SATURDAY 11TH APRIL 2020

Nigeria Eyes $2.8bn Income from OPEC’s New Production Deal Expects $15 per barrel price rebound, cuts output to 1.4mbd

Chineme Okafor and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria says it expects to gain about $2.8 billion from its sale of crude oil in the coming months if the weakened

prices of the commodity gain an additional $15 per barrel after member-countries of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies agreed on fresh production cut to stabilise the

oil market.

OPEC and its allies, led by the Russian Federation, agreed in a meeting on Thursday to cut output by 10 million barrels a day between May and June 2020, 8mbd between

July and December 2020 and 6mbd from January 2021 to April 2022, respectively.

In line with the agreement, Minister of State for Petroleum Resource, Timipre Sylva, who spoke on the expected

$2.8 billion gain, said in a statement yesterday that the country agreed to limit its daily oil production to 1.412mbd, 1.495mbd and 1.579mbd within the period in compliance with the measures to rebalance and

stabilise the oil market.

Sylva stated that the decision

by OPEC and its partners was historic, but added that OPEC’s curtailment measures would not Continued on page 5

At Easter, Buhari Urges Christians to intensify Faith in Christ... Page 15 Saturday 11 April, 2020 Vol 25. No 9133

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

N250

WHO: 5G Not Responsible for COVID-19, Cases Now 305 Buhari meets with task force, mum on lockdown extension Osinbajo: We are concerned about keeping the economy stable, protecting jobs Discharged patients in Lagos rise to 46 FG moves to increase bed space for isolation Masari locks down Daura after 3 test positive Don’t lift lockdown, NMA tells states Cases in Africa rise to 11,900 Global death toll passes 100,000 Omololu Ogunmade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja, Segun James in Lagos and Francis Sardauna in Katsina The World Health Organisation has debunked insinuations that 5G mobile network was responsible for the raging Coronavirus pandemic, insisting that “viruses cannot travel on radio waves or mobile networks.”

On the same day, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed optimism that Nigeria would triumph over the Coronavirus when he met with members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, but was silent on whether the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja would be extended.

Continued on page 5

UPDATING THE PRESIDENT...

L-R: Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19/Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; and the National Coordinator of the task force, Dr. Sani Aliyu, after briefing the President in Abuja…yesterday

Okonjo-Iweala Appointed into IMF’s External Advisory Group... Page 6

2

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

3

4

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020 •T H I S D AY

5

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020

PAGE FIVE WHO: 5G NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR COVID-19, CASES NOW 305 Also yesterday, the number of reported cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria increased to 305, (from 288 reported Friday morning) with 58 discharged and seven dead.

WHO, in a statement released yesterday by its office in Nigeria, debunked the myth, saying COVID-19 is a respiratory disease spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks.

“People can also be infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their eyes, mouth or nose,” it said.

WHO added that COVID-19 was spreading in many countries that did not have 5G mobile networks.

It also said being infected with the new Coronavirus did not mean that the person would be infected with the virus forever, adding that people recovered from the disease.

“Most COVID-19 infected persons can recover and eliminate the virus from their bodies. If you are infected by the disease, make sure you treat your symptoms. If you have cough, fever, and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early, but call your health facility by telephone first. Most patients recover thanks to supportive care,” WHO said.

It added that exposure to the sun or to temperatures higher than 25C degrees would not prevent COVID-19.

“You can be infected with COVID-19, no matter how sunny or hot the weather is.

Countries with hot weather have reported cases of COVID-19,” the organisation noted. It said to be protected from the virus, people should ensure frequent and thorough hand washing and avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose.

Buhari Meets COVID-19 Committee, Optimistic Nigeria will Triumph President Buhari has said he was optimistic that Nigeria would triumph over the Coronavirus considering the efforts put in by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

He tweeted yesterday: “The Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19 briefed me today. I remain very grateful for the hard work that they are putting into this national assignment. I have no doubt that with all these efforts, Nigeria will triumph over this pandemic.”

The president tweeted that the meeting with members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, held at the State House, but said nothing about whether the lockdown on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun would be lifted or extended.

At the meeting, Buhari pleaded with Nigerians to be more patient as the government

intensifies efforts towards containing the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

He expressed optimism that the trials of the moment would be overcome soon as a result of deliberate moves by the government to conquer the common enemy of mankind.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mustapha, said the committee briefed Buhari on details of its efforts towards containing the spread of the disease.

According to him, Buhari expressed satisfaction with the perceived transparent way the task force had been engaging critical stakeholders in the discharge of its responsibilities, insisting that Nigeria would come out strong from its current challenges in no time.

Mustapha said the president has the exclusive power to decide the next line of action.

He said: "Well, that is ultimately the decision that Mr. President has the prerogative to take. Ours is to provide him with basic fact as it is on ground and to also give him all the options that we think in our consideration he can use to arrive at the decision. You know that as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the decision is ultimately his.

"As the people he has charged with this particular responsibility, it is our responsibility to lay the facts bare before him to appropriately guide and help him to take the decision. So, I will not speculate on that."

The President had, on March 29, ordered the lockdown of these cities with rising cases of the Coronavirus for an initial period of 14 days to curb the spread.

The SGF had earlier said the task force would meet with the president to review the lockdown order in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory.

Those at the meeting included Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the PTF; the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu; and the National Coordinator in the fight against COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu.

Also yesterday, the President met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

At his meeting with Osinbajo, who is also the Chairman, Economic Sustainability Committee, both leaders discussed the possibility of coming up with more palliative measures meant to cushion the effect of COVID-19 virulent disease on the poor and the vulnerable as a result of the lockdown..

Both the president and vice-president were said to have shared ideas on further measures that can be deployed to alleviate the plight of the poor while the lockdown lasts.

Osinbajo told journalists after

the meeting that his discussion with the president centred on necessary efforts required to resolve pressing issues caused by the effects of COVID-19 on the economy.

He said: "Well, I came to see the president for the regular briefing that I give, either sometime, I come physically as you see me today (or at) other times, I brief him on phone or by conference. What we are concerned about is that the economy remains stable, that jobs are protected and if possible, more jobs are created.

"The president has expressed very serious concerns about the problems that may be associated with the lockdown. Many of our people work for daily wages.

They have to go out to work everyday. So, we have to think of how we can give them some succour during the period they are not able to work.

"So, some of those issues are what Mr. President wanted me to discuss fully with him and of course, you know we have a committee, the Economic Sustainability Committee, which very shortly will submit a full report to Mr. President and what our thoughts and ideas are.

"I think Mr. President asked me to meet with him in particular because he wanted to see how to resolve some of the very pressing issues around the COVID-19 and also around the economic problems we are seeing already," the vicepresident said.

Meanwhile, WHO has warned against any premature lifting of restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic, saying such action could lead to a fatal resurgence of the new coronavirus.

WHO Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that while some states were considering ways to ease the restrictions which have placed around half of humanity under some form of lockdown, doing so too quickly could be dangerous.

“I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions. WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone,” he told a virtual press conference in Geneva.

“At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly.

“WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions.”

Tedros spelled out six factors that should be considered before restrictions could be safely eased.

He said that transmission would have to be controlled; sufficient public health services made available; outbreak risks in care homes minimised; preventative measures imposed in workplaces and schools; virus importation risks managed; and communities made aware of and

engaged in the transition.

NCDC Update The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its latest COVID-19 figure on its twitter handle last night, said: “As at 09:30 pm, 10th April, there are 305 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria.

58 have been discharged with 7 deaths. Seventeen new cases of #COVID19 have been reported with eight in Lagos, three in Katsina, two in FCT, one each in Niger, Kaduna, Anambra, and Ondo.”

FG Moves to Increase Bed Space The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, yesterday said the Federal Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 accreditation committee was currently inspecting public and private treatment centres in order to increase bed capacity for COVID-19 isolation and treatment nationwide.

He spoke in Abuja while giving update on the efforts to contain the Covid-19 outbreak.

Ehanire said private facilities have been asked to apply to the federal ministry of health for accreditation, before engaging in treatment of COVID-19 patients.

He said that an accreditation committee will have to inspect such facilities before granting accreditation.

"They will soon start inspection and accreditation tour to all States, starting with those with active COVID-19 cases. The bed space expansion starts with our federal tertiary hospitals, where separate wings have been reserved and converted for COVID-19 management.

Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) commenced such operation on Monday with a 60-bed isolation centre, having received COVID-19 starter pack and trained health workers," he said.

COVID-19 Cases in Africa Rise to 11,900 The World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa says the number of coronavirus cases in Africa has increased to over 11,900.

The UN’s health agency gave the update on its official twitter account @WHOAFRO yesterday.

“COVID19 cases in Africa rise to over 11,900 – with 1,586 recoveries and 608 deaths reported,’’ it said.

The breakdown in the WHO African Region COVID-19 dashboard showed that South Africa, Algeria and Cameroon had continued to top the list of countries with the highest reported cases.

South Africa has 1,934 cases and 18 deaths followed by Algeria with 1,666 cases and 235 deaths, while Cameroon has 730 confirmed cases with 10 deaths.

It also showed that the

countries with the lowest confirmed cases are South Sudan and Burundi, which had reported three cases each with zero death.

The second-lowest confirmed cases of COVID-19 countries in Africa are The Gambia and Sao Tome, which have confirmed four cases each while the latter has zero death, the former (Gambia) has recorded one death.

Mauritania is in the third category with the lowest cases as the country has recorded six confirmed cases with no death.

transmission of Covid-19. As such, relaxing any guideline that promotes mass gatherings in any part of our nation now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics.

“We, therefore, pray all authorities concerned to rescind their decision in the interest of safety of lives and implore the Nigerian Police force and other security agencies to ensure that such gatherings do not take place."

Discharged Patients in Lagos Rise to 46

Katsina State Governor, Bello Masari, has ordered a total lockdown in Daura Local Government Area after three new cases of coronavirus were recorded.

The governor made the announcement in a series of tweets yesterday, said “Further to our earlier briefing on the Daura #COVID19 situation; out of the samples sent for testing, 23 results have been returned with 20 being negative while 3 are unfortunately positive.

Incidentally the 3 are the deceased Doctor’s wife and his 2 children.”

He said, “We will continue to monitor situations as they unfold and will not hesitate to lockdown any local government area that may record positive #COVID19 case. We won’t falter in putting the whole state under total lockdown should the situation warrants.

“However, three pharmacies and three grocery stores will be identified for people to patronise under strict supervision and when absolutely necessary.”

Lagos State has discharged seven new patients from the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this on his Twitter handle yesterday.

“Today, seven more patients comprising of three females and four males were discharged to reconnect with their families after full recovery and having tested negative twice consecutively for COVID-19,” he tweeted.

NMA Urges States Not to Lift Lockdown Yet The Nigerian Medical Association has made a case for continued observance of the Covid-19 imposed restrictions across the nation to ensure that things do not deteriorate.

It asked Nigerian Police force and other security agencies to ensure that gatherings that violate the restriction order do not take place.

In a statement issued yesterday by the NMA president, Dr. Francis Faduyile and Secretary General, Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, the association said its attention has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measure of preventing Covid-19- social distancing.

It referred to the orders by some state governors authorising the mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.

"Of particular concern are: The declaration by the Cross River State Governor that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask.

"A moratorium on the lockdown to allow mass gathering in mosques and churches starting from Friday to Sunday in Rivers state; "The lifting of the ban on Friday prayers by Katsina and Kogi States government," it said.

NMA also said that it was aware that similar orders had been given in Ondo, Ebonyi and Imo states which approved mass attendance of Easter services.

The NMA said: "While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives and especially the value Christians place on Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community

Masari Orders Lockdown in Daura after 3 Test Positive

FG Delivers Palliatives to Lagos As the lockdown in Lagos entities its second week, the Federal Government yesterday handed over 6,000 bags of rice and two truck loads of vegetable oil to the state as Palliative to cushion the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the residents.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Farouq, who handed the materials to the state Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said that the palliative was at the instance of President Muhammadu Buhari.

According to her, "We are here to pay a solidarity visit to the government and people of Lagos State on this unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting us in the nation. ''It is also to follow up on the directive of Mr President to give out palliative to the affected state; Lagos, Ogun and FCT that is lockdown by FG. ''We are bringing food relief in term of rice and condiment and secondly we want to also flag off the Tradermoni and Marketmoni intervention of the FG,'' Farouq said.

NIGERIA EYES $2.8BN INCOME FROM OPEC’S NEW PRODUCTION DEAL include Nigeria’s condensate production which is between 360,000 and 460,000 barrels a day.

He said: “It is expected that this historic intervention, when concluded, will see crude oil prices rebound by at least $15 per barrel in the short term, thereby enhancing the prospect of exceeding Nigeria’s adjusted budget estimate that is currently rebased at $30 per barrel and crude oil production of 1.7 million barrels per day. The price rebound may translate to additional revenues of not less than $2.8 billion dollars for the federation.”

The minister equally claimed that despite the production

curtailments, it was pleasing for him that, “all planned industry development projects will progress, as they will be delivered after the termination of the 9th OPEC/Non-OPEC Ministerial Meeting Agreement on adjustments in April 2020.”

Nigeria’s 2020 budget, which is expected to bear the brunt of the oil price slash, was passed in December 2019 with assumed oil production mark of 2.18mbd and $57 per barrel.

Sylva, however, disclosed that these assumptions have been reviewed downwards with the expectation that the new OPEC measures will be beneficial to the country.

“Nigeria is participating in the pursuit of our commitment

to the framework of the Declaration of Cooperation entered on 10th December 2016 and further endorsed in subsequent meetings, as well as the Charter of Cooperation signed in July 2019,” Sylva said.

According to him: “Nigeria joined OPEC to cut supply by up to 10 million barrels per day. Based on reference production of Nigeria of October 2018 of 1.829 million barrels per day of dry crude oil, Nigeria will now be producing 1.412 million barrels per day, 1.495 million barrels per day and 1.579 million barrels per day respectively for the corresponding periods in the agreement.

“This is in addition to

condensate production of between 360 and 460 KBOPD of which are exempt from OPEC curtailment. The agreement awaits close outcome of ongoing engagement with Mexico to agree on its full participation.”

U.S., G20 to Support Plans for Largest Oil Supply Deal The United States and the G20 are prepared to support plans for largest oil supply deal in history, putting weight behind OPEC and Russia production cuts and offering additional contributions to stabilise an industry devastated by the coronavirus.

Demand for oil has dropped

by about a third, with some of the world’s largest economies effectively shutting down in an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, pushing crude prices to their lowest level in 18 years and threatening millions of jobs in the energy sector and long-term damage to supplies.

The expected deal will mark a diplomatic victory for US President Donald Trump, who pressured Saudi Arabia, the most powerful member of OPEC, and Russia to end an old price war by a month that had exacerbated the crisis in the energy markets.

He held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Russian President

Vladimir Putin on Thursday and yesterday, threatening tariffs on their oil sales if they fail to reach an agreement.

North American production is already down due to the collapse in oil prices, but the United States and Canada have stopped committing to additional government-imposed supply restrictions, pointing instead to large-scale reductions in capital spending by private energy companies.

Despite the support of the G20, doubts remain that the measures taken will be sufficient. Excess supply still threatens to maximize storage facilities globally in a matter of months, even though the supply shortages have taken time.

6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

NEWS Boko Haram: Buratai Relocates to North-east

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

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, has relocated to the North-East to oversee and coordinate troops of the Nigerian Army in the counter-insurgency war against the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province terrorists.

This is as the Nigerian Army has said that the recent defeat of the Boko Haram terrorists by Chadian troops that reportedly pushed them into the Nigerian end of the Lake Chad basin was done with its support.

The army said yesterday that Buratai would also oversee other

army operations in other parts of the country.

According to a release from the Army Headquarters, Abuja, Buratai yesterday addressed troops of the Special Super Camp, Ngamdu, in the Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State, where he said he would remain with them to combat the terrorists.

The army said: “The Chief of Army Staff has relocated fully to the North-East where he is overseeing and directing the overall operation in the theatre and other army operations across

the country.

“The army wishes to reassure Nigerians that it is highly committed to protecting law abiding citizens and defending our territorial integrity.”

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, made the clarification while briefing newsmen at the Army Special Forces Super Camp at Ngamdu in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State yesterday.

Musa debunked a claim he said was made by a Chadian Army Officer, Colonel Azem Aguna, on

April 9 that the Chadian forces were occupying some Nigerian territories in the Lake Chad region waiting to hand over.

Musa said it was necessary to correct the impression that the Nigerian forces were not on ground in some areas around the Lake Chad region.

He stated that the Chadian operation was on the Chadian side of the Lake Chad area and that it was done with the knowledge and support of Nigeria in line with an existing multilateral co-operation among countries on the Multinational Joint Task Force

(MNJTF), with Headquarters in N’Djamena, Chad.

According to Musa, “The operation was especially welcomed and supported by the Nigerian Army because it would deny the insurgent’s rear and logistics bases in Chad from where they often plan and launched attacks into Nigeria.

“It is hoped that the Chadian forces will sustain operations on their side of the border to permanently deny Boko Haram criminals of rear bases from where they can launch operations into Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt,

the Chadian Operation BOMA WRATH took place only in Chadian territory and not on Nigerian territory. “The Chadian security and Defence forces did not cross into Nigerian territory during the operation and thus there are no Chadian troops holding any Nigerian territory.

“The Nigerian Military is fully committed and in total support of the continued cooperation between Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria to finally and speedily decimate Boko Haram/ISWAP Criminals and put final end to terrorism in the region.

Okonjo-Iweala Appointed into IMF External Advisory Group Buhari Felicitates with Obinna Chima

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, has appointed Nigeria’s two-term Minister of Finance and former Managing Director (Operations) of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to serve as a member of her newly established External Advisory Group.

The appointment came about a month after South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, appointed her into the country’s Economic Advisory Council, in response to the challenges faced

by the economy which recently slumped into its second recession in two years.

According to a statement on the IMF’s website, Okonjo-Iweala, who is the Board Chairperson of GAVI Alliance, was appointed among other eminent persons from around the world, based on their high-level policy, market, and private sector experience.

The statement revealed that Georgieva yesterday convened the new External Advisory Group to provide perspectives from around the globe on key developments and policy issues, including policy responses to

the exceptional challenges the world now faces due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its economic impact.

They are also expected to provide insights to enhance the Fund’s ability to serve its membership.

The External Advisory Group would meet a few times a year with the IMF’s Managing Director, Deputy Managing Directors, and a sub-set of IMF department Directors.

“Even before the spread of COVID-19 and the dramatic health, economic, and financial disruptions it has brought, IMF members confronted a rapidly

Gbajabiamila Demands end to Maltreatment of Nigerians in China Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has taken a swipe at the ill-treatment of Nigerians in China, warning that such should stop. He handed down the warning at a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, confronting him with the protest video of an incident where a Nigerian was seen challenging Chinese officials over the maltreatment.

Viral videos from Beijing showed Nigerians being forced out of their houses and hotels, rounded up and their passports seized by the Chinese police, prompting the Speaker to complain of the inhuman treatment of Nigerians which he said must be addressed forthwith.

Gbajabiamila said there should be an official explanation for treating Nigerians in such a

manner.

He said, “If the diplomatic relationships between our two countries are for the mutual benefits of our citizens, then there must be respect for our citizens, and we should not compromise it. As a government, we will not allow Chinese or other nationals to be maltreated just as we will not allow Nigerians to be maltreated in other countries.

“The way you treat your citizens, we expect that’s how you’ll treat others. We will not tolerate our citizens breaking your laws, but the crime of one citizen cannot be used to stigmatise the whole country. It appears that’s what happened in this case. You can’t use one brush to smear the whole wall. Whatever the reason, it cannot be used and taken out on the entire community in China.”

Gbajabiamila added that the

House would expect feedback from the Ambassador as soon as possible.

In his response, Ambassador Pingjian said though he had not been officially informed about the details of the incidence, he would take it up with the home government.

“We take our relationship with Nigeria very seriously. Until we receive a full report from back home, I cannot act, but I can assure you it is not a policy issue.

We treat everyone equally, but during the implementation of the COVID-19 measures in China, it is possible for some incidents; all I do is to take it back home, today I will,” he said.

The Speaker also sought to understandthespecificmandateoftheChinese medical team that arrived Nigeria on Wednesday and if they were on quarantine.

Malami Writes Governors, Seeks Release of Inmates Deserving Clemency Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has written to governors of all the 36 states of the federation, drawing their attention to President Muhamamdu Buhari’s approval and authorisation for urgent measures to be taken towards the speedy decongestion of correctional/custodial centres in the country in view of the

COVID-19 pandemic.

Malami, in the letter to the governors dated April 9, 2020 and titled ‘Urgent Need for Speedy Decongestion of Custodial Centres’, lamented the high population of inmates in the various custodial centres across the country.

Malami’s letter which was disclosed in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Umar Gwandu, noted that available

records show that 52,226 out of the present 74,127 inmates were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), adding that most of these centres were presently housing inmates beyond their capacities.

The minister, according to the statement noted that the development posed a potent threat to the health of the inmates and the public in general in view of the present circumstances, hence the need for urgent steps to bring the situation under control.

evolving world and complex policy issues,” Georgieva said.

She added: “To serve our membership well in this context, we need top-notch input and expertise from the widest range of sources, inside and outside the Fund.

“Toward this end, I am proud that an exceptional and diverse group of eminent individuals with high-level policy, market, and private sector experience has agreed to serve on my ExternalAdvisory Group. Today we had a dynamic discussion to gain their insights, and to receive informal reactions to our ideas and approaches.”

Dangote at 63 Omololu Ogunmade

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja felicitated with the President of Dangote Group of companies, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing him as a foremost industrialist, investor and philanthropist.

The president, according to a statement by his media adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, hailed what he described

as “the large-heartedness of Africa’s wealthiest man.”

Adesina quoted the president as further describing Dangote as a person who had always proved his mettle whenever necessary, recalling his contributions to the fight against Ebola, polio and the current COVID-19.

The statement added that Buhari prayed God to grant Dangote long life, good health and greater successes in all areas of life.

COVID 19: FG Vows to Shield Caverton Hellicopters’ Pilots from Prosecution Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika has assured that that the two Caverton Hellicopters’ arrested in Port Harcourt on the orders of Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, for allegedly flouting the state’s lockdown directive on coronavirus will not be prosecuted.

Sirika, who spoke yesterday at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 press biefing in Abuja, faulted the motive of the governor.

He insisted the pilots were on a national assignment, while adding that the Chairman of PTF,

Boss Mustapha, had also settled the matter by stating that the oil and gas industry was exempted from the lockdown in national interest.

The minister further submitted that the pilots were flying into a military base for a national assignment. “ I may not be learnered but I am lettered and I understand if any in this case that is none if there is a conflict between federal and state law. I don’t want to argue law on this platform because it is not necessary. Whether the Governor of Rivers State ought to know if the exempted Caverton flight landing in a military base in Portcourt belonging to the Nigeria

Air Force; he does not need to know.

The pilots would soon be released, will be secured and there will be no conviction hanging on their neck,” Sirika said.

The minister noted that arising from constitutional provisions and the powers of the President the seriousness of the PTF and the way civil and military aviations are operated in the country, the airforce officer, who alerted Wike, when the chopper landed on his property acted ignorantly, just like the federal police officers, who made the arrest and prosecuted within the military property exhibited incompetence.

COVID-19 Patient Died Before Test Result, Says Okowa Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba The officially declared second COVID-19 patient in Delta State had passed away even before the result of test affirming his infection with the disease was received from the laboratory, the state Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said in Asaba.

The governor, who disclosed this while making presentation on the Coronavirus pandemic, said that the patient who was suspected to have contracted the Coronavirus in the state had died while medical laboratory result of samples taken from him was still being awaited.

He was the second confirmed COVID-19 patient in the state, which entered the 10th day of the two-week lockdownorderedbyOkowatocheckthe spreadofthedreaded virus in the state.

Already, 17 persons ascertained to have had contact with the first patient, presently under intensive medical scrutiny, have been quarantined while the process to identify and take into isolation has commenced for those with close

contact with the dead COVID-19 patient, he said.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, the governor explained that “the deceased had underlying health issues and had visited Lagos in the past two weeks.”

The yet-to-be identified deceased had exhibited “severe symptoms (but) presented himself late to the hospital”, he said, adding, “The symptoms on the patient included difficulty in breathing, which prompted immediate necessary medical attention.

“Shortly after the specimen was taken, he passed away. However, his test results came back positive.

“In order to mitigate the spread of the virus, we are fast-tracking our contact-tracing to ensure that all those that came in contact with the deceased patient are properly isolated and tested immediately.’’

Nevertheless, the governor appealed to all and sundry “to protect citizens and residents of our state, families and friends of individuals that are exhibiting the primary symptoms of COVID-19,

do not keep it from the authorities.’’

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa said that the Centre for Communicable Diseases and Research built by the state government at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, was ready for use.

Okowa spoke after inspecting the facility yesterday, said everything required to make the centre receive and treat COVID-19 patients were ready, and that relevant staff had been trained for the centre.

The governor, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye and his Information counterpart, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said, “I just finished inspecting the Centre for Communicable Diseases and Research at the Federal Medical Centre Asaba.

“The centre is fully ready; all the necessary facilities are in place, including ventilators which have been installed, and very importantly, there is a side room where the nurses are able to completely monitor every activity going on in every room, and which is really very good.

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020 • T H I S D AY

7

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͚˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

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

Lawmaker Donates N15m Rice to Osun Government Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

STIMULUS FOR LAGOSIANS‌ L-R: Minister of Humanitarian Aairs and Disaster Management, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during the delivery of federal government’s COVID-19 intervention materials to Lagos State Government at Lagos House, Marina,... yesterday

FMC Doctors Down Tools Alleging Police Harassment Omon-Julius Onabu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹

Members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, Delta State, yesterday announced the withdrawal of their services, indefinitely, in protest against alleged incessant harassment by the police and other security personnel under the guise of enforcing the stayat-home directive of the state government.

The lockdown was declared over a week ago by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as a means of checking the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, but enforc-

ing it has become increasingly difficult with security operatives openly abusing the process through extortion and harassment of those on essential duties, exempted from the movement restriction order.

President of the ARD, Asaba FMC chapter, Dr. Osifo Patrick Nwabunor told newsmen in Asaba that since the lockdown started on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, health workers had been consistently harassed allegedly by the police even when they present valid means of identification as essential service providers.

Nwabunor claimed that the harassment reached unbearable

levels on Thursday when a doctor who was rushing to Okpanam for an emergency was stopped and harassed, saying other colleagues who came to his rescue were teargassed.

Consequently, the resident doctors would embark on what he termed “total shutdown of our services indefinitely, until our security is guaranteed,� he declared.

Nwabunor said, “These are challenging times in view of the COVID-19, but if our safety is not guaranteed, we will maintain the total shutdown of our services,� he stated.

However, the doctors gave

three conditions for a review of their decision: that no health worker should be harassed when he/she presents a valid means of identification; that items destroyed during the Okpanam issue should be replaced; and, that adequate security should be provided within the confines of the hospital.

Nwabunor also raised the alarm about the paucity of protective kits for frontline health workers across both federal and state hospitals, appealing to the relevant authorities to provide the necessary kits and “increase the hazard allowance for frontline care givers�.

Omo-Agege, Ekweremadu Ask Nigerians to Obey Guidelines, Stay Safe Deji Elumoye Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his predecessor, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, have enjoined Nigerians to obey government guidelines as well as stay safe in a bid to stop the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The call was contained in separate messages issued by the duo on Friday to mark this year’s Easter celebrations.

In his message, Senator OmoAgege, called on Nigerians to strictly obey set out guidelines issued by relevant authorities to

stop the spread of the pandemic. “I urge all our people to also play their part by observing precautions and abiding by the rules being dished out by our state and federal governments as well as relevant health authorities.

Again, I sincerely appeal to all our people to obey the restriction order, advice on social distancing and other lawful directives aimed at curbing the dangerous global spread of a malevolent virus.�

He noted that this year’s festivity calls for sober reflection, as it is happening at a time the Coronavirus pandemic is ravaging most parts of the world.

On his part, former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, called on Nigerians to pray and also take responsibility by staying safe.

In his message to Christian faithful at Easter, Ekweremadu declared that the resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrates God’s power over all creation, and circumstances, even infirmity and death. “At Easter, I enjoin the Christian faithful to go to God in prayer that His resurrection power may heal our nation and indeed a despaired world ravaged by COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I also enjoin all Nigerians to take responsibility at this critical time, adhering religiously to the precautionary measures, protocol, and guidelines released by the various strata of government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in order to prevent community spread of the virus�, he said.

Ekweremadu, however, urged Nigeria to be of good courage, assuring that just like other epidemics and pandemics of the past, this too shall pass by God’s grace and the nation and the world would also come out stronger, with lessons learnt.

Dantata, Mohammed Babangida, Others Donate to Niger Appeal Fund Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹

Some public spirited individuals and philanthropists have continued to donate to the appeal fund launched by the Niger State Government to raise fund in the fight to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.

Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, had three weeks ago appealed to the general public to show empathy with the state which is pres-

ently financially not buoyant enough to fund the Coronavirus pandemic campaign because of its huge cost.

One of the latest supports to the state came from a construction giant, Dantata and Sowoe which donated 500 bags of rice and 1,500 cartons of macaroni to the fund on Thursday evening.

Mohammed Babangida son of former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on behalf of the

El-Amin Foundation also gave 250 protective gears and 250 sanitisers.

In addition, El-Amin Foundation donated a lace to be used as an isolation centre in Minna.

Similarly former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Alhaji Jimadah Gana, donated various items ranging from 2,000 sanitisers and 2,000 face Masks valued at N1.5 million.

Jimada also gave 20 bags of rice to his Makera Ward in Minna in addition to handing out N2,000 each to each household in the ward.

Jimada who made the presentation through his brother, Abdulrahaman Ndeji, said he was motivated to making the donation because of the support given to him by both the state and his constituency which made him to attain the pick of his career.

A member representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, Hon. Wole Oke, has donated 600 bags of rice worth N15 million to the state COVID-19 committee for distribution to the people of the state as palliative to cushion the effects of the lockdown occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Oke in a statement issued yesterday said that the palliative was for the people of the state irrespective of the political parties they belong to.

He said: “On behalf of myself and family we are donating N15m worth of rice to Osun State COVID19 Relief Committee for onward distribution to the good people of the state irrespective of religion or political affiliations. “This is not the time to play politics, as of today, we have a common problem at hand

which is ravaging the country and indeed the entire world.

So, we must unite together and confront it collectively so that we can end it and have a state and a country we call our own. “It is after the victory over the deadly Coronavirus scourge that we can start to think of politics again, I’m a loyal member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the core, I’m not for that for now, I have to think how I can contribute my own little quota for the well-being of my people.�

The lawmaker who is also the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, urged the people of the state and Nigerians in general not to panic about the dreaded pandemic, but rather to observe all necessary precautionary instructions from relevant government agencies and experts, adding that with collective efforts by all and sundry, the deadly Coronavirus would soon be history.

Ekiti’s Second Patient Tests Negative, Discharged Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

A second Covid -19 patient in Ekiti State has tested negative and discharged from isolation centre.

The 23-year-old man was detected a couple of weeks ago after 14 days of self-isolation.

The man, whose nature of job was said to require visiting airports was after a few days of self-isolation moved to quanratine centre located within the premises of Oba Adejugbe General Hospital in Ado Ekiti.

Governor Kayode Fayemi confirmed this on his Twitter handle, yesterday, where he revealed that the second test performed on the patient was negative.

The governor tweeted that the patient had subsequently been discharged.

Fayemi tweeted: “Our second COVID-19 patient tested negative the second time and was discharged from our Infectious Disease Hospital today.

“While thanking our team for a job well done, the job is not finished. Stay home, save lives,� he advised.

Fayemi tweeted further that the Ekiti COVID-19 Response Committee held its inaugural meeting Thursday and made several concrete steps. “Our father, the Grand Patron, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) set the ball rolling with N100m donation and 800 bags of rice to the Food Bank. We are grateful.�

Fayemi had last week appointed Babalola, former Governors Segun Oni and Ayodele Fayose and 44 others as menbers of the committee.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Right and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has advised Nigerians, especially Christians to exhibit patriotism and make the requisite sacrifices for the country to subdue the deadly Coronavirus, codenamed COVID-19.

Imoukhuede Lecture Series Postponed over Pandemic The Joseph Imoukhuede OBE Forum has announced the postponement, until further notice, the 2020 edition of the Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of the late top civil servant and statesman, Joseph Enaifoghe Imoukhuede.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting of the Forum, the reason for the postponement was the COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world. The Forum stated that the postponement was highly regrettable but it was the only option available going by the need to safeguard the health of the people and those that would attend this year’s event. “As stated during last year’s inaugural lecture that the memorial lecture in daddy’s honour would be an annual event to be celebrated on April 25, (which is his) birthday,

plans had been in full gear to host the second edition this April. Sadly, we regret to announce the postponement of this year’s edition till further notice as a result of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) global pandemic that has grounded economic activities globally. The health and safety of you all, our friends and families is of paramount importance to us, as such we enjoin each and every one of us to please follow the basic protective measures the World Health Organisation (WHO) has put in place to prevent and also reduce its spread,� the statement said.

The statement further said the family of the late patriarch sincerely appreciated those who graced the inaugural edition of the lecture series last year which also marked the 30th anniversary of the transition of the late top public servant.

9

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹ 2020

08054699539

Thank You President Idriss Deby F

or the first time in a long while, I heard the coldblooded leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau lamenting.

The cry was sweet music to my ears as President Idriss Deby led the Chadian army to pound Shekau and his insane boys, who have been inflicting unprecedented pain on hapless Nigerians in the North-east. Few days back, Boko Haram pushed their luck too far when they killed 92 Chadian soldiers in Boma, on the fringes of Lake Chad. About the same time, the terrorists killed over 70 Nigerian soldiers in Borno State and got away with it. But Deby would not have this nonsense, which he described as the worst attack ever on the country’s military by a foreign body. It dented the pride of a Chadian military that has been deployed across the region to fight militants. The Chadian President went after Shekau like a wounded lion. He bravely led from the forefront to counter the terrorists.

In an offensive tagged, “Operation Wrath of Boma”, Chadian soldiers destroyed the sect’s bases around Lake Chad, killing several terrorists. Hundreds of weapons were also recovered from them; bunkers hiding key commanders where discovered and destroyed.

Until the wrath of Deby, this part of Borno State was perfectly under the control of the terrorists with no Nigerian soldier in sight.

This lays bare all the lies that no part of the country was under the control of the terrorists.

Shekau has never been this badly beaten in all his years of killing, maiming and raping across boundaries. As his soldiers flee in different directions, in a sober voice, Shekau, who spoke in Hausa language, cried, “People of Chad, leave us alone, this operation is not approved by the Qur’an. It is not the will of the Prophet Muhammed but if you want to continue, God will help us too because he is bigger than you. To my fighters, take heart. It is I, Abubakar Shekau, your leader.”

Please, note that Israelis helped the Chadians with the mapping of the entire Lake Chad region before the commencement of the Operation Wrath of Boma. The Israelis also provided air and land technical support to the Chadians. Back home, our leaders are too proud to seek assistance from Israel.

Deby has shown that the terrorists can be defeated. Again, the arms and ammunitions seized from the terrorists were largely those they stole when they sacked a number of Nigerian military formations.

After clearing the Lake Chad borderlands, the Chadian soldiers waited endlessly for Nigerian soldiers to come and take charge.

They are still waiting for Nigeria troops to take charge of Damasak, in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State. As at press time, there was no evidence that Nigeria had done the needful. There is also no evidence that terrorists fleeing into Nigeria following the strikes by Chad had been pinned and killed by Nigerian soldiers. I wish this Chadians will continue deep into Nigeria and end this madness called Boko Haram.

Our gallant soldiers are constrained by so many factors, top of which is a failed political and military leadership; a political leadership lacking the will to combat terrorism and a military leadership that wants the war to continue. As long as the war is on, they are in business. There is also a war business in Borno and Yobe states, managed by top Nigerian commanders. Traders pay heavily to move goods in and out of the theatre of war.

The big boys in the military care less about the unending war and the hundreds of Nigerian soldiers killed needlessly. This is why they are always very happy to say that the terrorists “have been technically defeated” and that no Nigerian territory “is under the control of Boko Haram.”

While they continue to chant these prickly statements, the graveyards of our soldiers in the North-east grow. I will never forget one of the deadliest massacres of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram in Metele, Borno State, in November 2018. Scores of soldiers were killed at 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele. The exact casualty figure is still a

Deby

closely-guided secret. The commander of the battalion, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Sakaba was also killed during the attack. I thought the military will go after the terrorists with venom. Nothing happened.

In the last five years, Boko Haram have attacked and sacked 25 military posts, killing hundreds of Nigerian soldiers. Some of the sacked military posts were in Gajiram, Mainok, Rann, Geidam, Sasawa, Magumeri, Malam Fatori, Gashigha, Kanama, Gamboru-Ngala, Mafa, Damasak, Gudumbali, Garunda, Kunduga, Kareto, Jilli, Arge, Zari, Arege, Metele and Buni Gari.

Senior officers have also been mauled

by Boko Haram without retaliation by the military. Some of those killed were Lt. Colonel O. Umusu, Lt. Colonel K Yusuf, Lt. Colonel Abu Ali, Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar, Captain Victor Ulasi, Lt Col Yusuf Aminu, Group Lt. Col. A E Mamudu and Lt. Col. Azubuike.

A technically defeated Boko Haram keeps thrashing our soldiers and military formations. The unending lies make me sick. Just few weeks back, the spokesman of the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, continued this garbage, while countering Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State’s avowal that Boko Haram terrorists control three local government areas in the state. Nwachukwu speciously dismissed Zulum’s call on the military to recapture the affected local governments, saying, “no Nigerian territory is under the control of terrorist groups – Boko Haram and ISWAP.” Nwachukwu was countering Zulum, who as governor, gets undiluted information from all the nooks and crannies of his state. Zulum would love to govern and access all local governments in Borno State in conformity with his mandate. So, he has no business with turning the truth on its head. The governor, who listed the local government areas controlled by Boko Haram as Marte, Kukawa and Abadam, challenged the military authorities to reclaim the seized territories from the terrorists. This is the truth the military must respond to appropriately.

The governor courageously made his assertions in the presence of the Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd); the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai; and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique. Thousands of people displaced from Marte, Kukawa and Abadam, by Boko Haram are now in IDP camps, unable to return to their homes.

Auno, a settlement located on the major road leading to Maiduguri is one other community exposed to attacks. The terrorists have struck

here six times in the last 10 months, killing scores of people. The attack few weeks back was most brutal, with Boko Haram killing 30 people and abducted many women and children in a late night raid on blameless people waiting to cross into Maiduguri.

Lies, lies and unending lies. This is the biggest drawback to the war against Boko Haram. As I pen this piece, there are over 700,000 traumatised people in 33 IDP camps in Borno State. These people can’t return home because their towns and villages are under the control of the terrorists. I wonder why these hapless persons would choose to remain in dehumanising camps, if their towns and villages were safe. In these IDP camps, people struggle for a meal a day, while scores die daily of hunger, disease and malnutrition.

Zulum was right when he told General Magashi that keeping thousands of people in IDP camps with no source of livelihood “is like building material for Boko Haram on recruitment missions in villages.” Borno State is facing an unprecedented mess, with 22 of its 27 local governments either fully or partially controlled by the terrorists. Aid agencies can’t access many local governments in Borno. Thousands of people are also living in squalid conditions in Borno IDP camps.

One of the hopeless responses of Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, to the unending attacks

by Boko Haram was the creation of his socalled “Super Camps”. It is an imprudent strategy, under which small army camps were withdrawn from several areas and combined into fewer larger bases. This happened early last year. The result has been tragic, as it helped the terrorists to gain more grounds, thus, increasing the pummeling of innocent Nigerians and soldiers. This baloney is obviously not working. His balderdash Super Camps have brought more pain on Nigerians living in the war zone. There should be a pragmatic tactical committee working with those implementing this war against Boko Haram.

President Buhari assumed power in 2015 with a pledge to exterminate the terrorists.

Almost five years down the line, this country has gone deeper into this mess, with the terrorists gaining more strength. Billions of U.S. Dollars have gone down the drain for purchase of equipment for the military, yet the soldiers are persistently complaining about being poorly equipped. Buhari should be prepared to answer pertinent questions regarding this faltering war: Why is our military poorly equipped and poorly motivated? How

much equipment has he procured for them in the last four years? Where is the evidence?

What have we achieved with all the billions of USD released for equipment? Why are we not hiring foreign military experts?

No doubt, our soldiers are struggling to contain the rebels because they are poorly motivated and poorly equipped. It is so depressing hearing stories of soldiers on the war front being owed field allowances. Army Chief, Tukur Buratai, recently rubbed salt on the injuries of these gallant officers and soldiers when he accused those involved in the anti-insurgency war of indiscipline and lacking commitment. He added: “It is unfortunate but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigeria Army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks or simply insufficient commitment to a common national/military course by those at the frontlines.”

This was a very unfortunate and painful statement from the Army Chief. Our gallant soldiers lack things as basic as water, yet, they put their lives on the line. Boko Haram parades better apparatus than our soldiers, yet, Buratai wants our men to perform magic. This country has been needlessly losing hundreds of its gallant soldiers to Boko Haram because of these failings. So, what is this army chief talking about? Buratai has never really been there for the soldiers. That was why I had consistently advocated his removal.

The way forward? First, the likes of Bashir Magashi, Gabriel Olonisakin, Buratai and, Sadique Abubakar, have no business staying a day longer in office. They must go. These people have done more harm than good to the war against Boko Haram. A forward-looking government would have overhauled this sluggish leadership. I find it difficult to comprehend why terrorists must consistently take the fight to our soldiers. They have been obviously emboldened by the lethargic tactics of our ill-equipped and ill-motivated military.

For now, our gallant soldiers lack the capacity to end this war. The strategy for getting result against Boko Haram is largely through aerial power. Technology, quality equipment and quality manpower will 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 or Russian mercenaries to finish this war.

Fanatical Nyesome Wike Call him master of showboating and you will be right. That’s Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. This man does virtually everything to the extreme and delves into things he has no business with. Wike now thinks he has the power to close Nigeria’s air space as part of the state’s measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Haba! A state governor closing air space! Wike recently arrested and detained two pilots of Caverton Helicopters in Port Harcourt for allegedly flouting his order banning the landing of aircraft in the state. Caverton had the approval of the federal authorities to fly, but this governor cares less. He thinks this power belongs to him. This is what absolute power does to a man. My dear Wike, civil aviation is on the Exclusive List and only the federal government has the authority to legislate on it. This kind of ignorance is dangerous. All the Air Force and police officers that assisted Wike to arrest the Caverton pilots must be fired. The other day, Wike ordered the closure of the state’s “border.” Only God knows the meaning of this. This is also evidently beyond his power. Softly,

Wike

softly please, “Governor Rivers.” Decent people in Rivers State need to call Wike to order to save Rivers from persistent discomfiture.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Kemi Ikuseedu

I Grew Up in a Neighborhood with a Lot of Social Vices, but...

Ikuseedun

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

11

SUPERSATURDAY I Grew Up in a Neighborhood with a Lot of Social Vices, but...

Many will always remember Kemi Ikuseedun for her role as Joyce in Africa Magic‘sTinsel. Also known as “Kemz Mama” or “Mrs Macaroni”, Kemi has been acting for a couple of years now. She went further for professional training at Emem Isong’s Royal Arts Academy in Lagos. Kemi has acted in movies like “Conundrum”, “Time and Chance”. Aside fromTinsel, she has appeared on “Hustle” another television series. This lovely actress talks to Tosin Clegg about her journeyIkuseedun into acting, breaking fully into her passion , future plans and a lot more I’m the last born of my parents

I

’m from a family of three siblings and I grew up in Orile Igamu in Lagos, where I completed my primary school education and went on to Queens College Yaba, Lagos for my senior secondary school. I’m also a graduate of Accounting from Bells University Ota, and a student member of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) with M.Sc. in Management from the University of Lagos.

I grew up in a neighborhood where I was exposed to a lot of social vices but with my upbringing that hardly had a negative influence on me, rather it shaped me to becoming a focused and dedicated adult. I would always remain thankful to my parents who steadfastly ensured we all remained upright and well behaved.

How I started acting

I had always loved acting and I knew that one day that part of me would be fully explored because whenever I watched movies I imagine myself in the role of the main character, I will look into the mirror and try to mimic and act out different characters. I started acting from Queens College Yaba Lagos where I was in the drama club and it was what I hoped for and ever since I never looked back. I also joined

the drama club in the university and after my NYSC I decided to go for different auditions.

My parents never wanted me to act but since I have passion for it, I just motivated myself to pursue my childhood dreams no matter what.

I enrolled into the Royal Arts Academy School because of the need to improve myself.

It was also to develop my innate skills and to further learn about acting and producing. I have also attended a lot of training programmes, which never stops for me. I have been mentored by the likes of Director Sukanmi Adebayo, Director Opeyemi Dada to mention just a few. I feel I still have a lot to learn and I’m striving at every opportunity to improve on my art. I started acting professionally in 2018 and I have acted in online skits as Kemz Mama and Mrs Macaroni. I have acted in movies like Conundrum, Time and Chance and on TV series like Tinsel and Hustle on African Magic.

I’m a self-motived, innovative, result and people-oriented person. I’m always eager to learn new ways and ideas in solving problems and I’m passionate in providing a level playing ground for people no matter their gender. I love to see people succeed. My kind of acting is to basically bring life to scripts. For me, basically, acting is to make believe and that’s what I always try to do to with the character I’m scripted to play.

I’m strong willed and always full of energy My exceptional character will be that I’m strong willed and always full of energy and a goal getter. My major break will be taking the role of Joyce on Tinsel. Joyce is a good girl from a poor background that started working as a cleaner and found herself sleeping with men for money because of peer influence and pressure.

Working with Mr. Macaroni

Mr. Macaroni is someone I have always admired and enjoyed his type of comedy plus he is a very good actor. One of my close friends sent my profile to him and that he should include me in his skits. I initially started as a normal girl character but after he saw me with my costume, which is the Kemz Mama costume, he decided to change my role and I became Mrs. Macaroni.

Talking about role models

When it comes to productions, I would say Tyler Perry and Niyi Akinmolayan are my role models. I really like their works and I respect them a lot. They are exceptional people; I love their acting and respect how they go about interpreting it, but I don’t have any actor as a role model. And that’s because I feel like acting for me is taken from different experiences and you would learn from different actors. And

there is only one person that I would regard as a mentor and that’s Sukanmi Adebayo. He guides me and shows me a lot of things I’m supposed to do and he is one person that talks to me and relates to me very well.

New projects

I’m excited about two upcoming projects that I’m a part of and I’m really excited about them.

I went for the audition of ‘Jack of All Trades’ by Salami Rotimi and because it’s a comic series I just went all out for it. But I was nervous and happy telling them about my comic life, the skits I do on Instagram and that’s how I got that. And for ‘Listen,’ which is a short film by Trino Studios, I went for the auditions as well, but I don’t think there was ever any audition; I wasn’t nervous. They also told me to take another character which I tried and it worked out as well. So these two projects are things that I’m really excited about it.

I see myself producing movies

Few years from now, I see myself producing fully and I’m going to start this year with short films, but largely, I see myself producing movies. I would also be looking out for collaboration with people generally, with same interests as I have in production. I want to tell stories, entertain people and basically show the world what I can do.

12

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

COMMENTARY

EXERCISE IN TIMES OF COVID-19

Sport and physical activity can be a powerful influence for good in these troubling times, writes Patricia Scotland

P

ublic parks have been gated shut, beaches emptied and stadia deserted, as an unprecedented 2.5 billion people across the world are told to sit at home.

Times are tough. The Coronavirus is real and as it spreads its tentacles across the globe it is taking its toll on the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere. Measures such as closing gyms, shutting sports facilities and staying at home put a limit on a person’s mobility and exercise.

Necessary, but painful, as enforced inactivity can contribute to periods of intense stress and can lead to long-term negative health impacts.

Commonwealth athletes, ranging from Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and West Indies’ Brian Lara to Ghana’s Olympian Akwasi Frimpong, Kenya’s Eluid Kipchoge and Hellen Obiri and the United Kingdom’s Tom Daley, are sharing important information on reducing the spread of coronavirus or staying active at home.

There are several online series, virtual classes and resources, including Jamaica Moves, to help people stay active, improve mental health and reduce the risks of developing non-infectious diseases.

Building on this energy, we will soon launch the Commonwealth Moves campaign to encourage more people from the 54 member countries to stay active and exercise as we stare down this disruptive pandemic.

So even when competitions are postponed and venues closed, sport and physical activity can be a powerful influence for good in these troubling times. It is a common denominator and a universal language, one that can unite people from different backgrounds, empower communities and contribute to rebuilding nations.

The shared love of cricket has played a role in connecting Singhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka. It was cricket that connected islands of the Caribbean creating one of the most powerful symbols of West Indian unity to delight the world. The Commonwealth Games, a cultural feast of sporting excellence, shines as a beacon of inclusion and diversity.

Recognising this beneficial potential, the UN six years ago declared 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. The international community identified sport as an important enabler of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and highlighted its impact on health, education, social inclusion, women’s empowerment and youth development.

Many governments and organisations are using sport as a vehicle to deliver tangible projects at the grassroots level. The ‘Just Play’ initiative in the Pacific uses football games to teach children about healthy living, while Singapore’s ‘Sport Cares’ project uses sport to defy stereotypes associated with persons with disabilities.

The Commonwealth Secretariat’s ‘Peace at the Crease’ initiative which has brought people of different faiths and those of none to play and learn together in peace has already started to make its mark. Such initiatives improve people’s health, teach important skills and values, and if done well, can help unite communities.

But the reach of sport goes far beyond these local interventions. It can and should be rooted in national policy and planning so that sport and physical activity can truly reach everyone, including the poor,

THERE ARE SEVERAL ONLINE SERIES, VIRTUAL CLASSES AND RESOURCES, INCLUDING JAMAICA MOVES, TO HELP PEOPLE STAY ACTIVE, IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH AND REDUCE THE RISKS OF DEVELOPING NON-INFECTIOUS DISEASES

marginalised, refugees and victims of natural disasters and violence. But how?

We have worked with Mauritius to develop and implement a new policy which considers the impact of sport on the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) and injects it into the national vision 2018-2028.

The policy is designed to make people fitter and healthier to reduce the risks of non-infectious diseases and lessen the burden on hospitals.

This holistic approach is crucial because about four in five adolescents do not get enough physical activity - and around a quarter of adults - due to infrastructural, economic and cultural obstacles. This leaves them unable to reap the potential economic, social and health benefits that can come from sport and being physically active.

We are urging all governments to invest more to address this gap. It is not only the right thing to do but is good value for money.

Typically, less than 1% of the national budget is allocated to sport but its contribution to GDP is in multiples of that. In 2016, Fiji spent about 0.5% of its annual budget on sport but in return, revenues from sport contributed 1.7% to GDP - more than the country’s mining, quarrying and forestry sectors.

In the same year, the size of Canada’s sport economy grew by 3.2% while jobs creation in the sector rose by 4.9%. This potential to create jobs will be even more important as we move to recover from the current health crisis and to rebuild shattered income streams.

The benefits are not just economic. In 2016, research found that every £1 England spent on sport generated £1.91 in social returns through contributions to a reduced risk of disease, improved wellbeing, low crime and improved educational performance.

While the gains are clear, expertise and capacity to robustly measure the impact of sport on the development targets pledged in the SDGs remain limited.

This is where the Commonwealth has a game plan. In order to assess the value of public investments in the sector and enhance evidence-based policymaking, we are creating the world’s first common measurement approach working in partnership with UN agencies. This initiative will help countries and international bodies count and assess the contribution sport, exercise and physical education makes to the specific SDGs identified in the Kazan Action Plan.

So how does it work? For instance, we can urge countries to build more playing fields and develop plans to inspire people to take up sport if we can better measure how this contributes to achieving the SDG target 3.4, on reducing deaths from non-infectious diseases like diabetes and cancer.

Seven countries, including Japan, are currently piloting this approach.

We hope Commonwealth leaders will endorse this approach at their next biennial meeting.

At a time when climate change and numerous health crises affect people’s ongoing struggle to overcome entrenched problems, we can collectively push the progress on delivering sport for all and achieving healthy, educated, employed and inclusive societies.

The world is now in a period of a pandemic, what is important is that we all work together as one team on a united front against a common opponent.

Scotland is Commonwealth Secretary-General

CORONAVIRUS,YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED Ehi Braimah argues that like other pandemics, Covid-19 will be tamed

T

he fear of the unknown is looming large all over the world because coronavirus is trending as front page news for the wrong reasons.

People are dying every day due to infections from COVID19 but we are hopeful that scientists who are working round the clock would soon develop a vaccine to tackle corona, the ultimate virus that has caused a global meltdown. It was unthinkable about four months ago that the whole world would stand still and be humbled by a ravaging virus, better described as a particle of genetic material with a covering; it does not even qualify as a living organism like bacteria. The situation is so dire that patients who do not stand the chance to survive are allowed to die and ventilators given to those with better chances to live. Health workers are overwhelmed – some are even infected with the virus – and medical facilities have been stretched beyond their capacities. It is a strange but true story, and it is unfolding before our eyes, similar to what we watch in the movies; too surreal to be true.

Dr Anthony Fauci, an infectious disease expert with over 50 years’ experience and Director of US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks to a global audience on a daily basis on COVID-19. He told CNN recently that he cannot understand why the rate of infection is serious even for people without any underlying medical condition. What Dr Fauci is saying is that some people are dying faster than others; the rate of attack by the virus and subsequent death does not fit into any known pattern. You can also be asymptomatic, that is you are infected with the virus and spreading it without knowing you have it. This strain of virus keeps propagating itself and wreaking havoc; the result is uncertainty, fear and anxiety.

Now, experts are saying the virus can also spread through talking and breathing, so where do we turn to? Does it mean social distancing – or physical distancing – is no longer helpful? This probably explains why Dr Fauci is insisting that every American should sit at home. It is also being suggested that everyone should wear face masks once you’re outside your home to contain the spread of the virus – over 300 million Americans, representing about 90% of the entire population, are obeying the stay at home order.

Ideally, the United States, the leader of the free world with all its resources, should have been leading the rest of the world from the front in the fight against coronavirus, but, unfortunately, they were caught flat footed because the government did not pick the warning signs early enough due to political brinkmanship. New York is now the epicenter of the disease and most Americans who are out of work are now depending on food banks to survive. In March alone, the US economy lost 701,000 jobs, and the worst is yet to come, according to a CNN report.

In Nigeria, we are also grappling with the spread of the virus – the number of infected cases keeps going up. Now that the test kits are available, we shall see the true nature of the coronavirus curve in the next few weeks and determine how good or bad the situation is. The present scenario appears to be like the first wave experience, so we should be prepared for a second wave. It is disturbing to know that medical experts, according to a story in Vanguard newspaper, are saying Nigeria risks widespread infection because the federal government has failed to upgrade or explore other laboratory testing options across 36 states of the federation, including Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The story indicated that Nigeria was treading on dangerous ground because 32 states have no testing centres; we have only six medical laboratory centres that have the capacity to test COVID-19 -- two in Lagos, one in Abuja, one each in Edo, Ogun and Osun. The World Health Organisation (WHO) insists that aggressive testing is the surest way to manage the pandemic but this does not appear to be the case because of limited facilities and privileged access.

However, Dr Chike Ihekwazu, the Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has assured that the centre is working to scale up to 13 testing centres in places such as Abakaliki, Maiduguri, Kano, Sokoto, Port Harcourt, Jos and Kaduna. By March 26, only 846 Nigerians had been tested for COVID19 because test kits were largely unavailable. By the way, we are learning new things about the virus every day and it presents an opportunity for our healthcare sector that is on life support to be revamped before the ventilator is finally removed.

The unemployment numbers are frightening and the food supply chain is threatened because the global pandemic has impacted businesses across all sectors. How would businesses bounce back and survive even when the storm is over? How are we adjusting emotionally to the new reality of staying at home? At the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), we set up a COVID-19 Information Desk to help our members cope during these difficult times. In one of our posts, we counseled members as follows: “Right now, a lot of people are adjusting to new daily routines. For some, that might mean working from home; for others, it might mean taking care of (or home schooling) their

children. If you’re able to provide any resources or services, -- even if it’s just a free, downloadable colouring book to help keep kids entertained – consider creating a landing page to help you easily share it with those in your community”.

Is this virus a re-set button for the world to know peace and do away with evil practices? This idea probably belongs to the realm of philosophy but it is open for discussion. As some of my friends are saying, God Almighty, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, is sending us a strong message with the global pandemic to depart from sinful ways but the same God will show His mercy upon us and coronavirus will leave us alone. In a demonstration of His awesome power, Mark 4:35 – 41 explained how Jesus Christ, when He was with His disciples, rebuked the raging wind and calmed the dangerous storm at sea by saying to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind and the waves obeyed Jesus Christ and His disciples were surprised and terrified.

The good news is that nothing lasts forever; we can trust the same God to blow away the coronavirus storm just like previous epidemics so that we can have our lives back but note that the world – as we used to know it -- will never be the same again.

We pray for God Almighty to spare our lives to tell the story, and at the same time, we remember those who died from the deadly virus. May their souls rest in peace but they did not die in vain – it is an opportunity for mankind to launch a new discovery to make the world a better and safer place. For now, we look forward to each day with great hope even as more deaths are predicted until the curve is completely flattened.

Braimah is a public relations and marketing strategist based in Lagos

13

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

INSIGHT

To assist in taming the pandemic...

COVID-19: Africa Should Not Be the Guinea Pig

I

t gladdens the heart to listen to an official of the UN say that it is wrong to test the Covid-19 vaccine in Africa. To imagine that the thought was ever harboured was enough violation of the dignity of Africa. Why test a vaccine in a continent where the pandemic did not originate or is yet to have as much impact as in America, Asia and Europe?

It has no precedence in history that a vaccine produced to combat a disease, endemic in a region, was taken elsewhere for an efficacy test.

The choice of Africa was at once surprising and provocative. Even in other matters other than disease control the rule does not apply differently.

The idea of vaccine test in Africa does not just fit. If China where the pandemic started has been rid of it, what of Italy? Have other endemic regions of the west been purged of the disease?

The choice of Africa is curious. It has to be supported by unassailable evidence.

Did not the Manhattan Project ordered by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the thick of World War 2 which produced the atomic bomb not test its impact in the remote desert location near Alamorgodo, New Mexico before use on select locations in Japan?

For the record, the achievement of the Italian-American physicist Enrico Fermi and his other colleague, on the team of the fission bomb, the Danish, Niels Bohr, made the desired impact because it was properly channeled. Fermi, the 1938 Nobel prize winner was running away from the fascist tyranny of Benito Mussolini in Italy when he took up American citizenship.

Alongside his other colleagues on the team they manufactured the fission bomb.

Were the bombs dropped indiscriminately?

Were certain considerations not made before they were detonated? Were they not dropped in Japanese cities with highest concentration of military weaponry? Were areas or cities with population density not carefully avoided?

Koyoto, Kokura, Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the four cities originally slated to be nuked even when America had only three of the bombs.

Bombing of Koyoto was dropped last minute when it was found out that it hosted more historical monuments than armament. Kokura was good to go, but escaped the fission bomb and, in its place, Nagasaki was hit. Reason.

Kokura was obscured by layers of thick clouds and the “Bockscar”, as the B-29 plane was called, could not safely reach its target. The mission commander Asworth promptly redirected to Nagasaki. This is what is called precision

bombing even though Hiroshima and Nagasaki still bear the regrettable impact of the “little boy” and “fat boy” NB: The point here is that you apply remedial course of action on area of greatest need and not the other way round. If the atomic bomb was not tested in the US, the authority there would likely not know its devastation on impact. Perhaps that explained why Harry Truman never hesitated to hit Emperor Hirohito and his suicidal army when Roosevelt suddenly dropped dead and the lot fell on him.

The vaccine should not be applied wrongly.

It has to be taken to the area of greatest need.

And not until it is used there and the efficacy determined that it will be good for Africa.

It is important to mention the efforts a few Africans have made against this conspiracy.

Football star like Didier Drogba spoke against it, so did Samuel Eto’o Fil and Demba. The peripatetic public speaker Professor Lumumba did not hold back. Like others he spoke in condemnation. African leaders will do well to decline this Greek gift.

Africa won’t be the guinea pig this time.

Ejike Anyaduba, Abatete

COVID-19 and Our New Normal

C

ovid-19 was breaking news in faraway China and the general feeling was that it can never come to our beloved Naija (Nigeria), after all we are very ‘spiri-coco’ (a Religious Bunch) not with the myriad of religious centers that beseech our cities. A drive through our major cities attest to this with bill boards showcasing the wonders of the Almighty God. But when news broke about the index case, of an Italian who arrived in Lagos down with the disease in February, we still carried on with our lives for a few weeks as though we had a unique bodily composition that made us superior to the deadly disease. On our religious service days-Fridays and Sundays we still hugged, kissed and shook hands as a show of love, touched things without washing our hands and then put the same hands in our mouths, eyes and noses. We also squeezed ourselves in public buses and in the markets.

Though, we were all in a rush to ‘stock up supplies’ we took on these activities with our bodies touching, greetings with hugs, hand shaking and sweat mixing. As the cases of corona virus rose, unconsciously and consciously people coined several aliases for the disease; Coro-Virus, Cono-Virus, Corolla –Virus and the likes. Suddenly, we started purchasing hand sanitizers and face masks in large volumes and then without warning, the prices of these items not only sky rocketed but before you enter shops or public spaces there is either a gallon of water with soap, sanitizers and/or temperature readers. There was also news of an increase in the cases of the diseases among the wealthy, middle class, and lower class; as if that was not enough - closure of religious centers followed. How can that be possible? No general prayers on Friday, no church services on Sunday? What would happen to people who come to these places for their weekly bread, what would happen to choir practices, group uniforms, prayer meetings, group meetings, holy communions, Sunday wears, and Sunday schools? Can it be possible that churches or mosques would close down? Yes, the churches and mosques have temporarily close down, then we were introduced to concepts like-’lockdown’, ‘social distancing‘, WFH-‘work from home‘ and pandemic. Now our Saturday ‘owambe’ parties are temporarily no more, our local markets too have been closed down and just like that, our way of life has changed. We can no longer hug, shake hands and interact like we used too. Even in the banks and on ATM queues, we have to maintain ‘social distancing’. While also being forced to watch children and elderly at home due to closure of schools and homes for the elderly. The elites can also not travel for their regular vacations, shopping and medical check-up. Coronavirus has indeed levelled everyone –we all are stuck in our dear country. The effects of these new way of living are enormous. What happens to businesses and religious organizations that do not have online presence? What happens to people that are not technologically inclined and empowered financially? Well, in my perspective, Covid-19 has brought the need for us to start thinking outside the box and do things outside the norm, as when all of this over, there will be a new breed of persons who will no longer fit it into the society as a result of being technologically inept.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R The nudity of the corona virus on our lives means EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE that we have to start making new changes, ‘changes DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU on maintaining positive hygiene as well as our daily MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO interactions with people, not forgetting the need for us to DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI continuously develop skills which would make us a force EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN to be reckoned with now and in the years to come.

MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE Oluwatoyin Taiwo, tgurlbisi@gmail.com

A Not So Sure Bet

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

I

t seems odd that out of all the gloom and fear from the COVID-19 pandemic comes some happy news, the closure of casinos and one-armed bandits. The employment loss is a concern although that applies to so many industries but the financial losses for the addicted will pause for a while.

I wonder what the odds for them staying closed forever are, but I bet it’s close to zero.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚͚˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

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

Bauchi Gov Discharged by NCDC, Says I Saw Hell in Isolation Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi After testing positive to COVID-19 infection and receiving treatment for about three weeks, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has been discharged and given a clean bill of health by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Speaking shortly after he was discharged on Thursday night at about 9.10p.m., an elated Bala

Mohammed declared that, “ I went through hell while in isolation for treatment, I felt like I was alone but the love, affection and prayers shown to me by the people of Bauchi State really kept me going.�

The governor who thanked the people of Bauchi State for standing by him all through the trying period said that, “I cannot hide my health status but if by doing so I have offended anyone, I apologise for that. It was really a trying time for me, glory to

God that I was able to pass the test.�

He also said, “the situation was made worst with the kidnapping of my elder brother but we thank God for his release. I have learnt a great lesson during this period

and it has further strengthened me and spuring me to do more for the people of Bauchi State.�

Bala Mohammed however called on people of the state not to bother to come to his office or

Government House for sympathy visit saying, “Because of the social distancing practice directive, I appeal to our supporters to stay at home and continue to pray for divine intervention on the situation.�

It would be recalled that the second and final sample test of the governor came out earlier on Thursday negative, a development that was received with excitement by people of the state.

Akinaka Lauds Wike’s Proactive Efforts to Protect Rivers Residents Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Abito Global Services, Mr. Richard Akinaka, has commended Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State for his uncompromising commitment to protecting the people of Rivers State from the Coronavirus pandemic.

He particularly singled out his decisive action against a conglomerate like Caverton Helicopters that violated the lockdown for which the pilots have been charged to court and remanded, insisting that no action would be harsh enough for anyone who tried to endanger the people of the state.

Akinaka, a young entrepreneur charged politicians in the state not to play politics with a virus as dangerous as COVID-19 but should rather join hands to ensure that the best was the lot of the state, pointing out that though he had performed well in governance, his handling of the state in this trying times was particularly worthy of commendation.

According to him, though it was not possible for everyone to like the governor, the demonstration of his

commitment in locking down the borders of the state while others were still dithering and the personal commitment of monitoring the affairs was commendable. “He has shown uncommon leadership and has proved over the years that he has the interest of the people at heart. Even before the index case in Rivers State, he locked the borders by air, land and sea and was it not for his vigilance and proactive bold steps, the virus would have been ravaging the state the way it is proliferating in other states. He not only locked down the state but personally supervised to ensure that it was not violated. “So as a Rivers son, who is proud of his actions, I have to commend him and charge him not to bow to any form of intimidation or pressure since his social contract is with the people of the state. His boldness in taking on highly connected people who feel they are above the law like the pilots of the helicopter that flouted the lockdown calls for every Rivers man to stand with him to continue the good work. “

Atunwa, Health Foundation, Distribute Food, Cash in Kwara Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜

People in Kwara State have been enjoined to comply with the government’s directive on good hygine and social distancing to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Kwara State during the last general elections, Hon. Razak Atunwa made the call while distributing food items and cash gifts to the people to cushion the effect of the government’s stay-at home order over Covid-19, according to a statement by his Media Assistant, Mr. Nafiu Babatunde.

Atunwa said there was need to assuage the pain caused by the lockdown, adding that everybody, irrespective of political affiliation, should support the government in its effort to curb the spread of the virus.

He stated that the only way to avoid the spread was to stay safe and comply with the government’s order on preventive measures.

He assured the people of his commitment to support them during this difficult time that they would have to stay at home, stating that it was the reason for

the distribution of the food items and cash gifts.

He said, “The items were distributed in accordance with the government’s regulations on physical distancing by his aides.�

In a related development, a non governmental organisation, Royal Heritage Health Foundation based in Ilorin has also distributed food to over 50 households at Kilanko area of the city.

The Foundation distributed to each of the 50 households rice in 5kg packs, Gari, 5kg, 10 packs of Spaghetti and beans.

After the distribution, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr Soji Sogunro told journalists that the gesture was meant to complement the government’s efforts during this trying period.

Sogunro said he expected the food items to last the recipients for the two-week lockdown period but that the NGO would source funds to repeat the gesture if the period was extended.

He also urged philanthropists across the nation and those who could afford more to reach out to their neighbours, saying that people do not have to be millionaires to help the masses during this period.

CLOSING RANKS ...

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals,Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Ogun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele when the minister led a delegation to the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.... yesterday

Foundation Donates N150m to Support Fight Bennett Oghifo

To assist in the ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the dreaded novel Coronavirus tagged COVID-19, a non profit organisation, Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation (EAF) has made available a whopping sum of N150 million to support the federal government, as well as Lagos and Ebonyi states.

Explaining the reason behind the laudable gesture, Dr. Ifeanyi C. Odii, Co-founder, Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation, on behalf of Orient Global Group and

Ultimus Holdings, said there is an urgent need to support the fight against the global threat, particularly in the country.

Giving a breakdown of the Foundation’s support, he disclosed that “EAF gave N20 million to the Federal Ministry of Health, N20 million to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, N10 million to the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, 33,000 bags of rice, with other relief materials to be given to 33,000 low or no income families in Lagos and Ebonyi States.�

He commended the “efforts of government and other well-

meaning individuals who have contributed to the well-being of the nation. “While we combat the further spread of the virus, Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation will continue to ceaselessly join hands with others to win this war against Coronavirus.�

He noted that “in its thirteen years of its existence, EAF has fostered and championed the cause of the less-privileged by offering scholarships to students, donating learning materials including construction of a 2-storey school facility equipped with a laboratory, an ICT Centre and a

Multi-purpose hall for students.�

Odii added that “the Foundation has also continued to provide widows and youths with means of livelihood and survival through liveable buildings and recently gave out 50 houses to widows and indigents amongst a plethora of other charity works.

In addition to the above, they are constructing church auditoriums for four different churches in his community.�

He said the Foundation has also partnered with renowned celebrity artiste, Patoranking, in its COVID-19 Initiative.

‘Churches May Close, But Governor Ortom Calls for Christ Not Quarantined’ Prayer against Pandemic Seriki Adinoyi Ă“Ă˜ Ă™Ă?

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has admonished Christians in the state not to despair over the decision by government to lockdown the entire state during Easter festival that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that “the times warrant this.�

He said this yesterday at the flag-off of fumigation exercise of the state, held at the Terminus roundabouts in Jos. Lalong said, “Ordinarily, we should not be doing an event like this on a Good Friday, but the times warrant this, and we continue to appeal for the patience and understanding of our citizens. “For our Christian brothers and sisters, let us use this Solemn Easter Friday to cry unto God within our

homes to show us mercy and remove this pandemic. “Like Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said, “Our Churches may be closed, but Christ is not quarantined and his Gospel is not in chains. Even though we cannot worship together, each of us can seek God in the tabernacles of our hearts.�

To the Muslim faithful, the Governor said, “Similarly, our Muslim brethren should also use this day to offer solemn Zuhur Prayers in their homes for God to intervene and save us from this calamity.�

While appealing to all citizens to abide by the lockdown directive in order to make the work of law enforcement officers easier, the Governor said “we do not want to hear of ugly cases of harsh enforcement.�

George Okoh Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂŽĂ“

On the occasion of this year’s Easter, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged the people of Benue to pray for the state, Nigeria and the entire world for a speedy end to Coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Ortom admonishes all Christians and Muslims to pray and seek the intervention of Almighty God in the fight against COVID-19 which is ravaging parts of the globe.

He stated that with God, nothing was impossible, as it is written in the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I

will forgive their sin and will heal their land.�

Governor Ortom says the death and resurrection of Jesus should draw his followers closer to God so they can appreciate the abundant grace and mercy of God upon their lives.

He urges the people to eschew bitterness and differences, unite and show love to one another at this trying moment in human history.

He urges families to mark this year’s Easter celebration indoors, to avoid coming in close contact with others, in line with the directive on social distancing.

The governor equally stressed the need for people to adhere to hand washing, use of sanitisers and other preventive measures against COVID-19.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ ͰͮͰͮ

15

EASTER MESSAGE… EASTER MESSAGE… EASTER MESSAGE… EASTER MESSAGE…

Buhari Urges Christians to Intensify Faith in Christ

Gombe Gov Felicitates with Christians

Omololu Ogunmade ÓØ ÌßÔË

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with the Christian community on the occasion of this year's Easter celebration, calling on the faithful to use the period to pray for continuous peace, stability and end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said although this year's Easter celebration was coming when the world was going through difficult times occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic, its consequential restrictions and economic downturn, the season provides an opportunity for unity of purpose, reinforcement of bond of brotherhood and dedication in service to God and humanity as exemplified

by Jesus Christ.

He noted that Easter symbolises love, sacrifice, service to God and country, as well as triumph of good over evil, urging the people to always reflect on the lessons and significance of the season and demonstrate same in their lives.

"On this occasion of Easter feast, I want to enjoin our Christian brothers and

As Christians all over the world prepare to celebrate Easter tomorrow, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday inAbuja urged them to intensify their faith in Christ Jesus whom he said triumphed over various trials and afflictions during His earthly sojourn.

The president, who stated this in his Easter message to Christians in commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago, described Him as the symbol of man's ability to overcome temporary discomfort that comes his way in anticipation of eternal glory.

Buhari also admonished Christians to exhibit virtues of sacrifice, humility, discipline, perseverance and obedience demonstrated by Christ, encouraging them and Nigerians in general to remain faithful and pray for the nation to come out of its current challenges.

"I wish to enjoin our Christian compatriots to rekindle their faith in Christ who overcame persecution, sufferings and displayed endur-

ance, steadfastness and above all piety. Jesus Christ represented man’s ability to withstand temporary pains in the hope of everlasting glory.

"I urge you to imbibe and live the values of humility, discipline, perseverance, sacrifice and obedience which Jesus Christ demonstrated during His stay on earth.

"There is no better opportunity than now for all Christians in particular, and Nigerians in general, to remain faithful and hopeful that with intensified prayers backed by personal and collective responsibility, the nation shall pull through this most difficult trial," the president said.

He, however, said it was unfortunate that the 2020 celebration of Easter would be held by Christians "in a subdued manner", without congregating as a result of the threat COVID-19 poses to human existence.

The president said, "I rejoice with our Christian brothers and sisters, as well as all Nigerians on the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Easter. This year’s

commemoration of Easter comes amid the grip with which Covid-19 has held the entire world.

"Unprecedented in living memory, majority of Christians have found themselves marking Easter in a subdued manner, away from the usual congregation in churches.

This is unusual and very unfortunate."

Also speaking on the efforts to contain COVID-19, Buhari said he was confident that if everyone complied with the rules prescribed by experts in containing the spread, it would be easier to overcome the challenge posed by the malignant disease.

He recalled his earlier remark that COVID-19 had no cure for now, emphasising that the only option available to mankind is to avoid being infected by adhering to the principles of hygiene and social distancing.

He also commended the efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in containing the disease, saying the group had put in place what he described as "ameliorating

strategies" to combat the scourge.

"I have no doubt that if all stakeholders – individuals and groups – play their part to the fullest as advised by our scientists and medical experts in confronting Covid-19, the inherent resilience and determination of our people will enable us to pull through.

"As I stated in my national broadcast on Sunday, March 29, 2020, since there is currently no known vaccine against the virus, “the best and most efficient way to avoid getting infected is through regular hygiene and sanitary practices as well as social distancing.”

"May I use this opportunity to commend the encouraging containment and ameliorating strategies put in place by members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19," the president added.

Furthermore, Buhari who said he was aware of the pains Nigerians had to currently endure as a result of the lockdown, pointed out that such sacrifice had become compelling because the country had a matter of life and death to contend with.

Trial, a Passing Phase in Nigeria's History, Says Lawan Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, has described the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the planet as a passing phase in Nigeria's history.

He has also sought divine intervention in the bid to eliminate the global virus from the surface of the earth.

Lawan, in a message personally signed by him yesterday to commemorate Easter, stressed that Coronavirus epidemic was a passing phase for Nigeria and the entire world "while our faith is a potent spiritual weapon for the pursuit of victory."

He urged Nigerians to be resolute in praying for divine

intervention to vanquish the pandemic, heal the sick and renew the world and Nigeria.

Lawan, in the message, stated inter alia: "I heartily felicitate with Nigerians, particularly of the Christian faith, as we and the rest of the world celebrate Easter, a very important event in the calendar of the followers of Jesus Christ.

"Easter marks the triumph of Jesus Christ over sin, adversity and death. This occasion is relevant today more than ever before as mankind pass through one of the darkest clouds in history. If we draw the right lessons from the death of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection, we become more confident

as we fight coronavirus and all other trials that today test our faith.

"We should not allow the frightening reports from other parts of the world on the pandemic to discourage us or weaken our hope. Rather, such reports should remind us of the Divine mercy under which we live in this clime, and strengthen our determination to rout this virus and others.

"I salute the resilience of Nigerians and urge us all to continue to cooperate with the Government as it leads us in the fight against Coronavirus and its deleterious effects on the economy and life in general.

"The National Assembly will continue to provide legislative

intervention to support and improve the efforts of Government in this trying period and beyond.

"I commend our health personnel and other stakeholders at the frontline of the battle against the pandemic.

I applaud the public-spirited individuals, corporate bodies, institutions and others who have risen in sacrifice and support for our nation in this battle.

"As I again wish us a Happy Easter, I urge us to strictly observe the public health protocols of social distancing, regular washing of hands and the rules of hygiene in our homes as we mark the joyous occasion."

Bala Mohammed Urges Christians Lagos Partners First Bank to Pray for God's Intervention for e-Learning Tools Segun Awofadeji ÓØ ËßÍÒÓ Bauchi State Governor, Senator BalaAbdulkadirMohammed,has urgedChristiansinthestatetouse GoodFridayandEasterMonday to pray for God's intervention towards bringing to an end, the currentpandemicofCoronavirus and Lassa Fever.

In an Easter message made available to newsmen yesterday, the governor said Bauchi State and Nigeria deserved continued prayers to overcome the security challenges facing different parts of the country.

Senator Bala Mohammed called for more supports and cooperation to the government in its effort to control the spread of COVID-19 and Lassa Fever by abiding and respecting all measures set by the government. "You are advised to observe the simple personal hygiene in order to keep away from contracting the diseases such as constant hand washing, application of hand sanitizer, adherence to the rules of social distancing, avoiding hand shaking and touching face,

particularly the mouths, the nose and the eyes."

The governor who reiterated the unalterable commitment of the state government to the maintenance of law and order, said already his administration has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens.

He enjoined Christian communities to use the festivities for sober reflection and self-evaluation and put into practice, the virtues of peace, honesty and love for one another.

"As you all know, the Easter is observed by Christians to show solidarity and sympathy to Jesus Christ who paid the supreme price in order to save the lives of his disciples and followers to commemorate his resurrection from death.

"Bauchi State and indeed the country as a whole need peace now more than ever before, we cannot therefore afford to allow ourselves to be divided along religious or ethnic lines. We must allow peace to reign in order to make progress."

The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo has disclosed that the state is currently engaged in talks with First Bank of Nigeria Limited and private sector organisations to provide one million digital devices to aid the teaching of students in Lagos State.

Mrs. Adefisayo said the State government was also exploring the option of online classes for pupils across schools in Lagos to prevent a disruption of the ongoing academic session.

According to the Commissioner, discussions are ongoing with the bank, as well as with private education consultancy firms to teach students who are currently at home and prepare them for various examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

The Commissioner said: “We have been exploring the option of moving our students to e-learning and we are cognisant of the fact that our pupils may have or may not have access to digital devices

to go on the e-learning platform.

Therefore, we’ve entered into a very exciting collaboration with First Bank to provide a million devices for students.”

She explained further that the government was working with a technology firm that would provide devices, which has Nigerian curriculum, tests and quizzes on them.

“I am also glad to announce that MTN has given us airtime on these devices. First Bank has set the ball rolling with 20,000 pieces.

EdFin Microfinace Bank has also given us devices for our teachers and we are open to other private firms that may want to support this initiative. Lagos Government will be funding part of the project.”

The Commissioner said the government leveraged on mass media to deliver lessons to students at home since the pandemic, disclosing that the method commenced two weeks ago with Senior Secondary pupils who will be taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Segun Awofadeji ÓØ Ù×ÌÏ

sisters in Gombe State and the world over to continue to promote peace and good neighbourliness ”. ” I want to also urge you to remain steadfast in prayers and continue to sacrifice for the good and advancement of our dear state”. " I also call on you to continue to pray fervently against the COVID -19 pandemic that is threatening humanity and its means of livelihood".

"We are indeed in a trying moment but I am optimistic that with collective commitment, sacrifice and by turning to God through prayers we shall overcome the trial and emerge stronger."

Governor Yahaya said although there is no recorded case of Coronavirus in the state, Government has taken necessary steps and put measures in place for the containment of the dreaded global pandemic and mitigation of its impact.

"As you celebrate the Easter, I call on you to be mindful and observe the COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, hand sanitising and other protective and preventive measures"

Let's Pray for a New Nigeria, Says Secondus Chuks Okocha ÓØ ÌßÔË The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, has urged Nigerians to use the period of Easter to pray fervently for a brand new Nigeria to emerge from the challenges of COVID-19.

Prince Secondus said in an Easter message to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead that the situation in the world today and in particular our beloved country entails that we reinvigorate our supplications to God. The PDP chairman said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Ike Abonyi, that the fact that Christendom was forcefully celebrating Easter in their homes and not in their churches against their wish and desire, challenges all Christians to give new strength and energy to their prayers to God. "If Jesus Christ's coming to the Earth and dying for mankind took us from old to New Testament in the scripture, let's use the challenge of this time to pray for a new World where God will take preeminence.

"Even those who do not believe in God are beginning to have deeper reflections on their position given the global happenings to know that any service to mankind that does not put God first is heading for ruin.

Prince Secondus said that period of Easter provided hope to mankind as Christ's death on the cross and resurrection opened the way for

salvation for us.

"If Christ's death on Good Friday gave us hope of resurrection on Easter Day, we should see the COVID-19 pandemic as a challenge to take us to a new World order.

"Nigerians should therefore pray for the emergence of a new Nigeria from the scourge of Coronavirus."

Prince Secondus warned Nigeria leaders who were trying hard to profit from the challenges of COVID-19 to note its consequences for them and their generations.

"If by providence you are opportune to provide service to the people at this time, do just that and await the blessings that accompany it rather than trying to profiteer on the situation," Secondus stated.

Secondus then charged Christians to see the Easter festivity which also marks the end of the 40 days special fasting and prayers as an ample period for positive attitude to one another.

He assured Nigerians that the new PDP that would emerge after reformation is going to take the country out of the woods having been equipped with the requisite experience.

The PDP chair admonished Nigerian leaders to absorb the lessons of Easter and allow it influence their conduct, especially as it concerns the less-privileged in the society.

Prince Secondus wished all Nigerians a very happy Easter celebration as he urged them to live in peace with one another.

16

SATURDAY APRIL 11, 2020 •T H I S D AY

Plus Krystal Chigbu I’m a Mix of My Wonderful Parents…They Taught Me Hospitality, Charity, in the Most Subtle, Humble Form

GLOBAL SOCCER

pg. 27

SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 21

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 11, 2020

PLUS

I’m a Mix of My Wonderful Parents…

They Taught Me Hospitality, Charity, in the Most Subtle, Humble Form Krystal Ijeoma Chigbu, lawyer and business woman, is in the class of young Nigerian women taking the world by storm. Known for her brilliance, Krystal dazzled during her college days at Louisiana State University and also at the Suffolk University Law School, both in the United States. As they always say, an apple doesn’t fall far from its tree. Krystal is only building on her family’s long history of excellence. Her parents parade attractive credentials.

No wonder she has been dazzling in law, business and beyond. Krystal desires to be a force for young girls and women around the world. She can’t wait to start teaching and showing these women that everything they need to succeed is within them. This CEO of Lagos-based firm, Stallion, shares the story of her life with Bayo Adeoye Chigbu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

19

PLUS I Can’t Wait to Inspire a Generation, to Fill Them with Leadership I figured this out in my early 20s and have continued to shine bright ever since, regardless of if my shining light blinded someone.

Formative years in the United States

I

spent my formative years in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States of America. Growing up in New Orleans was peaceful, fun, encouraging and motivating, exciting and adventurous. It was the perfect mix of sugar and spice. Lots of sweet, homely times mixed with competitive sports, competitive academics, and other competitive extracurricular activities. Growing up, I never felt privileged.

But, now that I am older, now that I understand what the norm was back then, I can say yes, I did grow up privileged.

I will always thank my parents for not allowing me to lack anything- materially, spiritually, emotionally or physically.

Everyone knows that Nigerians typically champion every category they are in.

Being that my parents were first generation immigrants in America, they worked tirelessly, each day, to succeed. Of course, that commitment, resilience, work ethic and integrity created the unbreakable foundation of determination, hard work, and discipline I have today.

I am a mix of both my wonderful parents My parents are two of the most incredible people that I’ve ever met in my life. Both of my parents are from Nkwerre, Imo State and Nkwerre is one of my favourite places on earth. My father, Gibson C. Chigbu Snr., is an architect and a contractor. He is probably the most hardworking man I know; a patriarch, a husband, a father, a business tycoon, a mathematician and a master of the grill. I swear my dad knows the answer to every question possible (I almost changed his name to Daddy Google in my phone, lol).

My dad started the foundation that I run.

He has always been the most charismatic and most hospitable person in every room that he walks into; and he is whom everyone says I mirror in character and in physique. But I know I am a mix of both my wonderful parents. My mother, Florence Ihekwoaba Chigbu, is my very best friend, an impeccable chef, my prayer anchor and easily the most fashionable person and mother there is. She is whom I get my style and my unwavering love and passion for the beauty and fashion industry from. My mother is the one who shows me each and everyday that motherhood is the most important job in the world. I admire my parents very much in everything that they are and everything that they do. I love them because our house was always everyone’s guesthouse.

They accommodated everyone, at any time and that really taught me hospitality and charity in the most subtle and humble form. It’s not always easy to allow people in your personal space, and they do so ungrudgingly, without complaint and always with a smile.

My wonderful parents have always raised us to be God-fearing, good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings and I will always keep their teachings in mind and in use. But in short, if I were to say the best gift that my parents have given to me, it would be unconditional love.

My parents have always loved me, and my other three siblings, for exactly who we were created and destined to be. My parents have never for once told me I was “too much of this” or “too little of that”; instead, they would always encourage my strengths and then bring my weaknesses to my attention and attempt to help turn those weaknesses to strengths. They have always been my number one fan, always encouraging me to keep going, to keep striving, to keep winning, and to keep giving back to the community as best as I can.

Best gift I remember receiving as a child Hands down, my pink Barbie Jeep!! I will never ever forget that Christmas gift for as long as I can remember. I think the runner up will be my pink and white rollerblades.

My incredible highs in life I’ve had some incredible highs in life.

Of course, obtaining all of my degrees and being called to both the New York and Nigerian Bars; watching my siblings graduate from various higher educational institutions; watching my mother obtain her PhD; having my father walk me down the aisle on my wedding day; tutoring and mentoring all the young boys and girls that I have in my life; my father choosing me to run his foundation; giving back to every community that I am a part of through charity and starting my business, Stallion.

I still remember the day that someone told me that I make them want to know God more. That made me really fulfilled.

I know exactly what my purpose in life is My biggest fear in life is not living up to my full potential. I know exactly what my purpose is, so I am afraid of ever losing sight of that.

I can’t wait to inspire a generation, to fill them with leadership I desire to be a force for young girls and women around the world. I cannot wait to go from school to school, from organisation to organisation, from state to state and from country to country, teaching and showing these women and people that everything they need to succeed is within them! That they are the prize! That with hardwork, diligence, persistence and prayer, victory will always be attained. I can’t wait to inspire a generation, to fill them with the leadership, mentorship, encouragement and passion that they need. I also aspire to venture into different business markets and become a business guru myself.

Lessons life has taught me It’s never over until you give up. You really have more strength than you think and God will not give you more than you can handle. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra prayer, extra time, extra discipline, extra practice, extra thought that people put into their lives, crafts and skills. Just because you aren’t the brightest person in the room, doesn’t mean that you cannot be the most hardworking. Hard work beats natural talent any and everyday, keep trying, keep going. All it takes is one person to believe in you, one person to tell you yes. Once you get that yes, it doesn’t matter who has told you no in the past. You have got to want it more than others want it. Understanding who you are, what you stand for and your purpose in this world is essential to live a fulfilled life and it’ll save you from a lot of hardship.

Chigbu and her husband

Impact of Hurricane Katrina on me After Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, we all were displaced from the city.

My family relocated to Houston, Texas for the year and other constituents of the city moved to various places around the United States. Upon returning to my hometown high school, Isidore Newman School, in New Orleans, all my former volleyball teammates had spent the past year playing for advanced clubs and AAU teams and came back extremely skilled. I, however, didn’t play during the off-season and didn’t come back as skilled and fine-tuned as them. This caused me to lose my position as a top and starting player on the teams and I even remember sitting out and not playing in an entire 3-day tournament one weekend. As someone who had been playing sports, and had always been a top player on the team, this was a huge blow to my self-esteem, self-image and love for volleyball. I wanted to quit. Never had I been a quitter, but this time, I wanted to be.

After talking with my parents, my coach and God, I decided to stay. I wasn’t born to quit. This was a minor setback and I worked each day for the rest of the volleyball season and during off-season to become the best player that I can be! I overcame that challenge with prayers and a lot of talks with God and myself. I knew that I was born to excel at everything I put my mind to, and some engagements would take a bit more time and patience.

And as always, time patience, discipline and continuous hard work always yield fruitful dividends!

My biggest mistake growing up I think the biggest mistake I’ve ever made was caring too much about what people thought about me. Don’t get me wrong, your reputation is everything.

Integrity is everything. However, there are always going to be some people who do not like you for whatever reason and you shouldn’t let it bother you. I am happy

My husband encourages me to shine My husband’s name is Godwin Chidi Maka. He is from Obosi, Anambra State and I married him because he was the one that God hand-chose just for me. He is hardworking, dedicated, charming and such a people person. He encourages me to shine all the time and he always helps me become the best version of myself by correcting me when I’m wrong- maybe a bit too much-laughter! As we all know, the woman is always right. He’s kind and charismatic like me, so I think it was an iron sharpens iron situation. I love that we can pray together, as well as do business together. I’m looking forward to building a strong, loving, God-fearing family with him.

Why I choose law above other professions I have always been an altruistic person, choosing the benefit of others over mine.

I went to law school so that I could be a voice for the voiceless; so I could help the disenfranchised have a chance at more in this life.

20

˜ ˞ APRIL 11, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/RELATIONSHIP

BY

EBERE WABARA

Tale of Woe

Y

OU are welcome today: “Senator cries out over killing of 10 constituent (constituents) by banditsâ€? â€œâ€Śhas sent a Save our (sic) Soul message to police and security agencies over armed bandits (bandits’) invasion of‌â€? Delete ‘message’ and ‘armed’ in the interest of scholarship. “Ebere Eze still at crossroadsâ€? (GLOBAL SOCCER, April 4) Get it right: at a/the crossroads “Tales of woes as Akure explosion victims count lossesâ€? (POLITY, April 4) This way: tale of woe “They said African countries need (needed) longer (a longer) period for debt relief, of between two and three years.â€?

(DAILY Sun Editorial, April 6) “Bayelsa gives marching order (orders) to primary health workers� “NDDC alerts Nigerians on (to) fraudulent social media accounts offering jobs, contracts� “IOC commends Dare, NOC over (for) Covid-19 campaign� “Assailant, vigilante member die in gun duel� Get it right: vigilance member.

Alternatively: Assailant, vigilante die in gun duel. “Woman arrested with AK-47, 148 live ammunitionsâ€? The last word in the extract is uncountable. The Old English (AngloSaxon) period is gone! “This will remove the possibility of passing the bulk (buck)â€? No pedestrian English. “The organized private sector took the bull by the horn recently‌.â€? For a better society: take the bull by the horns. “Britain handed over the reigns of power to the politicians.â€? Modern English: reins of government. “One even wonders why government did not adopt that method from the onset (outset).â€? “This is true given the restricted and guarded comments from those who have been priviledged to view the clips.â€? Spell-

ings count: privileged. “Government needs to put (get) its acts together and prosecute the kidnappers.�

My own comment: get its act (not acts) together. “Vigilante group accused of murderâ€œâ€Ś Get it right: vigilance group. “Apart from all these, the debt recovery (a hyphen confirms class) level of the banks have not been any issue of interest to NDIC.â€? Question CBN has to answer, debt recovery has (not have). “It is believed in some quarters that the Nigerian Police has‌.â€? THE NATION: the Nigerian Police have. “And the leaders, being new on the saddle of political leadership (another comma) were.‌â€? The challenges of good grammar: in the saddle. “Efforts by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his group to remove Akintola from office was (were) fiercely resisted.â€? Why the discord? “As a new democracy, there was (were) bound to be problems.â€? “In the course of the crisis, Awo and some of his lieutenants were arrested and charged for (with)‌.â€? “The ethnic colouration of the coup led to a counter coup (a hyphen) in July 1966.â€? Spell-check: coloration. “Have the previous exercises impacted meaningfully on the lives (life) of the average Nigerian?â€? “This could not have been possible if they had been outrightly liquidated.â€? ‘Outrightly’ is a Nigerian creation! The right word ‘outright’ functions as an adverb and an adjective. Therefore, it does not require any inflexion. In other words: This could not have been possible if they had been liquidated outright.

Even at that, ‘liquidation’ does not need any qualification because of its causative finality. So, if they had been liquidated. ‘Reopening’ abhors hyphenation. It is not automatic that any word with a prefix must go with a hyphen, except where there is a vowel replication. For instance: re-entry, but readmit, readjust, etcetera.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Legislators, oil chiefs parley on industry enhancing issuesâ€? Imagine the classical excellence a hyphen between ‘industry’ and ‘enhancing’ would have conferred on the headline. “I said these are (were) beggars and I told my wife I better (I had better) get money ready for them.â€? â€œâ€Śthe grassroots population of our people will remain the lifewire of the UBE scheme.â€? Adult literacy: livewire. “The remains of the Ovie, sources in the town revealed, was (were) later tied‌.â€? “And just last Friday, it was reported that the police has (had) arrested the APC governorship candidate‌.â€? “The meetings were about some developments alright....â€? ‘Alright’ (nonstandard) is unacceptable for ‘all right’ in formal settings. “My suggestion, therefore, is that our National Assembly members should tow (toe) the line of reason.â€? â€?‌especially those public officers who remain suspect with regards (regard) to their qualifications and credibility to hold public officesâ€? Alternatively, as regards their qualifications‌. “The nation has (had) in the past pardoned and forgiven it’s (sic) past leaders and citizens who committed one offence or the other (or another).â€? “Such citizens had since been integrated back (reintegrated) into the system.â€? “A recent summit in Kaduna on education in the northern states provided the appropriate forum to revisit, once again‌.â€? ‘Revisit’ cannot co-function with ‘again’. “Gone are the days when government can (could) go it alone.â€? “Infact (In fact) every loving parents....â€?

Parentage: either every loving parent or all loving parents “In the agricultural sector, the two countries can learn a lot from one another (each other).� “Soldiers take over troubled spots� Let peace reign: trouble spots. “Post election violence spreads�

The Dynamics Fueling Coronavirus, 5G Controversy

S

ince the outbreak in China, of the novel Coronavirus or COVID-19, the virus has succeeded within a space of 90 days, in spreading to over 200 countries globally. It has infected 1,632,898, which led to over 97,595 deaths at the time of this report. World leaders and governments have known no peace largely because there seems not to be a quick solution in sight or in the foreseeable future.

The outbreak, which caught virtually everyone unawares, threw the entire global community into panic, engineering fearmongering, setting off unprecedented hysteria and provoking a frenzy of conspiracy theories about the origin of the coronavirus.

In the milieu of all these, three schools of thought have emerged.

One of them holds the view that COVID-19 originated from Wuhan’s live animal market where an infected pangolin was consumed by humans.

Another believes that Covid -19 is biochemical warfare initiated by the Chinese authorities to undermine the United States of America’s dominant position and assume prominence in global affairs.

Yet, there is also a school of thought that is convinced beyond any doubt that Covid -19 is a product of radioactive waves generated by the 5G technology that is currently being tested by the Chinese, U.S, Spain, Italy, France, United Kingdom, and Germany. All these arguments could come across as valid arguments depending on who you are interacting with. One thing is however certain, each position is guided by selfish considerations to either push a business interest, pursue a scientific agenda or better still, take political, economic and technological controls.

From the point of science, while some scientists will tell you that the 5G network has nonionizing radiation and so cannot break chemical bonds, others disagree. For instance, the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2011 classified Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans�.

Then in 2012, a $30 million studies conducted by the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) found “clear evidence� that two years of exposure to cell phone 2nd, 3rd and 4th Generation RFR increased cancer in male rats and damaged DNAin rats and mice of both sexes. The Ramazzini Institute in Italy also replicated these findings and had the same result. The scientists hold the

view that since the 1G, 2G, 3G and 4G networks with evident low radio frequency emission can cause cancer how much more the 5G with 10 times frequency emission efficiency?

In an encounter with Ikwan Onwuka, a Lagos-based physicist and private researcher in Alternative Therapeutics using Sound, Onwuka affirmed that a recent study undertaken by him showed strong possibilities that 5G deployment has a link with the outbreak of COVID-19 if the person is exposed to radioactive waves over a period of about six months.

According to him, “prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, I was researching alternative therapeutics based on vibrational energy and destructive resonance. My focus was on Lassa Fever and other endemic viral diseases. So, the Wuhan virus struck and caught everybody’s attention. Soon came allegations and conspiracy theories linking the virus outbreak to the 5G deployment and tweaks happening in Wuhan and other major cities of the world. I decided to study the Wuhan virus using some of the methods I developed while researching the Lassa virus, which was based on the physics of vibrational energy and frequency.�

Onwuka said because “a virus is a particle, Biochemists will quickly agree with me that a virus is a particle - virion. But actually, that’s a half-truth. One that has caused a lot of misunderstanding within the scientific community. The virion is, indisputably, a quantum entity. As such, it exhibits the characteristic wave-particle duality elucidated in Quantum Mechanics/Physics. So, SARSCoV-2 is as much a wave as it is a particle. “Restoring the status of a virion like SARS-CoV-2 as a waveparticle changes everything. For one, its fundamental relationship with the wave nature of radiation from cellular networks becomes obvious. The shared wave nature of both systems offers a good basis for investigating the possible effects of their interaction. “To establish a verifiable relationship between two physical entities, one would need a common measurable quality/quantity and a mutual principle or phenomenon. Both conditions are not far-etched in the case at hand. Waves are expressions of vibrations and vibrations are measured in FREQUENCY (cycles per second).

That settles the aspect of common measurement. For mutual principle/phenomenon, RESONANCE and resonant coupling come into play. “Resonance describes the phenomena of amplification that occurs when the frequency of a periodically applied force is in harmonic proportion to a natural frequency of the system on which it

Towards a better life for the people: Postelection violence‌. â€œâ€Ślost his life in a ghastly auto crash in Greece.â€? It was a fatal (not ghastly) accident. “President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed sadness over the sporadic violent protest (protests)‌.â€?

The next headline blunder is from last week’s edition of this medium: “Police arrest four over Maiduguri explosion�

Do we arrest the entire editorial team for (not over) lexical recklessness? “Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.� The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit. “Gang up against Buhari will fail�

Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here). “We were treated to another similar incidence.‌â€? All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which applies here). “Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.‌â€? Saturday People: last-minute (take note of the hyphen) romance “Thus, a core investor‌with regards to optimal use of the machinery.‌â€?

(THE GUARDIAN, March 12) Either: as regards or with regard to‌. “In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable‌â€? (THE GUARDIAN, March 20) Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable). “Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.‌â€? No word abuse: simply razed (not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers!

Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.� “Armed robbers now have good company–street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.� (THE GUARDIAN, March 20) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance group.

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

acts. It makes for the transfer of energy-information between the applied force and the dynamic system being impacted. Regarding this discussion, radiation from 3G/4G/5G networks forms the periodically applied force while the SARS-CoV-2 represents the system at the receiving end.�

Relying on two established authorities in the field by combining of Albert Einstein’s particle energy equation ( E = MC^2 ) and Max Planck’s wave energy equation ( E = hv ) to buttress his argument backed by mathematical representations, Onwuka said� If one can convincingly show that the natural vibrational frequency of the SARS-CoV-2 system falls within the frequency bandwidth of 3G/4G/5G networks, then it should be granted that the energy-information activities of these networks bear influence on SARS-CoV-2 and consequently on COVID-19. The frequency bands of 3G/4G.5G have already been listed above. So, the next logical task will be to find the resonant frequency or frequencies involved in the SARS-CoV-2 system.�

He pointed out that “When SARS-CoV-2 invades a cell via the ACE2 receptor, its RNAhijacks the cell’s resources and coopts two protein enzymes for the purpose of replication and transcription.

These enzymes have been identified as the RNA-dependent RNApolymerase (RdRp)- nsp12 and the Main protease, 3-CLpro.

Therefore, the SARS-CoV-2 system in a typical COVID-19 case will consist of three resonant frequencies: One for the SARS-CoV-2 RNA, and the other two for nsp12 and 3CLpro.�

Accordingly to him, “In order to find the vibrational frequency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA, I studied available bioinformatics on the virus. The SARS-CoV-2 RNAwith Genome ID: MN908947 has 29,903 bases, while the genome from the index case in Nigeria has 29,844 bases. Genome size has a mathematical relationship with approximate mass, from which frequency can be calculated using a combination of Albert Einstein’s particle energy equation ( E = MC^2 ) and Max Planck’s wave energy equation ( E = hv ).hv = MC^2 v = MC^2/h. Where v is frequency, M is mass, C is the speed of light and h is Planck’s constant. C = 299,792,458m/s, approximately = 3e8m/s. C^2 = 9e16m/s. And Planck’s constant, h = 6.63e-34J/s.

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

It’s a Baby Boy for Halima Abubakar A Wastrel in Search of a Man

pg. 23

Brymo Breaks Down His Topics in ‘Yellow’ pg. 24

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

It’s a Baby Boy for Halima Abubakar From when she shared a video of her new whip, then to her pregnancy news a month later, to giving birth, actress and film producer, Halima Abubakar, the lady that is always in the trends, sure has had a marvelous moment of late. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

C

ongratulations are in order for controversial screen diva Halima Abubakar.

She is the latest celebrity mother in town as she welcomed a baby boy.

The Nollywood actress welcomed her bundle of joy on April 3, 2020.

Halima who announced the news on social media received torrents of congratulatory messages from her fans and colleagues; some said it was hard keeping the secret. “A gift from God and I will cherish you for life’s biggest miracle. A Boy 3/4/20,” she wrote alongside a photo of his cute little fingers tending hers.

Halima, the lady always in the trends, has had a swell moment of late, with a lot to be thankful for. A few months back in November 2019, the happy mother had announced she was expecting a baby. She wrote at the time: “Smile of gratitude and am expecting a Lil Minnie Motherhood.” However, the identity of the man she was pregnant for was not revealed.

Fast-forward to the present, the actress cum film producer revealed that she had put to bed a bouncing baby boy, describing him as a gift from God in a post she made on her Instagram on Monday, April 6, 2020, where she announced the arrival of her newborn.

Many had seen the photo she used on her child’s arrival and assumed the baby in the picture was hers. However, days afterwards, the actress is now being accused of stealing a photo of another baby to pose as hers on Instagram. Halima was called out on Thursday by a mother in the United States who claimed that she stole the photo from her page. The disgruntled mom identified as @the_arielb on Instagram said, “I guess we are now famous in another country.” She then went on to write, “I will not edit, delete, or censor my page because of the simple mindedness of others.”

Ariel went on to share screenshots of conversations between herself and Abubakar where she appealed to the actress to take down the photo of her baby from her Instagram page. The disparity in post times on Instagram shows that Ariel posted her photo on March 13 while Halima posted the same photo some weeks later, in April. Screenshots of direct messages conversation between Ariel and the actress shows Abubakar admitting that she only posted the photo to announce her child’s birth.

She also shared a screenshot of her private Instagram message with the child’s mom who challenged the actress for using her baby’s picture. In the screenshot, the movie star could be seen apologising for using Ariel’s baby’s photo adding that she found it appealing.

Halima said: “Hi, I am so sorry about this inconvenience. I had my baby last week and googled baby pics to use to illustrate my baby had come before I take pics of mine. I saw the beautiful baby nails and couldn’t help but use it. I never claimed the baby was mine, I don’t understand people on social media these days. I apologise for this. I will delete the picture. Congratulations on your baby.

God bless.”

The development generated heated backlash on social media, with many Nigerians criticising the film star for her action. Reacting to the criticism on Thursday, a remorseful Halima explained she expected people to hear from her before bashing her. She said she could not post a photo of her newborn because of his condition. Reacting via her Instagram page, Halima said she had her son a premature

Halima Abubakar

and could not show the world a fragile child.

She said her son is still in Intensive Care Unit and will be dischared Friday April 9 from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

What her fans and followers could not understand is why she did not yet again acknowledge the father of her son. Halima might just be another baby mama.And perhaps have disappointed her fans. Some three years back, the Kogi indigene ruffled her fans when she claimed that she was a virgin and cannot wait to have sex and begin to have kids.

Then 31, in the revelation, Halima laid bare her mind on marriage, causing a myriad of mixed reactions and comments from her fans and followers. Some of her fans and critics poured out their minds on her revelation and wouldn’t buy her virginity claims. But that was left for them.

However, life for the Northern star has changed for good despite the state of the world as a result of the global pandemic at the moment. The 34-year-old started her acting career in 2001, starring in a minor role in ‘Rejected’.

She, however, amassed huge popularity after featuring in ‘Gangster Paradise’, where she played the lead role. She has since continued to blaze the trail in the movie industry featuring in several other Nollywood films including ‘Slip of Fate’, ‘Tears of a Child’, ‘Secret Shadows’, ‘Area Mama’ and ‘Men in Love’. Beyond the bounds of Nollywood, the actress has also carved a niche for herself in the music industry, owning Modehouse Entertainment, a music label and entertainment management company.

Talking about her record label, relationships,

her age and finding the right man, Halima had opined that she wasn’t exactly in a hurry to tie the knot.

On settling down, she said: “Will I ask a man to marry me? Is it not when you see the man that you want to settle down with that you can decide to marry? You can’t just settle down with anybody because you need to marry. I don’t want to go into marriage and rush out of it.

There is a lot of mistrust and we also have so many irresponsible men so to speak.

“There are lots and lots of liars among men out there. And if they meet a girl that really loves them, they won’t know because they are used to lying. So, they think any woman they meet is also a liar like them. Or if you omit any information about yourself, if they now get to know later in a negative way from another person, it’s mistrust.

The day you even say the truth and nothing but absolute truth, they won’t believe you omitted something before it came out, and it’s not like it’s a dangerous thing. But just because you forgot to include the information when you’re chatting with them, it will now become a big problem.”

Continuing, she said, “A sort of mistrust will develop from there. And when a man is monitoring you, definitely, there is no trust in that relationship, and nobody will want to be in a marriage where there is no trust.

The relationship would just work only when the partners trust each other. We just pray we meet the right person. I mean all of us who are yet to marry. You may meet someone you so much love and he is not convinced you love because you are actress. And now, because you are an actress you are not responsible.

“And I keep saying, does it mean because you are, you aren’t responsible? Or you think every girl on the street will behave the same way like the other person? I don’t know.

There are so many hypocrites in relationships. There are too many people that like to give fake information. And it’s unfortunate that some of us have seen people who tried as much as they could to ruin other people’s relationships. But the truth is when a man loves you, he loves you. A man who is ready to quit because of one rumour or the other is never in love with you.

“So you can’t force love. How long can you do that? I mean, especially if you are a loyal woman because I know a lot of women who are responsible, who are faithful to their partners, they are faithful and I keep saying is it because you are not faithful? Is it because you as a man is a liar? I just think you don’t suspect somebody to be unfaithful if you’re not. That’s not life. Really, I have not been in too many relationships, that’s one. Number two, even if I say that, a lot of people will click on that and it’s a lie.

“And I am a loyal person. I don’t like somebody who pretends to be what he’s not. I am not in a hurry the way people are in a hurry on my behalf. That’s because at the end of the day, I am the one that will live with the man not them.

And I wouldn’t want to cry to sleep.

I wouldn’t want a man who will make me cry every day, instead of making me happy. Left to me, I will do everything to make him happy but is he really going to reciprocate that? It has to be a balanced relationship but there is nothing like that. I am not hoping. It’s going to happen when it will happen.

I am not searching for a husband. So don’t quote me on that, I am just going to tell you and as usual I don’t talk about any relationship. I am just giving you a general insight of what life is about.”

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Swanky Jerry

Nansi Isime

A Wastrel in Search of a Man New Nollywood movie, “Kambili: the Whole 30 Yards” is a story of a wastrel whose quest is to be married before she turns 30. But she must convince her boyfriend that she could be his dream woman. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

he refrain “Her name is Kambili and she will go the whole 30 yards to become his wife material…” sums up the snippet for a recent teaser released for an upcoming movie, ‘Kambili’. This is actually the first teaser for the movie which features a crop of talented actors, old and young.

The lead, Kambili Maduka, is played by Nancy Isime.

Alongside Nancy Isime is AMVCA 2020 trailblazer Jidekene Achufusi (Swanky Jerry). Almost a year after filming together on a different project which gave Jidekene his breakout role, both Nancy and Jidekena are back together onscreen. The fast rising actors look good together as onscreen couple judging from this teaser, fans all over are in for

an exciting show.

Nancy gets scolded in the opening teaser by a potential suitor. “You really going to make me say this aren’t you? Wife material…okay you are not exactly wife material. Someone who is actually responsible you know and focused and prudent; maybe someone who is a little driven.” The relatable story also stars Mawuli Gavor as John and Sharoon Ooja as Linda, and a host of other stars.

Other cast of the movie includes Elvina Ibru, Koye KekereEkun, BBNaija Vanessa Akpofure and Uzor Arukwe whose roles make exciting scenes. Speaking on the film’s casting, the producer of the movie had earlier revealed that her team sought to create a film that people could connect to and that influenced the choice of the cast. They also

tried not to typecast the actors by letting them show their individual strengths.

According to the makers of the cinematic project, the movie is one of the first full production projects undertaken by its distribution company in its bid to create more inspiring Nollywood content. ‘Kambili’ is scheduled to debut in cinemas across the nation on June 12, 2020, if the Covid-19 pandemic eases up.

The romantic comedy movie follows the story of Kambili Maduka, an irresponsible, spoiled, spendthrift age desperate 28-year-old woman who’s turning 29 in a few weeks.

The only thing on her mind is how to get married before she turns 30.

However, after getting suspended from work due to her incessant lateness, she goes on a

date with her boyfriend and he breaks up with her as he thinks she is not ‘wife material’ due to her lifestyle, dashing her hopes of getting married before 30. She decides that what she needs to do is prove to her boyfriend that she can be everything he wants her to be which is - responsible, driven, focused and wife material with the help of her best friends.

“Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards” is produced by Mimidoo (Achineku) Bartels, and directed

by Kayode Kasum whose directorial credits include “This Lady Called Life“, “Love Is Yellow” “Sugar Rush” and many more.

The upcoming film is Filmone’s first feature film sponsored by South Africa’s Empire Entertainment and China’s Huahua Media’s $1 million collaboration launched last December.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Brymo Breaks Down His Topics in ‘Yellow’ Described by Brymo as an album about “love and survival”, Yellow, his new record, he said, would be an alternative pop and electronic record. Brymo it seems will win the heart of many with this new project, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

inger and songwriter, Olawale Ashimi, better known as Brymo has released a new body of work titled, “Yellow.”

This is his seventh studio album, released independently on April 1, 2020. It serves as a follow up to his earlier released EP dubbed “AAA”. The 15-tracks album is made up of three (3) sides A – 6 songs, B – 5 songs and C – 4 songs respectively. Yellow features a single collaboration with gifted Nigerian neo-soul singer, Lindsey Abudei.

Brymo it seems will win the heart of many with this new project. Described

by Brymo as an album about “love and survival”, he said it would be an alternative pop and electronic record.

Yellow was initially meant to comprise 17 songs but due to technical issues, two songs were omitted from the project. On March 24, Brymo cited technical reasons for omitting the tracks “Iya Awele” and “Ife” from the album.

The album was supported by the single “Strippers + White Line”. The album’s cover art features a rendition of Insight and Frustrations 2020, a painting by Nigerian artist Samuel Ancestor. Brymo revealed on Instagram that he was drawn to the painting after having several conversations with his friends. With the exception of “Abu Ya”, which was co-produced by Nsikak David and Lindsey Abudei, all of the remaining tracks on Yellow were produced and engineered entirely by Brymo’s frequent collaborator Mikky Me Joses.

Thematically, the album explores topics such as love, heartbreak, sociopolitics and mental health. The project features several tracks including ‘Esprit De Corps’, ‘Blackmail’, ‘Ozymandias’, ‘Heartbreak Songs Are Better in English’. Others include ‘Without You’, ‘Woman’, ‘Black Man, Black Woman’, ‘Gambu’, ‘Rara Rira’, ‘Brain Gain’, ‘Adédotun’, ‘Orun n Móoru’ and ‘A F’èédú Fan’ná’’.

While the album has garnered rave reviews based on the singer’s exceptional talent, a music critic in particular noted that this is an album that deserves an accompanying movie.

While Brymo has always made cinemaworthy music, Yellow is his album with the highest number of cinematic songs.

In its essence, Brymo - as always - finds appropriate production to tell stories or share poetry on love, vanity, vices and society.

While the album is essentially built on resonant topics cut from the larger society, Brymo uses symbolism and metaphor to breakdown his topics.

Born on 9 May 1986, Brymo has continued to pull the strings in the Nigerian music industry with series of projects.

He started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed

Brymo

a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract with the label in 2013. Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone, in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in

2012.

His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves was released on 20 October 2013; it received positive reviews from music critics and was preceded by two singles; “Down” and

“Eko”. In October 2014, Brymo released his fourth studio album Tabula Rasa; its lead single “Fe Mi” was described as a “soft traditional ballad”. On 8 December 2015, Brymo released an eight-track compilation album titled Trance. He signed an international distribution deal with Tate Music Group in 2015.

Brymo released his fifth studio album Klitôris on 9 May 2016. It comprises 11 tracks and was preceded by the lead single “Happy Memories”. In March 2018, he released his critically acclaimed sixth studio album Osó.

Six months later, he released the selfreferential fictional novel Oriri’s Plight.

Brymo teamed up with three members of Skata Vibration to form A.A.A, an alternative rock band whose eponymous debut EP was released in August 2019. He, however, made headlines in December last year for adjudging himself as “Nigeria’s artiste of the decade” citing the impact of ‘Oleku,’ his hit song, on the country’s music landscape.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹͹˜ 2020

25

SHOWBIZFLAIR

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

MY STORY

Gists Ikechukwu Nnakenyi Miracle, aka Big Dol, is an artiste in his own class with musical creatives that are designed as audible art.

He draws inspirations from the likes of Fela, Wizkid, Davido, Olamide and a lot more.

He talks with Tosin Clegg about his music, Singer and entrepreneur, Ajibade Olajoku, aka Jibade, has said he decided to feature veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, and actress, Kemi his forthcoming projects and more Afolabi, in the video of his song, Ekaite, because he wanted it to be unique. In a recent interview, he said, “I decided to collaborate

Jibade: Why I featured Jide Kosoko, Kemi Afolabi in My Video

with veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, and actress, Kemi Afolabi, to produce a historic wedding-inspired video for my yet-to-be-released single, Ekaite. I want it to be unique. I have plans to change the music industry forever with the type of content I would produce for music lovers. The music industry is suffering an unfortunate decline in good storyline and delivery, so I have taken it upon myself to bring back the good old days with evergreen songs and visuals. In 2019, my song, ‘Forget About Love,’ was generally accepted and that really encouraged me.”

Recalling how he started his music career, the singer said, “I started doing music with the aim of inspiring and motivating people. I then decided to enlarge my coast by officially flying my own label, Mansa Musa Music. I actually started music as a rapper but I later switched to afropop and afrobeat to attract global fans.

“I plan to reach out to every member of the black race and add value to the ever growing music scene. I see my record label as a global force and I am very positive about the acceptance of my style.”

Kemi Afolabi, Jibade and Jide Kosoko Doro Music Team

Mudi Williams Drops ‘Blessings’ Mudiaga Williams, otherwise known as Mudi, has been around the music industry for a while. The Delta State-born singer, who started his career in the church, has promised to take his career to the next level with the release of his new single, Blessings, which he described as a song that would propel him to greatness. Mudi said while not many people believed in him or his career as a rookie, determination and a number of good friends supported his dream. The young and dynamic afro Pop star disclosed that he started as a church boy, adding, “Singing and rehearsing with the teenage choir then was the best experience for me. We rehearsed twice a week and that was like going to the studio to work for God. That’s where I found my sound and know I could sing.”

Asked how he managed to switch to secular music, the singer said he observed the industry and kept his gaze on excellent musical delivery, which helped him to push through. “I just want to keep getting better at my musical craft and by being careful who I take advice from,” he adds.

On what’s next after his latest single, Blessings, Mudi says he’s currently focusing on pushing the new song and giving it the necessary attention that would take it far. “This is my first single and the love is this much. I must say I am happy. But more still needs to be done. I won’t stay down until I stay up.”

He didn’t rule out dropping an Extended Play (EP) as the year progresses.

Omowunmi Abayomi-Johnson Education, a Necessity When it Comes to Building a Trusted Brand Omowunmi Abayomi-Johnson is the creative director of Eruiyawo Concepts. Eruiyawo has been in the business of event planning for a decade now and in its commemoration, recently, trained women in traditional wedding gift wrapping and presentation business. She tells Tosin Clegg about the event industry at large, her brand, trainings and a lot more

H

ow would you rate the event industry in Nigeria?

Mudi

Annjay Returns to the Music Scene

Annjay

Omowunmi Abayomi-Johnson

After a short break from the music scene, actress/singer, Annjay has returned with a new song titled, Ije love.

The new song, according to artiste, was inspired by her immediate environment. Talking about coming back to music and her new song she said: “It can never feel strange because music is and will always be a part of me. I have been busy with my businesses and to rebrand the name “Annjay” into a better one; for instance, we have Annjayhair, Annjay Cosmetics and many other products under Annjay.

So, my new song, Ije Love, was inspired by people and what I see around me. It’s a love song sang in both Igbo and English language and set for release this month.”

Asked about the long break, she said: “I was busy setting up businesses, trying to figure out what business and how to go about it. I have no sponsors accept God. I kept the spirit going and didn’t let anything stop me and thankfully God showed up for me.

Nothing is easy but it’s always easy for the children of God who believe and trust in him.”

The event industry is generally a multi-million dollar sector. The Eruiyawo space is only a fraction of it and I must say that the event industry is becoming saturated.

Although, it’s a huge market that can still accommodate more, but what stands each person out is your brand’s services.

Tell us about your brand and what makes you exceptional?

Creative imagination is very important to succeed as a wedding gift wrapping expert. You must be evolving and innovative with the ability to think out of the box at all times. This is what differentiates from others, because the space is becoming saturated.

You know that learning is continuous. Even after a decade in the event industry I cannot say I know it all. Learning never stops. You must be able to move with the trends in the industry otherwise you get edged out. The most important thing is that education is a necessity when it comes to building a trusted brand and having a structure in place as an entrepreneur.

Challenges and successes so far in the business I would say sourcing materials can be a bit tasking but there’s always a way around it, as this has been exposed to the students.

Also, my team and I just recently concluded a training programme.

Who would have thought I could teach and impact so well? Those who know me well know that I like to stay in my shell. I really would say I have gained sisters as a result of the connection I had with my students. I held nothing back, I poured out my creative soul, taught them a lot of creative skills despite the limited time.

One thing for me now is that I am holding on to see them through their respective creative journey. I look forward to it because it’s a continuous learning process for us all.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

POLITY

5G, God’s Generals and the Hordes of Mordor Femi Fani-Kayode “Fry their brain and lungs with 20G, as long as they receive recharge card money or they are promised a position in 2037, an average Nigerian is cool. He is totally void of a questioning mind and he never challenges the status quo.

In my opinion, the zombie vaccine is already at work in most Nigerians. Pathetic!” - Innocent Chinedu Ikebudu.

D

espite the fact that Mr. Ikebudu may be right, we must continue to do our best to open the eyes of those that have been bound and blinded by sheer stupidity, a herd mentality, ignorance, hardship, lack of understanding, lack of education, lack of wisdom, the struggle to survive, personal challenges and the god of this world.

After all, when Noah spoke out and warned of impending doom to the world he was a lone voice and he was mocked and insulted by every single person. This is no different but what makes it a little more disconcerting is the fact that a “man of God” has added his voice to the cacaphony of nonsense and popycock and the chorus of condemnation and ignorance. I can forgive the ignorant, the unlearned, the unschooled and the dull and simply resort to praying for him but I cannot abide the expression of intellectually barren, inherently dishonest, specious, insidious, perfidious and asinine commentary coming from a hitherto highly respected cleric and man of God who ought to know better. That is the topic of this essay.

I commend Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, whom I have never spoken to or met, for courageously speaking the truth to our nation and to his flock concerning unfolding events in the world.

If others do not understand, appreciate or accept his message and submissions that is entirely their problem and not his.

Thankfully yours truly, together with millions of others from all over the world, most certainly do. The truth is that there are very few real men of God and genuine Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian Pastors that will disagree with him but I guess there are some who have a different agenda, who wish to play to the public gallery and who have decided to walk the easy path by denying the obvious.

If you do not understand what is happening in the world today, please read more widely and do more research. The Bible says “knowledge is power”. Do not limit yourself to your imperfect understanding or faulty interpretation of the scriptures.

As a matter of fact, do not limit your knowledge to the scriptures alone. Read more and read widely and the light of knowledge will guide you and lead you on the path of truth. Needless to say there is far more to all that is going on in the world today than meets the eye.

You are not spreading fear by speaking truth no matter how bitter that truth may be. Truth brings light, hope, understanding and ultimately freedom from ignorance and bondage: it does not bring fear. If you cannot understand what is happening, then hold your peace and don’t condemn others that are trying to explain it as best as they can. You may disagree with them but do not insult or condemn them because no-one sees or knows it all.

We only see in part.

What is totally unacceptable though is for you to deny the whole concept of the “end-times” and act as if that process has not begun. Even the unbelievers recognise the veracity of this bitter truth and even they know that the world is on the threshold of something different and new. As far as I am aware, no-one, including Oyakhilome, has said that the end of the world has come or that the Anti-Christ has already arrived or that he would arrive anytime soon. My own view is that we still have a very long way to go before that calamitous event occurs but that does not mean that the world is not preparing for it or that Satan is not doing his best through his agents and kingdom to effect it. That does not mean that there is not an evil force that is operating in the world and that is co-ordinating events in a well-organised, purposeful and systematic manner in order to implement and establish his evil purpose and will. To deny that would mean denying the Holy Bible itself. Such a view would fly in the face of 5000 years of Judeo-Christian preaching, teaching and philosophy.

Most important of all is to recognise that no-one has denied the fact that our Lord and Saviour will make a way for His own and deliver them through the great event known as the “Rapture” before His final and dramatic return. To suggest that the Bible is a lie and that the end-times are not an issue that we should discuss or be concerned about appears to me to be nothing but, at best, an attempt to be politically correct and, at worse, a shameless display of cowardice and ignorance.

Say or think what you like about Covid 19, 5G, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, the Corona vaccine, the Illuminati, the New World Order, the Pope, the Deep State, Artificial Intelligence, the Bilderburg Group, the Bohemian Grove, the One World Religion or the One World Economy and believe whatever you will. It changes absolutely nothing and it cannot bury the truth or stop God’s counsel and plan from unfolding.

Yet to be candid, what is inexplicable and utterly indefensible

is for a “man of God” to dismiss the provisions and words of the Holy Bible in the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelations as a mere “conspiracy theory”. You either believe the Word of God or you do not. Scripture cannot be broken and the end-time prophecies shall be fulfilled. Covid 19 will come and go and so will 5G and all sorts of other things that will be equally disturbing and shocking will come after them.

It is certainly not the end of the world but what we are witnessing is perhaps the beginning of a new era which will eventually lead to a New World Order and the eventual return of our Lord Jesus Christ. That should not bring fear but rather it ought to bring inspiration, confidence, faith and joy. For any “man of God” to play this down and question the calling and integrity of other men of God for understanding the times and recognising this irrefutable and incontrovertible fact is irresponsible and unacceptable.

If you do not know what is going on, if you do not have the courage of your convictions or if you are incapable of warning your sheep about the perilous times that we are living in and prepare their minds for the obvious challenges that lie ahead then please hold your peace and do not deter others that are clearly being led by the Holy Spirit from doing so.

Do not deny the bitter truth in return for the applause of the world and men and do not seek to undermine or condemn anyone that is courageous enough to speak it.

You are undoubtedly one of the Lord’s end-time generals. I have always liked, looked up to and respected you and for many decades I have followed your teachings and ministry. You have always inspired me and millions of others all over the world with your commitment to the gospel and your courage and diligence.

Despite the fact that I believe that you erred badly on this matter, my admiration for and reverence of you remains intact.

You are a great servant of the Most High God and I would never lose sight of that fact even if I believe that you may have got things wrong on this occasion.

Out of respect for your calling, your ministry and your revered office I have refrained from mentioning or writing your name in this contribution but you know who you are.

You also know that despite all I will always love you and wish you well. At this juncture permit me to echo the question that a young and evidently wise Facebook friend of mine, Mr. Ogbolu Stephen, asked on his Facebook wall. He asked, “Did the disciples bash or mock themselves for what they preached? Why will Pastors be doing so now?”

––Fani-Kayode is the former Aviation Minister Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ahmed Aluko

Community Policing Better in Taclking Crminals Ahmed Yinka Aluko is the Special Adviser, Special Duties to Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

Aluko recently spoke with select journalists in Ilorin, on Nigeria’s security challenges, the state’s security outfit ‘Operation Harmony’, and how community policing can help combat crime in the country. Hammed Shittu was part of the interview. Excerpts:

W

hat is your take on the current security challenges facing Nigeria?

We all know that there are various security challenges in the country, particularly in the North-east. Every region has its own peculiar security challenge; in the north, you have religious crisis, farmers/herdsmen clashes; in South-west you have chieftaincy and land disputes. The same thing goes for the eastern part of the country. Those are predominantly traditional system of crimes. But all over the world, security challenges are dynamic; crime and criminality are dynamic. One of the primary responsibilities of any government is security of lives and property as no government can operate in an atmosphere of chaos and insecurity.

How would you assess the security situation in Kwara State?

The state remains one of the most peaceful in the country. However, that is not to say that we don’t have pockets of crime here and there. I remember the first issue of kidnapping we ever had was few years ago and some other crimes. The security challenge peculiar to us here is house-breaking, bank robbery. The government in place now has realised more than before, that there is the need to ensure adequate security, protection of lives and property. Because we have realised the various security challenges in our neighbouring states, makes the government to take proactive measures.

When Amotekun becomes fully operational in South-west, it will push criminals out of the area and Kwara shares borders with some of these states. If you look at Niger State, there are pockets of Boko Haram and herdsmen menace there. That has been driving some of people to Kwara because it is peaceful. Realising all these, all the north central state agreed to adopt community policing, which is the best for us. Community policing involves the immediate community members. The people will be part and parcel

Aluko of protecting lives and property and making governance very easy.

That is what informed the security dialogue the state government and other stakeholders had recently, so that all stakeholders will carry the message back to their various communities; as well as come up with agents that will collaborate with security agencies.

To eradicate crimes and criminality, the most important thing is intelligence gathering. Intelligence information gives security agents the opportunity to nip crime in the bud and at the same time, make arrests of criminals in their areas. We all know that security should not be left in the hands of the government alone.

Do you think collaboration with residents can assist in the war against insecurity?

I want to say emphatically that without the collaboration and support of the citizens that live in the state, security will not be assured. Information is power and when you don’t have information, you are as good as dead. That is why we have done the summit; that is why we are sensitising the people and that is why

the government is putting in place structures. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in his wisdom has approved the overhaul of the state security outfit ‘Operation Harmony’ to stand the test of time and to give room to the vigilance groups, who are much more effective in the hinterland so that they can collaborate with security agents.

In recent time, we have influx of people to the state from the states where Okada (commercial motorcycle) riding had been banned.

The state government is strategising on how to regulate the activities of Okada riders. Currently, the riders have seven associations in the state. We are looking at a situation where they can be reduced to three for effective and proper management where we will have digital and comprehensive register of all those that are involved from tarmac to tarmac. This will enable us have proper documentation and statistics of the operators in the state. They will be given identity cards and common uniform to be able to distinguish them. Tricycles are in the same category with the Okada riders. All of them must be fully registered. There must not be any freelance tricycle rider. He must have a park.

Would you suggest to Kwara and other north central states to toe the path of the South-west states by coming up with their own security outfits?

No. I mentioned that the South-west in their wisdom decided to come up with a security outfit known as Amotekun. It is a function of nomenclature and the law backing it up, but there is no security that is much better than community policing.

Without collaboration with the people in the community, even if you send a patrol team of Amotekun to a community and there is no information about that community, the security personnel will not succeed. Crimes are not committed in the open. You will discover that for Amotekun to be successful, it will still do community policing.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

VICTIM OF A FAILED SYSTEM

11.04.2020

Wilfred Ndidi

Master of the Breaks

PAGE. 27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 11, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Wilfred Ndidi

Master of the Breaks

Leicester City’s style of play is modeled on powerful counter attack of which the team has thrived over the years. One player has however been identified as the brain behind the success of the breaks this season and he is no other than Nigerian international midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi. Little wonder respected British television sports channel Sky Sports voted him as the Foxes Most Valuable Player

B

ritish television sports channel, Sky Sports has unveiled a list of the most valuable player for every Premier League club in the 2019-2020 season and Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi has been chosen as the MVP in the Leicester City squad.

The midfield general has appeared in 23 games in the English top-flight, scoring two goals and was in action for 1,892 minutes.

Of the six matches Ndidi missed through injury, Brendan Rodgers side managed to win only once - against Sheffield United on matchday three when they needed a 70th minute goal from Harvey Barnes to secure all three points.

Explaining why the Nigerian was selected, Sky Sports wrote: “Leicester lead the way for counterattacks this season, a hallmark of their game in recent years.

“The bedrock of their midfield and the key man in launching so many fast breaks is Wilfred Ndidi.

“The Nigerian is a master of the art

of the turnover, regularly winning possession and springing attacks.

His 4.4 tackles per 90 minutes is the highest in the Premier League this season and significantly higher than the next-best central midfielder, Oriol Romeu on 3.2.

“Ndidi’s value was further demonstrated by his recent injury absence - a five-game run that saw the previously high-flying Foxes take only two points from a possible 15.”

Ndidi replaced Frenh midfield general N’Golo Kante at Leicester City and has proven to be a worthwhile replacement but the Nigerian would not want to be compared to the Frenchman.

He said his only focus is to be himself as he spoke on his comparison with Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.

Kante was the defensive midfielder at Leicester City and was part of the squad that won the Premier League title in 2016 before he was sold that summer.

Ndidi joined Leicester City six months later and his impressive performance for the Foxes has seen

him compared with the Frenchman.

The Nigerian, however, says he sees no similarities as he wants to be seen as himself.

“I’ve always seen myself as Ndidi, I want to be seen as Ndidi,” the Super Eagles midfielder said in an Instagram live. “Kante is a great player, if you see the way he plays, you’ll know he’s a machine.

“The advice I got right from the time while I was playing that position is ‘just be yourself’.

“Every player has his own quality, it’s not everybody that can be like Ronaldo or Messi, everybody has his own way.

“I just want to be myself, play my game and fight for three points.”

Ndidi has grown from strength to strength since he joined Leicester City from Belgian side Genk in January 2017.

This season, he has been one of the best players in their thriving push for a top-four finish under Rodgers.

FC Barcelona are said to be eyeing Ndidi as a potential long-term replacement for the legendary Sergio

Busquets.

To even be included in this conversation is in itself a testament to the world-class ability of Ndidi, who is perhaps the best defensive midfielder in England and yes, easily among the top five in the world, too.

And Barca’s interest should not come as a surprise to anyone. Not even a record move to the Camp Nou this summer should surprise anyone. After all, he is at that level.

As well as consistently being up there in the league charts for the most tackles and recoveries, he has also been responsible for turning Leicester into one of the country’s better defensive outfits. When he is fit and firing , the East Midlanders do not concede a lot.

It is when he was sidelined at the start of the year that Leicester went missing. They lacked control and authority in the middle of the park, the direct consequence of which was a horrible run of results and plenty of doubts over UEFA Champions League qualification.

When Kante left for Chelsea immediately after the title triumph of 2016, not many thought that Leicester will ever find someone with half his ability, let alone someone as good or better, Ndidi, however, has proved everyone wrong, even if it took him a bit of time.

Indeed, Leicester City boss has highlighted the importance of the Super Eagles midfielder in his team.

Ndidi sits on top of the premier league ranking for interceptions, tackle won and recovery and believes the 23 year old is one of the most important figure in his squad.

Against Norwich, Ndidi made the most tackles and the most interceptions. He recovered possession of the ball more times than anyone else on the pitch and he rarely lost it.

Stars also revealed that 19 of Ndidi’s tackles have come in the opposition half, which helped to give confidence to forward players.

With the attacker getting all the praises, Rodgers, however, understands the player’s importance.

“He is an incredible player,” he said recently.

“The offensive players get the credit but he does the dirty work. He has this brain for the game, where he can smell danger and always finds himself there.

“When you play a pressing game you need someone like Wilf. He can cover the ground so fast, he can press up to the ball, and he can cover in.

Tactically he is improving and playing better. He is playing in a specific position we haven’t played before where he can run and he has got a clear role to sit and protect and be that link player.

“His game is simple. He just needs to serve the players in front of him and be an option to play off the center-halves and full-backs and provide continuity in the game.

“He is always smiling too.” He said.

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

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL11, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

How Nasarawa Utd Martins was Failed by Nigerian Football December 2018 at the Lafia Township Stadium. A friendly was underway between Nasarawa United and FC Abuja. Midway through the game between top-tier Nasarawa and the lower division side, FC Abuja’s Dominic Dukudod slumps on the field.

Efforts to revive him are both limited, with first aid applied, and in vain, with Dukudod - who suffered what is believed to be a heart-related issue dying as he is rushed to hospital.

Despite there being a defibrillator in the stadium, eye-witnesses do not recall the device, which can restart a heart in case of sudden cardiac arrest, being used to treat the player.

As warnings go, this was as clear as it gets - but the message went unheeded.

Fifteen months on, Nasarawa are playing at home again as the relegation-threatened side take on Katsina United on 8 March, exactly one month ago.

In midfield for the hosts, Chineme Martins is desperate to make an impression - having sent his brother a picture of the league table prior to kickoff with the words “watch this table after this match, we are lifting again”.

Nasarawa had propped up the league just weeks earlier but now the ‘Solid Miners’ could escape the relegation zone should they win.

Three unanswered second-half goals for the hosts enabled them to climb as high as 13th, four places clear of relegation in the 20-team league.

At the final whistle, home players lay on the floor in tears yet these were not celebratory, but sobs and wails instead.

For two minutes before half-time, 23-year-old Chineme had collapsed unprovoked - on the pitch, leading to his death.

“He said he was playing his heart to remove Nasarawa from relegation,” said Chineme’s elder brother Michael.

“That was the gift he wanted to give the club.”

Unfortunately, not only did his heart appear to have issues - which an autopsy should address - but his efforts were seemingly unreciprocated too.

How else can one explain that the club’s sole defibrillator was still undeployable, even after Dukudod’s death?

“There was a defibrillator present at the stadium but we couldn’t use it because it was no more in order,” Abdul Suberu, Nasarawa United’s club doctor, told BBC Sport Africa.

Ill treatment It was one of a catalogue of failures that prevented Chineme from receiving the medical treatment he deserved.

There was also his questionable on-pitch treatment, the general off-field facilities available and the pitch-side ambulance failing to start.

But what of the defibrillator, which is often critical to the recovery chances for anyone suffering chronic heart-related issues?

Nearly two dozen Nigerian footballers have died of heart-related issues in the last 25 years, both at home and abroad, so having a working defibrillator in a top-flight stadium might appear a must.

Not so.

Nasarawa’s defibrillator had been given to the club in 2015 by the League Management Company (LMC), which runs the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Yet its maintenance was not upheld

eye-witness, who requested anonymity, claimed ‘he was dead’ before he left the stadium.

Chineme Martins

by Nasarawa, even though league rules stipulate that home sides must ensure that a defibrillator is ‘available for use throughout each league match’.

Not even the match commissioner could tell the BBC whether there was a working defibrillator in the ambulance that day - despite both club and regional state FA doctors signing a document prior to kick-off to suggest that all required equipment was present.

“All I know is I looked at the ambulance, I saw a stretcher, a driver - and then the club and FA doctors confirmed everything was in order,” said match commissioner Christian Mbah.

The ambulance at the Lafia Township Stadium on March 8 failed to start “This was even written down and both signed (the document) - everything is there.”

Yet when emergency action was required for Martins, the appropriate response was deeply lacking.

Nasarawa doctor Suberu stated that “both clubs’ medical teams and even supporters rushed in to save him” - so smashing rules stating that only doctors, physiotherapists or paramedics can attend an on-pitch medical incident.

Attempts to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) also failed, with video footage showing the most gentle of CPR being applied at times.

“Even to administer CPR that a layman could do, the so-called personnel they had could not administer,” said brother Michael, who works in the fire rescue services.

“There was also no proper ventilation for the boy. The crowd covered him using a cloth to fan him - a cloth! It’s just the ‘Nigerian factor’ - nothing was in place when it happened.”

Despite a social media outcry about the attempted CPR, club doctor Suberu claims differently.

“We tried our best medically,” he

explained. “We applied CPR and first aid, but he didn’t make it.”

While the absence of defibrillators and suitably-trained medical personnel did not help, nor did the fact that the ambulance would not start, prompting stewards and others to push the Peugeot 406 in a bid to jump-start it.

“The State FA brings the ambulance and is responsible for the ambulance,” said Suberu.

The Nasarawa State FA president told BBC Sport a different story.

“The club doctors work with a specialist hospital to get the ambulance - that is why we release all the funds to (the clubs),” Mohammed Alkali told BBC Sport Africa. “Club medical staff arrange the ambulance, not the FA.” League rules state it is the home club’s duty to ensure the availability of ‘a fully equipped ... ambulance suitable to carry an emergency casualty and staffed by a person or persons to perform essential emergency care.’

Nonetheless, many clubs still rely on wealthier State FA’s to help out with medical provisions - with match commissioner Mbah also saying this was what happened on the day Chineme died with regard to the provision of the ambulance.

Chineme Martins had had pre-season medical tests, including on his heart, at Nasarawa United Mbah also said he asked the driver to start the ambulance before the game, with the vehicle passing its test.

In Martins’ hour of need though, it did not start - so leaving the final ignominy as his limp body used not an ambulance but a vehicle belonging to the Nasarawa State governor, who witnessed the event unfold, for the journey to hospital.

And herein lies the final twist given that accounts differ about where Chineme died - with the club saying he ‘finally died in hospital’ while an

Reaction Whatever the truth, one inescapable fact is the grief that has descended onto the Martins’ family.

“We used to chat every day,” says Michael. “Sometimes I just burst into tears. I spoke to Mum the other day and as soon as she started talking, she started crying.”

“Let me call it ‘the Nigerian factor’ that something must happen before they take a proactive step, but why must it be Chineme?”

Wednesday marks exactly one month since Chineme died - with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) report on both the reasons for his death and further possible steps expected shortly.

Following the tragedy, the NFF swiftly announced stricter measures: that no match could start without a full complement of medical equipment and personnel, and not until all facilities have been tested by both the Match Commissioner and local State FA. For his role in the match, Mbah has been permanently suspended - primarily for his failure to ‘ensure all requirements including medical personnel and equipment are in place before allowing the match to go ahead’.

Nasarawa themselves were also sanctioned - fined just over $15,000 - for breaching a host of rules, from not acquiring the sufficient numbers of doctors and paramedics for the game, allowing too many people on the field mid-crisis and for procuring a nonoperational ambulance.

Rubbing salt in the Martins family’s wounds was the fact that Nasarawa’s next home game featured not one fullyequipped modern ambulance - but three.

Three ambulances were present at Nasarawa’s first home game after the tragedy, when there had been just one “The personnel - are they trained?” said brother Michael. “That’s the question to ask.”

As Mbah himself points out, why is a non-medically trained Match Commissioner tasked with verifying medical equipment when a more qualified expert, such as the State FA doctor, could do it?

“Those things might by physically there, but how would I know if it’s working?” he ventured. “By Nigerian standard, the whole thing that could make a good match was in-tact.”

And therein lies the problem, many would say - with both medical and security standards having been too low in the league for far too long.

“Martins’ demise should be a wake-up call to Nigeria’s professional football clubs and all stakeholders,” said Amobi Ezeaku, the team manager of top-flight Enugu Rangers. “I have attended over 100 pre-match meetings in the league.

“During these meetings, questions are asked as to the availability of doctors, ambulances, stretchers etc. Some will say they have one doctor, which turns out to be (a) blatant falsehood.”

“Now that we have a sad case on our hands, we all have to embrace the truth and strive to do more not only in the field of medicine but also in safety and security.” r $VMMFE GSPN ##$ 4QPSU

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 11, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Leslie Oghomienor, promoter Barca Academy Nigeria during the teleconference

Odion Ighalo

Ighalo Tips Osimhen as the Future of Nigerian Football Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has praised Victor Osimhen and claims the the 21-year-old is ‘the future of Nigerian football’.

Osimhen has been in sublime form for Lille this season with 18 goals in 38 appearances so far.

The Nigeria international has been linked with a move away this summer, while reports last month claimed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had made him a ‘priority’ transfer target for Manchester United.

And Ighalo, who regularly speaks to Osimhen, has backed the young striker

to ‘break records’ in Europe and says he has the right mentality to be a success.

‘I talk to Osimhen, he’s a very nice boy, young, he’s a good guy,’ Ighalo said in an interview with Elegbete TV. ‘We talk, not almost every day, but almost every time I advise him.

‘He’s the future of Nigerian football.

He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football.

‘I always advise him to keep calm, keep working hard and the guy is going to be a celebrity, you know.

‘He came to watch our game

against Club Brugge in Belgium because it’s closer to where he lives, he messaged me he was going to come so I gave him my jersey, and in fact he brought his own jersey for me, too.

‘Osimhen is a nice boy, we’re from the same place. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.

He has that lion’s heart.

‘I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.’

Taribo Says Eagles Teammates Sneaked Women into their Hotel Rooms Night before Loss to Denmark Twenty two years after Nigeria’s infamous 4-1 drubbing in the hands Denmark in the second round of the France ’98 World Cup, the man at the heart of Super Eagles defence, Taribo West has attributed the loss to his colleagues’ having nice time with women sneaked inside their rooms rather than focusing on the next day’s football action.

“They were tired after overworking themselves the night before with the women,” former Nigeria star Taribo West confessed.

Former Inter and AC Milan defender said their antics were to blame for

defeat.

West revealed that some of his teammates snuck women into their camp before their 1998 World Cup game against Denmark, and says that was to blame for their lacklustre display.

Nigeria were one of the fairytale stories of the competition in France after surprisingly topping their group with six points ahead of Spain, Bulgaria and Paraguay.

The Super Eagles were paired against the Danes for the knock-out tie and were overwhelming favourites but failed to continue their astonishing run as an abject performance saw them

bow out as 4-1 losers.

After becoming one of the tournaments main talking points, West said players enjoyed the sudden attention they started to receive.

The former defender, well known for his outlandish haircuts, said his team-mates were too complacent for the game and had made themselves fatigued the night before.

Brian Laudrup and company went ahead just three minutes into the tie at the Stade de France and sailed into a four goal lead, with Tijani Babangida’s strike a consolation for the African side.

EFL to Play 113 Championship Games in 56 Days Football League clubs have been advised by the EFL to give their players a holiday and not to return to training until 16 May at the earliest, with the aim of restarting the season in June and completing the outstanding 341 fixtures, including play-offs, across 56 days. That would mean, for example, squeezing 113 Championship matches into an eight-week period.

The plan was outlined by the league’s chairman, Rick Parry, in a letter to clubs following an EFL board meeting on Wednesday. The caveat is that the EFL will continue to listen to government advice, which could scupper the proposals.

The Premier League is understood to have not yet issued any similar explicit guidance to its clubs on potential dates for restarting and completing the season. But when the suspension of the season was extended to 30 April that was done primarily to give players a break from having to constantly train. The league and its clubs are therefore hoping, similarly to the EFL, that subject to government advice they may resume training in May and potentially be playing matches again in June.

Parry advised Championship, League One and League Two clubs in his letter not to return to training until mid-May, acknowledging that they are dealing with “testing circumstances”. The letter was designed to provide clubs with some clarity amid the coronavirus pandemic. EFL matches are postponed indefinitely and are expected to return behind closed doors.

Parry said: “Whenever the decision is taken that it is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the league will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season, including play-offs and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided with an appropriate notice period to ensure they are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponements.”

The EFL’s thinking is based on teams playing twice a week – in midweek and at the weekend – over at least a five-week period. Championship teams each have nine matches to play, while some clubs in League One and League Two have 10 remaining games.

Sports Development, Peace Bond for World Unity, Says Oghomienor As the sporting world during the week marked the day for Sports Development and Peace in low key to flow with the universal mood of the times, many stakeholders, though commending the proactive and smart approach of various sports associations and bodies across the world to tame the recent global health challenge, use the opportunity to call on good spirited individuals, organisations and government to look inward, drive innovation, create enabling and supporting technological environment, inspire individual industry, encourage and support sound research projects, develop and put in place sustainable structures that will ginger effective development and endurable peace, believe to be the bond of love and unity of the entire human community.

One of the stakeholders, Leslie Oghomienor, a frontline sports administrator and the promoter of the elite Barca Academy Group Nigeria, at a teleconference stakeholders roundtable meeting said research statistics have shown that, countries with high GDPs and viable economic indices are nations with high education, health and development index.

He further stated that many countries are not affected, and are enjoying evenly spread development, sound national health, relative internal peace, progress and unity. These communities abound across the world. Many strongly believe that, Nigeria has, in all its ramifications, what it takes to be a humane superpower.

The national leadership and the full cooperation of those who at the front of the crisis shows that as a nation we have the capacity in all departments of human endeavours to excellently excel.

“For us in our organisation, we are driven by innovation that swings on the hinges of true human charity and spirit, grassroots sports development and youth development and re-orientation. Our sustaining mantra is, we excellently can, and with the help of God and you all our esteemed stakeholders we try to be the best we can. Keep par with global trends, without the breaching of our vision to help others live their dream. Like now, among other things we are doing, the Academy is sending our children exercises to do at home during this period. And we appeal to parents to give them their support during this off the field break and beyond. And from the pushing forward of so many global and local sporting activities and events, shows its positive impact on humanity as a whole. And the trends has shown that, sports is a good engineer for development, peace and unity,” Oghomienor said.

In addition, Oghomienor, revealed that the period avail parents, especially men with the opportunity to be fully involved in the academics, sports exercises, training and the upbringing of the children. Checking the children academic work, encouraging and helping during their exercise periods, paying attention to their interests, sharing in their challenges where there is any. Doing simple press-ups and other forms of exercise help strengthen the human body. Knowing full well that, a healthy, peaceful and united family is a strong bond and pillar for a developed, peaceful and progressively functional and united society.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for parents especially men, who strive to provide for their family to make up, by strengthening the bond of love and family, which we believe is the most reliable anchor for a loving and peaceful world where we are all stakeholders. You can see it is obvious that this April, we are not going for our annual Barca Academy World tournament, which our children won a trophy in the last outing. We are very well prepared, we are looking forward to winning more laurels.

What is affecting Spain, is touching us here, because humanity is one. In the Barca Academy worldwide children are taught to see themselves as one family. Thus, every child in the system knows that playing a game is not all about winning, and so is the human life,” he explained.

He stressed the need and the importance of all stakeholders to make a considerable effort to pay attention to government directives, and continue to work assiduously in their own little way to bring health, development and peace to the world in the soonest possible time, so that all nations can strive in their best.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾APRIL 11, 2020

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Emmanuel Dennis Can Brugge Ward off Pressure from English Clubs?

Emmanuel Dennis was crowned champions of Belgium after Club Brugge were last week named as league champions after the Belgian league decided to end the league season without staging the traditional championship playoffs. This may perhaps be the last time Brugge’s fans would be seeing this striker in the club’s blue and black colours except the eggheads of the Jan Breydel Stadium and resist pressure from Premier League clubs

S

heffield United continue to be linked with Club Brugge and Nigerian striker Emmanuel Dennis just as another Premier League is also in the hunt.

Having already signed one of Belgium Jupiler Pro League’s star players in Sander Berge, Sheffield United have been heavily tipped to return for another one of its leading lights and Dennis has been in exceptional form this season and scored twice at the Santiago Bernabeu as Brugge drew 2-2 with Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this season.

However, it appears that a former Blades boss is willing to rival Chris Wilder for the striker’s signature after reports in Belgium from media outlet Voetbalkrant claim that Dennis is attracting concrete interest from Newcastle United.

The report claims the Magpies would go ‘to great lengths’ to get the forward.

Just last month a Dutch news publication, Het Laatste Nieuws, claimed that the Blades were willing to go back in for the striker at the end of this current campaign after having a similar approach rebuffed last summer.

The 22-year-old would fit the bill perfectly for Wilder in terms of price, age and potential but there is a danger Sheffield could not only face stiff competition from fellow English sides but also European heavyweights.

German giants Borussia Dortmund are one of the sides that are believed to be considering a move for Dennis.

The 22-year-old is said to have caught the attention of Newcastle boss Steve Bruce who is looking for an alternative forward after club-record signing Joelington failed to justify the investment of the club in him.

Reports in the Belgian media revealed that Magpies are confident of persuading to move to England, but Club Brugge asking price could make the transfer drag on for sometimes.

Dennis joined the Club Brugge in 2017 and has scored 19 goals in 79 appearances for the club and won his first league title with the club this season.

Dennis has won two caps for the Super Eagles of Nigeria

and he was included in Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr’s 24-man squad for the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone before the game was postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dennis hit the season running when Club Brugge visited Real Madrid in the Champions League group stages at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu. Many had expected the Belgian side to return to their base with basket full of goals.

However, Nigerian striker had other ideas as he not only stun the Bernabeu faithful with a first-half brace, he also reminded them of their legend-Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 21-year-old Dennis trolled the 13-time European champions for the full 71 minutes he was on the pitch.

Not only did he score a fortuitous double in earning his side a 2-2 draw, he marked the achievements with a move made famous at the Bernabeu - Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siii’ celebration.

No Nigerian had ever scored multiple goals against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu until Dennis arrived the Spanish capital with Club Brugge and on an amazing night, the Super Eagles forward grabbed a brace to help the Belgians claim a crucial point at the home of the most successful club in the Champions League.

“Yes, I did a Cristiano Ronaldo goal celebration when I scored. I’ve been a Cristiano fan forever and I was very upset when he left Madrid. So I decided that if I scored in the Bernabeu tonight that’s what I’d do,” Dennis said after the game.

“Everyone expected them to beat us easily. We prepared for them, we believed and we had a good feeling.

“We took the lead with two goals, and obviously it would have been better to have beaten them too. I am a little bit disappointed in a way, but also happy that we won a point against a big team.”

The Adamawa-born forward was a constant threat for the hosts, with both stars linking up to open the scoring in Madrid.

Dennis disclosed Club Brugge’s game plan and how they were able to break Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane’s defence.

“We train a lot, we train hard and we came here to make Ramos and Varane run,” he added.

“They are defenders – defenders don’t like to run! Most teams come here and play in a block, but we broke from the block and worked like mad.”

Dennis made history by becoming just the third Nigerian to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Dennis, with his brace, also became only the seventh player to score multiple goals in a Champions League away match against Real Madrid, after Alessandro Del Piero, Alexandre Pato, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Lionel Messi, Mario Mandzukic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The 22-year-old however expressed his disappointment that Brugge could not earn a win despite his goals.

“The feeling would have been even better if we could have taken the three points home with us,” Dennis said after the match.

“Everyone expected Real to easily set us aside, but we prepared well and believed in our game. We believed we could pick something up here.

“When we were in front 0-2 it gave us a good feeling, but it was still in the back of our minds that such a top team could also straighten this out. I am slightly disappointed with this one point. But it is a good point because it was made in the Bernabéu. Real Madrid remains a big team.

The Nigerian international also took time to relive his goals against former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

“With the first goal, I wanted to control the ball so that the goalkeeper would lie down. But I missed my control so that my body was no longer in balance and I could work it in with my other foot.

“At the second goal, I checked the ball and wanted to make a decision right away, but I saw Courtois come out wild, so I decided to “chip” the ball. Which ultimately paid off.

“It is a shame that the goalkeeper turned out with a good save at the third chance. I didn’t want to shoot to that side but the goalkeeper drove me there. Whether I will have a tattoo placed since I scored here? I like to make jokes for the camera (laughs).”

Saturday, April 11, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A SO

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

NMA President to FG “There is nothing the Chinese doctors will do that can complement what we are doing. Nigerian doctors have been doing well so far. We have made our position known that we do not need these Chinese here at this time” – President, Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) Dr. Francis Faduyile, chastising the presence of Chinese medical team in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Lessons from My Presidential Bid of 2011

F

ellow Nigerians, let me start by wishing you a Happy Easter. For Christians, this is a very special, significant and symbolic season, as well as one of the pillars of Christianity. Jesus Christ was crucified in order for our sins to be washed away and for us to have a place in the bosom of our Lord on Resurrection Day. Please, enjoy your COVID-19 vacation quietly at home with family and pray for good health and better days ahead. That is why I have decided to take you a bit away from these dreadful and dire times when we are all fearful of what could happen next, and ask us to focus on what we should now call, normal times past.

My epistle today is about my Presidential bid in 2011. You may be wondering why now. I will try to explain in a jiffy. I have no plans of contesting again, except barring a miracle, something happens which makes me to take the plunge again. I know there is no such thing in the foreseeable future, but from this COVID-19 pandemic, I am learning that we can never say never! However, I’m aware of those who plan to try their luck.

Many of them are already making clandestine contacts and consultations. A brave few are more open and blatant about their aspirations.

I am not really concerned about the older generation. They seem able to hold their own and as the saying goes you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. However, I believe my epistle would be useful for the younger aspirants who may take many things for granted. The lessons I learnt were many and varied, but I will only pick a few and present them to you in easy to read and digest format. Unless you wish to contest for the fun of it, please read carefully before you become a serial contestant.

One. My first major error was to think Nigeria was America where Obama came out of the blues, took on the establishment with uncommon gusto, oratory, technology, charisma, carriage and comportment. Since the youths of every nation make up about 60 to 70 percent of the voting population and they grumble perpetually about the preponderance of geriatrics in politics, I was confident I could pull off a monumental upset in Nigeria’s political history. I was proved monumentally wrong. Nigeria is simply not ready for that kind of politics and will not be ready in 2023. It is a statement of fact! I say to the young guns out there, use technology, use your intelligence and charm, but do not forget to try and fit in as well. Some of the things still have to be done the old way. Not every voter is on social media. Indeed, the majority are not.

Two. My second assumption was as bad. I believed Nigerians truly detested the two or three leading parties at the time, PDP, ACN and CPC, and so would want a change of party and government. In actual fact, PDP was the only truly national party while the others were more regional in outlook and configuration. So, I headed to the Labour Party, determined to awaken the party from its slumber and make it a formidable fourth force. My permutation was simple. It should be easy to have all Nigerian workers under one banner and galvanise them into an impressive and intimidating workers’ party. In my abject naivety, I also presumed that the workers unions would help the Labour Party gather

Momodu with Tanko, his running mate in 2011 donations from members. I expected this to eliminate godfatherism and make members stakeholders in the polity. I was too Utopian.

Except the two main political Parties, APC and PDP implode as it is anticipated they will do, there is no third force. You must start to align yourself now and if there is an implosion it will become obvious pretty soon which of the Parties will have some sort of upper hand.

Three. I premised my every move stubbornly on working for a brand-new Nigeria with the elimination of the so-called “old cargoes!” I had linked up with the British Labour Party and they were ready to help with policy making in education, infrastructure, public health, agriculture and so on. They were also going to introduce my party back home in Nigeria to relevant Labour movements globally. When I returned and briefed my party leadership, I realised I was moving too fast for them. The reality on ground was starkly different from what I envisaged. I was approaching them from a theoretical rather than practical basis. What concerned the leadership was how they would fit into the scheme of things as they presently stood and not whether they could be a part of a grand history making epoch. Our young aspiring youths must combine theory with practical. As they imagine creative and innovative ways to develop Nigeria into the top nation that it should be, they must also realise that their dreams will never be fulfilled until they achieve their objective.

To do so, they must sacrifice some of their idealism.

Four. I assumed my party was going to field a Presidential candidate and that my popularity alone would carry me through.

But politics, especially in Nigeria, is more than mere popularity, it is a game of big money, and Nigerian politicians have no mercy, they take no prisoners when it comes to demanding their pound of flesh. Poverty and ignorance have combined and conspired to rub people of their souls. Therefore, seek ye first the kingdom of money and everything else shall be added unto it! I forgot that no one was more popular, with a cult followership, than Major General Muhammadu Buhari, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria, yet he could not win a Presidential election on his own, because he simply did not have

the wherewithal and neither did his followers.

He eventually won when the so-called “bad guys” supported him. Labour Party told me clearly, that they were not ready to field a Presidential candidate, after submitting my letter of intent, collecting my nomination form and, how can I forget, the mandatory nomination fees! This is another reason our young aspirants must join a mainstream Party.

Once you are accepted as candidate, the funds will flow. Nowhere else will you have access to the funding that the big guns have and accordingly you will not be able to reach the whole country. Poof goes your hopes!

Five. In utter frustration and desolation, I left the Labour Party. I had to think of the next Party to join and this decision wasn’t an easy one to reach. My next move was predicated on principle and ideology. I wanted a Party without much blemish. I still wonder what got into me that I thought I could import angels from heaven to take over the affairs of Nigeria. In retrospect, I think it was discarding this same mindset that catapulted Buhari back to power. I decided to join the National Conscience Party, which had previously fielded its founder, the gadfly, Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi as its candidate. After a keenly contested primary, I emerged winner and became the flag-bearer of my Party. A monumental mistake! I should have learnt from history. Gani was popular amongst the masses, even being conferred with the honour of Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), when his legal colleagues wouldn’t confer on him the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He eventually became one before he died. However, they did not vote for him. He lost his deposit woefully and so did I. Most Politicians are not saints, and none can survive without being associated with a mix of angels and demons. That is politics and it is one of the sad realities of life. There will always be a quid pro quo!

Six. I was elated and started my campaigns in earnest. With my team, we decided to mobilise funds from our seemingly enthusiastic youths. I was close to so many wealthy Nigerians but most of them knew from experience that I stood no chance of winning no matter how noble my intentions were.

They kept their wise counsel to themselves though! One day, I sent out about a thousand SMS to friends. Only two people responded and only one sent N200,000 to which I’m eternally grateful. A good friend now, Bob Olukoya, donated a vehicle without ever knowing me. If most Nigerian youths acted like him, the younger candidates would stand better chances. A few older and richer friends sent their bits and pieces in dribs and drabs, but nothing substantial enough to upturn the apple cart ever came my way. My ambition was thus dead on arrival. Everything pointed in the direction of a colossal failure, but I was determined to finish the race. Oh, let me not protect my media friends, they did not do well. Many of them were so hostile, so much so that I began to wonder what the problem was. Anyway. I had read somewhere that your biggest enemies sometimes are those living closest to you. So, I endured it all with equanimity and grace. Let me not bore you with all the shenanigans I faced. I must however set one record straight. The day of the election, I went out to cast my votes with many reporters in tow. I must give special

thanks to both Channels Television (they ran a live feed from my home) and the Bisi Olatilo Show for their professionalism and support.

My wife, her Mum, our Housekeeper and I left home together to the nearby school where we voted. There were two voting centres within the grounds. I voted at centre 23 while the others voted at 24. By evening a mainstream newspaper announced that my wife and those who accompanied me did not vote for me. This was plainly false.

Just imagine such cheekiness! I say to our youths, beware of some friends. Assume you have few. In politics, it is the order of the day to make new friends.

I’m grateful to all the youths who supported me against all odds, morally and/or financially.

They are too many to mention.

Seven. The major factors in Nigerian politics remain ethnicity, religion and loads of cash.

My prediction based on experience is as follows: The core North will do everything to retain power perpetually. Forget about any phantom zoning formula. If either of the two main political parties field a Southern candidate, the other will counter with a Northern candidate. Then we shall witness the unimaginable happening at the speed of light. The North will resist a Southern Muslim candidate as it will not normally want a Northern Christian as President or Vice President. In my view, they will consider such as Haram. Chief Abiola was forced to pick a Northern Muslim as Vice Presidential candidate because the North would not agree to him picking a Northern Christian. It would be easier for the North to support a Southern Christian as President or Vice President, but I’m almost certain that President Buhari may not want anyone to dismantle his unabashed favouritism towards the North, especially the Fulani. I foresee a lot of realignment in order to frustrate the South. I suspect that the thoughtless cash being carelessly flung around the Northern parts at this time is nothing but a way of enticing and corrupting the unverifiable poor people of that region, and a preparation for full scale obliteration of any Southern candidate in 2023. Anyone who doubts these postulations should just wait and see. The young contender, especially one from the South must bear this in mind and start calculating how to surmount this mega problem.

Eight. Anyone with eyes on the villa must be ready by now. Nigeria is still largely a country run by a cabal, some kind of Mafia. The young challengers must be able to persuade about 70 percent of the key Mafioso members including former Heads of State, a few revered and well-positioned monarchs, some Governors, and members of the privilegentsia, those I call the economic cabal, led by Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga Jr, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdulsamad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Theophilus Danjuma and others. Inevitably, there are also foreign interests, especially United Kingdom, United States of America and China. You may add Germany, Russia, Saudi Arabia and France.

They too keenly follow what is going on in Nigeria, because we will always affect their interests, being the most populous country in Africa, with the richest human and natural resources.

What I have just served you is the shape of things to come. Enjoy your weekend.

P333333 333 P33333333 33 L3333 33 THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 C3333 R3333A33333L33333Abuja: P33313S33333C33333 B3J333B3333333 D33333333S3333 33 L33W333J333N3333 E3333A3333 3 A33C3333333333333 33 POB33 547493I33333L33333EMAIL: 3333333 333333333333333 333333 333333333333333 3TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721323080229244853Abuja: T33308155555292308155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085 0811 181 308630811 181 308730811 181 308830811 181 308930811 181 30903ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: 33333333333 333333333333333