is a follow up to the position already taken by the Oil Mineral Producing Communities Traditional Rulers Association (OMPCOTRAS) that Mr. Effiong Akwa be sacked as the Sole Administrator of NDDC. “Mother of Oil Producing Communities of Niger Delta (MOPROCOND (MOPROCOND) aligns ourselves with Oil Mineral Producing Communities Traditional Rulers Association (OMPCOTRAS) 14 days ultimatum which has expired on the 6th of January, 2021 issued to the Federal government for the sack of the interim Sole Administrator of the NDDC, Effiong Akwa and inaugurate the authentic board appointed

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Lagos Will Give Kanu Befitting Burial, Says Sanwo-Olu Segun James Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday disclosed the readiness of the state government to give former Military Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd) a befitting burial.

The governor said the state has set up a four-man committee led by the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr.

Gbenga Omotoso, to work with the deceased family and other stakeholders to immortalise and give late Ndubuisi Kanu a befitting passage of exit.

Ndubuisi Kanu, an elder statesman and leader of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), died on Wednesday at 77.

Speaking during a condolence visit to the family of Ndubuisi Kanu at the deceased residence in Victoria Island, Lagos, Governor

Sanwo-Olu who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folasade Jaji; Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde and some members of the State Executive Council, described the late elder statesman as a detribalised Nigerian.

He said: “He (Ndubusi Kanu) was a man that I personally had come to respect. He was a man that had supported our government from day one. He was a

man that I personally respect, not because he is no more with us but he had been to my office on two occasions and had attended all of our events as a pillar of support.

“He was completely detribalised. He was a builder and a brother from across the Niger. He was a true Nigerian that we all need to celebrate. So, that is why we are here humbly for and on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State to reassure

you that the State is solidly beside you in this time of grief.

“We and other stakeholders are right beside you because he was not just a man for one part, he was a national figure. We will work with other stakeholders to ensure that we immortalise and we give him a befitting passage of exit out of this world.”

Delivering the Lagos State Government condolence message to the deceased family, Dr. Hamzat hailed late Ndubuisi

Kanu’s contribution to the state and Nigeria, noting that the former Military Governor was irreplaceable.

He said: “Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu was one of those that laid the pillar of what we benefit today as the military governor in 1976. And most importantly, his contribution to what we are now benefitting in the country, which is democracy; because if people like him were in short supply, this country will not be like this.

Women Affairs Minister Charges New PS on Repositioning The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has expressed optimism that the redeploymentofDr.Mrs.Anthonia Ekpa, as the new Permanent Secretary(PS)totheMinistry,will facilitate harmonisation of efforts tofurtheruplifttheestablishment.

Tallen, who spoke in Abuja, while receiving the PS, stated that the Permanent Secretary’s coming to the Ministry with so much experience and capacity was very encouraging and that together, they would certainly work for

the betterment of the Ministry and its numerous stakeholders.

She added that she and the PS will collaborate to ensure that the aspirations of the present government in supporting families and in particular, Women and Children are realised.

She also appreciated the PS for emphasising on synergy among the various offices including those of the Minister, PS and Departments, and assured her of the cooperation of her staff and management while in the ministry.

In order to ensure the Permanent Secretary enjoys full support of the Ministry until she resumes work later in January, the Hon. Minister issued the PS with a letter of authorization for her to act on her behalf.

Ekpa, who is an experienced Civil Servant with years of lectureship and academic publications in gender studies, expressed gratitude to the minister for the warm reception she received in the ministry.

While assuring the Minister of

her loyalty and commitment to ensure realization of the aspirations of the government and Minister for the sector, told the Minister “I will work with your team and management of the Ministry to develop a Corporate Strategy that would support your Vision and Mission for Women and Children.”

The PS has commenced work, beginning with management meetings, receiving of briefs etc from Directors/Heads of Departments.

Obasanjo: Ndubuisi Kanu’s Death Depletes Ranks of Nigeria’s Leadership

Bennett Oghifo

COLLABORATION IS KEY...

L-R: Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; and the newly posted Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Anthonia Ekpa

Lagos State University College of Medicine Shut over COVID-19 Segun James The College of Medicine of the Lagos State University (LASUTH) has been shut as many students and officials tested positive for COVID-19 at its campus in Ikeja.

LASUTH, which is one of the few centres of excellence in medicine in the country, has been in the forefront of the treatment of COVID-19 in the state.

THISDAY gathered that the campus was shut due to the fact that many people tested positive at the same time.

Although it could not be ascertained if those not found positive have been quarantined within the campus or asked to go home, but it was gathered that the state government has been informed about the new development.

Head of the Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations of the Lagos State University, Ademola Adekoya, said

in a statement titled ‘Lagos State University College of Medicine closes hostel as three students test positive for COVID-19,’ that the affected students are in isolation.

“The Management of Lagos State University wishes to inform staff, students and the general public that three students of the Lagos State University College of Medicine have tested positive for COVID-19 leading the College to immediately close down all her hostel facilities.

“In addition, stakeholders are also informed that roommates of the three students who tested positive and their associates are being tested.

“The College already isolated the affected three students and has commenced contact tracing of all affected students; “The hostel facilities were immediately closed for decontamination upon confirmation of the status of the affected students.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said the death, this week, of Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (Rtd) depletes the ranks of the nation’s leadership, undoubtedly.

Obasanjo, who stated this in a condolence message, dated January 14, to the wife of the late Rear Admiral, Mrs. Gladys Ndubuisi-Kanu, described her late husband as “a dedicated and resourceful patriot who served

the nation in various capacities as a Naval Officer, Community Leader, and Military Governor of Imo State and Lagos State in 1975 and 1977, respectively.”

The former president said he wrote the message with “heavy heart” to commiserate with Mrs. Kanu and members of the family, stating, “Over the years, I had followed and watched, with keen interest, Admiral Kanu’s inspiring career which traversed soldering, public administration,

pro-democracy activism and business.”

He noted that in the course of the Admiral’s military service, for more than two decades, “he acquitted himself as a dedicated officer, a gentleman and a real patriot. From the thick of the Nigerian Civil War, where he commanded various regiments and corps to the post-war reorganisation of the military, he distinguished himself as a seasoned military officer, to which,

NCAC, NYSC Partner to Promote Peace, National Harmony Charles Ajunwa

General, Shuaibu Ibrahim in his office.

While unveiling a joint agenda The Director General of the National Council for Arts and tagged 'Partnership That Works', Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Otunba Runsewe said that NCAC Runsewe, has pledged his commit- and NYSC have similar mandate.

He noted that while the ment to partner with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in NYSC was established in 1973 the task of uniting Nigeria and by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) bringing sustainable peace and regime in pursuance of the policy social harmony in the country. of Reconciliation, Reconstruction The NCAC boss made this and Rehabilitation, the National pledge when he received the Festival for Arts and Culture was Director General of National established by the same regime to Youths Service Corps, Brigadier- foster national peace, unity and

integration using culture.

Otunba Runsewe further said that while NYSC scheme brings together young Nigerians to serve in states other than their own, NAFEST brings together contingents from the 36 states and FCT to showcase their cultural peculiarities and exchange cultural ideas.

He appealed to all organisations to always accept corp members posted to them and treat with respect as they are in the service to the nation.

14 Die in Kogi Ghastly Auto Crash Ibrahim Oyewale ÓØ ÙÕÙÔË Fourteen passengers, including five children, lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident which occurred along Anyingba -Ajaokuta road in Kogi State on Thursday.

The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Solomon Aghure confirmed this to newsmen on telephone in Lokoja yesterday.

Aghure explained that three vehicles; two trucks and a passenger bus were involved in the accident which happened in the evening of Thursday.

He said that the three vehicles were travelling on the same lane towards Anyingba when a truck suddenly hit the bus from behind and as a result of the impact, the bus hit the truck in its front.

FRSC boss noted that the bus was trapped between the two

trucks with all the passengers, before his men arrived the scene to carry out rescue operation which lasted for hours.

He, however, lamented that 14 out of the 23 persons involved in the accident died on the spot while nine others sustained various degrees of injury.

He stated that those who died included three female children, two male children, eight women and a man.

I could bear witness.

“Admiral Kanu was acknowledged as a disciplined, detribalised, transparent and humane public officer with an enviable track record. He left behind an impeccable record of leadership, a legacy of forthrightness, thoroughness and an unwavering commitment to public good. I recall that he was a pillar of trust and an iconic reference point when in 1975, the Murtala/ Obasanjo’s regime appointed him as Military Governor of Imo State and also later as Military Governor of Lagos State in 1977. He was, indeed, a great man who wrote for himself an enviable page in history with his service to the nation and humanity.”

CHANGE OF NAME

SATURDAY JANUARY 16, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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͹;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

MUSEVENI’S ELECTION CHEMISTRY The Ugandan leader is a good student of Machiavelli, writes Okello Oculi

D

r. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem (TAJU) once lived in a block of flats in Westland, a suburb of Nairobi. He hauled me into it from the United Kenya Club, a colonial relic for British officials and farmers on quick visits to Nairobi. My rent was the goodwill among radical students at Bayero University for lectures they poached from the Faculty of Arts and Social Science (FASS) at Ahmadu Bello University. He told my hosts that his teacher could not rent accommodation when he is resident in Nairobi.

He told many stories. Once upon a time of General Sani Abacha’s government, he passed through Immigration in Lagos with a Uganda passport. He had to be rushed to a private clinic with a load of malaria fever. That saved him from security operatives who identified him later as a ‘’RADIO KUDIRAT’’ enemy of the State. Although they raided where he was to stay, Museveni’s secret service grabbed him from the clinic and rushed him to Accra. It was a lucky escape.

He recalled how Uganda’s diplomats abroad treated him with a delicate reverence laced with panic which puzzled other officials in a government delegation. For over a decade, he had probably evolved from being the boss of the Kampala-based secretariat of the Gaddafi-financed PAN-AFRICAN CONGRESS to a pal of Museveni’s secret service. Both TAJU and Museveni were brilliant theorists.

Their friendship was aided my Abdurrahman Babu, a London-based Zanzibar politician protected by Nyerere’s operatives from the wrath of Aboud Karume who saw him as a dangerous communist. Babu had been a Minister of Planning in Nyerere’s cabinet when Museveni was a student of the Guyanese historian Walter Rodney at the University of Dar- es- Salaam.

Dr Nathan Shamuyarira, a future Minister of Information in Robert Mugabe’s government, also taught Museveni. In combination with Nyerere’s ‘’Africanist’’ political theorizing and experiments in governance, Museveni benefited enormously from intellectual stimulation.

Dar- es- Salaam was also the headquarters of the Liberation Committee of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Sam Nujoma (of the South West African People’s Organisation (SWAPO) was there. So was Oliver Tambo of the African National Congress (ANC) and others. Shamuyarira almost certainly arranged for Museveni to meet Samora Machel, leader of Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO). This school for liberation would encourage Museveni to invent elections which take women into local councils and parliament.

The racist governments in Southern Rhodesia, South West Africa (now Namibia), Mozambique, South Africa and Angola

RADICAL RULERS FAVOURED LONGEVITY. MAO ZEDUNG HELD LEADERSHIP FROM 1949 TO HIS DEATH IN 1976.

FIDEL CASTRO RULED FROM 1959 TO 2010. NYERERE RULED FROM 1961 TO 1985. WHAT MATTERED WAS COMMITMENT TO SERVING THE PEOPLE’S WELFARE

gave priority to holding and protecting power and not to ‘’Democracy’’.

Radical rulers favoured longevity. Mao Zedung held leadership from 1949 to his death in 1976. Fidel Castro ruled from 1959 to 2010. Nyerere ruled from 1961 to 1985. What mattered was commitment to serving the people’s welfare; and building industrial power in their economies. Revolutionary ideology tamed elections.

Lectures were by Communist teachers from Eastern Europe.

Walter Rodney and Okwodiba Nnoli converted from theories they had learnt from professors in London and Stanford universities into challenging imperialist racism. Franz Fanon, a medical doctor, psychiatrist and fighter against French troops in Algeria had the appeal of combining Marxist theorizing with firing guns in the mountains of Algeria. His book ‘’THE WRETHCHED OF THE EARTH’’ had enormous influence among cadres of liberation movements in Southern Africa.

Amilcar Cabral insisted that people support what affects their stomach. Museveni offered compensation to 16,000 persons in Acholi and Lango regions who lost livestock in past conflicts.

As Machiavelli teaches, he stokes the selfishness of 504 MPs and 80 ministers. They buy votes with their salaries.

Machiavelli also advocates power from barrels of guns. This is central to Museveni. In the November 2020 to January 2021 election campaign other contestants have accused him of deaths of opposition supporters; arrests, detention and beatings.

His main challenger, the youthful musician Bobi Wine, has petitioned the International Criminal Court over deaths of opposition supporters.

Samora Machel earned high praise for capturing, in battle, a highly decorated general of the Portuguese army. Fanon asserted that violence against an oppressor makes the oppressed attacker regain human dignity.

Leaders of liberation movements emphasised the importance of face-to-face communication with peasants and urban folks to win their support. It has been noted that during the year before an election Museveni addresses rallies in each constituency of candidates of his party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). As the incumbent President, he travels by helicopter over bad roads.

He uses simple and toxic language: referring to nonsupporters as ‘’swine’. On January 9, 2021, he blamed ‘’lazy and useless’’ Members of Parliament’’ for ‘’not identifying problems affecting citizens and monitoring government projects in their constituencies’’. He accused them of sleeping and snoring inside parliament; being preoccupied only with their allowances.

In recent elections his party has won 23 out of 30 seats.

OYEWUSI IBIDAPO-OBE: OUR SHARED DREAM Ayobami Salami pays tribute to Ibidapo-Obe, former vice chancellor, University of Lagos

B

efore May 2017 when I was appointed the pioneer Vice Chancellor, First Technical University, Ibadan, I only knew Professor Ibidapo-Obe by his reputation, earned through his unassailable credentials. Shortly after my appointment, the then Governor and Visitor to the University, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (of blessed memory), invited me for a meeting in his office to discuss my plans for the university. At the meeting were a few government officials, including the then Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli. The governor then told me he was planning to appoint a substantive Pro-Chancellor for the university and he wanted my suggestion(s).

Prior to my appointment, Professor Dapo Afolabi – a former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education and former Head of Service of the Federation – was the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Implementation Committee. I told him that appointment of Pro-Chancellor is the prerogative of the Visitor. He responded that he was asking for suggestions because he wanted the Council to be composed of professionals, technocrats and boardroom gurus, who are not politicians. I made a few suggestions for chairmanship and so did others present at the meeting. None of these was acceptable to the then Visitor. At a point, he said he was thinking of someone who (to use his exact phrase) is “more intelligent than the library”!

However, he said he was skeptical whether the person would accept because he already had an extremely busy schedule. We asked for the name, and he mentioned Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe. Everybody at the meeting agreed that Professor Ibidapo-Obe should be contacted.

The Visitor, there and then, called him on phone and put it on speaker mode. After exchange of pleasantries, the Visitor told him he had just appointed a Vice Chancellor for Tech-U. Professor Ibidapo-Obe eagerly asked, “Who?” And as soon the Visitor mentioned my name, he said, “Yes, you made the right choice. That guy is the best for the job. I can assure you that with him in the saddle, that university will fly. The surest way to kill a new university is to make the wrong choice in appointing the pioneer Vice Chancellor. Prof.

Salami will be my pick for the Vice Chancellorship any day.”

The Visitor then interjected, “Prof. Salami is here and he is hearing you!” He paused for a split second and asked, “Biola, you mean you are in a meeting?” He said yes and asked whether he was in the country to which he responded in the affirmative. The governor simply informed him that I would call him to book an appointment. I expected the Visitor to inform him about the offer but he didn’t. I requested him to do so. He just looked at me and said: “I persuaded you to accept the offer of Vice Chancellorship, you should also go to persuade him to be your Pro-Chancellor. He has just spoken glowingly about you. If he accepts, call me from his office, I will then talk to him.”

The first thing that struck me as I left the meeting is that this man must be an encourager and a very objective person. He had never met me in person and he highly recommended me. What if he had run a negative or just a passive commentary about me? Well, I made the trip to Lagos; we met for the first time, and I did as I was instructed.

The rest, as is often said, is history. Once appointed as Pro-Chancellor, we plotted the way forward for the First Technical University, Ibadan. From that moment till he died, we had a shared dream and passion: Tech-U. It was a great joy, not only for me, but also for the entire Tech-U family, when our current Visitor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE graciously retained the Council under his chairmanship, as this ensured the steady growth pace of the university on the ladder of progress and relevance. We worked as if we had been together for ages and enjoyed father-son relationship for the rest of his eventful life.

He was very humble and down to earth, despite his humongous achievements and intimidating accomplishments. The major cause for disagreement between Council and management in most universities is usually power play between these two critical organs of the university system. This is with respect to protection of, or encroachment on, territories on either side. But Prof. Ibidapo-Obe was a thoroughbred university administrator who held university traditions sacrosanct. He allowed every matter to be subjected to proper and robust intellectual debate on the floor of Council. He would always give me a tip whenever a critical issue was to be discussed so as to harness my view. And once a position

was taken by Council, he would project and defend it to every height irrespective of his own initial position on the matter.

There was a particular case that he felt strongly about and he did consult some other friends outside Tech-U, those he considered could offer respectable opinions on the matter.

However, I had a different perspective based on the facts available to me. After a lengthy discussion with him and his insistence, I initially thought I should not pursue my viewpoint further so as to avoid unnecessary disputation. But I later considered it expedient to venerate my viewpoint in the Council and be recorded in the minutes. He said he was happy with that since we were viewing it from different perspectives. At the Council, other members brought up some compelling viewpoints and provided some pieces of information in line with my perspective. He called me after the meeting to thank me for my courage, and told me that was the essence of a university system. I was awed by his humility and simplicity. He allowed the management the freedom to operate within the ambit of the law without undue interference. He towered larger than life in the Council and provided the father figure for the management. Of course, it is a gross understatement to say you could count on him for erudition.

He worked for the Tech-U vision till he breathed his last. I dare say that his last official outing before he took the final bow was at Tech-U. Our last Council for 2020 was supposed to be in the first week of December.

Due to some logistic reasons, the meeting was shifted to December 15-16, 2020. I was unexpectedly invited to Abuja on an official engagement on December 13. I called him to enquire whether we should postpone the meeting till probably the first or second week in January, 2021. Trust him as an experienced administrator. He counselled that the December meeting was a statutory one and should, therefore, hold. Moreover, the meeting was to consider the budget and projections for 2021.

We agreed to shift the Finance and General Purpose Committee (F&GPC) meeting that was slated for 11am as scheduled to 3.00pm on Tuesday, December 15. I came by first flight from Abuja to Lagos in the morning of the day and was in office waiting for him before the 3.00pm meeting. He arrived early with his nose mask properly fitted and came

straight to my office as his usual practice. I briefed him about my Abuja trip. He opted for tea instead of his usual coffee and we left my office for the Council Chambers. The meeting held and he retired to his hotel room to prepare for the full council meeting the following day.

Early in the morning of December 16, I called on phone to check on him as was my practice whenever he was in Ibadan. He told me that the night was not too comfortable and requested to see doctor at our clinic. The doctor attended to him and the meeting held with all Covid-19 protocols duly observed. He exhibited no sign of sickness throughout the meeting. Somehow, he ran the meeting like a valedictory sitting, even though his tenure (and other council members) was not supposed to end before March next year. As soon as the meeting ended, he insisted he wanted to openly appreciate the significant achievements of the university within a short time.

And Oga was a good storyteller. He regaled us with stories of his times and seasons as Vice Chancellor, and why we should appreciate what is happening at Tech-U. He moved that Council should commend the management of the university under my leadership and insisted that the commendation should be recorded in the minutes of Council. He also informed the Council that we should appreciate our Visitor for increased support for TechU in the 2021 budget cycle. He concluded by requesting that management should book an appointment with the Visitor for the Council to express our gratitude. After his lengthy session of commendation for the management and the Visitor, a member of Council, Prof.

Charles Akanbi, then responded that the entire council should rise to give the chairman a standing ovation. Prof. Akanbi opined that the litany of achievements of the management reeled out by chairman was made possible by his able leadership. We all stood up, including Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe (former MD of First Bank Plc), who joined the meeting via zoom. And the ovation was loudest since the inception of the council. I never realised we were paying our last respect to him as a council that drank from his well of wisdom. He took a bow. Alas, I never knew it was his last!

Professor Salami is the Vice Chancellor, First Technical University, Ibadan

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INSIGHT

NIMC and social distancing

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Why Nigeria Needs Access to Clean Energy

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he power sector reform of the present administration has made some remarkable improvement in addressing the challenges associated with instability in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to consumers, with so much emphasis on clean and renewable energy to boost the supply across the country.

Speaking at a virtual Global power sector players conference presided over by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guternes, the minister of state power, Goddy Jeddy Agba outlined the challenges as well as achievements recorded in the power sector in the last five years by the President Buhari-led administration.

The minister told the United Nations and other participating countries as well as financial institutions that Nigeria requires $4 Billion annually to access clean and renewable energy to boost the supply of electricity to consumers. He said our ambition is demonstrated by the recent removal of the fuel subsidy which now makes the off-grid sector more competitive, as well as the five million solar connections programme which was included in the Covid-19 recovery strategy tagged, Economic Sustainability Proramme.

While canvassing position at the conference, the minister urged global partners to support ESP, recently introduced by the federal government to address the huge financial gap created by the global pandemic, stressing that Nigeria is taking deliberate steps to merge its energy access and energy transition conversations as the largest un-electrified population globally residing within the borders of the country.

According to the minister, there are 85 million households that are targeted to benefit from the clean and renewable energy sources, identified to be low in carbon emission, as proven by experts in the power sector, especially the current statistics by the United Nations projecting global access to electricity through clean energy sources.

The Nigerian’s presentation at the conference is the fact that the present administration’s accountability and due process identified corruption as a major setback in the power sector, which gave birth to interventions strategy and presidential committees to check unwholesome practices, which has led to remarkable improvement in the sector.

Clean and renewable energy is the way to go to achieve a sustainable power sector reform that will boost growth and development in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, especially if the present administration is poised to hand over to the next government an enduring legacy in the power sector.

Earlier, the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres noted that African countries and the global trend for power sector development in clean and renewable energy to unbundle the old grid- supply has proven to be inadequate, saying all forms of energy to generate electricity must be applied by countries to ensure adequate supply of power to its people.

According to the UN scribe, it will continue to give necessary support to Nigeria in the power sector, in response to the position paper presented by the minister of state power who represented the Nigerian government at the conference. Responding further to the Nigerian representative submissions, Jedy Agba, the Secretary General disclosed that the UN will increase its support to Nigeria to fund electricity, considering the country’s population and land mass.

Also speaking at the conference, President of African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, stated that the role of AFDB, in the power sector is clear as it has intervened in recent times to ensure the stability and regular supply of electricity to consumers on the continent.

He said the bank will continue to support public-private initiative to promote the sector, as it has continued to formulate and implement policies that are friendly to develop and encourage industries and the manufacturing sectors that rely so much on various sources of energy to boost production capacity.

According to Akinwumi, sustainability in economic growth in any part of the World must depend on the amount and sources of power supply available to manufacturers to determine either low or high capacity production as a factor to intermediate in the law of demand and supply.

The conference which was strategically slated to review the impact of Covid-19 in the power sector and the way forward was able to chat a way forward as the United Nations has promised to give the necessary support to Nigeria to explore other sources of energy to achieve steady and adequate supply of electricity to consumers in Nigeria.

World institutions and countries who participated at the conference include the United Nations, European Union, International Energy Agency, African Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Environment minister, Germany; Minister of water, irrigation and Energy Ethiopia; Minister of Petroleum and Energy Senegal; Minister for Ecological Transition Spain; Minister of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation, Italy and Secretary of state for foreign Commonwealth and development affairs.

Ofem Uket, Abuja T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

Aiyé and the Hopelessness of Man

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ears ago, a minister of God was invited to the provincial headquarters of my denomination. Intense publicity and preparation had been put together to make room for a perfect visit. Unfortunately it was on a Sunday, I had Sunday lectures I needed to attend.

I spoke to my pastor about the imminence of my lecture and why I will not be available for the meeting. My pastor did not listen to me, rather he took me into a full dossier of the workings of aiyé (the world). He told me why I should attend the meeting as a precondition to escape all the fiery darts of aiyé.

I have always known aiyé as a matter of my mother’s consciousness, which over the years, I have come to believe was fear that morphed into piety. However, being conscientised into the realms of aiyé by my pastor whose daily teachings extols the singularity of the power of Jesus and the inferiority of the powers of aiyé, was a new dimension for me.

Growing up, over a decade of my Christian experience was dedicated to exorcism and escape from the fiery darts of aiyé. Aiyé or world is given colourful names by Nigeria’s Pentecostals such as “powers”, “principalities”, and “dominions”, and the fear of aiyé often make us spend the most productive hours of every day abandoning Nigeria’s work to bind her, rebuke her, come against her and send every manner of contrary machinery of aiyé back to sender.

I thought lately about aiyé and why her fear remains a potent force of faith. After so many years aiyé effectively remains the springboard for which faith thrives. Organized religion generally posits basically on the hopelessness of man. The hopelessness of the Nigerian induced by the failure of the government is more grim and this is leveraged upon by many Pentecostals to give alternative hope that is only guaranteed through the divine.

Man is endlessly in search of hope. When there’s a failure of the social contract hopelessness increases and this is exactly where religion comes in; you are not married after society’s prescribed age you have to see Bàbá orí òkè for ìtúsìlè from spiritual husband because it’s not normal by the imperative of our cultural norms to be unmarried at certain age; when you get to Bàbá orí òkè he paints gory pictures of such repeated cycle in your lineage, fear grips you and in no time you become the disciple of Bàbá orí òkè or even in worse cases, his wife.

Why does faith always push aiyé into situations of hopelessness only and rarely for the upper social class?

In the words of Jesus in Mark 2:17 “...He saith unto them, they that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick...”. It’s often in breaches of life’s courses that God exhorts himself however, unlike in the time of yore where God’s exhortation was for God’s glory, today it’s for the expansion of man’s ministry.

Kehinde Oluwatosin Babatunde, Lagos

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SUPER SATURDAY

Mo Abudu

Tobore Ovuorie

Tussle for Òlòtūré’s Copyright The tussle over the copyright py g of Òlòtūré, a highly g y successful2020 crime thriller on sex and human trafficking g is getting g g messier. Tobore Ovuorie who did an investigative g storyy in 2014 on the p plight g of trafficked Nigerian g women is demanding g compensation p from Mo Abudu, the producer p of the film, for allegedly infringing on her copyright. But Abudu says her claims are all balderdash. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

here seems to be no end in sight as the tussle over the copyright of ÒlòtÚ tÚré, a 2020 crime thriller on sex and human trafficking, rages. Recall that investigative journalist, Tobore Ovuorie, had through her attorneys, Maverick and Spectre Legal practitioners, on November 3, 2020 demanded, among others, the sum of $5 million compensation from EbonyLife Films owned by Mo Abudu. She alleged that the entertainment company stole her 2014 investigaa tive article on sex trafficking without her permission to create ÒlòtÚ tÚré, which was launched October 2, 2020 on Netflix.

Tobore, claimed the movie is “a complete plagiarism and adaptation” of her work - ‘Inside Nigeria’s Ruthless Human Trafficking Mafia’. “Oloture is a copy and paste of my work, Oloture is my work, Oloture is my life story,” Tobore alleged in a recent interview which made the rounds last Monday. Tobore also stated that she received a letter sometime in May, 2019 titled “Appreciation for Journalistic Endeavours,” from EbonyLife signed by Mo Abudu. In the said letter, she said she was offered five percent of proceeds from the movie’s “cinema run” which will be paid through her non-profit organisation.

She further claimed that she had in 2017 contacted the director of Oloture, Kenneth Gyang for a project based on her story but was turned down.

In an earlier interview with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) in November 2020, Tobore stated that “her agitation and demands are premised on the fact that from the beginning and the end of the movie, EbonyLife wrote that the movie is fiction, and at the open and end of the movie, five other people were credited for writing the story”.

Irritated by developments over her alleged copyright infringee ment, Tobore lamented: “It’s horrendously wrong. A film on exploitation is birthed by exploitation itself. Is that not a huge irony? What’s the difference between the traffickers and what they (EbonyLife) have done?”

Tobore was motivated to do her news story by the plight of trafficked women in the country, as well as the death of her friend and school mate, Ifueko who died after returning home from sex work.

In Tobore’s attorneys’ letter cited earlier, they said their client’s rights under Section 10(4) of the Copyrights Act, CAP C28 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 were breached. The law stipulates: “In the case of a cinematograph film or sound recording, the author shall be obliged to conclude, prior to the making of the work, contracts in writing with all those whose works are to be used in the making of the work”.

Tobore’s lawyers asserts: “Our Client, being the author of the work adapted into the movie has the exclusive rights to control the reproduction of the work in any material form, publication of the work, performance of the work in public, translation of the work, the making of any cinematographic film or record in respect of the work, distribution of the work to the public for commercial purposes, broadcast or communication of the work to the public, the making of any adaptation of the work, and the right to authorize any of the foregoing.”

The investigative story by Tobore Ovuorie was first published

by Zam Magazine, Netherlands, on 22, January 2014 and subsequently by Premium Times, Nigeria on August 12, 2014.

However, Premium Times Services Limited, publishers of Premium Times, in a news report of November 16, 2020 stated

that Tobore Ovuorie cannot claim copyright over the investigative report which belongs to the media company that inspired the movie. According to online publication’s editor-in-chief, Musikilu Mojeed, only the media company and its partner on that undercover project, Zam Chronicles, can lay claim to the copyright for Oloture going by Nigeria law of copyright.

Responding through a letter dated November 9, 2020 from its lawyer Olaniwun Ajayi, EbonyLife said Tobore should desist from accusing it of “ethical misconducts which bother on intellectual theft and copyrights infringement.” According to a statement released in the wake of the copyright tussle by Mo Abudu, ‘Oloture’ is a work of fiction inspired by a variety of true stories, one of which is Ovuorie’s 2014 investigative story.

“Additionally, the company (EbonyLife) gratuitously committed to donating five percent of the profit derived from the theatrical run of the movie in support of the Non-Governmental Organisaa tion (NGO) founded by Ms. Ovuorie to advance the campaign against human/sex trafficking in Nigeria, though unfortunately the movie did not have a theatrical run. Whilst the unfounded allegations by Ms. Ovuorie are aimed at tarnishing the image/ reputation of the company, EbonyLife is, and remains, a law abiding entity with due respect to intellectual property and human creativity.”

As if her earlier statement is elusive in some ways, Mo Abudu followed up with a 10-minute video which she released via her Instagram handle last Wednesday. She acknowledged that Tobore demanded $5 million as compensation for intellectual property theft following the film’s successful Netflix release. Although Abudu’s facts augur with existing circumstances regarding the issues in the matter, she further revealed that prior to the Netflix

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JANUARY 16, 2021

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SUPER SATURDAY Tussle for Òlòtūré’s Copyright

Tobore Ovuorie release of ‘Oloture’, she had maintained a cordial relationship with Tobore, offered her five percent of proceeds from the movie’s cinema run and supported her with cash gifts following the demise of her father in 2020.

Abudu insisted that she secured the rights to the film from Premium Timess Services Limited, Tobore’s former employers at the time. She said: “We sought and obtained rights from Premium Times, the owners of the story and as such, fulfilled our legal obligations and do not take kindly to suggestions stating otherwise. Although I have fully addressed our legal obligations which were fully met, there are also moral issues to be dealt with in a case like this.

“So on May, 2019, twenty months before the launch of Oloture on Netflix, we reached out to Tobore to acknowledge her journalist achievement, to commend, recognize and encourage her in her ongoing campaign against sex trafficking and that of her NGO. We granted Tobore a private screening of the movie, gave her a special mention in the end credits of Oloture and I interviewed her on my talk show, Moments with Mo. In addition, we wrote to her and offered her five percent of the proceeds from our planned cinema run to go towards her NGO which she acknowledged…

“Due to the covid-19 pandemic, the cinema release of Oloture never happened. Instead we decided to partner with Netflix and the film was released on the 2nd of October, 2020. Only a day after our release on Netflix, I got a call from a reporter Kiki Mordi, who said she has been in touch with Tobore, saying ‘I’m reaching out to you because various similarities have been flagged between a 2014 investigative report, featured in Premium Timess and the film and I want to include that in my report. My report is due to be out today (apologies for the short timing) and I’m hoping to clarify some facts from you and hopefully get your comments.’

“We decided to respond, although we didn’t have to. That article is available online. Within a few this of this, Tobore went on social media, making accusations and she wrote to Netflix making demands.” The businesswoman also revealed in her Instagram video that Tobore had launched an on and off social media attack on the film’s director, Kenneth Gyang as well as other members of her team. According to Abudu, Gyang had

Mo Abudu never seen the script until they contacted him to direct it.

Tobore issued a formal statement on Wednesday after Abudu’s video message, in which she alleged that she was unable to view the recording “as Ms. Mo Abudu (Aunty Mo) had blocked me on Instagram since last year. I was however able to view the recording from other platforms that reposted the video.”

Though, Tobore says she will no longer join issues on social media with Abudu on the matter, she however decided “to set the record straight for the sake of posterity.”

She argues: Firstly, EbonyLife claimed that the right to use my life story was legally obtained from my erstwhile employer – Pree mium Times. Unfortunately for them and as I had earlier informed them through my lawyers, the human trafficking investigation in my story had commenced prior to my employment with Premium Times. It is disheartening that Aunty Mo could in fact mention that she got the right to my life-story (that has impacted on my life since then in many ways) from my ex-employer.

“Secondly, I am in shock that Aunty Mo would claim that I was contacted prior to the Movie in one breath and in another breath that the story is not about me but about several other faceless journalists who had done what I did but did not publish their experiences. If Ebonylife had given me full disclosure from the beginning, we would not be where we are, at this point. Yes, Oloture is an important film to be made but must be done the right way. A Movie about women victimization cannot end up creating further victimization.

“Oloture is an adaptation of my work and life-story. I experienced the investigation, the process, and the risks, upon which the movie is based. I also single-handedly authored the publication the Movie relied on. The publication of my experience is what gave birth to Oloture. A Movie about sex trafficking does not need to be centered around a journalist and it does not need to play out the plots of my published story. The question is, why is the open credits for the story of Oloture bearing Mo Abudu, Temidayo Abudu, and three others? How ethical is that for an adapted story? Even the alleged end credit, how appropriate is it? This is not the standard practice in the industry and Ebonylife should know better.

“Aunty Mo’s claim that Kenneth Gyang has had to deal with daily and weekly harassments from me is completely false. On

October 4th, 2020 Kenneth Gyang confessed in the published Premium Times story that he became aware of the Oloture story, two weeks before the release of the film. A film director, whom I had worked with on a 30 minutes documentary on this same story in 2016, told Kenneth the actual source of the story and had warned him of the consequences.

“Aunty Mo’s claim that I am doing this because of money and because Oloture traveled far is another deliberate attempt at mischief. The question is whether the decision to tag this movie a fiction was a deliberate attempt at maximizing profit? The allusion to the fact that my claim for compensation was outrageous when I am claiming infringement of intellectual property right, shows that a lot needs to be done in terms of re-orientation for the entertainment landscape in Nigeria. My obvious interest had always been to be given appropriate credit for my work, far above the compensatory claim.

“So many women around the world are trafficked as claimed

by Aunty Mo, but who else, and I also mean undercover journall ists, have same experiences as published before the production of Oloture and as depicted in the movie? Making of a film on exploitation should not itself be exploitative. I almost died (and I saw death) when I took a 7-month long journey to investigate human trafficking. Now, I am going through the ordeal a second time watching my life story on TV, without full credit or compenn sation and the subsequent campaign of calumny.”

On the money given to her by Abudu, Tobore stated: “I have never asked Aunty Mo for money. Rather, she sent me a message to send my account details for her to send me a token towards my dad’s burial. I did and she subsequently sent me N100,000. My former editor at the Guardian newspaper, Mr. Fred Ohwahwa also sent me some money on hearing my dad had passed on. Several former bosses, and colleagues and people I have never even met came through for me. I was and I am still very grateful to all of them. Having watched the video, I now begin to wonder: The N100,000 sent by Aunty Mo, was it more than a gift? Was it intended to buy my silence when the film would be released?

Set in Lagos, “ÒlòtÚ tÚré” tells the story of a young, naïve Nigerian journalist who goes undercover to expose the shady underworld of human trafficking.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Matrimony Thrills Simi, Adekunle Gold Celebrating the Milkmaid

Wizkid, Burna Boy Blaze in Ginger

pg. 19 pg. 20

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Matrimony Thrills Simi, Adekunle Gold Celebrity couple, Simi and Adekunle Gold celebrate their second wedding anniversary, exchange sweet messages, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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he pair tied the knot at a low-key ceremony in January 2019 and welcomed their first child together in June 2020. On their wedding anniversary last week, the couple took to their respective Instagram pages last Wednesday to pen lovely messages to each other. In his post, Adekunle Gold expressed his love for Simi, noting that she has been a blessing to the family since they got married. He further recounted their beautiful grass to grace journey.

Adekunle wrote: “I look back to the first day I met you. I had just left the office, so excited that you had finally given me the audience to see you. This local boy put on a white byc vest and a pair of new lilac pants bought specially for the occasion; I even made sure I was there earlier so I had front row seats,” he wrote. “I watched you talk, sing, laugh and dance and Omo I knew that very day that I wanted to be in your life. I knew that day that I wanted my forever to be you. Here we are, all three of us, talking, dancing, singing, laughing, and doing this called life together. With you, I have been blessed with so much, so much, it’s too much to count. I love you Simi.

Forever your steward.”

On her part, the ‘Duduke’ crooner showered praises on her husband, describing him as a man of amazing personality. “2 years. Well, 2 years on government paper and 7 years since I gree for you, you lucky man, through a pregnancy. With a baby, we’re both unashamedly obsessed with.

Through a pandemic. And it’s still you. I’ve never had to wonder if you’re in my corner. You’re still the best man I know. You should have been your own best man (don’t leave me). One of my favorite things about you is that you’re a really, really good person. I like you a lot. I’m so proud to know you and be your wife. I pray that God continues to be the foundation of our marriage and home.

I love you Kunle Kosoko. Now, forever and one extra day, and then another, and then another, and then another, ati bobo lo...Happy Anniversary Baby.”

Adekunle Gold and Simi’s relationship has been an item of intense interest to the public after the two artistes commenced their careers. Both singers were together for a very long time even before their career flight. At the beginning of their career, the singers kept their brands separate and were hardly photographed together.

Given the spotlight on celebrity couples, this decision paid well for Simi and her boo as they were able to build their careers outside the spotlight. The longtime lovers, who have been together for almost a decade, tried their best to keep their love life private, their fans waited impatiently for them to go public as a couple.

Despite all that was seen, said, suggested, and guessed about them, there was never a confirma-

Simi, Adekunle Gold

tion from the pair, and not even a straight denial. Apart from the chemistry and all the affectionate, almost affectionate embraces from them during their many joint performances, not much could be said about their relationship. Until an event of Sunday December 8, 2018 confirmed their status as Simi told Adekunle Gold, “your love is overwhelming” after they shared a kiss on stage at Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island during her concert

tagged ”Simi Live in Lagos”.

It then followed with a secret engagement party attended by close knit friends and family members of the couple. These two further threw a surprise in 2019 when they got married in one of the most private celebrity wedding in modern times. The couple had their traditional weddings on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at Victoria Island.

Their marriage was witnessed by a private audience of about 300 close family members, close friends and

industry colleagues. They went on to have their white wedding at the popular Ilashe beach on Thursday, January 10, 2019.

Unlike the traditional wedding which had a larger turnout, the white wedding was attended by a select 300 guests. Adekunle Gold had in an interview revealed that he would love to tie the knot at the beach. Hence the beach wedding didn’t come as a surprise to many as the clip of the interview surfaced online.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Celebrating the Milkmaid Critically acclaimed movie ‘The Milkmaid’, which made the rounds in 2020 with its long list of award recognitions, was officially screened to a coterie of guests in Lagos recently.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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moderate number of guests, including star practitioners from across film and theatre sector were among the industry VIPs that graced the official premiere of ‘The Milkmaid’ last Sunday at Terra Kulture, Lagos. Being Nigeria’s official submission for the 93rd Oscar’s Best International Feature Film category, it was befitting the caliber of personalities hosted during the exclusive screening of the movie which had in attendance Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, renowned businesswoman Ibukun Awosika, NBA President Olumide Apata, AMAA founder Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, Bolanle Austen-Peters, among others.

An authentic and riveting Nigerian story with global relevance, ‘The Milkmaid’ is written, produced, and directed by Desmond Ovbiagele. The Hausa language-based movie spotlights insurgency and extremism, especially as they affect women and children in SubSaharan Africa. The critically acclaimed movie made the rounds in 2020 with its long list of award recognition and the highly coveted spot as Nigeria’s second Oscar best International Feature Film submission.

The film follows Aisha, a Fulani milkmaid, searching for the whereabouts of her younger sister, Zainab after a forced separation. Dire personal circumstances forced her to approach the extremists, who were responsible for their predicament in the first instance, but she is determined to find her despite the compromises she must make to do so. However, her quest to recapture her blithe past proves to be unexpectedly complicated in a world whose seething conflict provides several paths to becoming a victim with typically irreversible consequences. Shot on location in Taraba State, North-East Nigeria, ‘The Milkmaid’ stars popular northern Nigerian actress, Maryam Booth, alongside Ibrahim Jammal, Anthonieta Kalunta, and Gambo Usman Kona among others.

The film showcases the natural beauty of Nigeria’s topography such as the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba state, while highlighting the richness of the sub-region’s colourful Hausa and Fulani cultures. Speaking on the film, Ovbiagele stated: “Although I don’t live directly in the area of conflict, as a Nigerian, I couldn’t help but feel very saddened about what was going on in the North East. I felt as a filmmaker, I had the responsibility to make a contribution in terms of what I felt was happening over there.

“Beyond that, typically these people that are involved do not really have a voice. We rarely speak about who they are, what we hear is statistics of how many people died in the papers. We don’t know their names, we don’t know where they came from or what they aspired to be as human beings. We in our very little way tried to use the film to at least put some flesh, put some faces and some emotions behind who these people are and that’s what ‘The Milkmaid’ was really about. That’s how the film came to be.”

The film is Ovbiagele’s sophomore, following his award-winning ‘Render to Caesar’ in 2014. The Milkmaid’s

L-R: Bolanle Austin-Peters, Desmond Ovbiagele and Basketmouth at the premier of Milkmaid

claiming of the top prize of Best Film at the 2020 Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) was Nigeria’s first triumph in that category in seven years since Kenneth Gyang’s ‘Confusion Na Wa’ in 2013. The two-hour 16 minutes thriller received eight nominations and won five at the 16th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) in December 2020. The film won awards for Best Film, Best Supporting Actress, Best Nigerian Film, Best Film in an African Language, and Achievement in Make-up.

In the same month, ‘The Milkmaid’ was announced by the 12-member Nigeria Official Selection Committee (NOSC) as Nigeria’s submission to the 93rd Oscars in the category of Best International Feature Film. The announcement of ‘The Milkmaid’ as Nigeria’s representative at the 2021 Oscars followed a statutory vetting and subsequent voting of entries received from Nigerian filmmakers at home and abroad. ‘The Milkmaid’ scored the majority votes, beating “Sanitation Day,’’ “Voiceless,” “Oloture,’’ “Ibi (The Birth),” and “Eyimofe.”

Last year, Nigeria’s official submission, ‘Lionheart’, was disqualified for not meeting the non-English dialogue criteria. This led to the controversy on whether or not Nigerian pidgin should not be considered a local language.

Although the Oscars has since reviewed the rule, giving approval for dialogues in pidgin, ‘The Milkmaid’ shot with Hausa, Fulfulde and Arabic dialogues appears to have been made with the original Academy rules in mind and had not left anything to chance.

Anthonieta Kalunta

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

The Village Headmaster’s Trailer Out

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fter months of collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) to revive the iconic The Village Headmaster TV drama series, all is now set for the television series to hit the Nigerian television stations with the successful completion of the recording stage. Already, the promotional trailer has started airing across Nigeria.

A statement by the organisers said the recording, which commenced in early November 2020,was fully-concluded by mid-December 2020, while the project is currently undergoing post-production process (video editing, special effects, graphics, colour grading, music scoring, subtitling, etc) in line with the producers’ promise to deliver a first-class project of international standards, the exciting trailer has been in heavy rotation on NTA Network, AIT Network, wapTV, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and

other platforms.

Directed by the multiple-awardwinning Patience OghreImobhio, the programme stars some of the original cast, including Dejumo Lewis (Kabiyesi), Ibidun Allison (Amebo), Dan Imoudu (Chief Dagbolu), Dele Osawe (Teacher Fadele), Melville Obriango (Teacher Oghene), Kate Adepegba(Folake), and Lara Akinsola (Doyin); as well as a diverse list of superstars, including 9ice, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Chris Iheuwa, Mr Latin, Rachael Oniga, Funky Mallam, Jide Kosoko, Omo Ibadan, Okele, Princess, Sam Uche Anyamele, Mide Martins, Recardo Agbor, Jumoke George, Yemi Shodimu, Babatunde Aderinoye, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Jide Alabi, Christy Imanlehin, Yemi Remi, Monica Friday, Deborah Anugwa, Ajobiewe Jr., Jumoke Olabisi, Eric Obinna, and others.

This new production of The Village Headmaster TV Drama Series would start airing in April 2021; on NTA Network, AIT Network, and wapTV Network, across Nigeria and several parts of Africa.

Wale Adenuga Jr

Sustain Drops New Project

Sustain

Olamilekan Abideen known by his stage name, Sustain is an emerging sensation seasoned with deep roots in Fuji, Juju and Sakara-traditional genres. He grew up listening and nurturing his craft from the musical excellence of Lagbaja and Pasuma. His creativeness has been soaked in proper African sounds which have been dominant in his indie freestyles and solo projects since 2012.

Talking about his music and what sets him aside from other acts he shares, ‘The originality of my sound makes my music a different one; the connection with where good African music is coming

from. I mean you will have the modern rhythm setting it with Electronic elements that’s connecting you with the mother land.’

Sustain’s official debut single, Husband Material, which was released in 2017 saw him masterfully blend modern sounds, subtle synths and bass lines with the talking drum and Sekere. Since then, whether he is laying his fuji laden vocals in songs like Arowolo or invoking posterity using rich Yoruba lyrics in Ire, Sustain identifies himself as a true exponent of Afro-beats.

In 2021, he is fully set to dominate and conquer the scene. With

Naija Dance Championships postponed over Covid-19 Naija Dance Championship (NDC) was born out of the zeal to bring back the good old days of John Player Disco championships. With years as a Dance Veteran, Muyiwa Osinaike has spread his experience on different platforms and projects such as Maltina Dance All, Ariya Repete and a lot more. The NDC was to yearly engage the youth and to ensure it’s all encompassing from all regions as every youth is aspiring. According to him, the expectation en-

ables them work.

He said the engagement would also enable the internally displaced persons showcase their skills.

Auditions were originally scheduled to kick off early 2021, however, due to the spread of Covid-19 and the attendant government regulations, the plans have been moved ahead to late April so as to properly manage the state of things.

In his explanation, Osinake said: “The safety of our participants and team is of top priority

and we would continue to work on measures to properly hold auditions in respect to safety guidelines and government regulations.

The NDC is more elaborate, as it will showcase AfroHip, modern contemporary and traditional dances.

The youths must be engaged at these times.

That can be achieved easily through Dance. Over 100,000 of our youths will be in dialogue through Dance for six months.”

Osinaike

this at the back of his mind, he and his team has worked on a new project he titles, Afrosus which is slated to be live on all digital streaming platforms from the 22nd of January 2020. The seven tracks E.P is a beautiful mix of proper Afro sounds, modern rhythms, electronic elements and most importantly good music. Shedding more light on the EP he said, “It’s all love and Afrosound all through; a fundamental introductory of myself; it’s way deeper and more from where this is coming from.

The world is my target and I’m on a pursuit to become the biggest out of the continent.’

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Wizkid, Burna Boy Blaze in Ginger Wizkid unleashes video for “Ginger” featuring Burna Boy. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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uperstar Nigerian singer/songwriter Wizkid has dropped the video for “Ginger” featuring Burna Boy. One of the standout tracks off his latest project called Made in Lagos. Ginger was released via Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records.

Last November, Wizkid released his Made in Lagos project, and the Burna Boy assisted “Ginger” instantly became a fan favorite. Shot in London, the video was directed by Meji Alabi.

It is Wizkid’s third video from the album after the visuals for ‘No Stress.’ Finally, one of the most anticipated music video is out.

The aesthetically-stunning new “Ginger” visual sees the two Nigerian stars joining forces while surrounded by beautiful dancers, the entire video covered in hues of browns and, of course, ginger, as the duo go back and forth for the hook: “If you want make I ginger, give me the kokoro, ma ko je bi jollof. Anywhere I go, je kan mo pe mo ma gbomo lo. No dey do like bolo. If you want make I ginger give me the kokoro. Ma ba o je bi jollof.

Come make I, come make I show you my kponono. No dey do like bolo, oh yeah.”

The video finds the two artistes in a sparse warehouse, surrounded by minimal set dressing.

From a streaming perspective, this ‘Ginger ’ video is believed to be perfectly-timed, because it should recalibrate ‘Made in Lagos’ for another type of run.

Reactions have begun to pour in already. One of the fans reacted: “Wizkid and Burna showing them out. Its done without

Wizkid and Burna Boy

making too much noise. Ginger video alone is doing the talking.

Ice on the neck, Ice on the wrist, ice with the game, good music in the discography. I love to see it.”

The official video for ‘Ginger ’ was released on the 8th of January 2021. On same date, the au-

dio file of the song on YouTube had over six million streams.

Ginger is the first collaboration by the two known friends, Wizkid and Burna Boy, in years.

Wizkid’s fourth studio album, Made in Lagos contains 14 tracks and features Burna Boy, Skepta,

Damian Marley, H.E.R., Ella Mai, Tems, and more. The week of its release, fans got to check out a new visual from the project for the P2J-produced “No Stress.”

The crisp visuals brought in some classic Zanku moves by Wizkid and symbolized Lagos.

Comedy: Yvonne Orji Partners Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Emmy-nominated ‘Insecure’ co-star Yvonne Orji is tapping into her experience as a Nigerian-born, first-generation American in ‘First Gen’, a half-hour comedy, which is in development at Disney+.

The star actress has A-list collaborators on the project in British-born NigerianAmerican actor David Oyelowo and Oprah Winfrey. Written by Orji, First Gen is based on Orji’s personal experiences growing up as a Nigerian immigrant in America. As a child, she’s caught between trying to honour her parents and culture while simultaneously trying to assimilate American life.

Yvonne, 37, is best known for her role as Molly on the hit HBO series ‘Insecure’, which is set to end after its fifth season.

She was nominated for her first-ever Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a comedy for the show in 2020, with

two other Hollywood actors of Nigerian descent; Uzo Aduba (“Mrs. America”) and Jovan Adepo (“Watchmen”). She won a Black Reel Award for her role as Molly in HBO’s ‘Insecure’. Her other acting credits include “A Black Lady Sketch Show” and “Jane the Virgin” as well as the 2018 comedy film “Night School.” She released the standup special “Momma, I Made It” in 2020.

With ‘Insecure’ poised to end after five seasons and Yvonne delighted, owing to the opportunity birthed by ‘First Gen’, she wrote on Instagram: “Well… when one door closes. God still got a blessin witchyo name on it! Though the vision tarrrrryy, wait for it!! The trailer I shot in 2015 for this family sitcom I desperately wanted to create is what helped me get an audition for @insecurehbo. Five years later (after being told “No” SEV. ER. AL. times), my lil engine that could, finally has a home with the @ disneyplus family.

“Thank you @davidoyelowo for believ-

Yvonne Orji

ing in the dream from jump, and Lady @ oprah for coming on board as our Fairy Godmother. I’ve been very vocal about my desire to highlight stories from the

Continent, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity to do so.” This project serves as the second collaboration between Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon and Winfrey’s Harpo Films. The production companies recently produced “The Water Man”, Oyelowo’s feature directorial debut in which he also stars.

While ‘Insecure’ has become her calling card, it was comedy, not acting, that served as Yvonne’s entry into show business.

Raised in a close knit Nigerian family, Yvonne originally planned being a doctor and has a master’s degree from George Washington University to prove it. Inspired to give comedy a try after entering a beauty pageant and having to settle on a skill for the talent portion, she incorporates aspects of her unique road to the entertainment industry into her act. At first, her parents displeased her career choice until the news of her Emmys nomination last year.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 16, 2021 •T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 16, 2021

POLITY Katsina, the Epicentre of Banditry in North-west As Borno State is the hotbed of Boko Haram, Katsina is fast becoming the haven of the fusion of terrorist-bandits in North-west, writes Francis Sardauna

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t is a well-known fact that the nefarious activities of bandits have turned Katsina State to a theatre of war considering the audacious fresh attacks they are launching on villages in Faskari, Kankara, Dutsin-Ma, Danmusa, Safana, Batsari, Sabuwa, Dandume, Jibia and Kurfi local government areas of the state.

It is more disturbing that the killings, abduction and other heinous crimes orchestrated by the bandits have become so bad that no part of the state is free from the grip of the hoodlums, whose devilish acts appear to be threatening social and economic activities in the state. Investigation by THISDAY revealed that the bandits operate from their hideouts in the massive and dreaded Rugu forest that cuts across Jibia, Safana, Danmusa, Batsari, Dandume, Sabuwa, Kankara and Faskari local government areas.

The renewed onslaughts have forced hundreds of residents of the affected local governments who survived the deadly invasions to flee their ancestral homes to the headquarters of the council areas including Katsina, the state’s capital. The motorcycle-riding bandits have been actively involved in cattle rustling as a trade, while kidnapping for ransom, raping for pleasure and engaging in mass murder as a means of reprisal attacks, sometimes against security forces, in the most daring and worrisome manner.

The latest incident, which evoked memories of the 2014 kidnap of over 275 students of Chibok Girls Secondary School in Borno State by terrorists, was the abduction of 344 students of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, Kankara Local Government Area. It is strange and worrisome that the schoolboys were abducted on the day President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Daura, his hometown on a week-long private visit. It is even more curious that the abductees were released on his birthday after relentless efforts of security operatives.

At the peak of the crisis, a viral audio message came from the leader of Boko Haram, Shekau claiming responsibility for the abduction. The propaganda merely confirmed the fact that the marauding bandits in the North-West and insurgents in the North-East are forging ties to destabilise the northern part of the country. The abduction of the Kankara students compelled Katsina State Government and some states to announce the closure of schools, especially in Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

Although Governor Aminu Bello Masari confirmed a negotiation between the Katsina State government and the abductors, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State insisted that he facilitated the release of the 344 schoolboys without any payment of ransom. Barely four days after the release of the 344 students, the hoodlums kidnapped 80 pupils of Hizburrahim Islamiyya School in Mahuta village of Dandume Local Government.

The Islamic school pupils, who were abducted on December 19, 2020, were returning from Maulud celebration at Alkasim village of the local government but police and other security agencies swung into action immediately and were able to rescue the captives. Police in the state said the pupils, alongside four other kidnapped victims, were rescued by operatives of Operation Puff Adder and Sharan Daji in collaboration with members of vigilante groups in the area.

Another incident that occurred in the state was the abduction of 12 police officers in the rank of assistant superintendents of Police by bandits dressed in military camouflage along Kankara-Sheme road before they were rescued afterward.

Recently, the bandits ambushed military personnel along Maigora and Ungwan Tsamiya. Unconfirmed sources said the hoodlums killed six soldiers. The bandits had on December 17, 2020 attacked the convoy of the Emir of Kaura Namoda’s, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Asha and killed three police officers and five palace guards along Funtua-Gusau road. The incident occurred when the traditional ruler was returning to his base

Masari in Zamfara State from Abuja after a private engagement in the nation’s capital. The traditional ruler did not sustain injury.

In the same vein, bandits had on February 15, 2020 launched attacks on Tsauwa and Dankar villages of Batsari, where they killed 30 people and burnt many children beyond recognition. While the bandits met stiff resistance in Dankar from the security operatives and residents, they had a field day in Tsauwa where they sacked the village and looted shops, houses and rustled unspecified numbers of cattle. Similarly, the hoodlums had in March 2020, killed 73 people and rustled hundreds of cattle belonging to residents in Dutsin-Ma, Safana, and Danmusa Local Government Areas of the state.

The marauding bandits had on April 12, 2020, massacred 11 local hunters in Dajin Giwa forest of Kankara Local Government Area, injuring five others. The victims were hunting in Dajin Giwa forest when the hoodlums ambushed them with sophisticated weapons, killing 10 on the spot. In June last year, the bandits also stormed communities in Faskari and killed more than 46 people, mostly the aged, women and children.

Some of the communities affected in the gruesome attacks include Kadisau, Maigora, Kabalawa, Kwakware, Raudama and Unguwar Wahabi.

In the same June 2020, the miscreants killed the District Head of Yantumaki in Yantumaki District of Dan-Musa Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Maidabino. His killing came few hours after the bandits killed the Batsari Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Abdulhamid Sani, at his residence in Sabon-Garin Dumburawa.

On July 6, 2020, the marauders killed 15 farmers at Yar Gamji village in Batsari Local Government Area. The innocent farmers were working on their farmlands in the village when the bandits attacked, killing them on the spot. More also, 29 villagers were slaughtered by the bandits like animals in fresh onslaughts on Diskiru and Unguwar Baki villages of Dandume and Faskari Local Government Areas of the state on October 29, 2020.

While 25 people, mostly women, children and the aged were killed by hoodlums in Diskiru community of Dandume Local Government, four others were gunned down in Ungwan Baki by the mercenaries during the invasion. The dare devilry of these hoodlums in Katsina State has raised some questions. Is

the state another epicentre of bandits in the North-west? This heart-broken question needs to be answered by security operatives by completing the routing of bandits from the state.

However, the evolving strategies put in place by Governor Masari aimed at tackling bloodletting and the heinous activities of the bandits and kidnappers cannot be over-emphasised. The governor on November 10, 2019 inaugurated a state Dialogue/ Amnesty Committee under the leadership of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa to checkmate the activities of the hoodlums and ensure that there is sustainable peace in the state. One of the terms of reference given to the committee by the governor was to open up for wider consultations and negotiations with the warring parties to surrender their firearms for the betterment of the state and the country at large.

The committee had January 15, 2017 organised a grand reception in Kankara Local Government Area of the state, where 300 repentant killer herdsmen and other criminals formally surrendered their weapons to the state government.

Satisfied with the action of the repentant herdsmen, Masari then declared amnesty for all of them and paid the sum of N30, 000,000 as compensation to those who surrendered their guns to government, including some vigilante groups.

After Masari successfully tackled the menace of herdsmen/ farmers clashes between 2016 and 2017, the issue of banditry and kidnapping surfaced in early 2018 but the carnage could not deter him as he quickly swung into action by further adopting modalities to end the menace. The governor, in his doggedness to restore peace in the state, granted amnesty to bandits after a tour to Fulani settlements and strong enclaves of the bandits in Rugu Forest on September 4-9, 2019, during which the famed bandits and their forest commanders denounced banditry.

Masari’s peace accord was adopted by the North-west Governors Forum following a peace summit convened in Katsina by the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, that facilitated discussions with representatives of the bandits from the affected states of Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Zamfara states. Agreements were reached between the state government and the bandits. These agreements include the release of their members detained by security operatives by government, the release of all kidnapped persons in their custody as well as to surrender their arms and ammunition to security agencies.

Others were the provision of social amenities —schools, hospitals, roads, electricity, water to Fulani settlements and rehabilitation of houses destroyed during the skirmishes between bandits and Hausa farmers and the establishment of RUGA settlement in some communities in the state.

Implementation of Agreements

Investigation revealed that 80 per cent of the agreements have been fulfilled by the state government and the bandits had so far released over 500 captives in their custody while government, in turn, freed bandits detained by security operatives in Katsina, Kano, and Kaduna correctional centres.

Masari, flanked by the Secretary of the State Security Council who is also the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, after the dialogue tour, held a series of security meetings with security chiefs, repentant bandits and their leaders to ensure the sustainability of the peace accord.

The Resurgence of Banditry

Despite the rapprochement between the state government and the hoodlums, banditry, and kidnapping resurfaced between November and December 2020 in Dutsin-Ma, Danmusa, Safana, Batsari, Sabuwa, Faskari, Kankara, Dandume, and Kurfi. Presently, the menace has escalated to almost all the 34 local government areas of the state.

Gombe Gov Pledges to Give Priority to Wealth Generating Sectors Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has again reiterated his administration’s commitment to give priority attention to sectors that can generate wealth and uplift the living conditions of the people of the state.

The governor stated this yesterday at a quarterly media parley to give account of his administration’s stewardship to Gombe people in a live broadcast beamed on Local TV, Radio stations as well as social media platforms in the state.

Speaking on one of his administration’s flagship projects, the Gombe Industrial Park, the governor said a preliminary site plan has since been designed and submitted, detailing the architectural master plan of the project.

He said by the end of the first quarter of this year, a final draft of the

plan is expected which will eventually lead to the award of contract for the construction of the Gombe Industrial park that will consist of big, medium and small processing companies, road networks, schools and housing units.

The governor explained that his administration has already attracted the interest of some investors willing to inject funds into the construction of the Gombe Industrial Park and those planning to set processing companies, saying the Nigerian Export Processing Zone will also be on ground to maintain quality and standard of goods and services meant for international trade.

On the issue of power which has been the bane of companies’ development across the country, the Gombe State Governor said his administration has gone into an agreement with the power generating company at the Dadinkowa Dam to scoop 20 out of the 40 megawatts for the park.

The governor assured the people that considering the importance of the Gombe Industrial Park to the economic development of the State and its people, his administration will do everything necessary to ensure timely completion of the project.

Responding to a question on the outcome of his visit to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), his engagement with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Qatar Foundation in Abuja, Governor Yahaya said as a leader he has no choice than to visit those organisations and establishments in order to attract their interventions in utilizing the natural resources that God has endowed the state with.

To this end, the governor said, the NNPC has indicated that it would begin the exploitation of oil and gas in the Gongola basin as well as offer quick intervention in building 200 bed capacity hospital and diagnostic center in the State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 16, 2021

POLITY

Isiaka Adeleke at 66: A Political Jewel, Golden Fish Olumide Lawal

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he first Governor of Osun State, late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, never throughout his political life used coercive force to realise his desires among his followers. Rather, he refined power and made it pleasant and motivational. His priority was collective goal achievement, instead of appropriating success in his various political offices to himself. Senator Adeleke made power, user-friendly and endearing.

The Asiwaju of Edeland, applied resources meaningfully and impactfully for the benefits of a greater number of people, thereby spreading joy around those he held power in trust for.

As January 15, 2021 marks his 66th post-humous birthday anniversary, Adeleke, even in death, remains a political jewel of inestimable value and a golden fish with no hiding place. His political adventure was a departure from what obtains today among power-wielders, who are obsessed with it for their personal selfish interest. Otunba Adeleke in his 63 years sojourn on earth expanded the coast of visionary leadership that enabled his political influence felt in Osun State and beyond the shores of Nigeria. His political structure is enduring and superbly intact.

He promoted developmental politics that produced core loyalists and disciples, who could not be bought or sold for any price. And this informed a clarion call to his political admirers and well-wishers, far and near to close rank and ensure that the unfinished business of 2018 governorship race is effortlessly and readily achieved in 2022 with greater zeal and vigour; for it is not over until it is over. A house divided against itself cannot stand. I am sure, that the electorates, in their innocent and inner recess of their minds, are ready to display their love and admiration for late Senator Isiaka Adeleke nay Ademola Adeleke, come rain or shine and boost his political gains. It is now for politicians in his camp to reciprocate the electorate’s love for Isiaka Adeleke by sinking their differences and making it a doable affair with a view to making the Otunba of Ejigbo memory evergreen. They should make it a goal scored in a grand style for Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Asiwaju Isiaka Adeleke even in death remains a man of peace and apostle of politics without bitterness. A lover of the grassroot people. A stylish, consummate and accomplished statesman of no mean order.

He taught his followers, during his lifetime, that they should shun malice, grudge and hatred toward others.

He stressed the need for the well-to-do among his follow-

ers to always make the welfare of the less-privileged their priority. This, he argued would bring out the best in the low cadre and encourage them to contribute their own quota to the socio-economic progress of their areas.

Isiaka Adeleke never saw politics as dirty as he was a man with good, large, forgiving heart and beautiful soul. All these attributes he applied very admirably to his practice of partisan politics. He gave politics the required courtesy and correct social application. He was not cut out for political acrimony.

Above all, he was a firm believer in the supremacy of God Almighty as the Author and Finisher of our faiths. He held firmly to his Creator throughout the various vicissitudes of life that he passed through and conquered.

His well-wishers should endeavour to complement the fantastic humanitarian and philanthropic gestures of the Adeleke dynasty, which has never failed to put smile on the faces of Osun citizens, without political or religious bias since Senator Isiaka Adeleke transited to glory about four years ago. The Adeleke Dynasty continues to hold high, Isiaka Adeleke political and philanthropic flags. It would not have been otherwise from a close-knit, big and happy family that the Asiwaju of Ede belonged to.

With all modesty, I will suggest that the biography of Senator Isiaka Adeleke being put together by the Adeleke University should not be abandoned. It should see the light of the day as soon as possible for generational benefits. There is no doubt that he would be very happy in his grave to have copies of the biography in various homes across the globe. After all, he was a man of high intellectual calling who made pursuance of education by the young people his cardinal objective. A very organised man with the gift of native intelligence, which he used maximally to greater advantage of greater number of people. In a video clip I came across recently, Senator Isiaka Adeleke was seen in a joyous mood with a teenage cultural artiste, whom he engaged in a dance, to the happiness of those around the scene. The late politician left the young cultural dancer happier as he patted her on the back after availing her crisp naira notes. That was Asiwaju Isiaka Adeleke. A man of immense humility.

In a tribute, an eminent elder citizen and former president of Federal Council of Ede Descendants Union, Alhaji Suleiman Adebayo, described late Adeleke as a courageous man of the people, who defied political godfatherism; came, saw and conquered. A political colossus who shook the political environ with youthful dynamism, bold initiatives and experimentations among which was the Waste to Power, electrification project, he wanted to put in place and which ought to have been followed by successive administrations in Osun State. Isiaka Adeleke,

Adeleke the effervescent servant-leader who transformed Osun State Polytechnic Iree, College of Technology, Esa-Oke and College of Education, Ila-Orangun.

There are more mileages to be covered by Senator Isiaka Adeleke political school and corporate friends to uplift his legacies without putting the entire burden on the Adeleke dynasty who though are not complaining. There should be pay back days from beneficiaries of Isiaka Adeleke’s large-heartedness. This therefore is to state for the umpteenth time, the need to commence processes toward the establishment of Isiaka Adeleke Political Museum, through a veritable Curator. The Museum should serve as a Centre of Excellence for his political activities/career and positive contributions to humanity on general. His various personal items relating to his larger-than-life stature should be ably displayed at the Museum for preservation for generations yet unborn.

––Lawal was Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

FG’s Special Public Works to Inject N1bn into Kwara Economy Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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hairman of the Kwara State Selection Committee of the Federal Government’s Special Public Works (SPW) Programme, Mr. Oluwasegun Oyewo has said that, about N1billion will be injected to the state’s economy in the next three months through the programme.

Oyewo, who spoke with reporters in Ilorin during the inauguration of the Special Public Works programme said that, about 16, 000 residents of the state would benefit from the programme.

He said that each beneficiary would be collecting N20,000 as monthly allowances for the programme.

Oyewo, who was represented by the committee’s Vice Chairman, Ahmed Yusuf, said that the trickle-down effect of this programme at the local economy would be positive.

He said: “It is our prayer that social intervention programmes like this are created and implemented more often by the Federal Government.

“We had various challenges along the way, but together we always found a way to perform the tasks assigned to us.

“We remember that this role is a call to serve, and serve

we must”, the chairman said at the programme attended by dignitaries from traditional, religious and government institutions as well as some of the selected participants.”

Giving statistics of the participants, the chairman of the selection committee explained that 1,000 participants were selected from each of the local government area in the state.

He said that the figure comprised of 46 percent female and 54 percent male, adding that the high percentage for women, which rose from 30 per cent anticipated initially by the government showed the value attached to the role played by mothers and sisters in homes and society.

He further asserted that non-graduate made 63 percent while five percent was allotted to persons with disability.

In his keynote address, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Minister of Information and Culture said that the programme being handled by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was aimed at shielding the most vulnerable from the ravaging effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

The minister, represented by Mrs Ibiyemi Abegunde, said such effects included pervasive hunger, poverty, environmental degradation and joblessness among others.

“The need to quickly address the above mentioned informed the decision to implement the SPW. As I address you today, our

target is to immediately engage the 16,000 selected Nigerians for the programme to execute carefully selected projects across the 16 local government areas in the state.

“Each participating local government identified its preferred projects and will be responsible for ensuring that they are executed well”, the minister said.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Mallam Abubakar Fikpo, the Acting Director-General of the NDE urged the benefitting communities to cooperate with the participants and officials in the quest to achieve the objectives of the programme.

Fikpo, who was represented by Mrs Roseline Olaomi also called on the state government and the participants to reciprocate the gesture of Muhammadu Buhari led-government by diligently executing their assigned tasks throughout the duration of the programme.

Speaking with Journalists, Alhaji Umar Salihu-Balogun who represented the Emir of Ilorin in the selection Committee said that the selection of the participants was carefully done to pick the targeted audience of the programme who were the poorest of the poor in the society.

He commended President Buhari for his effort to ensure that the people in the rural Communities have a taste of the dividend of democracy.

LG Chairmen Pass Vote of Confidence on Kwara APC Chairman Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

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o fewer than nine out of the 16 local government councils chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State yesterday pledged their support to Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa as the state caretaker chairman in accordance with the party’s Constitution.

Some APC local government chairmen led by the party’s chairman in Ilorin West Local Government, Alhaji Sulyam Tejidin had on Thursday thrown their weight behind the faction of Alhaji Samari Abdullahi as the acting chairman of the party in the state.

Disquiet have been trailing the removal of Bolarinwa as the state chairman of the party as the two stakeholders of the party

have been engaging themselves in supremacy battle over the issue.

Some stakeholders loyal to Bolarinwa have kicked against the purported removal of their factional leader as the chairman of the party in the state.

The nine local government councils party chairmen. in a joint statement after their meeting in Ilorin yesterday said that, Bolarinwa has worked for the 100 per cent of APC success during the last general election and should not be removed for just no course.

The LG chairmen that signed the resolution are APC chairmen in Ifelodun LG, Hon. Mohammed Shilo Awobimpe; Ilorin East, Elder. Babatunde Kolawole Asanlu; Asa, Ahaji Hassan Abdullahi; Irepodun, Hon. Aransiola Oyeyemi Samson; Isin, Hon.

Bamidele Ogunbayo and made available to journalists in Ilorin.

Others are; Ahaji Monsuru Ademola of Ilorin South LG, Hon. Taiye Olaniyi of Oyun LG, Hon. Yusuf Abdulganiyu Kehinde of Offa LG and Engr. Muhideen Shittu of Oke Ero LG. While justifying its claims, the group explained that the Bolarinwa piloted the struggle to liberate Kwarans from the then dynasty and won 100% in the past election, which makes it a history not only in Kwara but across Nigeria.

They added: “The same Bolarinwa knelt down in public to apologise and beg other aggrieved aspirants on behalf of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, so that they could all work together to achieve the success we are all celebrating today. If Bolarinwa could have knelt down and begged with so much humility, why then is the Governor so desperate to remove him.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 16, 2021

POLITY

LEADS Africa Inducts Ezenagu into Hall of Fame Bennett Oghifo

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he League of African Development Students (LEADS) Africa has inducted respected philanthropist, realtor and founder, Esso Properties Limited, Mr. Smith Sosochukwuma Ezenagu into its Hall of Fame.

The induction, which took place on January 11th, 2020 at the headquarters of Esso Properties Limited in Lagos, also saw Ezenagu bagging two other awards, Corporate Endorsement Merit Award and Africa’s Patriotic Personality of the Year award.

While presenting one of the awards, Tankou Patrique, who is from Cameroun and also the Regional Rep. (Francophone) of LEADS Africa said Ezenagu was inducted into the body’s Hall of Fame because he had been consistent and dedicated.

He said, ‘’In terms of proficiency in corporate leadership, and other assignments/ideas generation and Implementation, Mr. Ezenagu has proven to be sagacious, ingenious and possess a rare and exquisite; equipping him for the immense and outstanding services he has hitherto rendered to Africa’s Quest for Property Development, especially with varied Property Acquisition plans for wide array of Classes of Nigerians and oversight capacities, contributing immensely to Self-Reliance in Real Consults in Nigeria/Africa, at such a time that his germane erudition fused

with his unparalleled commitment to 21st Century compliant leadership, philanthropy, community development and public service are the most important pathway to achieving the Africa Vision 2063. ‘’Today, the entire Africa is reaping the dividends of his dedication, brilliance and effectiveness as a top-notch Patriotic Developer for Nation Building.’’

Other delegates of LEADS Africa that were at the event were, Sandra Okpegbuo, Head of Gender, LEADS Nigeria and Abayomi Okuwoga, Director of Logistics.

The awardee said he was always dedicated and focused, advising the youths to imbibe those virtues, adding that if they did, they would always excel in their areas of endeavor.

Mr. Ezenagu holds a Bachelor of Business Administration BBA from Ecole Superieure Sainte Felicite Univerity, Cotonou in Republic of Benin - 2018; Master of Business Administration MBA, from the Rome Business School Lagos, in addition to other Qualifications and Certifications.

L-R: Head of Administration, Esso Properties Limited, Amaka Ofortube; Manager Media, Blessing G. Ugbem; Founder/ He has also founded The Esso Properties Academy, a real estate training institute, one of its rare kinds in the country with CEO, Esso Properties Limited, Mr. Smith Sosochukwuma Ezenagu; Vice President, Partnerships, Otaru Mohammed; a futuristic approach to the real industry. This is sequel to his corporate antecedence in Financial Management and training, and Regional Rep., Francophone, Tankou Patrique, at the presentation of awards and induction into Hall of Fame of superintending a company which grew to partner with four Mr. Ezenagu by LEADS Africa, held at Esso Properties in financial institutions in Hong Kong, Dubai, Israel and London, Awoyaya, Lekki-Epe Expressway...recently and still reputed as one of the leading e-commerce firms

FoodbayTV Ends 2020 with ‘Dining With the Stars’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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oodbayTV, an African food TV platform, which showcases healthy African food and lifestyle, closed the year 2020 with its new and exciting docu-reality series, ‘Dining with Stars’. It gave fans the much-coveted opportunity of a premium personal dining experience with their favourite celebrities. The lifestyle platform kicked off a campaign on social media with the hashtags #WishUponTheStars and #AChristmasLikeNeverBefore.

Hundreds of interested fans responded to the call and from this crop, 12 fans were picked, three for each star that was featured. The maiden season featured four celebrities, music artistes Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia and Yemi Alade, actress Toyin Abraham, and Big Brother Naija Lockdown winner, Laycon. Each set of fans had

unique experiences with their fans as they dined with their favorite stars to dishes made with the help of Chef Miyonse.

From spa pampering sessions, Santa Toyin Abraham’s gifts, a day in the life of 2Baba, to vibing with Yemi Alade on screen and some intellectual banter with Laycon, the fans all attested to a truly wonderful time.

Speaking on the initiative, the Group Managing Director of Maxima Productions, Femi Ogundoro, said, “For FoodbayTV, 2020 might have been a funny year, but we’re happy that when this set of fans think of 2020, they’ll remember and reflect on the ‘Dining With The Stars’ experience as something good and memorable from this year.

“We are proud to have played a role in making their dreams come true. We look forward to a wonderful New Year, and to a grander second season where we will

make more dreams come true.” Devon Kings and CocaCola supported the initiative and lauded the platform for putting smiles on people’s faces during a difficult period. According to Brand Manager for Devon Kings, Toyin Popoola-Dania, “The meals they dined on were prepared with our products – seasoning, vegetable oil and margarine – and this made the experience deliciously special. We are glad to have been a part of feeding their smiles.”

The Connection and Media Manager for Coca Cola, Omomeda Ashofor added: “At this time of the year, Coca Cola cares about seeing to it that wherever there is a bottle of Coca Cola, there’s joy, sharing and togetherness. It is clear to see that we did very well on those counts. The show was a success and for the fans, the saying ‘All’s well that ends well’ held true for them in light of 2020.”

PHOTO NEWS

R-L: The ICAN President, Dame Onome Adewuyi, in continuation of her Consultation with relevant stakeholders visited the Director- General of the National Youth Service Corp, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim in Abuja..... recently

L-R: Group Head, Administration, SIFAX Group, Kelly Imade; Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, Bode Ojeniyi; awardee who clocked 10 years, Joseph Ojehonmon; and Group Head, Human Resources, Oluwakayode Alonge, during the 2020 SIFAX Group Long Service Award held at the Group’s Head Office, Apapa, in Lagos….recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: President, Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick; President, King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA),Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Pastor Ituah Olajide Ighodalo; and Publisher, Abuja Enquirer, Mr. Dan Akpovwa during the Night of Tributes for the late Albert Okumagba, held at Trinity House in Lagos…recently

L-R: Chief Commercial Officer, Mouka Foam, Dimeji Osingunwa; Commandant, Nigeria Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao; and the Chief Operating Officer, Mouka Foam, Femi Fapohunda, at the donation of 10 professional computers systems to the training centre for the Ex-service military officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi by Mouka Foam Lagos…recently

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

FAIRGROUND with

'Two Weeks in Lagos' Set for Release

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Toyin Abraham

ighly anticipated Nollywood film, “2 Weeks in Lagos” is set for release on February 12, after the initial postponement due to the Covid-19.

The true Lagos love story features top Nollywood stars from the old to the young and the new such as Mawuli Gavor, Toyin Abraham, Beverly Naya, Joke Silva, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Jide Kosoko, Yaw, Tina Mba, Patrick Nnamani, Efe Irele, Uto Usman and a host of others.

“2 Weeks in Lagos” was directed by Canada-based award-winning director, Kathryn Fasegha, whose debut project titled, “Treacherous Heart” won awards for Best Drama in Diaspora at the African Oscars in the US. The movie is a captivating, turbulent and thrilling journey into the love affair of Ejikeme (Mawuli Gavor) and Lola (Beverly

Naya). Their lives collide when Ejikeme, an investment banker comes home from the United States to invest in Nigerian businesses.

It is love at first sight for them and as they embark on a journey of discovering this new love.

They have to contend with the political ambitions of Ejikeme’s mother, who is planning a marriage between him and the only daughter of Otunba Ayodeji, a political juggernaut who is considering Ejikeme’s father as his running mate for the Nigerian Presidency.

His mother’s actions create a rift between Ejikeme and Lola that puts their families on a deadly collision course.

The movie captures the excitement and vibrancy of everyday life in Lagos and reflects the complexity of life in Lagos, a dynamic city where anything is possible in two weeks.

The movie was first screened at Cannes Festival which happens to be the biggest

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com film festival in the world on May 17, 2019.

Speaking on the new release date, Fasegha expressed joy about the revived cinema culture in Nigeria: “I am very happy that the cinema culture in Nigeria has been revived even though not to 100% but we see that there is light at the end of the tunnel for we film makers.

Trust me, 2 Weeks in Lagos isn’t your usual Nollywood movie so get ready to be wowed. I also want to use this opportunity to urge you to please stay safe and protected as you storm the cinemas on the 12th because Covid-19 is very real.

Veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko said working on the film was exceptional as it told a simple story with excellent performance: “Working on this project meant a lot to me, because for the first time, a simple and original love story is told with excellent performance… so make sure on 12th of February, you are at the cinema to see 2 Weeks in Lagos.

Daayuur: I Want Recognition at Home

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nited Kingdom-based Nigerian singer, Dapo Aiyegbusi, whose stage is Daayuur, has revealed that despite making significant impact abroad where, it remains his priority to get recognition in his fatherland, Nigeria, as he considers it a great honor.

“To the glory of God, the love and acceptance I have received from Nigerians, Africans and others have been massive and it can only encourage me to do more. Having said that, I must confess that getting recognition back in Nigeria

is still a priority for me, because charity, they say starts from home. Of course, I am in touch with my root, I mean Nigeria, my songs are on air and my fans base is growing gradually but I look forward to having my fan base grow bigger. I know I will get there pretty soon,” Daayuur said.

He added that the Corona-19 pandemic that held the world ransom has really affected all the plans he had to get more visible in Nigeria as he could not travel to honour some engagements in Nigeria as well as execute projects that have to do with his music career.

He however says he’s confident 2021

would be a better year.

Daayuur, a model cum singer, is a native of Ekiti State.

He describes his brand of music as Afro-pop.

Dapo discovered his music talent as a child when he was a member of the choir in an orthodox church in Lagos.

His passion for music grew as he eventually became a professional and a recording artiste.

Daayuur presently has a couple of tracks to his credit and holds sway in the northern part of the United Kingdom where he’s based. Some of his tracks are Africa Woman, Obi, and She Carry.

Dapo Aiyegbusi

Mercy Aigbe, Teni, Ufuoma Mcdermott Grace Pertinence Headquarter’s Unveiling Pertinence Group has unveiled its corporate headquarters building in Lagos, in grand style. It had a couple of top Nigerian celebrities in attendance to celebrate its stakeholders and also to kick start the New Year. The event, which took place on December 20, started with a red carpet hosted by TV personality, Kie Kie. Celebrities such as Mercy Aigbe, Teni, Humblesmith, Bimbo Akintola, Yvonne Jegede, Ufuoma Mcdermott and Lizzy Jay were present. There was special appearances from social media personalities like Officer Woos, Asiri Comedy, Pamilerin, and others. The celebrities commended Pertinence Group for providing affordable homes to a lot of Nigerians and also empowering Nigerian youths with employment.

Mcdermott said: “With Nigeria, we all understand the effort everyone has put individually because if you are waiting for the government to do anything for you, you might be waiting for a long time. I think everyone in the real estate space has taken up a personal goal to ensure that every Nigerian owns a home. So they are trying to make land and housing affordable; to make every Nigerian have a piece of the earth. I know that there are not too many things put together by the government to support Nigerians. Honestly, I will

L-R: Co-founder Pertinence Group, Wisdom Ezekiel, Yvonne Jegede, Bimbo Akintola, Ufuoma Mcdermott and Co-founder Pertinence Group, Sunday Olorunsheyi

like to give kudos to everybody doing this whether luxury or affordable homes for everyone. Welldone.”

The CO-founder of Pertinence Group, Sunday Olorunsheyi said: “Pertinence Group started about

nine years ago with two young hungry men. We weren’t just hungry for food, we were hungry for success; we were hungry for change. Calling this place the center of innovation is simply because over

the years we have seen the transformation, we have created things here. We have birthed things here.

All we have done so far is just the tip. We still have a long way to go. We are using this to remind our team that we are just starting.

“Innovation is just beginning right now, whatever we see in time past. We want to dwarf it by the virtue of result that we begin to generate from now.

All thanks to God for what we have seen so far but I think we have yet more land to possess as an organization. Our mission is enterprise development and people’s empowerment which we are so focused on. We aren’t in a competition with any other brand.

We are only in competition with our vision which is to create more businesses in other to empower people.”

Teniola, Humblesmith and DJ Big N rounded the day off with impressive performances to mark the beginning of holiday for the members of staff who were happy to be ending the year on a high despite the challenges of COVID 19.

Pertinence Group helps everyone to build and multiply wealth with real estate. The Pertinence Group was founded nine Years ago by two serial entrepreneurs, Sunday Olorunsheyi and Wisdom Ezekiel.

Genesis Launches French-Designed Restaurant Genesis Group, which has been in existence for over 30 years with interests in cinemas, restaurants, hotels, industrial catering and real estate, has launched a new French designed restaurant outlet on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island Lagos.

The company in a statement said: “The 23 Genesis restaurants across Nigeria are known for their signature looks and tastes. You will be pleased to know that the Adeola Odeku location does not disappoint. Every detail of this location was well thought out and intricately put together for you by a stellar team of national and international professionals.

“The stunning interior was designed by Patrick

Norguet, the renowned French designer acclaimed for amongst other things, his iconic redesign of the McDonalds on the Champs Élysées in Paris. The project was exquisitely managed by the awardingwinning Dakota Design (SouthAfrica) and Harcourt Aduke Associates (Nigeria).

The modern fit-out of the building was executed

by Desmo UK (United Kingdom) and the external design flawlessly done by Architect Chuka Okolo of PDT Consulting (Nigeria).

“It is then of no surprise that when you step in, you are left with a feeling of never wanting to leave. Genesis prides itself in its innovative ways of keeping its customers excited and coming back. Its

ever expanding menu is made up of the Nigerian dishes you know and love as well as a fusion of fresh tastes from all over the world. The kitchen is run by the dynamic culinary masters, Chef Toun (Dubai) and Chef Ayo (Nigeria).

Genesis Founder and Group Managing Director, Dr. Nnaeto Orazulike, shares the vision behind this location: “The Genesis experience is anchored on exceptional delivery of style and taste. When deciding to open our Adeola Odeku outlet, we had the Lagos professional in mind. From the opening hours of 7:00am to 10:00pm every day of the week, to our delivery services and cost-friendly tasty meals, you can dine in style without breaking the bank.” Nnaeto Orazulike

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

16.01.2021

NEWS

EYES ON TOP SPOT PAGE. 29

Odion Ighalo

Departing Old Trafford on a Low

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Odion Ighalo

Departing Old Trafford on a Low

Ighalo

His initial loan to Manchester United on the last day of the 2020 January transfer window was meant to expire in May 31, but his impressive performance culminated in the Old Trafford side extending the loan deal to January of 2021.

However, Marcos Rashford back from injury and the Red Devil’s acquisition of Uruguay striker, Edinson Cavani saw the Nigerian fall in the pecking order of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer side and has remained an unused substitute. Meaning the once‘hero’will be leaving the Theatre of Dreams without really living his dream

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many Old Trafford faithful did not subscribe to the idea of bringing a player from China to a club of Manchester United’s calibre, but Odion Ighalo, against all odds, settled down fast at the club and proved his critics wrong. So much so that one of his most vocal critics and former United’s great, Rio Ferdinand made a U-turn on his initial impression of the Nigerian.

Ferdinand admitted he was wrong about Ighalo, and called on Manchester United eggheads to sign him on a permanent basis.

Ferdinand says Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has proven to be correct in buying the 31-year-old, and believes United

must make his loan deal permanent in the summer.

Ferdinand said: “Wow, eight games, three starts in that, four goals and one assist.

Ighalo, do you sign him for Manchester United now? It shocked me to see what he’s done.”

The encomium however quickly faded with the recovery from injury of Marcos Rashford and the arrival of Edinson Cavani to Old Trafford.

The Nigeria striker was an unused substitute as the Red Devils eliminated Watford from the FA Cup, but the fairytale wasn’t meant to end like this.

Odion Ighalo’s arrival at Manchester United a year ago was the stuff of dreams— literally for the Nigeria international, but

things haven’t worked out as planned.

As his inevitable exit from Old Trafford draws ever closer, last weekend’s FA Cup meeting with Watford ought to have been an opportunity for a final farewell to his boyhood club and potentially to English football.

The Hornets, after all, were the club who had given him his first chance in the Premier League before then encouraging him to depart for China, reportedly against his wishes when his first stint in England came to an end.

Even though things hadn’t quite gone to plan in the Premier League since the pandemic arrived on these shores, the striker appeared in line for a rare opportunity to make an impact from the bench after being named among Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s

substitutes last Sunday.

Ultimately, even this chance for a final showing in red was denied him, as the Norwegian coach instead introduced Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Nemanja Matic from the bench and left Ighalo unused.

The Nigerian was ultimately denied the chance for a final farewell against the club he served for three years, and his FA Cup goal against Norwich City last season may remain his final goalscoring contribution for the Red Devils.

While United progressed—thanks to Scott McTominay’s early opener, Monday’s draw pitting them against fierce rivals Liverpool in the Fourth Round isn’t great news for Ighalo.

The match, which comes eight days before the striker’s loan deal ends, is set to be cagey and hotly fought contest, with Ole unlikely to be handing out emotional cameos.

Ighalo appears destined to end his time at United on a low note and, ultimately, without the sign-off he will have been hoping for.

Certainly, his time at the club has been underwhelming.

He was never meant to have been United’s first choice, nor was he the kind of glamour signing to get the pulses racing, but as short-term fixes go, particularly with the club’s injury concerns at the time of his arrival, and the Red Devils competing on multiple fronts, his arrival made sense.

Initially, things worked out well, with Ighalo engendering much goodwill when he revealed—seemingly with striking authenticity that United had been close to his heart since his youth.

Easing the pressure on the side as they competed on multiple fronts, Ighalo became the go-to man for the cup competitions; he scored at will in both the FA Cup and the Europa League.

He even equalled a United record that had stood for 95 years when he scored against Norwich following the resumption of action after the coronavirus suspension, becoming the first player since Jimmy Hanson in 1925 to score in his first four competitive starts for the club.

It almost didn’t matter that he was barely playing in the Premier League, and not scoring when he did.

Ultimately that effort against the Canaries was as good as it ever got for Ighalo at Old Trafford, with the Covid-19 suspension and United’s strong performances during the restart of the league not working in his favour.

Marcus Rashford returned from injury, providing more competition, then Mason Greenwood proved that he could be a difference-maker in the Premier League, United were knocked out of the FA Cup, and the decision was taken to play the Europa League after the conclusion of the Premier League season.

Soon after football returned in 2020, it was clear that the reasons why Ighalo was brought to the North-West were no longer reasons at all.

He was way down the pecking order before Edinson Cavani was recruited on a free transfer before the transfer window closed.

Here was another veteran, older than Ighalo but with a greater pedigree in the game; more success, more silverware, and destined for more playing time at Old Trafford than his new teammate.

While Cavani has begun to make his mark, Ighalo’s playing time has dried up; he has featured just four times so far this season and has played just once - as a last-minute substitute against Paris Saint-Germain - since the Carabao Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in September.

Cavani may have endured a tough season in Ligue 1 in 2019-20, as he scored just four, but he bagged 100 league goals alone across the previous four seasons, and has already scored three in nine in the Premier League so far this season.

No one can blame Ighalo for jumping at the chance to extend his loan stay at United until early 2021, given the way the chance to make a genuine impact was denied him last season due to Covid.

With his loan deal expected to come to an end at the end of the month, Ighalo can now return to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, where he is a cult hero among the fans.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Liverpool, Man Utd in Top-of-the- Table Clash The two most successful English teams will go head-to-head tomorrow in the Premier League for top of the table encounter. While the Reds have not lost at home in three years, the Red Devils away record this season has been unprecedented, winning seven in eight games. A win for the Jurgen Klopp’s side would return the defending champions to the top of the log, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side would establish a six-point lead over their bitter rivals with a win

Premiership Table

Man Utd Liverpool Man City Leicester Everton Tottenham Southampton Aston Villa Chelsea West Ham Arsenal Leeds Crystal Palace Wolves Newcastle Burnley Brighton Fulham West Brom Sheff Utd

17 17 16 17 17 17 17 15 17 17 18 17 18 18 17 16 18 16 17 18

Hot Shot PLAYERS

10 16 12 10 7 14 7 13 11 32 12 -32 -7 -7 -9 -12 -8 -10 -28 -20

CLUB

Mo Salah Son Heung-min Harry Kane Jamie Vardy Bruno Fernandes Calvert-Lewin Patrick Bamford Wilfried Zaha Callum Wilson Alexandre Lacazette Danny Ings Marcus Rashford

36 33 32 32 32 30 29 26 26 6 4 3 23 22 19 16 14 12 8 5

GOALS

Liverpool 13 Tottenham 12 Tottenham 11 Leicester City 11 Man Utd 11 Everton 11 Leeds 10 Palace 8 Newcastle 8 Arsenal 7 Southampton 7 Man Utd 7

Head to Head

Manchester United Captain, Harry Maguire tries to block Liverpool Jordan Henderson’s shot

L

iverpool are set to host archrivals Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday for an exciting top-of-the-table clash in the English Premier League.

Liverpool come into this game on the back of a 1-0 loss to Southampton in their most recent Premier League game.

Manchester United, on the other hand, beat Burnley on Wednesday to ensure a top spot.

United will be looking to deal a huge blow to Klopp’s side, knowing they could be six points ahead of the current Premier League champions with a victory at Anfield.

But there are few more formidable venues than Liverpool’s home ground, where they are unbeaten since April 2017 - a club-record run of 66 consecutive matches without defeat.

Since the start of the 2018-19 season, Liverpool have won 42 of 46 home league games including a stunning 24 straight between February 2019 and July 2020.

Crystal Palace were the last away team to be victorious against the Reds in the league and since then United have lost twice and drawn twice, being downed 3-1 and 2-0 in their two most recent meetings on Merseyside.

But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men come into this latest showdown with the confidence and rhythm that they didn’t have for either of those two games, having ended the day top of the table for the first time since 2013.

And with this weekend’s trip

to Liverpool, United can perhaps rubber-stamp their status as the best team away from home in the Premier League.

Since their last match at Anfield in January last year, United are 15 unbeaten in top-flight away games and racked up 10 straight wins between June and December.

United also managed to score at least twice in every game in that 10-match winning streak, the best goalscoring run any team has managed since the title-winning Spurs team of 1960.

It would no doubt be a scintillating encounter as the team with the best home record welcome a side with the best away record.

Meanwhile, Chelsea make the short trip to Craven Cottage to take on Fulham this evening, looking to start a winning run after recent poor form.

The Blues bounced back with a more convincing 4-0 victory over Morecambe in the FA Cup last weekend, and will be looking to use this momentum to bounce back in the league and mount a charge towards the top end of the table.

However, Fulham go into the fixture unbeaten in six in all competitions and off the back of an impressive 1-1 draw away at Tottenham on Wednesday night.

The Blues got back to winning ways by dispatching League Two side Morecambe last week, but are now in desperate need of igniting a winning run in the Premier League with 10

points separating them and current leaders, Manchester United.

Now, with many players back fit and eager to impress, the competition for places will be a welcome problem for Frank Lampard, who will be keen to rotate and keep players fit amid a busy schedule.

Another interesting encounter will see Leicester City that are looking to keep their place in the top four intact host an impressive Southampton at the King Power Stadium tonight.

Leicester City are coming off an impressive 4-0 win against Stoke City in the FA Cup but Southampton are relatively better rested and will be looking to kick on from where they left off last week where they defeated Liverpool at the St. Mary’s.

Leicester City are on a five-match unbeaten streak and are just a point behind second-placed Liverpool on the table.

However, they cannot afford to slip as both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are right behind them.

Southampton’s only loss in their last seven games came against Manchester City and Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side have been in good form of late.

The Saints will be well wary of the fact that Leicester have struggled at home this season and they have also won on their last two trips to the King Power Stadium.

This is a great chance for either side to build on their recent runs and gain some momentum as the fight for a Champions League berth intensifies.

20/19/01 Liverpool 2 - 0 Man Utd 19/20/10 Man Utd 1 - 1 Liverpool 19/24/02 Man Utd 0 - 0 Liverpool 18/16/12 Liverpool 3 - 1 Man Utd 18/ 10/03 Man Utd 2 - 1 Liverpool 17/14/10 Liverpool 0 - 0 Man Utd 17/15/01 Man Utd 1 - 1 Liverpool 16/17/10 Liverpool 0 - 0 Man Utd 16/17/01 Liverpool 0 - 1 Man Utd 15/12/09 Man Utd 3 - 1 Liverpool 15/22/03Liverpool1 - 2 Man Utd 14/ 14/12 Man Utd 3 - 0 Liverpool 14/16//03 Man Utd 0 - 3 Liverpool 13/01/09Liverpool1 - 0Man Utd 13/13/01 Man Utd 2 - 1Liverpool 12/23/09 Liverpool 1 - 2 Man Utd 12/11/02 Man Utd 2 - 1 Liverpool 11/15/11 Liverpool 1 - 1 Man Utd 11/06/03 Liverpool 3 - 1 Man Utd 10/19/09 Man Utd 3 - 2 Liverpool 10/ 21/03 Man Utd 2 - 1 Liverpool PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Wolves Leeds Utd West Ham Fulham Leicester

v v v v v

West Brom Brighton Burnley Chelsea Southampton

12:30 15:00 15:00 17:30 20:00

SUNDAY

Sheffield Unite Liverpoo l Man City

d v Tottenham 14:00 v Man Utd 16:30 v Crystal Palace 19:15

MONDAY

Arsenal

v Newcastle

20:00

SERIE A MONDAY

Bologna Torino Sampdoria

v Verona 14:00 v Spezia17:00 v Udinese 19:45

SUNDAY

Napoli Crotone Sassuolo Atalanta Inter

v Fiorentina 11:30 v Benevento 14:00 v Parma 14:00 v Genoa 17:00 v Juventus19:45

MONDAY

Cagliari

v AC Milan 19:45

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

1.Winners of 101 edition of FirstBank Georgian Cup in Kaduna, (LR); Mohammed Babangida, Patron of Kaduna El-Amin, Martins Origi, Raul and team Captain, Nigeria’s highest ranked polo player, Bello Buba, showing-off the Georgian Cup they won in Kaduna recently

Odion Ighalo...not short of suitors

MLS, Just One of the Many Options for Ighalo Odion Ighalo’s representatives are exploring many options for the Manchester United striker this transfer window with the Nigerian attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League, Europe and Middle East.

The 31-year-old’s loan spell at Old Trafford from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua expires at the end of this month and he has not ruled out a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.

But his representatives, who have held talks with clubs in England and Europe, have quickly tried to cool talk of him being linked with a move stateside, insisting MLS is just one of many options.

“I can confirm that some Premier League clubs, two teams outside of England and some clubs in the Middle East have made formal enquiries,” one of his representatives told BBC Sport Africa.

“Of course, he said in an interview that the MLS could be interesting, but that is just an option outside of the strong interest received so far.

“For now he’s still a Man United player on loan from China where he still has a contract. He could stay in England where his family is based or try something new because he has many options to mull over.”

The former Watford and Granada striker has scored five goals in 20 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford on Deadline Day in January 2020, but made just four appearances for the Red Devils this season.

Despite enjoying praises from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the first chapter of his loan spell, his quest for more opportunities diminished following the arrival of Edinson Cavani in October.

His deal at Shanghai Shenhua ends on 31 December and his parent club expect him to return at the end of his

loan in Manchester ahead of the 2021 Chinese Super League.

“Any potential move after Manchester United definitely involves Shanghai Shenhua,” the representative added.

“There’s a slight sense of disappointment about the current season, but Ighalo remains grateful for the opportunity to have played for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“He wanted to end his time at United on a high by playing more for his boyhood club but he is grateful to the manager and proud of himself.”

A lifelong United fan, Ighalo scored 16 goals in 35 appearances for Nigeria before calling time on his international career in July 2019.

He produced seven goals to finish top scorer in the 2019 Nations Cup qualifying and his five goals and one assist helped Nigeria finish third at the tournament in Egypt.

England Move at Beating Nigeria to Arsenal Goalkeeper, Okonkwo TheEnglishFootballAssociation are in the driving seat for promising goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo.

The 2005-born gloveman qualifiestorepresentNigeria through his parents but the Football Association have made the first move to

provisionally cap-tie him after officially inviting him for a Young Lions training camp late last year.

Brian’s older brother, Arthur Okonkwo is also a goalkeeper,currentlyplaying for Arsenal U23s team and hastrainedwiththefirstteam

on countless occasions.

BrianOkonkwopredominantlyplaysfortheGunners U15teamandhasbeentipped to follow in the footsteps of his older brother by signing a scholarship with the north London club before the start of the 2022-2023 season.

Despite his teenage years, Brian boasts cat-like reflexes, hasgoodcommandofhisbox andhasshowcasedhisability to stop shots.

Hewon’tbeprovisionally cap-tied to England until he plays competitively for their U17 national team.

‘Joshua Versus Fury More than the Belts’ AnthonyJoshuaandTysonFury’s collision course could be the moment to “take charge of the sport” with a new attitude towards the recognised championship belts, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua and WBC title holder Fury are deep in negotiations over two fights this year which would crown the division’s undisputed No 1.

But two of the main stumbling blocks are Oleksandr Usyk’s status as WBO mandatory challenger and Deontay Wilder’s claim for another chance at the WBC title.

Fury and Wilder’s dispute is “not an issue”, according to Hearn, but Usyk is digging his heels in - the Ukrainian’s promoter Alexander

Krassyuk told Sky Sports that they “never gave consent” to the proposed undisputedtitlefight.

HearntoldSkySports:“IspoketoWBO presidentPacoValcarcelandsaid:‘Youare inatoughspot because, probably, in a couple of weeks’ time I will write to you and say that we’ve made one of the biggest fights in boxing history’. “’Paco, are you on board?’

“He will say: ‘Have you spoken to Usyk?’

“Iwillsay:‘Notyet.Iamaskingyou-do youwanttosanction this fight or not?’

“He will either say ‘yes, on you go’ or ‘I can’t until you talk to Usyk’.

“Then I’d go and talk to Usyk.

Joshua and Fury are in talks over an undisputed title fight

“Imagine my conversation with Fury and Joshua: ‘To keep all the belts on the line you’ve got to pay three per cent to the governing bodies [which equals] £1.5m you both individually have to pay plus Usyk wants a couple of million’.

“They would say: ‘What?’

“This fight is bigger than the belts.

This is undisputed. AJ wants to be the undisputed champion but isn’t this fight even bigger than that?

“Isn’t this fight the answer to all of our questions?

“Who is the best? Who is the baddest man on the planet? Who is the best heavyweight?

“At some point we have to take charge of the sport and say: ‘No more’.

Spanish Super Cup Final, CHAN 2020, Live on StarTimes this Weekend There are exciting football moments lined up this weekend on StarTimes’ sports channels Today, CHAN 2020 and Copa del Rey Round of 32 will kick-off. Spanish Super Cup final between Barcelona and Athletic Club will be played on Sunday at 9pm.

The CHAN 2020, which was due to be held in April

last year in Cameroon, but was moved to this year due to the global pandemic, sees 16 countries competing.

It is the sixth edition of the tournament, which only players competing in the local league of their country can participate.

The only previous champion not to participate in this year’s finals are

Tunisia, who qualified, but withdrew, allowing Libya to take their place.

The Carthage Eagles are not the only big name to be missing from the tournament, as Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Senegal were all knocked out in the qualifying rounds.

But in their absence, there will be plenty of talent on display, as

two-time champions DR Congo (2009 and 2016) take on 2014 winners Libya in Group B, with Congo and Niger the other teams.

Football fans can relish their weekend on StarTimes’ sports channels as the affordable pay-TV provider brings the best of football moments across Africa and Europe.

FirstBank Growing Sports through the Years

J

ust like most other sports, golf has always embraced innovations.

But for such innovations the sport would probably have died in the 1800’s. If gutta percha has not been discovered and replaced with the feathery ball, perhaps, there wouldn’t be golf today. Even the use of Hickory shafts was similarly revolutionary.

Back home, golf story is replete with history. While some believed that golf was first played in Sapele, Delta State, others believed golf history has its root in Lagos. While no consensus has been arrived yet, the standpoint of many is that the white colonialists brought golf into the country, while the likes Anthony Enahoro, the man who first muted the idea of Independence for Nigeria was one of the first few Nigerians to play the game.

While the history of golf won’t be complete without mentioning the role played

by Enahoro, it is the support of corporate organisations that has sustained the game over the years. Unlike many other sports, golf has been a bit fortunate.

Those who have been following the sport will remember vividly the days of Accenture Matchplay, The MicCom Classics in Ada, Osun State, the famous Oluyole Open, the then Econet Corporate Challenge, the MTN Classics, MTNWCGC and the famous Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championship powered

by Firstbank of Nigeria Limited.

While all the aforementioned tournaments are now history, FirstBank has maintained its position in the class of golf sponsors. In what has become like a tradition for low handicap amateur golfers, being part of the annual Lagos Amateur Open tournament is like a ritual, a must-play of some sort, the same way the sponsorship of the event has become a tradition of some sort to FirstBank.

Perhaps, it’s the importance placed on this event that turn winners to overnight celebrities, and it gives them an easy inroad to the elite professional class.

And for those who wish to remain amateur, the opportunity to rub shoulders with fellow golfers internationally is an opportunity many won’t wish away.

It’s in recognition of this huge impact that the tournament got endorsement from world golf moderating bodies; the United State Golf Association, (USGA) and Scotland headquartered Royal and Ancient (R&A) of St. Andrew; golf’s version of FIFA. Now, a year after Njoroge played his way to the heart of Nigerians, the event was upgraded to meet the new international status to be played over 54-holes. With the new standard, winner of the tournament would be ranked

by World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and can play in any international golf competition anywhere in the world.

Thus, when the 58th edition of the tournament got under way in Ikoyi, the event was oversubscribed. On the course were reputable champions; SU Amadi, Muyideen Olaitan, three-time winner, Policeman Milo Ajah, Uche Eze; two-time winner. On the Course also was Peter Eben-Spiff, a champion in his own right and Ewi Akpata. Eben-Spiff is of the famous golfing family of the Spiffs in Port-Harcourt.

Playing like someone infused with the winning bug, Spiff, against all outshone all other contestants winning the 58th edition.

Ebenspiff shoots a closing score of 76, for 16-over par, over 54- holes to win the tournament. His score was not only good enough for the tournaments trophy, but was good enough for World Ranking.

Just like the 2019th edition, 2020 was as interesting. Though low-keyed because of the prevailing pandemic, the tournament was keenly contested and it produced Tajudeen Ajayi as Champion.

Ajayi who was playing in the tournament for the second time ever closed with 1-under 70, for 7-over the course par over 54-holes.

Happy at his victory, Ajayi commended the sponsor; FirstBank for their commitment for sustaining the event for 59years.

Well, as they say in this clime…’E no easy’, but Firstbank is known for its commitment to business and customers, so also is their commitment to any event they sponsor.

In Kaduna, where polo seems to be the first choice, the bank has been very active. It’s on record that one of world longest running sponsored event is the Georgian Cup, one of Polos most glamorous tournament, has held and sponsored

by FirstBank for 101 years non-stop. Dala Hard Court, a Tennis Tournament which has been in Kano for 32-years is powered by FirstBank, the OBJ Golf Tournament is an annual event in Abeokuta Ogun State Capital, powered by FirstBank.

The Elephant girls, a Basket Ball team powered by FirstBank is known to all. Their exploit in the African continent is yet to be rivalled. The desire to continue to impact positively in all aspect of sports made the financial outfit engaged Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor in 2016 for its annual FirstBank Junior Athletics Clinic. So also is their backing for would-be golfers. The golf clinic offers opportunity for kids to horn their skill in the sport.

At the individual level, Georgia Oboh, golf prodigy has the backing of Firstbank.

Well, being socially responsible is an attribute of FirstBank and from all indications; partnering for development, partnering for success has become a tradition.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Folarin Balogun

An End to Emirates Romance?

Once widely recognised for nurturing young talents and turning them into first-team stars, Arsenal is however on the verge of losing one of their priced youngsters-Folarin Balogun, who Manager Mikel Arteta once described as having Arsenal DNA in his blood. And he could even go for free. His contract expires this summer and has refused to put pen to paper for a contract renewal, as a result of first team action not coming by

Balogun

A

rsenal were once widely recognised for nurturing young talent and turning them into first-team stars.

Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Cesc Fabregas and Kieran Gibbs are just some of the starlets who became regulars under former boss Arsene Wenger.

This stance has altered somewhat in recent years though, with the Gunners getting out the cheque book to seal deals for proven talents such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey and Bernd Leno.

Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, has been a shining light for the Gunners amid a difficult first half of the 2020/21 campaign and deservedly received senior international recognition with England when he featured against Wales last October.

As the north London side build towards a brighter future under Mikel Arteta’s stewardship, they will be looking to bring some more youngsters into the senior set-up.

However, it doesn’t appear as though highly-rated academy striker Folarin Balogun will be part of that process.

The 19-year-old forward is close to signing a pre-contract agreement with a

foreign club.

The Gunners want Balogun to stay at the Emirates, but limited progress regarding talks over a new deal at the club and a lack of playing time has seen the youngster consider his long-term options.

Balogun, who made his senior bow against Dundalk in the Europa League in October 2020, is out of contract at the end of the season.

Speaking ahead of last Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Newcastle, Arteta insisted the player wants to remain at the club and suggested outside influences are hampering their chances of retaining the youngster.

“The club wants to make a deal, the manager wants to make a deal, the player wants to stay and I’m not sure about the agent,” the Spaniard said.

“We are negotiating with an agent, with a player that wants to stay at the club and we need to find an agreement.

“I’m telling you that we are doing everything we can to keep him here.

“Hopefully from the other part they are doing the same and in the same interest, which is the player’s interest which is to stay at the football club and be successful with us.”

Balogun has not been short of interested suitors, with Championship promotion

chasers Brentford seeing a £5million bid turned down this time last year.

It seems inexcusable that the Gunners should let go of yet another young star, especially as they’ve lost four exciting starlets over the course of the previous four campaigns.

With the likes of Serge Gnabry, Ismael Bennacer, Donyell Malen and Jeff ReineAdelaide all leaving Emirates to becoming big stars in foreign European clubs.

According to a report, Balogun has agreed to join Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig.

Highly-thought of across the continent, the 19-year-old striker had his first dabble with senior football this season, making an immediate impact. He showed promise in his 16-minute cameo against Dundalk, then followed it up with a goal mere moments after coming off the bench against Molde.

Impressing in the Europa League, he maintained his streak of brief outings in the group stages, notching another goal and assist, to prompt widespread clamour for him to sign a new contract.

Being in the position in the first place was unacceptable from Arsenal’s point of view, as they had a young striker working his way up through the youth setups whose future hadn’t been sorted.

Unwilling to commit to the club without

being granted more senior minutes – something Arteta can’t do at this moment as even another youngster, Eddie Nketiah hasn’t played for a month in a team that have found form – the insistence from the club that he has a long-term and a route into the senior team aren’t enough for the striker.

Now with 15 proposals on the table from a variety of clubs that he’s allowed to sign pre-contract agreements with, it appears he’s made up his mind.

Being omitted entirely from the FA Cup squad to face Newcastle, the writing appeared firmly on the wall. Arteta has revealed that an offer is on the table for the youngster, and at this stage he can do no more.

It should never have got to here in the first place. But now it has, if Balogun isn’t willing to trust his employers, whom he’s been with since 2008, then there will be no amicable solution. Equally, Balogun wants to play. If he’s not going to at Arsenal, then he’s right to leave.

Speaking about Balogun’s contract situation, Arteta said: ‘You need three parties to make a deal. For sure, the club wants to make a deal, the manager wants to make a deal, the player wants to stay and I’m not sure about the agent.

‘I’m telling you that we are doing everything we can to keep him here and hopefully from the other part they are doing the same and they defend the same interests, which is the players’ interest, which is to stay at the football club and be successful with us.’

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Balogun but it appears that the talented striker’s preferred destination is RB Leipzig.

Balogun’s Nigerian agent Emeka Obasi used to look after RB Leipzig-owned winger Ademola Lookman and brokered the deal that took the Super Eagles hopeful to the German Bundesliga club in 2019, lending credence to the report.

He joined the north London club at U8 level and signed his first professional contract in February 2019.

Born in New York and raised in the United Kingdom, Balogun is provisionally cap-tied to England as he represented the Young Lions at the 2018 UEFA European U-17 Championship, playing four games as England reached the semi-finals, but the free-scoring Arsenal striker has hinted at switching international allegiance from G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

JANUARY ͯʹ˜ ͰͮͰͯ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK RoutineVehicle Maintenance 101: What You Should Know Vehicles are machines, and like any machine they need maintenance. For most vehicles, regular maintenance begins at 5,000 miles and continues from there every 5,000-10,000 kilometres. Of course, checking your car on a more regular basis is even better.

Maintenance keeps your vehicle running smoothly and safely down the road for a much longer distance compared to never doing upkeep. Your owner’s manual will outline all of the maintenance that needs to be done and when it needs to be done so that you’re prepared.

But do you need to pay for a mechanic to handle the vehicle maintenance? You can handle a lot of basic vehicle maintenance yourself by following the advice below.

Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan concept

Mercedes-Benz Unveils MBUX Hyperscreen, Improves Vehicle-User Interaction

F

or Mercedes-Benz, 2021 marks the beginning of the next chapter in interaction between vehicle and user: the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Hyperscreen takes the operation and display of infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions to a new level thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). The large, curved screen unit lends the interior a unique aesthetic and extends along the entire width of the vehicle in front of the driver and front passenger – for whom the digital experience is as emotional as it is intuitive and effortless. The MBUX Hyperscreen, which is for

the first time optionally available in the fully electric luxury saloon EQS, is representative of the emotional intelligence of the entire vehicle and is highly capable of learning.

The world premiere of the MBUX Hyperscreen grants insights into the MBUX Hyperscreen’s role as the digital core of Mercedes-EQ’s top model, the progressive luxury saloon EQS. The digital communication format addresses journalists and multipliers and can be joined live on Mercedes me media.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Vera Schmidt, Head of Mercedes-Benz

Advanced Digital Design, and Sajjad Khan, CTO and Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz AG, will together present the MBUX Hyperscreen and its numerous facets. From control over functionality to material and design to technical details – the viewers gain interesting insights into the system, its unique features and its development.

Next to the world premiere, Mercedes-Benz will also provide additional information in form of videos, graphics, press releases and images for download on Mercedes me media.

The opportunity to engage in a digital dialogue with the MercedesBenz press team is also offered.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Retail Sales Continue Recovery Jaguar Land Rover marked the end of 2020 with a second successive quarter-on-quarter recovery in sales, despite the continuing impact of COVID-19.

Retail sales for the quarter ending 31 December 2020 were 128,469 vehicles, 13.1% higher than the 113,569 vehicles sold in the preceding quarter, but down 9.0% on the same period last year. China sales were particularly encouraging, up 20.2% on the prior quarter and 19.1% year-on-year.

Retail sales in most other regions also continued to recover and were up significantly on the prior quarter in North America (+31.7%), Overseas (+26.6%) which is where the sub-Sahara African markets contribute, and Europe (+20.5%).

However, sales in these regions have not yet recovered to pre-Covid levels with sales for the quarter lower than a year ago in North America (-17.2%), Overseas (-20.0%), Europe (-16.3%) and the UK (-8.9%).

The sales ramp-up of the new Land Rover Defender saw retails rising to 16,286 vehicles in the October to December quarter, up 66.0% on the preceding quarter with sales of the shorter wheelbase Defender 90 having started. For Jaguar, retail sales of the multi award-winning all-electric I-PACE were up 69.3% year-on-year with 7,807 sold in the quarter, as demand for electric vehicles continues to grow.

For the calendar year 2020, Jaguar Land Rover retail sales were 425,974, down 23.6% on 2019, reflecting the industry impact of Covid-19 particularly in the first half of the year when plants were shut down for more than two months.

However, the company has since seen sales increase quarter-on-quarter by over 53% in the quarter ended 30 September, followed by the 13.1% increase in the most recent quarter.

In response to strengthening global demand, Jaguar Land Rover has continued to roll out its exciting new range of 21 Model Year vehicles,

New Land Rover Defender interior incorporating the very latest technologies. The company remains committed to its electrification strategy and has a growing portfolio of electrified Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles, embracing fully electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) vehicles, as well as continuing to offer the latest diesel and petrol engines, giving its customers even more choice. Following the significant expansion over the year, electrified options now extend to 12 models across the

Jaguar and Land Rover portfolios, with PHEV available on 8 vehicle lines and MHEV on 11, as well as the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE. With sales of new electrified vehicles including the Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Range Rover Evoque PHEVs ramping up through the October to December quarter, a total of 53% of the company’s retail sales for the three-month period were electrified. This included 6.1% all-electric, 5.5% PHEV and 41.4% MHEV.

9Vehicle Maintenance MeasuresYou Can DIY You need a mechanic for most repairs, but there’s a lot of vehicle maintenance you can do on your own. Here’s a rundown that will get you started.

1. Acquaint Yourself With Your Owner’s Manual Every vehicle has an owner’s manual. It’s a thick book typically squirreled away in the glove box.

If you can’t find your copy, an electronic version could be online. Otherwise, contact your dealer for a copy.

With manual in hand, head to the maintenance schedule section. Take note of the intervals for maintenance items like the engine oil, oil filter, tire rotation, belts, hoses and so on. It’s important to follow these manufacturer recommendations to keep the engine running as smoothly as possible.

2. Check Your Tires Monthly Alot is riding on your tires - like the entire vehicle.

The thing that keeps your car driving down the road is the tires. They need to be properly inflated to do their job as well as lessen the chance of a blowout.

You probably know how to add air to your tires already. What you may not know is the correct tire pressure, which is extremely important. You’ll find the ideal tire pressure on a placard located on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual.

Tires should be inflated when they are cold (driven less than one mile) to get an accurate reading. If that isn’t possible, add 4 PSI to the recommended amount, explains Bridgestone Tire. Check your spare tire while you’re at it and confirm all pressures with a tire gauge once the tires have rested.

3.ChangeYour Oil and Oil Filter on Schedule Oil is your engine’s life blood. It serves as a lubricant, keeping important engine parts from grinding against each other and destroying the engine. Motor oil that’s not changed regularly can damageyourengineasaccumulatedcontaminants cause friction when they rub against parts.

What type of oil should you use — petroleumbased or synthetic? Is one better than the other?

According to Edmunds.com Engineering Editor Jason Kavanagh, the type of oil is not important.

He noted, “As long as the oil meets the service and viscosity requirements set out in your owner’s manual, you can switch back and forth as much as you want.”

4. Replace the Air Filter With Oil Changes When it comes to the air filter, you may need to replace it once or twice each year. It largely depends on how much you drive. It’s best practice to check the air filter when you change your oil.

5. Inspect All Other Fluids Motor oil isn’t the only fluid that needs to be checked. Experts recommend checking your car brake fluid, transmission fluids, coolant and windshield washer fluid.

Like motor oil, you’ll check transmission fluid with a dipstick. Determine brake fluid, coolant and washer fluid levels by removing related covers and visually inspecting each. They should reach a designated fill line.

NEVER remove the radiator cap to check coolant levels. You risk getting scalded if the cap is removed. Instead, check the coolant level in the nearby transparent refill container, says CarTalk.

6. Examine Belts and Hoses If you want to go one step beyond basic routine vehicle maintenance, then inspect the hoses and belts in the engine bay. These hoses direct coolant flow to ensure the engine doesn’t overheat. If a hose has separated, shows cracks or bulges, then have it replaced. Source: drive safely)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

35

AUTO WORLD

Hyundai Elantra Wins 2021 North American Car Award

T

he2021HyundaiElantrawasnamed winner of the 2021 NorthAmerican Car of the Year award today by the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) automotive media jury. This is the second time the Hyundai sedan has won Car of the Year (2012). Only two cars have won the award more than once (Chevrolet Corvette and Honda Civic) and this marks Hyundai’s third Car of the Year category win.

“Thank you to all of the jurors. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the entire company, our Alabama and Ulsan plant employees who build Elantra and our dealers,” said José Muñoz, Global Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Company, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America and Hyundai Motor America.

“Elantra is a symbol of our blend of dynamic design, advanced technology and great fuel economy.

Elantra customers are going to experience all of the hard work and dedication that went into making this class-leading car.”

The jurors tested and evaluated more than 40 new vehicles before voting the top three cars, utility vehicles and trucks to be 2021 finalists. The Nissan Sentra and Genesis G80 were the other car finalists.

Now in their 28th year, the NACTOY awards are selected through a series of three separate votes by a diverse jury of automotive journalists from numerous outlets in the United States and Canada.

Jurors evaluate the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar.

Founded in 1994, these awards are the longestrunning new-vehicle awards not associated with

2021 Hyundai Elantra a single publication, website, radio or television station. Because of the jurors’ independence, these awards are among the most respected in the industry.

Hyundai Motor America At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and

build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do.

Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to create a better experience for customers.

Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.

Kia Presents new Logo, Global Brand Slogan

K

ia Motors Corporation has revealed its new corporate logo and global brand slogan that signify the automaker’s bold transformation and all-new brand purpose. The introduction of the new logo represents Kia’s ambitions to establish a leadership position in the future mobility industry by revamping nearly all facets of its business.

A statement by the automaker said the logo is a symbol of Kia’s new brand purpose and the values it promises to offer customers through future products and services, and the experiences these enable. Kia seals its brand promise by developing the new logo to resemble a handwritten signature. The rhythmical, unbroken line of the logo conveys Kia’s commitment to bringing moments of inspiration, while its symmetry demonstrates confidence. The rising gestures of the logo embody Kia’s rising ambitions

S

for the brand, and, more importantly, what it offers customers.

“Kia’s new logo represents the company’s commitment to becoming an icon for change and innovation”, said Ho Sung Song, Kia’s President and CEO. “The automotive industry is experiencing a period of rapid transformation, and Kia is proactively shaping and adapting to these changes. Our new logo represents our desire to inspire customers as their mobility needs evolve, and for our employees to rise to the challenges we face in a fast-changing industry.”

The new logo was unveiled during a record-breaking pyrotechnic display in the skies above Incheon, Korea. The event saw 303 pyrodrones launching hundreds of fireworks in a synchronized artistic display, igniting and celebrating Kia’s new beginning. This set a new Guinness World Record for ‘Most unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launching fireworks simultaneously’.

KIA interior showing new logo

The Night Journey Syndrome

ome financial consultants wear a smile but 45 years old Mark Okonkwo was the smile. Some consultants are smooth talkers but Mark was the speech as his delivery of the Queens English was impeccable. His diction was faultless while his suave was what my wife would describe as dripping. Those who knew him described him as a studious expert who was committed to his craft. He was also a man of faith as his business discussions were always spiced with scriptural wisdom to demonstrate the source of his forthrightness as a believer. Everything about Mark as he was fondly called by his friends and acquaintances was worth emulating and envying. So too was his marriage to 35years old Tina. Although they were still trusting God for the fruit of the womb, they were the envy of people in marriageable age because of the flavor in their home. Their three years old marriage was indeed the envy of would -be couples as they daily tempted splinters and bachelors on the bliss of marriage.

Like vapor, all of these melted away because of the blunder made to travel in the wrong vehicle driven by a maniac called a driver and at a wrong time. The first trip to Abuja was smoothness. The business was done without hiccups. The return was however tragic. Yet there was no premonition that death was hovering when he boarded a Sharon bus back to his destination. Remember I once wrote about Sharon drivers and how speed freak they

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

are as well as how they disregard every rule such as overtaking all in the name of making more trips and more money. Yet this was the choice he made instead of choosing to travel the next day with a safety conscious transporter. The take-off was smooth or so it seemed. But other travelers and drivers whose vehicles were overtaken dangerously by the killer driver prophesied that the vehicle won’t make it to its destination. Their prophecy indeed came through.

But before the tragedy, Mark called his loving wife at about six pm. He told her they had entered the town and considering the fact that they were running late for a prayer meeting, she should wait outside the house so they can proceed on his arrival. The obedient wife obeyed and waited till about six thirty pm without a sight of her darling hubby. Panic set in. She tried reaching him without luck. At about nine pm, she reached out to a family friend to inquire. The family friend was later alerted by a neighbor of a crash that

occurred earlier at about six thirty pm involving a Sienna bus coming from Jalingo Taraba State with eight occupants and a Sharon bus coming from Abuja overloaded with nine persons. Both vehicles busted into flames after a head on collision. Seventeen lives were lost and a mass burial done. Our beautiful Tina lost her hubby, her friend and confidant even though she is yet to be informed that he died in an avoidable crash and was buried because he and other victims were burnt to ashes beyond recognition.

Like other night trip crashes, the Federal Road Safety Corps raised an alarm on the risk and dangers of night trips. The crash was not the first this year.

Others had occurred along other routes in similar fashion. Yet the Corps has been at the forefront of campaigns against night travel. So the Corps again reminded travelers that night trip is fraught with poor visibility, fatigue, sleeping on wheels, excessive speed, dangerous driving, overloading. The FRSC reminded travelers that night trip was not only unsafe, but utterly dangerous. It warned that there were fatal crashes recorded at night at the beginning of the year. The result was deaths and several degrees of injuries. One of such was the crash that occurred on January 5, 2021 in Kabba, Kogi State which resulted in head-on collision .The causative factors were fatigue and sleeping on the steering.

The crash involved the driver of a white Toyota Hiace bus (MSA 942 XA) that contravened COVID-19 protocols on physical distancing by overloading the bus with eighteen passengers instead of the prescribed

eight. The second vehicle was a green Iveco trailer (AKA 788 XC) carrying seven passengers. Out of the twentyfive passengers on board, the two vehicles, eight were killed while seventeen sustained various injuries. The one I cited earlier occurred on January 9, 2021 involved two vehicles; a white Sienna (KUG 538 BJ) and a Sharon bus without a number plate that left the entire seventeen passengers on board burnt beyond recognition.

So why do addicts insist on night trips. Most transport operators cite selfish economic gains as the motivator. These operators embark on these trips with, overloaded passengers and goods to avoid arrest and enforcement on physical distancing by FRSC patrol teams. He warned that in as much as the Corps does not have the statutory powers to ban night trips, it has become very critical and a matter of urgency for patronisers of night trips to retrace their steps and plan their journeys in the day time because often times, when crash occurs away from FRSC rescue points, it’s difficult to access help from motorists at night.

I recall writing on the same subject some years ago.

I don’t know if you read the news. I was shocked when I did as I could not find the right words to describe the number of people who lost their lives in just one road traffic crash on the night of Thursday September 14, 2017. All I could exclaim was night journey again? After all the noise and campaigns and warnings against this trending travel pattern that daily wins more convert than even the various religious beliefs does .What really is the reason for this suicide driven travel pattern that addicts maintain is cozy, cheap and also fun.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JANUARY 16, 2021

BOOK REVIEW

The Graduate’s Ultimate Guide to Success

Toluwanimi Lazarus

I

n the midst of current world dynamics y is a huge g p population p of Nigerian g higher-institution g stu udents and g graduates who are clueless about what next to do. With the global g COVID-19 pandemic, p #Endsars p protests and the ten-month ASUU strike, inspirational p speakers p and life coaches may y have to deliver a month’s worth of non-stop p pieces p to allay y the uncertainty yp plaguing g g the typical yp Nigerian g graduate. Hence, it is crucial to understand that these g are rapidly p y changing times and nobody should stay unequipped. q pp ‘Navigating g g Life After School’, authored by y ‘Yinka Adeosun, is a much-needed tool for any yg graduate of Nigeria’s g higher g institutions of learning. g It is important p to note that this book is not the well-rehearsed spiel p of a motivational speaker; p it is a treasure trove of real-life steps to follow. In fact, it aptly p y captures p the essence of what it takes to succeed as a formally-educated y individual in a country y that is terrorized by y the hydra-headed y monster of insecurity, y corruption, p overpopulation, unemployment and economic upheaval. p In easy-to-understand y language, g g detailed information and an encouraging g g tone, the eight g chapters p make a great g delight g to read. As the reader explores p the pages, p g they y are confronted with the reality y of what life as a graduate g is.

“It’s y your season of change: g a change g for better,” Adeosun writes, “a change g for p progress g and advancement.” The author goes g on to ply p y the reader with information about the National Youth Service Corps p (NYSC). He does not forget g to elaborate on the how-tos of maximizing the compulsory p y national service period. p With the rapid p increase of first-degree g holders in the country, y emphasis p is laid on the importance p of pursuing p further studies even though g “graduate g study y can be rewarding g in its own right; g it is defi finitely y not for every ybody.’” y Characteristic of the author’s writing g style, y he makes sure to provide p detailed information about further study y options, p including g e-learning. g He also tackles the topic p of being g gainfully g y employed p y in an economic context of underemployment p y and unemployment. p y Adeosun further asserts that skilling-up g p is very y important. p He mentions what job-seekers j should be on the lookout for with regard g to employment p y offers. Besides, he delin neates the tips p to maintaining g optimal p job j performance. p It is crucial to note that an entire chapter p is dedicated to the options p and ease that come with technology. gy He posits that “it is to your p y own peril p if you y chose to ignore g technology.” gy The solution entrepreneurship p p provides p to the problem p of unemployment p y is presented p clearly y too. Businesses that one can start with little or no capital p are listed along with the qualities that make a successful entrepreneur. p Financial investing, g a much-ignored g topic p among g Nigerian youth, is expansively discussed too. The reader

is p presented with vital fi financial education in the areas of saving g and investing. g Of course, the graduate-in-theg embryo y has a slice of the book too as they y are urged g to maximize the time they y have left in the university y through g options p like internships. p In seventy-eight y g pages, p g Adeosun carefully y enunciates what could take decades for many y people p p to grasp. g p Unfortunately, y learning early-life lessons as an oldie creates a pile p of regrets. g The author reiterates that every y graduate’s g ‘decision today y will make or mar your y tomorrow’. As with a book backed with extensive research, there are a whole lot of facts and figures of current times. The moral bent of the

author does nothing g to detract from the p power of this p piece.

If y you are a fan of Ben Carson, John Mason or John Maxwell, you would defi y finitely y enjoy j y reading g these golden g words especially because this handbook is situated in the Nigerian context.

With a background g in communication and y youth development, p Adeosun’s p passion for impacting p g the next g generation g glows through g this well-crafted masterpiece. p So g go g get your copy y py and enjoy j y it. Or g get one for a g graduate around you. Every y y Nigerian g graduate’s p g potential must ‘sorosoke’!

You can p purchase ‘Navigating g g Life After School’ by y ‘Yinka Adeosun on Amazon or via www.yinkaadeosun.com.

The History of Adeleke Oduola Kike Alatitse

H

ow people behave and the events that shape their life is not only good to be observed and understood but necessary to guide present and future generation, especially in an era where due diligence, hard work and exemplary lifestyle are eroding.

Those were a few lessons captured in Oju Pon Koko Ma Foo, written by Aderemi Oduola as key instrument for moral lessons and a perfect guide to the history of Prince Adeleke Oduola.

The 227 pages biography written in Yoruba narrated Oduola’s many strides, struggles, political prowess, religious dedications and other active roles that would teach present and future generation that although life might come with unimaginable hurdles, our ability to navigate and leave good legacies.

Events during the colonial era and efforts traditional rulers and key people in the society played in maintaining peace, as well as the economic outlook of the country during the period, were the major issues in the first chapter of the book. Oduola’s father, Ibiloye Aremu from Osogbo was one of the few advisers, who played such.

The author also brought forward the

rich traditional practices in Yoruba land, especially the peaceful coexistence in the early 90s, traditional religion and other practices, joy of childbirth and the impacts of downturn.

Like what many Nigerians still go through, the book’s vivid narration of economic hardship and its implications in raising children and living above poverty played a role in Oduola’s life.

Also rural to urban migration in search of greener pasture and the healthcare challenge, especially lack of awareness has been a long-standing issue. Oduola had his share of these issues.

Although he later broke even, he ventured into many commercial, made wrong projections and counted loses. Oduola had ventured into the fashion industry, was a trader, a car dealer and had even played a role in the entertainment industry.

Oduola also played critical roles in shaping the country’s political ecosystem, especially in the Western region after joining the defunct Action Group around 1953. The book narrated his roles in pre independence, military era as well recent political activities.

Oduola’s involvement in the establishment of Oroki Social Club of Osogbo was equally detailed in the book, the reasons behind the club, especially the political angle, the key actors in the club and other prevailing issues were captured.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹;˜2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

TFN Hosts Pitch Day to Support Education Initiative

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, Femi Fapohunda; Head of Marketing, Tolu Olanipekun; Chief Commercial Officer, Dimeji Osingunwa; and Senior Brand and Innovation Manager, Akeem Audu, all of Mouka; at the donation of 10 professional computer systems to the training centre for Ex-service Military Officers at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), in Oshodi, Lagos… recently

FG Urged to Draw on Improved Environment, Reforms to Grow Economy The Federal government has been advised to take advantage of present economic environment and existing reforms to stir performance in the economy.

Head of Macroeconomic Research at EFG Hermes, Mohamed Abu Basha, gave the advice in his forecast of the economy for 2021.

According to Basha, despite tough situations that presented in 2020, there were still positive events that could be played with to stir and expedite positive developments in the New Year.

He said, “Nigeria’s economy faced a very tough 2020, suffering from a double whammy of collapse in oil prices and pandemic shock, both weighing heavily on the country’s fiscal position and real economy.

“Going into 2021, we see the macroeconomic situation remaining challenging, notwithstanding some improvements. The recovery in oil prices to $50/b already by the end of 2020 and prospects for a slightly higher price in 2021 is definitely a good news for the economy and should help avail more resources for both the government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Rollout of a vaccine

should also help the economy recover from the pandemic shock, enabling a bounce back in economic and business activity.

“Nevertheless, these improvements remain largely marginal and while they could help support some level of macro stability, they will not create the environment for a credible economic recovery. Despite the higher oil price, we think the country would still be running thin on FX liquidity, unable to replicate the more relaxed environment which existed back in 2017/18.

“The recent approval of a $1.5bn loan to Nigerian states and the prospects of a Eurobond issuance sometime in 2021 are positive for reserves. But again, we don’t see them as representing a game changer. In this context, we see it as critical that authorities utilise the improved economic environment to press ahead with much-needed economic reforms.

“Authorities have indeed taken a number of reform measures which are encouraging. De-regulation of domestic fuel prices was an important step to avail more resources to the government which it can then better target to spend on those who need support. CBN has

also devalued the currency twice, taking some initial steps towards unification of country’s various exchange rates.

The approval of power tariff hikes is a step in the right direction to ease power shortages with huge potential for economic growth.

“Notwithstanding the above mentioned reforms, these have to be seen as the first of many in a long road to restore macro stability.

The economist further advocated urgent reforms that will create needed fiscal space to help stimulate economic growth.

He said, “The adoption of a more flexible exchange rate regime would help boost confidence and encourage foreign investors in sending more money to Nigeria. In addition to FX, we think authorities should work on ending the combination of high inflation and very low interest rates as it is putting pressure on disposable incomes and not helping with attracting capital inflows.

“Finally, we think authorities should reduce their tight control on the banking sector and allow a more market-based system that would better allocate capital where it is most needed.”

Africa Oil and Power Appoints Tori Abiola Conference Director Africa Oil and Power (AOP), the continent’s leading investment platform for the energy sector has appointed Olatorera (Tori) Abiola as International Conference Director.

Tori Abiola is an Economic and Politics graduate of SOAS (University of London), with over 24 years work experience at the highest level in training, conference, events and marketing with Euromoney, Pfizer, Montgomery West Africa, Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales.

Last month (December) Tori was in Abuja where she secured support for African Oil and Power Exhibition slated for October 26 to 27, 2021 at Eko Hotel and Suites Lagos from Ministry of Petroleum, NBET and key stakeholders in the energy sector for the launch of AOP 2021 conference, aimed at building capacity for the

energy sector in Nigeria with high level round table discussions for CFOs, General Legal Counsels, women in leadership, risk managements and security leads within the energy sector.

Tori bring to AOP her wealth of experience earned at Euromoney, where with others grew business in Africa by 75 percent. As Managing Director at Montgomery W/A, she was instrumental to success of over 75 corporate conferences in Africa, Europe and Middle East which include SECUREX W/A, Propak and Women of West Africa (WOWE), among others.

Tori Abiola is also a founding member of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Nigeria, an initiative supported by United Nations, geared at empowering women as entrepreneurs and poverty alleviation tools aimed to achieve SDG’ s and MDG’S. Abiola is well suited to lead and

launch AOP Conference and Exhibition, which focuses on energy, gas monetisation and local content development in Nigeria.

Her role as International Conference Director will feature the launch of AOP TV, a web base server which will profile and interview leaders in energy sector in Nigeria, international investors, development finance institutions, government agencies and key stakeholders in energy infrastructure development and investment.

AOP already enjoy support and endorsement from the Africa Energy Chamber and partnership from OPEC, United Nations, leading international oil companies (IOC), and NOCs. AOP Conference and Exhibition 2021 will serve as platform to move forward on the petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), support industrialisation and energy investment.

An educational based non-profit organisation, Teach for Nigeria, TFN, has hosted its first-ever pitch event at Gusau Institute in Kaduna State.

The pitch contest was hosted as part of TFN’s Incubation Hub Program, earlier launched in October, 2020.

The program was put together to support TFN’s alumni in the social innovation space with resources needed to drive their initiatives, which focus on promoting access to education for children in low-income communities.

20 TFN alumni-led Northern based initiatives had been selected as part of the pioneer cohort at the virtual launch of the Incubation Hub. During the event, five of the participants who had been selected as part of the pioneer cohort for the Hub had the opportunity to pitch for seed funding. At the end of the contest, Bookaclan Knowledge Hub led by Samuel Onyeledo and No box Initiate led by Abdullahi Ibrahim were awarded with a seed grant of one million naira each to set up and expand their initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of TFN, Folawe Omikunle, said, “Teach for Nigeria is on a mission to address the issue of educational inequity in Nigeria. We believe that supporting our alumni with the funding to scale their initiative will brings us closer to a Nigeria where all children can attain quality education” TFN selects and trains promising graduates and professionals to address educational inequity across Nigeria through a two- year Fellowship programme. Fellows that successfully complete the programme become alumni and are provided with the needed support to build on their experience during the fellowship to continue to drive long-term systemic change across education ecosystem.

Firm Enhances Capacity of Military Personnel Indigenous mattresses and bedding brand, Mouka, has restated its commitment to knowledge expansion when it donated computer systems to the Nigerian Armed Force Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), training centre recently.

The firm donated the items during the passing out ceremony of Trainees Course 02/2020 Stream Two of ex-service military personnel.

According to the organisation, the gesture aimed to support NAFRC’s vision of becoming a world-class training institution for ex-servicemen and women who have made the nation proud in their duties, as military officers while in active service.

Presenting the items, Chief Commercial Officer of Mouka, Dimeji Osingunwa, stated that the gesture was a key part of the firm’s corporate social responsibilities in raising the standards of the centre.

Osingunwa who was accompanied by colleagues, delivered the items to NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin.

Speaking further, he stated that the organisation acknowledged NAFRC’s role in adding value to the lives of members of the armed forces, especially in the area of training.

He said, “Computer literacy is a must for all, even for the ex-servicemen and women in today’s digital world. Everything around us is driven by technology.

The computer has become an essential tool of learning and access to globally required skills, and that the ex-military personnel will find them useful for their career and personal growth.”

Osingunwa added that the company would continue to support NAFRC’s vision of becoming a world-class training institute through effective collaboration.

In his remarks, Amao commended the firm’s gesture, assuring that beneficiaries would make effective use of the items.

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˜ ˾ JANUARY 16, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

‘Platter of Gold’ Incorrect

D

o you know that, in modern English these days ‘between two’ or ‘between three’ is now allowed unlike in the past when the latter was a sacrilege?

Note well: ‘witchhunting’ is a noun and

also an adjective.

‘Broad consensus’ is acceptable while ‘general consensus’ indicates half-literacy!

In Germany, according to the late Bayo Oguntuase, my beloved teacher, a drink-place is called ‘beer garden’. ‘Beer parlour’—which is Regionalized English—is the local fad in Nigeria. The formal/standard (universal) entry is ‘pub’ with variants like ‘tavern’, ‘bar’ and ‘saloon’ (also ‘saloon bar’ or ‘lounge bar’). Please it is never ‘salon’, which is another thing entirely.

An observation: ‘flag off’ (phrasal verb) is informal English!

It should interest you to grasp that ‘strike action’ is incorrect. The right expression is simply ‘strike’ or ‘industrial strike’. Of course, we equally have ‘work stoppage’, ‘industrial action’ and ‘sit-down’ or ‘sit-athome’ strike/protest.

Are you aware that ‘confab’ is very old-fashioned for ‘conference’?

Wrong: on a platter of gold Right: on a silver platter “…in their various constituencies to synthesise (synthesize, preferably) grass root (sic) opinions on this all important (allimportant) project.” Not my view: grassroots opinions….

“In many respect (respects) it is out of tune with modern reality….”

“Nigeria has never degenerated to (into) this level, security wise.”

“That is why the state governments need to be given the impetus to pool their wisdom and resources together….” Delete the last word in the extract. “…the states and local governments suff

ficiently fi fi financially empowered to take care of its (their) responsibilities.” There should be a conjunction between ‘suffi fficiently’ and ‘financially’. fi The next two lexical frauds are from the Editorial of one of the newspapers under review today: “The minister exposed the find during an offficial visit to PHCN’s shock fi facilities in (on) the premises of the….” “…contributed to PHCN’s woeful (abysmal) failure to provide regular electricc ity supply to the nation” Still on the recurring pool of grammatical disasters: “The minister had, on Tuesday, drew (drawn) the ire of workers by arguing that….” “…the federal government must embark on some cost saving (cost-saving measures….”

“His arguments on the introduction of N5,000 notes was (were)….”

“FG to sanction DISCOs over over-billing of customers” A rewrite: “FG to sanction DISCOs for overbilling customers” “Teachers employed by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to complement… .”Education Today: Parent-Teacher Associaa tion (PTA),,,, “CANNU donates to flood relief (floodrelief) fund” “Eduwatch gathers students, scholars together” Yank off the last word in the excerpt.

“Geepee proudly introduces world class (world-class) multilayer (multi-layer) composite panels…no painting, no mainn tainence” Bloated pride: maintenance!

THE GUARDIAN Opinion Page of January 6 circulated two improprieties: “With preparations in top gear, and barring any last minute (last-minute) hitches….”

“The fi final death nail (sic) came with the present political dispensation that began in 2000 that paid lip-service to governance.”

Get it right: death knell or just knell. There is nothing like ‘final fi death nail’!

FEEDBACK RE: Which one: ‘celebrant’ or ‘celebrator’?

Shorthand is phonetical. Some of us did shorthand and also taught it. In shorthand dictation and/or transcription, one should be sure which—British or American English! We find out even though Nigerians are basically pro-British, their pronunciations are majorly pro-American. Shorthand writers are usually advised to adopt British English because of implications to writing and transcription. The foregoing is indicative there are points of difference between British and American English. So, let us not confuse issues. Reference to the words, ‘celebrant’ and ‘celebrator’: It should be pointed out that they are not the same in British English. For instance, someone celebrating something e.g. a party is a celebrator. The Catholic priest celebrating Mass is a celebrant. In a wedding Mass, the priest is the celebrant while the couple constitutes the celebrators.

Prof. A. Ugwu Obayi/08068861837 CONTRARY to Sunny Agbontaen’s opinion on the effective use of the word, ‘celebrator’, I think ‘celebrator’ is more appropriate in this our clime. Nigeria was colonized by the Britons and, as such, we ought to speak the Queen’s

MOG: Is Controversy UnGodly?

W

e have now come to the third and final leg of what we may call religious serenade - in unconscious deference to one or two of our final entries who sometimes shovel us with arcane grammatical flourishes that only a robust engagement with a formidable dictionary can unfold. This also serves as the termination of our near three-month incursions into spaces not violated by the damning and distressing Nigerian realities, worsened by the scurrilous devastation, in human toll and turmoil, being wreaked by the fast mutating pandemic.

Now that the time is spent dealing with issues closer home and near skin, we hope these ‘diversions’ have served some useful purposes amidst the current chaos and canker-worm. Here are the final trio of men of God (MOG) whose idiosyncrasies fascinated one so much that one was moved to profile the following sentii ments as early as a decade ago. And then this: these three men have one thing, at the very least, in common - controversy!

PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE: This man has a lot going for him; I like the fact that he has a very solid knowledge of the Bible, and he is not afraid to state it as he understands it, even if oxen are gored and writhing on the grass. Remarkably, he is not afraid, or too embarrassed to come out with an “Error Regretted” disclaimer when he’s been corrected by higher authority. I really respect him for that. I also appreciate that he has the guts to challenge anyone who has a dusty corner on him to sweep out the dung - as he has no compromising secrets that anyone could climb on to pepper him with. That feels surreal.

Because I don’t know anyone who can do that - and that includes me. Well, that is not saying he’s superhuman, because with him there’s no middle ground; you either like him or hate him. Each part, I’m afraid to say, has strong followership.

Of great interest to me is his insistence that every member of his church should be able to stand alone, and in tune, with God; that you don’t need a medium (either as pastor, evangelist, bishop, spiritualist or prayer warrior) to mediate between you and God. You are the driver of your own vehicle to heaven or hell - no conductor needed. It engenders a striving for maturity, a strong element in his desire to impact the world and implant His Word. As a journalist, I love reasoned arguments; and I for long had lived with the fear that the Bible was a poor tool in the hand of a victim of the polemicist, of any shade. But the lawyer-turnedpreacher has wiped away that apprehension with his fierce and forthright distillation of age-worn scriptural truths in melodious easy-to-understand delivery. Though you may defer with some of

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“If the Abia PDP stalwarts have forgotten, we will gladly remind them that candidates who stand for elections under (on) the platform (platforms) of political parties….”

“Kaduna gears up for LG polls amidst (amid) fears of violence” “Records show that their actions and inactions, in the past, have (had) contributed in (to)….”

“Non-partisan intelligence driven mechanism panacea to Boko Haram” A rewrite: “Non-partisan, intelligence-driven mechanism, panacea to Boko Haram “The elders also said they are (were) in support of the probe of alleged missing….”

“Therefore, it behooves on our sports authorities to rise up to the occasion and restore the country’s lost glory in (to) many of the sports….”

his elucidations, you hardly can dispute his lucidity. I like that very much.

Then, he appears strong-willed and even fearless in pursuit of what he deems right; in repudiation of what he purports to be wrong. It is a minor miracle to me that his tirade against the wrongheaded politics and policies of the day is somehow tied to the Word of the Lord. He thunders fire and brimstone on peerlessly corrupt politicians and indolent public officials as well as on dim-witted purveyors of new-age spiritual slavery and their docile yes-men congregations. All in the name of the Lord.

Interestingly, he is not taller than 5ft 7in in height, and maximum 70kg in weight, yet his verbal projection, dramatic interlocutions and spitfire declamations can combine to make a giant break out in cold sweat. His frame belies a gigantic confidence in his infectious faith and trust in the outward manifestations of every word of God revealed to him…this thread runs through the spines of his congregation and admirers - both on ground and on-line.

CHRIS OKOTIE & CHRIS OYAKHILOME: Interestingly, the two Chrises are so dissimilar, yet have many common grounds apart from sharing the same corridor in Oregun area of Lagos. I will therefore juxtapose their variables. As they are both Chris O, when you see ‘Kris’, tick that for Okotie; the regular ‘Chris’ stays with Oyakhilome.

The two pastors have compelling physical features that attract the youth; making it easy to populate the body of Christ. Before we can disciple a nation, you’ll expect the most vigorous swathe of any population demographics to be tuned to the gospel - the youth.

The duo’s dashing visage and knock-down-the-devil sartorial elegance is a magnet that drags the Nigerian youth to the Church.

With the right teachings and principles, great revivals can break out across the land from those vineyards.

I love Kris’ command of the stage: he dominates his cute, post-modernist platform to mesmerize his audience - both in the auditorium and in front of the screens. He can frolic from the Bible to the guitar, down to the keyboards, up to the dance floor… and God is still glorified. A wonderful creative colossus in full-bloom flight for God. Oh, Kris enjoys a good laugh… his surrounding is swanky clean with a certain feel-good ambience - in his office, home and even the innards of his several gleaming automobiles.

He’s tolerably good natured and a conscious gentleman of style and panache. He’s also an interviewer’s delight. His economic reaches are indeterminate, but he doesn’t boast about his obvious success - though he can’t help it if his situation shouts it. He has an air of joie de vivre (the joy of life) about him, trans-pollinating such light-heartedness to all who mill around him. In his presence,

English without adulteration of any kind. It is totally unethical of any individual to combine the American English with that of the Britons in a formal speech or an article. The use of the word, ‘celebrant’, is unacceptable in our learning society.

Itoro Esq., Uyo/09067592524 IF the late Pa Bayo Oguntuase, the English language guru, will hear that some Nigerian journalists are still hyphenating phrasal verbs, committing a blunder like ‘point accusing finger’, a solecism like ‘reoccur’, a pleonasm like ‘return back’, he will weep in his grave because he had corrected all these errors over and over again. Thank God you have stepped into his shoes and you are doing creditably. More power to your elbow and may God bless you.

Osabenyi Onefeli/08066227593 WORTHY brother, latest editions of Oxford and Longman dictionaries say: ‘clap in prison/jail/ irons’—not ‘clamp…into jail’. Can ‘clamp’ and ‘clap’ be used interchangeably in the context?

Dr. Stanley Nduagu/Aba/08062925996 COLUMNIST’S RESPONSE: Both words cannot be used interchangeably. One of the meanings of ‘clamp’, according to Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English, 7th Edition, for Advanced Learners, is: ‘to put limits on what someone is allowed to do’—which, by contextual extrapolation, is sheer imprisonment which informed my usage of it. ‘Clamping someone into jail’ is indicative of all manner of restrictions and sanctions, after due judicial processes, usually.

‘Clapping somebody in prison/jail/irons’ is merely literary and has an element of suddenness—it is not as deep and legalistic as ‘clamping someone into jail’.

ADDENDUM DEAR contributors, I prefer that messages are sent to me via my email portal—not SMS—except they are not for publication.

Thank you all for your usually cerebral interventions. Once more, Happy New Year!

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUN AK NDE E-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

laughter takes wing and fills the atmosphere … and in such felicity, it is easy to praise and worship God (an irreducible criterion to invoke the presence of the Most High). Another thing about Pastor Kris, the fighter of the anti-christ, is his courage in the face of fire.

When most pastoral leaders could only warn their congregations in hushed alarm during the 2001 apostasy saga in the Nigerian churches, Kris led the way, by standing on the rooftop to rail and condemn. Even, if he turns out to be wrong or baseless in his condemnation, no one can blame him for lack of bravado and bravura, in a period that was in dire need of it.

Though Pastor Chris doesn’t have the lyrical background of his name-sake, he also bestrides his huge be-flowered platform like an Olympian fencing champion. His joyful and tension-less control of the elevated stage belies his experience and age in the work of ministry. I also love his strong will and the tenacity of his conviction. In spite of the hues and cries that followed his relationship with a pastoral colleague generally vilified by most; the man-in-white stood resolutely on the correctness of his actions, and would not be intimidated. I like that very much.

For me, packaging the gospel to suit the times was one of the main highpoints of the founding Apostles’ evangelistic ardour - that was how the gospel took over the world. Pastor Chris’ greatest strength is warehousing and mastering this strategy. He appears to be in total agreement with Paul in 1Corinthian 9:20-23: “And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; (21) to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; (22) to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.” (NKJV).

His arsenal include being web savvy, cable and terrestrial television acquisitions, regular and online publishing, radio and wireless communications - all the gamut of mass communication - are corralled for the relentless dissemination of the Good News across the globe. Everybody shout 2,020 Hallelujahs!!

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 16, 2021

SPORTS XTRA WAFU B U-17 TOURNAMENT

Golden Eaglets Book Final Ticket, Beat Burkina Faso 1-0 Five-time world champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria yesterday booked their place in the final of the 2021 U17 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco courtesy of their hard-fought 1-0 win against Burkina Faso

in the zonal qualifiers.

Fatai Amoo’s wards started the competition on a shaky note losing by the odd goal to Cote d’Ivoire, but then were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in their second game in the three-team Group B.

They looked to be on their way home until Cote d’Ivoire trashed Ghana 3-1 to allow the Eaglets slip into the last four.

The defending champions of WAFU-UFOA B struggled to create clear cut chances in

the first half as both teams went into the break level.

Thirteen minutes from time, Michael Emmanuel Papo scored the only goal of the game as he managed to slot the ball home despite the futile attempts of the Burkina

Faso goalkeeper to stop him from shooting.

There were five passes in the build up to the brilliant team goal finished by the Golden Eaglets number 8.

Victory means the Golden Eaglets are now not only eligible to battle for the tournament’s diadem, but have also joined the teams that have qualified for the 2021 U17 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco March 13 – 31.

Nigeria will meet

either Ivory Coast or Republic of Niger in the final of the WAFU B U17 Tournament at the Stade de Kégué, Lomé on Monday.

Eaglets are the most successful team in the world at this level of competition having won the U17 World Cup for a record five times.

Their last triumph was achieved at the 2015 edition when they silenced Mali 2-0 in the final thanks to second-half strikes from Victor Osimhen and Funsho Bamgboye.

NNL to Kick off January 30 Nigeria second tier League, the Nigeria National League will commence 2020/2021 Season January 30.

This decision was reached at the Annual General Meeting of the league, which held in the Ebonyi State capital, Abakaliki yesterday.

Chairman of the NNL and Member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, Senator Obinna Joseph Ogba and his board presided over proceedings where the draws for the groupings and fixtures were made in the presence of representatives of the 46 teams involved.

Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman, Head of the AITEO Cup competition, represented the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, at the occasion.

Bright Osayi Samuel finally bids QPR goodbye

Osayi-Samuel Joins Fenerbahce in a Four-year Deal After being linked to several European clubs, Nigeria forward, Bright Osayi-Samuel has agreed on a deal that will keep him at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium until 2025.

Fernerbahce have announced the signing of the 23-year-old from Championship club, Queens Park Rangers.

The forward penned a four-year deal with the Yellow Canaries that will keep him with the Turkish Super Lig club until 2025 after successful medicals.

Osayi-Samuel completed the deal yesterday and will link up with Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta, who is on a season-long loan from Aston Villa at the club.

The Nigerian forward will also team up with Senegal duo of Papiss Cisse and Mame Baba Thiam as well as the Democratic Republic

of the Congo international Marcel Tisserand and Morocco’s Nabil Dirar at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

“Our club has reached an agreement with Bright Osayi-Samuel, a 23-year-old winger from Queens Park Rangers, for four seasons, starting from the 2021-2022 season.

Details about the transfer will be announced in the coming days,” read a statement from the club.

Osayi-Samuel joined QPR in the summer of 2017 from Blackpool and was a consistent member of the team during his four-year stay.

The forward featured in 102 league games for the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium outfit and scored 11 goals, amid other dazzling displays.

In the 2020-21 season, OsayiSamuel found the back of the net three times and provided three assists in 23 appearances across

all competitions.

The winger formed a productive partnership with his compatriot Eberechi Eze, who now plays for Crystal Palace, to help QPR finish in mid-table last campaign.

The Nigerian forward will hope to help Fenerbahce compete for the league title this season after finishing seventh on the table last term.

The Yellow Canaries are currently second in the division after gathering 35 points from 17 games behind leaders Beskitas.

Osayi-Samuel could make his debut for his new club when they take on Ankaragucu in a Super Lig outing on Monday.

The forward will hope to hit the ground running for Fenerbahce for a chance to earn a call-up to the Nigeria national team.

Rooney Appointed Derby County Coach Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney ended his illustrious playing career yesterday to take up the job of managing Championship side Derby on a full-time basis.

Derby confirmed the 35-yearold former forward had agreed a permanent deal until 2023, having succeeded Phillip Cocu on an interim basis in November.

The club statement confirmed that in accepting the manager’s role, Rooney had “elected to call time on his illustrious playing career to fully focus on his job”.

Rooney was in charge for nine matches as interim boss at Derby, winning three and drawing four.

“We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Wayne Rooney as our new manager,” said Derby County chief executive officer Stephen Pearce.

“Our recent upturn in results under Wayne was married together with some positive performances.”

Rooney said he was “blown away”

by Derby’s potential when he arrived at the club after a spell playing for DC United in the United States.

“To be given the opportunity to

follow the likes of Brian Clough, Jim Smith, Frank Lampard and Phillip Cocu is such an honour,” he said.

“And I can promise everyone in involved in the club and all our fans, my staff and I will leave no stone unturned in achieving the potential I have witnessed over the last 12 months of this historic football club.”

Rooney, who captained Manchester United and England, hangs up his boots as the all-time leading goalscorer for United and his country.

Nigerian Left-back may Dump Man City after 9 Years English-born defender of Nigerian descent Nathanael Ogbeta is poised to end his nine-year association with Manchester City in the summer.

The left-back’s contract with the Citizens runs out on June 30, 2021 and there have been no discussions between the parties over a new deal.

Even if Manchester City change their mind in the coming weeks and offer him a new contract, Ogbeta wants to move on to pastures new, preferably to a foreign club, because he feels there is no pathway into the first team.

The promising teenager recently switched agents ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

As of now, Ogbeta, who can sign a preliminary contract with a foreign club this month, is in talks with clubs in Germany and he’s also attracting interest from unnamed English teams.

This season, the former Manchester City U18 captain has appeared in seven matches for the U21 and U23 teams, however, his last game in the Premier League 2 was back in November 2020.

The 19-year-old Ogbeta was named in Manchester City’s squad for the International Champions Cup before the start of the 2018-2019 season.

I Have No Skills for Mind Games, Says Klopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said he is not like Sir Alex Ferguson and has “no skills for mind games” as he faced questions about Sunday’s match against league leaders Manchester United. The bitter rivals find themselves first and second in the table, with United leading the champions by three points. Klopp queried United’s penalty count recently, which was met by criticism from ex-referee Mark Clattenburg. “Am I surprised someone’s talking about what I have said? No,” said Klopp.

“Am I surprised that Mark Clattenburg speaks about it? No. But it’s nice for him we can talk about him as well.

“But I am not Sir Alex for different reasons. When people like Mark Clattenburg speak now it always says much more about them than it could ever about me.

“I have no skills for playing mind games, that is my problem.” Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been awarded 20 spot-kicks since the start of last season - twice as many as Liverpool, and since Klopp took over in October 2015 the tally is 67-46 in United’s favour.

Saturday, January 16, 2021

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MISSILE

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed on Insecurity “As we speak, this nation has never been worse than this; not even during the civil war. The civil war isn’t the worst disaster. The day we are living in is the worst disaster.”

– Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, criticising the Buhari government over raging insecurity.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Simple Way Forward for Nigeria

F

ellow Nigerians, these are not the best of times, globally! That statement is even an understatement. The COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging planet earth has brought hell closer home. What we are witnessing is nothing short of apocalypse. Armageddon is here, full blast.

In the last couple of weeks, we lost many friends, some famous people, old and young.

Most people, especially those who have crossed the danger line of age 60, are now very jittery, no matter how mighty their faith is. According to my dear Brother, Ali Baba, the legendary Nigerian comedian, a survivor, who lived to tell the tales of woe which the evil scourge leaves in its trail, there is no virus more devastatingly dangerous than this corona epidemic or pandemic or whatever title you choose to decorate it with. I have also read the gripping accounts of my long-time friend and colleague, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a big man, a Special Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Political Matters. He also received God’s mercy. I could hardly recognise him in the picture he posted.

He looked gaunt and much darker, a radical departure from his robust former self. This is a man who, once upon a time survived General Sani Abacha’s Gulag, but for whom that was child’s play compared to this deadly attack. His experience confirms Ali Baba’s summation that this virus is no respecter of status or stature. Worse still, it leaves you poorer and impoverished, if you’re lucky to survive. The high and mighty now live in abject fear and trepidation. We, the lumpen proletariat, are not even safe despite the unfortunate and unfounded thesis that it is a rich man’s disease.

These days every death is regarded as originating from COVID-19. It has become not just the world’s worst menace, but also its biggest nuisance. Endless conspiracy theories are making things difficult.

With vaccines now available, some are saying they won’t take it. However, for me and my house, the risk of taking it is lesser than just waiting for COVID-19 to strike. I wish those unwilling to be vaccinated best of luck. If anyone wanted to wipe out the Black race of the world, it is so easy and simple. Over 60 percent of our food and beverage come from overseas. 90 percent of our drugs flow in from different far-flung parts of the globe, including places we hardly know.

I expect that very soon, most international airlines will make it compulsory and mandatory to boldly display your vaccination certification before you can board any flight. It means many of my obstinate, and perhaps obdurate, friends would be stranded wherever the regulation meets them. I’m sure for a people as itinerant and as ubiquitous as Africans, many will change their Shakara in a jiffy.

My bigger concern is that even on a regular day, our dear beloved country cannot cope with regular diseases, not to now imagine this present monstrosity. Government hospitals are full to the brim, while private ones are even rejecting the millions of Naira they normally charge because they are over-subscribed and extremely fatigued.

This brings me to the crux of the matter and the real meat of my epistle today.

Just imagine that amid this pandemic, Nigerian politicians are still living large. I watched the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday.

I could not believe my eyes on seeing the sheer pomp, ostentation and grandeur of the ceremony.

I thought I had suddenly been teleported to Scotland when I saw the full complement of piped pipers accompanying our President whose main attraction previously was his frugality and love for the poor. But it seems Abuja pollutes easily

Buhari and metamorphose anyone into an irredeemably flamboyant robot. An undiscerning leader might be deceived into believing that he must behave in this manner to earn the respect of world leaders.

But who doesn’t know Nigeria is almost criminally broke, and poorer than a church rat? Please, who in the world can’t see that we fund our profligate lifestyles with loans we can hardly repay. If it were easy to arrest, convict and sentence a whole country, Nigeria would have been slammed a death sentence for wasting its resources on frivolities!

I also read yesterday that Nigeria is considering the satanic idea of selling government properties to fund the 2021 budget. What will they sell to fund the next? This is guaranteed to be wasted on some reckless politicians!

Where then do we go from here? Some people believe Nigeria is the most difficult country to govern. I vehemently disagree. Nigeria may be truly complex and complicated but our people are used to nothing good coming from their leaders and are therefore happy and content with whatever little they get.

The way forward is for all of us to first tell ourselves the gospel truth by identifying our main issues, which are obvious anyway. Our insatiable crave and craze for primitive acquisition and accumulation of wealth must be regulated and curtailed. This cannot be achieved by mere wishful thinking. Before President Buhari finally gained Presidential power after trying a record three times, in 2015, we were so sure he was the only angel from heaven who could put an instant magical end to our morbid corruption.

While his heart and mind may have been very willing, his body language soon gave way to the image and mild-mannered temperament of a leader, not strong or capable enough and who lacked experience and exposure in certain areas of governance. This is probably a result of not running any major business of his own before becoming President. It is always easy to be cheated when you lack detailed knowledge of most of the transactions under your watch.

Over-inflated contracts have been the biggest bane and destroyer of our country. Our profit margins are often outlandishly excessive. A business savvy leader would ordinarily know how to block many of these outrageous contracts. President Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iwealla plus Madam Due Process, Oby Ezekwesili, performed creditably well in that respect. That government was more disciplined and well-focused, the reason they were able to clear our debts without much ado, but sadly promptly acquired more all over again. I’m sure there are enough people in the

current government who can achieve the same feats, but they are not reasonably empowered!

The next problem is nepotism and ethnic jingoism. I’m not even sure if this is not our biggest problem. I personally don’t mind where our leaders come from, but when you blatantly handpick incompetent people for parochial reasons, because they are your kinsmen, the country is bound to suffer and struggle forever. Every Nigerian leader knows this obvious fact but most of them are not willing to make the necessary amends and adjustment. What we need is a government and leadership that makes merit and meritocracy utmost priority. This is not difficult. I will never get tired of emphasising to the present government that if it wants to modestly succeed within the limited time remaining between now and 2023, it must rejig its government architecture and grant the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo fuller and greater powers. Based on what we witnessed when the President went on medical vacation years back, Professor Osinbajo is more than qualified, able and competent. Let me reassure the Presidency, and the conspiracy theorists resident therein, that Osinbajo has not sent or paid me to say this o, because I know how they reason inside the Villa. This is only a patriotic act that should be seriously considered. The hitherto alleged brain box of this government, former Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, has passed on and I’m not sure the current Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has even a minuscule amount of the power and authority wielded by his immediate predecessor, although he is imbued with global experience and exposure. What I see in Professor Gambari is a gentleman trying hard not to step on the fat toes of some increasingly frustrated cabal.

Religion is our next major albatross. Until we leave individual citizens to attend to their God and Prophets, Nigeria will never develop.

A country as cataclysmically broke as Nigeria has no business funding religious obligations.

Religious strife has sent many of our citizens on hasty unplanned trips to heaven or hell. This is the handiwork of certain government operatives who often promote one religion above the other.

There’s nothing more dangerous than turning religions into cults.

Our economy is in tatters and every cost saving measure must be considered and activated. A President as powerful as Buhari should use the fear and respect political leaders have for him to the advantage of Nigeria. It would be unfortunate if he leaves the country worse than he met it.

He must use this power to urgently address the pressing and compelling matter of restructuring.

The last strongman who could have done it was President Olusegun Obasanjo, but he finished meekly and weakly. The issue of a new constitution anchored on a less expensive political system must be speedily explored. Nigeria can no longer afford this atrocious American Presidential system of government. Our States are also too unwieldy.

We must consider a return to Parliamentarianism and Regionalism both of which make for greater accountability and development. If we do not kill our lavish rent-seeking political ecosystem, I’m certain it will eventually kill our country. In the name of God and all that is good, let our politicians have pity on Nigeria and Nigerians.

We cannot sustain this present system without collapsing eventually!

Government needs to hands off a lot of things.

Obviously, many of our leaders are parasites. A consortium of reputable organisations at home and abroad should be invited to handle our privatisation exercises. Politicians cannot and should never be involved. This is our last hope. Many insisting that government must continue to run our country as its personal business and enterprise are opportunistic

political parasites and profiteers who can never survive outside power. Apart from the unbearably high tariffs sanctioned by a gormless regulator, the relative success achieved by our electricity discos should serve as veritable guide to what genuinely transparent privatisation exercise can achieve. I commend the hard work of the Rotimi Amaechi led Ministry of Transport on resurrecting our dead railway. Before it collapses again under a new government, it should be offered to private investors and shareholders. I’m sure many Nigerians would also now agree with former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who suggested that our cash cow, NNPC, should be privatised. I have concluded that most of the incompetent leaders who find themselves in government positions in Nigeria have no business in our business!

A sound economy is the bedrock of a healthy nation. We must put an end to our voodoo economy of trial and error, hit and miss! For far too long, we’ve made too much noise about diversification but done little or nothing about it. Nigeria is blessed with virtually everything, but we have precious little to show for it. We must reposition our youths and provide them with relevant vocational education to make them employable and turn them into potential entrepreneurs. The level of unemployment has become highly volatile and inimical to the well-being of our country.

We must reconsider how we elect our leaders.

Until we get the right set of leaders, we are going nowhere! Our electoral system remains one of the worst in the world and we have presented bad examples to many Africans looking up to Nigeria for positive inspiration. We certainly possess quality leaders at home and abroad who can bail us out of our mess, but our outrageously backward style cannot encourage or sustain them. It is to our eternal shame that the American President-elect Joe Biden has already appointed Nigerians into his government. Back home, these guys would never have been noticed and if noticed may have been disqualified and wasted on the altar of Federal Character and religion! Do we really need anyone to tell us that we are our own worst enemies?

As long as we continue operating an antiquated system of selecting and electing leaders, nothing good can come the way of Nigeria.

Finally, let me say emphatically that we must rebuild our comatose institutions. We all witnessed the challenges recently faced by the United States of America after its November 3, 2020, elections, which the existence of strong institutions helped to successfully resolve. If not for time tested and enduring institutions, America would have collapsed under the watch of the rambunctious and rampaging Donald Trump and his army of insurrectionists. In the end, a whole Donald Trump was turned into a sulking, penitent baby after being horse whipped by much younger CEO’s at Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms.

Imagine a President crying falsely and endlessly about being rigged out and not vice versa. I dare anyone in Nigeria to have declared victory over the autocratic President Muhammadu Buhari.

The person will be scattered in no time. Now imagine Professor Yemi Osinbajo pronouncing Atiku Abubakar as winner. I don’t want to imagine what would happen. Could those same companies block an African dictator on its platforms and survive? No way! I have read how the Ugandan leader, Yoweri Museveni shut down the internet in Uganda for the current elections. That’s what President Trump would have done. He must envy his fellow tyrants in Africa who would rather die in power than go home to spend quality time with their families and grandchildren.

It is a powerful lesson to us, that the Eldorado we crave will continue to be a mirage unless we fight and build strong unassailable institutions...

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