SATURDAY 30TH JANUARY 2021

Dutch Court Orders Shell to Pay Damages for Oil Spill in N’Delta Compensation to be determined soon Spillage caused by sabotage, oil firm insists

Festus Akanbi Judgement came in favour of four Nigerian farmers yesterday when an appeal court in the Netherlands ruled that the Nigerian subsidiary

of Royal Dutch Shell was responsible for oil pipeline leaks in three communities in the Niger Delta and ordered it to pay unspecified damages to the farmers.

The court said the amount of

damages would be determined later and did not specify how many of the four farmers would receive compensation.

After 13 years of legal wrangling, the appeal court in The Hague ruled:

“Shell Nigeria is sentenced to compensate farmers for damages.”

The farmers first sued Shell in 2008 over pollution in their villages Goi, Oruma and Ikot Ada Udo, in a case backed

by the Netherlands’ arm of environment group,Friends of the Earth.

Oruma is in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State; Goi is in Gokana Local Government Area of River

State and Ikot Ada Udo is in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

In the Uruma cases, Shell Nigeria and Royal Dutch Shell Continued on page 5

Northern Governors Agree to Take First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine… Page 6 Saturday 30 January, 2021 Vol 25. No 9428

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Governor Bagudu Signs Death Penalty for Kidnappers Ahamefula Ogbu in Lagos and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Kebbi State government yesterday announced stringent measures to fight criminal activities in the state by approving death sentence

for kidnappers and life imprisonment for rapists.

Governor Atiku Bagudu assented to the law which made kidnapping a capital offence and also prescribed life imprisonment for rapists.

The state’s Attorney-General

and Commissioner of Justice Hajiya Rahmatu Gulma, explained: “Therefore, with the assent into law of the model penal code 202, punishment for kidnapping in the state, under section 247 of the law, is death.

“Also, punishment for rape, under section 259 sub- section (1), is life imprisonment”.

Gulma also revealed that the two laws were among five laws assented to by the governor on the same day "There would be less

custodial sentencing as the courts would have the flexibility of non- custodial sentencing for minor offences.

“The governor assented to the Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2021; the Model Penal Code Law 2021; and a

law to repeal and to re- enact law number 3 of 2002 for the establishment of Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi, 2021.

“Other laws are a law to Continued on page 5

Lalong to Buhari: Revive Livestock Transformation Plan to Stem Insecurity Sultan meets Miyetti Allah, tells herders to respect constituted authority Deji Elumoye in Abuja Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), in order to stem security challenges arising from recurring clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

On the same day, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, charged the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to ensure their members respect the constituted authorities in any location they find themselves in the country.

Governor Lalong, who addressed reporters after a meeting with President Buhari, said the consultation centred on the imperatives of reviving

the NLTP plan as soon as possible.

Lalong, who also doubles as Chairman of Northern Governors Forum (NGF), said the implementation of the plan would curb the farmers and herders clash, as well as the constant conflicts between herders and host communities.

He expressed concern that the farmers/herders clashes had continued to linger, stressing that the idea of the NLTP was to move away from the old practice of rearing cattle.

Lalong said: “Incidentally, I am a member of the Livestock Committee under the Vice President and I represent the North-central. That was the purpose of setting up that committee and that committee made far-reaching Continued on page 5

President Seeks Senate Confirmation of New Service Chiefs... Page 6

CHANGE OF BATON..

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonisakin (right) handing over command flags to the new CDS, Major General Lucky Irabor at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja …yesterday

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Presidency Alleges Plot to Aggravate Tension with Negative Portrayal of President Deji Elumoye The Presidency yesterday raised the alarm about alleged plans by some individuals to embark on what it described as smear campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari, using some online newspapers and blogs, with a view to exacerbating tension in the country.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, had in December, 2020 issued a similar warning in which he alleged of plan to smear the image of the President and portray him as not being in charge of the affairs of the government.

In the fresh alarm raised yesterday, titled, ''Unrelenting plot to wage smear campaign against President Buhari,'' Adesina said the campaign scheduled to be launched anytime soon through editorials and special investigative stories is designed to further exacerbate tension in the land, by portraying the President as pandering to ethnic and other primordial tendencies.

He claimed a specific medium had so far contacted some opinion leaders, especially those very critical of President Buhari and therefore urged Nigerians to be wary of those who are bent on stoking ethnic and religious unrest in the country.

The statement reads: “There is compelling reason to alert the nation of another orchestrated smear campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari, using some online newspapers and blogs.

The campaign, scheduled to be launched anytime soon through editorials and purported special investigative stories, is designed to further exacerbate tension in the land, by portraying the President as pandering to ethnic and other primordial tendencies, contrary to his pledge to belong to all Nigerians. ''Impeccable security findings indicate that those behind the plot have procured online blogs and newspapers,

which are to launch coordinated publications, alleging subjugation and suppression of a particular religion and ethnic groups.

A specific medium has so far contacted some opinion leaders, especially those very critical of President Buhari.”

Adesina said part of the planned publication "is to make unwary readers believe that the President has continually used the powers of his office to shield and protect an ethnic group against crimes of murder, kidnappings, rape and banditry in the southern, middle belt and some northern states.

He said the publication would also refer Nigerians

to a 58-page document, which chronicles purported atrocities of the ethnic group in the South since 2017, all of which it claims the Presidency has turned blind eyes to.

The Presidential spokesman said: “Again, the hatchet job will allege that the President has continued to place members of his ethnic nationality in sensitive positions, so as to confer undue advantage on them.

This allegation is by no means supported with reasonable facts and figures. ''Just on Thursday, President Buhari, while meeting with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji

Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, restated his even-handedness on the issues of ethnicity and religion.”

Adesina quoted Buhari as telling the NSCIA thus: “The Federal Government under my leadership does not, and will not, allow religious prejudice or partisanship to influence any of its decisions and policies. It is my solemn decision to be fair and just to all segments of society. Those who are bent on stoking ethnic and religious unrest in the country remain deaf to reason, and impervious to reality. They are hell-bent on distorting reality, and Nigerians are urged to be wary of them.

It is all about quest for power, and filthy lucre.''

While in the U.K., thousands of Nigerians are asking British legal authorities for permission to sue the company for environmental damages caused in the Niger Delta.

“If the Shell cases in The Netherlands and in the U.K. Supreme are shut down, that might create a temporary chill on enthusiasm to try these sorts of cases again,” says Veerle Heyvaert, a law professor at the London School of Economics.

However, with about 1,500 cases related to climate pending globally, there’s “too much momentum” for a negative verdict to entirely halt this type of litigation in the future.

In a statement yesterday, spokesperson for the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bamidele Odugbesan insisted the spills were caused

by sabotage.

He said, “We continue to believe that the spills in Oruma and Goi were the result of sabotage. We are therefore disappointed that this court has made a different finding on the cause of these spills and in its finding that SPDC is liable.

“Sabotage, crude oil theft and illegal refining are a major challenge in the Niger Delta.

Indeed, in 2019 around 95% of spill incidents from our operations there were due to such criminal acts.

“Regardless of cause, we clean up and remediate, as we have done with the spills in this case. SPDC also works with a range of stakeholders to find solutions to these complex issues. Like all Shelloperated ventures globally, we are committed to operating safely and protecting the local environment.”

them so as to make people safe.

“We have serious cases of banditry, kidnapping and so many issues of insecurity in the country. We will not expect that to continue. So, we are going to give maximum cooperation to the new Service Chiefs, while also commending the outgone ones for their roles in addressing issues of insecurity.”

However, speaking during the meeting yesterday, in Abuja, with MACBAN, the Sultan said “there is need to find workable solutions to address security and socioeconomic challenges confronting members of the association.”

The monarch, who is the chairman board of trustees of MACBAN, lamented the stereotyping of herders and how they are associated with crime.

The Sultan stated that it is not every criminality

perpetrated in the country that is done by the Fulanis, while he urged herders to respect constituted authorities and shun all forms of acts capable of tarnishing their reputations.

Also, Usman Bugaje, a senior advisor to the Sultan, stated that the objective of the meeting was to ensure a genuine search for solutions to the entire problem affecting the Fulanis in the country.

“We are helping, at the secretariat level, to bring out the issues and see how we can look at other economic, social and even ethnic dimensions to the problems,” Bugaje said.

“And, there are timelines put to it, we have agreed that there will be timeline, we are not going to leave it open.

“We need to get it done within one year maximum from now if all the stakeholders are ready to cooperate.”

Baba Ngelzarma, national secretariat of MACBAN,

urged the government to initiate programmes that would take idle pastoralist out of criminality and engage them in learning other skills in addition to cattle rearing.

“Even the cattle rearing are they getting money? Their cattle are not competing with the ones you have in other parts of the world that weigh 700 to 800 kilograms per cow,” Ngelzarma said.

He added: “The milk output is also not competing with the other ones in the world where one single cow is given an output 50 litres per day.

“We still hold the outdated species of the cow that are weighing not more than 100 to 120 kilograms and given out an output of milk that is not more than three to five litres per day.

“So, a lot need to be done by government, religious leaders, traditional rulers and pastoralist associations.”

citizens by kidnappers. While we are addressing the issue with the police doing arrest, investigation and prosecution, I want to appeal to our Judges to be very firm in trying such cases when brought before them as kidnapping is fast becoming an industry with no one immune from the menace.

“As governor, I have promised to sign the death warrant in respect of anyone convicted of kidnapping which is giving our people sleepless nights, driving away prospective investors and further impoverishing our people. Many of them are forced to pay ransoms

to secure the release of loved ones which is making people afraid to pursue their legitimate businesses including farming.”

To the new Judges, the governor charged them to be faithful to their oath of office and consider their appointments as a call to serve God and humanity which should make them work faithfully and diligently.

“I advise you to be mindful of the attempts to compromise your integrity and impartiality by people who will approach you with tempting proposals of all sorts. As those who have the rare privilege to determine the fate of people that appear

before you, be careful not to abuse this precious trust. In as much as you have this privilege, you should also realise that you are not above reproach and can be held responsible for your actions by both man and God. Therefore, I advise you to strive to write your name in Gold by abiding to the ethos of your professional calling at all times during your career,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the new judges sworn in, the President, Customary Court of appeal Justice, Dapit said they would do their best to live up to the oath of their office and the ethics of the legal profession in the interest of the society.

DUTCH COURT ORDERS SHELL TO PAY DAMAGES FOR OIL SPILL IN N’DELTA were ordered to equip the pipeline with a leak detection system so that environmental damage can be limited in the future.

“Shell Nigeria should have shut down oil supplies on the day of the spill in the cases in Goi,” the court said.

However, the company, in a swift reaction to the judgement yesterday, expressed disappointment at the verdict, insisting the spills were caused by sabotage.

International oil industry analysts said this ruling would pave the way for more cases against the energy company.

The case was brought in 2008 by farmers and campaign group Friends of the Earth, seeking reparations for lost income from contaminated land and waterways in the Niger Delta region, the heart of

the Nigerian oil industry.

Milieudefensie, the Dutch arm of Friends of the Earth, brought the case 13 years ago. Two of the four farmers involved have since died.

However, a ruling in their favour now could impact where future suits can be heard. This could increase the number of court cases taking place in oil companies’ home countries, rather than those where alleged pollution is taking place.

“The consequences of this case are immense,” Donald Pols, director of Milieudefensie said, adding that he expects hundreds of similar cases to follow. “Companies will realize they can be held responsible for environmental violations abroad.”

After the ruling yesterday, the only possible future legal avenue left to either party, would be to appeal at the

Netherlands’ highest court.

Friends of the Earth said the ruling exceeded all expectations and marked the first time a multinational had been instructed by a Dutch court to uphold a duty of care for foreign operations.

The Dutch appeals court did not hold Shell’s parent company, Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell, directly responsible, but ordered it to install a leak detection system on the Oruma pipeline, the source of several spills in the case.

The Nigerian unit and Shell are liable to pay 100,000 euros ($121,000) each day if they fail to install the leak detection systems on the Oruma I and II pipelines a year after the order, the court said, to prevent similar leaks from happening in the future.

“This is fantastic news for the environment and

people living in developing countries,” said Friends of the Earth’s Netherlands head Donald Pols. It creates legal grounds to “take on the multinationals who do them harm”.

Shell settled a similar case in a British court in 2015, agreeing to pay 70 million euros ($85 million) to members of the Niger Delta Bodo community.

The spills addressed yesterday by the court occurred between 2004 and 2007, but pollution from leaking oil pipelines remains a major problem in the Niger Delta.

Shell has other legal woes to contend with.

In a separate action brought

by Milieudefensie, a court in The Hague will in May determine whether Shell is violating human rights by extracting fossil fuels.

LALONG TO BUHARI: REVIVE LIVESTOCK TRANSFORMATION PLAN TO STEM INSECURITY recommendations and then funds were to be made available to pilot states, Plateau and about nine states are pilot states, to address some of these issues.

“The issue was to move away from the old ways of rearing cows and to find modern ways of doing it. In some places, they will do it that way, but then in a confined environment, which was agreed to by all, and that is part of the point I was raising, to remind Mr. President to hasten the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

“We are still left with the herdsmen/farmers problem.

The implementation of the NLTP will go a long way to address these issues.

“Whether we like it or not, we need cows and it's also some people's occupation, but where it leads to conflicts and raises hazards like insecurity, we have to address it.

“While we tolerate it, we must still address it because it is some people's means of economic livelihood, but it shouldn't be posing hazards or insecurity to anybody.”

The National Livestock Transformation Plan was established by the National Economic Council (NEC) under the leadership of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2019.

During its launch in October 2019, Osinbajo had explained that the federal government would work with state governments, farmers, pastoralists and private investors, to modernize cattle rearing.

“In this plan the state government and the federal government do not and will not take any land from a state or local government, any participating state will provide the land as its own contribution to the project. The

federal government merely supports the project.”

Lalong, on behalf of the northern governors, also commended President Buhari for replacing the Service Chiefs, saying the action further shows Buhari’s commitment towards addressing insecurity in the country.

He stated: “I came into the presidential villa in two respects; on behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum and also as a state governor from Plateau State.

I extended our felicitations to the President on a New Year and also congratulated and commended him for the steps he is taking in addressing insecurity in the country, especially in Northern Nigeria.

“The change of Service Chiefs is very commendable and also to remind him about some of the things left behind by their predecessors so that we can hasten and conclude

GOVERNOR BAGUDU SIGNS DEATH PENALTY FOR KIDNAPPERS repeal and to re-enact law No. 10 of 2004, the establishment of Kebbi State College of Health Technology, Jega, 2021; and a law to repeal and re-enact Law No. 5 of 1993, for the establishment of Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, 2021."

More than nine states in the southern region, where kidnapping is a thriving business among organised gangs have laws prescribing the death penalty for the crime since 2013.

The Northern states of Kano and Kogi have also signed death penalty for kidnappers into law.

In last few years, kidnapping has become a major business

in the country, with virtually all the states affected.

The abductors often demand huge ransom for freedom from families of victims. Sometimes, victims die in their dungeons.

Kidnappers May Face Death Sentence in Plateau Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has vowed to sign the death warrant for anyone convicted for kidnapping in the state.

Lalong stated this yesterday when he swore in the substantive President of the Customary Court of Appeal,

Barrister Sati Patrick Dapit and five judges of the state High Court and Customary Court of Appeal at the Government House, Rayfield, Jos. At the event, witnessed by the President Court of Appeal, Justice Monica DongbanMensem, Lalong who described as worrisome the incidences of kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, frowned at the situation where suspected kidnappers who are arrested are not prosecuted as and when due and in some cases released without charge.

He said: “This situation perhaps emboldens the continuous onslaught on the

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

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

Northern Governors Agree to Take First Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine Say it’s bid to douse fears in the region

In a move to allay the fears of northerners about COVID-19 vaccines, Governors of the region have agreed to openly take the first doses of the vaccines once

brought into the country.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, who is also Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, stated this on Thursday,

Airtel Renews Spectrum Licences, Begins NIN Registration Emma Okonji Airtel, provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with presence in 14 countries across Africa, has announced that the application for renewal of the spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for its Nigerian subsidiary, Airtel Networks Limited (“Airtel Nigeria”), has been approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The spectrum licences were otherwise due to expire on 30 November 2021.

Following the application, the NCC subsequently offered Airtel Nigeria the opportunity to renew its spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a period of 10 years with effect from 1 December 2021 until 30 November 2031, which Airtel Nigeria has accepted.

Under the terms of the spectrum licences Airtel Nigeria has paid N71.611 billion ($189 million) in respect of the licence renewal fees.

Meanwhile, Airtel Nigeria has commenced the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise in its retail outlets across the country following an approval from the federal government granting the telco a verification and enrolment license to register citizens.

The telco says while select retail outlets in Lagos and Abuja are now fully operational to register Nigerians for the NIN exercise, work is currently ongoing to expand its NIN footprints to cover more areas and states.

CEO of Airtel Africa, Raghunath Mandava, who spoke on the spectrum licence renewal, said: “I am pleased to announce that our application in Nigeria to renew our spectrum licences in the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands for a 10-year period has been approved by the NCC. This is our largest market and we remain focused on bridging the digital divide and expanding our broadband capability in the country. On behalf of Airtel Nigeria and the Group, I would like to thank both the Government of Nigeria and the NCC for their cooperation and support in this important process.”

Giving details of the Airtel’s registration outlets for NIN, the telecoms company said residents of Abuja could now visit Transcorp Hilton situated in Maitama or Airtel showrooms at Carpet Plaza and Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, while those in Lagos can walk into Airtel Express Point, Oyin Jolayemi, Victoria Island or Airtel showroom in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.

Buhari Begins Four-Day Official Visit to Katsina Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday evening arrived Daura, his hometown, at the start of a four-day official visit to Katsina State.

The President, according to a release yesterday evening by his media assistant, Garba Shehu, was welcomed on arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina by Governor Aminu Bello Masari, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the state Chief Judge.

In Daura, the Emir, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, led District Heads and traditional title holders to receive the President at the Helipad while in the course of

his stay in Daura, he is expected to, among other engagements, participate in the All Progressives Congress, APC membership registration and revalidation exercise.

The President considered this exercise as a very important one for the nation’s democracy and its yearning for good leadership as a requirement of the process of nation building.

Buhari had in a broadcast last week, urged “all good people,” not only to speak but to rise up and “get involved in the task of improving their society,” adding that “for most citizens, their greatest weapon is their vote.

Register now for your Party and register when the time comes for elections.”

COVID-19: 1114 New Cases Recorded Nigeria recorded 1114 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 128,674 with 102,780 discharged and 1577 deaths.

saying he and his colleagues have agreed to be in front of the line to take the first doses.

Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi state, recently said the vaccine is intended to kill but his colleagues have distanced themselves from his claim.

Speaking at a teleconference organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SABMF) on Thursday, Lalong, represented by Danladi Atu, Secretary to the Plateau State Government, expressed hope that their action would encourage the people to take the vaccine.

“We, the northern governors, have agreed to take the first doses of the vaccines,” the governor said.

Also speaking, Clara Ejembi, a professor of community medicine from the Ahmadu Bello Univer-

sity (ABU), Zaria, said the people should continue to adhere to the COVID-19 protocol.

The professor said the vaccine does not stop one from being re-infected with the dreaded disease.

On his part, Faisal Shu’aibu, Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), said the federal government “is aiming at having over 70 per cent vaccinated in two years.”

Shu’aibu said it is projected that 40 per cent of the world’s population would be vaccinated in the first phase.

Speaking while addressing a crowd, Governor Bello doubted the authenticity of the vaccine, saying there is no cure for HIV and many other diseases troubling mankind.

“Vaccines are being produced in less than one year of COVID-19. There is no vaccine yet for HIV, malaria, cancer, headache and for several other diseases that are killing us. They want to use the (COVID-19) vaccines to introduce the disease that will kill you and us. God forbid,” he said.

“We should draw our minds back to what happened in Kano during the Pfizer polio vaccines that crippled and killed our children. We have learned our lessons.

“If they say they are taking the vaccines in the public allow them take their vaccines. Don’t say I said you should not take it but if you want to take it open your eyes before you take the vaccines.”

This is not the first time the Kogi governor would cast doubt on

the existence of the viral disease or the potency of the vaccine.

Bello has repeatedly violated social distancing rules, among other protocol to curb the spread of the virus.

Kogi is one of the states where COVID-19 tests are next-to-nil as the governor insists that there is no Coronavirus in the state.

In his New Year broadcast, Bello said it would be irresponsible of his government to see COVID-19 as a definer of 2020.

The federal government had announced that Nigerians would receive the Coronavirus vaccine by this month, adding that a technical working group in the ministry of health was working on which vaccine best suit Nigeria, considering that the country has no -80 degrees freezers.

DONE DEVELOPMENT… L-R: Ag. Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Mr. Michael Ohiani; Minister of State in the Ministry, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola as he receives the Certificate of Compliance for the Highway Development Management Initiative (HDMI) at the Ministry of Works and Housing Headquarters, Mabushi, Abuja…yesterday. 0

LIRS Extends Deadline for Filing of Annual Returns In view of the challenges being experienced due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses within the state, the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) has extended the filing of Employers’ Annual Returns by an additional two weeks starting from February 1 to February 14, 2021.

According to law, the filing of company’s annual returns

expires on January 31st of every fiscal year, and attracts stiff penalties for defaulters. Tax Payers are thereby urged to take advantage of this extension to perform their civic obligation.

The extension of the deadline is also in response to appeals made by taxpayers as well as an attempt to assuage the effect of the pandemic on the taxpayers and residents of Lagos State.

We implore taxpayers with difficulties in filing of their annual returns to seek assistance with specially designated staff at our tax stations or call our Customer Care representatives on 0700 CALL LIRS (0700-22555477).

Further updates on our business operations and alternative payment platforms of the service can be obtained

by visiting the LIRS website (www.lirs.gov.ng), and its various social media platforms @ lirsgovng.

The Management and Staff appeal to residents of Lagos State to support the efforts of the Lagos State Government ably led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu by adhering strictly to the safety guidelines as issued by relevant health authorities.

Buhari Seeks Senate Confirmation of New Service Chiefs Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË President Muhammadu Buhari has put to rest the controversy surrounding his appointment of new service chiefs as he has written formally to the Senate for the confirmation of the appointment of the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and service chiefs.

This is just as the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere and its Niger Delta counterpart, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) faulted the procedure saying naming of the service chiefs ought to have waited till after confirmation by the Senate.

On its part, the Senate Minority Caucus welcomes the adher-

ence to the constitution by the submission of the list of service chiefs for confirmation while the Senate described as unnecessary the controversy associated with the issue.

President Muhammadu Buhari had in a confirmation letter dated Wednesday, January 27, 2021 and addressed to the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, requested for Senate confirmation of the appointment of Major General Lucky Irabor, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, Rear Admiral Awwal Gambo and Air Vice Marshal Isiaka Amao as Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff and Chief of Air Staff respectively.

The Senior Special Assistant

to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Babajide Omoworare, who made this disclosure yesterday in a release titled “Buhari seeks National Assembly’s confirmation of Service Chiefs “, said the President was seeking the upper chamber’s approval of the service Chiefs in line with provisions of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces ActCap.A.20Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

According to Omoworare, the President’s confirmation request may have to wait till February 9 when the Senate will resume from vacation before it can be considered.

He also said that this would not be the first time the Buhari administration would be seek-

ing approval of the Senate for appointment of service chiefs saying similar request were made in 2015 for the outgone service chiefs which was graciously granted by the upper chamber.

Omoworare’s press statement reads: “President Muhammadu Buhari has communicated the appointment of the Service Chiefs to the National Assembly and has sought for the confirmation of the said appointment by the Senate through his letter to the Senate President dated 27th January 2021. This was done in furtherance of Section 18 (1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap. A.20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

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NEWS

Man Jailed in Ekiti for $1,500 Internet Fraud Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ

BRAND NEW ADDITION… L-R: Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Smart Adeyemi; Chief Executive Officer, Azman Air Services Limited, Mr. Abdulmunaf Sarina; Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea, Mr. Ali Magashi; Chairman, Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema; Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ricardo Guerra de Araujo; an official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; and CEO, Capital Oil, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, during the delivery of Air Peace’s first brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft in Abuja…yesterday

New Service Chiefs Assume Duties

Olonisakin: Gen. Irabor best choice to lead military Former CNS urges successor to rout bad eggs in Navy Buratai pulled out, urges Army chief to rid North-east of vestiges of terrorism

Kingsley Nwezeh ÓØ ÌßÔË

Newly appointed military service chiefs yesterday formally assumed duties and took command of their various positions.

This comes as the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, said his successor, Major General Lucky Irabor, was the best choice to lead the military in view of his outstanding achievements in the military.

His position is coming as the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, was pulled out in a colourful ceremony even as he called on the new Army chief to rid the North-east of the vestiges of terrorism.

Also, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, urged his successor, Rear Admiral Zubairu Gambo, to rout bad eggs, who “mindlessly subvert the system at every opportunity”.

The former service chiefs performed the ceremonial inspection of guard of honour, signing of handover notes and handover of command flags to their successors.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, General Olonisakin said there could not have been a better choice to lead the army than Major General Irabor.

“It gladdens my heart that the incoming Chief of Defence Staff is very familiar with these

security challenges having previously served as Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Commander Multinational Joint Task Force and above all, the immediate past Chief of Training and Operations at the Defence Headquarters.

“There couldn’t have been a better choice of a seasoned senior officer who will hit the ground running as the Chief of Defence Staff,” he said.

Responding, the new CDS, Irabor, said the security landscape of the country was familiar to him, adding that all new service chiefs had been part of the effort to address the security challenges facing the country.

He commended the former defence chief for the purposeful leadership he provided during his period as CDS. Irabor, however, called on all Nigerians to join hands and support the military in the quest to ensure that peace and security returned to every part of the country.

He also pledged to provide the right leadership and ambience for the members of the armed forces to perform their duties effectively.

Irabor thanked President Buhari for considering him fit for the appointment as CDS and pledged to hit the ground running.

“Let me on this note thank the former Chief of Defence Staff and the former service chiefs for their various contributions throughout their tenure in office.

“Let me at this time invite every Nigerian to please join effort to support us and indeed members of the armed forces and other security agencies in ensuring that security return to every nook and cranny of our dear country,” he said.

In his remarks during the handover ceremony, the former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, took a swipe at bad eggs in the navy, who subvert the system at every opportunity.

“I refer to all those who mindlessly subvert the system at every opportunity. Our experiences in their treachery of connivance with some criminal elements, complicity in crime commission, negligence performance of duty permitting aggravation of cases in some instances,” he said.

“The disrepute to the institution of Nigerian Navy in their less than professional conduct through alleged unethical behaviour,” he said urging such personnel to turn a new leaf.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oladayo Amao, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian

Air Force (NAF), in synergy with sister services and other security agencies, would do its best to provide the support and security necessary for the nation’s development, whilst sparing no effort in discharging its constitutional responsibilities to the government and lawabiding citizens of the country.

The CAS made the assertion during a brief but colourful handing and taking over ceremony held at Headquarters NAF (HQ NAF), Abuja.

AVM Amao, who was appointed as the 21st CAS on 26 January 2021, noted that the NAF would sustainably and effectively employ air power in the protection of Nigeria’s people and interests, against all enemies of the state.

Speaking in the same vein, the new Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Zubairu Gambo, thanked God for making his appointment as the 21st Indigenous Chief of Naval Staff a reality.

He pledged to continue the good work the former naval chief started and take it to higher heights.

Meanwhile, in his speech during a colourful pull out ceremony, the former army chief, Lt General Tukur Buratai, urged his successor, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to rid the North-east of the vestiges of terrorism.

More Kidnapped Chibok Schoolgirls Escape from Boko Haram Festus Akanbi with agency report

Some of the Chibok schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram nearly seven years ago have finally escaped from their captors, a father of one of the girls told CNN yesterday.

Halima Ali Maiyanga, one of more than 100 young women still missing, called her father to say she and others had managed to flee Boko Haram militants Thursday.

“She asked me. Is this my daddy? Is this my daddy, and she started crying. The crying was (so) much and I couldn’t hear her very well. I was crying

too. I never expected to hear from her again,” Ali Maiyanga said.

“The whole family is so happy.

Our house is full of people who are rejoicing with us.”

Ali Maiyanga said he didn’t get a chance to speak to his daughter properly, as she was emotional and the call was short.

But he said she and others were safe and being looked after by the Nigerian Army.

He added that she was calling from a phone line belonging to a security official.

Those who managed to escape are believed to be in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, although there are still few details known about how they

fled.

CNN has reached out to the Nigerian Army for official confirmation. It is not yet clear how many of the remaining missing girls have managed to escape.

In 2014, militants stormed a boarding school in the Nigerian village of Chibok and kidnapped 276 girls -- an incident which gained widespread attention and sparked an international campaign advocating for their release with the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls.

Dozens of girls escaped almost immediately after the mass abduction. Another girl was found in May 2016 when

she wandered out of a Nigerian forest asking for help, according to witnesses.

Boko Haram released 21 girls to the Nigerian Government after negotiations in 2016. Then 82 more girls were freed in a prisoner swap between the terrorist group and the government in the capital city of Abuja in 2017.

Since then, nothing had been heard of the 112 young women remaining in custody.”

Boko Haram kidnapped 276 schoolgirls from Chibok town, Borno State, which sparked an international outcry in 2014.

The federal government in 2015, secured the release of 82 of the abducted girls.

The Federal High Court sitting in A do-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, yesterday, sentenced a 25-year-old man, Adelanke Adesola, to 18-month imprisonment for impersonation.

The trial judge, Justice Babs Kwuemi, found the accused person guilty of internet fraud and passed a verdict of guilty on him.

Adesola had claimed at various times to bear the names Richard Lopez and Walker Fabian Gregory to commit fraud.

Having been arrested, he was dragged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for internet fraud

running to a sum of $1,500.

The convict, who claimed to be an Accounting graduate of Ekiti State University, worked as a sales representative with a private company before his arrest.

On arraignment, he pleaded guilty to the one-count amended charge preferred against him.

Consequently, the judge convicted and sentenced him to 18-month imprisonment.

Justice Kwuemi thereafter gave a consequential order that he restitutes to his victim, one Friday Thorsdottir, the sum of $1,500 through the EFCC. He is also to forfeit one iPad and a Nokia phone to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

FG Evacuates 424 More Nigerians Stranded in Saudi Arabia Bennett Oghifo

The federal government, yesterday, evacuated additional 424 Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia, to join the 384 earlier repatriated on Thursday.

This development was tweeted yesterday by the Chairman of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stating that all the returnees would be quarantined for 14 days in line with the COVID-19 protocols.

She tweeted: “Another 424 Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja via Saudi Air Flight at about 11:58 am local time today 29th January 2021.

“The returnees will join the 384 returnees that arrived yesterday (Thursday) and are currently undergoing quarantine at the Federal Capital Territory Hajj camp for 14 days in line with the reversed COVID-19 protocols by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.”

The federal government, last week, promised to evacuate these Nigerians stranded in Saudi Arabia for over seven months before the end of this month, following their plea in

a recorded video.

“Nigerian irregular migrants in Saudi Arabia are due to be evacuated on the 28 and 29th of January, pending any unforeseen issues. Their evacuation was delayed due to issues relating to COVID-19. We appeal to Nigerians to resist traveling abroad without proper documents,” tweeted Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in reaction to the video made by the stranded Nigerians to appeal for the federal government’s intervention. These Nigerians were being held in squalid conditions at the Saudi government’s detention facility in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

These over-stayers stated in the video, “We are here more than three months, six months, seven months ago, without any action, no better information on transport to Nigeria.

“According to the rules and regulations of this location, we are not supposed to be here for more than two weeks.

“Most nationals of other countries have been flown back to their countries. Only we Nigerians don’t have any source or way of getting back.

“I’m here on behalf of others to seek your assistance to get us back to our country.”

Igbo Youths Condemn Killings in Orlu Amby Uneze in Owerri

Igbo youth bodies under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), yesterday warned those behind the violent crisis in Orlu, Imo State to cease fire in their own interest or face their wrath.

This is even as the youth group accused two top politicians from Orlu and Okigwe zone whose identity they refused to mention as sponsors of the violence.

Addressing newsmen yesterday, President of the group and President General of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL), Goodluck Ibem, noted that Igbo were highly respected people and therefore cautioned them not to turn Igboland into war zone.

He said, “It’s high time Igbo land stopped being turned into war zone for no just reason. The madness is gradually becoming too dangerous to be left unat-

tended to.

“All parties involved, must stop forthwith, all mindless display of mafia tendencies.

Igbo people are highly refined and civilised, hence the shocking surprise of the whole unfortunate incident. We are known for peaceful and progressive conducts in our daily dealings.

“We condemn in the strongest terms, any killings of any Nigeria security operatives that is on legitimate duty. We also frown at any unprofessional conduct from any Nigerian security operatives that might have helped in fueling the crisis.

“We are aware that some politicians in Imo State may be sponsoring militant groups operating in Orlu. Our information is that a top politician from Orlu and Okigwe zones are behind the militant group, of course that is why the battle is in Imo State and not any other state.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 3,0 2021

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Deconstructing the Igangan Fiasco

I

meticulously followed the town hall meeting held last Monday in Igangan, Oyo State, motivated by Police Commissioner Ngozi Onadeko and the state’s government, as part of measures to fully understand issues surrounding crimes in the community. Activist, Sunday Adeyemo, alias Sunday Igboho, with his followers had on January 22 stormed the Fulani settlement in the ancient town to eject the Seriki Fulani, Salihu Abdukadir accused of complicity in killings, abductions, rape and invasion of farmlands. They also burnt Abdukadir’s buildings, evicted his family and ordered killer herdsmen out of Igangan.

The age-long issues of oppression of the host communities by Fulani herdsmen and lethargic response of security agents dominated discussion at the town hall meeting. The villagers provided facts, figures and photographs to support claims that some of the herders and their leaders are behind heinous crimes in the community. The natives are largely farmers and their only means of livelihood has been practically destroyed by rampaging herders.

The stories of rape, killings and kidnappings in Igangan and surrounding communities in Ibarapa land are heart-wrenching. The natives claim over N50 million had been paid in the last five years to kidnappers. Victims presented pictorial evidence, while accusing the evicted Seriki Fulani of Igangan of complicity because ransoms were allegedly passed through him. The traditional ruler of Igangan, Oba Abdulazeez Adeoye, whose cousin was abducted last year, tendered evidence of the ransom to secure his release.

Residents stormed the meeting with photographs of those killed and those who suffered attacks in the hands of criminal herdsmen. They spoke about popular herbal medicine practitioner, Fatai Yusuf, otherwise called Oko Oloyun, who was last year shot dead in Ibarapaland, while the wife of a traditional ruler, Fumbi Ojo and her daughter undergoing the one-year mandatory National Youth Service Corps were kidnapped by the hoodlums in April 2020.

There is also the story of a female farmer, Modupe Oyetoso, whose fiancé was shot dead by kidnappers. She was returning from the farm with the deceased when the incident happened. Modupe was abducted and the family delivered ransom before she was freed. A prominent Ignangan farmer, Dr. Fatai Aborode, was killed in December 2020 allegedly on the way back from Seriki Fulani’s house to report the destruction of his farm by herders.

The owner of a filling station, Mrs Sherifat Adisa, was kidnapped, killed and her corpse dumped a few meters away from her filling station along Igboora/Idere road. Two young boys of about nine years old, who were said to be cousins, were felled by the bullets of the woman’s killers. Barely 24 hours after that, a medical doctor, John Akindele, was abducted.

The tales of horror are unending.

For years, Fulani herders lived peacefully with Igangan natives. The hosts accommodated the pastoralists and while the indigenes, mostly

Makinde

farmers, cultivated the land, the herders grazed their livestock without destroying the farms except on a few occasions. Things changed towards the end of 2015 when killers emerged among the herders and started traumatising the villagers. Herdsmen destroyed farms and sometimes intentionally set farms on fire to punish growers for chasing away cattle on their farms. Some herdsmen even uproot yam and cassava tubers to feed their cattle.

So, what happened to the peaceful relationship in Igangan? What went wrong? The answer is very simple. With the emergence of Buhari as President, the once peaceful herders became emboldened and started making demands for unfettered access to farmlands. A large number of Fulani herders also trooped into Nigeria from Niger, Chad and Mali “because their brother is now President,” and go about pummeling farmers and other natives.

When the killings started in Igangan, security agents failed the natives. While allegedly responding to the body language of Buhari, the police and army often ignore reports of killings, kidnapping and raping in the community. The Convener of Igangan Development Advocates, Oladiran Oladokun, openly stated that residents had protested and written numerous petitions about their ordeal without appropriate response from the police and other security agents in the state.

Oladiran said: “Seriki Fulani of Igangan must be arrested and prosecuted for any government to tackle the problem of insecurity in the area.

He has been fingered in some cases. People are attacked on their farms and the assailants

known and complaints lodged, but the police would not do anything about it. Police cannot arrest suspects from Fulani settlements. I believe there are people who he employed to carry out some nefarious activities for him.”

The major takeaway from the Igangan town hall meeting is that killer herders have been emboldened by the failure of security agents to perform their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property; that security agents have allegedly been responding to the body language of the President and that killer herders always get away with their crimes because of their strong Abuja connections.

The scenario is the same in other parts of the country where killer herders have been traumatising hapless Nigerians in the last six years.

Security agents often look the other way. It is pertinent to state that Nigerian laws must be used to fight crime without fear or favour, religious prejudice or ethnic profiling. Unfortunately, this has not been the case for almost six years of the Buhari government. Nigeria has never been this disgracefully administered at the federal level. For me, killer herders and all other lawbreakers must be persistently dealt with by security agents. This is a struggle every right-thinking citizen of this country should join. It is the abdication of security duty by the federal government that often forces victims to resort to self-help as seen in the dangerous Igangan quit notice. The federal government can end this hazardous self-help by effectively protecting the lives and property of every Nigerian.

I am not sorry to say that the failure of our security agents is a product of the ineptitude and clannishness of the Buhari government. This is why Boko Haram, bandits and kidnappers are dominating. As a result, the North-west is bleeding while the North-east is in a mess. The Middle Belt is smoldering while the South-West is aflame. The South-east and South-south are blazing.

Sunday Igboho became the hero of his people because political office holders failed woefully to tackle their plight. Government at the federal and state levels also failed to secure lives and property. Our so-called human rights activists are only active on the pages of newspapers and on social media. They are hardly on the field to fight for oppressed Nigerians. This is the challenge Igboho took up.

Those still backing nomadic cattle rearing with the argument that the Nigerian Constitution supports freedom of movement should please note that freedom of movement is not a license to perpetrate crime. There should be a national accord to crush criminality. Offenders must be apprehended and punished, no matter their origin, class or status. It is unbearable that the Buhari government reinforces the horrible culture of the right of herdsmen to other people’s land.

State governors must also rise up to their constitutional responsibility of protecting their people. The Nigerian Constitution clearly states that governors are the Chief Security Officers of their states. They have a constitutional obligation

A Word for General Attahiru Dear General Ibrahim Attahiru, I received the news of your appointment as army chief with a lot of fear and disappointment. I am in the club of Nigerians that believe you don’t deserve this appointment based on your poor performance as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole. I vividly remember that in 2017, the then army chief, disgraced Tukur Buratai, gave you a 40-day mandate to capture Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive. You failed to actualise this, leading to your removal as Theatre Commander. Yes, none of your successors have been able to capture Shekau till date. Yes, your successors also failed to end Boko Haram. But the truth remains that your tenure as Theatre Commander was a tragedy, with a long list of brutal attacks on soldiers and civilians by Boko Haram.

Now, as army chief, I sincerely hope that you will prove me and other Nigerians wrong about your abilities. The task at hand is huge.

You are commencing this job at a point that

Attahiru

morale is at the lowest in the Army. Our gallant soldiers are poorly equipped and poorly motivated. Many have been needlessly killed by the terrorists. Videos of our soldiers lamenting about lack of basic things on the war front

abound. Many have overstayed on the war front. This is why they are losing grounds to the terrorists. You have to committedly address these problems. The good thing is that you have been at the war zone too. I expect you to genuinely tackle the challenges of our gallant soldiers. You must truly lead from the front.

General Attahiru, if you truthfully desire to rid this country of terrorists, you must also insist on using foreign military contractors.

Intelligence and technology are vital in modern warfare. We are in an era of fighting with drones. The Nigerian Army, as presently constituted, lacks the equipment and manpower for these. This is why you must impress on the Commander-in-Chief the imperatives of using foreign military contractors to end the madness called Boko Haram. This is the only way forward for Nigeria. Attahiru, please, spend quality time thinking about all these points.

to do everything lawful to protect lives and property of residents of their states. They must creatively enforce this. The 1999 Constitution also vests control and use of land on state governors.

This is enough to curb the primitive, crude and intrusive practice of open grazing.

It is encouraging that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), at a meeting with South-west governors early this week in Akure, Ondo State, agreed that free range grazing must be stopped to avoid conflicts between the farmers and the herders. MACBAN must embrace and be committed to modern breeding process by cuddling ranching. Nomadic cattle rearing is an aberration in modern societies.

On the flip side, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has been a big disappointment in the struggle to emancipate the people of Igangan in particular and Oyo State in general, from the shackles of killer herders. Makinde failed to show courage when it mattered most. Those who said he downplayed the security challenges facing the people of Igangan were absolutely correct. The President of Ibarapa Development Forum, Etomilade Oduola, puts it fittingly: “At this critical point, the governor needs to connect directly with the region the same way he did when he much needed ‘peoples’ mandate. We are aware and we affirm that the governor must be the governor of all. His broadcast however only expressed sympathy to the cause of the marauding herdsmen and sheer insensitivity to Ibarapa lives that have been lost to the criminals in the recent past. Makinde makes a poor attempt at political correctness in an escalating insecurity crisis. The safety of the people must be paramount and the government must stop playing politics with our lives.”

I doubt if the people of Oyo State will ever forgive Makinde. As at press time, he was still struggling to put the killing of Dr. Aborode and other Ibarapa natives in proper perspective. What a shame! Makinde has committed political harakiri that may cost him a second term in this state.

Memo to Governor Bello Matawalle

Matawalle

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja last Tuesday ordered the final forfeiture of huge cash found in the bank accounts of companies lined to former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari to the federal government. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ordered that the funds, including $56,056.75; N12.9m, N11.2m, $301,319.99; N217,388 and $311,872 be forfeited because the former governor did not show good cause why the order sought by the ICPC should not be granted.

The judge concurred that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

The good news is that stolen public funds have been recovered. However, the bad news is that money stolen from Zamfara State is being forfeited to the federal government. This is illogical. I expect the fund to go back to where it was stolen.

It is evidently not federal government’s money. My dear Bello Matawalle, I expect you as the incumbent governor of Zamfara State, to swiftly challenge this order in court. You must ensure the return of this fund to troubled Zamfara.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS Parents Knock Minister, Perm Sec over Admissions in Federal Academy KuniTyessÓ ÓØ ÌßÔË

COME TO OUR RESCUE… L-R: Musefiu Lamidi, Ado-Odo/Ota II; Bolanle Ajayi, Yewa South; Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo; Ganiyu Oyedeji, Ifo II; Yusuf Amosun, Ewekoro and Adeniran Ademola, Sagamu II, when the speaker led Allied People’s Movement lawmakers who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress on solidarity visit to the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta on Thursday

NNPC, Partners Sign FID on $3.6bn Brass Methanol Plant Project to generate 30,000 jobs Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its partners yesterday took a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the $3.6bn Integrated Gas Processing and Methanol Plant in Odioma, Brass Island, Bayelsa State.

The project is being executed by the Brass Fertiliser and Petrochemical Company Limited (BFPCL), an incorporated entity owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), DSV Engineering, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

At the event, that national

oil company pledged that it would do everything within its powers to ensure the prompt completion of the project.

Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, who spoke during the FID signing ceremony of the project which held Friday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, noted that the plant would be of immense economic beneÀts to the country when completed.

A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public AͿairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the facility is projected to be the largest methanol plant in Africa and the Àrst in Nigeria.

Kyari said the corporation would do everything possible to make the project come to fruition, noting that NNPC was pleased with the current eͿorts by the federal government to provide value for Nigeria’s gas resources.

Describing the FID as one of the most signiÀcant FIDs in recent times, Kyari said the project was in tandem with the earlier declaration of 2020 as the year of gas and 2021-2030 as the decade of gas by the minister of state for petroleum resources.

He remarked that the construction phase of the project would create about 30,000

jobs in addition to the 5,000 permanent jobs which would come in place when the plant becomes operational.

Earlier in his welcome address, the BFPCL Board Chairman, who is also the NNPC Chief Operating O΀cer, Gas and Power, Mr. Usman Yusuf, disclosed that already a lump sum Turnkey Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract had been awarded to the China Tianchen Engineering Corporation (TCC) while TATA Consulting Engineers are providing project management consultancy for the delivery of the plant in 2024.

After the release of the 2021 admissions into the Federal Government Academy, Suleja, Niger State, some parents have criticised the process, saying the list was questionable and bereft of federal character.

The parents, who spoke with THISDAY, stated that it was gross misconduct which had become an annual practice with a section of the country given preferential treatment at the expense of other regions in a facility and programme that is federal government owned and sponsored.

They said the list was divisive and alleged that it could not have been released to the public without the input of the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba, who is in charge of basic education, and the Permanent Secretary, Sonny Echonu, in collaboration with the principal of the school.

The school, which is scholarshipbased, is tagged Centre for the Gifted and Talented and is one of the 110 unity colleges established to encourage excellence. Its exams are based on merit from the 36 states, including the FCT. The list, which has 200 names of successful candidates, has 70 slots given to the South eastern states with Anambra clinching 30 slots.

Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia have 17, seven, 10 and six respectively, while Bayelsa and Borno have the lowest with 1 and two slots respectively.

Adamawa, Cross River, Taraba, Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Yobe, Rivers, FCT, Gombe, Jigawa, Edo, Zamfara, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger and Ondo states have three slots each.

Akwa Ibom has five, Plateau, Benue, Bauchi, have eight, nine, and six, respectively.

Oyo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Osun, Katsina, and Kebbi have four each, and Kogi, Kwara have 13 and six.

A parent, Fatima Iliyasu, said two of her sons wrote the exams and were not admitted even when they had consistently been on top in their classes.

She said for the purpose of transparency, NECO should have been mandated to conduct the exams like it does for common entrance “Why can’t an external body like NECO conduct the exams? Why should the ministry leave such sensitive exams and admission process in the hands of the school management?

“Every state is endowed with brilliant students. What is so special about a particular state that a whole 30 slots will be given to it at the detriment of other states?

Is it because the minister who is in charge of basic education is an Igbo man? Why should they play politics with our educational system? Do you mean to tell me that it is only Anambra state that has intelligent children? This is totally unacceptable,” she said.

Another parent, Boniface Ekwe, while condemning the list and calling for fresh admissions, said the issue of admission had never been so bad. Lamenting the incident, he said the school needed to purge itself of bad eggs, alleging that they may have leaked question papers.

According to him: “An Igbo man will do anything to get the questions for his child and once he is able to get it, he will syndicate for a price to other parents who will also buy and give to their children.

“Didn’t the minister and the permanent secretary see the list before it was published? Did they not go through it? Did they ask questions? Didn’t the permanent secretary sign it? The director in charge of basic education is from which part of the country? Find out. They know what they are doing. They are simply incompetent,” he said.

House Condemns Scuffle

Constitution Review: Supreme Court Edo Tackles Primary School Teachers over Planned at PIB Public Hearing Wants Retirement Age of Justices at 75 Strike, Invokes “No Work No Pay” Policy Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË One year after its inauguration, the Senate Committee on Constitution Review yesterday began a two-day retreat with the revelation that the Supreme Court was canvassing for the increase in the retirement age of the apex court justices from 70 to 75 years.

The Deputy President of the Senate who also doubles as the Chairman of the committee, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who made the disclosure while delivering a keynote address at the retreat to analyse the submitted memo also stated that over 280 memoranda for the review of the constitution were received from the public late last year.

He explained that among the memoranda submitted was one from the Supreme Court canvassing for the shift in the retirement age of Supreme Court justices from 70 to 75.

According to him, there was also another memo calling for increase in the retirement age of judges of the states, including the FCT and the federal high courts from 65 to 70 years.

The ranking Senator said the apex court proposal and that of the

High Court judges will be treated by the committee and brought before the Senate for consideration as two bills by March, 2021.

His words: “To put you under further pressure we have also decided to extricate one or two issues dealing with the judiciary, most importantly, the one dealing with the retirement age for judges of the states, including the FCT and the federal high courts to bring in parity with the 70 years retirement age of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

“There is also the issue of the clamour by the Supreme Court to also move from 70 to 75 years. I am sure you are all aware that it is up to our colleagues in both chambers and of course, the State Houses of Assembly to decide whether or not we should move ahead with both.

“But I want to put you under pressure that these two bills must be ready for consideration by March.

Both Houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives - would be prepared to take those two isolated issues while every other matter under consideration will come up on the floor of the Senate and the House of Representatives in June this year.”

Adibe Emenyonu ÓØ ÏØÓØ ÓÞã The Edo State Government yesterday, took on primary school teachers in the state over the planned strike action by the teachers commencing from February 1, 2021.

The primary school teachers through their body, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state had issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government, stating that their entitlements should be paid before resumption of schools which had remained unresolved.

Arising from this, the NUT on Wednesday, issued directives to all primary school teachers in the state asking them to shun the February 1, 2021, resumption date proposed by the state government.

In the statement, the union accused the state government of having not “demonstrated any reasonable commitment to resolve the issues presented to it and unanimously agreed that dialogue/negotiation between it and the state government should continue while the strike persists.”

But in a twist, the state government yesterday issued a warning to the teachers, stating its resolve to invoke the “no work no pay”

policy.

The government in a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Osarodion Ogie in Benin City, directed all primary school teachers to resume on the February 1, 2021.

The statement reads in part: “This is to inform all parents, teachers and the general public that all public primary schools in Edo State shall resume full activities on Monday 1st February 2021.

“Parents are expected to make their children and wards ready for resumption on this date. Government wishes to reemphasise that all public-school teachers and head teachers are required to be present in their various schools.

Failure to resume work would be considered forfeiture of salary as the Edo State Government has activated the No Work, No Pay policy.

“Head Teachers and Teachers who are desirous of staying away from work in support of the sponsored strike action by certain elements of the Edo State Branch of the National Union of Teachers, are required to hand over all school property in their.

Adedayo AkinwaleÓØ ÌßÔË The House of Representatives has condemned the free-for-all that broke out at the public hearing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2020 on Thursday between two representatives of the host communities.

The Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Ben Kalu, in a statement issued Saturday, described the scuffle as contemptuous, saying it constituted a breach of the sanctity of the House.

He stated: “The House is appalled at the scuffle which broke out between certain participants from the host communities at the public hearing of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), 2020 on Thursday, January 28, 2021.

“The actions of these culprits were contemptuous and constituted a breach of the sanctity of the House.

Fortunately, they were immediately escorted out of the building and proceedings continued peacefully for the rest of the hearing.”

Kalu stressed that the 9th House was predicated upon the tenet of nation-building as a joint task and its compliance with the due process of public hearings was a manifestation of its commitment to that tenet.

He added, “Public hearings are a

critical aspect of law-making. They are an opportunity to invite views from critical stakeholders on legislative interventions and are not an opportunity for virulent altercations or physical combat. Therefore, the House will not hesitate to ensure the arrest and prosecution of any offender who perpetrates a similar occurrence in the future.”

Kalu noted that within the chambers of this great institution of democracy, and indeed in all parts of Nigeria, there was need to learn to deliberate and resolve differences with the grace, dignity and mutual respect that democracy demands.

He said that the deliberation of the PIB was to provide legal backing and protection for the development of host communities and for the collective good of the nation; a balance of interest between stakeholders of the petroleum sector.

According to Kalu, “Therefore, our ability to dissent peacefully and our ability to treat each other with dignity and respect even in the face of disagreement will play a key role in determining the success of one of the ideals for which this legislation is being considered; that grievance can be properly addressed without violence and chaos in our host communities.”

SATURDAY JANUARY 30, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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

COMMENTARY

A LEGACY OF POSTCOLONIAL THOUGHT AND SOCIAL THEORY Samuel Akpobome Orovwuje pays tribute to Peter Ekeh, erudite scholar and author

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his article commemorates the life and times of Peter Ekeh, his pedagogical and intellectual legacy of postcolonial thought and political philosophy. An Urhobo diplomat-at–large, Professor Ekeh’s academic career began with his appointment at the University of Ibadan in 1974 as a lecturer and later at State University of New York, Buffalo, USA, in 1989 as a Professor of Transnational (African-American) Studies and later to his pioneering role at the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) as founder and where he carried out much of his investigative indigenous research on social change and continuity, and inter-group relations of the Urhobos and their neighbours.

Born in 1937 in Adarode-Okpara Inland, Ekeh is one of the most influential and versatile political scientists and social anthropologists of the 21st century until his passing last year in the United States of America. Yet few outside the School of Politics and Government of the University of Ibadan, the Faculty of Transnational (African-American) Studies of State University of New York, Buffalo, and indeed his native land (the Urhobo Nation) have heard of him, let alone have familiarity with his ideologue, research and pedagogic contributions to national and diaspora development. His commitment to the historiography of the Urhobo people knew no bounds. Professor Ekeh is easily one of the most prominent and versatile political philosophers and scholars of contemporary Urhobo history and politics.

Indeed, Professor Ekeh’s discourse is often fairly easy to distill and his body of work explains held assumptions of political and social constructs - particularly on African ancient civilisations, group subtleties, culture, and intergroup relations and indeed the roles and limits of socio-political thought in the emergent state structure itself.

Professor Ekeh’s first-hand knowledge and experience of village square and oral tradition led him to interrogate colonial political foundations and contemporary power relations in the West Niger Delta. Far from limiting his horizons to the academia where he stood tall, Professor Ekeh was critically constructive and engaging, and his public and intellectual rigour empowered his immediate academic community and the larger society. His works are rich in detail and insight. He was an unflinching advocate of cultural diplomacy as a tool for conflict resolution and bridge-building in human relations.

This tribute provides an opportunity to acknowledge and elucidate the centrality of Professor Ekeh’s insights to African political thought and global affairs. Colonialism: The Two Publics: A theoretical Statement (Ekeh, 1975) is possibly Professor Peter Ekeh’s best known intellectual and public affairs legacy. It is in itself an excursion into the colonial experience, African ideological conflicts and the matrix of the two publics (The private realm, the public realm and societal morality).

The matrix of the two publics is among the most significant intellectual postulations of the 21st century, linking the understanding of colonialism and the inherent contradictions of the emergent states and the foundational forces of underdevelopment amidst the apocalyptic atmosphere of modernity and the ethical questions that confront the Nigerian society, nay Africa. Furthermore, the essay discusses that the proficiencies of colonialism in Africa have to do with the emergence of an inimitable chronological alignment in contemporary colonial Africa: the existence of two publics instead of one public - the

HIS COLLECTIVE RESPONSE AND KEY MESSAGES FOR POLICYMAKERS IS ON HOW BEST RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP CAN ADDRESS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

West. Many of Africa’s political teething troubles are due to the dialectical relationships between the two publics.

Ekeh’s socio-political thoughts are now part of mainstream discourse about the challenges of religion, colonialism and underdevelopment. He latches on the hidden agenda of the colonizing structures. The hallmark of his intellectual sagacity, in my view, is the identification of social symptoms and how they impact on development in Nigeria.

Interestingly, Professor Ekeh’s cultural and indigenous diplomacy is grounded in the historiography of identity, politics, religion, contemporary inter-group relations, culture, poetry and other artistic genres of the Urhobo nation in particular. They include eloquent and reasoned treatises on specifying traditions and practices of the Urhobo and their religious beliefs and values, particularly the foundational religious movement, called Igbe, which creed was claimed to have been pleasingly revealed to its founder, Ubiesha Etakpo of Uhwokori (Kokori Inland).

Professor Ekeh’s Studies in Urhobo Culture (Ekeh et al, 2006) and History of the Urhobo People of the Niger Delta (2008) expose his deep interest in Urhobo social anthropology and political philosophy. Therefore, nobody can afford to be entirely ignorant of his works in advancing the development of his homeland. More importantly, his immutable constructs on the cultural and political autonomy of the Urhobo Nation are well documented through Waado and the Urhobo Historical Society.

His standpoint on the British-Itsekiri and the British-Urhobo treaties and the contentious Warri City land ownership remains an existential prospect in understanding the inter-group rivalry, irreconcilable socio-political formations and challenge of nation building within the Western Niger Delta.

Further, Professor Ekeh’s seminal work, Warri City and British Colonial Rule in Western Niger Delta (Ekeh et al, 2004) fills a vital knowledge gap. Professor Ekeh developed an innovative policy dialogue about inter-group regimes for better development results and crisis management in the Niger Delta.

His collective response and key messages for policymakers is on how best research and scholarship can address a sustainable future.

Professor Ekeh was a strong advocate of the equality of the human race and of social engineering while arguing daringly against social constructs that oppress civilisation through roles, expectations and limitations assigned by society.

In the area of transnational studies, Professor Ekeh explored and reset the intersectionality of the Global North and the Global South, and the space between African and American affairs. Fundamentally, the regime of violence in postcolonial Nigeria is continuous. This is because the postcolonial state inherited the logic of exploitation and subjugation essential to colonial administration.

Lastly, Professor Ekeh’s works continue to provide insights into cultural essentialism and political anthropology. He has left a vision of openness and scholarship to his Urhobo nation, Africans and indeed the global learning ecosystem.

Professor Ekeh’s ability to manoeuvre through the conceptual spaces to achieve an existential meaning for the greater good underscores his true and enduring legacy to humanity. r0SPWXVKF JT 'PVOEFS )VNBOJUBSJBO $BSF GPS %JTQMBDFE 1FSTPOT -BHPT

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST FAITH

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, vows that the PIB bill will be passed by April, writes Adelaja Samuel

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rude oil discovery in Nigeria has been a mixed bag of blessing and curse.

Development experts often refer to a pathetic scenario when discovered natural resource becomes a source of strife and a bigger problem as a resource curse; it is indeed a paradox of plenty.

The oil boom of the early 70s in Nigeria brought a doom of a sort. Agriculture which was the mainstay of the nation’s economy was benched for the free and easy money from crude oil. Palm oil which was produced in commercial volume before the oil boom was abandoned for peasant farmers in the Mid-west and Eastern parts of Nigeria; ditto cocoa in the West, cotton and groundnut in the North.

Malaysia took the lead in palm oil production in the world from the seedlings it reportedly took from Nigeria. Not all, the resource curse also bred ethnic and militia struggle as indigenous land owners where crude oil resides lay claim on their ancestral land.

They called for Resource Control. Consensus was reached for derivation earnings. The oil communities and states got a fairly bigger share of the cake to douse tension.

Yet, the problems remain unabated. Not even the upward review of derivations earnings could assuage the yearnings of agitating communities. Poverty, under- development and lack and want were commonplace in the oil-rich region. Emergency billionaires emerged without lifting a pin, and wanton greed, corruption worsened the lot of the masses in the area.

Environmental Activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa and his fellow kinsmen drew the ire of callous, brutal Nigeria’s dictator, late General Sani Abacha over agitation for better deal and regeneration of degraded Ogoni-land. They paid with their lives. The struggle continues till date leaving pain and blood on the trail.

The distraction of crude oil and the neglect of other real sectors of the economy were really calamitous. Till date, crude oil still dominates Nigeria’s economy, accounting for around 90% of export earnings. The country has the largest oil and gas reserves in sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 37bn barrels of oil and 188 trillion cubic feet of gas, according to a report by African Business.

The largely ungovernable industry has cost the country unimaginable fortunes. Everything is vague and international interests and multinational corporations exploit the loose and unstructured industry to their advantage.

Joint ventures between oil giants and the nation’s oil corporation cum regulator, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were skewed in favour of the oil firms. “Value has leached away through opaque licensing deals, unaccountable middlemen, a lack of refining capacity and graft in the government and state-owned NNPC. Sabotage and pipeline theft in the oil-rich Niger Delta have ensured that the taxpayer loses out on billions of dollars in annual revenues”, an article titled, ‘What is Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Bill and why is it significant?’ published in a African Business aptly captured.

To better harness the potential and plug massive wastages in the sector, successive governments since the inception of the current democratic dispensation tried to enact governance and order in the sector without much success. The Muhammadu Buhari government made honest efforts culminating in a new version of PIB distilled into four critical segments.

The House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, a man of action who has shown exemplary leadership over and again since he assumed office as Speaker has shown more than passing interest in the bill.

This time around, he stamped his feet and

resisted further dilly-dally on the all-crucial piece of legislation. He staked his reputation and assured the world that in barely three months away, PIB will be passed as an Act of the Nigeria’s parliament.

Trust Gbajabiamila, if he has to climb mountains and ascend hills, the speaker will embark on such a voyage to meet the set date. He is a man who is in a hurry to see Nigeria transform into Eldorado. The volcano ripple-effects of the PIB on the economy, host communities and the massive jobs that will erupt along multiple value chains of the unbundled sector will energize Gbaja to push through PIB by April. For those who might fear that thoroughness will be sacrificed on the altar of due diligence and clinical perusal should not fret. The speaker is finicky to a fault. His training as a lawyer designed him so. He displayed that when the controversial Water Bill debate raged at the floor of the Green Chamber.

Powerful cabal who are unduly cashing out and making a kill from the unstructured industry cannot stop him. The collective interest of Nigeria and her people far outweighs the parochial and selfish interests of the powerful few.

The speaker said, “For the most part, we all agree on the need for legislative action to make improvements through statutory and regulatory reform. Therefore, it is disappointing and frankly difficult to explain how successive governments have failed to deliver on the promise of reform despite this broad agreement. Ladies and gentlemen, we have an opportunity and an obligation to do better, and we will.

“We are not oblivious to the fact of many contending interests in this sector. These contentions do not need to result in conflict, especially when we know the objective of national prosperity benefits us all. Therefore,

the process of engaging with stakeholders will continue beyond this public hearing to accommodate the diversity of interests and ensure all critical views form part of the deliberations that inform the final legislation.

“Regardless of whatever other interests may exist, for this Ad-Hoc Committee and indeed the House of Representatives, Nigeria’s best interest is both our desired outcome and guiding principle. It falls to this Ad-Hoc Committee to engage in a necessary balancing act in the interests of our beloved nation.”

The Speaker added that “This bill has been long coming as the chairman said. It has been upcoming in the last 20 years. Because of contending and vested interests, we have not been able to reach the desired outcome over the years.

“A lot of work has gone into the preparation of this bill, but it’s not strait-jacketed. The idea of a public hearing is to have interests that may have not been accommodated prior to the introduction of the bill to lend their voices and to understand perhaps the bigger environment where they are coming from.

“So my charge to everyone that will be participating is not to close our minds or our ears to the views and the positions that may be advanced by various interest groups. We are in a world, an economic world, so there must be interest groups, they will be interest groups and we cannot deny that.

“But what should guide the outcome of what we do here as we accommodate more views will be what will be in the best interest of the people.

“More importantly, we intend to pass this bill by April. That is a commitment we have made. Some may call it a tall order, but we will do it, and we will do it with every sense of responsibility without compromising the thoroughness of the work that will be done,” the speaker said.

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

INSIGHT

Set for task ahead...

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As Air Peace Returns to Dubai Route…

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ecently, a piece of news from the stable of Air Peace Airline steered up joy in the minds of Nigerian flying public. Air Peace Airline announced its intention to resume its Dubai route via Sharjar city on 5th of February, 2021. This is coming when the airline is eagerly waiting to receive set of new planes out of 13 new jets it ordered from Embraer of Brazil. The return of Dubai route by the airline, will be a boost to the nation’s aviation industry, healing from the injury orchestrated by Covid-19 pandemic that ravaged (still ravaging) the world.

Dubai is not just any other international route but one of the busiest routes with huge passengers’ traffic, as long as trade and tourism are concerned. The return of Air Peace to this route, as West African biggest indigenous airline, is a huge relief to travelers whose businesses are tied to the United Arab Emirates. The resumption of long-haul flights in this business route by Air Peace will provide muchneeded alternative cum options to travelers who have felt the airline’s absence in the route, after brief stoppage since it began plying it in July, 2019.

What this good development means is that Nigerian travelers will no longer be left at the mercy of some foreign airlines that not only exploit them but milk them dry with high air fares and poor services. Air Peace is not just coming back as another airline in business to make profit, but as an indigenous airline—with patriotic disposition, that is ready to protect the economic interests of Nigerians, via considerable fares, quality customer services, and generally ensuring that any Nigerian traveler on Dubai route gets real value for his money.

Outside profit making, patriotism has been the primary philosophy driving the management decisions of Air Peace.

Putting Nigeria and Nigerians first have been the oxygen fueling the business ideology of the airline. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airline, Chief Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, a known patriot and philanthropist has not hidden his passion to put Nigeria on the global aviation map. He drinks, eats and breaths Nigeria—that’s how patriotic he is. He detests how Nigerians are being shortchanged by foreign airlines without consequences.

Watch the Time

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o, Joe Biden wears a Rolex watch. If that’s the only thing that people are attacking him on, and it does seem to be, then the Presidency is in much better shape. Of course, there is no way it could ever have been worse. It appears that Trump also wore a Rolex, although mostly on the golf course but that again was because he spent so much time there.

How about we all look for the good in the person now.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

In fact, through his business wit and grit, Chief Onyema has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that a company can be patriotic in its decisions and still soar to greater levels of accomplishments. Height of Air Peace’s patriotism was when it evacuated Nigerians stranded in South Africa at the heat of xenophobic attacks—free of charge. The airline also played a vital role with the support of federal government to repatriate Nigerians that were trapped abroad during coronavirus lockdowns.

Air Peace has metamorphosed into the nation’s de-facto national carrier that comes to the rescue of Nigerians whenever the need arises. So, categorically, I can say that when Air Peace gains; Nigeria and Nigerians gain. When the airline started its first international route—Dubai, in 2019, some aviation pundits conversant with antecedents of Nigerian airlines, expressed mixed feelings as a result of repeated failures of defunct indigenous airlines that could not penetrate international routes. International routes became the Achilles hill of Nigerian airlines until Air Peace emerged.

Air Peace, under the visionary leadership of Chief Allen Onyema has redefined standard—it has raised the bar of excellence cum ambition in the Nigeria’s aviation industry and beyond. Outside its Dubai-Sharjar route, it has connected two biggest commercial cities in Africa via its Lagos-Johannesburg route, that was launched last December. China and India routes, respectively, will be next. Air Peace fleet expansion drive is unparalleled in Nigeria’s aviation sector; one of the reasons its growth has been in geometric progression.

Chidiebere Nwobodo, 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

Governors Haven’t Quite Been the Needed CSOs

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o be a governor since the general elections of 2015 is to schmooze with Aso Rock, visiting with the mute occupant over here, shaking and pumping hands back then, chuckling in spurts of buffoonery mirthful guffaws, bumping fists in these days of COVID-19, returning back to your home state with assurance from the federal treasury ministry that, “on quid-allocation, all is well,” and berating opposition elements back home as “politics-players with issues of governance.” It is a comical world up there at the Governors Club. As rampaging foreign Fulani tribesmen and new-fangled terror groups invade states and menace the local folks there, these cheery-cheeked governors just feel a small prick of irritation and wish this “menace” away, getting even more irritated by the thought that they’d be compelled to dip into their tills of “security votes” to initiate any sort of safeguard measures against these determined terror hordes.

On the unlikelihood that they even moot the idea of anything resembling “anti-Fulani security,” in all likelihood the office of the NSA will be breathing down their necks warning of “dire consequences” and maybe even reminding the state governors that there exist something called “state of emergency” that can be invoked (the way Olusegun Obasanjo did it) and the “troublesome” governors, based on information obtained about his finances from the NIFTU, stand to lose all amidst the possibility of a long period of incarceration and EFCC harassment. Was this the situation of Seyi Makinde of Oyo State?

Why hasn’t Samuel Ortom, the governor of my home state of Benue, inaugurated some sort of self-defence security corps that will be mandated to do clear-out operations in the bushes of that state? Why did Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State just conveniently “jump ship?” Why is Darius Ishaku of Taraba State only “suing for peace” each time a neighbourhood of Jalingo is invaded and some top-ranking person is kidnapped and murdered in cold blood? The thinking is that elected governors are Chief Security Officers (CSOs) of their states but the reality is that to be a governor is just to run down the eight-year clock in cool comfort.

No wonder non-state actors like the late Gana, Nnamdi Kanu, and now Sunday Igboho are the peoples’ favourites. r4VOEBZ "EPMF +POBI %FQBSUNFOU PG 1IZTJDT 'FEFSBM 6OJWFSTJUZ PG 5FD IOPMPHZ .JOOB /JHFS 4UBUF

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 30, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY

The Return of Regina Askia News of superstar actress and former beauty queen, Regina Askia making a comeback in Nollywood has been dominating entertainment news. Not a few Nollywood aficionados were excited by her surprise return, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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egendary Nollywood star and former beauty queen, Regina Askia will return with the movie ‘Web’, where she plays Olivia, the wife of Desmond (played

by Ramsey Nouah). The accolades that followed her return did not come as a surprise. It’s been almost 20 years since Regina last appeared in a Nollywood movie. The iconic actress who ruled the screen for years first made public her come back through her various social media posts shortly after wrapping up on set of the new movie.

Set in Atlanta Georgia, the film directed by Wole Ogundare will also feature some Hollywood stars including Atandwa Kani who played King Tchaka in Black Pantha movie and American actress, Latoya Ward. The superhot 53-year-old mother of three sure had fun on set which the BTS footages tell and in pictures of her time on location of the forthcoming movie. Elated as she wrapped up her time on set, Askia in a separate post wrote: “And so, I wrap up on the set of Web today as Olivia, a wife Desmond @Ramsey Nouah will not forget in a hurry.

“Much love to cast and crew and all the talented young men and women who made it happen. Safe journey to everyone as you travel back. I can’t wait to watch the premiere. Thank you Atlanta, it’s been real and hello New York. Much love…”

Describing one of the scenes on set, the actress wrote: “Let me spill the tea on a sex scene I had to play in a recent movie Web. I’m talking about “surfboard abs” and “womb shifting tings. Now I did do Nollywood years back and sure we had those scenes but we would hide behind shoulder shots and fake kiss. Fast forward to 20 years later, honey it’s a whole ‘nother’ story.

“So there I (my character) was with my toy boy who first dropped his towel to show what he had come to work with. The nurse in me took a good look. But I had to tuck the nurse in and let the actress in me react romantically to what I saw. Camera was still rolling when my toy boy with the s**y bedroom eyes crawled like a big cat to prey, landing with some serious humping. I hid my face, turned to the side, squirmed, CUT!! Director shouted.

Aunty! It has to be convincing. It shows you are trying to get away! In my mind – haba, is this boy trying to shift my womb from the outside, wahala wa o!”

When the scene needed her (Regina) to be very romantic, she had to take permission from her American husband, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Williams to bring her character to bear on that slice.

Getting Askia to be part of this new movie project, which is on the stables of Siderz Entertainment TV was a bit of a challenge, but the prospect of the big budget movie and its cast and crew were strong motivation that pulled the pretty woman.

Wole Ogundare, a US based movie director said: “It took a lot of conviction and production value. The story, the storyline and also the list of cast.

Fingers remained crossed as movie lovers look forward to seeing their star actress on the big screen this year when it hits the cinemas and Netflix.”

Offset, Regina is back to her grind

Regina Askia

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ JANUARY 30, 2021

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SUPER SATURDAY The Return of Regina Askia

Regina and Ramsey on set of Web with the New York City Covid-19 team but can’t be overwhelmed enough by the reunion which the movie offered. Ramsey Nouah, a star actor who shared strong screen chemistry with Askia in the past also celebrated working again with Askia, saying: “Almost two decade of absence on the professional scene and she’s back again with her magic @reginaaskia on the set of ‘WEB’. Good to have you back again mama.”

Regina is one of the veterans in Nollywood with blockbusters like ‘Full Moon’, ‘Most Wanted’, ‘Suicide Mission’, and ‘Queen of The Night’ to her name. Her journey into the world of acting beckoned following her reign as Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. Thereafter, she made her debut in the then popular NTA series, Fortunes, as Tokunboh Johnson, a role which earned her critical acclaim and further roles in the 1990s and early 2000s, in several other home movies like ‘The President’s Daughter’, ‘Festival of Fire’, ‘Dangerous Babe’, and ‘Man Snatcher’, most of which were filmed and released directly to video, reaching a wide audience in Nigeria, and across countries in Africa.

Regina in her early days held a lot of movie watchers spellbound and with her beauty, and acting.

Her great interpretations of roles made her a force to reckon with in the industry. In fact, it is believed that Regina made many men adulterers in the confine of their living rooms. She wasn’t just beautiful but sexy, enhanced by her charming hazel eyes. Regina, it was noted at the time where actors weren’t really paid so well, was among the highest-earning actors.

It cost a lot to get her on set because everyone wanted to see a movie with her as part of the cast.

Had it been mainstream Nollywood awards like AMAA and AMVCAs were instituted then, she most likely would have had her name registered copiously in their laurels lists, though she still received several awards for her performances – including one for “Best Actress in Nigeria” by Afro Hollywood London in 2000.

She would later put aside her acting career when she settled in the United States after her marriage to Williams. In America, she took up a job in the medical field where she established herself as a registered nurse and healthcare provider. However, as an educational activist, television producer, writer, and public speaker, who found fame first as a model and then as an actress, she still keeps close ties with the world of

entertainment. The Akwa Ibom State indigene was one screen diva that came with the celebrity package.

Her short lived union with businessman Charles Orie still holds memories as one of the most celebrated celebrity marriages. She graced our hearts and screens equally during her glory days. Regina, a former medical student who had transferred from the University of Calabar to the University of Lagos was crowned Miss Unilag. She competed in the Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria pageant 1989. Even though she was recorded the people’s favourite, she came out second in the competition losing to Bianca Ojukwu. However, when Bianca Ojukwu resigned the crown, Regina took over and became the MBGN. In 1990, she represented Nigeria at Miss Charm International held in Leningrad, Russia, and came second. She also made history by becoming the first Nigerian at Miss International in Japan, where she made an impact with the most outstanding traditional costume. As it is, every beauty queen gets the opportunity to become brand ambassadors during their reign as queen, which was the case of Regina as she was used as a brand ambassador for major brands in the country at that time.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

Insurgency: U.S. Agency Donates Protective Gear, Equipment to Police Michael Olugbode ÓØ ÌßÔË The office of the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has donated equipment valued over $325,000 to

the Nigerian Police.

The equipment, according to a statement by the Embassy yesterday, will aid in counterinsurgency operations in the North-east and restore civilian authority in areas affected by the

Boko Haram insurgency.

INL Director James Jewett presented the equipment to the Commissioner of Police Akeera Yunuss Mohammed, who represented the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu

at the function.

The equipment will be transferred to the Mobile Patrol Division of the Nigeria Police Force officers assigned to Borno State.

The statement read: “For the

500 officers of the Mobile Police Force currently serving in the state, INL provided bulletproof protective vests and bulletproof helmets, goggles, and 20 ballistic shields. A tent, mosquito nets, first aid boxes, heavy-duty flashlights, foldable mattresses and other hygiene products were also provided.”

It added that: “By providing these supplies and equipment, INL is complimenting prior US-

AID investments in Borno State through the Office of Transition Initiatives.”

The statement quoted James Jewett to have said: “We are proud to stand with Nigerian law enforcement on the front line of maintaining peace and security. This donation will improve the health and security of those brave men and women committed to providing law and order.”

Ezeemo: Job Creation Can Exterminate Crime in Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

GIVING TO THE PEOPLE… L-R: Representative of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the Permanent Secretary

of the ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke; and a beneficiary, Mrs. Adetunji Comfort, during the federal government Special Grants for Rural Women in Lagos, held at Police College Ground Oba Akinjobi Way, G.R.A Ikeja...yesterday

Bauchi Police Burst Syndicate Criminals Attacking, Terrorising Residents Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended 27 notorious hoodlums attacking and terrorising residents of the state.

According a press statement by the command's Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakili which was made available to newsmen yesterday, the criminals were arrested on the 27th January 2021 at about 0300 hrs, following an intelligence report by police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), coordinated by the RRS commander who raided the

criminals hideout and black spots.

The state police spokesman, said that the suspected criminals, had been terrorising Kofar Wambai, Abujan Kwata and other vulnerable places within the state metropolis.

He said that prior to their arrest, they had been engaged in perpetrating heinous crimes against the peace of the state, adding that their acts include an aggravated form of theft that involves the use of lethal weapons to leash violence against victims, depriving them of valuables such as mobile phones and cash as well as sometimes, brutally stabbing

them and leave them in their pool of blood, which could lead to possible loss of lives.

The police gave the names of the suspected criminals all males to include Ahmed Bala 18 years of Kofar Gombe, Abdul-Shakur Kabiru 17 years of Abujan Keats, Bello Ibrahim 25 years of Nasarawa Dawaki, Jamilu Iliya 15 years of Abujan Kwata, Dalhatu Bala 19 years of Kofar Gombe, Hamza Bala 30 years of Kofar Gombe, Fahat Mohammed 24 years of Abujan Kwata, Hamish Abubakar 50 years of Old Airport Road and Lawal Jibrin 22 years of Abujan Kwata.

Other suspects are Abuba-

kar Mohammed 27 years of Nasarawan Dawaki, Usman Mohammed 18 years of Nasarawa Dawaki, Mustapha Abdullahi 22 years of Abujan Kwata, Rufai Auwal 22 years of Abujan Kwata, Dani Mohammed 19 years of Abujan Kwata, Aminu Mu'azu 17 years of Dawaki Road, Salihu Ibrahim 20 years of Kofar Gombe, Zaharaddren Abdulsalam 20 years of Kofar Gombe, Ishan Dani 25 years of Karofi, Isiyaka Mustapha 20 years of Abujan Kwata, Ahmadu Mamma 16 years of Kofar Gombe and Salisu Muhammad 20 years of Kofar Gombe.

Man Jailed in Akwa Ibom for Ogun Approves Reconstruction of Journalists Arepo Estate Road Disobeying Court Order Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ A High Court in Akwa Ibom State has sentenced a man, Edem Tom Etuk in Itu Local Government of the state to one month imprisonment for disobeying court order.

The High Court sitting in Itu sentenced Etuk of Nung Ukot Itam, Itu Local Government Area to prison in accordance with Section 287 sub 3 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

In the judgement, the trial judge, Justice Ntong Ntong, convicted the contemnor and sentenced him without option of fine.

Justice Ntong further held that after the jail term, the convict shall continue to be in prison custody until he purges

himself of the contempt by writing an undertaking to obey the court order, until the order is set aside by a court of competent jurisdiction.

He said time had come for citizens no matter how highly or lowly placed, to obey court orders in order to enhance and safeguard the rule of law in a democratic society.

The judge said no one was above the law and that the majesty of the court must be jealously protected by every authority and persons.

The West Itam District Court had in 2015 delivered a judgement ordering the convict to vacate a piece of land on Atiku Abubakar Avenue, Uyo. The order, he refused to obey and equally refused to appeal in a higher court.

The Ogun State Executive Council has approved for immediate reconstruction, the 2.35km Journalists Estate Road at Arepo in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of the state.

According to the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in the State, Mr. Ade Akinsanya, "preliminary work had already commenced and the contractor was expected to mobilise to site this weekend. This is a high priority project and work at site will start soon.”

“The contractor is in the process of establishing an office and construction yard around the area,” he added noting that “when work begin on Sunday, I (Akinsanya) will be visiting the

project site in company with the contractor-in-charge."

Akinsanya said the project had a nine month construction period adding that the road “which is 13 metres wide, 1m by 1m covered reinforced drainage, and stone pavement when completed, would be fully illuminated with street light, lay byes, and other exotic road furniture.”

The commissioner assured that Governor Abiodun prioritised the road at Arepo because when completed it would provide relief for road users along the Lagos-Ibadan express axis that had faced difficult times navigating their ways to their homes, especially during rainy season.

A governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Anambra State, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, has said that job creation, especially among the youths could totally eliminate crime in the state.

The industrialist and businessman-turned politician who spoke with journalists yesterday said he was in the Anambra governorship race to ensure provision of employment and rebuilding of the state's economy.

He said, "Curbing crime and bringing about quality security can only be achieved through job creation. The youths must be engaged properly. An idle mind remains a threat to the security of the society.

"The continuous increase

in the population of young and vibrant men and women, graduates and skilled youths roaming the street all in attempt to survive is no longer acceptable. It is a threat to the security of lives and property."

The aspirant stated that he is not promising what he has not previously done as a personal individual, insisting that his chains of companies have provided over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Ezeemo listed his business interest to include Orient farms, fresh life water, Orient Newspaper and Orient printing press, and many others.

"I believe I have the capacity and technical know-how to bring about greater chances and massive employment for the youths if given the mandate as the governor of Anambra State," he stated.

Senate Minority Caucus, ExMinister Commiserate With Okowa over Father's Demise Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË The Senate Minority Caucus and the former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, have commiserated with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State over the death of his father, Sir Arthur Okowa.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senate Caucus in a statement yesterday by the Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, expressed sadness over the death of Chief Arthur Okorie Uzoma Okowa, father of the Governor Okowa.

According to the release, the caucus was saddened that the late Chief Okowa who until his death was the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero in Ika North East of Delta State, died at a perilous time in Nigeria, when his usual wise counsel is needed.

Abaribe, however, urged Governor Okowa and his family to take solace in the fact that their father and the patriarch of Owa-Alero Kingdom, lived a life of honour and integrity.

His legacy of honest service to his immediate community and in Delta State he said, is exemplified in Governor Okowa's giant strides in the development of the state.

"Therefore, we should

rather celebrate his life than mourning his exit. He bowed out graciously bequeathing to Delta State and Nigeria a worthy legacy in his son, Governor Okowa," Abaribe said.

On his part, the former Minister of State for Education, Gbagi, has described the late Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa as a pillar of unity in the state, and a guiding example whose footprints are evident in the life and achievements of Governor Okowa.

The Ex-Minister in a release yesterday stated that the deceased who until his death was the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero in Ika North East of Delta State, lived an eventful and fulfilled life worthy of celebration.

Gbagi's statement read in part: “I condole with my brother and friend, the Executive Governor of Delta State over the demise of his father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.

“Without a doubt, Papa lived a fulfilled life anchored on the principle of honesty and will be remembered particularly for his unifying role in ensuring peace in Delta State.” While commiserating with the people of Ika North East and Delta State, the former minister prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased who died at the age of 88.

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Femi Kuti Captures Everyday Struggle Don Jazzy Activates Ayra Starr

pg. 19

Jaajo’s Song of Protest pg. 20

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

18 Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

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Femi Kuti Captures Everyday Struggle ÐÜÙÌÏËÞ ÓÍÙؘ Ï×Ó ßÞÓ ßØÖÏËÝÒÏÝ Ë ÝÙØÑ ÞÓÞÖÏΘ ˫ Ý Ï ÞÜßÑÑÖÏ àÏÜãÎËãˬ˜ Ùʥ ÒÓÝ ˩ ÏÑËÍã Р˪ ÎÙßÌÖÏ ËÖÌß× ÚÜÙÔÏÍÞ áÓÞÒ ÒÓÝ ÝÙؘ ËÎÏ ßÞÓ˛ Ferdinand Ekechukwu ÜÏÚÙÜÞÝ

Made M d and nd Femi F mi Kuti K ti

M

usician Femi Kuti, like his legendary father, Fela Kuti, is politicallyconscious. His music deÀnes his brand and art and thrusts on the people some force of social reawakening. On his new song “As We Struggle Everyday”, Femi rails against oppression and corruption. This politically charged afrobeat tune is about people having the voting power to hold their ‘leaders’ accountable, but often failing to do so. “‘As We Struggle Everyday’ is about how hard people work every day to make ends meet and still go to vote corrupt politicians into power who are meant to be in jail,” Femi explained in a statement.

“As we struggle everyday, we try to Ànd a better way, see these leaders wey suppose jail, Na him my people dem dey hail,” the Afrobeat idol in his skillfully rhythmic Áow sings all through the three minutes 36 seconds song.

The track is the latest oͿering from the double album “Legacy +”, which is Femi’s joint project with his son, Made Kuti. Set for release February 5, 2021 via Partisan Records, Legacy + features Femi’s album “Stop the Hate” and his son Made’s album, “For(e)ward”.

Both records were produced by Sodi Marciszewer, who worked on Fela’s last

six albums. “Stop The Hate” announced last December comprises of 10 tracks, featuring Made, while ‘For(e)ward’ is slightly shorter with nine tracks all made

by Made alone.

The two records are encased in printed inner sleeves, featuring custom artwork

by Delphine Desane, which are both housed in a top-loading deluxe widespined jacket. It also contains an 8-page booklet featuring artwork, photographs and lyrics.

Femi had previously shared his album lead track, “Pa Pa Pa,” and Made has shared two tracks, ‘Free Your Mind’ and ‘Your Enemy’.

Steeped in the style that Fela Kuti has made so universally celebrated, the two albums making up Legacy + still oͿer each descendant’s own unique vision and Áavour. While the two have adopted their own styles and grooves within their music and art, the political and social messages continue to ring loud through tracks like Made’s “Your Enemy” a modern afrobeat sound transformed into an urgent call for justice.

Femi’s “Stop the Hate” tackles political issues impacting Nigeria, with pointed song titles like “Na Bigmanism Spoil Government,” “You Can’t Fight Corruption With Corruption,” “Land Grab,” and “Privatisation.”

“I’m talking about the government in Nigeria. The president tried to win the

election, and he surrounds himself with everybody who is corrupt. You can’t take money from criminals and then Àght criminals. If you are a good guy, you don’t take money from bad guys to Àght bad guys. You just have to Ànd a better way to Àght bad guys,” Femi said of the song, “You Can’t Fight Corruption With Corruption.”

On the project, Femi said: “I am very excited and happy because as a father I get to perform with my son on my album again, and I get to see him compose, arrange, and play all instruments on his own album. Most importantly, we get to release this project together. It is spiritually soothing and comforting to witness this chapter in my life.

“I don’t think it’s been done where a father and son have released on the same day, or have a joint album of this magnitude. It’s been more joy in my life to see my son be able to express himself in this manner. What other joy could a father want than to experience this in his lifetime?

Made Kuti remarked: “I truly believe that once in a while we are fortunate enough to write stories for ourselves that we can look back on much later in our lives.

This has been one of the greatest positive highlights of my life so far, both musically and transcendently. I’ve learnt so much from my father politically,

socially, philosophically and musically that I know this lovely project is only the beginning of more beautiful things to come.”

Much like Femi, who got his start playing in Fela’s Egypt 80 band in 1979, Made cut his teeth as a child touring with his father, playing bass and saxophone in his band, the Positive Force. Now, Made plays bass, alto saxophone, and percussion on “Stop the Hate” and is responsible for all the instrumentation on “For(e)ward.” In 1979 Femi was playing saxophone in his fathers’ band, just starting out. He would develop into an ambassador of Afrobeat and humanitarianism.

Femi has earned multiple Grammy nominations, performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages and festivals, and collaborated with iconic musicians across a wide array of genres, most recently Coldplay on their on their latest album Everyday Life. Like his father, Femi has made commitments to social and political causes throughout his career. Grandson Made on the other hand grew up in the legendary New Afrika Shrine in Lagos and spent much of his childhood touring with his father, playing bass or saxophone. Unlike his father, who didn’t formally study music, Made studied at the famed Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.

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Don Jazzy Activates Ayra Starr ãÜË ÞËÜÜ ÓÝ ÞÒÏ ÖËÞÏÝÞ ÞËÖÏØÞ ÞÙ ÔÙÓØ ÙØ Ëääã˪Ý ËàÓØ ÏÍÙÜÎÝ ËØÎ ÒÏÜ ÎÏÌßÞ àÓÝßËÖ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ÝÙØÑ ˩ áËã˪ ÓÝ ËÝ ÏØÞÜËØÍÓØÑ ËÝ ÒÏÜ ÖãÜÓÍݲ Ferdinand Ekechukwu ÜÏÚÙÜÞÝ

C

onsider being introduced to Nigerian singer/songwriter Ayra Starr and her shimmering new single literally blows you ‘Away’ as its name signiÀes. She is fresh, young and impressive. From all indication Ayra is already working out big with superstar producer, Don Jazzy barely days after the teenage star was signed to the label. Last week, the Mavin Records 18 year old female artiste premiered the o΀cial music video for her new song titled “Away”.

It is an R&B record which sees a woman who rejects a problematic relationship for the sake of her sanity. ‘Away’ music video ampliÀes the message of the song which is somewhat latest with feminist tropes. It’s a bop for everyone, so there should be no hesitation electing to listen to it. The music video, directed by Kewa Oni and Seun Opabisi, tells a tale of being your own hero, as Ayra depicts the images of legendary feminist icons while surrounded by an army of dancers.

The vivid colour scape and Ayra’s entrancing eyes tells more.

For one who has just popped on the music scene, the songstress shows singular promise with this song. The introductory “Away” is a pulsating, hip-grinding track that re-explores what typically makes up a break-up song.

On the track, Starr says, “I free styled half of ‘Away’ at a time I was feeling down. It was like therapy. Singing the song out loud was like freeing myself from my burden.”

‘Away’ is not just a heartbreak song, it’s a song that empowers people to stand up to that thing or person that is causing you sadness.

Lyrically enchanting Ayra croons: “When you gonna understand, you can never be the man I stan, you can never be the one for me, take away your trouble and leave me be . . .

Away Ah-Ah Away ay (Take all your trouble) / Away Ah-Ah Away ay (Take it, take it, take it ) / Away Ah-Ah Away ay / Understand Understand I won’t Understand / I won’t be the girl that use to cry Cry about a man that never came through / He dey lie All the time. . .” Her emphatically creative, hugely soulful blend comes straight from the heart.

Take ‘Away’. MelliÁuous, potent, and dynamic, the vocal touches on R&B while retaining elements of that altp sound. The new addition to the Mavin family assumed her role as a recording and performing talent with a self-titled debut EP. Ayra Starr’s eponymous 5-track EP showcases her eͿective writing skills and polished vocal abilities. The Benin-

Ayra Starr

born, Lagos-based singer navigates love and relationships (“Away”, “Ija” and “Memories”) as well as teenage angst and vices (“Ditr”).

It’s a joyful experience shaped by a sophisticated soundscape³electric guitar riͿs and subtle percussion merge with her soulful voice

to produce a delicious cocktail of heartfelt and carefree anthems.

About the multitalented creative, Don Jazzy said: “Last year I met the most incredible 18 year old girl, her name is #AyraStarr. Through her lyrics guided by her soulful voice I am

able to see the world from a teenager’s point of view. Ayra is not just an amazing artiste, she is an all-round superstar. It’s been a fantastic experience working behind the scene for over a year and we at Mavin Global are super proud to present to the world today AyraStarr.”

Sharon Ooja Thrills in ‘Still Falling’ The trailer for “Still Falling”, a new Nollywood movie starring fast rising stars, Sharon Ooja and Daniel Etim Effiong, captures thrilling and captivating scenes of love and hate. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports Her name is Bono Kuku, a boss lady, inÁuencer and a party girl. All seems to be well on the surface but deep inside of her lies emotional wreck, the kind that she would never want to remember. Anyway, she has to, especially as she runs into the source of her unpleasant past.

The trailer for upcoming movie, “Still Falling” opens. “I saw him,” Bono Kuku (played

by Sharon Ooja) tells her friend, who in turn responds, “Your vampire university boyfriend?”

What could he have done to merit such a vile description vampire boyfriend?

Well he slit his wrist and made her drink his blood for some reason. Following their unexpected reunion, the boyfriend Captain Lagi Gowon (played by Daniel E΀ong) really wants to them to talk. Soon after, he forcefully oͿers some explanation, yelling« “I was only

rebelling, don’t you get it?” Despite her sad experience, she’s still falling, sweetly falling and deep in love with him, she croons. The two minutes 11 seconds trailer for Dimbo and Karachi Atiya‘s “Still Falling” captures some thrilling and captivating scenes, set and shot in Abuja.

The anticipated Nollywood title which will premiere in cinemas nationwide on February 12 – within the Valentine (a season of love, friendship and emotion) - tells the story about love and forgiveness. This story of opposites love and hate, faith and doubt, grace and guts, triumphs and regrets will get everyone taking a deeper look at their motives and choices. But how much is hidden behind painted doors? Can we truly know someone? Are we as steady in faith as we think we are or are we “Still Falling”?

How do we tell a story of forgiveness when wounds refuse to heal?

Still Falling is the story of Bono Kuku and Capt. Lagi Gowon, two strong characters and how they collide and are permanently changed in the events that ensue, after a re-union that brings back memories of a toxic past. Woven into their lives are the friends and loved ones who can try to make the best out of a sticky situation. Whether they succeed or fail is up to fate.

The forthcoming feature Àlm stars other actors like veteran Liz (Benson) Ameye, Kunle Remi, Bethel ‘Senator’ Njokwu, Lulu Okonkwo, Laura Fidel, Eddy Madaki, Chavala Yaduma, Zeal (Styl-Plus) and many more, including a special guest appearance by renowned gospel singer, Dr. Panam Percy Paul.

Sharon Ooja

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Jaajo’s Song of Protest ̋ÌËÝÏÎ ÓÑÏÜÓËØ ÐÜÙ ÌÏËÞ ×ËÏÝÞÜÙ˜ ËËÔÙ ÌËÎÓ ÚÜÓÍÕÝ ÞÒÏ ØËÞÓÙØ˪Ý ÍÙØÝÍÓÏØÍÏ áÓÞÒ ˫ ÒÏ ËØÎ ÓÝ ÖÏÝÝÏβˬ Nduka Nwosu ßØ×ËÝÕÝ ÌËÎÓ ËØÎ ÒÓÝ ×ßÝÓÍ

J

aajo Mbadi, the Prince of Njaba wears that image of the cosmopolitan young and successful music icon in the mold of Davido or Boy George reclined on a sofa, in a palatial mansion somewhere in New York’s exotic Long Island or Orange County. On a cool Saturday morning, you could, expectedly though, hear his tribe listening to the rareÀed jazz music of Miles Davies or Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s ‘Lady,’ all to gain inspiration for something new, this time a new singles-The Land is Blessed dedicated to the victims of our recent tragedy as a people, and summarized as Endsars.

He smiles to a question on his networth since he left his country for theAmerican experience.

His response suggests he is still struggling to build his Taj Mahal but on toothpicks while waiting for the big break. He nearly made it with his Endsars campaign. Like Gianni Versace, he wanted to give to the world a fantasy of unrestrained opulence, through the glamorisation and fusion of Afrocentric sound of Afrobeat, highlife and calypso with a Cameroonian princess rendering the lyrical wrap on Endsars: “Brutality of innocent people wey them they shoot; them they kill innocent people wey no get shishi, in a land blessed by the Almighty Creator.”

The Njaba prince’s evangelism is all about the power drunk, pixilated, deceptive and selfserving Nigerian politician. Has this drumbeat of protest or complaint earned him respect, clout and fortune? Respect may be, just maybe, but not clout which comes with fortune. That is why he sings to earn the adulation of the patron saint of patriotic lost causes and noble grudges against a leadership that does not give a hoot how the led feels about him as long as he can part with some of his loot for continuity sake.

The Song of Protest-The Land is Blessed, a reminder of T.Y. Bello’s Greenland, soon gave Jaajo, the sobriquet of a revanchistAfrican artist.

Jaajo wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with his foreign collabos, in his cultural revanchism of African music, not necessarily to lean on the advice of Werner Spies, that German art historian who once asked artistes to beware of dilettante and supplicatory patronage. Spies had chided Max Beckman, Wilhelm Lembruck, andAuguste Macke for their supplicatory visits to France against what he called the French patronage of German art.

However one of Jaajo’s producers, the erudite Walter Blankson oͿered an explanation on why he did not hesitate to identify with him as a budding artiste of Afrocentric background.

According to Blankson, Jaajo’s originality in weighing in along with fellow artistes recommended him strongly as the new kid on the block, hence his willingness to breathe life into his kind of music. Add this to what he calls the blithe irresponsibility of the African big man whose brutality and sit tight, do nothing mentality, is a well-known trait all over the world, then the message of Endsars as Jaajo’s evangelism portrays, becomes a wailer’s refrain that resonates globally.

Meet the appealing young lady NaomiAchu, the US based Cameroonian polymath and rap artiste who oͿered the female lead to lend her voice against the brutality of African sit tight governments. Achu, the beautiful wife of Nigerian born Dayo Chiedozie Akinwande, belongs to that generation of the African child that has risen against a jaded old system of leadership, crusading for an Africa, in this context a Nigeria that radiates deep freshness and unsuspected candour that holds a great

Jaajo

hope for the youth. The Queen of Bamenda, as she is best known, like many youths of the land, wants to carry her destiny out of her own sweat with a career that can place her on the threshold of fortune, only if the leaders can create the right environment for the youths to grow and bloom. Naomi’s hit single Alhadji, depicting her deceit of the a΁uent in society, was the favourite of Big Brother Africa, Season 8.

Adds Achu: “Being an African and a Cameroonian makes it imperative I join in the Endsars campaign. And so when my brother Jaajo, whom I have known for years asked me to join him in the campaign, I had no option but to respond, after all, people all over the world are using their voices to let the government know how the people feel.”

Indeed, nowhere was this more manifest as in the US with George Floyd screaming: “I can’t breathe,” and “where is my mama,” as the jackboot of a scoundrel snuͿed the life out of him before a bewildered nation that wailed and raised its voice to God insisting that black lives will always matter.

Whatever happens, the man of the moment Jaajo croons on the beauty of a celebrant as he sneaked into the country for his third album as well as updates his second love as a clothier with his brand Fresh and Glamour Couture on the rise.

Listen to Jaajo’s comparison between his country and the foreign land he currently inhabits: “The song I did on the land is blessed was an old song which was in the works. The initial beat was Niger is blessed but considering what happened in the US culminating in the Black Lives Matter movement, the death of George Floyd and others, I saw a global movement against injustice when in Nigeria Endsars resonated globally especially with the shooting of the protesters.”

In all this crises, Jaajo saw a rhythm of unity in humanity’s rise against man’s inhumanity to his fellow man. There is a correlation between what is happening inAfrica and what is going on around the world, he argues.

Naomi Achu

“I have been fortunate here,” referring to his American experience, “with little or no unpleasant experience. In Nigeria I have had an unpleasant experience with the police. I once sent a car home and asked a friend to help me sell the car. He did and pocketed the money.

I got him arrested. The police released him and asked me to forget it. I resorted to SARS at Ikeja. He was arrested and his brother tried to bail him. SARS surprisingly was pleading on his behalf, that this man was not in a position to pay me, a criminal at that. An agreement was reached on mode of payment and the police or SARS added it would be the one to receive the payment with a ten per cent of my money coming to them. The Àrst payment was made and I was not put on notice. SARS pocketed my money and nothing was heard of subsequent payments. I became so frustrated I forgot about the whole arrangement.”

That explains the background to his current music and the Lekki shootings that halted the movement. Jaajo’s dream world goes beyond Endsars and Niger the blessed land.

Jaajo wants to be celebrated as an icon and legend of the music industry, a God-like Afrocentric artist, he says. “Afrocentrism is essential in deÀning my genre in music. My audience should not be mistaken in knowing where I come from and the leaning of my kind of music.”

The Afrocentric singer says he has to tell the African story to other parts of the world: “I had always striven to see my music embedded in Afrocentrism either in the message, the lyrics, the rhythm or my appearance; the culture of the people must be the selling point to the global community. That is the dream, the vision. Mine is a combination of Afrobeat, highlife and calypso. What matters is what you have to oͿer.”

Is he ready to project and bring the inner dream to real life? Jaajo’s response: “That is the heart of the matter. It is disappointing the way things are back home. If those in government are ready to restructure every part of society for positive results, I don’t see any reason why

we should be here. Your home is your home, no matter how bad it is. It is true that east or west, home is the best. Each time I come home, there’s a kind of comfort and joy that Áoods through my consciousness.

Sadly, last time Jaajo got a call from his Maryland home, it was to bury his mother, Celestina Owubenne Mbadi (nee Mar’obi Diya). “It is unfortunate that things are the way they are,” he laments and adds, “unlike here and typical of the western world, things are structured to make life more fulÀlling.

For the youths, all hands must be on deck if we must re-write our story in the quest to make our country a better place. I am ever ready to be part of that journey, to be part of that movement, even if it means lending my voice as an artist to actualize that dream.

Apart from that it is what it is, a crusading song for correction, for reform, for making things work.”

The video stream rotates from an idyllic beauty of modern architectural designs, clean, well paved streets and undulating trees lined with state of the art homes, to junkyards in a thick bush where the Nigerian Customs Service hides its so called seized vehicles and seized materials of all kinds ready for auction.

“This is nothing but a reÁection of anger, disorganization, disunity, the ugliness surrounding the situation we Ànd ourselves,” Jaajo laments Jaajo has a parting message to the Nigerian youth: “My message to the youths is to be upright. They should Àght for their rights.

They must not allow the campaign against bad leadership to degenerate to the point of making them lose focus.

“We should have a stronghold on the society. We have to stand our ground to resist oppression and anarchy. That is on the side of the government, on the side of individual development, we should always be focused on our careers and endeavours. It may not come now but it will deÀnitely come with prayers and consistency. It is disappointing the way things are back home but don’t give up.”

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Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

S Gee Releases ‘Sweet Melody’

A

fro pop singer and songwriter, S Gee has released his much talked about Extended Play (EP) and guess what, he’s aptly called it “Sweet Melody.” The body of work consists of seven tracks, with five new songs and two previously released singles - Iyanu Mashele - on which he featured Qdot Alagbe and the recent ‘No Forget’.

According to S Gee, he aims to excite listeners with Sweet Melody EP and take them further into his sound. He said: “Sweet Melody EP is inspired by love, hope and the machinations in between, and laced with sweet melodies.”

S Gee, born Shittu Ganiyu is

a buzzing afro-pop singer and songwriter signed to the management of SonyJojo Entertainment.

His first single under Sony Jojo Entertainment, “Iyanu Mashele Remix” with Qdot was released in October 2020.

The song in no time became a fan-favourite which naturally led to more listing on streaming platforms and more exposure.

After the success of “Iyanu Mashele Remix”, S Gee followed up with yet another song titled “No Forget”, to remind his lover about his promises.

“No forget” was released on December 25, 2020 as a Christmas package.

Producers who worked on the “Sweet Melody” EP include She2Sounds, Rhaffy, Seyi Trex, Rhaffy, Weird One, T Quava, and Psalm Jazzy.

S Gee

FONDCUP Seeks Better Image for Niger Delta with Pageant The maiden edition of the Face of Niger-Delta Cultural Pageant (FONDCUP) is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Niger Delta region, which has over the years been ridden with a lot of issues and gripped with fear.

Speaking about the pageant, the Convener, Elizabeth Era explains: “Niger-Delta indigenes known for militancy, kidnapping and conflicts, also had their unique cultural heritage and other potentials Nigerians need to be aware of and explore.

The pageant will have nine contestants from nine NigerDelta states staying together for 22 days, while they will be examined and preoccupied based on the Niger-Delta

Elizabeth Era

culture and various cultural programmes. After the 22 days in camp, the face of Niger-Delta Cultural Pageant will emerge.”

The pageantry is being organised in collaboration with The World Kindness Movement with the registration beginning late January to close March 15.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, the auditioning will be done virtually, while the grand finale of the entire contest will hold on June 25.

The organisers and her partners said they look forward to seeing the pageant as an avenue to present a positive image of the Nigeria Delta and also see how the winner can lead a course to bring a positive image of the people, it’s culture and lifestyle.

Joseph Edgar Set to Release ‘Anonymous Nipples’ Anonymous Nipples, a Coffee Table Book authored by renowned producer and author, Joseph Edgar is a provocative and exclusive book about women for men.

The 142-page book comes with some of the most provocative pictures and strong writings from seasoned icons like Alibaba and Regina Askia.

Speaking on the book, Edgar stated: “The Book was born out of the need to throw up these issues as regards our sexuality so that we can openly discuss them in a bid to strengthen relationships.

The book in many convincing ways would streamline communications between sexes and couples in a bid to strengthen

bonds.”

This bedside collection of views and perception would address the communication gap between couples as the book aims at bringing out things people shy away from discussing in the open and adding to why he featured some creative minds in the book he discloses that, “This was in a bid to get other perspectives so that we don’t just narrow opinions to that of the author only.”

With the release set for February, the buzz has started with many people curious and anticipating the economy of content to be read, absolved and digested from the book.

Joseph Edgar

22

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Moriento

My Late Mom Wanted Me to Be a Gospel Artiste ßÜÙÚÏ̋ÌËÝÏÎ ÓÑÏÜÓËØ ËÜÞÓÝÞϘ ÐÏÙÖßáË ËØÓÏÖ ãÏØÓ ËÕË ÙÜÓÏØÞÙ ÓÝ ËØ ËÜÞÓÝÞÏ áÒÙ ÎÜËáÝ ÓØÝÚÓÜËÞÓÙØ ÐÜÙ× ÑÜÏËÞ ×ßÝÓÍËÖ ÓÍÙØÝ ÖÓÕÏ ËÐÜÙÌÏËÞ ÖÏÑÏØΘ ÏÖË ØÓÕßÖËÚÙ ßÞÓ˜ ÜÖËØÎÙ áÙÒ ËØÎ ˛ ÒÏ ÜËÚ˹ËÐÜÙÌÏËÞÝ ËÜÞÓÝÞÏ ÓÝ áÙÜÕÓØÑ ÙØ Ë ÍÙßÚÖÏ ÙÐ ÚÜÙÔÏÍÞÝ ÞÒËÞ ËÜÏ ÜÏËÎã ÞÙ ÒÓÞ ÞÒÏ ËÓÜáËàÏݲ Ï ÜÏÍÏØÞÖã ÜÏÖÏËÝÏÎ ÒÓÝ ˫ʨÜÝÞ ËÍÞÓàÓÝ×ˬ ÕÓØÎ ÙÐ ×ßÝÓÍ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÞÓÞÖÏ ˩ Ù×Ï ÜËÓØÓØÑ˪˛ ÙÜÓÏØÞÙ ÝÒËÜÏÝ ÒÓÝ ÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ ËØÎ ×ßÝÓÍ ÔÙßÜØÏã ÓØ ÞÒÓÝ ÓØÞÏÜàÓÏá áÓÞÒ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

W

ho is Ifeoluwa Daniel Ayeni, aka Moriento?

I’m an artiste, a composer and a lyricist; I do Afrobeats and rap music. I’m presently base in Baltic, Europe.

I hail from Ondo state Nigeria, Akure to be precise. I bagged a degree in Philosophy, at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, Nigeria. I am the last in a family of six.

released in 2016 under Chibana entertainment, you went underground. Why? Actually my contract ended with Chibana Entertainment in December 2017, I relocated to Europe in January 2018, I kept doing music, I released ‘Hold Me Tight’, ‘Let You Know’ and ‘Let’s go’ under Muzik Jail Records. These songs were majorly promoted in Europe. That is why it seems I went underground. But in the real sense, I was very active in the entertainment industry performing in diͿerent events in Europe.

How did your music journey begin?

I started as a kid out of mumbling. My immediate elder brother who goes by the name Seyi once told me that I was around the age of 3 when I had my peer group gathered in our neighborhood leading a chorus that has no exact meaning. He said I started singing: “idiye adidiye” he said before they knew it, other kids around my age joined me, that whenever I say ‘idiye’, the kids will reply, ‘adidiye’. By the time I was in primary 5 at Command Children School, NDA Cantonment, Kaduna, I was lucky to have an elder brother who goes by the name David, he was professionally into music in Kaduna under the group called “The Bishops”. He was their lead vocalist and they always rehearsed in our house back then in the mid 90’s. This eventually inÁuenced me greatly to start composing my own songs.

What motivates you as an artiste?

Anything motivates me. It could be pain, hurt, love and care; it could also be social injustices.

Can you share with us your memorable experience as an artiste?

I have so many, but let me give you two unforgettable experiences as an artiste. First was when my local band and I spoiled our class teacher’s table while I was entertaining my primary school audience after school hours in Kaduna. My drum boy (Banbangida) was using two short rods to play beats on the teacher’s desk while I was singing. My teacher was so furious the next day when he saw his desk with dents, he went to report the case to the head mistress, the head mistress then came with some other teachers that were in the school. When they arrived, she asked who did it, I came out, she asked why?

I said we were rehearsing my new song. She said okay, she wants to listen to the song. At the end of the day, it became an open school show that even the teachers began to dance and vibe to my live play. I was eventually scheduled to entertain guests at the school end of the year and primary six-graduation party. Another is when I started music as a professional, the DJ stopped my music in the middle of my performance, I continued my performance without a pause, and the crowd went gaga.

What’s your parent’s reaction when they learnt that you want to become an artiste?

They never discouraged me; my late mom wanted me to be a gospel artiste. Although my late dad wanted me to be a chartered accountant and join the Army, going to the University to study Philosophy changed his wish in that regard. He later encouraged me to make good use of my music talent after he watched one of my live performances on TV, he was proud of me, based on the way I moved the crowd, when I got home, he shook my hands and told me to keep it up.

He advised me to start listening to the likes of Fela, Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, Olando Owoh and Bob Marley.

After your debut single ‘Aye Dun’, followed by “Your Beauty”, which you

What discouragement have you faced?

Yes, I have met a few people that tell me to my face that they are not fans, but that doesn’t move me an inch, because the people that encourage me are ten times more than the few that discourages me.

People even dash me cash during performance or buy me drinks at clubs just to show their support to my brand. However, even some of the few that told me that they are not my fans, turn out to be my craziest fans after they watch me perform live. They dare not escape the energy.

What are you presently working on?

I have many projects that are ready, but presently, I just released my Àrst activism kind of music with the title “Home Training”. I think the spirit of Fela Anikulapo Kuti in this very song possessed me.

How would you compare Nigerian artistes with those abroad?

Nigerian artistes are world class. Their creativity has given them world recognition. Out of little, they have been able to display their talents and export it to the world. Nigerian Artistes are number one in Africa; even the whites are now rocking our songs with pride. Imagine if we have the support from the government like other developed nations, we will do wonders.

However, I know that we are just warming up.

Many artistes are into the entertainment industry doing the same thing. What PDNHV \RX GL;HUHQW IURP WKH RWKHUV" My husky voice is an advantage and my lyrics and composition. A good number of Nigerian artistes / world artistes shy away from socio-political topics or use their music as a force to tackle social injustices; this is where I tend to bridge the gap. “Home Training”, my latest song will give you a clue of where I am coming from. :KDW GR \RX WKLQN DERXW WKH H;HFW RI the COVID-19 pandemic on the Entertainment industry? How has the pandemic D;HFWHG \RX" Covid-19 is really aͿecting the entertainment industry, but we have to improvise. I was supposed to shoot a ‘Home Training’ video on the street, but I have to improvise due to the lock down in this part of Europe that I reside.

Who are your role models?

Being an afrobeats and rap artiste, DMX and Ja Rule are my role models; same also the late Olando Owoh and Fela Anikulapo Kuti are my role models. However, business wise, Jayz and P Diddy are my role models.

Moriento

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ ͻͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

Governance:: Reins, Not ‘Reigns’

“A

PC: This is to inform all concerned that the all important (all-important) Anambra State Stakeholders’ meeting to be addressed by….”

“Chrome Group congratulates you for (on/upon) a successful one year in offi f ce as….”

“It’s now one year since God brought you to the reigns of power (handed you the reins) to change the fortunes of….”

“A payment solution that enables your customers make (to make) quick….”

(Full-page advertisement by Access, THISDAY, January 23) This is certainly beyond banking!

“We are looking at assets lying down and in some cases, even completely rundown (run down)” “…is looking good for the alter (altar)….”

“Earlier, the government has (had) planned to borrow N850billion (N850 billion) from unclaimed dividends….”

Wrong: out of school children Right: out-of-school children “For the first time since the scandal broke, Senate, yesterday, admitted paying only N62.5 million to purchase a bullet-proof Range rover Sports Utility (Sport-Utility) Vehicle (SUV) for the offi f ce of its president.”

“Police arraign alleged fake lawyer in court” Where else would they have arr raigned the buffoon? Yank away ‘in court’!

“2 jailed 4 years over (for) rape” “The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your (our) children.”

“We rejoice with you on your 65 (65th) birthday….”

“Not only do we rejoice with the celebrant (celebrator) for partaking in abundant grace….”

“He will grant you strenght (strength),

good health and wisdom.” “…as you strive to contribute your quota in (to) building a more vibrant democracy for the benefit of our dear country.”

“With people (a person) like you working with our dear president and other patriotic Nigerians….”

“This is indeed a (the) right time to express how positively you have impacted good moral, attitude and values to (on) the people that have come across you.”

“The commitment and dedicated leaderr ship you shown (show or have shown) has (have)….”

From a full-page advertorial by Liberal Minds Grassroot (Grassroots) Forum come the following improprieties: “Words are too much (Words are not enough) to appraise your worth. Over the years (a comma) you have broken tribal (ethnic) barriers to stamp your imprints on….”

“Your giant strides have been highly impactful in (on) the lives of many….”

“We doff (preferably ‘take off’) our hats for (to) a dynamic strategist who turns 65 today.”

It is now the turn of APC (Lagos State): “The entire executive, leaders and members of our great party in the state of aquatic splendour felicitate with our referred (revered) leader on this occasion of….”

“The Board of Trustee (Trustees) (BoT) and the entire members of….”

“You are an advocate of true federalism and peace (peaceful) co-existence….”

“And your landmark achievements in (on) our nation’s political landscape these past years.” “Your continuous efforts for a better Lagos is (are) appreciated.”

“As a man of vision and a dogged fighter of (for) democracy….”

“We celebrate the peace of God in (on) your life and your family….”

“We were (are) delighted to mark this special day with you.”

Wrong: occassion; right: occasion “66 candle light (lights) for Jagaban” “You have proven (proved) to be a true hero of democracy….”

The next solecisms are by the National Committee of Buhari Support Groups: “Your sterling efforts…remains (remain) evergreen in the memory (memories) of Nigerians.”

“Today, we join other well meaning (well-meaning) people to rejoice with our amiable leader….”

“Also, the ruling party needs a strong crisis resolution (crisis-resolution) mechanism.”

“These long list (this long list or these long lists, depending on intent) From Fatai Atere Way comes this misapprehension: “Asiwaju Tinubu is a workaholic.” The last entry in this excerpt is negative. Not many people know this!

“This truth no doubt was expressed in recognition of the role of the press in any society, especially one striving towards (for/after) the attainment of democracy.”

“And as the UN was packing its bags and baggage out of Somalia….” Standard expression: bag and baggage. “…the whole nation hailed and applauded both parties in the protracted ASUU crisis for reaching an agreeable truce.” Gentlemen of the Press, what is the meaning of ‘agreeable truce’? Students used to make newspapers reference materials for English language studies. I doubt if that happens these days, with oddities like ‘agreeable truce’.

“Cake is fattening thereby loosing its attraction to….” Correct spelling can’t lose attraction.

“I and the other Nigerians who had come to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia…”)

Grammatical discipline demands that you put self last: The other Nigerians and I….

“Kogi workers asked to sign attendant register” ‘Attendance register’, please.

Ten Ways To Survive in Nigeria

I

t is pretty diffi fficult to remain positive when you look at life and living in Nigeria, especially when you consider the litany of inadequacies, inequalities and vaulting corruption - both seen and unseen. Though your country has been credited with immense resources, natural and human, and there have been stories of incredible feats in diverse fi fields and societies all over the world, you are nonetheless regularly confronted with situations and circumstances that numb the senses. People simply look for ways to make sense out of their reality.

Anyone who has been mentally and physically agile from the 1970s, and is still functional in these times, the tendency to see any glorious future in the politics and prospects of Nigeria is largely opaque. It is pretty difficult to retain a reasonable level of optimism in the hackneyed pidgin ‘amulet’, “Nigeria go better”...without a knowing wink that it was merely a government-sponsored malarkey!

Thus, virtually everyone in Nigeria has to design structures and concepts that can help in making living and prospering become somehow attainable. Some are more successful than others in deploying effective strategies that attempt to keep them above the flotsam of the Nigerian experience. In these circumstances, morality and ethics have a problem instilling any semblance of discipline or sanction - as the streets wisely counsel: “Na who morality/ethic epp?”

We have profiled ten of many ways intelligent and invenn tive Nigerians are scooping quality living and survival tools (not necessarily loot) out of the massive dunghill Nigeria is drifting towards. This is not a sanctimonious condemnation of anyone’s understanding of survival tactics, nor is it a liberal glorification of subterfuge. In a jungle of life, prudish gentility is suicidal, and the lion-hearted often live fat and long.

Number one, and the most lucrative: Join Politics. The pracc tice, process and principles of politics in Nigeria are notoriously vague. Most politicians are really not politicians - they have no interest in the welfare or safety of the people; rather, any thing outside of their self-interest has no attraction for them. Their private interactions and public deliberations clearly show they hate the people, except the few they need in pursuit of expandd ing their self-interest. To rise in Nigerian politics, you really don’t need any serious academic or practice-skilled background... you don’t have to be competent, hardworking or industrious.

Such skills are largely useless, and in fact counterproductive. If you’re blessed with thick skin and a cold heart, impervious to shame, condescension and insults, you will rise swiftly to high offices. Persons with any sense of importance based on actual

professional or academic substance are usually dismissed and overlooked - to their endless frustration - while the robustly idiotic, the empty charlatans, the freakiest chorus-leaders with capacity to laugh heartily at the leader’s lamentable jokes, are some of the most significant!

Whatever your discomfort at the current state of the nation, the political jobbers are well and truly successful...reminding you rather grotesquely with their shimmering automobiles, gorgeous courtesans and lavish mansions...that politics of hubris and insignificance is the life source for millions in this country - be thankful to God - and the reasons we still have a country.

Political Thuggery. Tribal activism. Of course, the next best thing to joining politics is fronting for politicians on the field of violence and intimidation - especially if you are young, stubborn and thoughtless. Those who assume political thugs are usually groomed at the motor-parks and artisans’ workshops miss it a little. Many of the most effective thugs, though mostly shortlived, are mined from tertiary institutions all over the country - deep in the recesses of proscribed yet thriving cult groups.

Some of those who survived the bloodshed - forget rusticaa tion and suspension - of secret cults and students unionism, find roles that suit their temperaments with the politicians.

Unfortunately, their successes after graduation into realpolitik, enables them to re-create greater conflagration back in their cult-hoods, especially with ‘poli-dollars’ and hard drugs flowing through the veins of axe-wielding miseducated thugs.

The few who survive the terrors and torment of political thuggery, are now metamorphosing into champions of the terr ritorial rights of their native lands. Suffused with ‘poli-cash’ and cow-headed ideology from blighted and irredeemably corrupt politicians, the former thugs now slide into yawning gaps left by you-know-who, to lead genuine agitations of their people who have been grossly neglected, dehumanised and sometimes extinguished. Are we shocked when past masters and ex labour prefects clash in the village square?

The third level of survivalists share some kinship to the two above. Rabble-Rousers hosting vitriolic shrines in multimedia channels. When they lose their exalted political or economic positions (gained in the first place, mostly by nepotism, godfaa therism and other disgusting ‘isms’), they will then assail the air with loud and sometime unclear condemnation of current political champions. They mostly shout against what they used to accommodate or even flaunt. Every scheme of their former friends or old opponents attracts vicious gutter-snipes laced with absolutely no reasonable solutions. And poor Nigerians, knocked down by unfortunate acts and missteps of

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“…and the partitioning of the country by the clan chiefs and warlords continue.” The partitioning (not the chiefs and warlords) continues.’

“Another recipient of the award was one of the directors of RayPower, a private electronic media….” If a non-journalist does not know the differences between ‘media’ and ‘medium’, I could excuse the fellow, but a (supposed) colleague of mine writing ‘a media’ amounts to crass illiteracy.

“They have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the de-politicization of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues….” I cannot acquiesce in the ruination of modern English by some traditionalists.

“It was a most unhurried journey accomplished well over six hours, from 9 a.m. in the morning till about 2.00 p.m. in the afternoon.” One of these days, somebody will scribble ‘I saw the picture with my naked eyes’! Dear reader, you do not need ‘in the morning or afternoon’ after the abbreviation ‘a.m.’ or ‘p.m.’ ‘A.m.’ means ante meridiem (before noon). Similarly, p.m. refers to post meridiem (afternoon).

“The effectiveness of these provisions are hampered by ignorance and poverty.” This smacks of language poverty. Ignorance should not be extended to grammatical concord: “The effectiveness…is’.

“Jesus is calling you to return back to Him!” Delete ‘back’ because of its redundancy here. “…what has happened to all the women arrested over such hineous (sic) crimes.”

Get it right: ‘arrest’ takes ‘for’; never ‘over’.

The same thing applies to ‘charge with’; not ‘for’ or ‘over’ as commonly used in the print media. And this: heinous “Contributions made were for needy.”

No blasphemy: the needy

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUN AK NDE E-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

governments, are willing hearers, readers and watchers of the Rabble Rousers. Yet, unknown to most of their “followers” and co-critics, the major babblers find opportunity and visitations, in the dead of nights and in shallow villas, to oil their waning stash of filthy lucre.

We all condemn criminality and banditry, don’t we? Don’t be quick to answer yes. There are folks out there who make a fine distinction between a common criminal and another alleged criminal who happens to come from a peculiar tribe or association. We have had situations where allegations were made against a particular set of criminals - for the umpteenth time - who seemed to indulge in nefarious activities like kidnapping for hefty ransom, killings, abductions, banditry... and powers-that-be rush to defend their safety, innocence and sanctity. And this in the face of tears, casualties and scorched farmlands of indigenous victims.

Have we not witnessed bandits and violent wayfarers being feted at government houses...over a round-table of brotherhood to discuss amnesty protocols, and logistical support to aid their reintegration into normalcy? And the beasts in human form turn around to use government largesse to perpetuate more gruesome acts. Sometimes, government makes sensible, law-abiding people wonder if those who govern us understand loyalty to the constitution (even in its troubled state)...or the true meaning of egalitarianism - the spirit that treats every person the same way, bestowing equal rights, opportunities and privileges on all, without let.

And finally, for the moment, the fifth channel: The Street Mobilizer. A nation in a flux will inevitably be in need of redeemers, messiahs and interlocutors. Such complexities that regularly provoke divisions, apprehension and suspicion within the polity, require that there shall always be jobs for field coordinators, ‘line ‘inspirators’ and agent provocateurs who can rail and agitate against one mishap or foolhardy position of a government beset by premium variant of a victim complex. Do you still wonder why we have more faux activists than genuine protesters?

We continue next week...in this jungle we love to call home.

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

24

with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Nutritionists Harp on Health Benefits of Capri-Sun

Pioneer President of newly inaugurated Ilupeju/Gbagada and District Society (IGDS) of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Gbenga Omidiji, signing oath of office and President of ICAN, Dame Onome Adewuyi at the inauguration of the district and investiture ceremony in Lagos… recently

MultiChoice Slashes Prices of DStv, GOtv Decoders

MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced a price slash on its DStv and GOtv decoders starting Monday, February 1st, 2021.

The price slash will see the DStv HD decoder, dish kit with Compact package subscription drop from N18,600 to N9,900 on Confam package, while GOtv decoder, GOtennae with GOtv Jolli package subscription will go from N8,400 to N6,900.

DStv Confam is one of two recently improved DStv packages specially designed for the Nigerian family. With over 120 channels, DStv Confam offers the best of family time with international entertainment, kids, news and sports boasting of a range of channels including SuperSport La Liga, CBS Reality, FOX, BET and Cartoon Network.

GOtv Jolli, also a recently improved package on the DTT offering, offers a broad selection of over 68 local and international channels to choose

from. Some of the channels available include SuperSport Football, ROK 2, Telemundo, FOX, Davinci Learning and Africa News.

Speaking at a virtual media briefing held on Friday, 29 January, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, explained that the price slash is part of MultiChoice’s long line of efforts to lessen the economic impact of COVID on customers and a reflection of its commitment to making quality entertainment more accessible to Nigerians.

“With this discount, we are lowering the entry barrier for new customers to get a DStv or GOtv decoder as staying connected to credible information and other quality programming can be comforting for many families during these trying times,” said Mabutho.

Mabutho also listed some of the company’s relief strategies deployed during the first wave

of the pandemic which include cash donations of N200 million and N50 million to the Federal Government and Lagos State Government respectively, N400 million to the creative industry, whose professionals experienced disruptions in productions; donation of 30,000 Personal Protective Equipment and 30,000 face masks to hospitals and Non-Governmental Organisations as well as an approved inventory worth over N550m highlighting NCDC’s COVID-19 helplines and PSA materials on over 10 channels on DStv and GOtv. “In addition to the discount we are currently running our DStv Step Up offer which gives our customers on lower packages an opportunity to experience programming on higher packages, and a GOtv Max offer which sees customers on Jolli and Jinja enjoy a special discount of N2,999 instead of N3,600 per month,” Mabutho added.

CIRT, Microsoft Sign Global Strategic Alliance Agreement In a move that will further digital transformation in the region, South African Internet of Things (IoT) start up Consumption Information Real Time (CIRT) has announced that they have entered into a multiyear strategic alliance with Microsoft.

As part of this agreement Microsoft will provide technical guidance, support and access to engineering resources, business development resources and integration of Company Solutions to Microsoft Azure. In addition, once migration has taken place and the solutions are Commercial Marketplace transactable, the organisation will provide the beneÀts available through its Commercial Marketplace and associated programs for which the Company Solutions qualify.

In return, CIRT will integrate Retail Intelligence Solution, Fridgeloc Solution and Temploc Cold

Supply Chain Monitor Solution with Azure IoT Central and other relevant Azure and Microsoft Power BI Services as well as complete onboarding of all solutions to Azure Marketplace.

Ajay Lalu, co-founder and director for CIRT said: “We are currently engaging with several global fuel retailers and a Mobile Network Operator to deploy our latest solution for retailers - Q-Hop©. Q-Hop© is a contactless and cashless retail experience for grocery, personal care and convenience retailers. The Q-Hop© solution was developed during a hard lockdown in South Africa entirely virtually and proudly using local technology. Our alliance with Microsoft will give us the global platform to accelerate the deployment and continued evolution of our solutions. Microsoft have been an amazing strategic partner from the

outset and have supported the development and deployment of our IoT solutions.”

“At a time when the needs of customers and businesses are constantly changing, the collaboration with CIRT is necessary. Many of our retail clients constantly seek innovative IoT solutions to help them create in-store and online experiences that build customer loyalty.

The strategic alliance with CIRT will provide our global clients with access to a stream of innovative IoT solutions,” says Tony Shakib, IOT Business Acceleration GM at Microsoft.

CIRT deals with large enterprise clients like Anheuser-Busch InBev’s (AB InBev) South African subsidiary South African Breweries (SAB), where the organisation co-developed and deployed a pilot of its Fridgeloc© Connected Cooler solution.

Airtel Commences NIN Registration Telecommunication Firm, Airtel Nigeria, has announced the commencement of the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise in its retail outlets across the country.

This followed the latest approval from the Federal Government granting the company a verification and enrolment license to register citizens.

According to the firm, some select retail outlets are already opened in Lagos and Abuja for the exercise, adding that it is presently working on expanding NIN footprints to cover more areas and States.

“Residents of Abuja can now visit Transcorp

Hilton situated in Mataima or Airtel showrooms at Carpet Plaza and Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, while those in Lagos can walk into Airtel Express Point, Oyin Jolayemi, Victoria Island or Airtel showroom in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, Lagos.

“Lagos residents can also visit the Airtel showroom in Tejuosho, Yaba; Airtel showroom in Isheri Road, Ogba and the Airtel showroom in Oba Akran, Ikeja to register for the NIN exercise,” it informed further.

Speaking on the development, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Segun Ogunsanya, commended Federal

Government for expanding the registration footprints and taking definitive steps to smoothen registration process for Nigerians.

He said, “Airtel is always seeking opportunities to co-operate and partner with the Nigerian government on initiatives that will make life easier and better for Nigerians.

“As a law abiding and responsible corporate citizen, we are always ready to go extra mile for our esteemed stakeholders and that is why we are pleased to partner with the federal government and the National Identity Management Commission on citizens’ registration exercise”, he said.

In an eͿort to reinforce its leadership in the fruit drink segment for children, Capri-Sun launched a national consumer awareness campaign to reiterate its all-natural ingredient recipe as a healthier option that supports the long term growth and development of children.

Leading on from this, a few health nutritionists have lent expert opinions on the nutritional beneÀts of Capri-Sun Fruit Drink. They emphasized the importance of CapriSun’s ‘Clean Recipe’ that ensures the use of only premium natural ingredients extracted from the best of fruits, thereby guaranteeing optimal retention of fruit contents as superior to chemically manufactured fruit drinks lacking in nutritional value.

Kemi Lawal, a Dietitian and Nutritionist with Hopewell Nutrition, stated that in the case of fruit drinks, using natural ingredients means that most nutrients from its original state will be present in the product.

“As nutritionists, we always recommend the consumption of food and drinks made with all-natural ingredients because of its numerous health beneÀts. Capri-Sun falls into this category for kids with its unique processing that ensures no artiÀcial colours, no artiÀcial sweeteners, Áavours and preservatives,” she noted.

For Tope Brown, a Nutritionist, it is important for parents to keep a tab on what their kids consume as unwholesome fruit drinks could be detrimental to their wellbeing.

“Parents constantly tell us of their preference for fruit drinks made with all-natural ingredients for their kids.

Unwholesome fruit drinks add no value and we encourage them to enable their kids develop a healthy relationship with fruit drinks made with “Clean Recipe” like Capri-Sun for their long term growth and development,” he added.

Capri-Sun oͿers a convenient way to hydrate with a natural taste that appeals to kids. It is made with all-natural ingredients - that means no artiÀcial colours, no artiÀcial sweeteners, no artiÀcial Áavours and no preservatives.

Capri-Sun is available in Orange and Apple variants and comes in 200ml and 100ml fun pouches. It can be purchased in all departmental stores, neighborhood shops, open markets and supermarkets located nationwide.

Zedcrest Restructures, Gets new CFO Zedcrest Group has announced the appointment of Olumide Odewole as its new Chief Financial Officer, CFO, and a member of the executive management.

Odewole’s new role required him to scale the group’s operations, while driving cultural change and strong sustainable performance.

He is bringing onboard 15 years’ experience in Global business leadership, Corporate Finance, Deal Structuring and Fund Raising, Risk Management and Control, Financial and Treasury Management.

Others included: P&L and Budget Management and Direction, Performance Management, Strategic Planning and Execution, Financial Analysis and Reporting, Product and Venture Development, amongst others.

Prior to joining Zedcrest Group, Odewole was the Chief Operating Officer with Monument Group, a diversified company with interest in key sectors of the Nigerian Economy, from November 2017 to December 2020.

Over the last decade, Odewole has worked as Corporate Finance and Governance Consultant for Phillips Consulting Limited; Finance and Strategy Manager for a leading downstream oil and gas company in Nigeria; Core Planning Manager for a telecommunications consulting firm in Nigeria and Accounts Manager and Tax Accountant for one of the FMCG companies in Nigeria.

Odewole is a CFA Charter holder, a Qualified Accountant (Nigeria and the United Kingdom), and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the Oxford Brookes University (UK).

Commenting on the appointment, Group Managing Director of Zedcrest Group, Adedayo Amzat, said, “I am pleased to welcome Olumide to Zedcrest Group and our leadership team. His deep and extensive experience in leading financial operations and value integration will make a strong contribution to the leadership of Zedcrest.

“We have achieved a whole lot since inception in 2013, being lucky to have scored the most amazing senior leadership team to steer the ship. However, with an ambitious roadmap to execute, we clearly need a lot more management competence to drive our growth initiatives.

“Olumide is bringing on-board a competence and culture, we have struggled with in-house, that of ordered and methodical execution,” he said.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 30, 2021

POLITY

Minister Disburses N160m to 8000 Lagos Rural Women Bennett Oghifo

M

inister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Faruk, yesterday disbursed N160 million to 8,000 rural women in Lagos State.

The Lagos edition is part of the nationwide grant for Rural Women Project.

The programme was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.

The Minister said the programme is consistent with the President’s national vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years, explaining that it is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural and peri-urban areas of the country.

The minister, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mallam. Bashir Nura Alkali, explained that the grant was federal government’s gesture and support towards alleviating the trauma caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

According to Sadiya, the social investment programme

introduced 2106, has impacted positively on the lives of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria as over 12 million households have benefitted from similar interventions in the last five years.

This included payment of a monthly Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) of N5,000.00 to one million indigent Nigerians to protect them against economic shocks and elevate them out of poverty.

In addition, 1,092,405 micro and small business owners accessed loans to boost productivity, increase income and reduce poverty under the Government Enterprise Enhancement Programme (GEEP). The N-Power programme provided temporary income-generating opportunities for 500,000 unemployed youths while 8,612,457 primary 1-3 pupils in public schools currently are receiving one meal per day under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme.

“It is in view of this, that President Muhammadu Buhari graciously approved the expansion of the programme to touch more lives and lift more Nigerians above the poverty line,” said the minister. The grant, Sadiya explained, among many other programmes in the ministry, is being restructured and revamped to respond to peculiarities of different parts of the country, to ensure the right beneficiaries are targeted, and to enhance impact

on target beneficiaries. She said: “We are working tirelessly to address some of the socioeconomic problems that are bedevilling all parts of the country by strengthening the humanitariandevelopment-peace nexus. A cash grant of N20,000.00 will be disbursed to about 125,000 poor women across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory. Our target in Lagos State is to disburse the grant to over 8,000 beneficiaries across all local government councils.

“The grant is expected to increase income and productive assets of target beneficiaries. It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the grant to generally contribute towards improving their living standard.

“We believe with the complementary effort of the Lagos State Government, the target beneficiaries will be adequately covered within the next few days. I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders present here, we will remain on the track of lifting 100 million out of poverty by 2030.”

The Lagos State governor was represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadiri Hamza, who helped in disbursing the grants to the beneficiaries.

Jasper Jumbo Urges Nigerians to Ignore Calls for Scrapping of NDDC

T

he National Leader of Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas in Nigeria (HOSCON) Professor Jasper Jambo has called on Nigerians to ignore the call on the Federal Government to scrap the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by one Benjamin Style.

In a press statement which he personally signed, Professor Jambo stated that the call was irresponsible, an insult and gross disregard and disrespect of the untiring efforts of His Excellency, King Alfred Diette Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass and former Military Governor of Old Rivers State who, along with his colleagues Bishop Dr. Mike Emus, His Highness Wellington Okrika, HRH Eze Amadi, HRH Frank Okurakpo and HRM Whiskey and himself, had been tolling day and night in liaison with various Federal Government agencies to ensure a better deal for the oil producing communities in Nigeria.

He stated that suggestions to scrap NDDC amounted to throwing the baby away with the bad bath water and a frontal challenge to His Excellency, President Buhari’s

commendable forensic audit initiative, aimed at sanitizing the NDDC. He also asserted that those calling for the scrapping of NDDC were never involved in the struggle for the development of the Niger Delta region initiated by the late Dr. Harold Dappa Biriye and sustained by himself and many others right from 1979, “struggles which led to the establishment of the Association for Niger Delta Monarchs in Nigeria (ANDMON), TROMPCON, OMPADEC and eventually NDDC. “ He acknowledged the fact that the NDDC had not fully lived up to its expectations, “primarily due to the fact that the successive managers and directors of the Commission, not having imbibed the spirit, commitment, vision and mission of developing the Niger Delta region, did comparatively less over the years to make the poor and suffering inhabitants of the Niger Delta region feel the impact of the development agency over the years’. He suggested that a solution to the frequent squabbles and infighting within the NDDC could be found by the Federal Government appointing patriotic Nigerians who were known to have been genuinely committed to

the Niger Delta struggle into the Board and Management of the Commission.”

He further disclosed that the Founding Fathers of the Nigeria Association for Mineral Producing Areas Development (NAMPAD) and the leaders of HOSCON had presented proposals at the Public Hearing stage in the National Assembly to be incorporated into the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) presently at the final stages of passage in the National Assembly. Some of the key proposals include the suggestion that the ownership of oil mineral resources should not be invested in the Federal Government alone but that the host communities should also be co-owners, in order to ensure peaceful operating environment for the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in the area.

They also stressed the need to make regulations on the administration, real landlords/stakeholders buy-in, to control the utilization of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund, with the Communities owning 5% to 6%, in order to put an end to the militancy and disruption of oil exploration activities which have become frequent in the area.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Secretary to the State Government of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Ekiti State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Solomon Iyamu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and NSCDC Assistant Commandant General in charge of Zone J, Fasiu Adeyinka; during Adeyinka’s courtesy visit to the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti…recently

L-R: Senior Banking Advisor, Retail, Access Bank Plc., Robert Giles;Winner of the AccessTransact AndWin Promo, Adetayo Esther Olumide; and Group Head, Retail Marketing and Analytics, Access Bank Plc., Chioma Afe, during the presentation of car prize transact and win promo to the winner in Lagos...recently SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Chairman African Industries, Raj Gupta; Director Cooperate Affairs, African Industries, Uche Iwuamadi; and Managing Director/CEO, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, at The Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) presentation of oxygen to the federal government in Lagos ...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Past Assistant Governor Rotary Club of Asaba Metropolitan, Martha Nwosisi and President Patricia Ojebor, during Patricia Ojebor installation ceremony as President of Rotary Club of Asaba Metropolitan ...recently

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 30, 2021

POLITY

NDLEA: Marwa Signs New Pact with US to Strengthen Drug War

Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

C

hairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the United States Government on how to strengthen Nigeria’s war against drug even as he assured that the agency will be hard against drug traffickers, exporters and importers operating in the country.

He disclosed this when he received the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard in his office in Abuja. According to Gen. Marwa, “We will be hard against drug criminals.

We will be serious. We are going to rid this country of illicit drugs trade, trafficking and consumption. But in carrying out this onerous task, I will take this opportunity to seek for more of your support for the agency to enable us move faster”.

Disclosing that the NDLEA has been partnering with the US departments and agencies fighting against drugs menace like DEA and INF, he said, “The US has assisted us in the area of training, operational equipment, logistics. But we still need more of these assistance to ensure we go after the criminals and in a hard way.

“I must thank the US government for all the support NDLEA has received through the years. Indeed, this week, I distributed 12 vehicles which I got wind of during my time in PACEDA (Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drugs Abuse). I also got wind of delayed Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, between the agency and the United States. I am happy to say I have signed the MOU.” While thanking the US Ambassador for the visit, Gen. Marwa said, “On behalf of the officers and men of the NDLEA, I like to commend you for your visit which is remarkable, coming just in the second week of my assumption of office. This speaks volumes to the agency.”

Chairman/Chief Executive of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) (right) with the US ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Mary Beth Leonard, when the latter paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Thursday

In her remarks, the US Ambassador said the visit was to congratulate Gen. Marwa on his appointment as NDLEA boss. “We also like to know your priority, present and future direction of the agency under your leadership.

We have a long history of relationship. It was great to come see him (Marwa), to get his assessment of the situation on ground and know how to move the relationship forward”, Ms Beth Leonard said.

Gowon Celebrates Oyinlola at 70

R

espected elderstatesman and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon has sent a letter of felicitation to former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on his 70th birthday.

Prince Oyinlola, who is also a former military administrator of Lagos State, will clock 70 years on Wednesday, 3 February, 2021.

General Gowon, in the two-page letter personally signed by him described Oyinlola as a person of character adding that Oyinlola had been “an exceptional success” from the time he knew him “as a young officer” over 50 years ago in the Signals Corps of the NigeriaArmy, and who later “meritoriously rose to the enviable rank of Brigadier General.”

“Looking back Dear Prince Olagunsoye

Oyinlola, we have cause to celebrate this landmark event with you. Indeed, your life has been that of service to the nation and humanity right from your prime till now. You served the nation as a gallant and loyal military officer for 30 years as General of the NigeriaArmy and MilitaryAdministrator, Lagos State. On leaving the service on retirement, you continued to serve the nation in politics as two -term civilian Governor of Osun State. Congratulations!

“You have been a shining example of humility, patriotism, courage and service to your community and humanity. I could not agree more with your dear wife, Princess Omolola Oyinlola in her letter that you are a “Child of Destiny”.

“I write with pride the report of selfless and responsible service you left wherever you served.

The commitment to your faith is exemplary.

The Nigeria Prays organization can affirm that.

Nigeria Prays recalls with thanks and gratitude the overwhelming support and contribution to the success of the two rallies held in Osun State during your tenure as Governor of osun State.

These acts by you, your dear wife and your government at the time will remain indelible in our memory,” General Gowon declared.

To celebrate Prince Oyinlola’s 70th birthday, a 2-day event which will comply strictly with COVID-19 protocols, has been lined up. There will be a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos on 3rd February 2021 at 11am. This will be followed by another Thanksgiving Service at the Oba Oyinlola MemorialAnglican Church, Okuku, on Saturday 6th February at 10am for well wishers from Osun State and the environs.

Oyinlola Expected at the celebrations are leaders across the country including former presidents, governors, ex-governors, other political leaders, captains of industry and religious leaders of all persuasions.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns, a reception earlier planned for the Harbour Point,Victoria Island Lagos and other social events earlier scheduled for Okuku, Osun State have been put off.

FG to Commence Procurement Process for Highway Concessions

T

he Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, has said that with the receipt of the Certificate of Compliance, the Federal Government is to officially commence the procurement process for the highway concessions under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

According to the Minister, the HDMI would facilitate further development of Nigeria’s federal highway network by bringing in investment to improve efficiency, accountability, and profitable entrepreneurship to the operation, management, and maintenance of all assets within the Right of Way on the highways.

Mr. Fashola said that the initiative has further affirmed the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s commitment to infrastructure development funding which has been driven by theRoadInfrastructureDevelopmentandRefurbishmentInvestmentTaxCreditSchemeOrderof2018 ,thePresidentialInfrastructureDevelopmentFund (PIDF) being managed by the Nigeria Sovereign InvestmentAuthority(NSIA)andtheSUKUKFund.

HenotedthatthroughsuchinitiativestheFederal Governmenthasbeenleveragingonprivatesector funding and participation in the development of

critical infrastructure across the country and the HDMI is another innovation developed to attract the private sector.

TheMinisterwhospokeattheofficialhandover oftheCertificateofCompliancebyICRC,explained that the HDMI was a fully home-grown idea that woulddeliverasaferandenjoyabletravelexperience for Nigerian road users as travel time would be shortened,costreduced,andcommercialactivities stimulated.

Explaining further, he said the HDMI is an indigenous Land Value Capture scheme conceived by the Ministry to develop Nigeria’s network of federal highway corridors and boost economic development along the Right of Way. He added that it would be executed in two parts comprising ValueAdded Concession (VAC) and Unbundled Assets Approval (UAA).

On the economic benefits, Mr. Fashola said: “Apartfrominfrastructureandassetsdevelopment, thousands of jobs will be created for Nigerians as the initiative will open up the highway economy with opportunities in various economic activities including fabrication of gantries and directional signages with advertising opportunities, towing vanoperationsandautorepairstations,operationof restareasandemergencyservices,amongothers.”

Continuing, he said: “ When fully operational

road users will now enjoy first-class facilities on federal highways with directional signages, wellequippedrestareas,round-the-clocksecuritypatrol, and ambulance services for emergencies”.

Mr. Fashola appreciated and commended the InfrastructureConcessionRegulatoryCommission’s (ICRC) diligent appraisal of the initiative and for issuing Certificate of Compliance to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to proceed with the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).

In his welcome address the Permanent Secrtary, FederalMinsitryofWorksandHousingBabangida Hussainisaidthatthedevelopment,expansionand maintenanceoffederalhighwayshaveincreasingly become a herculean task to government due to dwindling revenues and other compelling public service obliigaitons.

He said: ‘’It is to mitigate this challenge that the Ministry has adopted the option of exploring the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement , whichseekstoemploytheprivatesector’stechnical competencies,managerialcapabilitiesandfinancial resources to salvage the federal roads networks.”

According to him, the PPP arrangement in the management ofourhighwayswillbringorder,efficiency,accountabilityandprofitableentrepreneurship to the operation, management , maintenance of all

assets within the nation’s right of way.

Earlier,theDirector-GeneraloftheInfrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Engineer Chidi Izuwah represented by Barr. Joel Micheal Ohiani , who presented the certificate to the Minister inAbuja on Friday 29th January, 2021 said that the initiative would enable private sector participationinthemanagementandmaintenance of road assets through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.

TheInfrastructureConcessionRegulatoryCommission (ICRC) is charged with the responsibility of developing guidelines for monitoring contract compliance during construction, operation, and contract termination and supporting MDAs like the Ministry of Works and Housing in achieving such compliance.

Over time, ICRC had collaborated with the Ministry of Works and Housing, to implement a cohesive national legal, policy, and regulatory environment that was conducive to private sector investmentinNigeria’sroadsandhousingprojects.

He commended the novel initiative and said that it would create jobs, boost the government’s revenue, and speed up Nigeria’s economic recovery, citing the popular Chinese proverb that says, “If you want to grow rich, build a good road first.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

30.01.2021

3

NEWS

AWAY RUN UNDER THREAT

Paul Onuachu

Dictating the Pace in Belgian Pro League

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Paul Onuachu celebrates one of his goals for Racing Genks

W

ith the next 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier matches fast approaching, Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr will be hoping that Racing Genk striker, Paul Onuachu replicates his club performances for the national team.

Onuachu continued his excellent form in the Belgian First Division A by scoring a brace in his team’s 3-2 win over Zulte-Waregem at the Luminus Arena on Wednesday evening.

In doing so, the Nigerian international boosted his average to 0.96 goals per game this season after 23 appearances.

Onuachu broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, slotting into an empty net after the ball was laid on a plate for him by Daniel Munoz; then doubled the advantage when he headed home a corner kick in the 52nd minute.

The former FC Midtjylland star has now scored 22 goals this term and needs one more goal to equal his personal best return for goals in a single season set back in the 201617 campaign with the Danish champions.

Onuachu’s goals have not gone unnoticed by clubs in the big five European Leagues as he has been linked with possible moves to the French Ligue 1 and English Premier League in the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old is one goal shy of Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski as the most prolific player in the whole of Europe.

Genk’s 12th league win of the season takes them nine points behind table-toppers Club Brugge who have a game in hand.

The lanky centre-forward has been delivering sparkling performances for John van den Brom’s men this season and continued his form at Luminus Arena.

Onuachu was handed his 21st league start of the campaign, pairing Junya Ito in attack and utilised the opportunity to increase his tally.

The game started with both sides aiming to outwit each other but there was no goal until some moments before the half time break when the Super Eagles forward found the back of the net with a well-taken strike.

The Luminus Arena outfit continued their domination after the restart and doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Onuachu fired his effort past goalkeeper Louis Bostyn after receiving an assist from Bryan Heynen.

Paul Onuachu

Dictating the Pace in Belgian Pro League His performance this season has been electrifying, finding the back of the net with relative ease. With 22 goals so far to his name, Paul Onuachu is ahead of the next contender by six goals and just a goal behind the highest goal scorer in the whole of Europe. With his performance so far, Genk may find it difficult to hold on to their jewel as French and English clubs are already hovering The victory propelled the Blue and White to second spot on the league table behind leaders Club Brugge after gathering 42 points from 24 games.

Onuachu featured for the duration of the game and has now scored 22 league goals, including five braces and provided two assists in 22 matches.

The centre-forward joined the Belgian club from Danish side Midtjylland in the summer of 2019 and has been turning heads with his performances.

He will hope to continue his terrific form for Genk when they take on Mechelen in their next league game today.

The forward has struggled to make an impact for the Nigeria national team and will hope to replicate his club performances for the Super Eagles in their next 2022 AFCON qualifiers.

Onuachu remains the highest scoring Nigerian player in Europe this season with 19 goals after 19 league matches, and he leads the goalscorers chart in the First Division A. The 26-year-old was playing amateur football barely six years ago and almost did not even make it to the professional ranks.

While turning out as an offensive midfielder for Young Stars Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, Onuachu’s growth spurt meant he could not quite function effectively in that playmaking role and his future as a footballer looked in doubt. His father, growing impatient,

decided it would be better for his younger son to leave football and either continue his education, or become a trader at the popular Alaba electronics market in Lagos.

That was when fortune played its part.

First, his coaches at Young Stars decided to convert him to a striker, where his emerging physical attributes could be more of an asset.

“It was tough for him as he was growing taller. We had options to either move him to defensive midfield, central defence or attack,” said Young Stars coach Osahon Emokpae to ESPN FC. Then he was spotted by FC Ebedei’s Churchill Oliseh, a man whose track record of spotting and promoting talent includes the likes of Obafemi Martins, Stephen Makinwa and current Nigeria midfielder Sylvester Igboun.

“As soon as I saw him, I knew he was special,” said Oliseh to ESPN FC. “And as I always do wi t h m y players, we immediately put him on scholarship at Golden Gate College, Sagamu while he played and lived a t t h e a c a d e m y. ” While at school, Onuachu played for Ebedei, including a friendly match against Nigeria’s under 23 team in which he was head and shoulders above everyone else, and not just p h y s i c a l l y.

“Some of the team officials came to me and said I should tell him to show more respect

to his senior international colleagues and not embarrass them too much,” Oliseh said.

Within months of leaving school, where he passed his O Levels with seven credits, and finishing as third-highest scorer in the Nigerian second division, Onuachu was off to Denmark to join Ebedei’s parent club, Midjytlland.

Oliseh insists that the 26 year-old Onuachu, who was a member of his school’s 4x100m relay team, has all the tools. “For a player with his height, he has good dribbling ability. People of his height only rely mostly on their aerial strength, but he can play, both in the air and on the ground. And he has speed,” said Oliseh.

Onuachu moved to Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2012, on a scholarship, from their affiliate team in Nigeria, FC Ebedei. He was a prolific scorer for their youth team, and made his first-team debut in the Cup later that year, before making his league debut in December 2012. In June 2013 he signed a new three-year contract with the club, before extending it for further threeyears in August 2015. In early 2015 he was loaned to Vejle BK, before returning to FC Midtjylland ahead of the 2015–16 season.

Onuachu however said he would love to play for Arsenal. “The way they play is just the kind of football I like to see and so I would like to play for Arsenal at one point…”

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man Utd Stake Unbeaten Away Run at the Emirate Manchester United may have lost four in 19 Premier League matches, but their away record has been unprecedented, with seven wins and two draws in nine games. The Ole Gunnar Solskjear side boast of the best away record in the current season. The Red Devils away form will however be facing a litmus test today as they visit in-form Arsenal at the Emirate Stadium. While the Gunners are coming into the game boosted by their 3-1 away victory against Southampton on Tuesday, United’s title ambition suffered a setback midweek, no thanks to their 2-1 loss at home to Sheffield United and will need an extra motivation to get the result against Mikel Arteta’s men

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

19 20 20 20 20 19 18 20 20 18 19 19 20 20 19 20 20 19 20 20

23 10 14 17 6 14 7 10 6 12 3 -3 -8 -12 -11 -15 -7 -12 -33 -21

41 40 39 37 35 33 33 30 30 29 29 26 23 23 22 19 18 13 11 8

Head to Head 20/ 01/11 Man Utd 0 - 1 Arsenal 20/ 01/01 Arsenal 2 - 0 Man Utd 19/30/09 Man Utd 1 - 1 Arsenal 19/10/03 Arsenal 2 - 0 Man Utd 18/0 5/12 Man Utd 2 - 2 Arsenal 18/ 29/04 Man Utd 2 - 1 Arsenal 17/ 02/12 Arsenal 1 - 3 Man Utd 17/ 07/05 Arsenal 2 - 0 Man Utd 16/ 19/11 Man Utd 1 - 1 Arsenal 16/ 28/02 Man Utd 3 - 2 Arsenal 15/ 04/10 Arsenal 3 - 0 Man Utd 15/ 17/05 Man Utd 1 - 1 Arsenal 14/ 22/11 Arsenal 1 - 2 Man Utd 14/12/02 Arsenal 0 - 0 Man Utd PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Everton v Crystal Palace v Man City v West Brom v Arsenal v Southampton v

Newcastle Wolves Sheffield Utd Fulham Man Utd Aston Villa

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

Burnley Leeds Utd Liverpool Tottenham

12:00 14:00 16:30 19:15

SUNDAY

Chelsea Leicester West Ham Brighton

Manchester United right back, Aron Wan-Bissaka halts Arsenal Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s threat

O

ne of the defining rivalries of the Premier League era enters its latest chapter this afternoon when Arsenal welcome Manchester United to the Emirates

Stadium.

Seven places and 10 points separate the two sides in the log, but it is ninthplaced Arsenal who go into the game off the back of a victory while secondplaced Manchester United were left reeling by defeat to Sheffield United last time out.

Showdowns between these two once-great rivals may not be what they used to be when they went a long way towards deciding the destination of the Premier League title, but they still carry an extra edge.

Two former players who know all about the history of this fixture are now in the dugouts, and they will no doubt be demanding that the current crop do their predecessors justice.

Man United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be demanding an immediate reaction from his side after they slumped to a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Sheffield United on Wednesday night, but for Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta the message will be to continue where they left off last time out.

The Gunners swiftly avenged their FA Cup exit at the hands of Southampton by beating them in the Premier League, again at St Mary’s, just three days later, with talented teenager Bukayo Saka further enhancing his burgeoning reputation with another goal and assist.

That result lifted Arsenal up to ninth

in the standings and continued a resurgence which has catapulted them up towards the top of the form table, with only Manchester City having picked up more points over the last six games.

The scale of the turnaround has been stark; Arsenal have picked up 16 points from the last 18 on offer, more than doubling both their points tally and their goal tally in the process.

Arteta’s men won just four of their first 14 league games this season but have now won five of their last six, while they netted 12 goals in those opening 14 games - whereas the last six outings have yielded 16 goals.

Of course, sitting ninth in the table after 20 games is still a disappointing return for Arsenal, but they at least appear to now be back on the right track, with a growing identity to go with their improving results.

Certainly, the pressure on Arteta’s shoulders has eased, and both he and his counterpart in this match, Solskjaer, will be thankful to their clubs for keeping faith in a position where Chelsea did not with Frank Lampard.

In addition to an improvement going forward, inspired by Saka and ably assisted by Alexandre Lacazette’s return to form, Arsenal have also been better defensively, with only Southampton having scored against them in their last seven outings across all competitions.

At home, Arsenal have kept three clean sheets in a row - as many as they had managed in their previous 19 games at the Emirates - and Saturday offers them the opportunity to extend that to four on the bounce for the first time

since April 2019 - a run which, incidentally, included victory over Manchester United.

There could also be a small slice of history on offer for Arteta as he looks to become the first ever Arsenal boss to win each of his first three league games against Man United, while that is a feat only three managers of any club have ever achieved in the Premier League era.

Such a result would be another dent in the title hopes which have grown at Man United this season, but the Red Devils are chasing history themselves as they travel to North London.

A win or a draw would see Solskjaer’s side make it 18 consecutive top-flight away games unbeaten stretching back more than a year, something Man United have never managed before in their illustrious history.

The 20-time English champions have won more points and scored more goals away from home than any other Premier League side this season, so a trip to an Arsenal team with a distinctly average home record should not faze them.

However, their confidence will have no doubt taken a hit during their 2-1 defeat to bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United in midweek, as the Blades upset all the odds to deal a reality check to the title hopefuls.

Whereas Man United’s away form has been peerless so far, the loss to Sheffield United was their fourth at home already this term - their most in a single season since the David Moyes campaign of 2013-14.

v v v v

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Mo Salah Mohamed Salah Harry Kane Heung Son Bruno Fernandes Jamie Vardy Calvert-Lewin Patrick Bamford Wilfried Zaha Callum Wilson Ollie Watkins Alexandre Lacazette Marcus Rashford Danny IngsIngs Sadio Mané l Neal Maupay Ilkay Gündogan Tomas Soucek

CLUB

GOALS

Liverpool 13 Liverpool 13 Tottenham 12 Tottenham 12 Man Utd 11 Leicester 11 Everton 11 Leeds 10 Palace 9 Newcastle 8 Villa 8 Arsenal 8 Man Utd 7 Southampton 7 Liverpool 7 Brighton 7 Man City 7 West Ham 7

The Red Devils’ uncanny habit of coming from behind to win - something they have achieved seven times already this season, abandoned them on Wednesday, denying them the chance to regain top spot from local rivals Manchester City.

The result also ended a 13-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League, which incidentally stretched back to the reverse of this fixture, which Arsenal won 1-0 at Old Trafford on November 1.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang settled that game from the penalty spot, but Man United have not lost back-to-back league games for more than a year now and will know that a repeat of that result today would put the title race firmly into the hands of an ominous-looking Man City.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Super-Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr discusses tactics with senior players before an AFCON qualifier game

Senator Theodore Orji (middle) presenting the trophy to Nkemakolam James (right) captain of Umuagungolori Obiohuru winners of the football competition, and sponsor of the competition, Emeka Elias Ihedioha (left) and former Chief Press Secretary and Director General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agencv, Sam Hart (first Left) at the event... recent;ly

Super Eagles, Rohr’s Debts Give NFF Concern, Says Pinnick

Ochendo Reloaded Football League: Catching them Young at Grassroots

The Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has said his administration was working to settle the debts they owe Super Eagles players and coaches despite the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Pinnick did not shy away from the financial challenges facing the NFF and the struggles they encounter in discharging their financial obligations to Nigeria’s football teams.

Although salaries and allowances of national coaches have been slashed, Coach Gernot Rohr is being owed five months’ salary, with goalkeeper coach Alloy Agu awaiting 22-months unpaid wages while the Super Eagles are yet to receive their bonuses and allowances for 19 months.

Pinnick blamed Covid-19 for its negative impact on businesses, including the NFF premium sponsors Aiteo Group; he however disclosed his administra-

Football enthusiast, Senator Theodore Orji, presented trophies to winners of the just concluded Ochendo Reloaded Football League, writes Charles Ajunwa

tion’s commitment in paying off the debts as soon as possible.

“With the pandemic and challenges facing oil companies, things have been tough for our sponsors Aiteo, who are responsible for the payment of coaches,” Pinnick told BBC Sport.

“But we’ve moved to pay Alloy (Agu) nine months of his wages from what we have left and coach Gernot too will be sorted. We don’t want to owe and that is the mentality in which I came into the NFF. “There are circumstances beyond our control. It is not a good thing to owe and we don’t like the image it creates.

“We are looking at every means not to owe. The toxic atmosphere has really affected our sponsorship drive but we can’t give excuses.

“We are working religiously and assiduously to resolve this as soon as possible.

“It’s a kind of government responsibility to pay the

players and the (Nigerian) president is very keen on helping to sort it.

“I was in Abuja and I found out it’s only a matter of the modalities delaying paying the allowances and bonuses, any moment from now it will be sorted out.”

On Wednesday, Pinnick was cleared to vie for one of the six member seats allocated to the Confederation of African Football at the Fifa Council.

Fifa Review Committee has declared South Africa’s billionaire Patrice Motsepe eligible to compete for Confederat...

The 50-year-old said his ambition to be in the biggest football decision-making body was in the best interest of Africa.

“The quest for a Fifa council seat is in the interest of the continent and as the head of Nigerian football I must ensure all is well at home, too,” he concluded.

Irish League Top Scorer, Akinade Craves for Eagles Call-up Prolific goal scorer of Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC of Vietnam, Ishmael Akinade, has called on Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, to also focus on him and other Nigerians playing professional football in Vietnamese league.

The 26 year old who was highest goal scorer at former clubs, Bohemian of Ireland and Da Nang FC of Vietnam

said Rohr’ attention would fast track his dream to feature for the Super Eagles .

He said he was elated when Manchester United legend, Roy Keane presented him the Irish Highest Scorer/Player of the year Awards in 2015.

“Yea that was massive and I have vowed to keep doing better .I’m happy the goals came at Bluebell

United, Waterford , S.H.B and DaNang . This season at Hong Linh Ha Tinh my mission is more goals .Coach Rohr should pay attention as I believe I can do same for my country I left as a kid “I’m ready to compete for Nigerian striking shirt,” concluded the Ibadan born Akinade due for week 3 action in the Vietnamese league this weekend.

Man City Versus Sheffield, LaLiga Games Live on GOtv Max GOtv customers can look forward to another football weekend with live action from the 2020/21 Premier League, La Liga and Serie A seasons on SuperSport for matches scheduled for January 29 to February 1.

The top clash from the Premier League this weekend is the meeting of Manchester City and Sheffielld United at 4pm today, showing live on SS Select 2.

At 9pm, South-

ampton versus Aston Villa will also air live on SS Football channel 31.

SuperSport is the only place to get English commentary from the La Liga, where the pick of matches for this round sees Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao at the Camp Nou on Sunday, at 9pm live on SS La Liga (channel 32).

Elsewhere, Real Madrid will back themselves in a home clash with Levante, airing live on

SS La Liga (channel 32) at 4:15pm, while Atletico Madrid will feel similarly confident against Cadiz.

This clash will air live at 4:15pm on SS La Liga (channel 32).

The round also has a potential thriller between Villarreal and Real at Estadio de la Ceramica tonight by 9pm. The weekend matches wrap up with the clash between Real Betis and Osasuna on Monday, airing at 9pm on SS La Liga (channel 32).

The headline match from Italy for this round sees Atalanta host Lazio at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergam at 3pm on Sunday, live on SS Select 1 (channel 33).

Today at 8:45pm, Internazionale will clash with Benevento also showing live on SS Select 1 (channel 33).

The weekend also features Sampdoria welcoming champions Juventus at 6pm live on SS Select 1 (channel 33).

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hen he is not on political turf doing politics, he is watching his team, Tottenham Hotspur play at the English Premier League. He kicks with his legs and hands and uses his mouth to direct the players whenever his team is in possession of the ball on pitch of play. That is how passionate Senator Theodore Orji, who represents Abia Central Senatorial District at the Red Chamber, is about his number one club in the world, Tottenham Hotspur. This is no fluke, as governor of Abia State for eight eventful years, Orji supported the state-owned clubs- Enymba and Abia Warriors to win laurels for the state. He loves jersey number 10, which great players like Pele, Maradona, Jay Jay Okocha are known for.

Orji who honoured the invitation as Special Guest of Honour at the just concluded Ochendo Reloaded Football League Part-2 grand finale on the 6th of January, 2021, at Williams Memorial Secondary School, Afugiri, Umuahia, received a standing ovation from the crowd and the atmosphere became charged as the crowd chanted Ochendo, Ochendo, in appreciation to his love for the round leather game.

In his welcome address, the chief sponsor of Ochendo Reloaded Football League, Prince Emeka Elias Ihedioha, said the epoch-making event was a football competition comprising the villages of Afugiri community in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

“This football competition whose first edition started in 2018 was borne out of an obsession to create a possible convergence between the empowering activities of His Excellency, Senator T.A.Orji (Ochendo Global) and the Afugiri youths through sports.

“The competition had to a large extent helped in strengthening the peace, love and unity existing among the villages of the Afugiri community, encouraged character development/ discipline as well as enhancing the capacity of the youths and creating an enabling environment for talent discoveries.

“Additionally, we anticipate that in the course of this finals being played today, that sports directors and football team managers present will utilise the opportunity to scout for potentials/ talents who will promote and defend our nation’s integrity tomorrow.

“Furthermore, this competition hopes to address the issue of economic disempowerment of wider sections of the citizenry as a potent cause of violence and youth restiveness in the community through the engagement of the youths in activities like this. I have however, provided the prizes for the winners of the competition as follows: 1st position – Five hundred thousand Naira, 2nd position – Two hundred thousand Naira and 3rd position – One hundred thousand Naira.

“In addition to other 86 medals that will be given to deserving individuals who participated in the competition. I therefore enjoin all the participating teams to play safe and confine themselves within the acceptable rules of the competition.

“Again, I sincerely wish to appreciate His Excellency, Senator T.A.Orji for his good gestures and for being present on this occasion. My heart-felt appreciation also goes to the able President General of Afugiri Federated, Engr. Godwin Iroabuchi Ohaeri and his executive for their wonderful support in ensuring that this competition becomes a success. I am also indebted to the wonderful team of experienced organising committee for this tournament, all the participating teams, fans, the spectators and everyone who was part of the success of this competition. May the Almighty God bless you all,” he charged.

The competition tagged ‘Afugiri Reloaded 2’ had 10 villages participating, namely, Umuagungolori Obiohuru, Umuoshi, Umuokoroala Obiohuru, Umunemeze, Umuosu, Umuakam, Umuchukwu, Umuokoroala Okpuala, Umuagungolori Okpuala and Okpuala Umuekwule.

At the preliminaries GroupAcomprised Umuagungolori Obiohuru, Umuoshi, Umuchukwu, Umuokoroala Okpuala, Umuagungolori Okpuala. While Group B comprised Umuokoroala Obiohuru, Umunemeze, Umuosu, Umuakam and Okpuala Umuekwule.

All the scores: Umuagungolori Obiohuru 1 vs 2 Umuoshi, Umuokoroala Obiohuru 5 vs 1 Umunemeze, Umuosu 4 vs 0 Umuakam, Umuchukwu 1 vs 1 Umuokoroala Okpuala, Umuagungolori Okpuala 0 vs 5 Umuagungolori Obiohuru, Okpuala Umuekwule 3 vs 0 Umunemeze, Umuosu 3 vs 0 Umuokoroala Obiohuru, Umuoshi 3 vs 1 Umuchukwu, Umuokoroala Okpuala 1 vs 1 Umuagungolori Okpuala, Umuakam 0 vs 1 Okpuala Umuekwule, Umunemeze 1 vs 4 Umuosu, Umuagungolori Obiohuru 2 vs 1 Umuchukwu, Umuokoroala Obiohuru 0 vs 1 Okpuala Umuekwule, Umuoshi 4 vs 0 Umuokoroala Okpuala, Umuakam 3 vs 0 Umunemeze, Umuagungolori Okpuala 2 vs 1 Umuchukwu, Umuokoroala Okpuala 0 vs 3 Umuagungolori Obiohuru, Okpuala Umuekwule 2 vs 2 Umuosu, Umuagungolori Okpuala 0 vs 1 Umuoshi.

At the conclusion of the preliminaries, the competition progressed to the semi final stage where: Umuosu drew 0-0 with Umuagungolori Obiohuru after regulation time and there was extra time. in the resulting penalty shootout, Umuagungolori Obiohuru won by 4-3.

The second semi final had Okpuala Umuekwule draw 1-1 with Umuoshi. Penalties were also needed to separate the teams and eventually, Okpuala Umuekwule won by 5-4.

At the third place match, Umuosu defeated Umuoshi by 3-1.

In the finals, Okpuala Umuekwule and Umuagungolori Obiohuru played 1-1 draw after regulation time; penalty shootout was again needed to determine the winner of the competition. Umuagungolori Obiohuru scored three of theirs while Okpuala Umuekwuele missed the first three kicks.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30 2021

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ademola Lookman

Dream Comes True

Though he had represented England at the age-grade level, and was a part of the England U-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017 and made 11 U-21 appearances, Ademola Lookman has never hidden his wish to player for the country of his father. It was indeed a dream come true when he was cleared by FIFA to play for Nigeria

Lookman

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orld football governing body FIFA during the week approved the applications of Fulham striker Ademola Lookman to play for Nigeria.

Lookman, who was a key part of the England U-20 side that won the World Cup in 2017 and made 11 U-21 appearances, made the decision to switch his international allegiance to the birthplace of his parents last year. National coach Gernot Rohr has stressed the importance of regular club football in selection for the Super Eagles and Lookman has been impressive since joining Fulham on loan from RB Leipzig, scoring three goals in 15 appearances – mostly recently against league leaders Manchester United last week.

Though, Ademola Lookman once turned down an invitation to play for Nigeria, preferring the colours of the Three Lions of England, but with Manager Gareth Southgate not looking at his direction for the 2018 World Cup, a further push from Nigeria however convinced him.

The Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick, had sever-

ally indicated his resolve to bring good footballers of Nigerian dissents from all over the globe to the national team.

In early 2017, Lookman turned down the opportunity to switch allegiance to Nigeria after an approach from Rohr but was selected in the England U-20 winning team to the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored three goals.

Lookman has had an unconventional route to the top. The jump from League One to Premier League has drawn parallels with Dele Alli’s move to Tottenham, but while Alli was on MK Dons’ books from the age of 11, Lookman did not set foot in a professional academy until he was 16.

Charlton U-21 coach and former Wimbledon striker, Jason Euell remembers how Lookman came to the club’s attention. “It was right at the end of the U-16 year in 2014,” he tells Sky Sports. “The majority of scholarship decisions had already been made, but every year our U-16s play a game against Inner London, an FA side for the best players in south London.”

Charlton had received a tip-off about Lookman. The youngster was playing what Euell describes as “innocent Sunday football” for an amateur team called Waterloo FC in the London borough of Lambeth, but

he produced a dazzling performance for the county side in front of Charlton’s watching coaching staff.

“He had no academy background at all,” says Euell. “Sometimes it can happen that a player slips through the net, but we were lucky to already have a relationship with the county and with Waterloo FC. We signed him on a scholarship straight away.”

Lookman was drafted into Charlton’s U-18 side during his first season at the club, scoring 17 goals in 29 appearances as they clinched both regional and national titles. It wasn’t long before Premier League clubs started to take note, but Charlton are experts in youth coaching and understood the need to be cautious with his development.

“We knew the talent he had but sometimes it’s about taking your time with someone like him,” says Euell.

“He had been training once or twice a week but he had to get used to every day, professional football while doing his school work.”

Lookman was eventually promoted to Euell’s U-21s, and in November 2015 he made his senior debut in a 1-0 defeat to MK Dons. Charlton’s season would end in relegation to League One, but a little over a year on from playing Sunday league football, Lookman took the step up

in his stride, scoring five goals in 24 appearances and landing the 2015/16 Championship Apprentice of the Year award.

Lookman’s breakthrough was recognised with his first England U-19 call-up last May. His outstanding attributes are his pace, dribbling and powerful finishing ability with both feet, but without any professional coaching before he joined Charlton, there were areas of his game which required extra attention.

“There were a lot of things he missed out on, and that was the learning and understanding of the game,” says Euell. “Young lads always say they can play football, but then comes the tactical side of it, the game understanding and the decision-making process.

“We didn’t want to stop Ademola from doing what he does because that’s what makes him special, it was just about getting him to understand when and where to do certain things.

At every level, every game is different.

He had to learn what was needed from him in and out of possession.”

Charlton rejected an offer from Crystal Palace in the summer, but Lookman never lost focus and added seven goals in 25 appearances for Charlton in the first-half of this season.

Euell chuckles as he recalls having to drag him off the training pitch at Charlton’s Sparrow’s Lane headquarters. That determination to improve should serve him well at Everton.

“He’s a great character and everyone else at the training ground would say exactly the same thing,” says Euell. “He is just a humble boy who loves his football. He hates being injured and he always wants to do extra work. He just wants the ball at his feet and wants to improve. He’s one of those guys who absolutely hates losing.”

Charlton manager Karl Robinson only coached Lookman for a few weeks having taken over at The Valley in November, but he described the teenager as an “incredible talent” and a “joy to work with” when the deal was confirmed.

Born as Ademola Olajade Lookman October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, to Nigerian parents, he attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham where he achieved three As and five As at GCSE. Lookman signed for Everton on January 5,2017 for a fee of £7.5m rising to £11m on a four-and-a-half year contract and made his debut for the club 10 days later, scoring on his debut.

He received his first international call up on May 16, 2016 being named in the England U-19 squad for a double header against Mexico. He was subsequently named in the England squad for the European U-19 Championships the same summer.

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

32

GLOBAL SOCCER Emmanuel Dennis

Can He Find His Form in Cologne?

He was once the golden boy of the Jan Breydel Stadium, but this season has however been tough for him. Goals had been hard to come by for Emmanuel Dennis as he failed to find the net in nine league starts. With a move to German Bundesliga side, Cologne, completed last week, the big question is whether he can regain his form as the Billy Goats need goals to battle relegation

Emmanuel Dennis will fondly be remembered for by Club Brugge fans for his two goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League

N

igeria international Emmanuel Dennis last week completed his loan switch to Bundesliga side Koln from Club

Brugge.

The 23-year-old forward teamed up with the Billy Goats after a successful medical and will be expected to help the club avoid relegation at the end of the season.

The Super Eagles winger will link up with his compatriots Kingsley Ehizibue and Tolu Arokodare at the RheinEnergieStadion.

The forward has only made 13 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

Dennis was punished in November when he was axed from their Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund for misconduct.

The forward left the team bus in anger after he was denied his preferred seating position and Dennis admitted the first half of the season has been difficult for him.

“The last six months were not easy for me. I want to play and score

goals, and therefore I wanted to make a move in the current transfer window. I am pleased that I’m now at FC,” Dennis told the club website.

“I know what the sporting situation at FC is – therefore I want to play my part in keeping us in the league, by playing and scoring in a top league.”

Upon the conclusion of the deal, Cologne managing director Horst Heldt highlighted some of the qualities of the Nigeria international that made the club recruit him.

“Emmanuel is a quick player, who can play through the middle as a striker as well as on the wings. His finishing ability last season saw him gain the interest of many top clubs,” Heldt said.

Dennis has been with Club Brugge since the summer of 2017 when he teamed up with the side from Zorya Luhansk.

The forward has made more than 90 appearances across all competitions for Club Brugge and delivered eyecatching performances in domestic competitions and the Champions League.

In the 2017-18 season, he featured prominently as the Black and Blue

won the First Division A title and also helped the club finished as runner-up in the 2018-19 campaign.

Dennis has explained why he had to leave Belgian Pro League champions Club Brugge.

The 23-year-old striker recently completed his transfer to German Bundesliga side FC Cologne from Brugge on a loan deal until the end of the season.

The Yola-born player had left the team bus in anger after he was denied his preferred seating position and he has since reflected on the last six months.

“The last six months were not easy for me,” Dennis told Cologne official website.

“I want to play and score goals, and therefore I wanted to make a move in the current transfer window. I am pleased that I’m now at FC. “I know what the sporting situation at FC is – therefore I want to play my part in keeping us in the league, by playing and scoring in a top league.”

Dennis played nine matches for Brugge in the Belgian Pro League

this season and he failed to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile, his value in the transfer market has crashed from 16 million to 11 million Euros within five months According to transfermarkt, Dennis was valued at 16 million Euros in August 2020.

However, this price tag has tumbled to 11 million Euros now.

This crash could well be blamed on the many controversies involving the player as well as his limited appearances for champions Club Brugge this season.

His Belgian club had hoped to sell him for between 20 and 25 million Euros last summer.

However, none of his interested suitors could match that asking price.

The player himself revealed a transfer to Premier League club West Bromwich Albion fell through after he was not granted a work permit.

Dennis made his debut for the Nigeria national team in September 2019 against Ukraine and now has two caps for the Super Eagles.

He will hope to impress with his new club for a chance to enjoy regular call-up to the Nigeria national team.

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

FAIRGROUND with

Gbenga Daniel Hosts Adebola Williams’ Family

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

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debola Williams, the CEO RED|For Africa embarked on his blissful wedlock journey on Sunday, 27 December, 2020 as his family got introduced, the traditional way, to the family of bride-to-be, Kehinde Daniel in Lagos.

Accompanied by friends, family, and well-wishers including two-time governor and current Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi; former Education Minister and Vice-President of the World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, and other notable personalities, the colourful event was a celebration of love by both families.

The introduction ceremony which was compered by veteran broadcaster, Yemi Sodimu saw the father of the bride, former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Yeye Olufunke Daniel play the quintessential host to guests from across the country who came to celebrate with them at their lavish Lagos home in this grand, yet intimate ceremony.

Finance, Business, and Accounting professional, Kehinde Daniel who looked beautiful and radiant in all-white traditional attire with matching head-tie and coral beads, described Williams as “a kind and gentle soul who gives her peace of mind”.

The event, which had saxophonist, Beejay Sax entertaining guests, saw a lot of notable attendees including the wife of Ogun State Governor, Bamidele Abiodun; former governorship aspirant, Gboyega Isiaka; banker and WIMBIZ board member, Adeola Azeez; Actor, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde; media personality, Toke Makinwa; singer, Omawumi and more.

The Couple - Kehinde and Adebola Williams

Kehinde, Gbenga Daniel, (bride's father) and Adebola Williams

L-R: Mrs. Ngozi Jideonwo, The Couple and Mrs. Adeola Azeez

Parents of the bride, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel, and Groom, Adebola Williams (m)

Mr. and Mrs. Williams, Groom's parents

Mr. and Mrs. Gbenga Daniel and their daughter, Kehinde (m)

Dr. Oby Ezekwesili

Mrs.Bamidele Dapo Abiodun, First Lady Ogun State

L-R: Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Adebola Williams and Mentor, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili

Parents of the groom and Kehinde Daniel

Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation

L-R: Waje, Latasha, Toke and Omawunmi

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

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK Find Time to Inspect Your Vehicle Whether you just got a car or have been driving one for long, following certain car maintenance tips can help your car be at its best. If you need some guidance or a checklist of tips for your car to be in its optimal condition, this is a useful read.

Here’s a comprehensive list of car maintenance tips and checklists for every car owner Inspect your vehicle regularly Take a walk around your vehicle at least once every week. While you take a walk, inspect your car and look for body damage. You should also inspect your tyres for any wear, punctures or cuts and test every lock, window and even the sunroof.

Change your spark plugs Spark plugs could affect the efficiency of your car’s engine. They’re responsible for igniting the gas and air mixture that ultimately powers your vehicle. Thus, when the spark plugs don’t function properly, it causes the engine to lose power and it won’t function at its optimal capacity. So get a professional to check your spark plugs so that those plugs are replaced if faulty.

New Jaguar E-PACE interior

Jaguar Land Rover Preparing for Future Electric Vehicles

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aguar Land Rover is preparing for future electric vehicles with advanced lightweight composite research that will help deliver increased range, greater performance and a more dynamic drive.

The Tucana project is a four year programme to make the UK a world leader in low-carbon technology, helping prevent 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions between 2023 and 2032 by accelerating mainstream use of electric vehicles and making vehicles lighter to both decrease tailpipe emissions and reduce energy consumption of electriÀed powertrains.

The research will allow Jaguar Land Rover to develop lightweight vehicle and powertrain structures by replacing aluminium and steel with composites capable of handling the increased torque generated by high-performance batteries, while improving e΀ciency and reducing CO2

impact.

Jaguar Land Rover aims to increase vehicle stiͿness by 30 percent, cut weight by 35kg and further reÀne the crash safety structure through the strategic use of tailored composites, such as carbon Àbre. Reducing the vehicle body weight will allow the Àtting of larger batteries with increased range – without impacting CO2 emissions.

Advanced composites oͿer signiÀcant reductions in vehicle weight, and by 2022, Jaguar Land Rover expects to have developed a Áeet of prototype Tucana test vehicles.

The consortium, led by Jaguar Land Rover, brings together world-leading academic and industry partners including the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Expert Tooling & Automation, Broetje-Automation UK, Toray International UK, CCP Gransden and The Centre

for Modelling & Simulation (CFMS).

Marcus Henry, Research Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The development of new lightweight body structures to complement the latest zero-emissions powertrains will be key as the electriÀcation of our vehicle range continues.

This project will allow the true environmental credentials of electric vehicles to be realised by enabling wider adoption of the technology and will propel Jaguar Land Rover and the UK supply chain into a world-leading position in low-carbon technology.”

Ian Risk, Chief Technology O΀cer at CFMS, said: “Tucana shows how new technology development can be optimised and accelerated with digital engineering. Using new digital design, development and manufacturing tools help to deliver emissions reduction faster, so the UK economy can reach zero emissions quicker.”

Mikano Launches Geely Emgrand 7, Geely X7-Sport Mikano International Limited, exclusive partner of Geely Automotive in Nigeria, has launched Geely flagship models- Emgrand 7 and X7-Sport.

The event, which took place at the Zorya Place Victoria Island Lagos, observing all COVID-19 protocols, was witnessed by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment - Otunba Niyi Adebayo and with other dignitaries in attendance.

Welcoming guests, the Chairman and CEO of Mikano International Limited, Mr. Mofid Karameh, gave insight on the partnership with Geely, saying “It took us 10 years to make up our mind on which company to bring into Nigeria so we can be sure to deliver the best to our esteemed customers.”

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment commended Mikano’s passion for investment in Nigeria, while encouraging more investors to emulate Mikano in this aspect.

Presenting the Mikano-Geely Partnership slides, Mr. Kamal Karameh, GM of Operation in Mikano announced that Mikano officially signed the partnership with Geely in 2019 and further elaborated on the global strength of Geely Auto, disclosing some very inspiring details about them.

“Geely is one of the world’s top automakers, they are the owner of Volvo Car Group, and the biggest shareholder of Daimler AG (group to which Mercedes Benz belongs), its sales exceeded 2.1 million cars, placing it among the world’s Top car manufacturers.

With more than $14 billion investment over the last 10 years in R&D and plans to further invest for the next five years, it is commitment to provide the highest level of modern technologies in its industry which has seen Geely record notable growth indexes: 100% of Volvo Car Group 9.69% of Daimler AG – Group to which

Geely Emgrand 7 interior

Mercedes Benz belongs (becoming the largest shareholder).

100% of London Taxis 100% American Flying Car Company - Terrafugia 100% Lynk & Co (the Prestigious Brand from Geely) 51% of Lotus 49.9% of Proton Geely Holding Group has been ranked on Fortune Global 500 top companies, now for 9th consecutive years”

Mr. Karameh further elaborated that the MikanoGeely partnership has brought the Geely global stamp of excellence and the Mikano type-tested Power and Service and availability into Cars specifically engineered and assembled here in Nigeria for the Nigerian Market.

The Geely Auto General Manager for Africa Market, Shubin Liu, in his virtual speech, commended the legacy of Mikano International Limited and expressed his confidence in the positive outcome of their partnership with Geely for the Nigeria automobile market.

Ensure your cooling system works Your car’s cooling system and radiator need to be clean to work efficiently and effectively. Your car’s radiator builds up a deposit with normal wear and tear, which can disrupt the cooling system. With a radiator flush, you can keep your cooling system in shape quickly and inexpensively. You can take a look at your car’s manual to find out if you need to flush the radiator once a year or after every two years.

Know the meaning of different warning light indicators Almost all cars have elaborate systems of sensors and warning lights that tell you everything from whether you forgot to replace the gas cap to the fact that one of your tyres is low on air. Learn what each of your car’s warning lights means and how to fix it. Your owner’s manual can be of great help here. If any light flashes and you can’t immediately pinpoint and fix the problem, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic right away.

Clean the brake dust off your wheels The brake dust on your car doesn’t affect the full functioning of your brake but it does make wheels a little unpleasant to look at. When you apply the brake, a mix of materials that come in contact from the brake rotor and brake pad is the brake dust. 92% of the dust is iron. The remaining 8% will be grime, dirt, carbon content and other particles. If these are exposed to the sun along with your wheels, they can leave severe stains on your wheel. So, it is important to clean the dust off your wheels and with a damp sponge. As dust typically clings to your wheels via static electricity, you will also require cold water.

Protect your car interiors Avoid eating food inside your car as much as possible.

A good way is to cover surfaces as much as possible.

Keep floor mats, which will keep you from tracking in mud or dirt and grinding it into the carpets with your feet. Add seat covers, which can protect your car seat’s upholstery. Cover can also help aid your posture and even help customize the look of your car. Make it a point to vacuum the car regularly. If you live in a hot region ensure that you keep your windows slightly open. The hot air inside your car has the potential to dry and damage your car’s interiors if it can’t come out.

Check drive belts Your engine produces power so that other parts and accessories run including the power that your vehicle requires to run. The drive belts shift the power from your cram or crankshaft to the car’s alternator, air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, air pump, water pump and any other device that relies on mechanical power. Modern cars use a single belt which is also called a serpentine belt to connect and rotate from the crank pulley. As these belts are typically made of rubber or other polymers, they wear a lot even with normal use. So it’s important to check these belts regularly to inspect for visible hairline cracks or any change in their integrity. You’ll need to look at the integrity of both your serpentine belt or V-belt and your timing belt unless your engine is chain driven.

Drive better Your way of driving reflects the condition of your car. If you’re hard on your car and have a habit of fast takeoff, quick braking, sharp quick turns, riding over bumps at high speeds, hard shifting, etc. then your car will wear faster and there can be damage.

When you drive smartly and safely, there’s not only less wear and tear on your car but you also can save on fuel costs. So start today by taking a look at your acceleration and braking habits. . (Source: Carcility)

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

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AUTO WORLD

Porsche Extends Taycan Model Range

P

orsche is launching the fourth variant of its first all-electric sports saloon, expanding the existing range comprising of the Taycan Turbo S, Taycan Turbo and Taycan 4S. The new entry-level model features rear-wheel drive and is available with two battery sizes. The standard Performance Battery delivers up to 408 PS (300 kW) in overboost mode with Launch Control, whereas the optional Performance Battery Plus increases to an output of up to 476 PS (350 kW).

Innovative electric motor and dynamic performance The new Taycan features impressive acceleration, tractive power typical for sports cars and outstanding continuously available power. The permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle has an active length of 130 millimetres, identical to the one fitted to the Taycan 4S. The pulse-controlled inverter on the rear axle operates at up to 600 amps.

The drivetrain architecture also includes a two-speed transmission. With a Cd value of 0.22 the vehicle’s aerodynamics make a significant contribution to the low energy consumption and therefore the long driving range. Maximum recuperation power is 265 kW. Choice of two batteries A single-deck Performance Battery with a gross capacity of 79.2 kWh is fitted as standard and the two-deck Performance Battery Plus with a gross capacity of 93.4 kWh is available as an option. The Range, in accordance to WLTP, is up to 431 or up to 484 kilometres, respectively.

The Taycan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and delivers a top speed of 230 km/h in both configurations.

typical for Porsche. These features are complemented by innovative elements such as the glass-look lettering for the Porsche logo in the rear light bar.

Distinguishing features of the Taycan within its model line include aerodynamically optimised 19-inch Taycan Aero wheels and black anodised brake callipers. The front apron, side sills and rear diffuser in black are the same as those on the Taycan 4S. LED headlights are fitted as standard.

Unique interior design The free-standing curved instrument cluster forms the highest point on the dashboard. This places a clear focus on the driver axis. Further elements include a central 10.9-inch infotainment display and an optional display for the front passenger.

The Taycan comes with a partial leather interior as standard as well as front comfort seats with eight-way electrical adjustment. The car features two luggage compartments: 84 litres at the front, and up to 407 litres at the rear.

It is also the first Porsche model available with an entirely leather-free interior. Made from innovative recycled materials the interior highlights the sustainable concept of the fully electric sports car once more.

Taycan Turbo S The maximum charging capacity is up to 225 kW with the standard Performance Battery or up to 270 kW when equipped with the Performance Battery Plus.

Both batteries can be charged from five to 80 per cent state of charge in 22.5 minutes under ideal conditions.

Purist exterior design with Porsche DNA With its purist design, the Taycan marks the begin-

ning of a new era while at the same time retains the unmistakable Porsche design DNA. From the front, the electric sports car looks particularly low and wide with highly contoured wings. Its silhouette is shaped by its sporty roof line sloping downward to the rear with highly sculpted side sections. The sleek cabin, the strikingly drawn-in C-pillars and the pronounced shoulders of its wings result in an emphasised rear,

Centrally networked chassis systems Porsche uses a centrally networked control system for the Taycan chassis.

The integrated Porsche 4D Chassis Control analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time. Both the standard steel-spring suspension of the Taycan and the optional adaptive air suspension with three-chamber technology are supplemented by the Porsche Active Suspension Management electronic damper control system.

Bajaj Auto Voted World’s Most Valuable 2, 3 Wheeler Company Bajaj Auto’s recent recognition as the world’s most valuable maker of two-wheeler and three wheeler with the market capitalisation crossing USD13.6 billion, is unlikely to surprise many Nigerians.

For the revolutionary developments that trailed the recent national distributorship of Bajaj’s three and four-wheeler by Stallion Group has, no doubt, elevated the value of the brand in the minds of buyers and users across the country. The development comes as the scooter company is marking 75 years of operations.

“The company’s sharp focus on the motorcycles and tricycle categories and its unwavering commitment to strategies of differentiation, as well as the practice of Total Productive Maintenance combined with global ambitions, have today made Bajaj the most valuable two-wheeler company across the globe. This inspires us even more to serve and delight customers all over the world,” said Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto.

To reposition it as a durable and high-performance three-wheeler for Nigerian roads, Stallion Auto Keke Ltd, a member of Stallion Group, subjected

L

five Bajaj RE4S to a brave and gritty trip, covering more than 5500 kms across the Southern and Eastern terrain of the country, aptly representing the brand’s tagline of “Baba Bajaj, Rund Faster, Lasts Longer”. That was a feat no other three-wheeler had dared to gamble on since the former Lagos State governor, Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), introduced tuk-tuk into Nigeria.

Same belief was even further reinforced by the follow-up launch of Superkeke RE250, the most superior keke ever seen in Nigeria. And what’s more? The unveil was done by the nation’s legendary footballer, Austin J. J Okocha, who Stallion Auto Keke Limited appointed as a brand ambassador and the face of the brand in the country.

The RE250 stormed Nigeria with upgraded styling, power, equipment, comfort and space.

Powered by a 236cc DTSi engine, the biggest engine to ever come in a keke, RE250 boasts of many first-in-class features like front fork, CV shaft, bigger 10” tyres, clear headlamps, remote controlled MP3 player, as well as an advanced style quotient through a rear spoiler and a transparent passenger hood.

Bajaj’s 2 and 3 wheelers introduction in Nigeria

Nothing to “Cheers’’ about

owering the drinking age is a dangerous decision fraught with consequences.

How worried are you over the increasing incidence of drink driving? Do you know that statistics indicates that there is an increase in drink driving related crashes in most cities especially at night and most pronounced during the weekends? Are you aware that despite the provision of the traffic laws which prohibits driving under the influence, age prohibitions are rarely seen in the traffic laws? Do you know that despite the risk involved in driving under the influence, only five thousand naira fine is provided for this offence?Please read this culled piece from India.

In our ambition to showcase our cities as world class, we seem to think that more pubs, bars and easy availability of alcohol will make them so.

Many newspapers and Television channels have supported the idea of longer drinking hours, lower drinking age and easy access to alcohol. The way these ideas are being promoted suggest that there are no problems associated with a widespread drinking culture. Unfortunately, facts point us in the opposite direction.

A recent study by the world Health Organization (WHO) tells us that 40 to 60 percent of all injury deaths are attributed to violence. This is particulars so for traffic accidents involving alcohol. In most countries where drinking and driving is not controlled

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

strictly, 40 to 50% of traffic crash fatalities have alcohol involvement. Even in those countries where there is strict enforcement of drinking and driving law progress has been difficult. In 1982, there were 26, 173 alcohol-related road traffic fatalities in the United States, 60% of the total number of people killed on US roadways. With a great deal of effort over 20 years this proportion was reduction to 40%. But the number has been increasing in the past few years.

Sweden has worldwide reputation for controlling alcohol sales and for every strict drinking and driving laws. Their successful work against drunk driving resulted in alcohol-related fatalities declining sharply from 31% in 1989 to 18% in 1997. Sweden joined the European Union in 1996. This meant, among other things, that it had to accept a gradual loss of its restrictive alcohol policies. The percentage of fatally injured drivers who had been drinking had risen to 28% by the end of 2002. Swedish researchers

point out that “best practices” to avoid the negative societal consequences of all alcohol consumption include minimum legal purchase age, government monopoly for retails sales and restrictions on hours or days of sale, all diluted since 1996.

Alcohol misuse is also a major contribution to crime, disorder and anti-social behavior in all societies.

This is particularly true for males less than 25 year old. British government reports show that 33% of stranger and 25% of acquaintance alcohol-related assaults happened on weekday evening/night.

The problem is quite serious in India also. A study done at IIT, Delhi, showed that 36% of two-wheeler crash victims admitted to a neurosurgery ward in a delhi hospital had alcohol involvement. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore (NIMHANS) estimated that 21% of people who sustained brain injuries during a crash were under the influence of alcohol within three hours prior to the crash. This should not surprise us. Almost all the recent cases of well publicize accident in India have alcohol involvement. A WHO study shows that teenage drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.03g/100ml carrying two or more passengers were 34 times more at risk of crash compared with drivers aged 30 years or more, with no alcohol, driving with one passenger.

In the face of this grim facts, what are the world class city governments doing? Many countries have a minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws below which people cannot purchase or publicly consume

alcohol. In most locations in the US, that age is 21.

There is strong evidence to suggest that MLDA laws are effective in preventing crashes involving drinking and driving. – statistics in the US shows that those States who adopted the MLDA of 21 in the 1980s have since seen a 10 – 15% decline in drinking-driving related fatalities compared with states that have lower ages.

There is evidence that a relationship exists between alcohol-related problems and both outlet density and hours during which alcohol can be sold, with longer hours and more outlets leading to increased problems. Diadema in Brazil has reduce its murder rate by almost half in the last few years – largely by establishing 11pm as the closing hour for bars and other similar establishments. Many city governments in the West are also imposing server responsibilities, where retailers are liable for injuries caused by intoxicated adults or by minors to whom they have sold alcohol. Responsible beverage service and sales legislation is generally aimed at reducing sales of alcohol to youngsters and to intoxicated people.

The available evidence suggested that legislation of this sort can significantly reduce crashes involving drinking and driving.

If we want our cities to be world class in safety and lack violence, we will have to reconsider our headlong entry into greater alcohol consumption.

Before we make any changes in alcohol serving and sales laws, we have to put in place mechanisms that ensure that people cannot be violent in public places and cannot drive after drinking.

Dinesh Mohan runs the Transport Research and Injury Prevention Programme at IIT, Delhi.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 3,0

JANUARY ͱͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻͮ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWSXTRA

Court Sacks APC Lawmaker in Kogi, Declares PDP Candidate Winner Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, sacked a lawmaker, Atule Egbunu representing Ibaji Constituency at the Kogi State House of Assembly.

Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the removal of the lawmaker on the grounds that Egbunu's party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to conduct a valid primary election that produced him as their candidate for the December 5, 2020 by-election in Ibaji Constituency.

Justice Ekwo, in a judgment in a suit filed by an aggrievedAPC House of Assembly aspirant in Kogi State, Mr. Joseph Enemona, however, declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Daniel Enefola who camesecondintheIbajiConstituency by-election winner of the

poll.

INEC had declared Egbunu winner of the election having scored majority of votes cast at the poll.

According to INEC, Egbunu scored 8,515 to come first, followed by PDP's Enefola who scored 4,564.

Enemona had dragged the KogiAPC to court over the September 3, 2020 primary election for the selection of candidate for the December 5 by-election in Ibaji Constituency.

His grouse, among others, was that the party unlawfully excluded six other aspirants from the primary election and also did not allow delegates to vote at the poll.

Enemonafurtherclaimedthat while the law stipulated that the primaryelectionbeconductedat thepartysecretariatinOnyedega, the APC officials allegedly con-

ducted the purported primary election in a mall.

He further contended that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was not given 21 days’ notice before the purported primary election and as mandatorily required by Section 85 of ElectoralAct, 2010.

ThePlaintifffurtherhingedhis caseonthegroundthatwhilethe APCguidelinesstipulateddirect

primary election, the APC officials manipulated the guidelines and purportedly used indirect system to pick the purported candidate and demanded that the purported nomination of Egbunu be voided and another primary election be conducted.

However, Justice Ekwo, after reviewing submissions by parties in the matter agreed that the APC did not conduct a primary

election known to law.

The Judge held that while seven aspirants were to participate in the primary election, the party unlawfully maneuvered the system for the participation of a single candidate.

The court also held that the APC ran afoul of the law by conducting the purported primary election outside the party secretariat.

The Court also faulted the purported substitution done between Matthew Oguche and Atule Egbunu on the ground that Oguche was not one of the legitimate aspirants before the election.

Justice Ekwo therefore declared the purported APC primary election as illegal, unlawfulandunconstitutionaland subsequently set it aside.

APC Releases Schedule of Activities for Jigawa Legislative By-Election Adedayo Akinwale ÓØ ÌßÔË The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced that the sale of forms for the forthcoming legislative by-election into Kafin Hausa State Constituency of Jigawa State will take place between 30th January and Monday 1st February, 2021.

The party's Director of Organisation, Prof. Al-Mustapha Medaner, said this in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja.

He said, "In accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its time-table and schedule of activities for the conduct of Legislative ByElection into Kafin Hausa State Constituency of Jigawa State."

He said the form for the by-election will be sold at the National Secretariat of the party

in Abuja from Saturday 30th January – Monday 1st February, 2021 The director noted that the last dayforsubmissionofcompleted forms and accompanying documents at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja has been fixed for Monday 1st February, 2021.

He added that screening of aspirants will take place on Tuesday February 2, 2021, while publication of claims and objections has been fixed for Wednesday 3rd February, 2021.

Medaner said screening appeals would take place on Thursday 4th February, 2020; while primary election has been fixed for Friday 5th February, 2021andelectionappealwilltake place on Sunday 7th February, 2021 He said the expression of interest and nomination forms cost N850,000; while female aspirants and physically challenged aspirants are to pay 50% of the prescribed fees.

NAHCON Begins Sensitisation on Hajji Savings Scheme Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has commenced sensitisation and enlightenment programmes for all intending Muslims Pilgrims across the nation on the need to make use of Hajj Savings scheme so as to ease their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia every year.

Speakingattheofficiallaunchof theschemeinIlorin,KwaraState, theChairmanofthecommission, Alhaji Sikrullah Kunle Hassan said the gesture would help the intending Muslims to save more money without any hindrance when the time comes to embark on the pilgrimage.

He said, "The scheme is being coordinated by the Jaiz Bank branches across the country so as to make the scheme hitch free for the intending Muslims.

"The Hajj Savings Scheme will alsoaid/assisttheless-privileged Muslims by providing them opportunityofsavingenoughmoney

over a period of time to facilitate their traveling to SaudiArabia to fulfil the fifth pillar of Islam.

"Additionally, the benefits derivedfromtheschemeinclude thefactthatintendingpilgrimsno longerhavetoselltheirproperties beforetheycangoonpilgrimage.

"Furthermore, intending pilgrimsdonotneedtorelyordependontheirwell-to-dorelations or government for sponsorship to perform Hajj."

Represented at the event by HajiaHalimatJubril,thechairman addedthat,"theschemewillmake Hajj fare affordable in the form of subsidy to subscribers, as well as affordparticipantstoderivesome profit from their savings at the end of every month which shall be added to their contributions.

Hethereforelaudedtheefforts of stakeholders like Muslim Pilgrim Welfare, Board, Ulama, Islamic Societies and religious organisations in the task of achieving a maximum result of the scheme.

TAKING CONTROL… L-R: Secretary to the State Government of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; Ekiti State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil

Defence Corps (NSCDC) Solomon Iyamu; Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and NSCDC Assistant Commandant General, in charge of (Zone J), Fasiu Adeyinka; during Adeyinka's courtesy visit to the Governor’s office in Ado-Ekiti….on Thursday

Report: Boko Haram Victims Adopt Street Begging for Survival A new research has found that street begging, drug abuse and early marriage are the most common activities victims of Boko Haram insurgency engage in due to low government support, particularly in the North-east.

The research titled "EntrenchingPeace:Assessingcommunity resilience and peace building initiatives in North-east Nigeria" was conducted by Nextier SPD (Security, Peace, and Development), and sponsored by the EuropeanUnion(EU)andBritish Council.

At the presentation of the

research findings yesterday in Abuja, Haruna Dlakwa, a professor at the University of Maiduguri, said the protracted insurgency had significantly disruptedsocialandeconomiclife with many residents now living in abject poverty and displaced from their homes.

He noted government's assistance did not reach a number of the victims, "Street begging is one of the major coping strategy the people developed. This is not tosaythegovernmentassistance wasnottherebutitwasnotgoing round.”

Group eating, campaign and enlightenment on the need for them to have forgiving spirit was also adopted as a survival mechanism.

"Also, the rate of marriage has beenveryhighamongthepeople.

The women see it as a means of survival.Theyalsoresortedtothe useofherbsandcharmtoprotect themselves. Criminal activities suchasbriberyandtheftarenow veryprominentassomeresidents became a link between Boko Haram and contrabands such as petrol.Thedisgruntledelderswho have lost control of their family

Adebayo: Investment in Sugar Industry will Provide Jobs for Youths Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Minister of Industry, Trade Investment, Chief Niyi Adebayo, has reiterated commitment of the federal government to partner with private and public investors in the sugar industry to accelerate the nation's economic growth.

Speakingattheofficialcommissioning of the multi-billion Naira Nigeria Sugar Institute located in Jimba-OjatowninIfelodunLocal GovernmentAreaofKwaraState onThursday,ChiefAdebayosaid the investment already made by the federal government and the privatesectorinthesugarindustry wascapableofcreatingthousands of jobs in the agriculture and

manufacturing sectors.

He said, "The government therefore recognises the need to deepen the partnership with the private sector to drive access to skillsdevelopment,researchand development in a manner that promotescompetition,productivity,profitabilityandsustainability in the sugar industry."

The minister added that the present administration value the cooperation of private investors, especially in sugar development which, according to him, has set a pace in the bid to boost research anddevelopmentandalsotocreate Jobs for the nation’s youths.

Adebayo, who commended theKwaraStategovernmentand otherstakeholdersinthepartner-

ship for the support given to the ministryinactualisingtheproject, pledged to meet expectations of thecountryinsugardevelopment through the sugar master plan.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Sugar Institute (NSI), Dr. LatifBusarisaidamongobjectives, the institute was to develop human resource to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigeria sugarcane industry.

Busari said the institute would ensureadequatecapacitybuilding and sustainability in the sugar industry, adding that it would undertakeregularrefreshertechnicalandmanagementcoursesfor staffofsugarcompanies,aswellas fresh graduates desiring to make a career in the sugar industry.

also adopted indiscriminate use of drugs as survival strategy," he stated.

Thereport,however,explained that some residents of the communities also relied on menial jobs and learned new skills to make a living.

"Women made efforts to provide for their families by venturingintovariousbusinesses including–knitting,hairmaking, clothmaking, amongst others.

Chris Kwaja, Member U.S working group on the use of mercenaries, while presenting the recommendations of the report, noted efforts made by government to deradicalise and reintegrate repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the society.

CHANGE OF NAME

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 30, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

I was in the Moon when I got My First Super Eagles Call-up, Says Semi Ajayi Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi has said that he had always wanted to play international football for Nigeria.

The London-born West Bromwich Albion defender, who was also eligible to play for England, qualified to play

for the Super Eagles through his parents.

“When I was at Charlton, I had already represented Nigeria at under-20 and under-21 level. I’d always envisioned myself progressing to the first team,” the 27-year-old told BBC Sports Africa.

“When I got promoted with Rotherham, I was playing week in week out in the Championship.

“That season I got a call from the Nigeria team saying that they had been monitoring my progress and they would like to offer me an invitation to the

first team.

“I was buzzing, I was over the moon. Then I made my debut a couple of weeks later against Seychelles.

“It’s a surreal feeling pulling on that jersey and knowing that you are representing 200 million people. I’m blessed to

semi Ajayi puts a check on Brazil striker, Gabriel Barbosa

Injury Update: Ndidi may be Out for 10 Days, Says Rodgers Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has delivered an update on his midfielder Wilfred Ndidi as he downplays the seriousness of the midfielder’s injury against Everton.

The Nigeria international made his 11th appearance in the Premier League this campaign, playing for just 42 minutes before he succumbed to a hamstring injury during the game.

The 24-year-old midfielder was then subbed off in the 42nd minute as he was replaced by former Monaco and Nice midfielder Nampalys Mendy, with the hopes of not escalating the injury.

The Foxes’ boss Rodgers was able to

reduce the fears that seemed to have plagued everybody regarding how long the Nigerian midfielder will be on the sidelines.

Speaking to the media following their 1-1 draw against Everton, Rodgers said via Leicester City website: “Wilf was tight, it was the back of his hamstring, so we’ll see how that goes in the next couple of days.

“It’s just tightened up. He doesn’t think he’s overstretched or tore it. We’ll just have to assess that. We couldn’t risk it.”

Ndidi is likely to miss Leicester City’s upcoming English Premier League

matches against Leeds United and Fulham, with manager Brendan Rodgers revealing at Friday’s press conference that the holding midfielder faces at least one week on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue.

Additionally, the Nigeria international would be racing against the clock to be fit for the Foxes’ clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on February 7.

“It’s just a slight tear. He will be out for a week to 10 days, which is unfortunate, but sometimes hamstrings can be much longer than that,” Rodgers told the national press in England.

CAS Reinstate Ahmad as CAF President The Court ofArbitration for Sport (CAS) has reinstatedAhmadAhmad as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after he was banned for five years by the world footballgoverningbody(FIFA)in Novemberlastyearoverallegationsoffinancial misappropriation.

The 61-year-old Malagasy, however, appealed FIFA’s decision at CAS, which issued a preliminary ruling yesterday.

Despite his reinstatement, Ahmad is still ineligibletocontestthecontinentalpresidential election which holds on March 12 in Rabat, Morocco.

In a statement, CAS, sport’s highest legal body,saiditwillhearAhmad’sappealonMarch 2withadecisionexpectedtobeissuedbefore the CAF presidential election 10 days later.

“The Court of Arbitration for Sport

(CAS) has registered an appeal filed by Mr Ahmad Ahmad against the decision of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the FIFA Ethics Committee issued on 19 November 2020 (grounds served on 21 January2021).

SuchdecisionestablishedthatMrAhmadhad committedseveralinfractionsoftheFIFACode ofEthicsandimposedonhimabanfromtaking part in any kind of football-related activity at nationalandinternationallevelforfiveyears,as well as a fine of CHF 200’000,” the statement read.

“Withhisstatementofappealrequestingthe annulment of the FIFAdecision, MrAhmad filedarequestforprovisionalmeasuresinorderto beabletoparticipateintheelectionsoftheAfrican FootballConfederation(CAF)on12March2021.

“InagreementwithMrAhmadandFIFA, the CAS initiated an expedited procedure

and has fixed the hearing date for 2 March 2021 (with a reserve day on 3 March 2021).

The CAS Panel in charge of the matter intends to render a final award shortly after the hearing, i.e. before 12 March 2021.

“Due to a risk of irreparable harm for Mr Ahmad if the disciplinary sanction is maintained during the period prior to the CAF elections, the CAS Panel has upheld the request to temporarily stay the effects of the decision of theAdjudicatory Chamber of the FIFAEthics Committee until the day that the final CAS award is issued.

“However,thePanelhasemphasizedthat such temporary decision does not prejudge in any way the decision it will take after analysing the merits of the case, once the written proceedings and the hearing have been completed.”

Edo Deputy Gov, Pinnick, Izamoje, Others for Sportsville Award Today All is now set for the maiden edition of safety of everybody. We are going to ensure Hon. Philip Shaibu who plays for Bendel the Sportsville Award which holds today at Ibis Royale Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Organizers of the award disclosed yesterday that every arrangement has been put in place for a memorable outing.

Chairman of the event’s planning committee, Tony Ubani in a statement said top on the list of measures taken is to ensure the safety of guests at this trying time when the worldislivingwiththechallengeofCovid-19.

“We have taken measures to ensure the

that only invited guests which are not more than 50 get access into the venue which ordinarilyaccommodatesover1000people.

“We are observing all the Covid-19 protocols, so there is nothing to worry about as we roll out the drums to celebrate a carefully selected credible Nigerians that have done absolutely well for sports in the country,” Ubani stated.

Some of those listed to be honoured include; Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt.

Insurance in the Nigerian league.

The event is billed to start at 4pm with the red carpet.

Others on the honors roll call are the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NBBF boss, Engr Musa Kida, NOC President, Engr Habu Gumel, NWFLChairperson,Aisha Falode, Enyimba Chairman, FelixAnyansiAgwu, and the CEO of Monimichelle Group, Mr Ebi Egbe.

be part of the 18 or 23 people selected to represent the country. It’s something I don’t take for granted.”

Ajayi, who now has 14 senior international caps, used to spend summers in Nigeria with his family before he turned professional. “Before I started playing football full time, I used to go there every other summer with my family,” he explained.

“Now that my time off in football is different to the time my mum gets off from work, I don’t go as often. I still go back four times a year for the internationals and then sometimes in the summer.”

His journey to the Super Eagles and the Premier League began in the youth ranks at CharltonAthletic before signing a contract with the senior team and being loaned to non-league Dartford for a season.

At the age of 20 he moved to Arsenal and despite playing in several friendlies for them and even being named on the substitutes bench for several Premier

League games he never made the breakthrough.

He went onto have stints at Cardiff City, AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandra and RotherhambeforesigningfortheWBA. He even had a stint on trial at Ajax.

“When I left Arsenal, they allowed me to go and train at clubs and have a look at clubs and explore my options. Ajax happened to be one of them. It was a really good experience and I enjoyed it a lot,” he said.

“Their academy and the set up they have there is amazing.

You can see whytheyproduceso manyplayerswhenyouentertheir facilitiesandseehowtheydothings.

“Theywereinterested,theywanted ayoungathleticcentrebacktogroom forthefirstteamandgetreadyforthe firstteamandIfittheircriteria,sothey invitedmeforatrial.

“It went really well but I was lookingforfirstteamfootballand the route that they wanted me to go would have been to initially playfortheBteamandthenmaybe workmywayupintothefirstteam.

Stage Set for AFN Akure All-Comers Meet Today As part of efforts at putting athletes that would participate at the National Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo State in good shape the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has put in place an all-comers meet which will take place in Akure today.

AFN Secretary General, Adeniyi Beyioku says all arrangements for a hitch free competition have been concluded.

Two-time Nigeria 100m king, Ogho-Oghene Egwero; Making of Champions’ fast improving quartermiler, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ojeli and multiple national 400m queen Patience Okon George will headline today’s Athletics Federation of Nigeria All-Comers competition at the Federal University of Technology, Akure.

The meet, the first in the calendar of the AFN this year is the only scheduled event for the athletes before next month’s National Sports Festival in Benin City, Edo state.

Egwero, whose 10.23 seconds run last year at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin ranks him the second fastest Nigerian in 2020 behind Divine Oduduru (10.10 seconds) also holds the fastest 100m time ran on Nigerian soil in the past year and he will be challenged for the first position by Idjesa Uruemu who ran 10.32 seconds in March last year to rank as the third fastest Nigerian for the season and Enoch Adegoke.

Adegoke’s 10.12 seconds performance in the blue ribband race in 2019 remains the fastest time achieved in the event on Nigerian soil since 2017 when Seye Ogunlewe ran the same time in Sapele, Delta state.

The experienced Egwero will however want to lay down the gauntlet early as the man to beat at the National Sports Festival next month.

In the men’s 400m,Ojeli will be the cynosure of all eyes not only as one of the two fastest home-based quartermilers in Nigeria last year but also as the only Nigerian 400m runner to break 46 seconds since June 2017 when two-time Nigeria champion Samson Nathaniel ran 45.23 seconds in Abuja.

Oyekuru’s Arrival Forces Galatasaray Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray have decided to loan out Jesse Sekidika, 24, following the arrival of Henry Onyekuru at the club in the January transfer window, which pushed him further down the pecking order of wingers.

Sekidika has joined another Turkish top-flight club ttifak Holding Konyaspor for the remainder of the 2020-2021 season.

Since his move to the Lions last January, he has found game time difficult to come by, making only three starts from a possible 46 in all competitions.

Konyaspor General Manager Seçkin özdil attended the signing ceremony held at the MEDA Konya Metropolitan Stadium Press Meeting Hall yesterday.

Speaking after signing the loan deal, Sekidika told the club’s official website: “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Much obliged. I know the size of Konyaspor and what kind of a community it is. I’ll do my best here. Thank you for everything.

“From the first moment I came to the club, I came across many beautiful things. They made a very nice welcome, everyone was very friendly. I even called my wife, we talked to her.

“When we came to the stadium, Konyaspor Club gave a gift that I will never forget. My wife was also very happy with this situation.

TR

Saturday, January 30, 2021

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Lamido on Buhari “Nigerians, after putting their trust in Buhari, a Fulani head, he has woefully failed to protect and provide good governance for them.

Today, Nigerians dislike Fulani because of Buhari’s misgovernance, forgetting that not all Fulani even voted for him or like him” – Former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, lamenting nationwide hatred for Fulani allegedly influenced by Buhari’s bad leadership.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

How to Avert Another Civil War in Nigeria

F

ellow Nigerians, I know how easy it is for men and women in politics, particularly those in the hallowed corridors of power, to readily dismiss important warnings by well-meaning citizens as rantings of enemies of government, but I’m the last person anyone could ever label as such. Without being immodest, my credentials as a patriotic Nigerian are definitely unassailable. Even if I am labelled as one of such Nigerians, I know my duty as a responsible, proudly Nigerian patriot, and I will never be deterred by such negativity. It is for this reason that I am sending out another warning this week borne out of my love and concern for the wellbeing of our dear beloved country. I don’t really mind if this selfless service is ignored like many before it. This is a duty that I must discharge, otherwise I will not be true to myself.

But let me start on a happy note. I do not know if President Muhammadu Buhari was pressured into dropping his former military chieftains this week by events that played out in the forests of Ibarapa spearheaded by Sunday Igboho, and the advice and admonition of truly non-partisan nationalistic Nigerians, but I’m happy that for whatever reasons, he eventually succumbed and did what was long overdue. I had only last week described the erstwhile military chiefs as being an incompetent security team, and that was putting it mildly. The Nigerian military that was once the toast and darling of the United Nations peacekeepers everywhere has been virtually reduced to a ragtag force in the last five years.

Yet the big Generals in the Army, Navy and Air Force carried on in a business-as-usual manner, as if everything was well. They appeared more interested in other activities like operation python dance or crocodile dance, jumping against innocent, defenceless civilians than the primary tasks they were assigned to do of providing security against external and domestic insurgency and terrorists.

I hope that the President realises that his job is not done. Our security, safety and protection are not merely in the hands of the military. There are internal law enforcement agencies like the Police, Department of State Security, Civil Defence Corps and similar domestic organisations that need a similar severe and drastic shake up. We are being ceaselessly attacked from both without and within and our security apparatus and architecture needs complete overhauling and remodelling.

I pray the new Service Chiefs will learn from the mistakes of their predecessors and restore glory to our armed forces. This can be achieved if they resist the temptations of getting deeply involved and too enmeshed in the murky waters of Nigerian politics. Their loyalty should always be to the country and not to any leader or individual. We all witnessed what happened recently in America, how the military stood firm in defence of democracy.

In this clime, the story would have been different.

I wish them the best of luck.

I do not know how many of our young impetuous, temerarious friends are aware of the theory that no country can survive two civil wars, but it seems that’s what we are toying with and inviting unto ourselves, so recklessly. Let me inform my young and old friends beating the tamtam drums of war, that war is not a tea party. It is not disco or clubbing. War is a serious business. The Civil war of 1967-1970 will pale into insignificance in comparison with any war that may occur now. This is not a war that will be fought with mere guns or even machine guns.

We will have more sophisticated armoured tanks and shells, but of more concern is that there will be bombings, missiles and such similar arsenal deployed. I don’t even want to think of chemical warfare which is the norm in those countries foolish enough to bringing war into their land. Unlike the civil war of 1967, millions, not hundreds of

Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru thousands will perish in no time! Nobody will be spared. The destruction and devastation will be complete and this doomsday scenario is scary and eerie. Perish the thought, there will be no Yoruba nation or Biafra, just some balkanised desertified and desecrated entities. The only beneficiaries will be the warmongers and their agents as they will profit from the sales of arms and ammunitions. If that is what is desired, very unfortunate, but I have sounded the alarm and speak the language of peace because I know the horrendous price of war.

Why is it so difficult for us to know what we need to do but refuse to do it so stubbornly and stoically? I will now go ahead to give a breakdown of what we urgently need to do in order to avert what seems like an impending war to me.

The ball is in the President’s court. And this is not a tough game at all. Let the President free his heart and soul and love every Nigerian the way I’m sure he loves his own family. The President should see himself as the father of the nation.

That is essentially what he claimed he would be when he delivered his maiden Presidential speech to the nation on 29 May 2015. We’ve virtually wasted close to six years fighting a fractious war of attrition. Our nation has never been this divided since the last civil war and it is absolutely unnecessary.

Why do I think war is impending? No one needs the gift of clairvoyance to see what’s ahead. The temperature of bitterness in Nigeria at the moment can boil a stone into pulp. It is sad that a country as endowed as Nigeria has been reduced to a nation of cows. The beautiful Fulani race has also been demoted and is now synonymous with herdsmen. That’s so disgraceful and unfortunate. I have a lot of well-educated, cultured and hardworking Fulani friends. I’ve been asking some of them how come they mismanaged their brand to the extent that cows and livestock now define everything they represent?

President Buhari’s emergence is believed to have energised the herdsmen who now feel adequately protected and untouchable. Until the President disowns the criminals and bandits and encourage and empower our security agents to treat them like the irritants and nuisance that they are, the present crisis will persist and escalate for the worse. The President needs to be told without mincing words that cattle rearing is a private business. It is none of government’s business.

And certainly none of our own business. The cattle rearers should register their businesses like other Nigerians, buy land or rent their own farmlands and keep their herds within the confines

of their own ranches or farms. No businessperson has the right or freedom to destroy the farm or premises of another person, eat up, burn or destroy his crops, defile and rape the other person’s family, in short literally and figuratively defecate shamelessly everywhere. As if that is not bad enough, they now brandish unregistered and extremely dangerous weapons, so confidently.

In which abnormal country is that allowed and condoned except Buhari’s Nigeria!

If the cattle rearers have been allowed to roam the streets and our forests for decades and centuries, the time has now come to put a stop and an end to such backwardness. The world has since moved on. We are in the 21st century and not in the Stone Age. Farming and livestock breeding are now more industrialised and revolutionised. Technology has taken over.

Let us upgrade how we breed and rear our cattle and other livestock. Can chicken farmers go to different parts of Nigeria and just erect their poultry on people’s private properties, even peacefully, not to talk of carrying AK-47s to browbeat and assault their generous landlords. I don’t even want to mention Piggeries and Fisheries.

I wish to say emphatically that the Governors of the States affected by this cow conundrum should never allow any form of wandering again. Those who want to continue to do the business should go and buy huge tracts of farmland and build modern farms under strict and stringent regulations!

If the Governors succumb to pressure and allow this madness, of a dangerous misadventure to continue, they will have the spilled blood of their people in their hands, and they will never be able to wash them off like the Biblical Pontius Pilate. There is nothing so special about cattle rearing that should warrant this over-pampering and preferential treatment. And if the herdsmen insist that this is their culture and the only way they know how to ply their trade, they should then be restrained, restricted and banished to their Fulani territories. They cannot supplant their culture and custom on those gracious enough to welcome them to their farmlands and homes.

If care is not taking, this controversial cow business may easily trigger the civil war, most especially, if the Federal Government decides to acquire people’s land by force. I’m certain the South East and South West people have virtually declared the herdsmen persona non grata and they should respect the wishes of the people.

The heated tension this is generating is totally reprehensible.

I hope the President remembers that most Southerners rejected him repeatedly between 2003 and 2011 because of the widespread belief that he’s a religious zealot and Fulani irredentist until he somehow managed to persuade Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others that he’s a reformed and born-again Democrat.

I vividly recollect how many Nigerians warned us fervently not to make the mistake of bringing Buhari back to power. It is not true that we hated President Goodluck Jonathan. No. Most people were simply tired of the 16 years of PDP in power and the obvious profligacy and rape of our commonwealth.

Many Nigerians wanted a disciplined and simple leader who would not steal our treasury and treasures dry. No doubt, Buhari looked like that near-perfect candidate. No one ever envisaged the level of suppression, repression and unprecedented oppression that would soon engulf the whole country.

President Buhari should please spare a moment to remember and pity all the innocent people who vouched for him and not let them regret that they ever did. Nigeria is just too close to the precipice and anything can happen. He should

encourage the cattle men to take strategic positions in the Northern forests. I understand that Sambisa forest is so massive that we can create many new cities and towns out of it. Let them go to the banks and raise funds to start industrial parks dedicated to livestock breeding and its offshoots and since they already possess their own guns, these might be the solution and deterrent to the Boko Haram menace as well. They will keep the bushes and forests occupied and make it difficult for terrorists to stroll in and out of the country like they currently do.

The second time bomb in Nigeria is the issue of religion. The President must know and understand that Nigeria is a secular country, and he must totally downplay religion and allow everyone to deal directly with his/her God. It is again not the business of government to intervene or be involved in religion. If we can curb religious bigotry and intolerance, a lot of our problems would have been resolved and eliminated. The government will save the huge sums of money we spend on sending pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem. A country as broke and impoverished as Nigeria can no longer afford that kind of reckless spending. No religion is superior or inferior to the other. Every Nigerian should be free to practice his religion anywhere without any fear of harassment.

I have said it many times. The Nigerian police should be very well equipped and upgraded.

We do not need soldiers on the streets in peace time. All we need is identify very bright officers like the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, who has demonstrated professionalism all the way and has reduced crime to the barest minimum in Lagos State. This achievement is possible because he is conversant with the territory and he is a hands-on officer.

I read about how he goes out every night to personally monitor what’s going on and he does not suffer fools gladly. I remember a friend who wanted to influence a matter, but everyone told him not to bother because “Odumosu will not bend the rules!” He desisted. I’m sure, the force can identify other competent officers and replicate what he is doing in Lagos in other States. It is all about putting those who understand certain terrains in places they understand very well. Police officers are like journalists and we are as good as the sources and resources available to us.

The third issue that can ignite trouble is the attempt to completely marginalize the Igbo people 51 years after the supposed end of the Civil War. Despite coming out of the ruins and ashes of the civil war, the Igbo have amply demonstrated their uncommon brilliance and resilience. They’ve been performing spectacular feats locally and globally. There is no country in the world you won’t meet Igbo people doing great things. Why can’t we then take advantage of their mega talents to create our own Silicon Valley in the South East, for example? Given the necessary support, the Igbo will compete favourably against the Chinese, Indians, Koreans, Japanese and others, if not surpass them. The Igbo have become so tired of the country called Nigeria and any sincere person cannot fault them.

It is the reason Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has become a folk hero and cult figure. Any little provocation may trigger an explosion in the South East which may snowball into the South West and become a veritable unquenchable fireball! I will plead with President Buhari to do everything possible not to let this happen and that instead he will do everything to bring all Nigerians together.

However, if the President insists and decides that he can use bullying tactics, intimidation and force to suppress the visible, palpable agitations in Yorubaland and Igboland, may God help and rescue us all...

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