SATURDAY 4TH APRIL 2020

COVID-19 Private Sector Relief Fund Increases to N19.4bn

Obinna Chima

The total contribution to the Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) set up by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to raise funds to combat the pandemic is now N19.488 billion as at yesterday, up from

the N15.325 billion reported on Wednesday.

This amount, however, excludes the N3.4 billion pledges by four individuals and organisations yet to be redeemed.

The Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr.

Isaac Okorafor, disclosed this in a statement on behalf of CACOVID. The list of contributors to the fund has increased to 47 individuals and organisations (excluding the four yet to redeem their pledges), higher than the 37 recorded

on Wednesday.

The updated list showed that Takagro Chemicals Limited, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Ekeoma Ekeoma, Ahmadu Mahmoud, Jennifer Ramatu Etuh Foundation, ADG International Resources, and Prosharena Limited, were

the latest contributors.

The objective of CACOVID is to mobilise private sector thought leadership and private sector resources; increase general public awareness, education, and buy-in; and provide direct support to private and public healthcare

ability to respond to the crisis as well as support the federal government’s efforts.

Okorafor noted that the coalition thanked the donors for hearkening to the clarion call championed by the CBN Continued on page 5

Buhari Orders Military, Police to Flush out Bandits in Sokoto, Plateau... Page 6 Saturday 4 April, 2020 Vol 25. No 9126

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COVID-19: Lagos, Edo Record First Deaths, Cases Rise to 210 FG threatens to extend lockdown Chinese medical team on the way to Nigeria Over 4000 Britons seek evacuation Onyeama: No cause for alarm over countries evacuating citizens Sanwo-Olu, wife test negative Lagos discharges 4 more Lai Mohammed: Families of dead COVID-19 victims can’t claim bodies Ehanire declines to name drug healing patients UN commends FG U.S. records 1,169 deaths in 24 hours Our Correspondents Nigeria recorded two new deaths from Coronavirus yesterday, thus bringing the total death so far in the country to four. The number of confirmed cases also rose to 210, from 190 on Thursday.

The deaths, according to a tweet from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control last night, were recorded in Lagos and Edo states.

The NCDC tweeted: “Two new deaths have been recorded in Lagos and Edo State. As at 10:30 pm, 3rd April, there are 210 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Twenty new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria; 11 in Lagos, 3 in the FCT, 3 in Edo, 2 in Osun & 1 in Ondo.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai

Mohammed, yesterday said government could extend the 14-day lockdown should Lagosians and residents of Abuja and Ogun State not behave themselves.

The minister, who is a member of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, disclosed this in Abuja when he featured in a forum to give an update on government efforts at containing the pandemic.

He said, “If we don’t behave ourselves, there is a likelihood that the lockdown will be extended, but if we behave ourselves, there might not be an extension and I hope we do so.

“If we stay at home for two weeks and we are doing everything we are supposed to do, we should be able to Continued on page 5

DHQ: General Adeniyi’s Removal Routine... Page 6

COVID-19 UPDATE...

L-R: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; and the Minister of State (Health), Olorunnimbe Mamora, during a press briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja…yesterday

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PAGE FIVE COVID-19: LAGOS, EDO RECORD FIRST DEATHS, CASES RISE TO 210 effectively contain the disease.

“Therefore, my appeal to Nigerians is that they should obey the directive on social distancing, personal hygiene and shun gatherings; after two weeks, we will resume our normal life.

“But if they think it is a joke, then we may have to stay at home more than the two weeks.”

The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was planning to meet with indigenous manufacturers to discuss and facilitate the local production of Personal Protective Equipment, to enhance the fight against the coronavirus.

Mohammed said that the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnibe Mamora, and the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments, Adeniyi Adebayo, would meet with the manufacturers on behalf of the government.

He said that the move had become necessary in view of the shortage of the equipment and the need to encourage and develop local manufacturing of medical equipment.

He said, “PPE is in short supply globally and we want to see how we can start manufacturing them locally.

“All over the world, people are making mask locally because there is a short supply of masks.

“Those ones we got from Jack Ma have been shared with the states.

“We call them starter packs and they contain masks and test kits. We have given them to states according to their needs. Naturally, Lagos got more because it is the epicenter of the virus.

“We are trying to source the PPE more locally, but one thing about PPE is that if you don’t get it right, you may lose more lives.”

The Minister also says the corpses of persons who died of COVID-19 cannot be claimed for burial.

He said such corpses would be handled by the ministry of health because they are contagious.

Ehanire Declines to Disclose Drugs Being Used for Treatment The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, yesterday declined to disclose the drugs being used, successfully, in treating COVID-19 patients in the country.

There are records to show that some patients have already been cured and discharged.

Ehanire, who spoke during the daily briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja yesterday, amid several fingers pointing at Chloroquine, said the most important thing was that people were getting treated and getting result.

He said revealing the name of the drugs being used could make people resort to self-treatment and possibly overdose.

Ehanire said: “The drug or drugs being used are matters of interest to doctors who are providing treatment. Doctors advise each other on which drugs they used and I believe as time goes on, they will compile

a report on what worked and what didn’t work.

“As I said earlier, the treatment centres in Lagos are using certain drugs for clinical trial and they will be able to add from their experience to the body of knowledge and what worked and what didn’t work. You may have also read that some people suffered from chloroquine poisoning in Lagos because they thought this was the best way to treat themselves.

“It is not for you to go and purchase and treat yourself. So, I won’t advise anyone looking for the name of the drug when you are not even sure you have that sickness.”

Chinese Medical Team Coming to Nigeria Enahire further disclosed that a medical team from China would arrive the country in a few days.

He also said a group of Chinese companies working in Nigeria had donated medical supplies to support the country’s fight against COVID-19.

He said the items include commodities such as personal protective equipment and ventilators.

“I have been notified of medical supplies from China, courtesy of a group of Chinese companies working here in Nigeria. A special cargo aircraft shall leave Nigeria in a few days to collect the items which include commodities, personal protective equipment and ventilators,” he said.

“An 18-man team of Chinese medical experts, including doctors, nurses and other medical advisers shall come along with the flight to assist us. I must at this juncture commend our frontline workers who are doing a great job in case identification and management.

“As we prepare to contain COVID-19, we must not lose sight of other health challenges in our country. Routine health service must continue in our hospitals. Only a wing of tertiary health centres should be used for infected patients.”

The minister said nearly 3,000 samples have been tested for the disease, adding that Nigeria will witness an increase in confirmed Coronavirus cases despite the lockdown.

Also at the briefing, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had instructed security agencies to deploy tact while enforcing the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory.

Buhari had, on March 29, ordered the lockdown in the three locations for an initial period of 14 days to tackle the spread of the coronavirus in the country, while some other states followed suit.

Mustapha said reports indicated that there was a high level of compliance with the lockdown order in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT. Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the

Federal Government had ramped up its synergy with the state governments through video conferencing communication and the platform of the governors’ forum.

According to him, the President’s directive is that security agencies should enforce the lockdown order with discretion but Nigerians should be law-abiding.

The SGF said, “The PTF finds it very necessary to appeal to our law enforcement agencies to deploy tact and caution in the course of enforcing the rules even in the face of provocation.

“We similarly appeal to all Nigerians to be law-abiding, exercise patience and selfrestraint. The message from Mr President is that no Nigerian should, on account of these rules, suffer any harm or pains during this period or any other time in our national life.

“To the Nigerian traders and businessmen and women, we appeal for resistance to the urge to hike prices of goods and commodities during this period as our compassionate nature must prevail.”

Mustapha stated that it was the best time for citizens to be considerate and to show empathy for their fellow countrymen.

Lagos Discharges 4 More Victims The Lagos State Government has discharged four Coronavirus patients, bringing the total number of discharged persons in the state to 23.

Commissioner for Health, Prof.

Akin Abayomi, disclosed this at a news conference yesterday.

The state had earlier discharged 19 patients.

Confirming the development, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos tweeted, “More great news from our Infectious Disease Hospital as four patients – three females and one male have recovered fully, tested negative twice and have been discharged.

“This gives us a lot of hope as we continue to listen to our health experts and provide the resources to beat COVID-19.”

UN Commends Nigeria The United Nations has praised Nigeria for its handling of the Coronavirus pandemic.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while speaking at a virtual news briefing in New York, referred to Nigeria as a “developing country that has shown a remarkable capacity to respond to the Coronavirus.”

“I have to say this; some of these developing countries have shown a remarkable capacity to respond. I was quite impressed to see, for instance, Nigeria putting in place and immediately establishing a hospital. And I saw difficulties in countries that are much more developed to do quickly the same.”

Lockdown: Falana Tells Buhari to Withdraw Soldiers A Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana (SAN) has asked the federal government to

withdraw armed troops from enforcing the lockdown order placed on the Federal Capital Territory; Lagos and Ogun States.

He said deploying armed troops was illegal and unconstitutional based on precedent judgements of the courts of the land.

He reminded the federal government of its legal obligation “to confine the Military to their demanding assignments, especially in these trying times of insurgencies and encroachment into the country’s territories.

U.S. Records 1,169 Deaths in 24 Hours The United States has recorded 1,169 deaths from COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, ending yesterday morning, the highest single-day toll from the disease so far in any country.

Data from the John Hopkins University show a total of 5,926 deaths have been reported in the US, which also has the highest number of cases worldwide at 245,570.

In Italy, which had the global single-day record of deaths at 969, a total of 13,915 have now been killed by COVID-19 — the highest death-toll globally.

About 115,242 persons have also been infected by the disease in the European country.

Spain, the third worst-hit country, has also recorded 112,065 infections so far.

Europe remains the most affected region with at least half a million cases — more than half of the total infections worldwide.

The picture is less gloomy in Africa with 7,028 cases and 284 deaths across 50 countries, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sanwo-Olu, Wife Test Negative

for Alarm over Foreign Countries Evacuating Citizens Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama has said there was no hidden agenda behind some countries evacuating their citizens from Nigeria.

At least, 637 Europeans were evacuated from Nigeria and Benin Republic on Thursday, a move that left many wondering if there was cause for concern.

During the press briefing of the presidential task force on COVID-19 in Abuja yesterday, a journalist had asked Onyeama if leaving the country was an indictment on Nigeria’s health system, to which the minister responded that it was not necessarily so.

Onyeama said those who had left did so to enable them make use of a system that they are familiar with, should the need arise.

He added that the diplomatic staff of most of these countries were still in Nigeria, and that they have no plans of leaving.

“It is basically a case where people are more familiar with the health system in their various countries and so prefer to go to the various countries so in the event that they might have to be confined, they would be in more familiar surroundings and they would also have access to medical practitioners and facilities that they are used to,” Onyeama said.

“So, that is really the reason.

And you will find that a large number of those countries evacuating citizens still have their heads of mission and ambassadors and other staff here in Nigeria and there are no plans of leaving.”

FG to Evacuate Nigerians Abroad

for the frontline health workers exposed to coronavirus.

Mustapha, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the move was in recognition of the danger to which the workers were exposed.

He urged them to put in their utmost best as the country stands up to the ravaging pandemic, in addition to assuring them of government’s commitment.

The SGF added that the government had, through the Ministry of Agriculture, approved the restocking of the national grains reserve with 100,000 metric tonnes.

On the guidelines on market operation, the SGF clarified that what federal government did was to tighten the process, while adding that markets closed by the governments of Lagos, Ogun and FCT would remain closed.

He said the consideration of four-hour business that was given for markets to operate within a limited time had to do with satellite markets in the neighbourhoods, which he said could function every other day, not on daily basis.

The Director General, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweze has said that there remains no specific treatment for coronavirus.

He said the best treatment for the pathogen was to sustain the respiratory culture of the patients until they recovered on their own.

Ihekweze said that about 4,000 people have so far been tested, and that a new lab was activated in Abuja yesterday to bring the number of labs in the country to eight, which improves the centre’s capacity to run tests.

He said a new lab will also be commissioned in Kano on Tuesday.

4,000 UK Citizens Seek Evacuation

Onyeama Says No cause

The federal government said it was pondering the option of evacuating many Nigerians that are stranded outside the country as a result of the escalation in the global cases of coronavirus infection.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema gave this hint yesterday in Abuja when the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefed the media on the containment of the pandemic.

Onyema said the federal government had raised concerns about the plight of stranded Nigerian citizens. The disease, which has been categorized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), has disrupted the global aviation industry and has forced many countries to shut their borders.

The minister said government had put its foreign missions in the know about the plan and has asked them to verify the number of those affected.

The Chairman of PTF on COVID- 19, Boss Mustapha similarly disclosed that the federal government was working with other stakeholders to structure medical and life insurance cover

Over 4,000 citizens of the United Kingdom have indicated interest in returning to their country amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The British high commission in Nigeria broke the news in a tweet yesterday.

This is coming despite Nigeria’s less number of coronavirus cases compared to the figures in the UK. In UK, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is 38,168, according to Worldometer, a website which provides real-time updates on the disease situation globally.

With only 135 recoveries so far, 3,605 persons have been confirmed dead over there.

The commission said it was working to evacuate its citizens, especially “stranded United Kingdom travellers who aren’t long term residents in Nigeria”.

“We fully understand the anxiety many of you face around #COVID19. Our offer of help is to stranded United Kingdom travellers who aren’t long term residents in Nigeria. Over 4000 people have expressed interests in return flights. We’re working around the clock to support you all,” the tweet read.

crisis in Nigeria. The rate at which the virus is spreading is unprecedented and it appears we are fighting our most lethal adversary today.

"So far, the federal government has made strides in the fight, but, it is clear that the private sector needs to step in to support efforts being made," the CBN governor had said.

A breakdown of the earlier contributions to the fund showed that the CBN and President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote donated N2 billion each into the fund while Alhaji Abdul Samad

Rabiu (Bua Sugar Refinery); Segun Agbaje (GTBank); Tony Elumelu (United Bank for Africa); Chief Oba Otudeko (First Bank); Chief Jim Ovia (Zenith Bank); Herbert Wigwe (Access Bank); and Femi Otedola of Amperion Power Distribution, donated N1 billion each.

Other donors included Pacific Holding Ltd, Union Bank Plc, Sterling Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Citi Bank Nigeria Ltd, FCMB, Fidelity Bank, Ecobank Nigeria, African Steel Mills and Multichoice Nigeria

Limited.

Other contributors include FSDH Merchant Bank, FBN Merchant Bank, Rand Merchant Bank, Coronation Merchant Bank, Sun Trust Bank, Providus Bank, Wema Bank, Unity Bank, Heritage Bank, Nova Merchant Bank, Polaris Bank, and Keystone Bank.

Also, Globus Bank, Titan Trust Bank, Takagro Chemicals Ltd, Ahmadu Mahmoud, and Handy Capital Ltd made up the list of those that have so far made contributions into the CACOVID relief fund domiciled at the CBN.

Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu have tested negative to COVID 19.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who announced this on his official Twitter account, also revealed that personal aides of the governor and the First Lady who got tested for the Coronavirus are all negative.

According to the tweet: “I am happy to announce that #COVID19Lagos Incident Commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu, the first Lady of Lagos @ jokesanwoolu and their immediate family members, as well as aides have all tested negative to #COVID19.

The health commissioner, however, urged Lagosians to keep up with the social distancing practice, saying that the state was poised to winning the battle against the coronavirus.

“We thank Lagos residents for their concern and support.

We urge all to maintain social distancing. Together we can defeat #COVID19! Please stay safe #ForGreaterLagos,” he said.

COVID-19 PRIVATE SECTOR RELIEF FUND INCREASES TO N19.4BN and the private sector.

He, however, urged more Nigerians and corporate bodies to key into the coalition with a view to supporting the fight against the pandemic, stressing that Nigeria could overcome the scourge with support from all.

CACOVID had on Monday, disclosed that work had started in earnest to provide and equip medical facilities in the six geopolitical zones.

The medical facilities included the creation of testing, isolation and treatment centres, as well as the provision of Intensive

Care Units (ICUs) and molecular testing labs.

A breakdown of this had shown that 1,000 beds were donated to Lagos; Kano (500 beds); Rivers (210 beds) Abuja (200 beds); Enugu (200 beds); and Borno (200 beds); and expect to be operational within 10 days.

“The next phase will see locations set up in Katsina, Ogun, Bayelsa, Anambra, Bauchi and Plateau to be ready within three weeks. The remaining states of the Federation will be set up in the last phase within the next five weeks,”

the group had started.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had said CACOVID was targeting N120 billion for the acquisition of healthcare facilities and advocacy about the virus across the country, among others.

Emefiele had explained that four major committees have been set up which include the Steering Committee; the Funding Committee; Operational Committee and the Technical Committee.

"This coalition was created out of the urgent need to combat the unfolding COVID-19

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž APRIL 4, 2020

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Buhari Orders Military, Police to Flush out Bandits in Sokoto, Plateau Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja asked the Nigerian Army to join forces with the Nigeria Police and flush out bandits from Sokoto and Plateau states’ forests as well as

other affected parts of the country.

The president, according to a statement by presidential spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, gave the directive in a swift response to the killing of 22 people in Sokoto State and 10 others in Bassa Local Government

Area of Plateau State, this week.

The statement said 22 citizens lost their lives in Sokoto State when a community was attacked by armed bandits.

According to the statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, in a swift response to

the president’s instruction, had already contacted the General Officers Commanding the army formations in the affected states.

He also said Buratai accordingly directed the GOCs to reinforce the police efforts to launch

ferocious attacks against the bandits and bring them to justice.

Shehu added that Buhari also commiserated with the governments and people of the two states, assuring Governors Aminu Tambuwal and Simon Lalong

of the federal government’s support in the efforts to put paid to the spate of attacks in the regions.

He also said the president prayed that Allah would comfort those who lost their beloved family members and friends in the attacks

COVID-19 Delta Killing: Okowa, Omo-Agege, Keyamo, Mulade Sue for Calm, Probe Sylvester Idowu in Warri Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa; Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, Labour Minister of State, Festus Keyamo and Activist, Sheriff Mulade have sued for peace over the killing of a 28-years-old Joseph Pessu in Warri by one of the security agents assigned to enforce lockdown in the town as part of government efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

Pessu, a father of two and an Itsekiri youth, was shot dead by a soldier enforcing the COVID-19 lockdown directive of the state government in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area on Thursday.

Governor Okowa who spoke through the state Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu said the state government had sent

a delegation to the deceased family to condole with them over the loss of their son and contacted the military to investigate.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area in Delta State, Michael Tidi, said videos circulating on social media about the killing were concocted to embarrass Warri.

Omo-Agege condemned the alleged gruesome killing of Pessu by men of the Nigerian Army and urged for thorough investigations of the incident.

Keyamo described the incident as “disturbing, barbaric and high-handedness on the part of the men of the armed forces� and promised to pursue the matter with the highest military authorities.

A Niger Delta human rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff urged Deltans to support the State Government’s effort to curb the

spread of the killer COVID-19 coronavirus.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Chief Mulade condemned the incident that led to the death of Pessu.

While sympathising with the family of the slain youth, Mulade urged Deltans to cooperate with security operatives during the 14 days stay at home noting that everyone was duty bound to carry out government directives especially in enforcing the restriction of movement to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus into Delta State.

He also called for calm and urged security agents to discharge their duties professionally, as it was their responsibility to protect lives and property of Nigerians.

THISDAY had reported that a soldier shot Pessu dead after a hot

DHQ: Former War Commander, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi’s Removal Routine ÂŠÂ˘ÂœČą Č‚ÂœČąÂ?›Š—Â?ČąÂ˜Ä›ÂŽÂ—ÂœÂ’Â&#x;ŽȹŠÂ?Š’—œÂ?Čą Â˜Â”Â˜Čą Š›Š–ǰȹ ČąÂ’Â—ČąÂ™Â›Â˜Â?›Žœœ Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Military High Command said yesterday that the removal of the former Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Olusegun Adeniyi, was routine.

Adeniyi, had in a viral video, with a battlefield background, lamented the lack of weapons and equipment to fight insurgents.

He had said that insurgents fired mortar bombs and Rocketpropelled Grenades (RPGs) at troops without commensurate response over lack of the necessary weapons.

He was removed in a shake-up by the Nigerian Army Headquarters on Wednesday and moved to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja as a senior research fellow.

This comes as it said the offensive launched by Nigeria, Niger and Chad against Boko Haram and ISWAP was in progress and achieving the desired goal of maximum domination.

Also, Defence Headquarters said it had launched an investigation into the alleged shooting of civilians by a soldier in Warri, Delta State even as it restated its commitment to the enforcement of federal government’s directive on restriction of movement to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, Coordinator, Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Enenche, said Major General Adeniyi’s removal was routine.

“In the first place, as I am sitting down here, I can be removed at any time. It is an administrative procedure of the services. It is a routine.

I know the rules guiding such postings. After three months, you can be redeployed and you have somebody that has been there for almost a year. “Disregard conspiracy theories, once you have reached the rank of a general, you can handle many appointments at a time. Posting is a regular feature of military redeployments,� he said.

He said a forensic analysis of the video would be conducted after which the outcome would be made known.

On the grand offensive launched by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against Boko Haram and ISWAP, Enenche said the operation was achieving the maximum objective of domination of the enemy.

On the alleged shooting of civilians in Warri by a soldier which video has gone viral on social media, he said: “we are aware of the situation and it is under investigation. When investigation is concluded, we will inform you.�

On the preparedness of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support government’s efforts, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations said the military was ready to supply liquefied oxygen to isolations centres even as it had set up an additional isolation and treatment centre, Navy Reference

Hospital in Ojo Town in Lagos State, bringing the number of such centres to 18. “The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to assure the public of its commitment to the presidential directives on COVID-19. In this regard, I wish to state that we have provided an additional isolation and treatment centre, located at the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital, Navy Town, Ojo in Lagos, bringing the number to 18 centres. “Equally, the training of 80 medical personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to manage COVID-19 cases has since commenced. They are being trained in batches and would soon be deployed to the various units they would serve. In addition, the recalling of retired Armed Forces medical personnel is in progress,� he said.

He further stated that a strategic level preparation by the military in support of COVID-19 effort by the federal government was in progress. “Currently, Nigerian Air Force is operating at full capacity its Liquefied Oxygen (LOX) plant at the 103 Strike Group (103 STG) at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Yola. “The plant is on 24 hours operation to ensure uninterrupted production of pure liquefied oxygen. The liquefied oxygen is being gasified and will be stored in cylinders for immediate supply to isolation centers and designated hospitals as will be directed,� Enenche said.

chase as he failed to stop when he was flagged down by a combined team of security operatives, who mounted barricade at Ugbuwangue in Warri South Council Area.

The deceased, who abandoned the deflated car and ran into a nearby bush, was pursued by the soldier who shot him in the waist first to demobilise him, before another direct aim on his chest

that killed him on the spot.

Security sources disclosed that the soldiers suspected the deceased was an armed robber going by the way he drove the car and refused to stop despite the chase. “When the deceased refused to stop, the soldiers went after him and shot at one of the rear tyres. The young man

continued to drive the car with a burst tyre until he got to Ogunu.

He blocked the road with his car, jumped out and started running. “It was then one of the soldiers assumed him to be a suspect and shot at him. Immediately the incident happened, the soldier drove directly to the Area Command of the Nigeria Police to report himself,� he said.

Senator Cries Out Over Killing of 10 Constituent by Bandits Deji Elumoye in Abuja A member of the National Assembly, Senator Istifanus Gyang, has sent a Save our Soul ( SOS) message to police and security agencies over recent armed bandits invasion of Plateau North senatorial district leading to the killing of 10 people.

Gyang, said in Abuja yesterday that bandits this week invaded three villages in Plateau North senatorial district and killed 10 people “and this informed why I have to call on the police and other security agencies to assist in securing my senatorial district against attack of any form.�

He described as sad and disturbing that while all nations including Nigeria are battling to overcome the plague of Coronavirus, killer bandits were busy attacking helpless communities in his Plateau North Senatorial District.

The Senator noted that for two days running specifically on Tuesday and Wednesday 31 March and 1 April, killer bandits attacked and killed 10 persons at Hukke and Kyle Borough villages of Irigwe Chiefdom in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to him, “It is unfortunate that while the entire humanity is grappling with this

scourge of Coronavirus and steps are being taken globally to eradicate the scourge, bandits invaded my constituency and hit three villages. The hoodlums came in the night and set part of the villages ablaze and killed 10 persons. “This is very disturbing, sad, unfortunate, and condemnable because at a time the entire nation is in a sober mood seeking the face of God in prayers, to see how God can deliver us from the scourge of Coronavirus, we have a set of people that have no fear of God and have no value for life. They are further destroying the lives of people that we are seeking the face of God to preserve in this painful season. The unfortunate incidents happened in my constituency on the 31st of March and also April 1.�

Senator Gyang, who is Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, therefore called on the security agencies in Plateau state to be up and doing and ensure the safety of rural dwellers in the state.

His words: “I’m taking this step to bring it to the attention of the nation and particularly the people of Plateau State that it is a painful moment, a painful development.

One that no sane person will in any

way support. That is why I join my constituents, I join my people of goodwill to call on the security agencies, particularly the Operation Safe Haven in Plateau State and the police to please rise up and take up their primary responsibility which is that of saving lives and property, particularly those of the rural dwellers in Plateau State. “Emphasis on security should not be limited to urban areas because the lives of the rural dwellers also matter. That is why I’m calling on security agencies to step up the fight against insurgency and banditry in Plateau and other states that are being affected by the scourge of banditry.�

The Senator recalled that he had earlier in the week reached out to the state police commissioner on the matter but nothing much was done to address the issue. “I called the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command immediately after the attacks and I engaged him with a view to knowing what he was doing about it and he told me that he had made some deployment to the area. Unfortunately, the military has just done some changes. So I couldn’t reach the Commander of the Operation Safe Haven, that has been redeployed.

Evacuation of US Citizens from MMIA Aborted Chinedu Eze Plans to evacuate hundreds of US citizens by its embassy in Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, yesterday morning was aborted after the passengers had checked in for the flight.

The US citizens including men and women carrying their children and babies were left stranded and exasperated, as they confronted the dilemma of not making the airlift as scheduled.

The evacuation flight, which was supposed to be operated by Omni Air International with aircraft type B767-200 and call signN207 AX/1005

was billed to arrive at 6:15 am local time and depart 8:15 am local time but the flight was cancelled because of what was described as “crew illegality issues�.

A letter dated April 3, 2020 issued

by Landover Aviation Services, signed by Adegbola Adediran, Flight Operations and made available to THISDAY titled ‘Flight Cancellation’ was sent to Comptroller of Immigration MMIA and United States Embassy in Abuja.

The letter said, “The operator has advised while aircraft was en-route, that aircraft was forced to return back due to crew illegality issues without further details. We hereby request that all passengers

already checked in and stamped out be stamped back.�

The US nationals who had already been check-in by the airport authorities were seen collecting their baggage back, crestfallen and wearing despondent faces.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA) had banned international flights since midnight of March 23, but confirmed that essential flights would still operate.

The essential flights include aircraft in state of emergency, over flyers, operations related to humanitarian aid, medical and relief flights, alternate aerodrome identified in the flight plan, technical stops where passengers do not disembark,

SATURDAY APRIL 4, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS

COVID-19... COVID-19... COVID-19...

Travellers Groan as Anambra Remains Locked Down David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË

READY FOR COVID-19...

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, cutting the tape to inaugurate the COVID-19 Response Centre at Orlu Road, Owerri

Tension in Kwara over Death of UK Returnee at UITH Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ

Palpable tension yesterday pervaded Ilorin, Kwara State capital as the Coronavirus pandemic disease ravaging the world may have claimed the life of a United Kingdom returnee from the state at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin(UITH).

The deceased, a Chartered Accountant, Alhaji Jimoh Muideen was said to have just returned from UK where he attended the graduation ceremony of one of his children.

It was gathered that the deceased was said to have been

on self-isolation for over 13 days now after he returned from UK and thereby suspecting to be nursing COVID-19 infection.

Sources close to the hospital told our correspondent yesterday that the sickness of the deceased was said to have become critical on Wednesday and was subsequently rushed to the emergency ward of the teaching hospital.

Sources added that after several efforts by the medical team to revive him, the deceased gave up the ghost on Thursday night at the hospital.

It was further learnt that, the deceased who hails from Offa in Offa Local Government Area

Uzodinma Unveils Imo Isolation Centres Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has unveiled the Imo Initiative Programme ramping up the fight against contagious diseases in the state.

He said yesterday, during the inauguration of COVID-19 Isolation Centres that “As we focus firmly on COVID-19 because of its awesome potency, we must never lose sight of the fact that other threats to our collective safety and peaceful existence abound. Crime, other contagious diseases and disasters inclusive.”

Governor Uzodinma expressed happiness that even with the ever rising confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, Imo State had been spared from any confirmed case.

This, he said was to the glory of God and the relentless efforts of the government and co-operation of the people. He noted “Yet as a people, we must remain vigilant, creative and disciplined in our response to this monstrous virus to ensure that it never gets to our state and if it does, that we must not be caught napping.”

On some of the recent measures put in place by government to prevent COVID-19 from entering the state and in the unfortunate event that it does, Governor Uzodinma

assured of his readiness to fight it to a standstill.

He stated that six well equipped Isolation Centres were now in place in the state at Okigwe General Hospital, Aboh Mbaise General Hospital, Orlu General Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, General Hospital Umuguma and the Ultra-Modern Well-being Centre, Owerri, Orlu Road, all inaugurated simultaneously.

The governor further stated that an operational ready Test and Treatment Centre for Corona virus was also in place in Owerri metropolis with a molecular laboratory to test all viruses, COVID-19, Ebola and others.

He equally noted that well trained and equipped medical experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) were on ground to test for the virus, if there was anyone with symptoms and to treat any confirmed case.

In addition to the existing State Taskforce on Covid-19, Governor Uzodimma stated that taskforces had been set up at the local government areas and ward levels with 28 state-of-the-art ambulances provided to fortify the state in readiness for any emergency.

of the state had been buried according to the Islamic rites.

However, in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital(UITH) signed by the union chairman, Dr. Muhammed Adeboye, “a patient on self-isolation for 13 days following his return from the UK (hence, suspected case of COVID-19) was admitted yesterday (Thursday) and died at the Medical Emergency ward today, Thursday 2nd April, 2020.

“Close contacts of the patient (doctors and nurses that attended

to him and his family members) have started self-isolation while we await possible confirmation of COVID-19.

“In the spirit of proactiveness by the management of the hospital, the Medical Emergency has been shut down and the process of fumigation has been initiated.

“We strongly advise you all to ensure you are well protected with the full PPE kit while attending to any patient because all patients are potential carriers of this highly contagious virus and it is our earnest hope that our staff will always be protected from this deadly virus.”

C’River to Distribute Food Items to 44, 000Vulnerable Homes Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Cross River Government has announced that it would distribute food items to about 44,000 homes across the state to cushion the economic difficulties that the people were faced with due to the total lockdown of the territory to possibly prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Making the announcement in Calabar yesterday, state chairman of the Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Betta Edu, said the 44,000 households that would be supplied with food items were the most vulnerable in the state.

The state Chairman of COVID-19 Taskforce, Dr. Betta Edu, said this at an interactive session with newsmen in Calabar.

Edu said already, food items among them rice, garri, plantain, yams and others had been procured for distribution as directed by the state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade.

“In line with Governor Ben Ayade’s directives, we have procured food ready for distribution to vulnerable people in the society consisting of 44,000 households.

“The state government has the

interest of the people at heart.

The gesture is to ameliorate the vulnerable in the critical stay-athome period.

“As a state government, we have also produced 5,000 sanitisers ready for distribution. We are expecting another 5,000, although we have the challenge of bottles,” Edu said.

Edu who is the State Commissioner for Health, stated that the list of those to benefit from the food items were members of vulnerable households as contained in the register obtained from the state World Bank Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) programme.

Edu disclosed that the state government had procured 5,000 bottles of sanitisers that would also be distributed for use by the people across the state.

Concerning the status of the state with regards to the number of infected persons, she stated that the state was currently infection-free.

“As we speak, Cross River has been declared COVID-19 free. We want to state that our borders and all entry routes into the state will remain shut until the pandemic is contained in the country,” Edu said.

Anambra State Government in collaboration with security agencies in the state have continued to enforce the closure of inter-state boundaries, leaving travellers locked out of the state borders and groaning.

THISDAY correspondent who went round the state yesterday discovered that all the six boundaries leading into the state from Enugu, Delta, Imo, Rivers, Kogi and Abia have restrictions for entry.

The boundaries were mounted by a combined team of police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and personnel of the Ministry of Transport in the state.

Some of the travellers whose movement were restricted decried their conditions, adducing reason for their need to either leave the state or come into it, just as the enforcement team stuck to the initial order for only people on

essential duties to cross over or cross into the state.

A traveller said, “I am taking my brother to hospital. It is true that we live in Enugu, but our border is very close to Anambra, and we use the hospital at Amansea.”

Another truck loaded with metal scraps had banana bunches covering it, but the officials discovering the waste metal denied the driver exit from the state.

The Mobile Police commander, Mr. Victor Erivwode who spoke to journalists during the inspection said his team had a hectic time checking the entry and exit of vehicles into the state.

“We have less pressure now, I must confess. When this started on Monday, all the borders were full of stranded passengers, but we had to explain to them that we are not doing this to punish them, but to protect them.

“We must all comply and observe this 14 days stay at home exercise, to see if we can beat the disease,” he said.

Drama as Relations Report Suspected Coronavirus-Positive Patient Laleye Dipo in Minna

There was drama in the Limawa area of Minna, the Niger State capital on yesterday when relations of a tanker driver stormed the COVID-19 Taskforce office to report him over suspicion of showing symptoms of the pandemic The relations told the Taskforce that their brother (Tanker Driver) had just returned from Lagos and had been coughing and sneezing intermittently.

They added that they had stopped their brother from entering their house and that he should be brought into isolation.

The officials of the Taskforce on receiving the report, immediately stormed the Limawa residence and took the tanker driver away.

It was also gathered that the tanker driver was taken straight to the isolation ward at the Minna General Hospital where he will be subjected to series of tests to

confirm his status.

The Deputy Chairman of the COVID-19 committee in Niger State and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Makun Sidi, confirmed the story, saying the action of the relations of the tanker driver was commendable, describing it also as “the outcome of series of sensitisation mounted by the Taskforce.”

He however said that the Taskforce could not confirm or deny the status of the tanker driver because these days “anybody who has minor cough and sneezing can be said to be showing symptoms of the pandemic.”

Makun Sidi also said the driver of the a top politician in the state who was said to be on the run had been brought into the isolation centre in Bida, “in fact he will complete his isolation tomorrow (Saturday). hours daily to 12 hours.

Kwara Residents Battle for Survival over Stay-at-Home Hammed Shittu ÓØ ÖÙÜÓØ Battling to cope with the stayat-home order of the Kwara State Government, residents of Ilorin, state capital yesterday trooped out enmasse in search of means of survival.

However, as at the time of filling this report, the state is yet to record the COVID-19 incident in the state.

The development according to THISDAY checks might not be unconnected with the sufferings being experiencing seven days after the state had been partially locked down.

A visit of our correspondent to some of the economic areas of Ilorin yesterday revealed that, shops, opened at the popular, Taiwo, Unity roads, Ipata Market, Muritala Road and several others during monitoring

yesterday morning even as residents came in large number to buy.

Likewise in Ahmadu Bello area of GRA Tanks, Fate, University of Ilorin Road, among other areas.

Situation was the same in Offa, Lafiagi, Patigi and Baruten areas of the state where residents came out having exhausted their foodstuff stocked at home and no palliative was supplied.

Speaking with our correspondent yesterday, Mallam Kayode Zubair said that he needed to open his phone shop at Challenge area of Ilorin because the foods he brought home had been exhausted.

He said, “If we are running away from being killed by Coronavirus, must we allow hunger to kill us at home? And no support was coming from anywhere, so we need to come out.

SATURDAY APRIL 4, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

D’banj’s Still Picking up the Pieces Koko Master, D’banj, is still struggling with the reality that his first son, Daniel Oyebanjo III, who died on June 2018, is no more, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

D’banj and Lineo

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

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SUPERSATURDAY D’banj’s Still Picking up the Pieces

D’banj and Lineo

F

or musician, Oladapo Oyebanjo, better known as D’banj, sleeping in his room, in his house in Lagos for the first time in 21 months wasn’t as easy for him as he had expected after losing his first child, Daniel Oyebanjo III, in the house. He disclosed this in a recent post on his social media page in what appeared to be a reflection about life and family generally. The singer, songwriter revealed that he slept in his room for the first time in twenty-one months. Recall that the singer had lost his son sometime in June 2018.

The late Oyebanjo III, who turned one in May of that same year, drowned in a swimming pool at the singer ’s Lagos home. D’banj, 39, was not in the country when the incident occurred. He was attending the BET awards in Los Angeles. The Koko Master in his post said he thought it would be easier for him to sleep in his room after many months but the “memories are so fresh.” He used the post to encourage people going through any personal issues or any hardship.

He added that even though he and his family had been through so much, he woke up with a grateful heart.

Dbanj said he believed that he could be a source of visible hope to anyone going through hard times due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He urged people

to know that tomorrow would be better and people can turn their pain into motivation.

D’banj and Lineo tied the knot in 2016 and had their son soon after.

Daniel’s death came just after his one-year-old birthday party which was well celebrated by his parents’ family and friends.

The news of the child’s death left many of his fans in shock and saw many reach out to the star and his wife. The news went viral fast with condolences flooding in from politicians, celebrities and fans. It got a report on CNN, quoting local reports and social media feeds.

On Instagram, D’banj just placed a black background with the words: “Trying times but my God is Always and Forever Faithful.” DBanj fans and showbiz stars all over the world wrote messages with condolences to the singer and his family. But along with the good came the bad. “Who was minding the child?” they asked.

“Where was the fencing?” they questioned. “D’banj, we’d warned you!” they commented.

A 13-month-old was gone and a bunch of insensitive humans already demanding answers and placing the blame unfair and square on the heaving shoulders of a grieving mother and father. According to multiple reports then, D’banj’s wife, Lineo was placed on suicide watch.

It was quite a tragic moment for the young couple who were barely just

two years in marriage then. However, it was good news a year after the sad incident as the couple welcomed a son in the United States of America barely a month after revealing he was expecting a child.

Two months after the incident, the singer dedicated a song to his wife.

Dbanj would reveal in an interview that he never thought he would ever lose a child and that sad incident really broke him. During the interview, the Nigerian artiste thanked everyone that supported him and his wife throughout the trying time. “First, I want to thank everyone out there who has supported us, but the truth is in everything we do we need to give thanks to God and more importantly, I believe there is God that granted me the grace and mercy over my family and my wife to be here today.

“It’s not something you wish for your worst enemy. To lose a child is not something you think about, and I have never thought about it before.” He also revealed that he only attended therapy once with his wife but stopped going. “If I told you I thought about it, unlike other things you asked me and I told you I am focused and I go in, this was one that broke me. It was just that it just took the grace of God and a bit of therapy.

I think I went for therapy once and I said this no be my style because it was bringing out so many things.”

The DB Records boss in a related post last Monday took to his Insta-

gram to appreciate his wife as she celebrated her birthday on March 30.

Dbanj in the heartfelt message to his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, disclosed that he had been through a lot with his wife in a short time and stated that they’ve always ended up at the better and brighter side of life. The entertainer also shared cute photos of his wife on his page and gushed about their life together.

He talked about how they have been through a lot and survived despite everything. In his post, he noted that words could not express his appreciation to God for the day they met. D’banj further stated that being with Didi gives him “visible hope” which is all he stands for. He added that being with his wife gives him hope. Dbanj also said being with his wife makes what he stands for a reality. He wished her a happy birthday from him and their son.

His post reads: “Words can’t express my appreciation to God for the day we met and what you mean to me. We’ve been thru so much in such a little time but by His Grace still Always end up at the Better, Brighter side of life and in such a time like this when the world needs Not just hope but visible hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Being with you totally does that for me and make what I stand for a reality visible hope.

I celebrate you today and Say Happy Bday darling @lineo_dd from your boys. We Love you.”

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ͼ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

So that Covid-19 can be tamed...

Curtailing Incessant Gas Explosions

A

t least 20 people were killed when a gas processing plant exploded and destroyed about 50 buildings after unleashing a fire ball that tore through homes, schools, factories and residents.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation says the explosion that devastated Abule Ado area of Lagos was caused by a truck after it hit some gas cylinders stacked in a gas processing plant located near NNPC’s 2B pipeline right of way. Group General Manager Public affairs Kennie Obateru said the impact of the explosion caused the collapse of nearby houses and damaged the NNPC pipeline.

Witnesses described scenes of devastation in the town of Abule Ado as unfortunate: houses were burned and bodies were exhumed from rubbles. Few bodies were charred beyond recognition.

According to Mr. Abayomi Oriloyomi, a resident in Abule Ado, “Plumes of smoke billowed into the air as people scurried for cover. Shortly after, firefighters came battling to quench the flames.’’ He further asserted that, the causality would have been more if it were a working day.

For an onlooker who preferred to be nameless, “there were two loud explosions and then cars, buildings burst into flames.”

Explosions in Nigeria are not new: from tanker trucks on the bridge to residents and or saboteurs who siphon off oil or petrol from pipelines.

It is good at this point to ask: what are the primary causes of these explosions? Plying of roads by heavy trucks on pipeline ways, ignorance of residents who had pipelines laid across their homes, unscrupulous people who pilfer in large quantity, among others. The pipelines are national asset and must be protected by the federal government. Why would people want to destroy national asset?

The most underlying causes are what I have mentioned above. Other reasons include poverty, community-industry expectations’ mismatch and corruption in the country. We also have ineffective law enforcement, poor governance, poor prosecution of offenders, high unemployment in the communities, thriving illegal oil market involving both Nigerians and foreigners, and inadequate funding of resources to combat oil theft. This is the situation we found ourselves losing up to 120,000 barrels per day (bpd). Between 2010 and 2012, a total of 2,787 break-ins were reported on pipelines belonging to the NNPC, resulting in the loss of 157.81 metric tons of petroleum products, worth about N12.53bilion. That is huge resource we could have used for social development.

Have we identified possible international markets and destinations where the crude oil is sold?

The Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the DPR have a major role to play. Kpler is a corporate entity good at using technology to

detect and identify rogue operations. Our agencies must collaborate with the company to reduce oil theft in Nigeria. The use of drones is capital intensive but will reduce theft and pilfering to the barest minimum.

Apart from economic loss, the effect on land degradation and deforestation is massive as vegetation in those areas that experience oil spills may take several years of rehabilitation to heal.

As they say health is wealth. The effect of pipeline vandalism is in ripples. The thick smoke resulting from the explosion leads to acid rain. There is also air pollution which is a chief contributor to the rising cases of cancer in the country.

Yes, NNPC has taken several steps to combat vandalism but it is not yet uhuru, it must partner with stakeholders to nip the problem in the bud.

Explosions are not new but explosion of this magnitude that destroys property worth billions of naira is a cause for concern.

We all remember more than 300 people were killed in Abule Egba when a pipeline exploded on December 26, 2006 due to vandalism.

The effort of Lagos State Government is commendable but there is need for a special relief package from the federal government for the victims of Abule Ado. Relocation of pipelines may be capital intensive, but residential areas should not be found close to pipelines. It is like tying goat and lion in the same abode. It is wholly the responsibility of government to ensure laws are obeyed.

Olusanya Anjorin, Lagos

Lagos: The Pride of the Black Race

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ou have been a home for many for centuries. You host people from far and near. Your strategic position draws people to you from far and near. Everybody wants to come near you. Everybody wants to know where you are. You never give yourself any title. But everyone that comes in touch with you cannot hide their joy. The Portuguese call you Lagos, the Benin call you Eko, you are called the Centre of Excellence, the State of Aquatic Splendour, the Economic Capital of Africa, Ilu Ogbon (city of wisdom), Ile Owo (home of money), Ile Oro (home of wealth), Ile Olora (fertile land). The tittles are long.

You are incomparable among your equals globally. You are second to none. You are unique. You are a blessing to the country at large. You are a gift to humanity. Many still find pleasure in calling you names. They say you monopolise federal presence. But you never hustled or begged for one. They say you are the smallest in landmass, but you are the most visited. You are the most populated black city.

Everyone wants to be close to you. You give light to your neighbouring states.

Out of your openness, they bring contagious diseases to you. But you remain firm, unshakeable, unperturbed, calm and active. Ebola came and left. Coronavirus is here, it will go as it came. Any other one can come, but Lagos will remain standing, very tall than you can ever imagine.

Whether they give you a special status or not, you have come to stay. You beg not for presence, they come begging, they come knocking.

At will, you open your door. You are a melting pot for all, all cultures, all races and all tribes.

Adewale Qudus Lawal, alaniadewale@yahoo. com

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU 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

The Value of Teachers

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ith the increasing number of infections, and sadly deaths, from COVID-19 the world has changed.

One of the odd outcomes is the appreciation of teachers and what their job actually involves. As the numbers increase the number of schools open decreases and more parents are at home with their children although the schools offer support.

Like so many occupations teaching requires training, skills and commitment as well as the resources of a school to manage the overall program but much of that is now unavailable and will be for most of the year.

When we return to a normal life it would be good to continue to value the work that teachers do.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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NEWS

COVID-19... COVID-19... COVID-19...

Gregory University Joins Race to Find Vaccine, Cure Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

As the world awaits the discovery of definitive vaccine and curative medicine for the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Abia State, has mobilised its scientists and medical researchers for a possible breakthrough.

Founder/Chancellor of the university, Professor Greg Ibe made this known in a statement he personally signed to outline the various ways GUU was intervening in the fight against Coronavirus in Abia State and

Nigeria in general.

He announced that a marching order had already been given to the relevant Colleges and departments in the university to commence the joint research and come out with possible vaccine and medicine for COVID-19.

According to him, the joint research team comprises Colleges of Pharmacy, Basic Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery, Natural and Applied Sciences as well as Departments of Biochemistry and Alternative Medicine.

He also said that Gregory

University, which had been making waves in the top rungs of private universities in Nigeria, has embarked on mass produc-

tion of potent hand sanitisers through its Entrepreneurship Department for subsequent distribution to Abians.

The GUU Chancellor said that they would distributed to those involved in providing essential services, including health work-

ers, security personnel, members of National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW), among others.

Mining Company Donates N3 Million, Face Masks to Nasarawa Govt Igbawase Ukumba ÓØ ËÐÓË

A mining company, Kenyang Mining Company Nig Ltd, yesterday donated N3 million to the Nasarawa State Government as its contribution to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

The company, which has its operational base in Udege area of Nasarawa Local Government Area also donated 30,000 face masks to the state.

Presenting the cheque to the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, at the Government House in Lafia, representative of the company, Mr. Raymond Zhau, said the donation was part of the company’s efforts at supporting government and people of the state in containing the spread of virus.

He said: “As a friend of Nasarawa State, we want to offer our help to the government to enable them have better control and fight against Coronavirus.

From the company, we are offering 30, 000 face masks, as medical support and apart from that, we are donating N3 million to the government account.”

He appreciated the government of Nasarawa State for according the company with a conducive working environment through the years, saying hence they must work together as a family to

contain the spread of the virus.

Receiving the donations, Governor Sule thanked the company for the assistance rendered to the state, assuring that the donations would be used to the benefit of the people of the state.

“With all the efforts being put in place by governments at various levels, COVID-19 will be contained in Nigeria,” Sule assured.

COVID-19 LAW ...

L-R: Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru and Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi after receiving and assenting to Law of Ebonyi State on Coronavirus and other dangerous matters No 5 of 2020 to the,at Government House, Abakaliki… recently

CISLAC Demands Accountability on Donated Funds Ugo Aliogo

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in conjunction with Transparency International in Nigeria have commended the ongoing donations by indigenous groups towards combating the COVID-2019 virus pandemic and its socio-economic impacts, while calling for total accountability of the utilisation and distribution of funds.

A statement made available to THISDAY and signed by the Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, lauded the recent constitution of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 response with specific responsibility to coordinate

donations for efficient and impactful spending.

They stated that they were surprised that the selection and appointment into the Committee did not take cognisance of representatives from the media and other credible governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working “on anticorruption, transparency and accountability in governance and public financial management.”

The statement explained that in times of global public emergency, proactive measures to ensure judicious utilisation and distribution of these funds are needed more than ever.

Unite to Defeat Coronavirus, NIMN Urges Nigerians Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has urged Nigerians to adhere strictly to the health advisory published and announced by the relevant health authorities such as WHO, Federal Ministry of Health and NCDC, to manage and contain the spread of the Coronavirus.

In a statement signed by NIMN President/Chairman of Council, Tony Agenmonmen, the institute said with unity, Nigeria would defeat the disease.

According to him, it will be stating the obvious that the increasing cases of COVID-19 infection globally, and in Nigeria in particular, is alarming, stressing that this was creating heightened apprehension and fear

as the end to the scourge seems not to be in sight.

He however said this was not the time to give in to despondency, surrender to helplessness, and resign ourselves to fate.

“Rather, this is the period to dig deep into our reservoir of courage and resilience, and be resolute in our collective avowal to confront the monster challenge of Coronavirus pandemic.

Last time, together we defeated Ebola.

This time, united, we can also defeat Coronavirus,” he said.

Agenmonmen said the restrictive measures announced by the federal and various state governments to combat the pandemic would no doubt cause great hardship and inconvenience to Nigerians, but they represent necessary sacrifices they had

to make in the wake of the serious challenge posed by CONVID-19.

He said, “We note and commend the various palliatives already announced by the federal government.

We urge the government to ensure that these palliatives are not hijacked and that they reach the intended recipients.

We further urge the government to do even more in alleviating the impact on the significant population of our people whose daily means of livelihood has been pulsed as a result of the various restrictions.

“We urge the Federal Ministry of Information, through the National Orientation Agency to live to the challenge of educating our people, especially those in the rural areas, about the pandemic and the preventive steps to take.

RIVLED, PHCCIMA, Donate Food, Gov Emmanuel Acknowledges Zard Holdings Donate 100 Presence of Virus in Akwa Ibom beds, Others to Oyo Govt Other Essential Items to Rivers The President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Chairman, Board of Trustees of RIVLED Foundation, Chief Nabil Saleh, led the Foundation, members of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and the Organised Private Sector in Rivers State, to deliver food and essential materials to the doorsteps of the most vulnerable in the state.

This gesture is against the backdrop of a directive by the national executives of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (NACCIMA) to all their chapters nationwide to impact their local communities.

In a statement to newsmen, the foundation said it has activated its structure to deliver to all the 319 Wards in the 23 LGAs in Rivers State to ease the pain caused by COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Chief Saleh emphasised the urgent need for the private sector to show corporate social responsibility and compassion particularly at these uncertain times.

He expressed the need to partner with bodies like RIVLED who has the capacity and structure to reach every household in Rivers State.

The President of RIVLED, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa thanked PHCCIMA and the OPS for the donations that made the outreach possible, calling for more organisations to leverage on the Ward-level structure of RIVLED to ensure that supplies get to those who are in dire need.

The Second Deputy President, Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, who is the volunteer State Coordinator for RIVLED-COVID-19 gave assurance that they will continue to ensure that the vulnerable get adequate attention.

Okon Bassey ÓØ ãÙ

In what seems to be acceptance of the presence of the dreaded COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State, Government has ordered total lockdown of the state following five cases of the disease reportedly traced to the state.

The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel gave the directive in a state broadcast Thursday evening saying the lockdown would cover a period of 14 days.

The governor said the confirmation of five cases in the state even though they were in stable conditions without symptoms anymore required critical action.

According to the governor, the decision to completely lockdown the state was to ensure effective contact tracing of those who might

came in contact with the five index cases.

He said that the cesation of movement across the state would be enforced by security operatives to ensure compliance.

Emmanuel announced that only pharmacies and grocery shops would be allowed to open for business.

He warned that all business premises, markets, shops, motor parks and offices should remain closed during this period, except those on essential duties, who must carry proper means of identification.

“As I speak, the confirmed cases who are mostly healthcare professionals are in good health and have so far presented no symptoms.

Kemi Olaitan ÓØ ÌËÎËØ The Zard Holdings comprising of Kopek, Sweetco and Zartech, yesterday donated 100 beds and hospital equipment to the Oyo State Government to fight the spread of the contagious coronavirus in the state.

The Group Property Manager of the conglomerate, Prince Taiwo Oriowo, who handed over the equipment to the state government through the state Head of COVID-19 Task Force and former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof.

Temitope Alonge, said the group donated the equipment as part of its corporate social responsibilities.

The equipment donated include 100 pieces of mattresses, 100 pieces of pillows, 100 pieces of beds and

100 pieces of hangers for the use of the victims of the contagious disease.

He assured that the group would continue to support government at all levels in the quest to end the spread of the contagious disease not only in the state but all over the country.

While appreciating the group for the generous donations, Alonge assured of the judicious use of the equipment, saying “the governor is concerned about the well-being of the people of Oyo State.”

According to him, “On behalf of the government of Oyo state, we receive this with gratitude for the use of our people in the state.

I am happy that our efforts are yielding results. We don’t want to take chances, as such we are putting in place measures to contain spread of the virus.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ 2020

08054699539

War against COVID-19: Let’s Dwell on the Positives

M

any are dying internally because of the fear of Coronavirus. There is so much tension, with only few able to manage the tautness. During this sit at home, some families are so scared to even step outside their apartments and stretch their legs. We must all learn to resist fear and tension, because they destroy body immunity. Strong body immunity helps to resist Coronavirus.

The virus slips into bodies with weak immunity. So, let’s repel fear and tension.

Let’s embrace hope and act responsibly.

Coronavirus is not death sentence.

Yes, many are dying in Europe, at the same time, many are being cured and discharged globally. They have been healed and are back to normal life. In Lagos, it’s almost 100 per cent victory against Coronavirus, until the death last Friday. This is a positive. Just one death recorded in this state. Lagos has cured and released 23 sufferers. Oyo State has also cured and discharged its index case. So, those going about chanting that there is no cure for Coronavirus should stop it. To be cured means being treated and healed. Lagos is doing this.

Nigeria is doing this. The world is doing this. Europe and the United States are already covering their missteps.

Wuhan, China, hitherto the epicenter of the pandemic is now open for business.

After 10 weeks confinement to their apartments, unable to exercise, shop for groceries or walk their dogs, Wuhan residents are back in the sunshine. The subway and intercity trains are running again. Shopping malls and even the Tesla store are reopening. State-owned companies and manufacturing businesses are turning on their lights, with others to follow. This is a big positive. Coronavirus can be contained.

Again, let’s stop restricting this country to only the Western approach to managing Coronavirus pandemic.

The effect on the black man is evidently different. We have to add local things to our methodology. COVID-19 manifests all the symptoms of what is called Ako Iba (high fever) in South-west Nigeria. We have been tackling it for years in this part of the country with herbs. I concur with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who strongly suggested that we look inward and focus on our traditional herbs for the war against COVID 19.

In a post shared on his official Instagram page, the Ooni said: “A divine proclamation came out to the world last year June 6th, 2019, during the World Ifa Festival – Otura Meji. We foretold about the impending rage of this invisible pandemic war, but few heard us.”

Oba Ogunwusi was very specific about the tested herbs that are capable of strangulating Coronavirus. According to him, the following herbs are potent enough to heal anyone down with COVID-19: Boundary tree leaves (Botanical name is Newbouldia laevis, Yoruba is Ewe Akoko); Neem leaves and fruits or Indian lilac (Botanical name is Azadirachta Indica, Yoruba is Ewe Dogoyaro); Onion; Forest Anchomanes (Botanical name is Anchomanes difformis, Yoruba is Ogirisako); Aridan (Botanical name is Tetrapleura tetraptera); African pepper/Ngero pepper/Guinea pepper (Botanical name is Xylopia Aethiopica, Yoruba is Eeru or Erinje); Bitter leaf and Sulfur.”

In the video Ooni shared on both Twitter and Instagram, he prescribed

Sanwo-Olu

how the herbs would be used to “ward off negative energy” including COVID-19. Ooni insisted: “I have used it and also used it for some of the chronic Corona patients with testimonials.”

For me, this is the way forward.

We can speed up treatment with our herbs and export them to the rest of the world. There is nothing to be tested again. It has worked for us from time immemorial. Europeans can’t withstand high fever. This is why they are dying in thousands. Remember malaria killed them in thousands in Black Africa in

the early days of colonialism, until they found and brought Chloroquine into the region.

Another positive is that Chloroquine has been getting formal endorsement from health authorities across the world.

Originally developed as an antimalarial, Chloroquine has a variety of effects, including the ability to reduce immune activity of COVID-19. Just last week, the federal government, through NAFDAC and the Ministry of Health, granted Lagos State permission to commence clinical trials of a combination of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and Azithromycin for the treatment of Coronavirus.

Also, French researchers announced few days back that a combination of both drugs was effective, 100 per cent, in treating Covid-19 patients.

I am sure that the success Lagos State has recorded so far in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, having treated and discharged 23 people, is because doses of Chloroquine are added to the treatment.

The truth that must be told is that hundreds of other Nigerians with COVID-19 symptoms, got Chloroquine treatments, (antibiotics and immune boosters added) in private hospitals, and got results. The Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, who tested positive, came out negative after few days of isolation and treatment. Doses of Chloroquine must have also helped him.

Well, that is not to say that people should go about self-administering Chloroquine.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has also issued an Emergency Use Authorization that will allow patients suffering from COVID-19 to be treated with the combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin without clear evidence of the drugs’ efficacy. The move comes after President Donald Trump has touted the drugs’ potential several times.

The drugs are relatives of Chloroquine,

specifically Chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine sulfate.

The Nigerian government should also help reduce tension and fear by expanding centres for testing and treatment of COVID 19 patients. Having just eight testing laboratories nationwide is not good enough. Tertiary health centres should all be involved in testing and treatment.

Private medical laboratories should also be allowed to get involved. With these, test results will come out faster and victims quickly attended to. For example, Lagos has 26 general hospitals and a teaching hospital. Just imagine testing and treatment going on in these 27 facilities. There will be quick dispensation of justice to COVID 19. This is the only way to enhance testing and treatment capacity in this country.

So, COVID-19 wards should be set up in tertiary hospitals.

Businessman, Aliko Dangote, was on point when he recently added his voice to the call for the involvement of private laboratories in running tests for COVID-19, alongside government centres.

He said giving approval to qualified private laboratories would reduce the waiting period for suspected COVID-19 cases.

Dangote said: “There are currently five government laboratories (now eight) equipped to handle all the testing in Nigeria. However, we have many more quality ones that can do it, but are not yet approved by the government to do so.”

The long and the short of my epistle is that while the war against COVID-19 is on, Nigerians should stay cool, avoid unnecessary tension/panic and behave responsibly.

Coronavirus is not death sentence.

Government should also help diffuse tension, by massively expanding testing and treatment facilities. Also, let’s start administering our herbs to COVID-19 patients, with the aid of quality herbalists.

General Adeniyi is Hero of Boko Haram War The erstwhile commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, General Olusegun Adeniyi, who was removed in controversial circumstances, after speaking against the poor condition of our gallant soldiers on the war front, remains a hero of this war. History will always remember this brave commander who spoke the truth about the faltering war against Boko Haram. That was his crime.

He was bold enough to say the truth; that Nigerian soldiers are poorly equipped and poorly motivated. The military high Command in Abuja does not want the truth. The General was immediately removed. Many are evidently benefiting from this war and want it to continue.

In the rare video, General Adeniyi was seen admitting that Nigerian soldiers were being outgunned by the terrorists. He was leading a large troop of soldiers on a special operation when they came under heavy attacks by Boko Haram. The commander was seen in two of four video clips giving a recorded situation report to Army Chief, Tukur Buratai. He blamed the deadly attack they suffered on “very wrong intelligence assessment” earlier conducted before they deployed.

He said: “Since yesterday, we have met with very strong resistance - from more than pockets of Boko Haram. This morning, from every flank, not less than 15 gun trucks were facing us.”

In the video, General Adeniyi was seen among a battery of depressed troops lamenting that they had suffered a massive loss of men and equipment because they were outgunned by Boko Haram. The General, who appeared in full combat kit, was seen in one of the videos tapping a trooper who was weeping, telling him it

was not ‘soldierlike’ for him to cry because his colleagues were killed.

In another video, the theater commander was seen and heard telling the soldiers that “it appears the people we are fighting have more firepower than us…” He later directed the troops to gather all the bodies of the soldiers that paid the supreme price into available vehicles in order to quickly move them out of the danger zone.

The General, in the audiovisual, revealed how he lost huge equipment and was almost rendered immobile due to a massive attack on troops’ vehicles. Facing the camera and addressing the Chief of Army staff, he said, “Good morning sir, I’m standing here with Sector 2 Commander; the armed helicopter has just come to hover our air, the instruction I gave them was that anything they see moving they should engage because most of my gun trucks are not moving.

Like I said earlier, the three battalions are fighting as deployed, nobody is running.

“But what we have here, I will give you some estimates, sir. Boko Haram has fired more than a hundred mortar bombs at us; they have fired 80 to a hundred RPGs at us; in addition to eight to 10 gun trucks firing at us from all sides. We have not run, and the soldiers are not misbehaving or disobeying orders. We have casualties. I will come and see you in person on what we need to do. But we are not running.”

He later pointed at some of the MRAP trucks that had been demobilised after Boko Haram gunmen shot their tires: “As you can see, that’s one of ours that bullets tore, we lost about 20 MRAP tires here. We have changed close to 250 Hilux tires due to the terrain. This is what we are facing in the Timbuktu triangle, sir. We are not running;

we are fighting as a system to curtail the situation and achieve your mission, sir.”

The General’s shocking revelation that troops were not adequately equipped and armed to fight, is coming amid persistent ridiculous claims by the military authority that Boko Haram had been defeated.

Our gallant soldiers are going through hell on the war front. Aside from being poorly equipped, their allowances are often delayed. Many have overstayed and are tired; some have been on the war front for over two years. This is contrary to the rules of war engagement. Evacuating soldiers wounded on the war front is a big deal.

The big men at the army headquarters in Abuja care less. As long as the war is on, they are in business. Instead of building military hospitals, they are squandering billions of Naira on a military university in Biu, Borno State, while wounded soldiers have limited standard hospitals to attend to them. What a country!

Patriots should help push my contemporary and pragmatic submission on how to end this war: We must hire the best brains from anywhere in the world to assist our military to end this war. The ultimate aim is to decapitate Boko Haram. The strategy for getting result against Boko Haram is largely through aerial power. Technology, intelligence, quality equipment and quality manpower will also be needed. It requires quality fighter jets and quality armoured attack helicopters. Our gallant military lacks the competence and equipment for these.

So, our President must hire Israeli, South African or Russian mercenaries to finish this war. This is the only way forward.

We should all put pressure on Buhari to do the needful.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍźËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWSXTRA

Residents Flee as Suspected Herdsmen Kill Farmer, Son in Ondo t State records first COVID-19 case

James Sowole Ă“Ă˜ Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?

Disturbed by incessant attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, residents of Arimogija Community in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have begun to flee the community.

This is as the state yesterday recorded first case of Coronavirus as a suspected person tested positive. The situation was revealed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and

Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo who said it was with great concern that the Ondo State Government announced the first index case. A suspected case tested positive to the COVID-19 virus.

According to the residents, three farmers were killed on their farms during the week by suspected herdsmen while security men did nothing to check the activities of the criminals despite several cries of the community.

They also alleged that

a helicopter came into the forest of the community and dropped some ammunition for the herdsmen.

A resident of the town, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the entire community had been living in fear while those who cannot take the risk had begun to relocate from the community following the Fulani herdsmen's attack.

"The Fulani herdsmen have killed three people in this community, in just one

week. They killed a rice farmer, Jacob Odushe and his son, Adura this week.

They killed another boy, Victor Ejeh. The boy's corpse was found in the bush after a week that he was declared missing. The cuts on his body showed that he was killed by the bandits.

"Again, few days ago, a helicopter was sighted in our community and we later found out that the helicopter brought some arms and ammunition into the bush for the herdsmen to continue in their attack against us," he said.

Hope Rises for Nigeria as Crude Oil Prices Climb Emmanuel Addeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The international prices of crude oilspikedyesterday,raisinghopes in the country that Nigeria could meet its financial obligations to its citizens and fulfil its global commitments in the short term as the Brent sold for $34.42 per barrel With dwindling prices of the country’s major revenue earner in the last few weeks, the federal government had had to realign its 2020 budget in the face of current economic realities which have seen the price fall from close to $60 per barrel to just about $20.

But yesterday, the price of crude oil spiked, gaining as much as 15 per cent in just a few hours, with increasing reports that the members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their allies would be holding a virtual meeting to discuss an end to the price war,

mainly between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Consequently, the oil market, which was already experiencing a glut, saw prices crash to an 18-year low in March as the two countries engaged in a price war after Russia declined to join OPEC in deepening production cuts, prompting Saudi Arabia to lower prices and increase output.

The country’s financial projections for the year were also compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the international buyers of the country’s crude oil cutting down on their purchase and consumption, leaving Nigeria’s crude stranded at sea.

But as the prices began to tumble, the Muhammadu Buhariled government announced some significant changes to its 2020 budget as measures to contain the effect of the outbreak of coronavirus on the nation’s economy.

It outlined a plan to implement a 50 per cent cut in revenue from privatisation proceeds and a review in crude oil benchmark price down to $30, while crude oil production, but kept daily production at 2.18m barrels per day.

With an initial oil benchmark of $57 per barrel in the 2020 budget, the Federal Executive Council was also forced to approve reductions in capital budget by 20 per cent, and 25 per cent cut in recurrent expenditure.

The federal government also adjusted downwards Customs revenue of N1.5 trillion, in anticipation of a significant reduction in economic activities, cut down capital expenditure by 20 per cent across ministries, departments and agencies and also a 25 per cent cut of all government owned enterprises.

However, the upswing in the price of crude oil which started on Thursday continued yesterday with

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, climbing as much as 15 percent to $34.42 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate crude oil, the U.S. benchmark, gained as much as 12 percent to $28.31.

There were reports that the alliance was willing to cut production, after President Donald Trump indicated in a tweet that he expected Russia and the Saudis to slash production by about 10 million barrels per day.

A Reuters report indicated that OPEC and its allies could meet as early as Monday to discuss a production cut amid the coronavirus pandemic. “US West Texas Intermediate crude surged as much as 13 per cent to $28.56 per barrel after gaining 25 percent on Thursday.

International benchmark Brent crude jumped 17 per cent to $34.91 per barrel at its yesterday intraday highs, continuing the previous day's 21% gain� the report said.

African Voices Profiles Nigeria’s Reality TV Hosts As millions of Nigerians stay indoorsinlinewiththelockdown being observed in many parts of the country to help check the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, they can look forward to an interesting episode ofAfrican Voices Changemakers on CNN International,Globacom,sponsor of the programme has said.

The programme will feature stories of three young Africans who are creating a niche on the continent through unique reality television shows. They are Nigeria’s Seyi‘Shedams’Olusoreand Olawunmi ‘Olah’ Oyedeji and Kenya’s Patricia Gichinga.

Olusore is a popular fitness

trainer and the brain behind Nigeria’s first Weightloss Reality TV Show- The faSttest Shedder.

He is also one of the show’s official trainers. He is expected to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the 90-day intensive weight-loss show.

Although he studied Computer Engineering at the Covenant University, Olusore delved into fitness training and became a Certified Health & Wellness Expert of Arizona State University and a Certified CPR/AED/First-Aid from the National CPR Foundation, USA. Also scheduled to talk about his show on African Voices Change-

makers this weekend is Olawunmi Oyedeji, business development manager, director, producer ,TV content creator and film maker. He is the creator of Nigeria’s ‘Try My Job’, a reality television show aimed at tackling social justice issues and unemployment using entertainment as a major tool. The programme is endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and supported by Ford Foundation.

He is also the creator of Project Renew which is focused on renewing the minds of the average Nigerian starting from the grassroots through a three-pronged program that includes seminars, skills acquisition and talent hunt.

3,000 NigerianYouth Get Digital Training Online during COVID-19 Lockdown Duro Ikhazuagbe The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has expressed satisfaction with the 3,000 Nigerian youths that have so far taken advantage of the ministry’s online training and attained competency badges under the Ministry's DY.ng initiative.

The Minister disclosed this during the maiden Digital Conversations with Nigerian youth hang out on Zoom

yesterday.

The programme focused on Digital Skills prospects for Nigeria Youth.

The Minister said the training, a product of the Ministry's collaboration with IBM, has been hugely beneficial to a large number of Nigerian youth who have taken their time to tap into the free online courses during the COVID-19 shutdown to learn and acquire skills in areas of their choice.

More youth continue to sign up for the training, which

started two weeks ago when the COVID-19 crisis began in Nigeria, even as it crossed the 3,000 beneficiaries milestone.

The Minster urged those that are yet to sign up for the free training to tap into the opportunity during this period.

"The badges could add to your curriculum vitae and serve as an added advantage in the job and entrepreneurial market, which is that the skills will give our youth what we call AA - Added Advantage, to their degrees or diplomas.�

The third guest on the programme is Patricia Gichinga, from Kenya. She is the Head Producer, Mediae, Kenya. She will talk about her farming TV reality show, Shamba Shape Up, East Africa’s leading agricultural TV program. It is a reality make-over show filmed on smallholder farms addressing the problems of the farmers in order to increase production and encourage farming as a business in Kenya and Tanzania. It reaches over 8 million households each week in English and Swahili.

Catch African Voices Changemakers on CNN at 9.30 a.m. and on Saturday at 12.30 p.m., 5.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. Other repeat broadcasts come up on Sunday at 5.00 a.m., 9.30 a.m. and 8.30 p.m., with more repeats on Monday and Tuesday at 5.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. respectively.

The source said the matter was reported at the police station but no action was taken by the security agencies on the matter.

"We want to appeal to the state government to come to our aid, we need serious presence of security agencies in this community and we don't want to be taking laws into our hands."

In his reaction, the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, confirmed the killings in the community but said the governor had sent some security agents there to maintain law and order.

He said, "I have been there, with some people, the people

were so bitter about the man and his son that were killed.

As they saw us they started protesting but I was able to calm them down.

"They were apprehensive.

They said they saw a particular helicopter that came to the bush and they were suspecting that the helicopter brought some Fulani to the place to come and attack them probably at night.

"But Mr. Governor has sent some solders there, as I am talking to you soldiers were patrolling the community," he added.

Efforts to get the reaction of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tee Leo Ikoro, on the matter proved abortive.

Asiwaju to Oshiomhole at 68: You Still Have A Lot to Contribute to Nigeria All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the party's National Chairman, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, as he turns 68 on April 4. He said Oshiomhole still has a lot to contribute to the party and Nigeria.

In a special congratulatory message to the APC chairman released by his Media Office and signed by Tunde Rahman, Asiwaju Tinubu said Oshiomhole had contributed immensely to the country.

He said; "As a veteran labour leader, two-time governor of Edo State, progressive ally and politician of remarkable

acumen, you have come a long way and contributed immensely to our party and our country.

"A tireless campaigner and adept mobiliser, you steered our party through the landslide re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and victory for APC candidates in the 2019 national and states elections.

"You still have much to contribute to our party and country. My prayer is that God grant you more years, robust health and continued energy as you serve our party and our nation in the pursuit and development of progressive good governance for all

No Casualty as Fire Guts Shops in Lagos Market Bennet Oghifo Two shops on the upper floor of Maola Shopping Mall in the Ebute Ero Market at Idumota, Lagos State were, yesterday, razed by a fire that was prevented from spreading by a combined team of first responders.

The Director-General, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the fire occurred yesterday afternoon, stating that “A combined team of the LASEMA responders from Lagos Central Zone, the Lagos State Fire (Sari Iganmu), Federal Fire Service and the

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Nigeria Police Force was able to curtail the flames,� and that only the top floor of the building was affected with no casualties.�

He said the cause of the fire was still being investigated and that it affected only shops 35 and 36 in the complex.

On whether the fire could have caused structural damage to the building, he said it was too early to determine that, adding that tests would be conducted first.

He advised all shop owners to adhere strictly to safety rules put in place by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and to refrain from storing inflammable items in their shops. There have been several fire incidents in markets in Lagos Island recently, and this has become sources of concern to the state government, considering the impact on the economy.

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Plus Blessing Bashir I Have Learnt to Always Set Things in Motion… The Bigger the Dream, the Better

FASHION FILE

pg. 20

GLOBAL SOCCER

pg. 29

FAIRGROUND

pg. 36

SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 43

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ËžAPRIL 4, 2020

I Have Learnt to Always Set Things in Motion‌ The Bigger the Dream, the Better Blessing Bashir is not your regular lawyer. This lawyer, who delights in helping small scale businesses to thrive, as their legal adviser, is gradually carving a niche for herself in the fashion world. The vibrant fashion entrepreneur talks to Azuka Ogujiuba about her passion for Law, and fashion. She also opens up about challenges as a fashion entrepreneur and what she thinks of the industry in Nigeria, among other things

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

19

PLUS . . . Embracing Fashion was One of My Best Decisions in Life

My dad would always say to me hard work does not kill, it is enjoyment that kills. Growing up, my mum made sure, we had compulsory prayer sessions and vigils. Whenever I remember these experiences, they make me happy because I must say that they have formed the core of whom I am Bashir with her family

Everyone should enjoy free expression have always wanted to be a lawyer while growing up. As a young girl, I believed everyone deserved fair treatment irrespective of his or her racial or financial background. My decision to become a lawyer was to give a voice to the voiceless and fight injustice in my community. Everyone should have the right to freedom of expression, as part of their fundamental human rights, without fear of oppression.

peak periods. Generally, having a great team at work in both careers makes the dream work.

The problem with the Nigerian legal system The Nigerian legal system has many bright lawyers who rarely maximise their potentials because of a somewhat failed system. Just like other legal systems, it has its challenges, but these challenges are becoming so excessive that it cripples the system.

It is my hope that devoted lawyers continue to fight to keep the legal system whole.

I have always been doing fashion even without realising it Fashion has always been a major part of my life. Interestingly, my grandfather used to make clothes, so did my mum and my mother-in-law too. I have always done fashion even without realising. However, in 2016, I decided to make a business of it and I must say it was one of my best decisions in life. I decided to go into fashion because law, in practice, is a different ball game from the theory.

After my law school programme, I was convinced that I did not want to do litigation. Also after working in Law and Management Consulting firms, I decided that I wanted to be a legal consultant and assist businesses with legal advisory and compliance, which I could manage together with my fashion business.

Fashion entrepreneurs are getting it right, but...

In terms of designing, I would say yes, fashion entrepreneurs are ‘killing’ it and can boldly compete with the rest of the world. However, in terms business structure and management of the fashion business itself, I would say a lot of fashion entrepreneurs have a long way to go. Personally, I ensure that I constantly educate myself and take courses that would improve my knowledge on the business of fashion. Fashion is historical and there is so much to learn if you decide to be educated. You would be surprised how much you would learn that would shape the future of your business.

I

Combining legal duties with Fashion I make sure that I plan my schedule, meetings and appointments to make sure that there is no clash. I also have partners who are available to help manage the workload during

Key challenges as a lawyer and fashion entrepreneur As a legal consultant managing my own business, I rarely face the typical challenges a young lawyer in Nigeria faces. However, poor infrastructure is a challenge that cuts through every entrepreneur in every field. As a fashion entrepreneur, there are a couple of challenges you face which

include, poor infrastructure, lack of funding, lack of access to quality materials and accessories, managing tailors and other related artisans.

Inspirations as a fashion entrepreneur A major inspiration for me is the amazing Nigerian fashion designers that have gone before me and made fashion in Nigeria so admirable. I love Lanre da silver Ajayi, Tope Fnr and Myqlady, these women inspire my fashion journey and push me to do better. In addition, I am conscious of the fact that the livelihood of my staff depends on the success of the business; that thought inspires and encourages me to work harder.

My formative years My formative years were very interesting, most especially, I enjoyed my education. I was always on top of my class and would feature in dramas, as a lawyer. I was on TV shows like ‘Speak Out’ and even once featured as a child news caster on NTA news. My parents did well to instill good Christian values in me, being the first of four children. I was raised to be a good leader. I was also a part of a dance group in church and I always came first at dancing competitions at birthday parties. I must say I had well-balanced formative years as a person and I am very thankful for that.

Educational background and career I attended Federal Government College, Ijanikin, Lagos, and obtained a law degree from Babcock University.

I also hold a diploma in Criminology.

I was called to the Nigerian Bar

in 2016. During my school year, I interned with prestigious law firms and financial institutions. I worked as a legal associate at a consulting firm after which I left and decided to start my own legal consulting firm and fashion business.

My parents provided me good life My parents provided me a good life and good education. They are honest and God-fearing people, very hard working too. My dad would always say to me hard work does not kill, it is enjoyment that kills. Growing up, my mum made sure, we had compulsory prayer sessions and vigils.

Whenever I remember these experiences, they make me happy because I must say that they have formed the core of whom I am. My belief and faith in God, coupled with hard work and determination, has shaped my career in a most beautiful way.

Things I still desire Yes, I am looking forward to my local and international runway shows and to the launch of my fashion stores in major cities in the world.

Lessons life has taught me A major lesson I have learnt is to always set things in motion. I have realised that nothing is bigger than I am; the bigger the dream the better.

I have learnt to appreciate valuable relationships and put God first in everything I do.

My biggest fear in life Not maximising my God given potentials to the fullest. I work hard every day to make sure that never happens.

20

˜ ˞ APRIL 4, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/RELATIONSHIP

BY

‘Tokunbo’: Now Good English

T

HISDAY of March 28 welcomes us today: “Supreme Court insists it lacked (lacks) powers to set aside own judgmentâ€? Alternatively: the apex court insisted it lacked powers‌ Super Saturday: “This is the big question begging for answer (an answer) as‌.â€?

COVID-19: “Davido’s fiancĂŠe, Chioma (another comma) tests positiveâ€?

Still on the unprecedented pandemic: “Kwara residents comply with stay at home (‘stay-at-home’) orderâ€? “Asides (Aside) from having one of the longest movie titles in the history of Nollywood, there are other stand out (stand-out) things about‌.â€?

NATIONAL NEWS of March 30 misquoted President Buhari: “The president said the order does (did) not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related (health care-related) manufacturing and distribution.â€? “Buhari said he has (had) directed Minister (the Minister) of Health to‌.â€? “Customs kills 15 year old (15-year-old or 15 years’ old) girl, injures 2 others in Ogunâ€? “It is obvious that only the choice of Igbo (an Igbo) person can fly‌.â€? (Politics & Power, March 30) “Bauchi introduces stricter measures over non compliance (sic) (non-compliance or noncompliance) to (with) market closure by citizensâ€? (AREWA NEWS, March 30) â€œâ€Śto ensure that we collectively fight this fight to finish (to the finish) and stabilise (stabilize, preferably) the economy, even after the pandemic.â€? (DAILY Sun Back Page, March 30) “StarTimes gift (gifts) subscribers onemonth free viewing, offers Ebonylife (sic) TV on all bouquet (bouquets)â€? “Undoubtedly, almost every country in the world (where else would the country have been? Maybe ‘space’) is currently confronted with the challenges of‌.â€?

‘Currently’ here is otiose because of ‘is’, which is indicative of currency. “People making last minutes (lastminute) purchases at‌.â€? (SOUTH EAST NEWS, April 1) “Imo Assembly urge (urges) Uzodinma to appoint interim council chairmenâ€? “Edo condemns hike in food items’ price (prices)â€?

We continue lectures today by listing Nigerian words that were recently internationalized before returning to our didactic session. A total of 29 Nigerian words and expressions have been included in the latest January 2020 updates of Oxford English Dictionary. Some of the words and phrases included are: ‘Ember Month’, ‘Danfo’, ‘Non-indigene’, ‘Guber’, ‘Tokunbo’, ‘Mama Put’, ‘Kannywood ‘Next Tomorrow’, among others.

How I wish the late language activist, Pa Bayo Oguntunase, was alive to savour this unprecedented manifestation!

THE FULL TEXT:

Agric, adj. and n.: “Of, relating to, or used in agriculture; = agricultural adj.

Now chiefly West African�

Barbing salon, n.: “A barber’s shop.�

Buka, n.: “A roadside restaurant or street stall with a seating area, selling cooked food at low prices. Cf. bukateria n., mama put n. frequently used as a modifier‌â€?

Bukateria, n.: “A roadside restaurant or street stall with a seating area, selling cooked food at low prices. Cf. buka n., mama put n.�

Chop, v.6, Additions: “transitive.

Ghanaian English and Nigerian English.

To acquire (money) quickly and easily.

Frequently in negative sense: to misappropriate, extort, or‌�

Chop-chop, n.2: “Bribery and corruption in public life; misappropriation or embezzlement of funds. Also as a modifier.â€? Additions: “Now chiefly Nigerian English and East African. To eat money: to acquire money dishonestly; to misappropriate, extort, or embezzle funds. Cf. chop v.6‌â€?

Danfo, n.: “A yellow minibus that

carries passengers for a fare as part of an informal transport system in Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria. Also as a‌�

To eat money, in eat, v., Ember months, n.: “The final four months of the calendar year (September to December), esp. considered together as a period of heightened or intense activity.�

Flag-off, n.: “The moment at which a race, esp. a motor race, is flagged off (see flag v.4 additions a); the start of a race.

Now chiefly Indian English and‌�

Flag, v.4, Additions: “to flag off. Transitive (usually in passive). To direct (a driver) to start a motor race, esp. one in which the competitors start at intervals, by‌â€?

Flag, v.4, Additions: “to flag off. Transitive. Indian English and Nigerian English.

In extended use: to start (an event or undertaking).�

Gist, n.3, Additions: “Nigerian English.

Idle chat, gossip. Also: an instance of this, a rumour or piece of gossip.�

Gist, v.2: “transitive. To reduce (a text, document, etc.) to its essence or gist; to condense, summarize, or prĂŠcisâ€?

Guber, adj.: “Of or relating to a governor or governorship; = gubernatorial adj.�

Kannywood, n.: “The Nigerian Hausa-language film industry, based in Kano; Kano regarded as the centre of this industry. Cf. Nollywood n.�

K-leg, n.: “In singular and plural. A condition in which one or both of a person’s knees are turned inwards, resulting in a noticeable gap between the feet when‌â€?

Mama put, n.: “A street vendor, typically a woman, selling cooked food at low prices from a handcart or stall. Also: a street stall or roadside restaurant run by‌â€?

Next tomorrow, n. and adv.: “The day after tomorrow.� “We are glad that the police has (have) recognized terrorism as a menace that calls for special training of its (their) officers.� “Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for specialized training on terrorism for officers and men

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

of the security agencies are not turned into avenue (an avenue) to line up (for lining up) the pockets of top officials of the agencies.� The most critical aspect of the foregoing extract: Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the need for‌is (not are)‌.

Let us visit Vanguard of February 9: “The state, therefore, does not deserve the treatment being currently meted to it�. Fixed expression: meted out (to).

And this: ‘being’ and ‘currently’ cannot co-function. “Chief of Naval Staff advocates for increased productivity via industrialization� What a wordy head! When used as a verb, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’.

Let us economize words, especially in headline casting: Naval Chief advocates increased productivity. “For the university to recommend that students should pay for the damages while they have.‌â€? A recurring error: except in legalese, ‘damage’ cannot be pluralized. (Daily Independent, February 9) â€œâ€Ś rather than investigating and finding out who were involved and check against future re-occurrence: Beyond recurrence (not reoccurrence), can an event yet to take place happen in the past? â€œâ€Śthe university is pointing its accusing fingers in the direction of the lecturers.â€? Correct expression: point a/ the finger. â€œâ€Śthe AU summiteers concentrated almost exclusive (sic) on the political independence and liberation of countries in the continent.â€? (Daily Trust, February 8) In the interest of African Unity: on the continent. “Monday’s action, which started at dawn, was as a result of the break-down of series of negotiations‌â€? An agendum: a series of. “According to the source, the institution has a very high percentage of failure in the last academic year.â€? Reported speech: the institution had (not has).

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Ltd, John Jenkins; General Manager, Billing, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Ltd, Abayomi Obadare; Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Adekunle Oyinloye; Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi; and Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, during the NPA MD’s tour of all terminals in Lagos to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on port operations...recently

Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), DCP Olatunji Disu, leading a patrol team to Lagos-Ogun boundary on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway monitoring the compliance of sit-athome order in Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Security oďŹƒcers checking vehicle inwards Lagos at Beggar along Lagos Ibadan Expressway against COVID-19 as Federal Government announce the closure of border into Lagos‌yesterday

SUNDAY ADIGUN

Security officers Checking Vehicle inwards Lagos at Berger Along, Lagos Ibadan Expressway against COVID-19 as federal government announced the closure of all borders into Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sound Sultan Mixes Old and New in 8 Wondah Teni Tinkles on Tim Westwood’s Show

pg. 23

AY Makun’s ‘Call to Bar’

pg. 27

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Sound Sultan Mixes Old and New in 8 Wondah Sound Sultan unveils much anticipated album titled “8 Wondah” to celebrate his extensive existence in the music industry, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

O

larenwaju Fasasi, popularly known as Sound Sultan has released his much anticipated album titled “8 Wondah”.

The album is to celebrate his extensive existence in the music industry for the past 20 years.

This new project is his eighth studio album which has 17-tracks including five bonus songs packed with a guest list that mixes the old and the new.

Sound Sultan on this latest project connects greatly from a wide range of A-List features including 2Baba, Wizkid, Falz, Olu Maintain, and a couple of fast risers like Teni, Small Doctor, Mr. Real, Peruzzi and Johnny Drille. ‘8th Wondah’ is Sultan’s follow-up to his 2016 LP, “Out Of The Box”. The bonus tracks take fans down memory lane with features from Marvellous Benji, Danfo Drivers, Daddy Showkey, Baba Frayo, and African China.

The album listening party scheduled to hold just days to its release on 27, March 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Upon release, Sound Sultan took to his Instagram page to write, “Album out now on all platforms some people said hold back on the release. I said, most of the songs are made for these kind of times to sanitize ur ears. If you repost corona no go near you lailai...”

Announcing the new body of work on social media, the ‘ajo o dabile’ crooner took to his page to give a big shout out to everyone who made the album’s release possible. “Thanks as you download and stream the new album.

You keep me going 20 years and counting. Big shout out to everyone who made it possible. Thanks to my producers and mix engineers @iam_niyi_p @ indomixng @teeymixofficial” Guys, “8th Wondah” Album is out now!!

The album Track list is captured thus: Sound Sultan – Jabole Sound Sultan – Jungle (Bonus) Sound Sultan – Oshumare Sound Sultan – Sobade Sound Sultan – Show Me Road (Bonus) Sound Sultan – Ghetto Love (Bonus) ft. Daddy Showkey, Baba Fryo, Danfo Sound Sultan – Tonop (Bonus) Sound Sultan – Agaracha Sound Sultan – Super Woman (Bonus) Sound Sultan – Hustle Sound Sultan – Area ft. Johnny Drille Sound Sultan – Twin Broda ft. Small Doctor Sound Sultan – Ginger ft. Peruzzi Sound Sultan – Odo ft. Teni, Mr Real & Olu Maintain Sound Sultan – Incase ft. Falz Sound Sultan – Ghesomo ft. Wizkid & 2Baba Sound Sultan – Something Like This Regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria, Sound Sultan’s career in show business started professionally in the 90’s. He started hosting shows in order to raise money for studio sessions. The most prominent show he emceed was a talent show that discovered the likes of P-Square and Mr. Raw Nwanne. By 1999, he had won numerous local talent hunt shows, and then he released his first single Jagbajantis in 2000 which went on to be an instant hit and a classic

Sound Sultan

song in Nigeria.

After independently releasing other singles and featuring in hit songs of other artistes, he got signed by Kennis Music.

Under Kennis Music, he released four albums. By 2007, his contract with Kennis expired, and then he teamed

up with his brother Baba Dee to start “Naija Ninjas” which is a franchise that parents a record label, production outfit and a clothing line. He is reputed for having several styles and genres of music.

After starting off as a rapper, he has switched to R&B, Afrobeats, Soul and

Fuji. He believes that genre isn’t a criterion for judging an artiste; rather the form of message that is conveyed in the music is what matters. Under Naija Ninjas he released “Back From The Future” (2010) and signed a couple of artistes such as Karma Da Rapper, Young GreyC, Shawn and Blacka.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Teni

Teni Tinkles on Tim Westwood’s Show Teniola Apata (Teni) aced an eight-minute freestyle session on the famed Tim Westwood TV show in United Kingdom, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

uspend Covid-19 gists a bit... Nigerian entertainer Teniola Apata (Teni) is spur-of-the-moment when it comes to belling out her craft.

The singer cum songwriter has proved this overtime given her random on the spot delivery of her musical ingenuity. It is not surprising her talent has often been applauded. This has earned her trending bites. Not to mention clips of her freestyle sessions with fellow Nigerian superstar acts which swarm online.

In some other instances, it could be the singer and her team vibing outdoor, sometimes, in the studio. Fans of Teni Entertainer could recall her classic freestyle which opened her ‘Uyo Meyo’ song video. The multiple-award winning artiste

recently displayed her creative competence and ‘killed’ an eight-minute freestyle session in the UK without breaks during her appearance on an international music TV programme. The singer went on the famed Tim Westwood TV and aced an eightminute freestyle session without any significant breaks.

She was given an afro-swing beat on the show and she sung-rapped her way to a beat of Drake’s ‘Life Is Good.’ The younger sister to Afro house music star, Niniola, used things in her life and people in the studio to create her verses. The verses were laced with humourous anecdotal.

Tim Westwood is the 61-yearold legendary British DJ and radio personality who has been running Tim Westwood TV for more than two decades. The

show was formerly on BBC Radio, but now it’s on Capital Xtra.

Teni once thrilled her fans after she displayed her vocal prowess in a studio session with Kemar Donaldson, Jamaican singer better known as Kranium.

The ‘Billionaire’ crooner would then post a video of that session on her social media page.

In the video, Kranium is seen delivering freestyle on a song accompanied by a piano music in the background while Teni took her verse in a typical fashion and it got fans excited.

She had also requested Kranium takes her to Jamaica before bursting into Patois, an Englishbased creole language primarily spoken in Jamaica. After that show, fans were impressed with the singer ’s creativity and vocal dexterity and as usual, the com-

ments flowed. They immediately afterwards took to Instagram and Twitter platforms, especially Twitter, to register their appreciation for her talent. “@TeniEntertainer your voice is everything. If you see this on your TL. Please open it and I promise you won’t regret it. You can thank me later. Teni is too good. Oh God,” a Twitter user said. “No way Teni won’t become a Nigerian music legend,” another Twitter user said.

Another freestyle session of Teni’s comes to mind. The songstress got fans excited and thinking that she was getting ready for another hit track after she uploaded a video of herself freestyle with her team. The freestyle, which she had titled “Naufii”, was supposedly about lady who double-date and enjoys living a promiscuous life.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Funto Ibuoye Glows at 30 Funto Ibuoye, Founder of The Beautified Network, an initiative focused on enabling women discover and live in the fullness of their God-given purposes, was 30 last Sunday.

Funto is also the Lead Creative Designer at Five28 Interiors, an interior design and decoration outfit providing beautiful and luxury interiors for both residential and commercial spaces. This dynamic speaker/author shared lovely photos on the social media to mark her day. This is Showbizflair’s pick from the lot

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Stunning Chioma Obiadi Remember Chioma Obiadi? She was Miss Nigeria 2017.

Chioma turned 25 early this week, and to celebrate this special day, she shared photos of herself on her Instagram page, looking unquestionably stunning. Chioma wrote on one of the photos: “So thankful for the gift of life.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

26

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ini Dima-Okojie and India’s Ruslaan Mumtaz on set of Namaste Wahala

COVID 19 Halts Namaste Wahala COVID-19 hits the film debut of Indian businesswoman turned filmmaker, Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, Titled “Namaste Wahala”, which loosely translates to ‘Hello trouble’. The Nollywood/Bollywood production will have to wait till a later date. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

U

pcoming Nollywood and Bollywood collaboration, Namaste Wahala has joined the list of entertainment projects affected by the Covid-19 plague. The scheduled April 24 theatrical release of the Nigerian-Indian production would now have to wait till October 2020. The upcoming romantic comedy is said to be a beautiful mix of Nigerian and Indian cultures. The film stars Nigerian actor Ini Dima-Okoji and India’s Ruslaan Mumtaz in the lead roles.

So far, Hollywood has been the most hit by the pandemic with release dates of notable titles pushed back or productions halted. A couple of Nollywood productions have also experienced same. Namaste Wahala is the film debut of Indian businesswoman turned filmmaker Hami-

sha Daryani Ahuja. She had earlier released the first poster for the movie, showing a young couple in elaborate wedding regalia.

The movie is a love story that cuts across the cultures of two countries: India and Nigeria. The movie touches various genres: romance, comedy, drama. ‘Namaste Wahala’ which loosely translates to ‘Hello trouble’ is filmed mostly in English with a mix of Hindi and Nigeria’s pidgin language. Ahuja has lived in Nigeria since she was a child and says her experience living in Africa’s most populous country inspired her to make her debut film.

Hamisha Daryani Ahuja who weaved a tale across two diverse and rich cultures – Nigeria and Indian created the movie from her experience living in Nigeria and India “I am Indian but I have lived in Nigeria my whole life.

Everyone loves Bollywood and Nollywood, so I thought ‘how

is it that no one has done a love story between the two?’” she said earlier during an interview. It’s no secret that Nigerians and Indians have one major thing in common: over the top weddings.

The two cultures are basically at per when it comes to beautiful, extravagant weddings, which is why many often fantasised about attending a joint Nigerian-Indian wedding. That is made possible in the yet to be released movie starring some of Nollywood and Bollywood’s best, such as RMD, Joke Silva, Ruslaan Mumtaz and Segal Sujata.

The film is widely believed to be the first movie collaboration between Nollywood and Bollywood.

However, it’s not the first time the two film industries have joined forces. The 2017 film J.U.D.E. is credited as being the first Nollywood-Bollywood co-production, according to Shadow & Act. It only makes sense that two of the

world’s biggest film industries would unite once again, to give us an exciting cross-cultural production.

Ahuja had also explained that she was poised to make a feature film that will examine her cultural experiences living in India and Nigeria. “Namaste Wahala is a story a lot of laughter and a few tears about love and family. This project is very close to my heart as it’s my first movie and it’s also the first movie ever that brings together Nollywood and Bollywood.

I am grateful to all the extraordinary cast and crew that helped me make this project a reality.

“With nothing but a passion for film, I embarked on a journey to make a feature film that is a melting pot of my cultural experiences between India and Nigeria. The moment I made this decision, I knew that it would require that I give it focused energy in faith, and watch it all manifest.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

27

SHOWBIZFLAIR

AY in a scene from ‘Call to Bar’

AY Makun’s ‘Call to Bar’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

ward-winning Nigerian comedian and filmmaker, Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as A.Y has opened a brand new comedy series titled “Call to Bar”. The new comedy series comes off as AY’s personal experience in his early days as a bartender at NNPC Junior Staff Club in Warri, Delta State. Nollywood actors and comedians like Ik Ogbonna, Williams Uchemba, Linda Osifo, Chi Gurl, Osas Ighodaro, Buchi, Broda Shaggi, and Sexy Steel among many other fantastic acts are in the comic show.

The series is directed by Patrick Ovoke Odjegba with the first episode entitled “The Bragger”.

AY is not new when it comes to comic shows on television. His AY comedy skit series comes to mind.

The show eventually metamorphosed to AY live show which is an annual comedy show that has attracted massive sponsorship from corporate brands and high net worth individuals and socialites. AY the actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, who ventured into acting in 2014 in the movie Being Mrs. Elliot.

Since dabbling into movie, AY has earned accolades for his movie productions. Akpo’s as he is called in the comedy sector directs and acts in one of Nigeria’s popular sitcom, AY’s Crib. He also hosts one of Africa’s largest comedy shows, AY Live featuring

many other top comedians. AY came into spotlight after being Alibaba Akporobome’s Personal Assistant and event manager. For quite some time, AY has had a fascination for movie production.

His first movie as a producer was 30 Days in Atlanta, hilariously adventurous. The film broke Nigeria’s box office record as the highest domestic grossing film in 2015 and was listed on Guinness Book of World Records.

The film also paraded Nollywood giants like Richard Mofe Damijo, Ramsey Noah and Mercy Johnson.

Other Movies produced by the comedian are A Trip to Jamaica (2016), 10 Days in Sun City (2017) and The Merry Man (2018).

As is well known of the award winning comedian, AY recently took a swipe at Nigerian politicians who have in the past few days tested positive to Coronavirus. Reacting, AY on his Twitter page, while mocking the politicians told them to receive treatments at the poor health centres they built.

He stated that the Coronavirus crisis would eventually have a positive effect on Nigeria’s health sector. His tweet read: “All the politicians testing positive should be taken to the poor health centers they initially left for the masses. Either we like it or not, the Covid-19 will have a positive impact on the Nigeria system of government, particularly the health sector.” As an investor in stand-up comedy, he has influenced upcoming comedians through his AY “Open Mic Challenge”.

AY Makun

28

˜ ˞ APRIL 4, 2020

JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

COVID-19 and the Irony of Fate

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

A

t a time world attention was focused on the trade war and negotiations between China and the United States; oil glut and its attendant consequence of a drastic drop in crude oil prices from over $65 per barrel to the current price of $23; no one, including the advanced countries with their famed technology saw it coming. But out of the blues and like a thunderbolt, the coronavirus reportedly struck in China December 19, 2019, in Hunan and Hubei provinces.

So far, COVID-19 has invaded and effectively crippled 207 countries globally, disrupted capital markets across the world, redefined social lives, national budget, means of production, consumption patterns and brought even the most advanced countries to their knees. Surprisingly, till date, there is no dependable foolproof solution in sight and what pervades the globe today is unprecedented uncertainty because of the inability to predict what may happen next. The whole world appears transfixed, at a standstill, dazed and confused.

As of today, the number of infected cases recorded in China stands at 82,802 with 3331 deaths. Within just a month, the U.S. has recorded 213,600 infected cases with the number of deaths within this short period spiking to 4,793. Italy which turned out to be the highest hit with deaths peaking at about 1000 a day at some point recorded 115, 242 with 13, 917 deaths; Spain recorded 110, 238 with 10,003 deaths.

On a global basis as of April 2, there have been 972,640 confirmed infected cases with 72 839 new cases recorded within the last 24 hours and a sum total of 50,325 deaths with 4923 deaths recorded within the last 24 hours according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Abreak down by regions shows that the Western Pacific Region recorded 107 626 confirmed infected cases with 1204 of them occurring within the last 24 hours with 3723 deaths out of which 22 were recorded in the last 24 hours.

In the European Region which appeared to be the hardest hit, 503 006 confirmed infected cases were recorded with 38 809 manifesting within the last 24 hours and 33 604 deaths recorded out of which 3515 occurred within the last 24 hours. The South-East Asia Region recorded 5324 confirmed infected cases incurring an additional 149 within the last 24 hours and 216 deaths out of which 21 died in the last 24 hours.

Eastern Mediterranean Region has 58 168 confirmed infected cases with 3887 occurring in the last 24 hours leading to 3279 deaths with 164 dying within the last 24 hours. The Region of the Americas has 216 912 confirmed infected cases with 28161 added

Ehanire

within the last 24 hours leading to 4565 deaths out of which 1165 occurred in the last 24 hours. The African Region where there has been a global concern and warning that the numbers would spike has recorded 4702 confirmed infected cases with 629 occurring in the last 24 hours leading to 127 deaths out of which 36 died in the last 24 hours.

Since the story broke that a presidential aide and Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari had tested positive to the COVID-19, a clear pattern has emerged regarding the source of their infection.

It has been established that the primary carriers of COVID-19 including the two who finally died, were returnees either from Europe or America and had imported the virus to Nigeria.

In order to stem the tide of the infection from spreading to local communities, the federal government ordered a lockdown of two states including Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It also announced a grant of N10 billion to Lagos and other palliatives for the states. Today, most states have initiated their respective lockdown programmes to keep citizens at home and engender social distancing.

Curiously, in Nigeria, where there is palpable fear that because of the over 200 million people and the lack of a dependable health system, the infection figures would spike, the country has so far recorded just 190 cases with two deaths. Out of this number, 11 patients were discharged from the holding facility in Yaba, Lagos as of Thursday, April 2. This brings to 20, the total number of patients who have been treated, fully recovered and have been discharged to their families.

Time for Men of Steel

Ajubilant Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwa-Olu while addressing the media Thursday announced that “I am happy to break to you, my good people of Lagos, the news of the release today (on Thursday) of 11 more patients from our facility in Yaba. They have fully recovered and have tested negative to #COVID19 and have been allowed to return home to their families. “The patients include two females and nine males.

Their results came out negative in two rounds of tests. I want to use this opportunity to, once again, thank our frontline health workers and other professionals for their service.�

Why are the figures still low? The possible reason could be found in the lifestyle pattern of Nigeria’s elite. The majority of those infected are bourgeoise and those who control the power dynamics in this country. The fear that COVID-19 would infect the poor Nigerians exponentially is unfounded. This class of people, except, artisans like stewards, cooks, drivers and those who work closely to give comfort to the nouveau rich and their families do not mingle with the rich. The rich and overpampered elites are permanently ensconced in their houses located in posh areas like Aso Rock, Nigeria’s Manhattan - Ikoyi, Lekki, Maitama, Gwarimpa, etc behind their gilded gates with a heavy security presence.

The irony of it truly is that this set of people comprising mostly of technocrats and politicians choose to neglect the provision of the most basic amenities for their people. They have no business shopping in Nigeria nor visiting a Nigerian hospital with their families; they prefer traveling abroad for their medicare and other needs. But today, they are now the harbinger of death to other innocent hardworking Nigerians who are struggling daily to make ends meet. It is only ironic that the same facilities they rejected and neglected in the past, but faced with no choice, have now become their saving grace and go-to destination at last.

With the federal government ordered lockdown in place, how do citizens survive during this trying period? Was a lockdown the best option and were other alternatives exhaustively explored before ordering a lockdown? With unemployment commanding double digits backed by an uncaptured informal sector which constitutes a chunk of the gross domestic product, how did the federal government arrived at the N10 billion grant given to Lagos state government?

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

I

n these pestilential times, one must device some means of deflating anxieties, tension and doubts. In my house, we have motored on a tank full of improbables, allocating house chores to all members of the family tied down by the lockdown....but that is a story for another day.

The silent danger and quiet devastation of the Coronavirus pandemic has swelled in me a taste for the melancholic.

We have begun a lockdown in our home, two weeks before the presidential fiat...so, the itch to scratch at boredom and negativity had been simmering...hourly refueled by sad, sagging news of widespread deaths and devastations, of even the best public health systems.

My thoughts continually drifted to men and women who fought death and diseases admirably, sprinkling some kind of succour and inspiration to others, in their valiant struggles to humble the notorious grim reaper.

Such a fighter was ace photographer, chronicler of happenstances and arts apparatchik whose slippers have hardly been filled since he departed these shores in 1997. In remembrance of Hakeem Shitta, and in grudging notice to the current pandemic, I recall my tribute to the fallen general of the Nigerian artsphere: �It has happened,� announced my friend, Edmond Enaibe - the moving soul of the bustle of efforts to save the life of another friend.

He made his announcement in chilling abrasiveness - sweeping into our makeshift office with an unusual dowdiness. My mind immediately zeroed in on Nigeria’s banking etiquette, bankers and bouncing cheques.

You see, we had issued a cheque in pursuit of better health for our common and uncommon friend. Mr. Enaibe, a usually vigorous man, looked deflated. I felt concerned. The bank in question was on Victoria Island - and in these times of fuel scarcity, a fruitless visit in excess of 30 kilometres could bring out the melancholy in anyone.

But Enaibe slumped on the “camping bed� inside what could pass for a production room, mumbling: “It’s Hakeem Shitta. It has happened. He’s gone!� Goose pimples seared my body, provoking alarum bells in the depth of my soul.

It is not the manner of his death that ravages the soul. It is not even the painful loss of another artiste. No, not the ordinary agony of bereavement; or the lingering quiet rage of hopelessness.

To some of us who had engaged ourselves in propelling financial and psychological gestures while seeking Hakeem Shitta’s recovery, the insistent agony among us is that Hakeem Shitta could still have lived. He had the courage, unusual in these parts. He had the spirit of urgency to get out of the debilitating and strange illness.

He lacked any sense of doom, foreclosing any thoughts of not surviving his predicament.

All he needed - the only need he refused to demand of us - is a

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

Hakeem Shitta

little love, attention and care. Let us boil in our guilt: he didn’t get that singular human gesture wasting away in our bosoms or being lavished on frivolous and intangible nothingness.

I met Hakeem early in 1983, then as a kid devotee of the stage.

I was already enamoured by the magnificent care-freeness and the false infallibility of creativity. When I then confronted the whirlwind called Hakeem Shitta (HS), my bolts came off.

He was the answer to all my questions. He talked earnestly and argued dispassionately. He was not arrested in the spread of his relationships; but in the depth. He showed great attachment to younger friends who seemed propelled by a peculiar doggedness he himself epitomised.

When I became a full-time journalist, he cajoled me until I paid him a visit, in his Amuwo-Odofin (Lagos) home. He wanted me to see his work, his collection, and his forages into areas alien to many of us. I was a feverish student and a young devotee of strangeness or even exotic deviations - I spent hours marveling and poring over years of unflappable industry and steadfast pragmatism. I was hooked by his grit and enthusiasm even when I intermittently got lost in the maze of his mind.

Over the years, we maintained contact, and I remained awed by his personality and phenomenal selflessness. And, much later, events revealed that I was not alone in this estimation.

Then the crisis got to his head. He was said to have hit his head against an auto-part causing only mild abrasion. But the doombell had been tugged. Hakeem had been infected, and it gradually degenerated to what the doctors now tongue-in-cheek refer to as “soft tissue sacoma on the right occipital region�.

They believed he might lose his head, unless there would be a

“wide incision including possible ligation of the right sigmoid sinus�.

Nothing to worry about. That would be a paraphrase of reassurance coming from Hakeem Shitta. Almost with a child-like adoration of possibilities, a pain assuaged only by unrelenting optimism.

He had almost single handedly pushed himself to effect five neuro-surgeries just to arrest the demon in his head. Five futile attempts after, he was told that more advanced technology, available only outside our shores, would guarantee his recovery and save his scalp. But he needed about N4m!

He began plans to raise the money and get himself healed, and still attain his annual target. Never for once did he contemplate public-spirited charity and publicity campaign. His soul didn’t reject the notion of assistance; he just never gave it a thought.

Even when the reality of his hopelessness got to him and it became imperative that more hands would be needed in securing much-needed funds; he believed he could single-handedly provide and procure all necessary logistical facility. He could write, type, plan, distribute and co-ordinate. He wanted to work to justify why others should sweat for his sake. He grossly underrated treacherous conspiracy of his illness and the unkind Nigerian environment.

When his body eventually failed him, he put his spirit and soul in the service of others healthy enough to sweat. He cracked incredible jokes that poked fun on his disability and invoked strength in his compatriots.

Spiritually, more people were provoked to abandon lethargy and enlist in getting funds and donations. Great souls, big and small, roused by the indefatigable energy and courage of this man of steel, gave their best.

For four months before he left for the London trip in May, 1996, the atmosphere was frenzy and cathartic. The world was forced to notice the potential that could be buried in waste. An expression of understanding and solidarity with a man of steel was released. The air was electric with positive statics.

Briefly, for a year and six months, the world, our world, identified with social and communal responsibility: that in spite of the stress of living, a great soul should never be allowed to be trampled by irascible forces of nature.

The world listened; but soon forgot that a soul laid low by controllable circumstance, is a reaffirmation that we still live in a society where the beasts have outgrown the cute quotes of the survival of the fittest and swiftest! And these last words are exposed to several uninspiring definitions.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

REVELING A MOMENT OF GLORY

04.04.2020

Ebere Eze

Still at Crossroads

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ËžAPRIL 4, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Ebere Eze

Still at Crossroads His name has been linked with several clubs since the beginning of the season as a result of his stellar performance with Queen Park Rangers, his latest suitor being Tottenham. However, what is paramount in Ebere Eze’s mind is his international allegiance. Having starred for England at the junior cadre he can still play for the Three Lions, while his Nigerian roots afford an opportunity to star for the Super Eagles. His experience training with the three time African champions three years ago is still fondly cherished by the midfielder. He is therefore at crossroads as to where his international future lies

I

f there is one player that has been linked with several clubs than any other, that player is Queen Park Rangers attacking-midfielder Ebere Eze and the next

transfer window might be the last time Loftus Road faithful will be seeing him in action for them.

With Tottenham being the latest suitor and Jose Mourinho said to be a big admirer of the

midfielder, a move to North London might be on the horizon.

For Eze, however, the club he would be starring for next season is just secondary as he admits dilemma over choice between England and Nigeria.

Eze is one of the most highlyrated talents in the Championship, and has scored 12 goals in 37 league appearances this season for the Rs. So impressive has his form been this term that he has been

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

tipped with a move across London to Spurs.

However, it doesn’t look like which club he plays for is Eze’s main concern right now, as he faces a dilemma about which nation to represent The £9m-rated prospect has played for England in youth football, but qualifies to represent Nigeria due to his African ancestry.

Back in 2017, Eze trained with the Super Eagles while they were in London, an experience he says he enjoyed.

But he insists he doesn’t want to rush into a decision as he weighs up more playing time with Nigeria or potential European success with England.

“I’m very happy to be part of England’s youth setup right now, but I enjoyed training with Nigeria,” Eze told FourFourTwo. There was a lot of debate around his international future earlier in the season with the president of the Nigerian Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, making his admiration of Eze public, before the QPR midfielder, went on to make his Young Lions debut in November.

Pinnick has expressed his desire to see Eze form an integral part of his country’s World Cup

campaign in Qatar in 2022.

Indeed, Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr, had made approaches to the Anglo-Nigerian born midfielder, who is seen as the long-sought successor to Austine Jay Jay Okocha if he eventually chooses to star for Nigeria.

“We have approached him, but not directly. Tunde Adelakun, my assistant, spoke to his mum.

What we understand is that there is a lot of pressure on him and Ebere Eze doesn’t want to give an answer now. Obviously, we would love to have him in the Super Eagles, of course! We continue to work on getting him.

It may take some time,” Rohr said in an interview.

Eze is one of a host of fine young English talents, and one of many to play in that No.10 role, so he representing Nigeria isn’t off the cards just yet.

Eze went on to discuss the areas of improvement he was to see in his game in the future.

Despite usually playing in attacking-midfield or on the wing, the 21-year-old says he wants to help out his backline more by improving his positioning when it comes to tracking back.

“Defensively, I could be bet-

ter,” Eze added. “It’s the last thing I want to do, as an attacking player, but my positioning when we lose the ball would help with that.

“Top players today need to be well-rounded – attackers don’t get away with being passengers.

I’ve realised that more than ever this season.”

Meanwhile, Queens Park Rangers director of football Les Ferdinand has backed Eze for an England call-up following his outstanding form this season.

Eze has scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in the league this season, attracting attention from Premier League clubs such as Tottenham Hotspurs, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace in the process.

The 21-year-old has been capped by England at U-20 and U-21 level, but would also be eligible to play for Nigeria and has trained with their national team.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Ferdinand said: “A lot of the time you need to be in the Premier League to be recognised but he has shown the kind of form and, if he continues to develop in the way he is developing and keeps showing the type of football he has been playing, he is certainly going to put himself in the

frame.

“People are going to start talking about him playing for England.

“We have got a few young players coming through the system now who we are really excited about.

“They are helping us in our campaign this season to finish as high up the league as we possibly can.”

Ferdinand has previously stated that the R’s could be forced to sell Eze this summer as they still, look to recover from the £17m fine they were hit with in 2018.

Ironically, youth football was far from plain sailing for Eze, and a number of clubs are now counting the cost of letting the player slip through their grasp. He struggled upon being released by Arsenal as a 13-yearold and endured unhappy spells at Fulham and Millwall as he began to seriously consider quitting the game to go to work in a supermarket. But Eze impressed then QPR boss Chris Ramsey during a trial in 2016 and the rest is history.

Eze is convinced he struggled in his junior career because too many coaches took his easy-going style for inherent laziness. Ramsey took a different approach and that belief has been replicated by Rangers boss Mark Warburton, who has given him the freedom to express himself fully in his number 10 role, despite his relative lack of experience.

Warburton’s confidence has paid off handsomely, with 11 goals this season and a host of high-profile assists.

Eze made his international debut for England U-20s in October 2018, and for the U21s the following year.

There is every indication that Eze’s days at Loftus Road may be numbered. Tottenham are the club most frequently linked with the player but Chelsea have also been keeping close tabs, and Sheffield United too have been linked. With QPR showing few signs of shaping up into play-off contenders if and when the season resumes, Eze could be on his way sooner rather than later. After all, QPR’s own director of football Ferdinand described the player as someone who is destined for a “top six” club.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Henry Nwosu

I was like a New Born Baby whom Everybody Wanted to Carry after 1980 AFCON Win Henry Nwosu trying to pass on the legacy to young kids by inspiring them during one of the COPA Cola competitions

Winning the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations was Nigeria’s first major breakthrough in sports and 40 years down the line, one of the gladiators of that historic feat, Henry Nwosu, still recalls the moment with ecstasy, he spoke with Kunle Adewale It was something that was unthinkable at that time that a secondary school boy would be invited to play for the senior national team. Undaunted, Nwosu broke this odd to play for the Green Eagles (as the Nigeria senior national team was then known) in 1980 and went on to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time for Nigeria.

Though now with grey hair and some little wrinkles on his face, Henry Nwosu still have that trait of the young innocent boy that starred for the Super Eagles 40 years ago. Even on the field of play the touches are still very conspicuous, except that there is not much stamina to match it.

“Football runs in the family, my eldest brother played football and he was very good. He was good that people said I didn’t measure to half his competence, though he did not get to the height of his career as a result of reoccurring injuries. My immediate senior brother also played football substantially, so the game runs naturally within the family. I started football at a very tender age at Obele Odan boys and girls club in Surulere, when we use to play inter streets football games,” he said.

Asked how he felt when he was invited to the senior national team as a teenager in 1980 in preparations towards the Africa Cup of Nations. “I felt so delighted, great and honoured to be invited to play alongside the likes of Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amesieamaka, late Muda Lawal and the rest them. A young boy just coming out of school and making it to the senior national was great feat then and I thank my senior colleagues in the team for accepting me as one of them. I respected them and they reciprocated, which really helped me a lot in settling down and matured into the team proper.”

On if he was ever scared of being dropped during the screening sessions considering the caliber of players in camp then.

The former captain of the defunct ACB of Lagos said: “I never thought of that. In fact it never crossed my mind because my mission and objective was to play for the national team and I concentrated and tried to improve on my game and played to the delight and expectations of the coaches. As a matter of fact, the number 10 jersey was bestowed on me immediately after my first training with the national team. So, the thought of being decamped was not just there, rather, how to establish myself as a first team player was the priority.”

The former New Nigeria Bank midfielder would not want to attribute his invitation to the Green Eagles to the then Brazilian technical adviser, late professor Otto Gloria as he also played under some local coaches after the reign of the Brazilian as the national team coach.

“I played under some Nigerian coaches after Gloria and most of them liked my game and personality, so I wouldn’t have known if I would have been given a call up to the national if an indigenous coach were to be at the helms of affairs of the national team then or not. But then I wouldn’t want to attribute my invitation to a foreign coach as the national team coach.”

The Member of the Niger (MON), who despite his exploits internationally with the national team never took his game to Europe, something which he attributed to the strength of the Naira and the cold weather in Europe, which he claimed was not favourable to his body system.

“As at that time playing in Europe was not very popular, because the Naira was very strong when compared to the dollar. Then it was about 43 kobo to a dollar, so why would I want to play in Europe to earn dollars when the Naira is stronger. Comparatively, the difference

was not much so the attractiveness was not there.”

“But the main reason why I didn’t really play in Europe was because I could not stand cold weather in Europe, so I felt playing in Europe would not be good for my health. On so many occasions I was invited by some agents to play in England and Spain but I turned down the offers because my health could not stand the cold of Europe and under such a situation I would not be able to play at my best,” he said.

Nwosu indeed stated that he dumped one of the invitation letters he received from a Spanish club into the trash bin because he couldn’t read it as it was written in Spanish and another letter of invitation from a team in England did not get to him as it was confiscated by the then Nigeria Football Association Chairman, Colonel Mike Okochime (retd).

Nwosu however hailed coaches like Mike Malagu, who he said helped him to develop his game as a secondary school boy and Kashimawo Laloko, whom he claimed helped in developing his psyche as some of the coaches that influenced his game, but said it was Otto Gloria that shaped his game the most.

“Then, Laloko never saw anything good in my game, he would always criticise me, but behind me he praised me. I didn’t know he was working on my psyche but it made me to strive harder. Malagu helped brush my game from the secondary school and I really thanked them a lot. But in terms of the technicality of the game kudos must go to Otto Gloria. Even, it was through his influence that I am into coaching today,” he said.

Brazilian legend, Edson Arates des Nascimento, aka Pele would however remain the mentor of the Union Bank FC of

Lagos coach. “My role model will forever be King Pele,” he said with a smile.

Recounting the Nations Cup victory of 1980 on home soil, the former international described the moment thus: “I was like a new born baby whom everybody wanted to carry. I was a young boy, who just came out of secondary school and was already making waves and being supported and liked by everybody. Decorated with a national honour, a car, a house and several other gifts so everybody wanted to associate with me. I felt great and on top of the world.”

Asked which team is greater between the victorious Eagles on home soil and the one that won the trophy 14 years later. “If you compare the two teams individually and players’ commitment, the 1980 team was greater than that of 1994. The only thing that was in favour of the latter was their exposure because most of them played in Europe,” he opined.

Ironically, Nwosu denied his first son of choosing football for a career, rather he made education a priority for him, and today MON, as he is fondly called by friends and admirers is happy that his first son is a Masters Degree holder. “If the younger ones want to play football they could go ahead, but as for my first son I charged him to concentrate on his education. The other younger ones I taught them the rudiments of the game without them losing focus on their education,” he said.

Continuing, Nwosu opined that one of the greatest challenges facing our football today is that players no longer go through the rudiments of the game and therefore lacked good ball control. They do not know when to pass the ball and when to dribble and they also lacked positioning.

Nwosu, who is involved in grassroots development, would however want to be remembered as someone that discovered a lot of young talents for Nigeria for the future of the game.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Leslie Oghomienor, Chairman, Blaugrana Sports Group International middle, and the FC Bulmaro technical team after the Group meeting and marking his birthday during the week in Lagos

Yakubu Aiyebgeni celebrating one of his goals in the colours of Middleborough

Ndidi, Ighalo, Iwobi, Iheanacho, Face 30 Per cent Wage Cut Nigeria’s Premier League stars are facing a possible reduction in wages due to the coronavirus pandemic, although no unanimous agreement has been reached on wages deferrals, positive talks were held yesterday.

Premier League clubs will ask players to take a 30 per cent pay cut in order to protect jobs as it was announced the season will not resume until “it is safe and appropriate to do so”.

All clubs have agreed to put the proposed “combination of conditional reductions and deferrals” to players.

The Premier League will advance £125m to the EFL and National League, and give £20m towards the NHS. The EFL, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship have all suspended play without setting a target return date, meaning the entirety of English football is on hold indefinitely.

“It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” a Premier League statement said.

“Any return to play will only be

with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows.”

Players had faced scrutiny, notably from health secretary Matt Hancock, to take a cut in wages and “play their part” in offering support during the coronavirus pandemic.

Some clubs had furloughed non-playing staff as a result of the shutdown of the sport.

Before the Premier League statement was released, club captains - led by Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson - held discussions over the creation of a charitable fund which could benefit the NHS. The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has previously written to its members urging them not to agree any reduction or deferral in wages until they have spoken to the union.

After a meeting of clubs yesterday, the Premier League proposed a cut in wages in order to “protect employment throughout the professional game”.

Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo, Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Watford pair Isaac Success and Tom Dele-Bashiru, and Everton’s Alex Iwobi are among the Nigeriaeligible players set to take a 30 per

cent wage deferral.

“This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change,” the Premier League said.

“The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow (Saturday) between the league, players and club representatives.”

The Premier League said it was aware of “severe difficulties” throughout the football pyramid and with clubs unable to play fixtures, moved to help “immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow” at EFL and National League clubs.

Julian Knight, chair of the government’s Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, welcomed the financial help for smaller clubs but said as the wage cut had not yet been agreed by players, the situation was “not much further along”.

The league’s statement also expressed “huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances” with £20m immediately committed “to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the Covid-19 pandemic”.

GOtv Reliving Great Sporting Moments to Subscribers As live sporting activities globally are suspended due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, sport fans do not need to worry as they can relive a host of great sporting highlights showing this week on GOtv. The highlights - which includesAthletics meet, Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Olympics and Wrestling classics - will be broadcast on SuperSport Select 1, 2 and 3 to GOtv Plus, Jolli and GOtv Max subscribers, and on SuperSport Select 4 and SuperSport Select 5 exclusive to GOtv Max subscribers.

Viewers can re-watch legends such as Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, Maria MutolaofMozambiqueandElanaMeyer of South Africa among others showing their sporting prowess at the Olympics in Olympic Games Memories. The programme airs from 7:55am on 2 April on SuperSport Select 1.

Live through again some of football’s bestmomentsincluding goals, upsets and controversies in Football Countdown. It airson3Aprilfrom6:30pmonSuperSport

Select 1.

Football fans can re-experience great recent matches from the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League on SuperSport Select 2. The 2019/2020 encounter between Barcelona and Eibar will be shown on 2 April at 9am, while the thriller between England’s Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich of Germany will be broadcast on the same day at 6pm.

The incredible comeback at Anfield will take centre stage on SuperSport Select 2 when the 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final game between Liverpool and Barcelona is aired on 3 April at 2pm. In the same vein, highlights of the 2004/2005 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan, dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul”, will be broadcast on the same channel at 10pm.

SuperSport Select 3 is the home of old-time football classics. On viewers’ screens will be a fierce Madrid Derby between Atletico Madrid and Real

Madrid in La Liga on 2 April at 9pm.

Another big-time classic, the 2016/2017 FA Cup final involving London rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea, will pop up on viewers’ screens on 3 April at 6:30am.

Also on offer are documentaries, analysis and reviews of football in England, particularly the Premier League, on SuperSport Select 4. Highlights of the 2009/2010 Premier League season will be shown in PLTV: Review of the Season, which airs on 2 April at 7am.

Similarly, highlights of the 2018/2019 Premier League season will be broadcast on 3 April at 8pm.

Wrestling fans have a whole of content to look up to on SuperSport Select 5.

The search for the whereabouts of Kelly Kelly and MVP takes a whole new level in WWE Where Are They Now? The programme will air on 2April at 11:35pm. Also, some of the biggest names in Wrestling fight to protect their name and enhance their reputation in Survivor Series 2019, which shows on WWEDayOf.Itairson3Aprilat6:10pm.

Barca Academy Group Nigeria Chairman Charts a New Course for Sports The recent global trend that is affecting every sector of humanity has called for a great concern, and it is very responsible for every good spirited individual and corporate organisations to support the efforts of the government.

In the light of this, the Chairman of Blaugrana Sports Group International, Leslie Oghomienor, during the week, met with the technical crew of the FC Bulmaro and other key officers of the organisation to chat the way in aligning with the sports associations and government directives.

Oghomienor stated that the happenings around the world today that is affecting all global and local sports activities is a very strong voice in the call to action and a clear indication that humanity is one.

He said his commendation goes to the proactive Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team and the federal government for the smart response to the stormy waves of the times. In deep appreciation, he prayed for strength and will for those who are at the very forefront of the situation.

Surprised by the love his colleagues have shown him, as they marked his birthday, he used the opportunity to pray for more strength and flourishing for all individuals and corporate organisations who have, and are making immense contributions to ensure that the world endures better and healthier for the good of us all.

In thanking his colleagues and loving children of the Barca Academy Group Nigeria, for honouring him he said, “This indeed is a very great surprise to me and indirectly an inspiration and motivation to work more smartly. And in every human responsibility, to win for the good of all, you must be genuinely humane, strategic and tactical.

“Honestly, Blaugrana as a team, together we are bound to do more in our own little ways to help build a better Nigeria and a friendlier world.”

In his response, Gonzalo Dibiasi, FC Bulmaro, head coach, who spoke on behalf of the team revealed that Oghomienor is more than a Chairman to all, he is a father and a confidant to us all from Nigeria, India, Spain and Argentina no race, no colour.

“I have worked in many parts of world as a coach; I’ve not seen a good and very committed man like him. He is devoted to his vision of helping others live their purpose. He is a very good father to all of us without discrimination. He deserves our encouragement, loyalty and full support,” Gonzalo stated.

In another development Oghomienor revealed that, though the physical office was on recess other channels of the organisation are fully operational to keep the brand at par with the developments.

He appealed to the youths to stay safe and make the best positive engagement of the times, for the betterment of their future.

Abia Warriors Goalkeeper Shot in Ibadan, Hospitalised Abia Warriors goalkeeper Charles Tambe is currently receiving treatment at the University Teaching Hospital (UCH), Ibadan after he was shot by thugs on Friday.

Tambe returned to Ibadan to reunite with his family following the suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the statement issued by Abia Warriors’ sporting director Patrick Ngwaogwu, the former Shooting Stars and Lobi Stars goalkeeper was shot on his way for his morning exercise routine.

“He is not a rascal. He went for his morning walk out at about 07:00 this morning in Apata area, Ibadan where he stays with his family,” Ngwaogwu said, per BSN Sport.

“They accosted him and collected his wristwatch and handset. And shot him on the hand.

“He is presently in UCH, receiving treatment. The club is very much on top of the situation.”

Tambe joined the Umuahiabased outfit last September, and he recently appeared in a video posted by the club urging fans to stay safe amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

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AUTO COVID-19: FRSC Orders Transport Operators to Use Manifest

Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu presenting the overall Winner Trophy of the 2020 Argungu Motor Rally, won by PAN Nigeria to Head of Marketing, PAN Nigeria, Joseph Adesanya at the grand finale of the 2020 Argungu Fishing Festival in Argungu, Kebbi State… recently

PAN Nigeria’s Peugeot 508 Wins Argungu Festival’s Maiden Motor Rally Stories by Bennett Oghifo

A

Peugeot508GTfromPANNigeria cruised to the finish line to win the maiden motor rally, which will now be an interesting component oftheprestigiousArgunguFishing Festival.

TheArgungu Festival, which was a must-attend international tourism event in Kebbi State was put on hold for 10 years because of security concerns, but was revived this year with the motor rally as an interesting addition. Being first of its kind in the historic life of Argungu, the motor rally held up a major promise for vitality and creativity in the annals of competitive local culture and tradition.

At the wheel of the Peugeot 508 GT which way ahead of other vehicles at the 2020 Argungu Motor Rally was Shima Shimbe. For a leading automobile brand in the country, Peugeot and the management of PAN Nigeria would forever remember the moments of honour and glory they attained at the colorful event that hopefully, will mark the lift of the suspension of the annual festival which last held 10 years ago.

Commenting on the company’s feat, Managing Director/CEO of the auto company, Mr. Ibrahim Tanko who was visibly elated over his company’s performanceduringtheeventsaid,“PANPeugeot

508 was adjudged the overall best winner because it met all the criteria stipulated by the organizers of the rally.”

He stated that the original motive to participate in the contest by the car company was the desire to share and demonstrate support for the aspiration of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) in proving the importance of the nation’s auto-policy as well as create opportunities for the sector to make formal presentation of all locally manufactured vehicles to the executive and the legislature at an elaborate “Show and Tell” media ceremony.

The PAN boss commended the organizers for a job well done.

In a similar vein, PAN Nigeria’s Head of Marketing, Mr. Joseph Adesanya disclosed that PAN featured in the Motor Rally in order to showcase its capabilities as a foremost manufacturer and car assembler in Nigeria.

On the implication of being the over-all best winner, Adesanya said the brand is customercentric as all the vehicles presented excelled in the contest.

Speaking further, he said the Peugeot brand’s unique selling points are performance, comfort, fuel economy, adaptability and safety, adding that all of these are the things that worked in favour and enabled the clear win by the Peugeot 508 GT.

Besides, he stated that the major attractions of the Peugeot brand to the average Nigerian car users are ruggedness and durability in addition to the selling points earlier mentioned.

PAN Nigeria which is positioned as a leading auto-brand in the Nigerian auto industry is one of the oldest and most renowned auto-brands in the country. The company which is behind the great brand name is believed to be the most responsive and endearing motor manufacturing company with age and pedigree in its favour.

PANNigeriaLtd,whichhasremainedamilestone in Nigeria’s automobile industry, was conceived in 1969 by the then Federal Military Government under the leadership of the Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. From the launch of its first automobile to the creation of its latest concept car, Peugeot has remained the legendary Nigerian car that shares in the euphoria of the nation’s independence and also reveled in the opulence of post-independent nation. It is a car brand name that helped to redefine elite status and elegance by being a proud owner.

Even years and decades after the launch into the market, Peugeot still commands a reverent top of the mind awareness amongst Nigerian auto brands patrons as it retains its maximum awareness level amongst Nigerians, being the first and still the best.

In its bid to mitigate the spread of corona virus amongst passengers, the Federal Road Safety Corps has ordered all categories of transporters to ensure full compliance with the provisions of Regulation 108 (1) of the National Road Traffic Regulation 2012 on compulsory passenger manifest.

A statement by the Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem said they arrested 144 transporters for overloading of vehicles, and has directed all public transport operators to imbibe necessary precautionary measures in their parks and terminals as failure to adhere strictly to this order will attract the necessary sanctions.

The statement said that the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who gave the order stated that the Corps observed that despite the palpable spread of the virus, public transport operators continued to board passengers to full capacity without consideration to social distancing, passenger manifest and seat spacing of passengers. This unhealthy behaviour if not put to check on time, has the potentials to fuel the spread of the virus.

He emphatically noted that all passengers travelling; not only during the epidemic regime but at all times, have the statutory obligation to write down their full information in the passenger manifest before commencement of the trip. He noted that putting down details of passengers on a manifest is a mandatory and acceptable practice all over the world, that the document contains basic information including contacts of next of kin of all the passengers travelling in the vehicle for ease of identification and contact in the case of any eventuality.

The emphasis on the need for compulsory adherence to the NRTR 2012 provision is to make sure that details of all passengers conveyed in each vehicle are adequately collected so as to arrest further spread of the virus per chance any of the passengers is tested positive even after the trip. He warned passengers to comply by filling the passenger manifest before their journey commences as any transporter who violates this order will be made to face the wrath of the law when apprehended.

On overloading, the Corps Public Education Officer stated that the figures of the arrests was drawn from 16 states with the highest number of arrests recorded in the Federal Capital Territory where a total of 52 overloaded vehicles were impounded while Lagos State followed suite with a total of 17 arrests.

COVID-19: Jaguar and Land Rover Deploy Global Fleet

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aguar and Land Rover said they have deployed more than 160 vehicles globally to support emergency response organisations during the coronavirus crisis.

A total of 57 vehicles including 27 New Defenders have been issued to the British Red Cross to deliver medicine and food to vulnerable people across the UK who now need additional support due to social distancing rules. Jaguar and Land Rover are represented in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors.

A statement by Jaguar and Land Rover said teams in Spain, France, South Africa and Australia have loaned vehicles to their Red Cross societies and more markets are offering help to their local teams. This service is being provided with fleets of vehicles now available due to the postponement of launch events.

Jaguar Land Rover Experience Johannesburg has made 11 vehicles available to the South African Red Cross Society (SARCS) for its efforts to control and minimise the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in vulnerable areas around South Africa. The main focus areas for SARCS will be on hygiene promotion which entails, hand washing and sanitising techniques, information dissemination and awareness creation, demystifying myths on COVID-19, and the distribution of masks and gloves.

Jaguar Land Rover is working closely with the UK government and has offered its research and engineering expertise. Protective equipment is being donated to the NHS including wraparound safety glasses to the Royal Bolton

Jaguar Land Rover fleet in support of the Red Cross

Hospital, St James’s Hospital in Leeds and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Finbar McFall, Jaguar Land Rover Customer Experience Director, said: “The health and safety of our employees, customers and their families remains our priority. Jaguar and Land Rover will do everything we can

to support people in need around the world.

Our partnership with the Red Cross goes back 65 years and we will work hand in hand with them to do all we can during this global health emergency. We will also provide help to those closer to home in our local communities. We can all play a part in helping the vulnerable

during this global pandemic.”

Simon Lewis, Head of Crisis Response, British Red Cross said: “This unprecedented global health emergency requires us all to pull together. As part of the British Red Cross response to coronavirus, we’re delving deep into the heart of communities across the UK to help strengthen support for the most vulnerable people through delivering essential food parcels and medicines to those unable to get out.

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown across the country, not only by our increasing number of volunteers, but also our longstanding partners. Thanks to Land Rover’s generous support, our Emergency Response teams in the UK will be to reach even more people living in isolated communities than we could alone.”

Land Rover and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have worked together for over 65 years, helping communities prepare and respond to emergencies with disaster-preparedness projects around the world – vital at times like this.

Through its partnership with the British Red Cross, Land Rover has also helped fund emergency relief efforts through the Disaster Relief Alliance, which supports community resilience programmes in the UK and around the world, providing financial assistance immediately when disaster hits – including coronavirus. British Red Cross has already given £200,000 to support Asian countries severely affected by the pandemic.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

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AUTO

Covid-19: Elizade JAC Donates T6 Pickup 4WD to Lagos State Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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lizade Autoland/ JAC Motors has donated a new JAC T6 Pickup 4WD to Lagos State in support of the fight against Corona Virus (Covid-19).

The pandemic has led to the shutdown of virtually all activities both from government and private sectors, thereby crippling major sectors of the economy.

According to a statement by the company, the Managing Director/CEO, Elizade JAC Autoland, Demola Ade-ojo said the initiative was part of their social responsibility to support the efforts of the government at this trying time.

He acknowledged the efforts of organisations that have supported in various capacities, saying “It is rather unfortunate that we are in a trying period in Nigeria due to the global pandemic; to defeat this, all

hands must be on deck.

Therefore, I am beckoning on business leaders and entrepreneurs in the private sector to give maximum support to the government against the spread of the Covid-19.

“I acknowledge efforts of organizations who have supported in different capacities and want to say “This shall pass”. I also commend the Lagos State government for being proactive in its response to curb the spread of the disease to a large number of the citizens of Lagos State.”

JAC Motors is the only Chinese brand with full range of vehicles across all segments in Nigeria.

Some of the models include the J4 sedan, S2, S3, S5, S7 (SUVs) as well as T6 pickup, Sunray bus X5 pickup, L40 Truck and the N-Series3tons, 4tons, 5tons, 7tons and 10 tons which can be adopted to various applicaA new JAC T6 Pickup 4WD Elizade Autoland/JAC Motors donated to Lagos State in support of the fight against COVID-19 tions.

Mercedes-Benz Offers Support with Production of Medical Equipment

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he Mercedes-Benz Group has offered its support efforts to curb the COVID-19 pandemic with the production of medical equipment.

The automaker’s statement on this initiative said, “MercedesBenz is ready: The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting everyone. Especially in times like these, it is important for Mercedes-Benz to meet its social responsibilities.”

The statement said with the aid of 3D printers, individual components could be produced that are urgently needed in medical technology as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“With our highly competent team and years of experience in 3D printing technology, we are ready to make our contribution to the production of medical devices,” says Jörg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, Production and Supply Chain. “To this end, we are also in contact with the state government of BadenWürttemberg. ur expertise and specialist knowledge is available for production; now it is up to the medical technology sector to contact us.

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Our 3D printers are definitely available.”

Mercedes-Benz has been gathering experience in the research and application of additive manufacturing for around 30 years.

In the passenger car sector, 3D printing is usually used in prototype construction and small-series production.

Mercedes-Benz already uses 3D printing machines to produce up to 150,000 plastic and metal components every year.

This capacity can now be fully utilized for medical purposes. All common 3D printing processes can be used – from stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) to Selective Laser Melting (SLM).

About additive manufacturing, the statement said, “In additive manufacturing, digitally developed components are built up layer by layer in a “printer”.

The raw materials used include plastic and metal powders or resins which are fused by an energy source – usually one or more lasers.

Once a layer is finished, a new layer is applied automatically and the solidification process Mercedes-Benz 3D printers that can produce individual components urgently needstarts again. This process is repeated until a three-dimensional component is created.” ed in medical technology as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic

Pondering over Road Traffic Crisis

he United Nations Decade of Actions for Road Safety,2011-2020 highlights the need for improved road safety interventions. It was predicated on certain key facts. Fact number one is that yearly, road traffic crashes kills nearly 1.25 million lives globally and 20-50million injuries. Second fact is that road traffic injuries have become the leading cause of death for people aged 15-29years.Third fact is that over 90percent of road traffic deaths and injuries occur in low and middle income countries which have only 48percent of the worlds registered vehicles.

Nearly half of those who die through road traffic crashes are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. Another fact is that Road traffic crashes causes grief and suffering as well as considerable economic losses to victims, their families and nation. Again, road traffic crashes cost countries about 3percent of their gross domestic product. Based on these scary facts, it was predicted that if nothing concrete was done, road traffic crashes will increase to become the leading cause of death by 2030.The goal therefore was to reduce deaths by half by 2020.

As we ponder over the current pandemic, I cannot remember if the World Health Organisation gave any prior warning of COVID-19. But I know that WHO has consistently warned against a rise in road traffic crashes and deaths world over which

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 is why I am at a loss as to why the coincidence in the global lockdown caused by COVID-19 and the rise in global road traffic deaths and crashes.

This piece is not meant to scare but to remind us that this year 2020 is the year the World Health Organisation(WHO) declared and warned that if the global road traffic crashes trend should continue, road traffic injuries will become the third-leading contributor to the global burden of disease and injury.

When WHO gave this warning, road traffic crashes globally were the leading cause of death by injury and the tenth-leading cause of all deaths globally and accounted for a significant portion of the global burden of ill-health. Remember like I said earlier, that the figure was an estimated 1.25 million people killed in road crashes yearly and as many as 50 million injured. It was predicted to become the third-leading contributor to the global burden of disease and injury by 2020.As you read this piece,

the global figure has risen from 1.25million in 2013 to 1.35million deaths annually killing 3,700 daily with more than half of those killed are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.

Just like it was in 2013 or before, developing countries such as Nigeria still bear a large chunk, accounting for about 85 percent of annual deaths and about 90 percent of the disability. In addition, road traffic injuries affect mainly males which is about 73 percent of deaths and those between 15 and 44 years old.

Like COVID-19, road traffic accidents (RTAs) is a public health issue which demands multidisciplinary approach and shared responsibility.

The number of fatalities needs to be tackled by all through strict enforcement, increased awareness, personal responsibility just like we all are doing with COVID-19, private sector involvement and scientific engineering. Despite this reality, we daily drive even in the face of the global pandemic as if nothing has changed.

When God divinely defeats COVID-19 pandemic, I know nothing will change in our driving although my friend Brigadier-General Umaru Wambai, mni thinks differently. Please read though this material he shared on the lesson of COVID-19 which for me calls for sober reflection especially with regards to the place of the Almighty God, the Creator on our lives as individuals and as nations. As we pray for God’s mercies to save humanity, I do hope that

the lesson in the word of my friend will not be short-lived. Before I sound too emotional, let me first share the material. But while you read remember to place God as first in everything.Enjoy the piece ‘’Suddenly nobody is thinking about business.

Nobody is planning when to travel. Nobody is busy reading for an examination. Nobody is saving for vacation. Clubbing is not even coming to mind. Some people have even ignored their boyfriends/girlfriends. Our communities that were overpopulated have suddenly been rid of hold ups and congestion. No more rushing to work and catching the early bus.

Earning a degree is no longer the priority. Spending lavishly on parties is no longer a trend. Hotels and brothels are shut down. Gluttony is now frowned at. People now have a sense of management. We now understand that going to church is not the same as going to God. Money has become useless to the rich! Wealth has failed the wealthy. Corruption is exposed. The powerful is rendered powerless. Fathers now understand what it means to have a family. Some mothers have understood how risky it is to place their children above their husbands.

People now realise that above the hustle and bustle, it is life that matters. That is the most important thing. That, and how we care for and look after those around us. This is the time when many will learn to love unconditionally. Some politicians will turn a new leaf when this is all over. Don’t get me wrong: I said some. Cleanliness will be studies in schools, and mothers will teach their children to be neat.

36

Fashion File

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020 with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

A/W 2020 Collection of Spazio Label

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͼ˜ 2020

37

FASHION FILE

A/W 2020 Collection of Spazio Label This A/W 2020 Collection of Spazio Label celebrates the harmony of seemingly disparate styles, juxtaposing textures, contrasting colours and bold prints, which have melted, creating alluring and functional pieces for the

modern woman.

Creating this collection was an intense, painstaking process that has resulted in what the Creative Director, Nancy Udegbulem, would like to call ‘beautiful chaos’- The eclectic collection!

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

POLITY

The Principal of Aina Awwal International College, Mr Roland Jayeola and Prophetess Oluyemi Adesida land Jayeola and Prophetess Oluyemi Adesida

Tales of Woes as Akure Explosion Victims Count Losses Though, there were no lives lost in the explosion that rocked a suburb of Akure, Ondo State capital, owners of properties affected by the blast are crying for assistance, reports James Sowole

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or the founder of Possibility Ground Mountain for All Nations, Prophetess Oluyemi Adesida, the Proprietor of Aina Awwal International School and residents of Iluabo/Eleyowo communities in Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State, Saturday, March 28, 2020, would remain painfully indelible.

On that day, an explosion rocked the two communities that is about one kilometer from the Akure Airport, injuring no fewer than 13 persons while properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira were destroyed.

The explosion said to have occurred when a guarded explosives laden truck developed fault which caused a loud bang that created a crater which cut the ever busy Akure-Owo-Benin Highway into two.

The incident which occurred at about 1:00am penultimate weekend destroyed about 70 buildings including school and church auditorium adjoining the church premises.

The explosion also damaged several residential buildings at Iluabo leaving owners and occupants of the affected structures with tales of woes. Some of the occupants of the buildings are widows, junior civil servants, self-employed, low income earners and farmers.

Though, the two worst hit victims, the Aina Awwal International School and the Possibility Ground Mountain for All Nations lost properties worth millions, many people believe that there was cause to thank God because no lives were lost in their structures.

Awwal is a school that has facilities for day and boarding students. As at the time the incident occurred, the school had 42 students in the hostel but had been on forced holiday due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, which made the Federal Government to order closure of both privately or publicly owned schools.

But for the closure of worship centres on the order

of the government, there may have been several casualties as the affected church is usually a beehive of religious activities every last Friday of the month.

While speaking with THISDAY, the Principal of Aina Awwal International College, Mr. Roland Jayeola said it was the security men in the school that informed him of the explosion and how it happened.

“The men called me around 1:20 am and told me that the explosion occurred around 1:00am. So I had to rush down here. On getting here, I learnt that a vehicle was conveying some explosives and broke down opposite the school; nobody could ascertain where the vehicle was coming from. The security man explained that he saw some men who parked their vehicle by the road and that they opened the bonnet of the vehicle trying to fix it. He said he waved his searchlight at them and saw that the three men who were fixing the vehicle started running for safety and met some policemen who were on the highway and told them about the situation while they all ran for safety and there was an explosion that led to all that we are seeing now.

“He said something has happened in the school that all the buildings had collapsed but he could not explain what led to the collapse. He couldn’t explain very well because he was shivering and devastated psychologically.

“Almost all the buildings in the schools were destroyed. About seven structures were affected “We have about 42 boarding students but they have all vacated the school because of the issue of Coronavirus. Thank God for the government directives that all schools should close down. You can imagine what could have happened if the students were around that night. But it was only the security men that were around when the incident happened.

“I don’t think I can quantify the extent of the exact damage now. But I can tell you that it will be very close

to N1billion. The least of the structure that was destroyed here cost more than N50 million and we have other things inside the buildings like all the classrooms have interactive boards, adjustable chairs, air condition, and other very valuable items,” Jayeola said.

The principal appealed to the government to come to the assistance of the school considering the level of the destruction.

“I want to appeal to both the state and Federal Government to assist us. Whatever they think they can do to help this school and other places destroyed by the blast, it will be appreciated. They should come to our aid so that this school will not collapse. We need assistance from government so that the mission of the owner of the school will not be defeated, the school was established to build sons and daughters of these communities and also to contribute to the development of the education sector in this state and country as a whole,” he added.

However, the plea of the principal changed to threat, when on Sunday a report came that the cause of the explosion was not dynamite but a natural occurrence occasioned by movement of asteroid.

Fuming over the claim that the incident may be due to natural disaster, Jayeola revealed that the proprietor of the school was aware of the identity of the company that owned the explosives that went off.

“The invoice and waybill of the explosives were with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uso in Owo Local Government Area of the state. The school would write to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to notify the agency about the level of damage done to the property of the school.

“We are expecting the representation from the company that owned the explosives that wreaked the havoc,” Jayeola said.

The principal threatened that the school management might seek legal redress if the management of the

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 4, 2020

POLITY

In Wishing Kyari Dead, We Betray Our Conscience Peter Olorunfemi

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n biodata forms, most Nigerians identified themselves as either Christians or Muslims.

Interestingly, both religions preach forgiveness, compassion and love.

However, times without number, when our faith is tested, these qualities are often found lacking in us. Our religions admonish us not only to pray for those who are sick but to visit them.

A case in point is the way many reacted to recent announcement by the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Last week Kyari issued a press statement wherein he announced out of his own volition that he had tested positive for the coronavirus.

He said he chose private treatment in order not to become an additional burden on the country’s overstretched health system.

Kyari said: “This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine.”

He said like many others that would test also positive, “I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon.”

Suddenly, there was a buzz. It started trending on social media that Kyari was dead. Some called it black Thursday. As if that rumour was not bad enough, some started to celebrate his death on social media. I could not but wonder when did Nigerians become this callous?

Like many others, I certainly disagree with this government on many issues. However, I would not wish any of the officials dead. As Christianity enjoins us, the best I can do is to pray for them. If not minded to pray for them, I would leave them to God. Some of those who celebrated the unfounded death of

Kyari Kyari may as well die before him.

Even as diehard critic of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, a man who has suffered untold hardship in the hands of Buhari’s men was infuriated when he found that some people were wishing Kyari dead. He called them “vicious and heartless”.

In a tweet on Thursday, Fani-Kayode described those wishing Kyari dead because they disagreed with him as vicious.

The former minister, just like other sensible people, said he remained opposed to the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It is not true that Abba Kyari, the Chief of Staff to @MBuhari, is dead. Those that are behind that rumour are vicious and heartless. I remain opposed to the @MBuhari admin.

but to wish or proclaim someone dead simply because you disagree with him politically is unacceptable,” he tweeted.

It is also myopic to assume that the problems with the Buhari”s administration would disappear if Kyari died. When Musa Yar’adua died in 2010 did Nigeria’s problems die with him?

As Nigerians we should continue to agitate for better governance. It is our right. Those who say otherwise don’t understand what democracy is all about.

We don’t want anti-social media bill passed but we want to wake up in our rooms and be posting fake news, some of which that could lead to crisis. Somehow, we have got to devise means to punish those who concoct fake news. It does not have to be through the social media bill. It is Abba Kyari today, no one knows who will be the next victim of fake news story.

Good news is that God is not man. Family sources said Kyari is doing fine. According to them, he is responding well to treatment.

A source in the presidency also said “Since the diagnosis, he has had the occasional cough, which, though not chesty, remained stubborn, hence his decision to transfer to a private facility in Lagos for further tests and observations.

“Up till now, he has had no high fever or difficulty in breathing, and the cough is subsiding after treatment, so he is making good progress. The doctors want him to sleep and rest more for now, so they took his phones away but he is stable and improving.”

Those who claimed Kyari was dead have no shame and were not bold enough to accept that they were wrong and apologise.

The best we could do to protest their misleading us is to unfollow them. If we unfollow them, and they find themselves alone, who knows, they may choose to repent.

For now, if we can’t pray for Kyari to recover, we can at least leave him alone. We can at least spare his family the hatred.

––Olorunfemi wrote in from Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

˾ ƼLJǀǎ NJǁ NJǀǎ Ƽǎ džǐǍǀ ǓNjLJNJǎDŽNJlj DŽƾǏDŽLjǎ NJǐljǏ NJǎǎǀǎ˾ Continued from Page 38

One of the buildings within the church premises company that owned the explosive failed to respond For Prophetess Adesida, the devastation was not only for her but for all members and non-members who only come to worship in the church.

The Prophetess said: “I have hundreds of members, this is a very big church, and the church has many members. Even those that are not our members do come here to pray. So we are many.

“I have been in this place since 2002 when it was still a forest. I have been doing everything little by little. I was praying in the night with few people, suddenly, I heard a loud sound, then the church building collapsed on me and I shouted that the Holy Spirit should pull me out of the debris and indeed it did.

“Nobody died, I have to cry to the Holy Spirit that no one must die and nobody died. We all survived it. I return all glory to God. “They are 18 solid buildings that were destroyed within the church premises by the explosion. You can imagine how much that would cost .All the structures that were erected here were built with quality materials because I don’t believe in shoddy job.

All I need now is government assistance because

Crater created by the explosive that cut the road into two. even the community cannot handle this situation. I want to beg the state and federal governments to come to my aid because it is beyond our capacity. The damage is enormous.”

The tales of woe continue as other residents of the affected communities recounted their ordeal and lamented their losses as many of them; particularly widows had been rendered homeless.

Mrs. Temilade Ganiyu, a widow, in her narration disclosed she was awakened by the loud noise from the explosion and a bang on her bed.

From her checks, she realised that the whole community was in tumult. The roof of her 10-room bungalow had been torn to shreds.

She went back to her bedroom to see the cause of the bang on her bed only to discover it was a shrapnel of a rim that is about two and half feet long that fell through her roof and landed on her bed.

Picking up the metal to see clearly, she realised it was very hot which made her drop it immediately.

It then dawned on the 50-year-old widow that she just had a close shave with death.

The walls of the building cracked and all the win-

dow panes were destroyed beyond repair.

Another widow, Mrs. Ibrahim Balikis (40) saw a whole side of her six-bedroom bungalow reduced to rubble.

The set of sofa in her sitting room and bedroom were covered with debris of her fallen walls.

Messrs. Ibrahim Adam, Samuel Elias and Ayeni Babatunde had their three-bedroom structures destroyed from the explosion.

Sobbing spasmodically, the widows lamented that there was no way they could raise money to rebuild the structures except government assisted them.

They disclosed that they were being haboured by their neighbours as their homes had become dangerous to stay.

Mrs. Temilade Ganiyu just moved into the building on January 1, 2020, but she’s now homeless.

As the victims are counting their losses, officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ondo State, have visited the affected communities to assess impact of the explosion on people’s properties.

Saturday, April 4, 2020

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UT H

& RE A SO

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Soyinka on COVID-19 Lockdown “A President who has been conspicuously AWOL, the Rip van Winkle of Nigerian history, is now alleged to have woken up after a prolonged siesta, and begun to issue orders” – Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, raisings questions about the total lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja ordered

by President Buhari over COVID-19.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

My Dear President Muhammadu Buhari

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our Excellency, I bring you good tidings today Sir. Let me confess that I’m actually in the mood to commend you for the first time since those early days of your Presidency in 2015. At that time, your coming to power had attracted national and international acclaim. The whole world applauded and extolled you and Nigeria not just because we had gone through a democratic process that led to the fall of an incumbent, but more especially because you, the people’s General, was much loved and expected to perform magic and turn the nation’s fortune around. There were great expectations that you had the diligence, discipline and wizardry to change Nigeria for the better after the 16 years of PDP’s indiscipline and profligacy.

Sir, I will not bore you with many things that have happened since then, but I need to quickly refresh your memory about a few monumental actions and decisions that redefined your Presidency for the worse. You started with so much promise, but sadly allowed some people to mislead and persuade you to hand over power to them on a platter of gold so that they could satisfy their selfish, personal cravings and narcissistic desires at great cost to our already defiled and despoiled nation.

One. The primary error came when your party APC started fighting a war of attrition almost as soon as you were inaugurated. Some of your leaders were tearing at each other’s throats the way babies would do over lollipops. That war has not ended. It has only concluded its Part 1.

The Part two obviously bodes great disaster for your Party and if you do not see it now, then I fear not only for the Party, but for our dear nation.

Two. It took you all the time in the world to assemble your cabinet. And when the cabinet was eventually constituted, it was nothing to write home about. You simply recycled many of the old fuddy-duddies we had always complained about.

Three. A cabal simply hijacked power from you and started misbehaving. You of course created the enabling environment for this cabal by populating your inner circle with close family and friends without much care or concern for their capacity and competence. And when our dear beloved First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, your adorable wife raised early alarm, she was treated with cold shoulders.

Four. This one was due to no fault of yours.

You took ill and the sickness removed you out of circulation for several months. Unfortunately, as with everything that your handlers have laid their hands on, this was badly handled and the trust and faith Nigerians had in you began to erode.

Five. This was a consequence of Four. While you were away, your Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo stabilised your government and ran the affairs professionally. Your cronies and lackeys were most displeased. The climax was when the former Director General of the DSS, Lawal Musa Daura, was booted out by the Vice President over the unreasonable and almost treasonable invasion of the National Assembly by some gun-toting and fully hooded operatives of our secret service. Even if the response of the VP was considered harsh, it was the best decision at that moment. And it saved your government global condemnation and obvious embarrassment. They felt that the VP’s performance showed up your ineptitude and lethargy. They forgot that you are a team and it was your confidence in your Vice President that made you fulfil your constitutional obligation to hand over to him without being forced. However, as soon as you returned, we saw a reversal of most decisions reached, and the progress made in your absence simply evaporated.

Six. The decision to remove and replace the Acting Director General of DSS, Matthew Seiyefa, who

President Buhari and Dele Momodu replaced Daura was in total bad faith. The man was a thoroughbred career spook and distinguished scholar who had no interest in politics. He had introduced me to Daura much earlier and I liked both of them. Seiyefa had less than one year to his mandatory retirement, yet you sacked him. Many of us recorded this sin against you, amongst so many bordering on sectionalism and parochialism.

His only offence was that he came from Bayelsa State, the homestead of your immediate predecessor, President Goodluck Jonathan. This was simply too partisan and not what was expected of a purportedly rejuvenated nationalist like you.

Seven. You never deemed it fit to speak to Nigerians as regularly as required and necessary.

Most times, we read about Nigeria and your governance in interviews granted by you to foreign media. This was not good enough. Your media aides did not help matters. They claim, odiously and infuriatingly that it is not your style to speak to us. Furthermore, your media aides and their followers pounced on your critics regularly and described us as wailing wailers. They conveniently forgot that many of us were stakeholders who worked assiduously for your victory.

Eight. The desperation to win your second term by means fair or foul was unfortunate. We expected you to improve on the democratic structures you inherited from Jonathan, but you dismantled them without any regrets or recriminations and reversed our electoral standards by many years, if not decades. You took us back to the years of rigging, abuse of federal and military might and gangsterism. We saw earlier tell-tale signs in the grave misconduct of the Osun State election. Matters came to a disgraceful crescendo during the last Presidential election. I believe you could still have defeated Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in a free and fair contest, but by using repulsive and repugnant underhand tactics your victory became tarnished, pyrrhic and forever a subject of controversy and derision.

Nine. By far, your worst mistake was in thinking Nigeria could be turned into a Fulani colony. I have no doubt that this is impossible. I’m fully backed by elementary but otherwise sufficient knowledge of world history. It was wrong to assume this could be sustained for long. Nations with similar configurations such as ours never survived after the collapse of dictatorships. Unless you have the means to stay in power forever, all these structures you have erected to favour your Fulani clan will soon collapse like a pack of cards! Is that not what happened to the Niger Delta Mafioso who reigned supreme before you.

When you were elected in 2015, you were handed a national mandate. Sir, why did you choose to be a local champion when your place could have

been guaranteed in the pantheon of world’s greatest statesmen. See how former President Olusegun is strutting around the world today and enjoying encomiums everywhere. Most of your appointments have been grossly unfair to the letters and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution you swore to uphold.

Ten. The relegation of your brilliant, cerebral and fiercely loyal Vice President was rather ungodly and unfortunate. Many of us were aware of your limited intellectual capacity but followed you sheepishly on the premise and hope that you had some formidable company in Osinbajo and other great Nigerians you could rely upon.

This man campaigned rigorously and vigorously for you, so that you could jointly return in 2019.

You did not have the stamina to do much but his infectious enthusiasm and efficacious lyrics carried your team in areas you could not penetrate.

Indeed, if not for God’s intervention and enduring mercy, this gentleman nearly lost his life and that of his aides in a helicopter crash in Kogi State.

Haba! Not just that, Osinbajo took all the flak and bashing for your misdemeanours against the South and Middlebelt. His Christian bodies and buddies nearly ostracised him like a pariah.

He did not flinch because he believed in you and the vision that he believes you both must make this country great. Yet he is now being instalmentally and systematically stripped of all vestiges of power.

I have gone through this long preamble in order to demonstrate why I’m excited to write you today after I gave up on you months ago. The good news is I’m now convinced we can still help you return to the path of honour and success. Though time is fast ticking away, I believe you still have the chance of writing your name in gold. This is because you appear to have woken up from your lukewarmness and seem to be listening again.

Sir, it is heart-warming that at your age you are still said to be working so hard day and night. But the energy you have dissipated and wasted on receiving visitors in the past should now be conserved and channelled to serious matters of State, because we are in difficult, perilous and uncharted times. This is not difficult nor impossible. I was delighted to see how you responded to the hues and cries of many of us when you refused to address the nation. You won me over when you appeared on teltelevision. It is not so much about what you said, but what you did. A small step, but a giant step, nonetheless. I’m sure, you have felt good and fulfilled yourself in the past one week. It is never an act of cowardice, merely an act of wisdom to capitulate to the sensible voices of reason. It is a wise decision to finally lead frontally.

I also must congratulate you for reinstating your Vice President back to relevance by asking him to deal with an area that he is undoubtedly astute at, economic sustainability, because, when this pandemic is over, the country must be able to continue without having suffered too much of a setback. Let me assure you that he is your sure banker towards securing your enduring legacy in the next three years. Please, worry less about who would succeed you in 2023 and worry more about how history would judge your uncommon privilege of returning to power after 30 years.

Most of the hawks hovering around you lack what it takes to govern in a modern 21st century government. God gave you the Angel in Osinbajo.

You probably know by now that I’m acting in good faith and not that I want anything from you or Osinbajo. All I want and crave is good governance and progress, because a better Nigeria is better for us all.

I pray you succeed Sir. It will be to our eternal

shame if you fail spectacularly as you seemed doomed to do a few weeks back. I will now make a few suggestions as always. Space limits me today because I would have liked to develop on our ideas of how to fight the corona virus, help the people as they make great sacrifices and ensure that the social life and the economy are not so battered that they end up comatose and incapable of being revived when the pandemic is all over.

One. Please, stop the ongoing meaningless, purposeless and useless spending spree. No country, no matter how wealthy, pays cash to citizens on the streets as if in a bazaar. Your Minister of Information was quoted as saying your government has disbursed three billion naira to Nigerians in 24 hours. I can only pray that this is a mere hyperbole. If indeed it is true, that this humongous sum has been frittered away in that time, then it is really very sad and unfortunate, and I weep for this country. It is impossible to pay all Nigerians and any money being doled out to our citizens must go to only those who deserve to get it, the poor and needy. The banks can start by coming up with a database of poor Nigerians and credit their accounts. I am aware that this country is underbanked, and we must immediately find other ways of identifying these categories of people in our society. It is most ridiculous to waste three billion on some faceless ghosts in 24 hours or any other period at that.

Two. Many people have been clamouring for restructuring. This not because it excites them to be unnecessarily rambunctious. It is due to the lop-sidedness of your appointments. Please, Sir, set up an immediate taskforce notionally headed by you as Chairman and with your Vice President as vice-Chairman to review and redress the anomalies. Give your Vice President all the latitude he needs. He is known as a fair and detribalised Nigerian. I assure you that you and your family and generations unborn will enjoy that decision. It is very easy to shine in Nigeria since Nigerians are easily pleased. Just start from doing basic things that reflect our diversity.

Three. Cut the endemic and all-pervading red tape and bureaucracy that is destroying government and making it impossible for things to get done. Innovation and technology are the ways of the 21st century. We now live in a digital not analogue age. Most of our current bureaucrats are archaic and anachronistic. They will not only stall our progress; they will most certainly draw us back. A new blueprint for running government, which cuts the red tape, needs to be put in place. Obsolete systems and procedures must be dumped.

On COVID-19 we must bear in mind that the lockdown is merely a means to an end. It cannot be seen as a measure to eradicate the plague, but just an opportunity to put good systems in place like improved testing and healthcare generally. Government should concentrate on containment, eradication and developing the country to be able to cope with disasters like this in future.

Reduce electricity tariffs as people are spending longer at home due to no fault of theirs. Have a moratorium by banks on all debts. Reduce interest rates and the foreign exchange rates. Reduce taxes, suspend VAT and have a moratorium as well. Further reduce the price of PMS, it is ridiculously high at N123.50, having regard to the current international price of crude. Diesel and Kerosene prices should be slashed for the same reason.

There is much more I wish to say but space and time won’t permit. You have the assurances of my highest regards Sir.

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