SATURDAY 16TH APRIL 2022

20 Days After, 68 Abducted Train Passengers Languish in Dungeon of Terrorists, Families Restless, Confused Relatives: We will resist resumption of train services without rescuing our loved ones Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and John Shiklam in Kaduna The 68 passengers abducted by

terrorists on March 28 after the bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna train are today 20 days old in the dungeon of the terrorists,

with families and friends accusing the federal government and security agencies of not doing anything tangible to

free them.

Yesterday, some relations of the abductees based in Kaduna State threatened to resist any

attempt by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to resume the Abuja-Kaduna train services without rescuing

their loved ones.

The terror attack also left Continued on page 5

Abubakar Umar to Buhari: Suspend Census, Focus on Security... Page 10 Saturday 16 April, 2022 Vol 27. No 9867

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World Bank in Latest ‘Africa’s Pulse’ Projects 2.7% Growth for Nigeria in 2022 Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The World Bank in its latest Africa’s Pulse, a biannual analysis of the near-term regional macroeconomic

outlook, has projected a 2.7% growth for Nigeria in 2022.

Of the region’s three largest economies - Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa - only Nigeria is projected to enjoy a fairly

good growth in 2022.

The report said growth in South Africa is expected to decline by 2.8 percentage points in 2022, dragged by persistent structural constraints.

Angola is projected to continue its growth in 2022, but at just 0.2 per cent.

"Angola and Nigeria are expected to continue their growth momentum in 2022,

up by 2.7 and 0.2 percentage points respectively, in part due to elevated oil prices and good performance in the non-oil sector. Resource-rich countries, especially their extractive

sectors, will see improved economic performance due to the war in Ukraine, while non-resource rich countries Continued on page 5

APC Holds Presidential Primary May 30/31, Gov May 23, Sale of Forms Opens April 22 NWC meets next Tuesday; emergency NEC meeting holds next Wednesday to ratify timetable/schedule of activities for primaries Charles Ajunwa in Lagos and Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja Ahead of the 2023 elections, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is now ready with the timetable and schedule of activities for the primaries for all elective positions, with its presidential primary proposed for May 30/31 in Abuja.

An emergency National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the party has also been scheduled for next Wednesday in Abuja for the ratification of the timetable and schedule of activities.

Ahead of the NEC meeting, the NWC will also meet in Abuja next Tuesday.

In an official letter to the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmood Yakubu, dated April 6 and signed by the National Secretary of the party, Iyiola

Omisore, (a copy obtained by THISDSY), the APC informed INEC about the dates and schedule of its primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 elections.

According to the letter, the primary elections for states’ houses of assembly hold May 11, while the House of Representatives will take place on May 16. Senate will hold on May 18, Governorship will take place on May 23. A National Convention to elect it presidential candidate for the 2023 election holds May 30/31.

Omisore states in the letter to Yakubu: This serves as a formal notification, pursuant to the provisions of Section 85 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended. Kindly arrange for your officials to monitor the exercise accordingly.

While hoping to receive your Continued on page 5

OGUN’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDA… L-R: Founder/Chief Executive Officer, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, United Arab Emirate, Gagan Gupta and the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, displaying the Memorandum of Understanding for a $400m Industrial Development Partnership Agreement signed by both parties at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta …yesterday

2023: Kinsmen Organise Walk for Osinbajo in Ikenne… Page 6

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Higher Food Prices Drive Inflation to 15.92%, Highest in 5 Months James Emejo in Abuja The Consumer Price Index (CPI) which measures inflation increased to 15.92 per cent (Year on year) in March 2022 compared to 18.17 per cent in March 2021, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

This is the highest level inflation had attained since October 2021, when it was recorded at 15.99 per cent before dropping to 15.40 per cent in November, 15.63 per cent in December, 15.60 per cent in January and 15.70 per

cent February.

Month on month, the headline index increased by 0.11 per cent to 1.74 per cent in March compared to 1.63 per cent in February.

According to the CPI figures for March, this implied that on annual comparison, the headline index slowed down in March 2022 when compared to the same month in the previous year.

Nonetheless, month-on-month, the food sub-index increased to 1.99 per cent in March, up by 0.12 per cent from 1.87 per cent in February.

According to the statistical agency, month on month, food inflation was highest in Anambra with 3.78 per cent, followed by Niger with 3.60 per cent and Zamfara 3.31 per cent in the month under review.

On the other hand, Oyo recorded the slowest rise on with -0.19 per cent followed by Jigawa and Ekiti with -0.10 per cent and 0.41 per cent respectively.

However, countrywide, the rise in the food index was caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, food product, potatoes, yam and other tuber,

fish, meat, oils and fats.

The average annual rate of change of the food sub-index for the 12-month period ending March 2022 over the previous 12-month average was 19.21 per cent or 0.48 per cent decrease from the 19.69 per cent recorded in February.

Month on month, the core sub-index stood at 0.98 per cent in March, down by 0.35 per cent compared to 1.33 per cent in February.

The highest increases were recorded in prices of gas, garments, cleaning, repair and

hire of clothing, shoes and other foot wear, clothing materials, other articles of clothing and clothing accessories, liquid fuel, fuels and lubricants for personal transport equipment and other services in respect of personal transport equipment.

Year on year, the core index , which excludes the prices of volatile agricultural produce rose to 13.91 per cent in March 2022, up by 1.24 per cent when compared to 12.67 per cent in March the previous year.

In addition, the Urban inflation rate also rose month

on month to 1.76 per cent in March 2022, up by 0.11 per cent compared to 1.65 per cent in February.

The rural index rose to 1.73 per cent in March, an increase of 0.12 per cent from 1.61 per cent in February.

Year on year, urban inflation increased to 16.44 per cent in March, showing a decline of 2.32 per cent compared to 18.76 per cent in 2021.

In the same vein, rural inflation stood at 15.42 per cent in March compared to 17.60 per cent in March 2021.

20 DAYS AFTER, 68 ABDUCTED TRAIN PASSENGERS LANGUISH IN DUNGEON OF TERRORISTS, FAMILIES RESTLESS, CONFUSED eight persons dead at the pleading with the terrorists to trust that they would address the government; that they Families: We Will He warned that the families scene, two others died in the allow them negotiate the release insecurity. This protest is not for have something with the Resist Resumption of of the abducted persons would hospital from gunshot injuries of their relations. the family members alone; it government. take it lightly with the NRC Train Services without not sustained, and with several One of the abducted family is for Nigerians generally. This “We don’t know what they if they go ahead to resume others still nursing their wounds members, Aliyu Mohammed, thing can happen to anybody.” want from the government. But Rescuing Our Loved operations when their relations in hospital. who spoke in Abuja last Some other relatives of the it’s now an opportunity and a Ones are still in captivity.

The terrorists had few days ago released a two-minute video, showing scores of abductees sitting in a forest, including men, women and children. Behind them was a group of gunmen standing in a line.

One of the abductees said in Hausa: “It is only us that know the dire situation we are in, there are women and children here; there are aged people with health challenges.”

In the video, the terrorists said the government knew what they wanted, threatening to kill those in custody if their demands were not met.

The video clearly showed the abductees in anguish. Some of them are believed to be carrying bullet wounds. They are being traumatised in a forest, amid mosquitos, hash conditions and many other dangers.

There is also a pregnant woman and some children with the terrorists in the very harsh environment.

Sources said the abductees were made to trek for five days, resting intermittently in transit camps, before they arrived at the main camp of the attackers around Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State.

The released Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, BOA, Alwan Hassan, while recounting his ordeal a few days back, said 41 women, 22 men, 5 kids were with the terrorists.

The federal government had assured that it would do everything necessary to ensure the release of those still being held hostage but families and friends of the victims said they had not seen anything concrete being done in this direction.

The families, who said the federal government and security agencies had not deemed it fit to get in touch with them, are

Thursday, begged the terrorists to give room for families to negotiate the release of their loved ones.

Mohammed said: “It is the families, and not the government, that will bear the brunt should anything untoward happen to the abductees.”

Also last week, some of the victims’ families staged a peaceful protest at the Radio House in Abuja, with placards appealing to the federal government to do more in ensuring that they are released.

Aliyu Mahmud, a relative of a seven-month pregnant woman, had said: “I have my sister who is seven months pregnant with her husband. Words cannot explain what they are going through and what we are going through. Please, the government should do the needful and let this come to an end as soon as possible.

“They should try as much as possible to reach out to the perpetrators and rescue our loved ones. There are children there, pregnant women, the sick, the aged and only God knows what they are going through.

“Whatever we do, we think of them. When we eat, we think of them. When we sleep, anything we do, we think of them. We are pleading with the government to please do the needful so that this situation will come to an end as soon as possible.”

Another protester, Aminu Uthman, said: “My immediate younger brother and his wife are among the victims. It is a nightmare and the most difficult days I have had in my life. I cannot sleep or eat. A lot of things are going wrong.

“The bandits called only once and they gave him the phone to speak to us. They are yet to make any request but they called to say he is with them.

We voted for this government because of insecurity. We had the

kidnapped victims also met in Kaduna early in the week and accused the federal government of insensitivity towards the plight of the abductees.

Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh, who led and spoke on behalf of the kidnapped relatives, said they were yet to establish contact with their loved ones or even the hoodlums since the incident on March 28, 2022.

He said: “It is better for the government to go into negotiation with the terrorists as they have demanded to secure the release of our loved ones alive.

“Since this incident happened, we expected that by now, the government, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Transportation are supposed to have identified relatives of the victims to tell us what effort they are making or not to rescue our loved ones unhurt.

“In fact, the primary duty of any government is to protect the lives and property of citizens. We believe our government can do it and it’s capable of doing it. Until a few days ago we had been expecting telephone calls from the abductors because that’s what they promised us but when we saw the video, they made it very clear that they want to discuss with

window for the government to rescue our loved ones by opening a channel of communication with them (terrorists). This is not out of place. It is done everywhere in the world.

“Even the US, Israel and the most powerful nations of the world, do negotiate when they have issues like this to preserve the lives of their citizens. This, we know our government can do and we are appealing to them to do it. We don’t know what is between them but it is something that can be resolved in the interest of the lives of Nigerian citizens. Life is very sacred even if it is one life that’s involved.

“We are appealing to the Nigerian government to do everything within its powers and it is something that’s not beyond the government to do.

We are appealing to them to come out to open a channel of discussion with the bandits and get our loved ones out as quickly as possible.

“We have been in serious anguish in the past 15 days.

Many of us have not been sleeping, we have not been sleeping. We are like living corpses.”

No fewer than 362 passengers were onboard the train at the time terrorists struck on March 28.

Families of some abductees on the Abuja-Kaduna train yesterday warned that they would resist any attempt to resume services on the route without rescuing their loved ones.

They also lashed at the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi for declaring for president days after the train attack, saying he was insensitive to the plight of the people and should resign.

The relations had earlier on Tuesday issued a 72 hour ultimatum to the federal government to ensure the release of the victims or be allowed to negotiate with the terrorists.

Addressing a news conference yesterday in Kaduna, leader of the families of the kidnapped victims, Dr. Abdulfatai Jimoh said after the expiration of the 72-hour-ultimatum, the federal government informed Nigerians that it started discussing with the terrorists.

He appealed to the government to speed up the negotiations, saying the families of the victims had been in trauma since the incident and urged the government to act fast.

Jimoh warned the NRC against the proposed resumption of train services without first rescuing the kidnapped victims.

APC HOLDS PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY MAY 30/31, GOV MAY 23, SALE OF FORMS OPENS APRIL 22 cooperation, please accept the assurances of my highest esteem.”

Another source told THISDAY last night that the ruling party would commence the sale of forms for the various elective positions on April 22 and end on May 7.

The source also revealed that for the states’ houses of assembly, the Expression of Interest form will cost N500,

000, while the Nomination form will cost N1, 500,000.

Aspirants for House of Representatives will pay N1 million for Expression of Interest and N4 million for the Nomination form, while those vying for Senate will pay N2 million for Expression of Interest and N8 million Nomination form.

The party also proposed N5 million for Expression of Interest

and N25 million as Nomination form for the governorship seat.

For the Presidential position, the Expression of Interest form is fixed at N5 million while nomination form is fixed for N40 million.

Already, those that have declared to contest for the presidential ticket of the APC are former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; former Governor

WORLD BANK IN LATEST ‘AFRICA’S PULSE’ PROJECTS 2.7% GROWTH FOR NIGERIA IN 2022 will experience a deceleration in economic activity,” said the World Bank.

In the report, the World Bank, estimates growth in Sub-Saharan Africa at 3.6 per cent in 2022, down from 4 per cent in 2021, as the region continues to deal with new COVID-19 variants, global inflation, supply disruptions and climate shocks.

The bank explained that recovery remained uneven, incomplete and was happening at varied rates of speed across the region.

It said this was due in part to elevated oil prices and good performance in the non-oil

sector.

It said: Excluding Angola, Nigeria and South Africa, regional growth is projected at 4.1 per cent in 2022, and 4.9 per cent in 2023. The Eastern and Southern Africa sub-region shows sustained recovery from the recession, at 4.1 per cent in 2021, down to 3.1 per cent in 2022 and settling around 3.8 per cent in 2024.”

The region’s growth challenges, the World Bank report said, are rising global commodity prices, which are increasing at a faster pace since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

It pointed out that as top

“Because human lives are involved, we believe they will not do that. We believe they won't because they know what is at stake,”Jimoh said.

Also speaking, Fatima Ciroma, whose sister is among those in captivity called for the resignation of Amaechi.

Dr. Abdulkarim Atta, who also has two captives with the terrorists, said they had contacted him 11 times, telling him that "they have their targets" in the in ill-fated train.

He added that the terrorist told him that it was unfortunate that other people were taken away by them.

Atta, whose 85 year old mother and sister are among those kidnapped, explained that he was given the opportunity by the bandits to talk to his aged mother and sister before the release of the Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Alwan Ali-Hassan.

He said further that in the course of his discussions with them during the phone call, the terrorists told him that the state governor, (Nasir El-Rufai) had been running his mouth and that was why they came to his doorstep.

According to Atta, the terrorists said the train attack was just the beginning and that they would go further than this.

world exporters of food staples - Russia and Ukraine - for a substantial share of wheat, corn and seed oil imports, all of which may be halted if the conflict persists.

While Sub-Saharan economies are also likely to be impacted by tightening of global conditions and reduced foreign financial flows into the region, the analysis notes that the high fuel and food prices will translate into higher inflation across African countries, hurting poor and vulnerable citizens, especially those living in urban areas.

The bank cited one point of concern as the increased

likelihood of civil strife as a result of food and energyfueled inflation, particularly in the current environment of heightened political instability.

“As African countries face continued uncertainty, supply disruptions and soaring food and fertilizer prices, trade policy can potentially play a key role by ensuring the free flow of food across borders throughout the region. Amid limited fiscal space, policymakers must look to innovative solutions such as reducing or waiving import duties on staple foods temporarily to provide relief to

their citizens,” said World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Albert Zeufack.

The report highlighted the importance of expanding social protection programmes beyond safety nets to strengthen economic resilience and responsiveness to shocks, particularly for poor and vulnerable households.

Recommendations include developing social insurance, savings and labour market programmes that contribute to economic resilience by protecting urban informal workers and help the population invest in their health and education.

of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha; Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi; Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello; the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and Mr. Ihechukwu Chima.

THISDAY gathered that the list of elected delegates used at the last National Convention of the party would be used for the presidential primary because of the exigency of time.

NEC Meeting Holds Wednesday Meanwhile, the NWC of the APC yesterday announced that it would hold an emergency NEC meeting next Wednesday in Abuja, “to consider the party’s timetable/schedule of activities for primaries for the nomination of candidates for the 2023 general election and other relevant business of the party.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Felix Morka, in a statement said the emergency NEC meeting would take place at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja and would commence at 10am.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

NEWS

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

2023: Kinsmen, Youth, Market Women Organise Walk for Osinbajo James Sowole in Abeokuta

Residents of Ikenne Remo, headquarters of Ikenne Local Government area of Ogun State, yesterday trooped out in their hundreds during a solidarity walk organised by the town’s development association, youth association and market women in the town in support of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for 2023 Presidential election.

The residents, who first gathered in front of the Ikenne Security Council office before moving to the palace of Alakenne of Ikenne, Oba Adeyinka Onakade, where

market women had also gathered, to seek prayers for Osinbajo’s ambition.

Addressing the supporters led by the Iyaloja General of Remoland, Mrs. Mercy Owolana and others who carried placards of various inscriptions eulogising the Vice President, Oba Onakade, described Osinbajo as a competent, knowledgeable, experienced and ideal person that Nigeria needs at this time.

The monarch said reports reaching him on the ambition of Osinbajo, clearly showed that the vice president was acceptable to most Nigerians.

He therefore enjoined the

indigenes of Remoland both home and abroad to embark on an aggressive campaign and see themselves as one on the Osinbajo’s presidential project.

The Osinbajo’s supporters later moved from the monarch’s palace and embarked on a solidarity walk through Tai Solarin’s Way singing and dancing.

Some of the placards carried by the youths and market women read: ‘Osinbajo is Most Experienced’; ‘Osinbajo’s Presidency will Bring Progress’;

‘Osinbajo 2023 Is Sure’; ‘Ikenne Remo Market Women Support Osinbajo’; ‘Ikenne Youths For Osinbajo’, among others.

While addressing the supporters, the President of Ikenne Development Association (IDA), Comrade Adedoyin Adesina, said Osinbajo, among the aspirants campaigning for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), is the most competent, experienced in terms of governance at the Presidential level.

According to Adesina,

Osinbajo had demonstrated his competence during the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari when he acted.

The IDA president therefore advised Nigerians to avoid making another mistake, saying moneybags would soon be trying to lure delegates.

He advised that Nigerians should vote according to their conscience by looking at the past record of Osinbajo for a better Nigeria.

Also addressing the gathering, the President of Ikenne

Youth Association, Arowolo Oluwafemi, said all youths in Remoland were ready to work assiduously in order to realise the presidential ambition of Osinbajo. Buttressing the position of the IDA president, Oluwafemi said Nigerians should consider competence and capability when casting their votes in the forthcoming election.

He called on APC delegates to shun money bags, who may want to buy their conscience with money and later throw the country into another problem.

INEC Restricts Voter Registration to State, LGA Offices in Imo Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Imo State has suffered a minor setback following the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend activities in all the 54 additional centres created to facilitate the registration of voters across the state.

The commission had Thursday suspended the registration of fresh voters in the Ihite Uboma Local Government Area of the state due to the attack on its staff that resulted in some casualties.

The electoral umpire had in a swift response to the unfortunate incident in Imo State in which its staff, Anthony Nwokorie was killed by gunmen in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area yesterday ordered the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the affected LGA. However, in another statement yesterday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, signalled a turn of events.

“The exercise will now be confined to our state and local

government area offices except in Orsu, Njaba and Ihitte Uboma where it is suspended indefinitely.

“This decision follows a further report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Francis C. Ezeonu, of threats to our staff involved in the exercise in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.

Earlier, the Commission had restricted the exercise to our offices in Oru East, Oru West, Orlu and Ohaji-Egbema local government areas.”

The said attack at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area resulted in the disappearance of two staff of the Commission involved in the registration exercise.

“Meanwhile, the Commission has now established contact with two of our staff missing after yesterday’s attack in Ihitte Uboma. They are safe and will soon be reunited with their families.

“The safety of staff remains a primary concern to the Commission. We will continue to ensure that no staff is put in harm’s way while working with the security agencies and community leaders to protect them and facilitate their work,” the statement assured.

Enugu-USA President Emeritus Denies Consent to Forum’s Letter to Ugwuanyi The President Emeritus of Enugu-USA, Mrs. Ife Sinachi Ugwuonye-Okechukwu, whose name was mischievously appended to an open letter to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State by Nigerian American Political Forum, has dissociated herself from the publication, saying she did not give her consent to it.

In a statement she issued, Mrs. Ugwuonye-Okechukwu, who regretted the ulterior motive of those behind the publication, stated: “I was very surprised, if not shocked at the content of the publication, and mostly about my name on it.

“The content of the message does not seem to be consistent with what the Nigerian American

Political Forum stands for.”

Pointing out that the organisation “is non-partisan”, the Enugu-USA President Emeritus said: “I want to believe that the writers did not take this fact into consideration.”

She commended Ugwuanyi for his magnanimity and leadership, and advised those behind the mischievous publication thus: “We should continue to encourage honesty of purpose in all of our endeavors, with dignity and respect for all humans, irrespective of social or political position.

“I hope that nothing like this would repeat itself,” she adds while beseeching God to continue to bless Enugu State and its citizens

YOU’RE WELCOME… L-R: Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan; Senate Chief Whip and Senator representing Abia North, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, yesterday.

Anyim: PDP Must Not Repeat the Mistake of 2015 Chuks Okocha and Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

Former Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF) and Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential aspirant, Senator Pius Anyim, has appealed to the PDP not to repeat the mistake it made that cost the party a fortune at the presidential election in 2015.

This is as he called on members of the party to take advantage of the situation in the country today to return the party to power next year.

Senator Anyim made the appeal yesterday in Abuja during a meeting with zonal leaders of the party from the six geo political zones where he advised that if the PDP was ready to rescue the country, its leadership at the national level must not only toe the line of equity,

justice and fairness but also close ranks towards producing its next presidential candidate The former Senate President also appealed to the party’s zonal excos to remain focused as they could be the deciding factor as to who emerge the party’s flag bearer for next year’s presidential election, adding that his experience at the presidency placed him in a better position to manage the affairs of the country.

He said: “The mistake that we must not make, is the mistake that was made in 2015. In 2015, some of us in the PDP, simply decided to pull out of the PDP and breakdown our members and we were plunged into darkness. That is why we are here. If we are to rescue the country, that is actually the rescinding mission that we have to undertake.

“For us to rescue this country, we have to reinvent ourselves as a party. We have to first set ourselves on the path of equity, on the path of fairness and on the path of justice. When we set ourselves on this part, then we would be able to lift our country on the pedestrian path where everybody would build on.

“One thing I actually want you to know that is actually the problem that we have today, is that we have not realised that politics is not just a game, that we are playing with the destiny of the people. We have not realised that politics is not just a game but the framework and the only platform under which a nation is built. When nation building becomes a game, you plunge the nation into darkness, and that is what we have today.”

Anyim, who promised to continue from where former President Goodluck Jonathan stopped, solicited the support of PDP’s zonal excos at the meeting, noting that their role might just be the game changer at the end of the day.

This just as he promised, like Goodluck Jonathan did, to draft the best heads to manage the economy.

Anyim continued: “Zonal excos may be the arm and frame that may decide who becomes the next president of this country.

“Please support me, return me to power, let me continue from where Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan stopped. We have a systematic plan to return the country on the path of peace and prosperity.

Gunmen Invade Soludo’s Community, Kill Policeman David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Unknown gunmen yesterday invaded Isuofia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State where Governor Charles Soludo hails from.

THISDAY gathered that one policeman was killed in the attack which happened at a junction leading to the governor’s house.

A source said the gunmen stormed the junction, where security operatives were stationed, attacking the operatives.

The source said the gunmen were angered by the idea of stationing a security post in the area.

“The hoodlums stormed the area, shooting non-stop, while residents scampered for safety.

“One policeman was however

killed in the process,” the source said.

The spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, could not confirm the incident, as calls to his mobile phone were neither taken nor returned.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

NEWS

Foreign Investment: Ogun Signs $400m MoU on Olokola FTZ, Agro Processing Zone James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Government has signed a $400m Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foreign firm, Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, on the development of Olokola Free Trade Zone and Remo Agro Processing Zone.

Governor Dapo Abiodun signed the` MoU with the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Arise Integrated Industrial Platform, Gagan Gupta, yesterday, at the Exco Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

Speaking shortly after the signing ceremony, Mr. Gupta, disclosed that his organisation would focus on the Olokola Free Trade Zone and the Remo Agro-Processing zone.

He explained that the $400m would be for the completion of phase one of the projects, saying

by July 2023, the investment would be higher.

According to him, his organisation would focus on developing the infrastructure at the Olokola

Free Trade Zone as well as the Remo Cluster Area and the Agro Cargo airport in the area of agro-processing.

Gupta who also noted that the intention of the group was to ensure that work starts on the industrial zone by the first of July this year, added that the group would also focus more on the upstream sector.

The CEO Arise Integrated Industrial Platform founder added that his company would bring equity to the floor by leaving 35 per cent open for national players and the state, saying “we would be glad to have Ogun State as a partner.”

“Our ethical moral is that we will have 65 per cent equity and leave 35 per cent open for the national players, including Ogun State. We want the state to be our partner and the state will take some equity and the national players will take some equity,” he stressed.

Gupta commended the level of information made available by the state government to his team when it came on an assessment

HURIWA Condemns Buhari’s Pardon of Ex-Governors Jailed for Corruption Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a civil rights advocacy group, has described as unnecessary and politically motivated the ill-advised and hasty decis i o n b y t h e P re sid en t Mu h a m ma du Bu h ari’ s led National Council of S ta te t o g r a n t pard on to tw o f o r me r g overnors jailed for corrupt p r a c t i c e s.

Senator Joshua Dariye f o r m e r g o ve r n or of P l a te a u State and Mr. Jolly Nyame of Taraba State, convicted for corruption,

were pardoned on health and age grounds when they still have several years to complete their jail terms.

Executive Director of HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko wondered how the President reached a consideration that at their relatively young ages, they were too old to be in prison confinement whereas there are thousands of awaiting trial inmates and convicted prisoners who were above 80 in Nigerian prisons whose offences are as simple as theft of chickens from their neighbours.

of the zones to be invested in.

“After visiting Ogun State for two weeks, we were very pleased by the amount of information that was shared. I must confess I had no expectation that the information woul be so readily available, it looked like we were dealing with the private sector and not government,” he submitted.

Responding, Governor Abiodun commended the company for choosing Ogun and noted that the project would not only create employment opportunities, but would be a training hub as the company would set up a technical training centre to train artisans for the sustenance of the project.

He said: “We are happy to find a partner that is Afrocentric; that understands the sub-region and all the issues that pertain to the people and is ready to spend over $400m. We are indeed very excited that you are in Ogun State.

“I am glad you are setting up two Economic Zones, one

in Olokola which will deal with mobility and automobiles and the other one, the Remo Cluster which will take care of agro- processing. We will support you and we will leave no stone unturned. Our support to you will be total. The infrastructure you will bring will lead to more investors coming to our state.”

FOR OUR CULTURE . . .

L-R: Former Senator Nimi Barigha Amange, Minister of State Petroleum Resources Chief Timipre Sylva and King Ebitimi Banigo Okpor XX1 of Okpoama Kingdom, during a boat competition...yesterday.

Fayemi Leads NGF’s Delegation to Kaduna over Insecurity The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, yesterday led a two-man delegation of the Forum to Kaduna State to commiserate with the government and people of the state on the recent Abuja-Kaduna train attack which claimed many lives, injured many people while several others were kidnapped.

Addressing the Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai, the NGF Chairman expressed deep sympathy to Kaduna State and its people and described the attack as “mind-boggling” because of the huge number of casualties and other fatalities.

Regrettably, he added, the criminals were audacious enough to also take away some hostages

which according to the NGF Chairman raises the state of insecurity in the region to the cusp of uncertainties, which has virtually thrown Kaduna in the mix.

The Ekiti State governor wondered if the entire crime was the handiwork of some enemies of the state government or its governor who is transforming the state to their chagrin and are

therefore working to distract the state from its path to development.

Fayemi said that everything was currently unnecessarily revolving around 2023, the election year, “which we are not even sure we will be alive to see with the prevailing state of circumstances,” and advised that more should be done towards securing the country.

2023: Archbishop of Lagos Tasks Electorate on Need toVote

Airline Operators Condemn Abuja Attack on Max Air Staff by Passengers

Mary Nnah

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has condemned the recent attack by some passengers it described as unruly on staff of Max Air and the wanton destruction of the airline’s properties due to a flight delay.

The organisation in a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, said the unfortunate development

The Archbishop Of Lagos, His Grace, Most Reverend Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure no Nigerian was deprived of the right to vote during the forthcoming elections, saying that INEC as well as the electorate should do everything possible to ensure they exercise their electoral rights by voting in the 2023 elections.

“We ask INEC to please ensure that people vote, in that people who have moved from place to place would not have lost the opportunity to vote because of their movements,” Martins said.

Speaking during the celebration of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos 2022 Chrism Mass at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos on Thursday, Martins cautioned that it was possible the citizens will be reluctant to vote in the forthcoming elections due to the fact that the efforts they made in voting in the leaders in the past did not

yield dividends of democracy.

He noted however that they should not allow the present situation in the country to dissuade them from exercising their rights to vote as this will determine their future.

He said, “We know the 2023 election activities are already in the air and the politicians have already started doing their things.

We know that much of governance has already been put on autopilot and politicians are doing what they know how to do best. We know that they are asking for our votes.”

“However, there is a strong temptation for us to say that our past efforts to voting¸ did not make our lives better, so why do we need to waste our time again? The temptation is to throw our hands up and surrender, but I urge you not to throw up your hands in surrender. It is true that there is the insecurity of lives and property, perhaps worse now than before.

Chinedu Eze

further heightened AON’s deepest concern and worry over the increasingly deplorable state of security and the rising threat to the lives of airline staff and their properties at Nigerian airports.

“The airport vicinity is a sensitive and sacrosanct environment where people are not allowed to behave in callous and uncontrollable manner. A situation where passengers are allowed to have access into sensitive restricted areas of the airport and attack airline staff

or prevent a plane from departing to other destinations because a particular flight is delayed or cancelled, puts the country in a bad light in the international community.

“Issues of delay or cancellation can be addressed in a civil manner without resorting to violence. The unruly passengers that went after Max Air and destroyed the computer reservation systems further exacerbated the problem for

other passengers going to other destinations. Such acts are completely unacceptable,” the statement said.

AON said it understands the frustrations whenever a flight is delayed or cancelled and “we apologise to passengers on behalf of airlines for such delays or cancellations.

It is however instructive to note that delays happen worldwide and there are conditions that cause them.”

Gov Sanwo-Olu Felicitates Christians, Preaches Peace, Harmony Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Lagosians, especially Christians in the state on the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, urging them to emulate his virtues of humility, perseverance and compassion.

The governor also urged the Christian faithful in the state to continue to live in peace and harmony with believers in other faiths, noting that good neighbourliness, selflessness

and patience were among the several lessons taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in his Easter Message issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, implored Nigerians, especially Christians to use the occasion to seek the face of God for continuous peace in Lagos State and end to insurgency and other insecurity challenges in Nigeria.

“I wish all Lagosians and Christians across the country and other parts of the world, Happy Easter as we celebrate God’s greatest sacrifice to mankind. Events leading to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ were epochal in the annals of Christianity and humanity. They remind us of his virtues of sacrifice, love, harmony and peaceful coexistence among humanity.

“As Christians, this period offers us an opportunity to

rethink our relationships as individuals, as communities and as a nation. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ typifies love, affection and tolerance. It also marked the end of evil and the beginning of good deeds. I want to urge us to emulate the virtues of Jesus Christ by positively impacting the lives of friends, colleagues, associates, neighbours and family members.

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

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NEWS Halts Attempt By ‘Delta South Abubakar Umar to Buhari: Suspend Okowa PDP Leaders’ to Endorse Oborevwori Census, Focus on Security Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A former military administrator of Kaduna State, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (rtd), has called on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to suspend its plan to conduct a national census scheduled for April 2023.

Colonel Umar, who is the Chairman, Movement for Unity and Progress (MUP), described the report on the planned census as shocking.

He said Nigeria was facing existential challenges epitomised by insecurity and collapsing economy.

Therefore, embarking on a census would amount to a misadventure and waste of scarce resources.

Umar therefore urged the government to suspend the planned census and focus its energies on securing the nation as well as the 2023 elections.

The statement signed by

Umar read: “The decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) to seek and gotten the approval of the National Council of State to conduct National Census in April 2023 must have come as a great shock to most well-meaning Nigerians.

“A country that is facing existential challenges such as unprecedented levels of insecurity, collapsing economy cannot have as one of its priorities the conduct of a

national census.

“We therefore urge the Buhari administration to suspend what will amount to misadventure and waste of scarce national resources.

“This administration should focus all its attention on securing the nation and conducting the 2023 elections.

“A National census at this point is certainly not a priority assuming that its conduct is possible,” Umar said.

WE FEEL YOUR PAIN… L-R: Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (left), and Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasiru elRufai, when Fayemi led a delegation of the forum to Kaduna State to commiserate with the government on the recent Abuja-Kaduna train in Kaduna… yesterday

Plateau Massacre: Lalong Finally Visits Kanam, Calls for Deployment of More Troops Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Plateau State Governor yesterday visited Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas over the recent killing of over 100 persons by terrorists.

Lalong, who was accompanied by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden; Secretary to Government, Prof.

Danladi Atu; Chief of Staff, Noel Donjur as well as heads of security agencies, including the General Officer Commanding, 3 Armoured Division and Commissioner of Police, said he was devastated by the senseless massacre of innocent

villagers in the affected areas.

Lalong, who was at the Palace of the Emir of Kanam, Muhammdu Babangida Muazu where he condoled with him over the unfortunate development, urged the federal government to do more by deploying security forces to the affected areas on a permanent basis as well as see to it that intelligence given to the security agencies is acted upon expeditiously.

The governor later visited injured survivors receiving treatment at the Kanam General Hospital, Dengi, where he sympathised

with them and directed that all their medical expenses be settled by the government.

Later at an interactive session with stakeholders at the Kanam Townhall, Dengi, the governor said he was in the area to get further briefing on the attacks and ascertain the situation of survivors.

He described the incident as regrettable and unfortunate, urging the people not to be dismayed as the government was doing everything possible to arrest those behind the attacks and ensure that the sad incident does not

occur again.

He added that, “Those who committed this heinous crime may think that they have escaped, but I can assure you that we will never allow them to go free no matter how long it takes. I am sure that God will also not allow them to go unpunished for taking the precious lives of others without reason.”

The governor reassured the people that the state was working with the federal government to find lasting solutions to insecurity on the Plateau, the North-central and entire Northern region.

“Work is ongoing on the Abuja-Kaduna rail tracks. The railway engineers are repairing the destroyed sections,” Deputy Director of NRC, Public Relations, Yakub Mahmood, told THISDAY last night. “I can’t say when the

work will be completed.”

On March 28, terrorists blew up sections of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track and attacked a Kadunabound train in the Kateri-Rijana area of Kaduna, a short distance from the train’s final stop.

The gunmen shot and killed some passengers, injured others and are still holding many of them hostage in the forest, compelling the NRC to suspend train operations on the AbujaKaduna route.

The 2023 gubernatorial ambition of the Speaker of Delta State House Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, may have hit the rocks as an apparently desperate move by a handful of influential politicians, under the auspices of ‘Delta South PDP Leaders’, to foist Oborevwori on Delta South senatorial district as the preferred aspirant of Governor Okowa collapsed yesterday.

THISDAY learnt that a meeting held at the Asaba residence of the Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, failed to realise its mission as Governor Okowa promptly stepped in to halt the meeting and to caution the so-called Delta South PDP leaders from proceeding in error and false ground.

It was further learned that the meeting was meant to hand-twist the governor into accepting the Speaker as the preferred choice successor to the office as the Oborevwori camp has been trying hard to create the impression that Okowa had anointed him already.

The Askia Ogieh group, which also has in its fold the current

Chairman of DESOPADEC, Hon. Michael Diden, who is also eyeing the Delta South senatorial seat currently occupied by another declared governorship aspirant, Senator James Manager, contrived the aborted endorsement meeting without regard to the aspiration of Senator Manager and another aspirant from the district, Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro.

Diden, who is popularly known as Ejele, and has reportedly attempted to intimidate former governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (an Itsekiri), from of the Delta South 2023 senatorial race by insisting that he was the right Itsekiri man for the job being the right-hand man of Okowa, was expected to be endorsed by the group too.

Chieftains of the party mainly of Isoko and Itsekiri extraction attended the meeting at Ogieh house in Asaba.

The failed meeting was coming on the heels of the alleged directive by the governor to get his aides and government functionaries down to the local government level to give the Oborevwori gubernatorial project all the support, and alleged express permission for the DESOPADEC chairman to bankroll his consultations and campaign.

GLO Felicitates With Nigerians at Easter, Sues for Love, Peace Digital services provider, Globacom, has felicitated with Nigerians as they join other Christians worldwide to celebrate this year’s Easter.

In a goodwill message sent by the company over the weekend in Lagos, Globacom sued for peace which, according to the network, is the fulcrum of the Christian faith. It said WKDW &KULVW RͿHUHG KLPVHOI as propitiation for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal exemplar of peace on earth and goodwill to men.

According to the company, Christ preached love towards mankind. His ‘love thy neighbour as thyself’ sermon has been adjudged one of the shortest but most profound teachings by which man can

dwell without rancor with others.

“If we all embrace this teaching, the ills in our society will be greatly reduced, if not totally eradicated,” Globacom opined, adding that Jesus &KULVW VDFULÀFLQJ KLPVHOI for the sins of mankind is the greatest act of love ever known.

The company called on Christians to extend the same love Christ demonstrated in their dealings with others.

The network promised unhindered voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations while encouraging subscribers to avail themselves of the various GDWD DQG YRLFH RͿHULQJV RQ the network.

Guild of Medical Directors to Reposition NRC Begins Repair of Damaged Sections of Abuja-Kaduna Rail Track Members Via Leadership Summit in May Bennett Oghifo

Sections of the Abuja-Kaduna rail track that were destroyed by bandits on March 28 are being repaired, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has said.

FCT Minister Visits Marwa, Backs NDLEA on Drug War Minster of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello has expressed his preparedness to continue to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its renewed war against drug DEXVH DQG WUD΀FNLQJ RI LOOLFLW substances in the country.

He expressed the commitment during a visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed

Buba Marwa (Retd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja weekend.

In his welcome remarks, Gen. Marwa thanked the minister IRU KLV XQÁLQFKLQJ VXSSRUW IRU the Agency and commended him for his good work in the nation’s capital territory. He said the NDLEA has remained steadfast with outstanding performance in drug control HͿRUWV DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ WR

save the youths, families and communities from the drug scourge.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has taken the lead DQG LQ RXU HͿRUWV WR DFWXDOLVH the presidential mandate of eliminating the menace, we need more support from all stakeholders and every citizen”, the NDLEA boss stated while urging the minister to give more logistics support to the

DJHQF\ WR HͿHFWLYHO\ FDUU\ RXW its mandate in the FCT. He said with 10% drug use prevalence in Abuja, the Agency KDV UHPDLQHG RQ WKH RͿHQVLYH against cartels in the capital territory with the arrest of 142 suspects; conviction of 53 offenders; 66 users counselled and rehabilitated and 760 kilograms of illicit substances seized, all ZLWKLQ WKH ÀUVW WKUHH PRQWKV of the year.

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja In a bid to ensure it remains a strong partner in the Nigerian healthcare sector and equip its members to function better in line with current economic realities, the Guild of Medical Directors will be organising a leadership summit in May this year.

The President of the Guild of Medical Directors, Dr. Raymond Abiodun Kuti, who unveiled plans for the summit said the aim is to reposition, stimulate a vibrant and dynamic private sector able to withstand the current economic downturn and still deliver superlative healthcare.

Kuti, who made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja, noted that the summit scheduled to

hold next month will provide an opportunity for members to network as well as gain fresh insight through handson workshops and practical business sessions to take their practice to a new level.

According to him, “The event’s aim is to among other things, bring Guild members in Nigeria together for more strategic engagements as the GMD needs to be at the table with government and its agencies when critical policy decisions are being made.”

Kuti, however, urged owners of private hospitals to endeavour to attend as the summit will show them how to deliver uncompromised quality healthcare and at the same time, not compromise the health of their patients.

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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APRIL 16, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

AT LEKKI, NO JUSTICE, NO TOLL

Rather than work to seek peace, Lagos State is working through LCC to inflict more hardship on citizens, writes ‘Yemi Adamolekun “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

- Desmond Tutu (South African Cleric, Anti-Apartheid Advocate & Nobel Laureate) n April 1, 2022, Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC), a company 100% owned by the Lagos State Government since 2014, resumed tolling on the LekkiIkoyi Link Bridge. Its public statement said there would be two weeks of grace as they test the new technology at the toll plaza and toll collection will start Friday, April 15, 2022. When the announcement was first made in March, there was anger, sadness, frustration, and the recurring feeling of being voiceless, invisible, and hopeless.

For most citizens, the issues were two-fold. One, timing. Given Nigeria’s current socio-economic reality, adding another cost that could serve as a trigger for civil unrest seemed obviously unwise.

Let’s look at Nigeria’s socio-economic environment in numbers: According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), unemployment is at 33% while youth unemployment is at a staggering 42.5%; and when you add youth under-employment, you have 63.5% of youth either unemployed or underemployed. Also, Consumer Price inflation (CPI) is currently at 15.7% resulting in increasing cost of food compounded by increased cost of electricity, fuel and diesel. In addition to all of this, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is on strike, meaning students are at home, with other unions threatening to go on strike.

Two, while Lagos State complied with the directive to set up a Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality, it has undermined the report of the panel and failed to engage nor make public the implementation plan of the recommendations that it accepted from the report. Of the 32 recommendations made by the panel, 11 were accepted; six were accepted with modifications; 14 were forwarded to the federal government and one was rejected.

When LCC announced that the Lekki-Epe Toll Plaza would be reopened in February 2021, there was an immediate response with citizen protests. The Nigeria Police had also learnt nothing from the #EndSARS protests as they tortured, humiliated, dehumanised and abused those they arrested, with the boldness to record their actions for public broadcast, fully confident that they will face no consequences. No police officer has been disciplined for clear illegal acts as their actions violated several laws through their abuse of power.

Therefore, as matters relating to the #EndSARS protests, which led to the termination of tolling activities in the first place are unresolved, tolling is inappropriate and disdains those who were injured or died following the army’s actions at the Lekki-Epe Toll Plaza. I have heard the stories of some of these citizens who died, and I have seen the pictures and videos that were presented as evidence before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry.

However, as discussions continued, other issues were added.

The Head of Service for LASG, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, admitted that LCC was owned by Lagos State while the MD of LCC, Yomi

O

WITH ELECTIONS AROUND THE CORNER, RISING INSECURITY IN LAGOS AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY, COMBINED WITH NIGERIA’S PRECARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, ANY ADDITIONAL TRIGGERS THAT PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO EXPRESS THEIR ANGER AND FRUSTRATION SHOULD BE AVOIDED

Omomuwasan, said LCC was a private enterprise. Both statements were made under oath. The deceit continued during Mr Omomuwasan’s Zoom Meeting with Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) members and other stakeholders including a traditional ruler on Monday, March 14, 2022. In the meeting minutes captured by Gbemi Adelekan for the LERSA Secretariat, “... the MD stated that LCC is a private company that has continued to incur costs including maintaining over 500 workers in employment, providing essential services to the community including ensuring sanity on our roads. He mentioned that the company was being considerate by not introducing toll fare on the two tollgates, by providing an alternative road for users that would want to avoid paying toll on the Link Bridge, until the ongoing road dualization of the Oniru alternative road is completed.”

According to the LCC’s website, the LASG, “... acquired the shares/ equity of the previous owners of LCC in December 2014.” It was therefore clearly misleading that LCC presented itself to LERSA members and Lagosians through several media rounds, press statements and articles as a private company. Thus, as a public company, all the services that LCC provide in the Lekki-Epe corridor are as of right to taxpayers, not a favour from a private company!

The Lagos State government has consistently fought the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011. As such, the finances of the state are opaque, and this includes LCC. Since it became a government entity in 2014, its revenues and expenses are unclear.

How much is left on the loan and how long will it take to pay it off?

The MD of LCC and Governor Sanwo-Olu have promised at different times to make the finances of the Toll Plazas public, but that is yet to happen.

The Lagos State government and LCC have engaged Lagosians, not just Lekki residents, in a dishonest manner. The Zoom meeting LCC hosted was only accessible to100 people! They were forced to host a town hall meeting on Wednesday, March 30th just one week before the test run of the tolling technology. I attended the town hall meeting and challenged the Commissioner of Information & Strategy that the tolling was presented as a fait accompli as none of the issues raised - ownership, transparency, court judgement and #EndSARS - were addressed. Rather than work to seek peace, Lagos State is actively working through LCC to inflict more suffering and hardship as it denies its citizens justice. Tolling is now supposed to start today Saturday, April 16 - Easter weekend. It’s instructive to note that #EndSARS did NOT feature in the discussions between the Governor and the two Lekki residents’ associations. The outcome was a negotiation on the “discounts” for Lekki residents.

With elections around the corner, rising insecurity in Lagos and across the country, combined with Nigeria’s precarious socio-economic environment, any additional triggers that provide an opportunity for citizens to express their anger and frustration should be avoided. If protests are allowed to happen by the refusal of Lagos authorities to be wise in this situation, the residents, and businesses in Lekki will be the most affected. That should be avoided.

Adamolekun is the Executive Director of Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE Nigeria)

CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECTED INTELLIGENCE Tukur Tarauni writes that the tragic train incident could have been avoided

T

he tragic attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train was a disaster expected to happen and eventually allowed to occur, regardless of the certainty of human tragedy. This presents an unfortunate twist in events connected with the nation’s protracted battles against terrorism and lays bare the web of human failures that account for the steady escalation in the intensity and forms of insecurity over the years and the looming prospects of worst case scenario.

Notwithstanding this deplorable development, there is consolation in the reassurance of the efficiency and resourcefulness of the intelligence gathering agencies as repeatedly testified by Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State with particular reference to the proven capabilities of the DSS in providing actionable intelligence regarding movements, locations and communications of the forest dwelling bandits and terrorists. This achievement represents a significant strategic advantage that should have been decisively deployed by the military arrowheads of kinetic operations for rapid and robust reversal of the dismal outcomes that often overshadow success stories. It also narrows the scope of probing the weak links and possible sabotage in the counter-insurgency operations.

Failure to utilize actionable intelligence negates the essence of intelligence gathering as a fundamental input for law enforcement and national security strategies and operations but the covert environment masks the deliberate or inadvertent neglect of actionable intelligence as a factor in the failure of counter-insurgency and other initiatives towards law enforcement and national security objectives.

In such circumstances, the entire spectrum of counter-operations is overtaken by disinformation, blame games, frustration and discord, which creates distractions and loopholes that terrorist groups explore and exploit with bravado.

The prevailing trend of the war against insurgency and banditry has defied all expectations and thrown the populace into desperation and gloom in contemplation of imminent collapse of national security. The daring and disastrous attack on the Kaduna-Abuja train raised tension to hysterical levels as worst fears of triumphant terrorists holding the nation to ransom resurfaced. But in a rapid unraveling of the intriguing situation, unthinkable precedents re-defined the attack as a scandalous case of willful negligence of critical security advice and bureaucratic ineptitude over urgent issues of public safety and interest, among other lapses.

It was infuriating to listen to the MD of the Railway Corporation, Engr. Fidet Edentalen Okhiria, trivializing critical security alert and advice from intelligence agencies about the suspicious movements of terrorist elements in the vicinity of the rail lines between Rijana and Kateri, which had witnessed previous incidents of stone-throwing and detonating explosives on the rail line. He dismissed the Kaduna State Government’s two written warnings, issued in December and January, against continuation of the late evening service that traverses the area in pitch darkness, awkwardly arguing that there is no night service and taunting the military for not going after the terrorists when they were sighted. Okhiria even retorted that the Corporation should be left to do its job, adding that suspending the night service would amount to victory for the terrorists.

Even more preposterous were the comments of the Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who reduced the human tragedy to a financial and bureaucratic fiasco, after admitting that he too expected the tragedy and “I warned that lives will be lost”. Like the NRC MD Okhiria, Amaechi was more concerned about the failure of his bid to get FEC approval for a N3billion project for “digital

security equipment” for the rail lines, lamenting that “when you come with sincerity to government and your colleagues and people are stopping you, it is annoying.”

But that was only his failed bid to divert attention from the more outrageous fact that his N3billion contract was riddled with so many holes that other ministers in the FEC declined from approving it. As if that was not bad enough, Amaechi failed to remedy the flaws, such as introducing a company that had no record of experience in “digital security equipment”, and represent the contract for approval since September last year, only for him to start wailing in March after the tragedy he knew would claim lives had happened! Lord have mercy !

The callous impunity and gross negligence of duty that is paraded by otherwise responsible top federal government functionaries in these narratives lays bare the real trouble with Nigeria—an attitude of arrogant incompetence among Nigerians in positions of public trust and responsibility. Both Okhiria and Amaechi have flippantly owned up to knowingly refusing to do the needful to act in the public interest in response to knowledge of looming avoidable threat to lives of hundreds of train passengers and destruction of rail infrastructure.

Even after nine lives were lost and over a hundred passengers kidnapped, they still had the guts to defend their cluelessness and sadism. What cannot be trivialized is that Okhiria’s decision to continue dispatching trains into pitch darkness in spite of previous incidents and repeated security warnings and Amaechi’s refusal to remedy the flaws in his proposal and represent to the FEC as directed, combined to actualize an avoidable human tragedy plotted by terrorists. It remains to be seen whether the legal counsel of Femi Falana (SAN) will also be trivialized: “Since both of them

knew that the tragedy that befell the nation last week was waiting to happen and did not adopt measures to prevent it, the President should direct the Inspector-General of Police to investigate and prosecute them for criminal negligence. Meanwhile, both of them should not be allowed to continue to risk the lives of train passengers in the country.”

Tragic as this is, there is a larger dimension with more disturbing dimensions to the emerging reality of unthinkable threats to the war against insurgency from unlikely quarters within the nation’s security infrastructure. Governor El- Rufai, whose frankness on thorny national issues has become a veritable fuse that trips spontaneously, let another cat out of bag of matters arising from the terrorist attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train when he asked the mother of all questions thus: “Why do we always wait for them to strike before we go after them? Why can’t we go to where they are and kill them? We know where they are. We have the maps as the military knows, the policemen know and everyone knows.

The DSS is giving us a report every time. Where are our soldiers? Why have they not done it? “ These multiple questions had the effect of an IED on the many unanswered queries that have been hanging over the military’s inconclusive encounters with insurgents and bandits alike. The recurring debacle has always been the military’s defensive obsession even in the face of daring and unrestrained assaults by the enemy on troops, tanks and bases.

Thanks to Governor El-Rufai’s candid outbursts, the frequent excuse of “intelligence failure” has been downgraded, if not eliminated. News reports have since added the detail of failures to act on orders to “go after” the terrorist insurgents at their identified strongholds. This indicates negligence of actionable intelligence and lawful orders of the worst type, occurring on the battlefronts!

Tarauni writes from Kano

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APRIL 16, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

How long will they wait?

Justice for Mubarak Bala

Insecurity and the 2023 Elections

A

s the 2023 general election is fast approaching, so also is worsening insecurity in the country. Aspirants from various political parties are emerging in numbers in preparation for next year’s polls. This is democracy in action. However, the incessant killings in the country have raised serious questions as to whether our desperate politicians have ever stopped, pondered and assessed the threat posed by insecurity for their 2023 ambitions. It seems the country has been divided into two. One is being controlled by the terrorists and the other

by Nigerian government. The Sultan of Sokoto and other religious leaders have expressed fear on the likely conduct of 2023 general elections. They based they arguments on the deteriorating insecurity in the country with government looking helpless. The recent attacks on Abuja-Kaduna train by suspected members of Ansar ud deen terror group has further indicated Boko Haram expansionism.

The terror group which suffered massive onslaught by our gallant soldiers and presently in disarray must have moved to north-west states. The movement of Boko Haram to some north-west states and part of Niger State did not come to many Nigerians as a surprise. Sometimes last year, the Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, raised the alarm over the presence of Boko Haram in his state. The governor warned that the deadly terror group is few kilometers away from Abuja. The shocking statement from the governor who happens to be the chief security officer of his state must have forced government to deploy security officers to scoop necessary intelligence gathering. But, I don’t think the federal government has acted on the governor’s claims to arrest the situation. Now, Niger State is at the mercy of rapacious bandits cum Boko Haram who have continued to sack communities. In the south east, the security situation is not different from the north. The region has been battling IPOB. The secessionist group, through its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), has held some states to ransom. The group which assumed state role has since declared Monday as work-free day and directed law abiding citizens to remain in doors.

Public places, banks and markets have to obey the draconic order for their own safety. Besides free day declaration, the arsonists have been attacking security formation and innocent people on daily basis.

There is no doubt, the country is waging a survival war from violent activities of non-state actors. While the country is gradually moving to a failed state, our politicians are busy scheming how to be or remain in power. They don’t give a damn about the escalation of tension or how Innocent lives are being wasted. This reminds me of the recent sermon

by Sheik Khalil, former Imam of Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. In his Friday sermon, the Islamic cleric advises

Nigerians not to come out and vote in the 2023 elections unless government agrees to protect them. There is nothing wrong with his sermon. He has just called the attention of government to live up to its basic responsibilities. The primary function of government is to protect lives and properties. However, government is no longer performing these constitutional duties. It has become imperative to say, nowhere is safe in the country. Our roads, airports and rail stations have been targeted and attacked by the terrorists. Our rural communities which serve as the food basket of the country have become ghost of their former selves.

Elections can only be conducted in peaceful and secure environment. Evidences suggest, unless security improves, the country will go to poll with more corpses. There is no gainsaying the fact, dead people don’t vote. Elections are meant for the living. It is quite disturbing that most of the aspirants do not have the blueprint on how to tackle the insecurity bedeviling the country. When the Buhari administration came on board in 2015, it promised to secure the country. One year for the administration to go, security has worsened under its watch. For the 2023 elections to hold and the living to vote, the government should quickly stem the growing tide of insecurity in the country.

Ibrahim Mustapha, Pambegua, Kaduna State

I

t was with much sadness and surprise that the humanists in Jos, Plateau State received the news of the judgment handed to the President of the Humanists Association of Nigeria – Mubarak Bala by the presiding judge of a high court in Kano State.

Mubarak Bala is an ex-Muslim cum Atheist, who had denounced Islam sometime in 2014. He has since taken to social media to criticize some Islamic teachings and practices which didn’t sit well with some devotees. He was later arrested after being kidnapped from his home in Kaduna State on April 28, 2020, and taken to Kano State.

He was held incommunicado against his fundamental human rights for 706 days by religious fanatics in the guise of the Kano State government. He was denied bail and visit from his wife, son, friends, and well-wishers. His physical and mental health deteriorated from pro-

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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 SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

longed incarceration among other inhumane treatment he received while held in detention.

His case was once again heard on the 707th day of his incarceration and judgment was delivered on that same day, Tuesday, 5th of April, 2022. He was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty – against the advice of his counsel and legal team – to 18 count charges bordering on blasphemous and inciting posts he made on his social media page(s).

You may now be tempted to execute the following pirouette: He shouldn’t have criticized or talked about other people’s religious beliefs and/or practices? But we have to admit that religious beliefs are mere ideologies that have been passed down for many generations. As such, when such ideas are challenged through criticism, people shouldn’t be killed or maimed or incarcerated or imprisoned.

And yet that is exactly the society we are living in. This is the woefully irrational world that religious fanatics and extremists are working so tirelessly to create.

It is terrible that we will all die and lose everything we love; it is doubly terrible that so many human beings suffer needlessly while alive.

Devout Muslims are as convinced as they could be that their religion is perfect and that any deviation or criticism leads directly to hell and every debate about public policy is subverted to the whims of ancient authors. This is a horrific misappropriation of our material, moral, and intellectual resources.

We, therefore, call on the Kano State government and the federal government to see to it that Mubarak Bala is freed from all religiously coated charges. We ask for justice for Mubarak Bala.

Humanists in Jos, Plateau State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

NEWS Kwankwaso Moves to Pick NNPP’s Presidential Ticket Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

I APPRECIATE… Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe (right) appreciating an art work from the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ihab Ahmed, during his visit to NCAC headquarters in Abuja...recently

LCC Postpones Resumption of Toll Collection on Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge Bennett Oghifo Lekki Concession Company Limited (LCC) has postponed the resumption of toll collection on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge which was scheduled to begin today, April 16th, 2022, “after several engagements with critical stakeholders.”

A new date for toll collection at the Ikoyi Link Bridge Toll Plaza would soon be announced, the LCC said.

According to a statement signed by the Managing Director of LCC,

Yomi Omomuwasan, “the company decided to delay the resumption of toll collection for further consultations with key stakeholders in the Eti-Osa, Lekki area, in a bid to address their concerns and arrive at a mutually favourable resolution of all issues. Besides, the shift will give customers more time to register for the electronic devices.

“As a responsible organisation, we must take full cognizance of everyone within the axis. Therefore, we want to continue with the ongoing engagements with our stakeholders,” Omomuwasan said.

“The preparatory operations to resume tolling on the Bridge have been smooth so far, and we are grateful to all the key stakeholders for their cooperation. The planned commencement of toll collection has now been postponed, allowing more of our customers to register for the electronic toll devices to enable seamless passages at the toll plaza.”

Omomuwasan said this development was coming after a series of meetings in the last week between the management of LCC and key stakeholders, including residents’

associations.

“The first of such meetings was presided over by the Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, after which LCC and the residents’ associations met on two occasions.

Talks with key stakeholders will continue, whilst a new date for toll collection will be announced soon,” the statement said.

On Monday this week, LCC had sent out an app for download by customers for “Quick Account Management” in preparation for the usual cash-free tolling on the bridge.

Monarch Docked Over Alleged Murder in Ondo Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Obalogun of Igoba, a traditional head of Igoba community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Adinlewa Adeniyi, has been arraigned over the alleged murder of the former Elemo of Igoba, Aladegbaye Johnson.

Chief Adeniyi was docked on Thursday at the Ondo State High Court (Court 7), sitting in Akure, the state capital.

The traditional ruler was charged alongside Chief Adegbola

Omoye and Adegbayi Ayoola over four counts bothering on conspiracy, murder, grievous harm as well as intent to cause grievous harm and prevent arrest.

According to the charge sheet, they were alleged to have caused the death of Aladegbaye Johnson on August 4, 2021 at Aleo and Imolumo, Igoba in the Akure, DIWHU VHYHUHO\ EHDWLQJ KLP DQG ÀVW blow on the jaw of Aladegbaye Johnson and Peter Akomolafe.

On conspiracy, the accused were alleged to have commitWHG DQ RͿHQFH FRQWUDU\ WR DQG

punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006, while on the second count charge, they were alleged to have committed murder, contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State, 2004.

Counsel to the accused, Mr. Oladan Olawale told the court WKDW KH KDG ÀOHG D EDLO DSSOLFDWLRQ on March 22, 2022 but it was refused by the Prosecution, on ground that the document was

not dated.

He said, “The law of the land is very clear, that every citizen of Nigeria has a right to complain with the police and after investigation, the police have a right to bring such before the court, having established the prima facie case and that is what the complainant has done in this matter.

“However, the same law provides that every accused person is presumed innocent until the otherwise is proved. That is the essence of the provision of the law relating to bail.

Nigeria, Egypt to Sign Mou Soludo Invites Okpoko, Onitsha Landlords on Arts, Crafts Development Whose Houses are Marked for Demolition Nigeria and the Republic of Egypt have agreed to deepen their bilateral cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ways of developing their arts and crafts sector.

This is one of the decisions reached when the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, received in audience a delegation from the Republic of Egypt led

by His Excellency, Ambassador Ihab Ahmed in his office.

The ambassador remarked that he had been following the activities of Otunba Runsewe who has positively projected the image of Nigeria home and abroad within the culture and tourism space adding that the NCAC boss is working very hard to transform Nigeria’s rich and

diverse cultural heritage into a viable economy.

The envoy, who stated that there were a lot of similarities between both countries in the area of arts and culture added that the Republic of Egypt was exploring ways of strongly collaborating with Nigeria through the NCAC to create a platform to showcase both country’s rich cultural heritage.

He further revealed that the Egyptian Embassy was working on an action plan which would enable Runsewe and his management team to visit the Republic of Egypt to see the enormous opportunities in the arts and culture sector which will culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for its development.

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo has invited owners of buildings in Okpoko and parts of Onitsha, whose houses have been marked for demolition by his government.

Soludo had after his swearingin on March 17 commenced work the following day at Okpoko, an area near Onitsha which has been said to be the largest urban slum in Nigeria.

The governor had promised to ensure sanity in the area and also give residents a good life.

He followed it up by clearing refuse dumps in the area and also promised to ensure the opening of Sakamori drainage in the area, which also led to

the marking of some buildings sitting atop drainage channels for demolition.

The governor in a message signed by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, announced that he will meet with all owners of buildings marked for demolition on April 20.

The message read: “The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo is inviting to a meeting all the landlords whose houses are standing on the path of Okpoko Sakamori, and other drainages in Ogbaru, Onitsha North and South which have been marked for removal.

“The meeting will hold on Wed. 20th of April at Onitsha 6RXWK /RFDO *RYHUQPHQW R΀FH by 12 noon. Please be prompt.”

Former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said that he would formally make his next political ambition known early next week.

Addressing journalists at his residence in Abuja yesterday, Kwankwaso said “Nigerians are angry over the current state RI DͿDLUV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ DQG DUH seriously seeking a change in the manner things are done.”

He said having concluded consultations on his future political ambition, he would formally declare his bid for Presidency early next week.

“I have been consulting widely with friends and Nigerians of diverse interests and the outcome has been positive. I will be informing Nigerians of my political ambition sometime early next week,” he said.

Kwankwaso said he had realised that the members were all strange bed fellows whose ideologies have no similarity.

Kwankwaso said his new party, the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) has a philosophy and ideology which he can identify with.

He said that with NNPP, Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief from the badly managed economy and security situation in the country.

The politician said that the support for NNPP had been very overwhelming with the kind of response witnessed during the recently concluded membership registration drive.

According to him, Nigerians desire a real change from what is in place now, adding that the 2023 general election will be between those who desire change in the DͿDLUV RI WKH FRXQWU\ DQG WKRVH who want to retain the status quo.

“The 2023 election will be between those who are happy with what has happened and those who want change. We DUH QRW KDSS\ RU VDWLVÀHG ZLWK what is happening and we want to change it. The system is not working and everyone knows it,” he said.

5HJDUGLQJ WKH VWDWH RI DͿDLUV LQ the country, especially Insecurity, Kwankwaso criticized the APCled federal government, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari had not shown enough commitment and courage towards strengthening the capacity of the security agencies to be able to subdue the criminal elements tormenting the country.

“How did we get here? The government should be more serious about security. As a former Minister of Defence, I never thought insecurity will ever be this low in this country within this short period of time.

Kwara Collaborates With HerVest on Gender Finance Project Mary Nnah The Kwara State Government has launched a collaborative initiative with HerVest, an LQFOXVLYH ÀQWHFK LQ 1LJHULD WR SURMHFW ÀQDQFH DQG WUDLQ 1,000 rural female farmers across the state.

The initiative launched WKURXJK WKH 2΀FH RI WKH Agriculture Technical Adviser to the Executive Governor, commenced on April 2, 2022, in the communities of AjaseIpo (Kwara South), Lade Patigi (Kwara North) and Ilorin (Kwara Central).

The gender-based programme is designed to equip women farmers in basic agronomic SUDFWLFHV DQG ÀQDQFLDO OLWHUDF\ WR enable them to make informed

Gombe Gov Felicitates With Christians, 3UHDFKHV /RYH 6DFULÀFH Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has felicitated with Christians in the state and the world over on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration, urging them to pray for continued peace and stability of the state as well as Nigeria in general.

In a goodwill message signed by the Director General, Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, made available to journalists yesterday, Governor Yahaya said the Easter period provided an opportunity for strengthening of unity of purpose, reinforcement of bond of brotherhood and dedication in service to God and humanity as exemplified

by Jesus Christ.

farming, and agribusiness decisions while providing them with access to credit, key inputs, and markets to grow their farm enterprises.

The Gender Finance Project is in alignment with the 10-year agricultural transformation plan of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, which is designed to ensure food security, generate employment opportunities, and reduce poverty rate.

At the commencement of the training exercise, the HerVest team led by the Technical Advisor on Agriculture to the Kwara State Government, Abdulquawiy Olododo, paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, .D\RGH $ODEL WR ÁDJ RͿ WKH initiative.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

How to Rescue Abducted Train Passengers

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errorists are still holding no fewer than 68 innocent Nigerians abducted 20 days ago after the bombing of an Abuja-Kaduna bound train; the attack left eight persons dead, with several others injured and scores kidnapped. Those in charge of the security and welfare of Nigerians are going about as if nothing heinous happened.

The coldblooded people running the show in Abuja and in the states are unperturbed by the cries of the abductees and their families. Children, a pregnant woman, elderly people and medically-challenged Nigerians are being traumatised by the terrorists in the forest, yet, those elected to tame such madness are busy with politics.

Our political leaders seem only interested in maneuvering to grab positions in 2023.

These callous people are scheming to become president, governors and legislators in 2023, while 68 innocent people are still in captivity. In sane societies, all attention will be focused on rescuing the abductees.

The reverse is the case in beloved Nigeria.

How did we get to this level?

I woke up last Monday with my pillow drenched in tears after watching the video sent out the previous day by terrorists showing the abducted train passengers in anguish. In the two-minute video, scores of abductees were seen sitting in a forest, including men and women.

Behind them, a group of gunmen stand in a line. One of the tormented detainees said: “We are the passengers who left Abuja for Kaduna on March 28. We were seized

President Buhari directed security agencies to arrest the terrorists and also ensure, without further delay, the release of all the kidnapped passengers. Nothing has happened in this direction in the last 20 days. This country has had enough of Buhari’s rhetoric. Our security agencies lack capacity to rescue these people alive.

This is the truth. Technology, intelligence, equipment and quality manpower required are lacking on our way. Since then, it is only us that know the dire situation we are in, there are women and children here; there are aged people with health challenges.”

Some other captives pleaded with the federal government to meet the demands of their abductors. In all, there are 41 women, 22 men, 5 kids in the cell of the fanatics.

The released Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, BOA, Alwan Hassan took a good mental note and provided the exact

figures of the captives while recounting his ordeal a few days back.

The BOA boss reliably informed that the abductees were made to trek for five days, resting intermittently in transit camps, before they arrived at the main camp of the attackers suspected to be around Shiroro LG of Niger State. Some of the abductees suffered gunshot wounds and are struggling to survive. The terrorists, to tell you how well organised they are, brought medics

Lawmakers Must End Persistent Harassment of MultiChoice

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n this country, many go to bed without supper and wake up not sure of breakfast.

The World Bank recently reported that millions of Nigerians had fallen below the poverty line in the last seven years. In this same country, daily, scores of people are killed by terrorists. To what extent have legislative interventions by the Senate and the House of Representatives curbed these killings of innocent Nigerians? To what extent have they helped to reduce poverty? No result to show.

Our lawmakers just grandstand on the floor of the National Assembly and everything ends there. Rising poverty rate in Nigeria is frightening. Likewise, over 300 Nigerians were killed by terrorists in last March alone. Thousands of innocent souls have been destroyed by terrorists in the last seven years across Nigeria. This ignominy should challenge these lawmakers.

But our muddled federal lawmakers seem more interested in getting cheap pay television for Nigerians, instead of legislative interventions to reduce poverty, create jobs and curb insecurity. Pay TV, a luxury and non-essential service cannot be the priority of traumatised Nigerians. These Federal lawmakers that claim to represent the people and love them so much, think otherwise.

They are unperturbed by killings and poverty. This is why they have declared war on MultiChoice Nigeria, the main player in the Pay TV industry, in their drive for “cheap” pay television.

Just 48 hours after a Kaduna-bound train was bombed, Senator Abba Moro was busy moving a motion for MultiChoice to reverse its price increase on its DStv and GOtv platforms.

How could MultiChoice price increase be the priority for the senate at that time? People had been killed and dozens abducted on a train and Moro was talking about Pay TV price slash.

What a country!

In any case, why is MultiChoice, a private business, the only one whose prices must be controlled? The airlines have recently doubled their fares and the Senate is not talking about sanctioning Air Peace, Max Air and others. There are no committees to investigate increases in

air fares. A bag of cement is now N3800; the senators are yet to direct the producers to revert to N1500. The prices of food and other essential things of life have quadrupled. Even local Rice is now about N25,000 per 50 kg bag.

Electricity tariffs have gone up astronomically and the NASS isn’t saying anything about this.

The lawmakers are always interested in only MultiChoice price increase and a specified billing model for the firm.

MultiChoice said its March tariff increase was on the grounds of increased operational costs and inflation in Nigeria. Is this not rational? Are these lawmakers saying the Pay TV business of MultiChoice is insulated from the economic situation in the country? Are they saying this company has not been impacted by Nigeria’s mounting inflation and growing cost of doing business? Are they saying MultiChoice’s operations are not impacted by diesel selling at almost N650 per litre?

The Senate committee set up to probe the tariff adjustments by MultiChoice is therefore unnecessary and disgusting. The lawmakers are simply pretending to love the people. A Senate that has not probed the bombing of the Kaduna-bound train that claimed human lives is probing Pay TV price hike. Is this not preposterous?

The Senate also directed MultiChoice to revert to the old prices “in tandem with the prevailing reality of economic situation in Nigeria” as well as the adoption of pay-perview billing model. This shows insensitivity and ignorance on the part of the Senators. The senators are aware of the rising cost of running businesses in Nigeria. MultiChoice is not an exception.

The Naira has depreciated considerably. It is the same battered Naira that will be exchanged for USD to purchase content. To what extent has legislative interventions helped the value of the Naira in the last seven years?

Senator Moro and his colleagues also want MultiChoice and other pay TV companies to adopt a pay-per-view model. This applies to a one-off broadcast of high stake games. I guess what Moro really meant is “pay-as-you-go” as in telephone and electricity. The argument of MultiChoice against this makes sense. Telephone services are exclusively provided by the companies

Lawan

involved. But MultiChoice pays third parties for rights to contents.

An example is the recently concluded African Cup of Nations. MultiChoice paid for the rights to all the matches over four weeks. So, it does not make business sense for a subscriber paying to watch for just one day. We should not forget that MultiChoice is running a business and must make profit.

This is not charity.

The persistent assault on MultiChoice by our lawmakers is clearly an attempt at curtailing free enterprise and must end in the interest of this country. Nigeria can’t, on the one hand, be searching for foreign investors, while on the other hand pummeling those in the country.

This is why investors are leaving Nigeria in droves.

The most recent victim of Nigeria’s harsh operating environment is Africa’s biggest grocery retailer and the South Africa-owned chain of stores, Shoprite. They left. British multinational banking, HSBC, and Swiss multinational investment bank, UBS have closed their representative offices in Nigeria. South African Tiger Brands and Truworths have exited Nigeria.

Oil and gas multinational companies have been gradually selling onshore assets since 2010. All UAE shareholders of Etisalat exited and left the board and management of the Nigerian brand.

The National Assembly must stop harassing MultiChoice in the interest of Nigeria’s economy.

to treat injured abductees.

Families of the abductees are also in pain. They staged a protest at the Radio House in Abuja early this week, appealing to the government to do more to free the sufferers. One of them said: “I have my sister who is seven months pregnant with her husband with them. Words cannot explain what they are going through and what we are going through. Please, the government should do the needful and let this come to an end as soon as possible. Only God knows what they are going through.”

Another protester, Aminu Uthman, said: “My immediate younger brother and his wife are among the victims. It is a nightmare and the most difficult 10 days I have had in my life. I cannot sleep or eat. A lot of things are going wrong.

The bandits called only once and they gave him the phone to speak to us.

They are yet to make any request but they called and he is with them. We voted for this government because of insecurity. We had the trust that they would address insecurity. This protest is not for the family members alone; it is for Nigerians generally. This thing can happen to anybody.”

Now, to the main focus of this piece: The abductees must be freed alive. Their relations are anxious to have them back. President Buhari directed security agencies to arrest the terrorists and also ensure, without further delay, the release of all the kidnapped passengers. Nothing has happened in this direction in the last 20 days. This country has had enough of Buhari’s rhetoric. Our security agencies lack the capacity to rescue these people alive.

This is the truth. Technology, intelligence, equipment and quality manpower required are lacking.

Nigeria needs help from countries that have been a success in this regard, in order to rescue these abducted Nigerians. If Buhari is genuinely interested in taming terrorists, this is the time to call on friendly developed countries to assist Nigeria. It can happen in 48 hours if this government gets its act together.

The first friendly country that comes to mind is the United States. This is home to the Special Warfare group popularly addressed as Navy SEALs - The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL). The team effectively monitored (with drone) and rescued a US citizen, Philip Walton, held hostage in Northern Nigeria in 2020.

The mission was clinically undertaken by this elite Special Forces. This is a good example of a government committed to the safe return of citizens taken captive.

The Navy SEALs has a strong reputation for clinical operations. In May 2011, it was the Navy SEALs that captured and killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack against the US. There is also the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force famed for hostage rescue and counter-terrorism. I challenge Buhari today, to explore all diplomatic means and get the US SEALS or Delta Force to rescue our abducted train passengers.

Buhari can similarly look towards the Israelis. They are very good when it comes to clinical rescue operations. I can still vividly recall Operation Entebbe, an Israeli hostage rescue mission that took place in July 1976 in Entebbe, Uganda. An Air France airplane was hijacked by militants and flown from Israel to Uganda. The Israeli forces rescued almost all the 102 hostages within an hour after clinically landing at Entebbe airport.

Only three abductees died.

The Buhari government can likewise go for Israeli or American private military contractors. They will get this job done in a jiffy. Rescuing the abducted train passengers is a task that must be clinically done.

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SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Cast of New Thriller, ‘Brotherhood’ Unveiled Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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head of its forthcoming feature film, Jade Osiberu GREOH Studios has shared a first-look poster showing its multiple cast.

The crime-action thriller which will star Falz and Tobi Bakre in the lead role is set to be directed by award-winning filmmaker Loukman Ali, the Ugandan director of the critically acclaimed “The Girl in the Yellow Jumper”, in a first of its kind collaboration.

The film co-written by Abdul TijaniAhmed and Jade Osiberu, follows twin brothers, Akin (Falz) and Wale (Tobi Bakre). After years of fighting to survive on the streets of Lagos, the brothers fall on opposite sides of the law with Akin joining the police force and Wale joining a notorious gang of robbers.

Their bond is however put to the test when Akin joins a taskforce that hunts down gangs. Principal photography for the action thriller kicked off in Lagos on April 9 and it is confirmed for July 8 theatrical release and in an unprecedented move will be distributed by Genesis Pictures.

‘Brotherhood’ promises charged action sequences like never seen before in Nollywood with an emotionally-grounded story exploring familiar themes like the

bonds of family, betrayal, and love.

The film also features an impressive cast line up which includes: O.C Ukeje, Sam Dede, Basketmouth, Ronke Oshodi, Omawumi, Toni Tones, Jidekene Achufusi, Deyemi Okalanwon, Mercy Aigbe; and Big Brother Naija stars Dorathy Bachor, Dianne Russet, Seyi Awolowo, and Boma Akpofure.

In a statement expressing his excitement at his Nollywood debut, Loukman Ali said: “I’m elated to be making ‘Brotherhood’ and working with Jade Osiberu who’s proven to be one of the most audacious filmmakers on the continent.

“I hope this film opens up doors for more partnerships between African filmmakers. This is the beginning of many firsts for African cinema. We are taking risks and hope to excel. The Nigerian audience and Africans at large should expect a Nollywood high stakes crime-action thriller like never before.

Speaking on the new project, GREOH Studios boss and producer, Osiberu revealed that the production is living its dream of working on diverse genres: “Our plan with GREOH studios has always been to make challenging films that explore diverse genres while still rooted in true African storytelling.”

Falz

StarTimes Celebrates Femi Adebayo as King of Thieves Hits Cinemas

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hespian, Femi Adebayo was recently hosted by StarTimes at the debut of his new movie, King of Thieves, in cinemas as part of the pay-TV’s commitment to supporting the growth of Nollywood and the celebration of originality.

Adebayo, who is also a StarTimes brand Ambassador, got accolades for the originality of the story and costume.

The epic action-thriller was screened by the press, StarTimes team, Nollywood industry icons, and movie critics at the Silverbird Cinemas, Ikeja City Mall.

Among those present were StarTimes CEO, Alex Jian; Content Director, Viki Liu; Asst. Marketing Director, Bose Adewara; PR Manager, Lazarus Ibeabuchi; Nollywood actors, Yaw; members Actors Guild of Nigeria, Segun Arinze, Kate Effiong, and Abubakar Yakubu and the producer, Femi Adebayo, among others.

Speaking at the private screening, Jian said, “StarTimes is proud to associate with Femi Adebayo, who is also our brand ambassador. An outstanding project like this tells African stories from an African perspective.

Femi Adebayo is notable for setting standards in the industry.

“Our business strategy is tied to the growth of quality local content.

This is what our audience is craving and we are strongly committed to this through investments, support, and celebrations of notable works.

This informs while we have taken the partnership with AMAA a notch higher.

Currently, StarTimes-AMAA Short Film Festival is ongoing with over

Agbani Horsfall’s Uniq Music World Studio Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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L-R:Veteran Actor, Segun Arinze; StarTimes CEO, Alex Jian; Producer, Femi Adebayo; StarTimes Content Director, Viki Liu and Yaw at the private screening of King of Thieves in Lagos…recently

$10,000 prizes reserved for winners.

“We are glad to strengthen partnership with notable film producers like Femi Adebayo and Yaw to bring significant impact to the Nigerian and African film industry by ensuring filmmakers are getting value for their productions.

“I also wish to use this medium to assure our customers that even though these are huge investments to provide desired entertainment to them, StarTimes won’t transfer the cost to customers. We feel the pain of our customers in these trying times and would rather lessen the burden rather than increase it. Our ongoing Easter campaign which comes with price reductions and extra viewing days are classical examples of this.”

Adebayo, who was excited that StarTimes did the private screening in his honour said, “my inspiration behind this movie is to show the creativity of the Yoruba culture to the entire world.

Cultural folklore is gradually dying, yet it is full of beautiful stories.”

On the challenges faced while shooting the movie, Femi said, “the challenges were extremely challenging especially in the area of location. We had to travel to a remote area. Where we shot, there was no electricity. And we had to cross a river with a spiritual warning that we must not cross the river with groundnuts.”

King of Thieves features Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji, Oga Bello, Broda Shagi, Femi Adebayo, Segun Arinze, among other A-List actors.

gbaniHorsfall,agospelmusicianandsongwriterhas producedacoupleofsongsindifferentstudiosinthe countryandwasnotpleasedwiththekindofreception shegot;thatinspiredhertosetupherowngospelstudio, UniqMusicWorldinAbuja.Accordingtoher,thestudio isthefirstgospelKaraokeinAbujawithstate-of-the-art equipment and is primarily set up for gospel music both for renowned and young and up-coming gospel artistes.

Agbani hinted that it is only by the grace of God that she was able to set up the state-of-the-art studio and with the support of her husband andmoneyfromherotherbusinessesthatsheisengagedinandhopes to replicate the studio in other states.

Accordingtothesinger,“Thestudioisspaciousandaccommodates any gospel activity and some side attractions include Gospel and Chill hangout every Tuesday and Thursday where gospel enthusiasts can come there to play station games and sing gospel Karaoke, which is amazing. I’m open to whatever the Holy Spirit leads and speaks but from the business strategic point of view yes”.

AgbaniHorsfallwhosesongssuchasMyGod,Kiniyanabo,HolySpirit, Love of My Life, The Easter Song, Spirit of the Living God, Same God, Belema,CelebratetheKing,GreatIAmare makingwaves onbroadcaststationsinthecountry.

Agbanisaid:“Ihaveperformed withrenownedgospelmusicianslikePanamPercyPaul, DunsinOyekan,Emmanuel Prince Onyegbula aka Emma Onyx, Ada OgochukwuEhiakaAdaEhi, GiftUgochiGodspower akaGUCamongothers andplanningtodosome duet with them.”

She enjoins gospel artistes to patronize a studio that will give them what they want because differentstudioorproducers havetheirpreferencesbutUniq MusicWorldisouttheretogivethem Horsfall’ an exciting experience.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Orlando Julius, the last of Highlife Titans Goes Home Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ne of the heroes of Nigerian music, a master of the simple, stomping riff with a significant influence on Afrobeat music, the last of Nigeria’s titans in the highlife music genre, Orlando Julius simply slept into eternity.

Or how best can it be described? The passing of the legendary musician and saxophonist was announced in the early hours of yesterday by his wife, Latoya Ekemode.

According to her, the prodigious Orlando Julius passed on in his sleep on Thursday night. “Yes, my husband passed on late last night, there was no indication that death was coming, he was not ill, he onlysleptanddiedinhissleep.”Abandleader,singer,and songwritercloselyassociatedwithAfrobeatmusic, barely celebrated his 60 years on stage last year.

The news of his sudden demise hit the Nigerian musicindustryfolksashepassedawaybarelyafew hoursintohis79thbirthday.Theveteranhighlifemusi-

cian,accordingtohisprofile,wasbornonSeptember 22,1943inIkole-Ekiti,SouthWestNigeria;hegrew up between Ekiti and Ilesha in Osun state where his fatherisfrom.OrlandJuliustookofftoIbadanatage 14 on his own.

Hisfirstmusicalteacherwashismother,whowould sing and dance while he played drums. He went to St.Peter’sAnglicanSchoolinIkoleandplayedinthe school band. In 1957, after dropping out of school andthedeathofhisfather,heleftforIbadantopursue a career as a musician. He worked at a bakery while playingthedrumsorflutewithjujuandkonkomabands.

OrlandoJuliuscanbedescribedasoneoftheforerunnersofAfrobeat.Hestartedoutin1960withthe greattrumpeterEddyOkontaaswellasIKDairo.OJ, ashe’sfondlycalled,leftfortheUnitedStatesin1974 and collaborated with artistes including Ambrose Campbell,HughMasekela,LamontDozierandmany others.His1966effort,SuperAfroSoul,madehim anationalcelebrityinNigeriaandevenwentasfaras to influence music in the United States.

CarlosSantanapersonallyselectedOrlandoand hisNigerianAll-StarstoaccompanyhimtoHawaiito

play at a festival in 1992. By 2001, UK label Strut Records reissued the 1966 album ’Super Afro Soul’ before other labels including Soundway and VampiSoulreleasedhisAfroSoundersrecordings, allspreadingthewordonOJ’spioneeringinfluence.

He recorded movie soundtracks for Wale Fanu’s ‘Owo Blow’, Tunde Kelani’s ‘Saworoide’ and Tunji Bamishigbin’s ‘Eku Ida’ among many others.

Passionateaboutrevivinghighlifemusic,herecorded albums with Nigerian legends including Fatai RollingDollarandAlabaPedro,RoyChicago’sguitarist.

Someofhisevergreenclassicsare;A ‘ dara’,‘Ololufemi’, ‘Colombia’,‘Ope’,‘Iselogunise’,J‘ aguaNana’amongst many others.

Orlando Julius moved to Ghana in 2003 after playing a concert at Panafest (the long-running Pan-African HistoricalTheatre Project). He set up a studio in Accra and recorded his album, ’Longevity & Reclamation’. He moved back to Nigeria in 2008 and started touring the world with UK band Heliocentricsin2013.OrlandoJuliuslivedinIlesha, Osunstatewithhiswife,dancerandbackupsinger Latoya Aduke Ekemode.

Julius

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ ‘Man Of God’ for Netflix Release

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Bolanle Austen-Peters

olanle Austen-Peters, the producer of multiple awardwinning movie ‘93 Days’ and director of the blockbuster high- grossing film ‘The Bling Lagosians’ has announced that her new film titled, The Man of God, will be released on Netflix on April 16.

The movie, which premiered last Saturday at the Terra Kulture Arena, was followed by an after-party with the cast, friends, family and celebrity guests in attendance, all adorned in outfits in line with the “Heavenly Glam” dress

code.

Man of God was directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters under BAP Productions which is a foremost Nigerian theatre and film production company and produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters, James Amuta and Joseph Umoibom.

The movie features Nollywood stars; Akah Nnani, Osas Ighodaro, Prince Nelson Enwerem, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, Patrick Doyle, Jude Chukwuka, Eucharia Anunobi, Shawn Faqua, Mawuli Gavor, Olumide Oworu and many others.

The film, ‘’Man of God’’ tells the story of a man who forsakes his harsh religious upbringing to live his own life but his soul remains caught between the world and the faith he left behind. Sam’s soul is trapped in two triangles. On one hand, three women vying for his heart and on the other; the love of God, lust for money, and harbored deep resentment for his father wrestle for his soul. What will be the ultimate fate of Sam’s soul?

Based loosely around the prodigal son’s story, The Man Of God is dramatic, colorful, vibrant and suspense filled.

Asa Live in Lagos Tosin Clegg

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ne of Nigeria’s biggest music export, Asa is finally coming to Lagos this May for her highly anticipated concert, Asa Live in Lagos.The songstress based inFrancewillbetreatingguests to a wholesome experience of fine music and ambience come May 8, 2022.

The concept has been put together by Ace Comedian, Basketmouth in conjunction with Barons World Entertainment and Cokobar.

Giving insight into the concert, Basketmouth said: “The event would be happening the weekend after the Ramadan fast as we want to do something everyone can enjoy. For the show, we would be creating an experience and it’s

something we are determined to do. The show would start with time and it would be broken into two sessions as we want to give the audience something they won’t forget in a hurry.”

An excited Asa adds: “Every opportunity I get to come home to perform I grab it as I don’t want to be a stranger at home. My last show was in 2017 and because of Covid the next show was cancelled so coming this time around I’m super excited because people need to see what Asa has been doing round the world. Obviously it’s going to be a different experience and all in all an Asa concert is one you would never forget because it’s electric and full of life. Its fun too as there is a lot of collaborations with the audience; it would be a full experience.”

TheconcertbilledforMay8atEkoHotel, Lagos will see the soulful artiste perform her songs alongside a live band and some amazing Nigerian music artistes.

Attestingtothequalityofperformances expected, Basketmouth said, “We are talking to the Cavemen, we are talking to BOJ as well and most especially people that can complement Asa’s kind of performance.

We would have surprise acts as well. What we are trying to do is to give the audience something they will never forget in a hurry because the last time Asa had a performance in Nigeria was in 2017; this is like a homecoming for her. She just released an album which is doing amazing. With that new album definitely the show is going to be memorable”.

Inkblot Premieres ‘The Blood Covenant’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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nkblot Productions, one of Nigeria’s movie production outlets last Sunday screened its latest film, ‘The Blood Covenant’ with a list of some of the biggest names in the movie industry in attendance. Celebrity actors, journalists, and film and television stakeholdersgracedtheexclusive premiere which was held at the Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas in Lekki.

‘The Blood Covenant’ which opened yesterday in cinemas nationwide, delivers a compelling story about the horrors of money rituals, greed, peer pressure, and corruption. The Fiyin Gambo directed story, written by Chiamaka Osagwu and ChinazaOnuzofollowsthreefriendsastheynavigate society’s suffocating boots and the get-rich-quick syndrome. Tired of being shunned, they start on a never-ending pursuit of the high life, seeking easy money,fastcars,andfame,willingtogotoanylength to achieve their goals.

Speaking at the premiere about his experience

L-R: Co-founder and Executive Producer of the movie Damola Ademola with cast members of The Blood Covenant, Shalewa Ashafa, Shawn Faqua and Omowunmi Dada at the premiere...

directing on the set, Gambo said it took a year to pull off the project. “It’s a project we worked on for aboutayear.Itwastoughfiguringouthowtotellthe story of regular Nigerians trying to make money.

One thing we pushed is the idea that hard work is

the best form of ritual,” he said.

“Leave out having to kill someone to get money.

Anytime you have to bring tears to the family of others to achieve success, that’s not true success.

That’s what we tried to say with the film. It was chal-

Asa

lenging to make.We acted long nights. But working with the best crew, FilmOne and Inkblot Production made it a lot easier.”

The timely thriller boasts of an impressive cast including Tobi Bakre, Shawn Faqua, Uzor Arukwe, UfuomaMcDermott,EricaNlewedim,AlexxEkubo, Omowunmi Dada, Shalewa Ashafa, Gregory Ojefua and Chimezie Imo and a host of other fantastic actors.Withared-carpetsegmentwhereguestswere treatedtocanapés,cocktails,photosandconversations, the night sure had it well for all that attended.

Amajorhighlightoftheredcarpetwasthemoney boot where faux Naira and USD notes were spread all over the floor with money guns to play with.This fixture was an ode to the money scenes in the film and it thrilled guests and stars of the movie to no end. The screening began with opening remarks from Inkblot Co-founders Zulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola who welcomed everyone and appreciated the effort of the cast, crew, and partners.

As the movie screened to the anticipating audience, there was no mistake that this was an instant hit. While there’s been a lot of talk and awareness before now, the premiere marked the first time the movie will be aired to the public, taking a great stand against money rituals and greed in a tasteful and entertaining way.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

IMAGES

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or three consecutive days Lagos stood still for the University of Lagos Flagship Law Class 80-83 during their combined Annual Reunion held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. Tagged Eko 2020-2022 with theme ‘Celebrating 40+ Years of Friendship,’ the class which boasts of many successful lawyers, had in attendance their classmates both at home and abroad as well as their former teachers. Dignitaries extolled the virtues of these distinguished class who have been great ambassadors of the foremost institution to keep the flag flying.

Here are some of the guests at the event.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe and representative of the Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu , The Attorney General and Hon. Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN.

Chairman, Board of Trustee, UNILAG Flagship Law Class 80-83, Senator Effiong Bob and his wife, Mrs. Comfort Bob

L-R: LOC Chair/newly elected President of the Flagship Class, Hon Justice Idowu Alakija, Mrs. Funmi Fajimolu and Immediate Past VP of the Flagship Class, Prof. Oluyemisi Bamgbose, SAN

Hon. Justice Segun Olagunju and Hon. Justice Peter Lifu.

Mr. Francis Ojeih and wife, Mrs. Augusta Ojeih L-R: Chief Tunji Jayeola, Mr. Yomi Awoyinfa and Dr. Miracle Iduh

R-L: Ms. Stella Atake, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah and Mr. Ogaga Ovrawah, SAN

L-R: Mrs. Ude-Umata Patience and Chief (Ms.) Bola Shodijo

Hon. Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile L-R: Mrs. Chidinma Iheme and Mrs. Tessy Enyiekpon

L-R: Chairman, Channels TV and President, UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. John Momoh and Immediate Past President of the Class, Hon. Justice Mobolaji Ojo

Mr. Innocent Adam Ovbagbedia and Afam Kris Nmah

Prof. Rasheed Jimoh Ijaodola, SAN

L-R: Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Olatokunbo Ayo-Odugbesan

R-L: Mrs. Maggie Solarin, Mr. Leke Solarin and Chief (Mrs.) Mariam B. Olaniyi

Pastor Niyi Odunsi and wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Ore Odunsi.

R-L: Mr. Abiodun Oloye and Hon. Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye.

L-R: Mr. Leke Ogunbambo and Mrs. Emmanuella Longe.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

IMAGES

Hon. Edwards Ayo-Odugbesan

L-R: Hon. Justice Yemi Akintan-Osadebay, Mr. Adewale Olutayo Fayemiwo and Mrs. Ama Victoria Fayemiwo

L-R: Mrs. Kemi Sotuminu, Hon. Justice Adedotun Onibokun, and Hon. Justice L-R: Hon. Justice Yetunde Adesanya and Mrs. Toyin Oyekan-Abdullai Mouna Sidi-Ali

L-R: Mr. Tayo Ajibulu and newly elected VP of the L-R: Rev Joseph Ujomu and wife, Mrs. Roseline Ujomu L-R: Justice Taiwo Taiwo and Hon. Justice Adedayo Oyebanji Flagship Class, Mrs. Gloria Abugo

L-R: Mrs. Iyesogie Omonuwa, Mr. Omoruyi Omonuwa, SAN and friend of the Flagship Class/immediate past Registrar of Unilag, Mr. Olurotimi Shodimu

Mr. Abiodun Oloye and wife, Mrs. Adenrele Oloye

L-R: Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, Mrs.Olukemi Oyewo and husband/ Attorney-General of Oyo State, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo, SAN.

Pastor Ayodeji Adesola

Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN.

L-R: Mr. Kez Gabriel and wife, Mrs. Oti Uku-Gabriel

L-R: 1st Vice-President, UNILAG Alumni Association, Dr. L-R: Hon. Justice Owolabi Afis Dabiri, Mr. Afolabi Solebo and Mr. (Chief) Fassy Yusuf and Hon. Justice Obafemi Adamson Olasupo Ati-John

Prince Adesegun Adetiloye

R-L: Mr. Gbade Ajeigbe, Mr. Babajide Owootori and wife, Mrs. Lola Owootori

R-L: Dean, Faculty of Law, UNILAG, Prof. Ige Bolodeoku and wife, Mrs. Karlene Bolodeoku

Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, SAN and wife, Mrs. Eno Jegede

L-R: Prof. Emeritus Oluwole Agbede and wife, Prof. (Mrs) Olukemi Agbede

The Flagship Class former Lecturers: R-L: Prof. Taiwo Osipitan, SAN, Prof. C. K. Agomo and Prof. P. K. Fogam Mrs. Oluremi Tajudeen Olusesi

Revd Olaotan Ajose-Adeogun, SAN

L-R: Mr. Adeyinka Adeyemi and Mrs. Morin Adeyemi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

POLITY Dapo Abiodun’s Brand Positioning Amid Competitive Politics John Ajayi Assessing the phenomenal strides being recorded by the executive governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, one cannot but be tempted to reflect on the immortal words of Arthur Ernest Morgan, one time US administrator and civil engineer who lived between 1878-1975.

Morgan, in one of his famous statements said: “He is the best leader who most understands the nature of things, so that his plans are not doomed to ultimate failure; who possesses an active, far-ranging imagination which can see many possibilities; who has a sense of values, so that among possibilities he is able to choose the most excellent who has a sense of order, to give form, design and program to the values and purposes he selects; who has practical sense and judgement, and so uses the most feasible means to accomplish his ends, and who has the energy and enthusiasm to carry his plans persistently towards fruition.’’

Assuming office May 2019 amid bitter and competitive politics in the Gateway state, Price Dapo Abiodun had perhaps acquainted himself very well with the famous quote of Arthur E. Morgan in positioning his own brand personae strategically in the minds of the citizens of the state. As at the time of taking over from Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State was undoubtedly one of the hot-beds of bitter politicking in the South-West. Not only was politics played in acrimonious manner, there were high incidences of political killings, assassinations and general insecurity of lives and properties.

The political atmosphere in the state prior to Abiodun’s assumption of office was polluted by violent politicking of unimaginable proportions amongst different political parties in the state and the gladiators as well. Even within the ruling All Progressive Congress Party (APC), politics of acrimony and undue vendetta held sway. It was in the midst of all of these that he contested and emerged winner despite stiff opposition from his predecessor.

Wisely playing the “underdog”, he kept his cool, selling his vision and mission to the citizens of the state across partylines. It is no wonder then that he was able to quickly attract hitherto strong opposition political leaders in the state into APC. Today the political situation in the state has greatly improved and sanity restored while peaceful co-existence amongst the citizens and residents of the state has become the order of the day.

Having been able to restore peace, law and order in the state, Abiodun has de-emphasized politics of hate and bitterness and instead embarked on inclusive governance, catering for all, consulting all stakeholders and running a government that has eyes and ears for the people.

Today, a quiet industrial, infrastructural and agro-allied revolution is sweeping through the state without noise or celebratory advert placements in the newspapers. For Abiodun, the achievements should speak for themselves. Call him a silent achiever and you won’t be off the point as this appears

Governor Abiodun to be a positioning strategy that the Iperu-born Prince has adopted. His leadership style, as encapsulated in the earlier quote of Morgan is unmistakable. He has since his emergence as the governor of the state provided focused and qualitative governance while creating enabling an environment for public/private sector partnership.

Considering the Gateway status of the state, the corporate icon turned politician has radically and rapidly transformed the state from being just an industrial hub but an industrial capital of Nigeria trailing Lagos State very closely on its ever-rising brand equity. Earlier, some corporations had resolved to establish operations in the Lekki area of Lagos State, the coming of Abiodun changed the equation. This he has done by forging a very close working relationship with operators in the private sector.

His government has since embarked on huge infrastructural renewal of the state such that President Muhammadu Buhari during his visit to the state commissioned five projects.

The President, who was received by top dignitaries, political leaders in the South-west and top traditional rulers said Governor Abiodun had been able to deliver visionary and trail-blazing projects even in the midst of prevailing and challenging circumstances occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Describing Abiodun as “the performing governor of Nigeria’s Gateway State’’, the President adds: “He is a worthy example of promises made, promises kept. This the President observed “has made Ogun State one of the safest and most peaceful states in the country and investors’ destination of choice’’.

It is worthy to note that even the Fourth Estate of the Realm has become one of the beneficiaries of Prince Dapo Abiodun

with the near completion of the 2.5km Journalists Estate Road, Arepo. It will be recalled that this road was initially awarded nine years ago by Amosun, but was abandoned.

However, fortune smiled on journalists living in the estate and the entire Arepo Community when Abiodun came into the saddle and re-awarded the road with a firm commitment to deliver it within nine months. As a resident of the foremost estate, I can confirm that it is nearing completion. For Dapo Abiodun, it is real Ogun standard with high quality in mind on all roads and projects.

To assure of his commitment to the media in the discharge of their duties, Abiodun inaugurated the Olusegun Osoba Press Centre in 2021. During the launch, the governor said the Press Centre was named after the former governor of the state as a demonstration of his commitment to press freedom and in appreciation of the cordial relationship his administration enjoys with the media.

His administration prioritized health, education, rural electrification and agriculture. It decided to intervene right from the basic education level. Public schools in the state have witnessed massive rehabilitation as over a thousand schools have been done. His government has probably employed more teachers in the last 30 months than had been employed in the state in the last 12 to 15 years.

The same rule of total, all-round development also applies to the health sector in terms of infrastructure. There have been massive rehabilitation and construction of primary healthcare centers across the state.

Recently, Abiodun went on an investment drive to Egypt and Ethiopia. Any wonder why the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission rated the state as the largest in terms of attracting investments in the country. According to the report, Ogun received 30 percent of the announcement with a prospective $500 million investment. And the governor has continually restated his administration’s commitment to boosting the industrial development and revenue base by trading and doing businesses with other countries in the continent.

Prior to the Egypt and Ethiopia trip, Abiodun had gone to Europe, South Africa and North America to invite investors to come to Ogun State.

His government is also discussing some key investment opportunities available in the areas of creative arts, entertainment and sports development. Already, a Dutch firm, Danone Company, signed a partnership agreement with the state to establish its flagship dairy farm at the Odeda Farm Institute in the Odeda Local Government Area. The partnership, an alliance with the state, is to introduce global standards in dairy farming, empower local communities and reduce unemployment rates.

– Ajayi is a Lagos based Journalist and Public Affairs Commentator.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Abiodun Revs up Integrated Mass Transit System Daniel Nwuzor Nothing enhances quality of life in cities like a reliable and well-planned mass transit system. The fact the ease of commuting is often a metric considered in the ranking of cities and states on the livability index underscores this. But beyond the bragging rights that a positive ranking may confer, governments across the world recognize there is a causal relationship between their cities’ economic condition and the quality - and, indeed, affordability - of public transport accessible to the vast population. Governor Dapo Abiodun clearly understands this.

As governor of Ogun State, arguably Nigeria’s industrial capital, he sees firsthand the municipal challenges arising from being a neighbour with Lagos State, the biggest economy in the country. The daily cross-boundary migration makes a seamless transport system quite expedient. It is a challenge that the Ogun State’s Multi-modal Transportation Master Plan is meant to address. “This transport policy takes into consideration the short, medium, and long term approaches to the development of our transport sector,” Abiodun explained at the launch of mass transit buses last week.

The buses which, significantly, are installed with free wi-fi represent the pilot phase of the transport masterplan have begun conveying commuters within Abeokuta and will expand to other cities. The planned route extension beyond the state would essentially proceed in collaboration with the Lagos State government under the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Cooperation. If the understanding is concretized, it means that Ogun State-owned buses bearing passengers could on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes in Lagos and back, roughly through these routes: Abeokuta Mowe, Kara, Marina, as well as Ifo and Ado Odo-Ota axis. It is just as well that the Governor Abiodun administration has carried out massive rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads to open up new corridors for these mass transit buses.

Some may cynically scoff at the decision to install free wi-fi in the buses. But for Governor Abiodun, it is by no means grandstanding. It is rooted in the realization of the vast

opportunities inherent in information and communication technology, especially in a state like Ogun which has the country’s highest tertiary institutions’ student population. So, the saying that ICT is the new oil is no soapbox rhetoric. He understands that for the state’s teeming ICT-savvy youths, it has become a lived experience.

A recent report published by the National Bureau of Statistics validates this position. As the report for 2021 shows, Ogun State has Nigeria’s second highest internet subscription rate. According to the report, for every one hundred internet subscribers in the country, 12 are based in Lagos State while six are based in Ogun State.

The multi-modal transportation masterplan incorporates road, rail, water, and air transport components. The vision is to create an interface in a way that each transport mode doesn’t just exist in isolation, but complement one another in a somewhat unbroken chain for both intra- and inter-state commute. With regard to rail transport, Ogun State has leveraged the benefits of its proximity to Lagos to strike an agreement that would see the ongoing rail project developed by the latter extended to the former. Essentially, the 37-kilometre Red Line (scheduled for completion in December this year) which runs from Marina, in Lagos, would extend to Ijoko and Kajola, both boundary communities in Ogun State’s Ifo Local Government Area.

This agreement also entails the extension of the 27.5-kilometre Blue Line rail project that runs from Marina through Okokomaiko, a high-density community on the outskirts of Lagos, down to Agbara, an industrial estate in Ogun State.

It’s important to note that the Abiodun administration’s ongoing construction of the Atan Lusaka road was conceived to maximally exploit the economic benefits that a rail line extension to this industrial heartland would yield.

On a similar note, there is currently a track-sharing agreement between the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Ogun State, which is home to some major stations along Nigeria’s western rail corridor. These include the popular five stations comprising Agbado, Kajola, Papalanto, Laderin and Olodo, as well as the additional five approved by the

NRC in late 2020.

At the heart of the rail expansion and sustained improvement of road network is the implicit understanding of their capacity to open up more rural communities. Doing so fosters a sense of inclusion, particularly in those communities whose people may have long felt literally cut off from the immense opportunities that improved road network and regular rail service would normally confer. This is a key goal of the Governor Abiodun administration’s development strategy, which seeks to inspire economic growth through critical enablers like eliminating factors that stifle businesses, enthroning secure neighbourhoods and an integrated transport system that is largely affordable.

Another crucial arm of the state’s multi-modal transport system is the construction of an airport. Governor Abiodun is understandably upbeat about its completion which is believed due by December this year. “The impact of the agro-cargo airport will have positive effects on hotels and warehouses being constructed in the area. We estimate that in the first 18 months, we will create a minimum of 25,000 jobs in that airport,” he said.

State policies, to a very large extent, derive validation from the outcomes they generate. One of the most reliable metrics for gauging growth could be gleaned from states’ capacity to generate internal revenue. In 2020, Ogun State was ranked fourth behind Delta, Rivers and Lagos. Although its position was still fourth on the half-year ranking for 2021, the state’s IGR figure experienced a 131.5% year-on-year growth.

Indeed, the state’s remarkable performance on various development index is further proof that social and economic growth is not fortuitous, but a product of painstaking and scrupulously conceived plan of action. So, whenever the governor voices his vision to make Ogun State an economic powerhouse - as he often does - it is not mere rhetoric that panders to the gallery; it is one strongly rooted in the sort of conviction that can only come from evidence-based reality.

– Nwuzor, a public affairs analyst, resides in Abeokuta.

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POLITY

LandWey Reveals 8Year-Masterplan for Wellness, Lifestyle City Bennett Oghifo The Masterplan for Nigeria’s first Wellness & Lifestyle city, Isimi Lagos, developed by LandWey Investment, a frontline real estate investment company, was unveiled at the Isimi 2030 Symposium in Lagos, recently.

The symposium, held at the LandWey Headquarters, featured the signing of the infrastructural partnership between LandWey and Zenith Construction Ltd. This signified the commencement of the $142m massive infrastructural project that will turn 305 acres of land and a string of sites on the North side of the Lekki Lagoon into a Wellness & Lifestyle City.

Isimi, meaning rest or peace of mind in the Yoruba, best captures the experience that the city hopes to represent. With plans for green and ecological friendly energy sources, restriction to the use of only electric cars & bicycles for mobility, and farm shops stocked with food items locally produced for consumption within the city, Isimi Lagos is positioned to be the ultimate tranquil natural escape providing an alternative eco-friendly lifestyle to the norm.

Speaking at the Symposium, Olawale Ayilara, Group CEO Oxygen Holdings, parent company of Landwey Investment said: “The first leg of Infrastructural developments has been signed off with the key contractor and constructions are set to begin closely. Presently, we have about 250 citizens vested interest in the potentials of the Isimi Lagos project and we are more than excited to kick-start. We are hopeful that this initial phase of the project will enable us commence allocations for reserved slots before the second quarter of 2022.”

Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2022 with a first phase that focuses on providing accommodation for short stays and facilities that support these temporary visits such as the park, spas, gym, Olympic-sized swimming pools and Farm shops. The city was built with accessibility in mind with options for cars, helipads or jetty- a mere 25-minute commute by boat from Ikoyi.

The residential areas of the city feature clusters- Origin One, The Village, Green Life colony, The Emergence, all of which offers both work and living spaces constructed with modern amenities such as high-speed internet and uninterrupted power without disrupting the topography of the surrounding natural environment.

L-R: Managing Director, LandWey, Shola Bello; Group Chief Executive Officer, Oxygen Holdings, Olawale Ayilara; Chairman, Zenith Construction Ltd, Antoine Moudaber, and Chief Operating Officer, LandWey, Seun Eyitayo, during the Official Signing of Infrastructure partnership at the Isimi 2030 symposium in Lagos... recently Other attractive features of the Isimi Lagos project includes conservation park, Golf Course, recreational centre, Tech Valley, Helipad, Forestry, Hiking paths, and a standard polo turf with a stable that houses some of the world’s best horses, providing a state-of-the-art riding experience.

Isimi Lagos presents a world of options for nature enthusiasts or families with activities such as kayaking, picnics and outdoor play dates with its all-natural lake which can be used for family friendly functions and recreational purposes. Isimi Lagos will be ready for full habitation of its residents in 2030.

Landwey Investment is a company that offers end-to-end residential and commercial real estate services. Our offerings range from investment advisory and land sourcing to development and construction. Incorporated in 2016 and in its short existence has risen to become one of the top real estate companies in Nigeria.

“We are unrelenting in our quest to deliver high quality, affordable housing to the people of Lagos and this has seen us establish

14 residential estates along the Lekki-Epe expressway between the 2nd Toll Gate and Bogije axis.”

Isimi is a Yoruba word that means rest or peace of mind.

This name was carefully chosen because it best captures the experience that Isimi Lagos represents. Isimi Lagos is your best destination for work and play. It is the perfect meeting point between technology, architecture, and nature; but of course, nature is the dominant factor here.

The topography of the whole Isimi Lagos will be largely retained to maintain its natural state. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure are planned to be built around the existing geological structure. Isimi Lagos offers work and living spaces that are ideal for short- and long-term use.

“If you’re looking for a place for your next vacation, company or team retreat, or just somewhere you can go to embrace nature and get some well-deserved rest, Isimi Lagos is an excellent choice,” said Ayilara.

Verraki, Enterprise Development Company Clocks 3 Verraki, a business solution company for Africa, is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria and by extension, the African continent. As it celebrates three years of existence, it reiterates its commitment to stewardship, integrity and excellence. Sunday Ehigiator reports It is a Nigerian/Pan African company with a global outlook.

Verraki, a leading solution provider for enterprises and governments, is driven by the desire to build and implement technology solutions for seemingly intractable challenges, provide advisory services to drive the capacity and motivation for change, and curate innovative ventures to unlock new sources of growth across our continent.

The name Verraki is derived from a fusion of Latin and Greek words. The Latin word ‘Versorium’ means Turn Around while ‘Meraki’ in Greek describes the (action of doing something with soul, creativity, pouring oneself into a task).

“Verraki aptly captures the essence of our company; to turn around African enterprises and governments via smart, future-focused solutions and business insights, new opportunities, helping to unleash their potential, turnaround their performance and achieve the seemingly impossible, with the sole goal of creating a better future for Africa,” Olaniyi Yusuf, Managing Partner of the Company explained.

Further explaining the motive behind the creation of Verraki, he said, “Africa is still a developing continent with nations on the march from being third world to the first. Three years ago, we were convinced that Africa’s largest and most apparent intractable problems requires more of business solutions conceptualized by Africans and built by Africans. Your trust, steadfastness and commitment constantly renew our hope and fuel our passion to keep moving towards this next version of Africa. Or, as we like to call it at Verraki, Africa V2.”

Founded on April 1, 2019, over the last three years, Verraki has covered mileage, breaking boundaries in project execution. The pilot year of the foremost company coincided with the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic that crippled the world. And despite the debilitating impact of the Covid-19 on businesses in 2020 and by extension 2021, Verraki stood its ground. Rather than go into oblivion like some other companies, it waxed stronger, delivering its mandate to its ever growing clientele base.

This is how Verraki’s Managing Partner painted the picture: “Our first year as a company was calm but the following two years was difficult due to the pandemic. But I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve in three years. I remember we added a few things to our goals as a company such as health, agriculture and transportation which are basic amenities that an average African needs, later we added construction and housing. That level of

L-R: Olaniyi Tayo, Debo Awojide, Kelvin Balogun, Toluwaleke Adenmosun and Tolulope Taiwo-Ashaju during a panel discussion celebrating Verraki Partners 3rd Anniversary held in Lagos.... recently Etop Ukutt. pro-activeness helped.”

In three years, the company did not lose a client, rather it added some conglomerates to its rich portfolio. Some of the big, new portfolios include OANDO Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading players in the Oil and Gas sector. BUA Plc, second largest company in the Cement industry in Nigeria was one of the companies which Verraki gained in three years. Edo State government joined the Verraki family from the public sector in three years. “Today, we have invested in seven start-ups just to show that we are not just a service provider we are also shareholders. We were able to do this because we are an African company. It became imperative to solidify the continent in terms of economic growth and development that will attract our children to want to come back home to contribute their own quotas,” Yusuf noted.

Pleased with the feat the company was able to achieve, Yusuf enthused, “We are expanding the markets with blue chip companies while we continue to add high profile clients. We at Verraki are becoming an integral part of business landscape that will transform Africa and at the same time helping our communities.” Verraki

has supported and it is still working with start-ups, big companies, ministries and agencies of government, local and international companies, multi-lateral agencies like IFC and Afriexim and have executed projects across multiple African countries in the last 3 years. “Verraki is particularly proud of its contributions to nation building and human development including the support of Verraki staff to the planning and establishment of the Covid-19 Isolation Centre at Landmark Village in Victoria Island.

“It’s active involvement in the establishment of Ikoyi Medipark which aims to provide world class health services towards reducing medical tourism, development of a Tourism master plan for Edo state in support of the return of the Benin bronzes, support to Lagos State with the conceptualization and planning of an ICT Park - KITE@Yaba – and the creation of an enabling ecosystem for tech entrepreneurs in Yaba district to drive investment, job creation are additional landmark achievements the company recorded in a space of three years of its existence. “ Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

“Verr ing capi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

POLITY

Grooming Centre’s Stories of Joy, Pride, Gratitude Maria Agugu

E

lizabeth Ezuma is a fashion designer based in Omuma, Abia State. She is one of 30 women profiled in a 132-page photobook – Stories of Impact: Real Women, Real Lives, Real Growth - to be published by the Grooming People for Better Livelihood Centre (Grooming Centre).

She says: “I grew up in Uturu, here in Abia, and I attended secondary school here. After secondary school, I got married and moved to Kaduna with my husband, but we had to leave Kaduna in 2001 because of the Kaduna riots. Our lives were in danger, so we moved here. Since then, I have been doing business.

It was a second chance for me. I started this business with N1,000. I was selling bread, going from door to door. Today, by the special grace of God, I have my own shop.”

Elizabeth’s story is one of 700,000 women who have been empowered through microcredit by the Grooming Centre since 2006. A non-governmental organisation, Grooming Centre set out to address a near absence of financial services to the large population of economically active poor people engaged in small trading and micro productive activities in many parts of Nigeria. The Centre hinges its services and operations on a business model made popular by ASA Bangladesh, which boasts a success story of providing microfinance services through branches to almost 7 million clients. The model was introduced to Nigeria through a UNDP-assisted MicroStart programme. Like ASA Bangladesh, the Grooming Centre has been able to spread its tentacles all over Nigeria – 603 branches in all.

Grooming Centre’s microfinance initiative fills a deep void among the large population of Nigerian women of working age – empowerment. An ILO paper by Linda Mayoux, Micro-finance and the empowerment of women, characterises empowerment through microcredit in three ways: Economic empowerment: Where there is women’s access to savings and credit that gives them a greater economic role in decision-making through their decision about savings and credit.

Increased well-being: Where there is access to savings and credit facilities and women’s decision about what is being done with savings and credit strengthens women’s say in economic decisions of the

Elizabeth Ezuma she a fashion designer

household.

Social and political empowerment: Where there is a combination of women’s increased economic activity and control over income resulting from access to micro-finance with improved women’s skills, mobility, access to knowledge and support networks.

Empowering women through microcredit moves to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria, which has been preponderant with a patriarchal culture in many communities, where male-dominated cultural norms, attitudes and practices are accepted as a natural order of things. Households then become dysfunctional when the dominant male figure is absent or is not able to fend appropriately for his household. The economic emancipation of women, therefore, corrects the imbalance, with women becoming more active in the economic and social affairs of the household. Such economic emancipation is bolstered by financial enablement like access to financial services for –Maria Agugu, a development consultant, lives in Abuja small businesses.

Grooming Centre’s commitment to the promoRead full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: 2022 University of Lagos Best Accounting Student awardee, Mr. brahim Quad; Mrs. Adetola Adejunmobi receiving 2022 Educationist Award on behalf of Mrs. Ayotunde Osibamowo; Senior Pastor, Trinity House and founder, Ituah Ighodalo Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; Mrs. Funmi Garrick and Mr. Femi Coker Jones receiving Appreciation and Acknowledgement Award on behalf of Late Bro Terence Onyewuenyi during a special Thanksgiving service to commemorate Pastor Ituah’s 61st birthday and the Ituah Ighodalo Foundation award at Trinity House, Victoria Island, Lagos …recently

L-R: Head of Consumer Business, West Africa, Shalina Healthcare, Suresh Karuppiahsamy, Winner, Consumer Delegate Awards Chiuba Nwosu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shalina Healthcare, Shalina Clifford, and Vice President/ Head, West Africa, Shalina Healthcare, Arun Raj, at the End of the Financial year Gala Night and Award Ceremony of the company in Lagos yesterday DAN UKANA

raki is also providital and technical

tion of financial inclusion and empowerment of its members through access to microcredit is effectively taking women into the sphere of financial and economic emancipation. In this case, 700,000 women.

The stories of these 700,000 women are too numerous to tell. So, it makes sense that Grooming Centre has chosen to relate the testimonies of 30 of them, who have turned from poverty to sustainable livelihood.

If you go to Ifo, Ogun State, you may meet Blessing Akinwale, a Business Centre owner. She says, “Years ago, I took secretarial studies, so I learnt how to use a typewriter. After leaving that school, I learnt how to use computers. In my business centre, we make photocopies, type, and print documents, and take ‘wait and get’ passports. Today, we do whatever our customers need, except for anything we think might be fraudulent.

“In the beginning, I only had a few equipment, and then I joined Grooming and my first loan was N15,000 that was a long time ago. I started buying more equipment and with whatever was left I’d buy notebooks to sell to school children during the school session. I would repay over six months and my business kept growing.”

Tina Nze Uju operates a fish farm at Ikorodu in Lagos State. According to her, she used to have an earth pond, but business went sour for her because of financial issues. Then, a friend introduced her to Grooming Centre.

“I took a loan from Grooming, and they helped me to finance the pond and now it’s going well. That’s how I bounced back and continued with the fishpond. I’m enjoying it now and it’s easier, though there are always risks with business. My main challenge is with electricity. I change the water every day and sometimes while I’m draining the water and putting the freshwater into the pond, NEPA takes the light. So, if you don’t have a generator on standby, the fish will choke, and some may even die.”

The inspiring stories of these women and 27 others are related in their own words, in full colours in their natural setting. Theirs are accounts that evoke joy, pride, and gratitude. They are sure to introduce hope to the many who may come across this collage of expressions from real women whose real lives have shown real growth. Come 28 April 2022, the photo book will be available to the public.

L-R: Brand Manager, Hypo Toilet Cleaner, Mr. Chidera Anele; Lagos State NYSC Camp Coordinator, Mr. Megwa Edwin; Corps Member, Miss. Omopariola Bukola; Senior Director, CDS, Lagos State Camp; Mrs. Akowonlehin Victoria; and Assistant Brand Manager, Hypo Toilet Cleaner, Mr. Emmanuel Iyang during the official commissioning of eight units Rescued Toilets at the NYSC Secretariat, Surulere, Lagos …recently

R-L: Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Retd), presenting the FCT Minister, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello a letter appointing him Grand Ambassador, War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, when the minister paid a courtesy visit to the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja… recently

GLOBAL SOCCER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

A FRIENDLY RIVALRY

16.4.2022

PAGE. 29

Paul Onuachu Move from Cegeka Arena Imminent

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Paul Onuachu Move from Cegeka Arena Imminent With 33 goals in the league and 35 in all competitions last season, few would have put their money on Paul Onuachu to remain at Genk.Though this season the Nigerian is still searching for his 20th goal owing to spate of injuries, European clubs have started scrambling for his signature with Serie A side Lazio leading the pack.As KRC Genk’s egg heads are ready to do business, the Blue-White faithful may be seeing the last of the former Midtjylland striker in their colours

Paul Onuachu glances past an opponent

S

uper Eagles gangling striker, Paul Onuachu is on the verge of taking his football trade to Italy when the summer transfer opens as Italian Serie A side, Lazio are set to partner the Nigerian withAzzuri’s Ciro Immobile.

According to top Italian radio station, Radiosei, Lazio coach, Maurizio Sarri is a fan of Onuachu and wants to bring the 27-yearold to the Stadio Olimpico.

Onuachu has been phenomenal in the last two seasons for his club, Genk and he could be on his way out of the Jupiler league by summer.

It was earlier reported that Genk have

agreed on a deal in principle with an English Premier League team for the transfer of Nigeria international forward.

The 27-year-old Onuachu scored 35 goals last season to finish as top scorer in the league and also won the award for the most valuable player of the championship. He was also voted the best player of African origin.

A move away from the league was largely expected but it didn’t happen due to Genk’s valuation but they have since dropped their asking price. Onuachu on his part replaced his old agent and it appears a move is on.

A source who approached the player with a deal from a Serie A side was told by his

management team that he was heading to the English Premier League next summer as an agreement was already in place.

“We had an offer for him to consider. So, he directed us to his new management team.

They told us Genk have reached agreement for his sale to a team in the English Premier League”, Several reports in the Belgium media tend to also agree with that stand as it was widely reported that Onuachu who has 19 goals this season will leave the team in the summer with fellow Nigerian Cyriel Dessers as his replacement. Dessers has impressed mightily on loan to Feyenoord but the Dutch side don’t have the €4m required to make

the deal permanent and Genk are not willing to compromise on their stand.”

The KRC Genk forward was tipped for a big-money move to a top club in the summer following a highly successful 2020/21 campaign in the Belgian top flight.

A €6 million arrival from Midtjylland in 2019, Onuachu has found the back of the net a whopping 19 times this season despite the spate of injuries that denied him of playing time, making him one of the best performing centre forwards across Europe.

Speaking to Genk’s official YouTube page, Onuachu said : “For me you never know what the future holds but I think scoring a lot of goals this season for KRC Genk and of course my career, it is going to be one of the most important periods for me.

“It is going to be difficult to say I’m going to repeat it where I am going but I think the players we have in this team really make all this possible for me, but like I said earlier, you don’t know what the future holds.

“As it is now, I think I’m really happy for the figure I have in the league and of course for KRC Genk”.

The Nigerian international struggled in his first year in Belgium but won the hearts of many after delivering numerous excellent performances.

Onuachu indeed admitted that the Belgian First Division A is a challenging championship, but the determination to push himself beyond the limit helped him become the best in the country.

The 27-year-old only managed nine goals in 22 matches in his maiden campaign two seasons ago after completing his switch from Danish side FC Midtjylland.

But his turnaround in fortunes 12 months later has been evident for all to see. Onuachu is clear about how he was able to improve his efficiency in front of goal.

“I struggled a bit when I arrived here. At the start of the season, I said to myself that I had to push myself more and give more.

“I am proud of myself and my team, and I am happy to have the support of my companion, who is always behind me.”

Lazio, Sevilla, and Lyon are among the top European clubs already looking to lure Onuachu to one of the continent’s big five leagues.

The big striker however, refuses to hide his affection for English Premier League giants Arsenal.

“Arsenal is the club of my dreams,” Onuachu continued.

“It is the club that I support, that I like to watch, and whose style of play I like.

“However, I am still in Belgium, and I am still a player of Genk.”

The forward has a year left on his current contract but he is unsure of seeing out the deal with a number of European clubs believed to be interested in signing him in the summer.

Onuachu has been with Blue and White since the summer of 2019 when he teamed up with the side from Midtjylland.

The attacker delivered scintillating performances in front of goal during his time with the Danish club to earn a move to Genk.

Onuachu’s move to Lazio will however depends on whether the Biancocelesti will be able to meet with Genk’s 25 million euros valuation of the striker.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man City, Liverpool Battle for FA Cup Final’s Ticket at Wembley After both sides failed to be separated at the Etihad Stadium in the English Premier League classic encounter last weekend, Manchester City and Liverpool take their battle to Wembley Stadium for a semifinal battle in English FA Cup

Premiership Table Man City Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Arsenal West Ham Man Utd Wolves Leicester Crystal Palace Brighton Aston Villa Brentford Southampton Newcastle Leeds Everton Burnley Watford Norwich

31 31 30 31 30 32 31 32 29 31 31 31 32 31 31 32 30 30 31 31

52 57 41 19 9 9 7 5 -3 3 -9 -4 -9 -15 -20 -30 -19 -19 -31 -43

74 73 62 57 54 51 51 49 40 37 37 36 36 36 34 33 28 24 22 21

Premier League TODAY

Tottenham v Brighton 12:30 Man Utd v Norwich 15:00 Southampton v Arsenal 15:00 Watford v Brentford 15:00

Liverpool forward Saio Mane scored his side’s equaliser against Man City on Sunday

H

aving both booked their spots in the Champions League semi-finals, Manchester City and Liverpool renew hostilities in the final four of the FA Cup this afternoon at Wembley Stadium.

The two sides played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in last weekend’s Premier League encounter at the Etihad and are bidding to meet either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the showpiece event this weekend.

Perhaps, giving Atletico Madrid a taste of their own medicine somewhat, Man City kept a cool head while Diego Simeone and co lost theirs at the Wanda Metropolitano, and the Champions League crown is now within touching distance for the reigning Premier League champions.

Kevin De Bruyner’s winner in the first leg was all that was necessary for Guardiola’s side to set up a final-four clash with Real Madrid after a fiery 0-0 second-leg draw in the Spanish capital, and the dream of a historic treble is well and truly alive for the Manchester club.

Twice, City went ahead against Liverpool in last weekend’s top-of-thetable Premier League battle, and twice they were pegged back, but the destiny

of the trophy is still in their own hands, and they have enjoyed a relatively simple run to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Swindon Town, Fulham, Peterborough United and Southampton have all been no match for Guardiola’s men in this year’s competition, but they have bowed out in the semi-finals two seasons in a row, and the Catalan coach will be wary of the final-four curse striking again.

City have only managed to claim one FA Cup in Guardiola’s tenure so far in 2018-19, but they bring a 10-match unbeaten run in all competitions to Wembley Stadium, which is controversially still hosting the match despite the widespread travel disruption set to impact supporters.

A raft of changes - seven to be exact - for the second-leg clash with Benfica left a portion of Liverpool fans slightly fearful about the prospect of a Benfica comeback, but the Reds’ first-leg domination saved their bacon after an end-to-end Anfield encounter.

Roberto Firmino’s brace and Ibrahima Konate’s header cancelled out strikes from Goncalo Ramos, Roman Yaremchuk and the in-demand Darwin Nunez in a 3-3 thriller, with the latter also seeing two further strikes ruled out for offside as Liverpool set up a semi-final showdown with giant killers Villarreal.

Never before have Liverpool managed to reach the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Champions League in one season, and aspirations of a remarkable quadruple are very much still a possibility, even though they will be relying on Man City dropping points to have a shot at Premier League glory.

The Reds have knocked Shrewsbury Town, Cardiff City, Norwich City and Nottingham Forest out of the tournament to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2014-15 - before Klopp had arrived - and they have made the final on eight of the last 10 occasions that they have reached the final four.

The draw with Benfica marked a seventh game without defeat in all competitions for the Reds - who have found the back of the net at least twice in six of those games - but they have now gone five games without a win versus Man City after the Etihad spectacular earlier this month.

City and Liverpool have not been familiar foes in the FA Cup down the years, with the most recent meeting between the two clubs in the competition coming all the way back in 2002-03, where Danny Murphy’s penalty propelled the Reds to victory in the third round.

Arsenal Take Top-four Revival to St Mary’s Having lost two consecutive matches and overtaken by North London neighbours,Tottenham in fourth place, Arsenal will aim to reignite their charge for a top-four finish in the Premier League when Southampton welcome them to St Mary’s this afternoon The Saints were thrashed 6-0 by Chelsea in their most recent matchup, while Mikel Arteta’s side made it back-to-back losses with a 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

For all of their hard work over the winter months, Southampton have been a shadow of their former selves in the past few weeks, and a Chelsea side lacking confidence barely needed to get into second gear to snap their losing streak on the South Coast.

Marcos Alonso, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Timo Werner all got their names on the scoresheet before the half-time whistle blew, and the latter two doubled their tallies early in the second half, but

Southampton did at least manage to avoid yet another 9-0 thumping in front of their own fans.

That may have been the only minor consolation that Ralph Hasenhuttl and his side could take from that 6-0 humiliation, with the Saints slowly slipping down the table after posting just one draw and four losses from their last eight in the top flight.

Southampton suddenly find themselves down in 14th in the table amid their miserable run of form, but only one point separates them from Crystal Palace in the top 10, and the chance to close that gap is upon them as Patrick Vieira’s side prepare

for FA Cup semi-final duties.

A formerly solid side at home, Southampton have now strung together a three-game losing run at St Mary’s in the Premier League - shipping 10 goals in the process - but Arsenal are not a side riding on cloud nine right now.

It has only taken the loss of three bigname players to injury for everything to go wrong for Arsenal, who have relinquished their spot on fourth place in the Premier League table to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur and are at risk of undoing all their efforts from the earlier months.

Brighton’s struggles to find the back of the net before the Emirates trip were well-documented, but the Seagulls had no trouble carving their way through a makeshift Arsenal side, with Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu both finishing with aplomb before Martin Odegaard’s deflected consolation.

SUNDAY

Newcastle v Leicester 14:15 West Ham v Burnley 14:15

La Liga TODAY

Elche v Mallorca 13:00 Alavés v Vallecano 15:15 Valencia v Osasuna 17:30 Getafe v Villarreal 20:00 SUNDAY

Granada v Levante 13:00 Atlético v Espanyol 15:15 Bilbao v Celta Vigo 17:30 Sevilla v Madrid 20:00 MONDAY

Barcelona v Cádiz 20:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

CLUB

Mo Salah Liverpool Heung Son Tottenham Diogo Jota Liverpool Sadio Mané Liverpool Harry Kane Tottenham Ivan Toney Brentford Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd

GOALS

20 17 15 13 17 12 12

Back-to-back losses to Crystal Palace and Brighton has seen the same old problems become apparent for Arsenal and Arteta, who have failed to compensate for the losses of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney as the season approaches its business end.

Arsenal now find themselves down in fifth but remain just three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand, so the destiny of the North London clubs in Europe could very well come down to the imminent capital derby on May 12.

Taking maximum points back to base this weekend is therefore simply a must for Arsenal, who also have to take on Chelsea and Manchester United before the month is up, and they did win five away Premier League games in a row away from home before being humbled by the Eagles.

Arteta’s side also eased to a 3-0 win over Southampton at the Emirates back in December - their sixth league match without defeat versus the Saints - but they have not done the double over their South Coast opponents since 2016-17.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: Marketing Director, Emmanuel Oriakhi; Daniel Amokachi; Sports Minister, Sunday Dare;Tour Ambassador, Clarence Seedorf; Jay Jay Okocha and NB Plc., Corporate Affairs Director, Sade Morgan in the Minister’s office at Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja dueing the Heineken Trophy Tour of Nigeria

Super Eagles

Super Eagles to Know Opponents for AFCON 2023 Qualification on Tuesday Three–time champions and four-time runners-up, Nigeria will know their group opponents when the draw for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification series is staged at the SuperSport Studio in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday evening. The event will commence at 6.30pm Nigeria time (which is 7.30pm in South Africa).

A total of 48 teams will be divided into 12 groups of four teams each, with only the winner of each group guaranteed a slot at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations that Cote d’Ivoire will stage next year summer. Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire are guaranteed a place, alongside the best three second –placed teams in all the

12 groups.

Nigeria, who finished in third place at the 2019 finals in Egypt and reached the Round of 16 at this year’s championship in Cameroon, is among the 12 teams in Pot 1 – the teams that will head the 12 qualification groups. Others in Pot 1 are reigning champions Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Cote d’Ivoire. Cote d’Ivoire’s participation will be only for formality sake.

Being in the same pot guarantees that none of these teams can be in the same group during the qualification campaign that will last between June 2022 and March 2023. The first two

matchdays are in June, with two other matchdays in September and the final two matchdays to take place in March 2023.

In Pot 2 are South Africa, Cape Verde, Guinea, Gabon, Benin Republic, Uganda, Zambia, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Kenya and Sierra Leone.

Pot 3 comprises of Namibia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Niger Republic, Libya, Mozambique, Malawi, Togo, Zimbabwe, The Gambia, Angola and Comoros.

Tanzania, Central African Republic, Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Liberia, South Sudan and Sao Tome & Principe make up Pot 4.

…Play Friendly Ecuador in New Jersey The Nigeria Football Federation and the Federación Ecuatoriana de Fútbol yesterday announced that the ‘A’ National Teams of both countries will play a friendly match in New Jersey, United States of America on June 2.

Both teams will clash at the 25,000 capacity Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey -home to Major League Soccer’s New York Red Bulls.

The stadium was opened in March 2010.

The match comes only five days after three–time African champions, Nigeria would have squared up to the El Tri of Mexico, one of the strongest teams in the CONCACAF region, in another prestigious international friendly match at the AT & T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Ecuador, currently ranked 46

in the world-by-world football governing body, reached the Round of 16 at the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals in Germany (their second appearance at football’s high table, following their debut in the Far East in 2002).

Nigeria have participated at the FIFA World Cup finals on six occasions, reaching the Round of 16 in 1994, 1998 and 2014.

Super Falcons to Know Women AFCON Group Opponents Nine–time champions, Nigeria will know their group phase opponents at the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations when the draw is staged on Monday, 25th April 2022.

Goals by new birds Ifeoma Onumonu and Esther Okoronkwo steered the Super Falcons to a 3-0 aggregate win over Cote d’Ivoire in the final round of the qualifiers in February. In the earlier round, forward Uchenna Kanu scored both goals in Lagos to lift the Falcons past the Black Queens

of Ghana, who won the return leg 1-0 in Accra.

Nigeria won the first edition of the Women Africa Cup of Nations (then known as African Women Championship) staged in the country in 1998, and has won seven other championships. The only times the Super Falcons did not emerge victorious in the history of the competition were when the tournaments were staged in Equatorial Guinea, in 2008 and 2012.

This year’s tournament

in Morocco, 2nd–23rd July comes with added impetus as the four semi finalists will represent Africa at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Australia/New Zealand.

The 12 teams that have qualified to play at the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations are: Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, Burundi, Zambia, Togo, Senegal, Tunisia, Botswana, Cameroon, South Africa, Burkina Faso.

They will be divided into four groups of three teams each.

Sport Minister Commends Nigerian Breweries for Heineken Trophy Tour of Nigeria The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, has applauded the effort of Nigerian Breweries Plc through its Heineken brand for bringing the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy to Nigeria.

The minister, who received some of the management team of the company and the Heineken Trophy Tour Ambassador, Clarence Seedorf, in his office at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja said that Heineken Trophy Tour and the brand’s consistent sponsorship of UEFA Champions League no doubt inspires an average Nigerian youth to achieve his set goals.

“This is the most glamorous club cup in the world and second most important after the FIFA World Cup and over the years. Nigerian youths have been following the tournament every season and when Heineken decides to bring the trophy to Nigeria, it is a good opportunity for millions of Nigerian youths to see at close range the cup great footballers in the world have lifted while playing in the tournament.

“Nigeria is a football loving nation, that has had a strong attachment to the Champions League over the years and the Tour

Ambassador, Seedorf, is one of the most successful players in UEFA Champions League history, as he is the first and currently the only player to have won the UEFA Champions League Trophy with three clubs and many of our youths that are privileged to have a picture opportunity with him during his short stay will have memory of the program,” he remarked.

The Minister also tasked Nigerian youths to take advantage of the platform Heineken has provided to reach the pinnacle of their chosen careers.

He expressed optimism that Samuel Chukwueze, who is the only Nigerian left playing in the Champions League today, will hopefully be the next Nigerian after Finidi George, Nwankwo Kanu and John Mikel Obi to put his hands on the trophy with FC Villarreal who surprisingly eliminated former champions, Bayern Munich to reach the semifinal phase of the tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Speaking earlier while presenting the UEFA Champions League Trophy to the Minister, the Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sade Morgan, said that “the focal point

All Set for Tiger Tennis Foundation Easter Tourney No fewer than 200 children from six states across Nigeria are scheduled to feature at the Tiger Tennis Foundation Easter National Training and Tournament billed for April 18-23 in Lagos.

According to the founder of the Tiger Tennis Foundation, Paul Moses, the week-long programme

which will take place at National Stadium Surulere, will be in six categories for boys and girls.

The categories are eight and under (red ball), nine and under (orange ball), 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under.

Moses, a UK Professional Tennis Registry certified coach, stated

Olise to Undergo Fitness Test before Sunday’s FA Cup Clash Super Eagles invitee Michael Olise faces a fitness test to make Crystal Palace’s matchday squad for Sunday’s Emirates FACup semifinal clash against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

The France U21 international certainly wants to be involved in the match against Chelsea and the primary reason is because of his past connections with the Stamford Bridge outfit, having spent time at their academy before making the switch to Reading.

Olise picked up a foot injury while on international duty with the France U21s late last month and has missed the last two games played by the Eagles in the Premier League.

There’s a little bit of good news regarding the availability of Olise for Sunday’s fixture, with Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira revealing at today’s press conference that the winger has returned to training.

Speaking to reporters, Vieira stated : “We had Tyrick

and Michael who had some training on the field, individually yesterday, a little bit more today.

“And then of course we have to wait tomorrow to see if there is any kind of reaction, but they will only get involved in the game if they are one hundred percent fit.”

Statistically, Olise has been Crystal Palace’s most influential player in this season’s FA Cup, scoring twice and registering three assists in four appearances.

of our visit as you are aware, is to officially present the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour and its Ambassador, one of the greatest and most intelligent midfielders, known as ‘The Professor, ex Dutch national team player and UEFA ambassador, Clarence Seedorf alongside former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha and Daniel Amokachi to your office,” she remarked.

The Heineken brand since 1994 has been partnering UEFA for the competition and in the 2005/6 season, Nigeria began the full activation of the tournament and has consistently brought the UEFA Champions League tournament to Nigerians because of the passion attached to the most important club football competition in the world.

Heineken’s 2021/22 UEFA Champions League campaign entitled, “Cheers to All Fans”, highlights the inclusive nature of the game of football, communicating that football belongs to all passionate fans; regardless of gender, age, or tribe.

To follow the UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken on social media, visit @Heinekenng and use #CheerstoAllFans.

Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi (third from right); LSJA chairman Sheriff Hammed; Vice Chairman of LSJA Jide Runsewe; Patron of LSJA Temitayo Awotodunbo (left); Head of Technical, LSSC Travih (second left) and Director of Sports Development, LSSC Moses Kolawole (third left)

that the Tiger Tennis Foundation, among others, was birthed to create a competitive environment for young people to take part in more training and national tournament in Nigeria and to organise different international tournament for kids While thanking the Nigeria Tennis Federation boss, Ifedayo Akindoju for support, Moses added that the foundation would create a competitive environment for young people to take part in more training and national tournament in and also help to improve our grassroots tennis by organising clinics and mini tournaments across Nigeria.

“Aside assisting of coaches and players with tennis equipment, the Tiger Tennis Foundation will equally serve as a pool for future tennis superstars and more importantly, fast track the development of tennis in Nigeria, he said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ebere Eze waltzes through two Leicester City players at the King Power Stadium last weekend

Eberechi Eze

Still in Manager’s Good Books Having started the season on the sidelines courtesy of his Achilles tendon injury suffered during training last May, Eberechi Eze’s return to match action has been slow.Things however changed last weekend for the Nigerian-eligible as he was introduced in the second half in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss to Leicester and Coach PatrickVieira singled out Eze for praise

C

rystal Palace manager, Patrick Vieira reveals what pleased him about Eberechi Eze in his club’s loss to Leicester.

Vieira was delighted with the contribution of Eze in his side’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City in a Premier League meeting at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

Vieira brought on Eze as a replacement for Conor Gallagher in the 58th minute in a tactical substitution to add more firepower to the attack of the Eagles.

Palace looked livelier after the introduction of the Nigeria Football Federation target who won a penalty.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Vieira praised Eze, saying: “I was really pleased because I think he brought more passes forward.

“He brought a little bit more tempo.

That allowed us to create a couple of more situations and chances.”

Eze was left on the bench for five consecutive matches in the Premier League before Sunday’s clash with Leicester City.

Crystal Palace came through March unbeaten, winning three of their four games and earning a point against Premier League leaders Manchester City at Selhurst Park. They now face a busy April packed with six games that will define how Vieira’s first season in south London is remembered.

Although there is little chance that the Eagles will disturb the European

qualification places in the league table, they still harbour ambitions of breaking into the top 10. Doing so this year would signal to Steve Parish and co that they made the right choice in appointing Vieira last summer to oversee the next step of the club’s long-term vision. They also remain in the FA Cup and face a London derby at Wembley when they take on Chelsea on Sunday. If they progress to the final, they’ll come up against either Manchester City or Liverpool.

So, with four league games and a semi-final to pack into April, which players will Vieira need to step up and help get Palace into a position where they could realise their ambitions in the Premier League as well as eye up some long-awaited silverware.

Having started the season on the sidelines courtesy of his achilles injury suffered during training last May, Eze’s return to match action has been slow and steady, with Vieria asserting every step of the way that the midfielder would not be rushed back at risk of further injury. That has limited him to just seven Premier League appearances this season, with six of those coming off the bench as a substitute.

It’s in the FA Cup where Eze has had most of his minutes though, starting in the wins over Millwall, Hartlepool United and Everton. In the latter he put in his best showing of the campaign so far, playing a vital role in Jean-Philippe

Mateta’s goal in the first and celebrating the moment joyfully on his own in the centre of the pitch afterwards.

“That was his opportunity and I think he did really well,” said Vieira after the match. “He played with a lot of personality. What I was really pleased about his performance is the work that he did out of possession, because we all know what he can do with the ball.

So that part of the game he needed to improve, and I think he did it really well. And now that has to be consistent.

And the best way to be consistent is to play games.”

If Vieira is true to his word and keeps Eze in the team for Palace’s busy April schedule then he could turn out to be a difference-maker for them, having missed out on his obvious quality for large portions of the campaign so far.

He could particularly be useful in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea with teammate Conor Gallagher unable to play against his parent club due to FA rules.

Eze has failed to win back a starting place in Vieira’s side after sustaining an achilles tendon injury at the end of last season, which has disrupted his momentum.

Before the injury, Eze had shown plenty of promise, having notched 10 goal contributions (four goals and six assists) in his debut campaign in England’s top flight. However, it’s fair to say that 2021/22 has not gone to plan for player

who has made just seven appearances in the current Premier League campaign.

However, Vieira has reaffirmed his desire to keep hold of all of his talented young players and warded off any potential suitors they may have.

The Frenchman is enjoying an impressive debut season in the Premier League as a manager, with the Eagles currently at ninth in the table. Palace boast an impressive roster of young players, all with huge potential who have stood out for them over the course of Vieira’s first year in charge.

Summer signings Marc Guehi (21) and Michael Olise (20) have become fan favourites for their performances while players Vieira inherited Eberechi Eze (23) and Tyrick Mitchell (22) to a talented pool of young talent tied down to long contracts. For Palace fans, there’s a lot to be excited about.

But, as expected, there have already been rumblings of reported interest in several of Palace’s young stars ahead of the summer transfer window. In a pre-match press conference, Vieira was asked whether he would be talking to Palace’s sporting director Dougie Freedman about ensuring his promising group of players stuck together for as long as possible.

“Our main focus is to finish the season well and then we will have time to build or to talk about what we need to improve,” he said. “But we have those young players and the plan is of course for them to stay as long as they can in the football club.”

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 16, 2022

33

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

On, Not Under, Platform

“T

HE quest by some presidential aspirants of the PDP for a consensus flagbearer (flag-bearer, by the way)….” This way: standard-bearer, not flag-bearer “Buhari assents to bill raising teachers (teachers’) retirement age to 65” “Okorocha: APC should stand firm in (on) zoning Presidency to South-east” “Labour storms venue of governors (governors’) meeting over autonomy” “JOHESU accuses CMDs, MDs of sabotaging FG (FG’s) directives on training” “Gov (Gov.) Ikpeazu’s kinsmen in diaspora kick against Ngwa self succession (self-succession) agenda” “Ugwuanyi gives executive backing for (to) domestication of Disability Act” “FCCPC: Court rejects Med Contour’s ‘no case submission’, fixes trial for May 26” Get it right: no-case submission “Here are photographs of personalities at (on) the occasion” “Megwara: Ikpeazu’s choice of Ikonne, setback for (to) Abia” “…in the run up (run-up) to the 2023 general election, writes….”

“Effective transportation requires road master plans (master-plans) with economic inclusiveness” THE NATION of April 5 goofed: “Three pupils dead in Ibadan school bus fire” Truth in defence of freedom: Three pupils die…

Dateline: April 12, 2019: Thanks to Seth Akintoye, reference books on the English language, Google and Grammarly.com, I just found out that ‘flag off’ is a wrong phrasal verb ignorantly used by most of my fellow countrymen! What exist are ‘flag down’, ‘flag up’, ‘flag out’ and ‘flag’. ‘Flag off’ is a faulty Nigerian creation. “Oyo flags-off (begins/ launches/kicks off/inaugurates…et al) bridge, road projects” Reactions to this ‘discovery’ are welcome. Let us keep exchanging ideas on lexis

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

and structure—and grammar, generally. Latest development (April 12, 2022): ‘flag off’ is now accepted as a phrasal verb, according to January 2020 updates of Oxford English Dictionary. “…no amount of pressure would make the Senate sweep any of its probe report (reports) under the carpet” (Vanguard, April 4) “Jos: Three arrested over (for) policeman’s death” (The PUNCH Headline, April 3) “Handover (Hand over) our VP for trial, Iraq urges Qatar” (Source: as above) THE GUARDIAN of April 3 circulated the next two gaffes: “With the inherent multiplier effects of the automotive manufacturing industry, the government can, this time around (round), ill-afford sloppy disposition towards the strategic subsector.” ‘This time around’ is American English!

“Segun Toriola: Record sixth times (time) at the Olympics” “…but the payoff was last week raised to a whooping (whopping) N100 million.”

“When diaspora Ohaneze converged in (on) Ogwashi-Ukwu” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 3) “Senate blames judiciary over (for) 33,692 awaiting trial inmates” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 3) “If they say they want to vote for PDP (a comma) no problem about that but majority (a majority)….”

“Last week Wednesday….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 3) Either: last Wednesday or Wednesday, last week.

LEADERSHIP of April 3 goofed: “Movement of cattle has often pitted Fulani herdsmen with (against) local farmers whose crops are destroyed by cattle.”

“Ezeonu came at a time when health care delivery services in Ebonyi State was (were) challenged.” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 2) “This smacks off double standard.” (BUSINESSDAY, March 29) Grammar you can trust: smacks of.

“PDP must restore hope in (to) Nigerians, says Lamido” (THE GUARDIAN, March 29) “Six students, bizman arrested over (for)

robbery in Edo” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, March 29) “These children disappeared atimes from home after their parents had gone to search for daily bread….” Children for sale: at times.

“No sooner had the morning papers commenced at (on) the main campus of the university at about 10.a.m....” Either at or about 10.a.m. A ‘ t about 10 a.m.’ gives room for confusion.

“Having shown that he means business…all shades of people are quickly jumping into (on/ aboard) the ‘anti-corruption’ bandwagon.”

“Another feather to (in) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cap on his lavish 70th birthday” “Conceeding defeat is a herculean task.”

Spell-check: concede and conceding. “…following reports of molestation and harassment of law-abiding citizens by members of vigilante groups supposedly in anti-robbery patrol” Get it right: vigilance committees/groups.

“I do not intend to bore you with beer-parlour (pub) gossips” ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable. “…the ‘officials’ who would be carrying files from Abuja to Lagos to treat in the morning and return them back in the evening.” No linguistic sabotage: delete ‘back’. “…several (many) universities from across the universe were practically falling over themselves (one another) to give Mandela one honorary award or the other (another).”

“Staff correspondent x-rays the government white paper on the two organizations and related companies in the industry. ‘White papers’ are issued exclusively by governments. So, there should be no communicative redundancy. “...well-wishers of the official have been astonished by the resounding non-challance of the man about the appointment.” Get it right always: nonchalance. “…the desire by the president to utilize best hands available in the running of government in this (these) trying times....” Do you utilize what is unavailable?

“This may not be unconnected with the

Further Perspectives On ‘Perceptions 2023’

T

EBERE WABARA

he circle of readers’ reactions to issues raised in the nine-part article on selected gladiators on the presidential arena continues this week. Here are further sundry perspectives:

ON AHMED BOLA TINUBU - Published FEBRUARY 19 & 26, 2022: ...As for Tinubu, hate or like him, I consider him PREPARED, TRIED and TESTED. Whether he will be able to deliver as president, will only be known if and when he gets the job.

If your postulation is that “you invested much hope in PMB, and in your opinion he has failed, and you are therefore expressing fears that the Tinubu, who by popular acclaim, raised Lagos a notch higher, as gov between 1999-2007, may fail as president if he gets the job in 2023”, I am afraid that may be warped thinking.

Conventional wisdom teaches us that people who aspire to a position should be judged by what they delivered last time out; cognate Tinubu experience should count for an aspirant, not against him/her. If we drive your logic further, should we rather go for a greenhorn, fresh, to support a Nigerian, from any geo-political untainted, but with nothing to assess him by? zone in the South, other than the West. After Granted that fresh face may have its attraction, eight years of Chief Obasanjo’s administration but can such a person also fail woefully, due and another eight years of Prof. Osinbajo, the to naivety, and lack of hands on experience? West has had its fair share of leadership at the My brother, heads or tail, it’s a gamble; our center. I foresee a volcanic conflagration that duty as Public Analyst is to do due diligence, might obliterate the foundation of this country. on all aspirants, without innuendo, and passing The Presidency must come to the South, the South must ensure the unity of this country by judgement.

Whoever ultimately gets the job, must be looking inward. A word is enough for the wise.

- Amechi Cassidy held accountable from day one; after all, the beauty of democracy is that voters will always Leadership is not served a la carte, it must have a chance to re-elect, or vote out at the be earned. POLITICS IS A GAME, only the best next election. will be rewarded. Igbos during the Jonathan era - Sola Adesokan During the presidency of George W Bush, pitched their tent with him. The influence of the intelligentsia, opinion leaders, notable the Igbos became so strong that it was called personalities in the entertainment industry felt Igbo govt. The Yorubas went to the drawing that a young black Senator by name Barack board to chart a new course for their region and Obama, has the midas touch and is deserv- Nigeria while the Igbos were busy defending ing of the support of all who desire change their interest in the Jonathan regime. Now in the polity. Femi, I expected you and other that it is time to reap the reward, you expect enlightened influencers of Yoruba extraction the Yorubas to step down and support Igbo

candidacy while watching from the sideline.

Ko jọ (No way), pls go and look for another game. This one has misfired.

- Sesan Asere Loading! a brilliant dissection of the subject without sentiment.

- Adebayo Obajemu Bro, I have been following for some time now. I want to appreciate your brilliancy and your ability to bring out the best when writing.

You are a reader’s delight anytime, any day. But one area of disagreement with you is when you use good words of the English language to give kudos and praise people who do not deserve it.

- Victor Adegbembo So being president is now a reward for past achievements!!!! Shebi? (Isn’t it?)

- Odion Orumen ON PETER OBI - FEBRUARY 26 & MARCH 12: Have you taken enough time to fully investigate Tinubu and even the sitting vice president before your journey into Peter Obi who has not been found to have fleeced the government?

- Henry Isikekpei Was there any money missing from Anambra State coffers? If not why the searchlight? Every businessman/woman is a tax artful dodger and it shall remain so for ever and ever.

- King Akpabio Make una leave this man alone na.

- Abay Esho He was accused and he came out to respond, denying his culpability.

The important thing for me is that they didn’t say he siphoned Anambra State resources to his private account abroad.

But you can see that the report (in Premium Times) is slanted, bordering on the tendentious.

I hope other aspirants would be put to the same test.

- Steve Osuji He is the best equipped personality that should be President of this country if we desire progress and development.

- Olu Yemi

moral-cum-political pedestal on which the old man stood for sometime (some time).”

“Shadows of the wrongs of yesteryears trailed Obasanjo in the presidential election.” Fixed expression: yesteryear “It is a pity that Nigeria has had a history of self-governance, brought about by the regular incursion of military to (into) power.” ”From the onset (outset), let me declare that I pulled out of Economics immediately I scaled the hurdle at the advanced level.”

“Now you are on (in) the saddle.”

“From all intent and purpose….” No extinction of the English language: all intents and purposes.

“The singular word that has eaten very deep into the fabrics (fabric) of the Nigerian nation is corruption.”

“It has gradually destroyed the foundation of most people’s lives, removed their trust and believe (belief) in hard work, diligence, honesty, and excellence.” ‘Hard work’ and ‘diligence’ cannot co-function—just use either.

“In a country where innocent children lack assess (access) to one good meal a day....”

“But what is the sense in embarking in (on) such wasteful projects when salaries have not been paid, and majority (a majority) of Nigerians are hungry and angry.”

“What is more distressing is that while the government is urging the poor masses....” The dictionaries inform me that ‘the masses’ are the lower, wretched members of the society.

No poverty of expression.

“Yet they are expected to put in their very best.” ‘Best’ is a superlative point, which requires no intensification or amplification (very).

“Apology or bribery to ensure goodies from the state house is (are) not stopped.”

Have a blissful Easter and don’t forget to courier smoked fish to your English language ‘teacher’!

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON

fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

Running a state is quite different from a nation like Nigeria, with diverse nature, religion & tribalism. He must first operate at the centre to belong....

- Shina Richards How did Peter lead Anambra as a governor for 8 years? Peter Obi is another pretender. He says one thing, and several times he’s different from what he says. Peter Obi should have stayed in APGA to grow it to a regional power and use it to negotiate at the center. Unfortunately, even the majority of Igbos won’t vote for him.

Elections are games of numbers.

- Prince Adéyemí Aseperi Nice write up! However, there are so many indices to judge a good leader. What was his succession plan and how did it work out? As a good governor, how many of his type was he able to groom and maintain? As a two term Governor, his popularity in Anambra is still questionable. Since he left APGA, his new party is still playing a 2nd fiddle in the State!

As a potential Presidential candidate, he needs a geographical spread of popularity to become the president. I see Peter Obi as a docile politician, who’s contented with operating within his immediate environment. With such a rich CV, one would’ve expected that he would’ve positioned himself as a front runner for 2023 already but he’s probably still waiting for a running mate position!!!

I hope the 2nd part of this write up will touch on the above-mentioned areas and hopefully PO will read it to shape up because it’s not too late for him to shape up.

- Ayour Pee Ponnle Well said, from all those who have come out as contenders, none is a match to this great Nigerian who has the credentials to pull us out of the mess of the last 7 years.

- Henry Anieke

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Coolant VS Water in Radiator– The Pros and Cons

L-R: Group Marketing Manager, Mikano International Limited, Mr Romeo Moussallem; and GM Mikano Motors, Mr. Ralph Haidar, showing the newly launched Azkarra Luxury SUV

Geely Nigeria Unveils Luxury Azkarra SUV

M

ikano Motors recently unveiled its all-new flagship luxury SUV from its Geely Nigeria lineup, the Geely Azkarra.

Following a highly successful pre-sale period, the launch event was mapped out to demonstrate the beauty, luxury and surprising power of the Azkarra SUV. At the unveiling ceremony at the Geely showroom, VI, Lagos, the commendable accomplishments of the Mikano- Geely partnership were shared, with an emphasis on the Mikano Motors value chain. It was revealed by the GM Mikano Motors- Ralph Haidar, that Mikano Motors offers the best value for car purchases currently obtainable in Nigeria; these include the 5year/ 150,000 km warranty, Mobile workshop, VIP Courtesy service, guaranteed resale value and the confidence from Mikano International’s legacy quality, after- sales prowess, assurance for peace of mind and overall, the best value for your auto investment. After sharing insights for the Value Chain, guests were treated to a detailed analysis of the design process for the Azkarra as shared by Geely’s Head of Design, ShanghaiGuy Burgoyne. Burgoyne described the

steps taken from ideation to the production of the distinguished looking Azkarra which he described as being “sophisticated, practical, intuitive and technically precise”.

He said the Azkarra was designed with the car owners in mind, identifying that “the consumers’ choice of cars is becoming their choice of lifestyle rather than just a tool for transportation”. He highlighted that the accentuated headlamps, deep set into the body colour inserts, give the Azkarra a matured look which conveys great confidence and the exterior was designed to improve aerodynamic performance. This refined, sleek attribute transitions to the interior with a self-assured fluidity, successfully merging sportiness and refinement. The cockpit is wrapped in lush Nappa leather, with translucent backlit wood patterns providing adjustable ambient lighting that emotively matches the driver’s and passenger mood. The user interface as found in the Azkarra’s “humanised” interior complements Geely’s innovative 48V EMS mild- hybrid system. The performance of the Azkarra’s innovative 48V EMS (Electric Motor Synergy) was described in an explainer video.

It details when in certain driving modes, the system improves the acceleration dynamics of the car, due to additional torque (+50Nm) and

also provides up to 15% improved fuel economy.

Overall, the EMS of the Luxury Geely Azkarra provides the car with a distinctly smooth ride, more power and a substantially improved fuel economy. The luxury Geely Azkarra SUV was subsequently unveiled officially by the GMMikano Motors, Ralph Haidar who announced a limited- time launch offer. The limited offer announced a starting price from N17.3 Million in addition to the additional perks from the presale offer. This special limited- time launch offer was to celebrate the success of the pre- sale offer, which led to sales of over 100 units of Azkarra within a short period of time.

Guests were then encouraged to physically appraise the Azkarra, which is available in Nigeria in two trims, the Azkarra Platinum Pro and the Azkarra Titanium. The Azkarra has an immediate charismatic appeal from the first glance, with an elegant and sophisticated carriage.

The grille features the signature “expanding cosmos” design, much like the Coolray, but somehow managing to look more mature on the Azkarra. The rear is simple, yet distinct and beautiful in its simplicity. The interior is a stylish cocoon with Nappa leather seats and tactile controls and buttons lending credence to the “humanized space” inference.

NADDC is Working on Electric Vehicle Policy, Says Aliyu

T

he National Automotive Design & Development Council (NADDC) is working on an Electric Vehicle Policy, under which is a set of fiscal incentives for both producers and buyers/users of EVs in Nigeria.

The Director General of the Council stated this at the Nigerian Energy Summit II, organised by Germany, the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Power, and the European Union in Lagos, recently.

Aliyu reiterated the Council’s commitment towards the local production of environmentallyfriendly Electric Vehicles (EVs) for use by every Nigerian.

The agency, he said, plans to enable an increase in the capacity of Electric Vehicle production in the country.

This, he said, would support the provision of more EVs that are applicable to the Nigerian condition, and would allow the nation to meet its targets for the Paris Accord and the 2060 net zero emission commitment, on reducing the emission of harmful gas from vehicles.

He also presented their strides in developing 100 per cent solar-powered EV charging stations, sited at three universities across the country.

These are Uthman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, University of Lagos and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in a strategic move that is aimed at bringing advanced automotive related technology to the

Director General, National Automotive Design & Development Council, Jelani Aliyu, inspecting the Hyundai Kona Electric vehicle after the Nigerian Energy Support Programme Il in Lagos… recently

doorsteps of students as an effective technology transfer initiative.

Aliyu’s presentation showcased a video of the first Nigerian Assembled Electric Vehicle, the Hyundai Kona EV, and also that of the Jet

Mover Electric Delivery Van from Indegenous Nigerian automotive company, Jet Systems Motors.

At the end of the summit, participants had the opportunity to drive the Hyundai Kona EV to get a feel of the vehicle’s technology.

Most people assume that using pure distilled water in their radiator when their car is overheating will solve the problem. With the cost of fuel and the escalating costs of living, the radiator coolant price can just add to all your other car expenses. It’s easy to look for cheaper solutions and naturally water can become a far more attractive solution. Don’t take the easy route, car radiator coolant is essential and this is why.

The difference between using radiator coolant vs water in your radiator Using water to top up your radiator fluid is a common misconception that occurs because many do not understand the way a radiator functions in an engine and the reason that coolant and antifreeze is required. Coolant is a chemical fluid that is required for your car’s cooling system or radiator to work. The cooling system in your car consists of the radiator, which usually has a pressurised cap (do not open this when the radiator or engine is hot under any circumstance!), an overflow bottle, a thermostat and a cooling fan. The purpose of a cooling system in your car is to circulate coolant through the engine which cools the engine and surrounding parts. Coolant is a chemically manufactured product that is premixed with water. Antifreeze is also added to this to stop freezing in cold weather (usually water is also mixed with antifreeze 50/50). Here is a basic antifreeze definition: Antifreeze for car radiators is a chemical product that is added to coolant to stop your car’s radiator fluid from freezing up in icy weather. There are different antifreeze types so check your local mechanic for the correct type for your car as well as antifreeze coolant prices. People are always asking what the difference is between radiator fluid vs coolant as well. It is essentially the same thing, the term coolant and radiator fluid is interchangeable while antifreeze is a different fluid that is added to the coolant mixture. Your radiator fluid or coolant can be with antifreeze or without.

When coolant and antifreeze is mixed with the water it changes the temperature at which the water will freeze or boil. This is essential in a car engine as the purpose of the radiator is to regulate the temperature of the engine as it works. This mixture does not freeze or boil in a hurry and remains in liquid form. So when the car is being used at top speed or for long periods it will serve to cool your engine down without reaching boiling point and when outside temperatures are freezing it will remain liquid and continue to regulate the temperature of your engine by circulating through.

If you use only tap water inside the radiator, your engine and radiator can start building up deposits of minerals from the water that can damage it. Distilled water is safer but it can also rust and corrode from the water, mineral or tap. This will eventually lead to serious engine and radiator damage. One of the main ingredients in antifreeze is ethylene glycol which does not corrode metals and actually provides a kind of protective coating to the metal parts of the engine and radiator, extending the life cycle. There are also additives in coolants and antifreeze that are meant to reduce corrosion. This is why VSHFLÀF YHKLFOHV UHTXLUH VSHFLÀF FRRODQWV DQG antifreeze. In addition to this, it also prevents rust which water encourages. It is essential to have the correct ratio for the mixture of water and coolant as this also affects the performance of the coolant and the engine. Too little water will mean the coolant is too thick to circulate efficiently and too much water will mean the coolant solution will not work properly. Quite often, engine damage occurs due to neglect of the cooling system and using only water instead of a coolant. Over long periods of time this can cause engine failure. Taking care of your radiator and your cooling system in your car is essential especially in hot climates like South Africa. By regularly checking for leaks and ensuring you flush your coolant and use clean antifreeze coolant regularly you can protect your car from unnecessary costly damage. Check that your coolant is in order by looking into the overflow bottle regularly.

(Source: Silverton Radiators)

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

AUTO WORLD

Kia Nigeria Presents new Rio to Miss Nigeria Queen, Shatu Garko

K

ia Nigeria, the leading automobile brand in the country, unveils Shatu Garko, Miss Nigeria Queen as their brand ambassador. The unveiling and handover ceremony was held at the Kia Showroom, Adeola Odeku, Lagos, and marks the beginning of Shatu’s brand ambassadorship with Kia Nigeria.

The brand ambassadorship comes on the heels of the presentation of an all-new Kia Rio to 18-year-old Shatu Garko, having won the 44th edition of the prestigious Miss Nigeria contest in December. Having entered into a partnership deal with Folio Media Group, the organizers of Miss Nigeria with a shared objective to empower young women through the beauty pageant, the partnership is aimed at supporting young women across the country. Keying into Kia’s new brand slogan of the ‘Movement that Inspires’ the partnership with Miss Nigeria seeks to provide a platform to inspire young girls to attain greatness and achieve their dreams.

Founder of Folio Media Group, the organizers of the pageant, Fidelis Anosike, said the vision was to create national empowerment and a role model that would serve as a driver for the young ladies. “We want to use it to raise the voices of women. We believe that every Miss Nigeria will also take on these issues, raising the

L-R: Marketing Manager, Kia Nigeria, Olawale Jimoh; Miss Nigeria Queen, Shatu Garko; Assistant Vice President, Sales, Kia Nigeria, Debanja Paul; and Marketing Executive, Omolade Akinyode, during the Kia Rio handover ceremony at Kia Showroom, Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

voices of women, especially as it relates to issues around the environment,” he stated.

Commenting on the partnership at the unveiling ceremony, the Marketing Manager of Kia Nigeria,Olawale Jimoh, stated that

“as a socially responsible brand in Nigeria, we understand the various struggles of young ladies, particularly in Nigeria and so we strive to make sure our company supports organisations that uplift and support women in the country. Miss

Nigeria has been the epitome of promoting diversity and self-development, by providing a platform where young women can thrive DQG ÀQG WKHLU WUXH FRQÀGHQFH LQ WKHPVHOYHV in order to pursue their dreams and attain greatness. Our partnership with the pageant further demonstrates our commitment to the capacity development of people in Nigeria.”

In her remarks, newly signed Kia ambassador, Shatu Garko said, “It’s great to be part of the Kia family; a leading global brand with deep knowledge and expertise in creating technologically advanced cars and exceptional after sales service.”

She continued “I am excited to be the brand ambassador of such a reliable brand as Kia, as a customer-centric brand with leading technology and impressive after-sales service in Nigeria. I’m excited and look forward to working with Kia. “Miss Nigeria is a beauty contest that is there for young Nigerian women with an aim to push them from one level to another in all aspects. We will continue to sponsor programmes that ensure girls’ empowerment because it’s one of the ways we give back to society and that’s why we are here. This partnership is one of the paths to achieving our corporate social responsibility objectives and we’re proud to name Shatu Garko, the 44th Miss Nigeria Queen our brand ambassador,” Olawale said.

Hyundai Motor Chair Euisun Chung Named Visionary of the Year

H

ave you ever driven fatigued?

Or have you been caught sleep- driving or falling asleep behind the wheels? I need you to sincerely answer these questions as falling asleep on the wheels is becoming a great concern to authorities. If you don’t know, driving drowsy is impaired driving. Driving drowsy is as dangerous as driving and phoning or driving under the influence. On several occasions, we have rescued drivers who crashed because they slept off the steering while on motion. There are cases where the crash occurred at night and cases where it was normal day time driving. Also pronounced are crashes involving night life crooners who, like multitasking freaks boast of their capacities and abilities to drive even after taking a bottle too many. This write up is not about drink- driving but about drivers who drive fatigued or drowsy.

I remember vividly the case of a friend of mine who almost lost his life along the Ajaokuta-Lokoja road some years ago. According to his story, he left Enugu after attending a social function and stopped over at a pharmacy to get cough syrup which he took before embarking on the journey. After a few hours of driving, he dozed off and lost control. He was lucky that the vehicle didn’t veer too far away

The new 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe

from the highway because he was driving at what we call common sense speed. He was also lucky that the damage on the car was minor and that there were no injuries sustained. Some others have not been that lucky. Some have ended up with serious life threatening injuries while some lost their life in the process. Available records rarely reveal the state of the driver before the crash; whether he was fatigued or not.

In some other climes there exist some appropriate structures and technology to capture this, if not all.

Allow me again to share this material which reveals that drowsy driving is impaired driving. According to the National Sleep Foundation in the United States of America, about half of adult drivers admit to consistently getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. About twenty percent admit falling asleep behind the wheel at some point in the past year while more than forty percent admit that this has happened at least once in their driving careers.

These startling figures show how prevalent drowsy driving is. What drivers may not realise is how much drowsy driving puts themselves and other road users at risk. In 2017, 50,000 people were injured in drowsy driving accidents and 795 of those were killed because of drowsy driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration while 800 fatalities occurred in 2015 as a result of drivers feeling fatigued behind the wheel.

Don’t Drive Drowsy This Easter

H

ave you ever driven fatigued?

Or have you been caught sleep- driving or falling asleep behind the wheels? I need you to sincerely answer these questions as falling asleep on the wheels is becoming a great concern to authorities. If you don’t know, driving drowsy is impaired driving. Driving drowsy is as dangerous as driving and phoning or driving under the influence. On several occasions, we have rescued drivers who crashed because they slept off the steering while on motion. There are cases where the crash occurred at night and cases where it was normal day time driving. Also pronounced are crashes involving night life crooners who, like multitasking freaks boast of their capacities and abilities to drive even after taking a bottle too many. This write up is not about drink- driving but about drivers who drive fatigued or drowsy.

I remember vividly the case of a friend of mine who almost lost his life along the Ajaokuta-Lokoja road some years ago. According to his story, he left Enugu after attending a social function and stopped over at a pharmacy to get cough syrup which he took before embarking on the journey. After a few hours of driving, he dozed off and lost control.

He was lucky that the vehicle didn’t veer too far away from the highway because he was driving

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

at what we call common sense speed. He was also lucky that the damage on the car was minor and that there were no injuries sustained. Some others have not been that lucky. Some have ended up with serious life threatening injuries while some lost their life in the process. Available records rarely reveal the state of the driver before the crash; whether he was fatigued or not.

In some other climes there exist some appropriate structures and technology to capture this, if not all.

Allow me again to share this material which reveals that drowsy driving is impaired driving. According to the National Sleep Foundation in the United States of America, about half of adult drivers admit to consistently getting behind the wheel while feeling drowsy. About twenty percent admit falling asleep behind the wheel at some point in the past year while more than forty percent admit that this has happened

at least once in their driving careers.

These startling figures show how prevalent drowsy driving is. What drivers may not realise is how much drowsy driving puts themselves and other road users at risk. In 2017, 50,000 people were injured in drowsy driving accidents and 795 of those were killed because of drowsy driving according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration while 800 fatalities occurred in 2015 as a result of drivers feeling fatigued behind the wheel. In fact, an estimated 5,000 people died in 2015 in crashes involving drowsy driving in the United States of America. The record shows that from 2009 to 2013, there were 72,000 reported motor vehicle accidents involving drowsy drivers.

Now that the Federal Road Safety Corps has set up Station Offices across the country, I am confident that our record in this direction will henceforth get better. I pray that victims will be bold to say the truth instead of concealing the reasons behind the crash.

Driving while drowsy, as I stated earlier, is similar to driving under the influence of alcohol. I am sure that some drinking freaks would carpet me for this, especially the real drinkers. Before they drag me to the slaughter slab, I need them to know that a drivers’ reaction times, awareness of hazards and ability to sustain attention all worsen the drowsier the driver is. The report further states that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is the equivalent of driving with a blood-alcohol concentration

of 0.08percent which is the U.S. legal limit while Nigeria’s is 0.5gms or 0.05percent of blood alcohol concentration(BAC). As a driver, you should know that you are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued. This is why our National Road Traffic Regulations,2012 recommends a fifteen minutes’ rest after four hours of driving. I know that some drivers comply with this rule. The irony however, is that instead of truly resting for fifteen minutes, they indulge in the habit that worsens the state of drowsiness. It is common to see these drivers while resting, order for a bottle or two of alcoholic beverages to ‘clear their sight or vision’ The strange thing about driving fatigued is that a driver might not even know when he or she is fatigued because signs of fatigue are hard to identify.

Some people may also experience microsleep – short, involuntary periods of inattention. In the 4 or 5 seconds a driver experiences micro-sleep, at highway speed, the vehicle will travel the length of a football field.

I told you that our records are being fine-tuned to enable us to properly capture these incidents.

Despite the difficulty in determining whether a driver was drowsy as at the time of a crash, the case in the United States of America will shock you. Their data reveals that there is a prevalence of drowsy driving crashes. The available data reveals that every year, there are about one hundred thousand reported crashes involving drowsy driving.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

FOR THE RECORD

Forward with Courage Rotimi Amaechi

F

ellow Nigerians, I stand before you today to declare my intention and submit my application to serve as your next President.

I did not come to this decision lightly. I have served our nation for the last seven years as Minister of Transportation. For eight years before that, I served as Governor of Rivers State. In the preceding eight years before that, I was Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. These 23 years of service have equipped me not only with great experience in governance and public service but also compassion for the ordinary citizens of our dear country.

After more than two decades in the public arena, I had wanted to go on holiday and spend more time with my family before charting a new course outside politics. But at 56, and a member of the generation born after independence who has seen the good, the bad and the ugly of Nigeria, I am compelled by the urgency of our present challenges to place my experience and proven capacity at the service of the nation at the highest level.

Those who know me can testify that I have always been a straight talker. This trait has not always made me popular, but I speak truth with conviction. So, allow me to speak the truth here today. We are facing some very serious challenges as a country. These are problems of insecurity, challenges of greater accountability in governance, youth unemployment and the scourge of spiraling poverty.

These problems are however not the exclusive preserve of Nigeria. We live in a troubled world. The reality we used to know has altered in nearly every nation. Climate change has brought about food scarcity in some places. Population explosion has produced unusual pressure on resources and supplies. Poverty has become a challenge all over the world especially in the developing world. The Covid crisis has placed unanticipated burdens on the budgets of nations and put pressure on available resources. Trans border crises have erupted in unusual places and placed the internal security of many nations under pressure. We are part of the Sahel, an area of the world that is subject to frequent terrorist attacks. Let us look at our current challenges as part and consequences of these global trends.

I admit that Nigeria’s problems did not begin today. And they will not be solved overnight. But they are not beyond the capacity of our people to solve. Fortunately, that process has already started. There is an ancient proverb that “a society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they’ll never sit.”

The current administration under the able leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has planted many such trees in Nigeria’s future. We have invested billions in infrastructure, human capital development and made reforms that will pay off over time in terms of socio-economic growth and stability. We have invested heavily in projects and initiatives that will secure a brighter, better future for Nigeria.

I am proud to have been part of this success story. It has been an honour overseeing the Ministry of Transportation in reviving the moribund railways, and working tirelessly to create an integrated national transportation system that will positively impact our economy, trade, employment, business, and national cohesion. Have we achieved everything we set out to do? Off-course not. Could we have done more? Undoubtedly, there is always room for improvement.

On reflection, the notion of running for President would have been far beyond the imagination of the young lad running around the streets of Diobu or our small compound in Ubima. Not to talk of the young indigent student leader, mobilizing peers at the University of Port Harcourt. But my

Amaechi

aspiration is not about fulfilling any personal ambition. I am contesting for office because I believe that it is my moral duty to give what I can in the service of my country.

To sustain and intensify present efforts at solving our national problems, our democracy must ensure the emergence of a leadership that is equipped with broad experience in governance to ensure stability and continuity. To sustain our democracy and preserve our unity, we need a steady hand and a passion for success in a nation that remains united to pursue prosperity for all

Nigerians.

It is this combination of experience and patriotic passion that I bring to the table. I have been in the political arena for 23 years.

I have served at every level of government local, state, and federal. I have served both as a political appointee and an elected official.

I have served both as an executive - as Governor of Rivers State and as a legislator as Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

In these capacities, I did not just fill vacant posts. As a Speaker, I managed the legislative process in a difficult transition from military rule. As Governor, I defeated mercantile militancy and restored security. As a minister, I can modestly claim to have justified the

2Q UHÁHFWLRQ WKH QRWLRQ RI UXQQLQJ IRU 3UHVLGHQW ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ IDU EH\RQG WKH LPDJLQDWLRQ RI WKH \RXQJ ODG UXQQLQJ DURXQG WKH VWUHHWV RI 'LREX RU RXU VPDOO FRPSRXQG LQ 8ELPD 1RW WR WDON RI WKH \RXQJ LQGLJHQW VWXGHQW OHDGHU PRELOL]LQJ SHHUV DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 3RUW +DUFRXUW %XW P\ DVSLUDWLRQ LV QRW DERXW IXOÀOOLQJ DQ\ SHUVRQDO DPELWLRQ , DP FRQWHVWLQJ IRU RIÀFH EHFDXVH , EHOLHYH WKDW LW LV P\ PRUDO GXW\ WR JLYH ZKDW , FDQ LQ WKH VHUYLFH RI P\ FRXQWU\

trust of Nigerians.

I do not come from a privileged background.

I grew up poor. I understand how it feels to go without some meals in a day. I know the pain of lack and the agony of want. I know what it means to see your parents toil just to keep a roof over your family’s head. I know what it is to feel the weight of expectation when you are the only one in your family who enjoys the opportunity to attend university. Subsequently, I funded the education of my siblings to be university graduates as well. I know what it is to scrimp and save and struggle.

In spite of all odds, I have journeyed to this point. I could not have come this far without my parents, Fidelis, and Mary, who sacrificed so much for me. I could not have come this far without the support of my siblings. I could not have come this far without the mentors, friends and sponsors who have believed in me. I could not have come this far without the precious wife of my youth and my best friend, Judith, and my children who mean everything to me. I could not have come this far without the support of Dr. Peter Odili and his wife.

I could not have come this far without the support of Chief Rufus Ada-George. Neither could I have come this far without the support of President Buhari. Above all, I could not have come this far without the Grace of God. The next leg of my political journey will be tough. But I am excited to go out and engage with Nigerians from every walk of life. I am ready to go from Maiduguri to Makurdi, from Sokoto to Sagbama, from Yola to Oyo, from Badagry to Birnin Kebbi. To each town and village, I will have one message: Hope is around the corner.

I look forward to meeting you in your towns, villages, cities, campuses, and creeks. I want to hear your desires, needs and pains. I want to know what matters most to you. I want to listen and learn. I will be coming with one assurance: I will be welcome everywhere because the blood of every Nigerian flow in my veins. I shall be the president of all and every Nigerian.

I believe that despite our cultural differences, we remain one people under God. We may speak different languages or worship in different ways, but we all want the same things - a better life for our children, the ability to support our families, the freedom to live in peace without fear for our lives or properties.

I have never been the type who folds his arms and complains about inadequacies I see around me. I have always jumped in with both feet to do whatever I can to help, to try and bring relief to those suffering, to work to make things right where I see wrong. If you elect me as your President, I promise to play my part to the best of my ability. Every day I will rise and go to work for you. I will never forget the fact that I am there to serve you.

Today, I stand as an aspirant to the position of President because of that same passion for people; that same drive for results. More than ever before, I am burning with the zeal to make a decisive difference in the lives of allNigerians.

No matter the darts and arrows that come my way, I will remain steadfast because the stakes are too high. We cannot afford to fail.

We cannot afford to veer off-course.

I pledge my heart, mind and soul to the task of building a Nigeria in which every child can go to school, every young person can find work or support to start a business, every citizen can travel safely around the country and sleep at night knowing that law and order prevails and every Nigerian feels included, heard, and respected.

The road ahead will be long and arduous.

But we go forward with faith. Forward with courage. Forward with compassion. Forward with hope. Forward with pride for who we are as a people and who we are yet to become.

The future is bright because of you. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

This was Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s Presidential declaration speech in Port Harcourt on April9. 2022.

SATURDAY APRIL 16, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Group Marketing Director, Jotna Nigeria, The La Casera Company, Mr. Emmanuel Agu; Managing Director, Mr. Chinedum Okereke; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. Funke Adepoju; Mrs. Ngozi Okereke and Group Portfolio Marketing Manager, Onyekachim Okoli during the relaunch of Nirvana Premium Table Water at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos... recently

L-R: Group Managing Director of WhiteRose Properties, Ayobami Kareem and a guest at the inauguration of Camlot Mews By WhiteRose in Lekki, Lagos....recently

La Casera Repackages Nirvana, Fetes Dealers Carbonated soft drink (CSD) brand, The La Casera Company Plc has unveiled a new packaging for its Nirvana Table Water at an appreciation event it held for dealers in Lagos recently.

The event had in attendance over 500 dealers from across Lagos State.

The new Nirvana Table Water, which comes in 75cl, has a new label and a sleek bottle, as well as a small cap meant to eliminate spillage during consumption.

Speaking, Managing Director of The La Casera Company Plc, Chinedum Okereke VDLG WKH UHODXQFK HͿRUW ZDV D UHVXOW RI market research as well as dealers’ request for more innovative products.

“The packaging now has a better shape, better dressing and of course lots of investment in terms of capacity. :H DUH YHU\ FRQÀGHQW WKDW LW ZLOO GULYH growth for the brand, especially as people continue to advocate for a healthy lifestyle”, Okereke said.

Commenting, Group Marketing Director of Jotna Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Agu said, “The bottle cap has been designed in such a way that the content can hardly spill on you when you open it. You don’t need to go to the gym to open the cap as it is so easy to open and at the same time very well secured.

“Again, the bottle design was done to

ÀW SHUIHFWO\ ZLWK WKH V\PPHWU\ RI RQH·V hand. What we are celebrating with this relaunch is technology per excellence in the production and packaging of water business in Nigeria”.

Agu thanked consumers for their continued patronage and loyalty. He also pledged continuous commitment to top quality.

Also present at the occasion, the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission, Mrs. )XQNH $GHSRMX FRPPHQGHG WKH ÀUP LQ PDNLQJ VDIH DQG DͿRUGDEOH ZDWHU available to the masses as in line with the state government’s agenda.

White Rose Unveils new Luxury Product, ‘Camelot Mews’ Indigenous real estate development DQG PDQDJHPHQW RXWÀW :KLWH 5RVH Properties has announced its new luxury estate in Lagos to satisfy demands of consumers.

This organisation described the new project, ’Camelot Mews’ as its quota, being a private investor to close KRXVLQJ GHÀFLW JDS RI RYHU PLOOLRQ in Lagos state.

Sited in suburb Lekki area of Lagos, Group Managing Director of White Rose International Group, the parent company of White Rose Properties, Ayobami Kareem revealed that the QHZ SURMHFW FRPHV LQ GLͿHUHQW UDQJH

WR PHHW LQGLYLGXDO·V GLͿHUHQW FKRLFH Ayobami who was speaking at the colourful launch of the project that held at Camelot Mews Orchid road in Lekki, Lagos stressed that the brand represents value, class and quality. “ “At White Rose, we are committed IHUYHQWO\ WR HQVXULQJ D ÁH[LEOH DQG successful business experience to suit FXVWRPHUV· XQLTXH QHHGV H΀FLHQWO\ :H KDYH GHOLYHUHG D QXPEHU RI VDWLVÀHG customers over the years, still, each new job remain special on out table.

“Over the years, we have exempliÀHG RXU ZRUGV WKURXJK RXU UDQJH RI projects which include: Kirah Court

1, Qakview Estate, White Rose Mall, Kirah Court 2 by 4 bedroom fully detached duplexes with a room BQ and White Rose Court conservation centre.”

She added that the choice of location for Camelot Mews project was strategic to connect deeper and strengthen relationships with customers.

“The Camelot Mews by White Rose LV D ÀQH VHOHFWLRQ RI RQH EHGURRP ÁDW WZR EHGURRP ÁDW DQG IRXU EHGURRP semi-detached”, Kareem added.

The colorful opening of the estate UHFRUGHG KXJH SUHVHQFH RI KLJK SURÀOH personalities from all walks of life.

New Horizons, BMS Engage Student on Coding Challenge Indigenous Information Communication Technology, ICT training institute, New Horizons Nigeria has partnered with Baptist Mission Schools to test the knowledge of Nigerian students on coding and robotics.

The organisers explained that the challenge was necessary to promote technopreneur skills among Nigerian children so they can be at par with the contemporaries across the globe.

In testing their ability, participating students working in team were presented with a task of designing robot and projects, with the help of a mentor who trained them on a regular basis.

Thereafter, each team submitted a design, business plan, and video pitch of their projects.

The competition started with 3,782 students at the school levels in which 117 VWXGHQWV TXDOLÀHG IRU WKH zonal levels while 47 students TXDOLÀHG IRU WKH ÀQDOV Speaking at the event, MD/CEO New Horizons, Tim Akano noted that future of Nigeria lies in the expertise with the fourth industrial technologies which included coding and robotics.

He said, “It’s on that basis

that New Horizons Nigeria partnered with Baptist Mission School to develop the yearly coding and robotics FRPSHWLWLRQ DV WKH ÀUVW phase for comprehensive fourth industrial competition amongst students.

This will include other mission schools like Redeemers, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Deeper life.

We achieve all of this with our strategic partnership with international vendors like EC-Council, PMI, ISAACA, and Oracle.”

Earlier, the Director of Baptist Mission Schools, Dr. Tide Olalere, said “We are poised to ensure our children are not left behind in the 21st century ICT education.”

According to Olalere, TXDOLÀHG VFKRROV ZHUH MXGJHG based on app prototype, presentation slide, business plan words for code/robot description, creativity, design, potential usefulness, technical skill and presentation.

7KH JUDQG ÀQDOH RI WKH challenge held at Bowen University in Osun State with stakeholders from the education and ICT sectors in attendance.

Winners were awarded cash prizes at every stage of the competition and a FHUWLÀFDWH RI SDUWLFLSDWLRQ

Stakeholders Rally Support ITPN Holds Induction Ceremony, Hello Perfect Partners Shecluded for Africa Education Medal Charts Growth Path for Tourism to Provide Beauty Loans Ahead of the inaugural Africa Education Medal, stakeholders in the country have urged qualified players in the education sector to take advantage of the life changing opportunity offered by the platform.

The Africa Education Medal is launched by T4 Education in collaboration with HP and Intel. The platform recognises the unflinching works of education actors who are transforming education across the continent.

It aimed to amongst others, tell and celebrate the stories of those who have lit the spark of change in the sector in a bid to inspire others to take up the torch.

According to the organisers, the medal is open to individuals working to improve prekindergarten, K-12, vocational

and university education.

While stressing the importance of the medal, Executive Officer of Junior Achievement Africa, Simi Nwogugu stated that the initiative would help spread positive education outcome.

She urged change makers to apply or be nominated for the medal, adding that award would be presented to outstanding individual who have demonstrated impact, leadership, and advocacy in the field of education.

She said, “Africa’s great change makers know education is the key to our continent’s prosperity in a global economy. I urge inspirational leaders from Nigeria and across Africa to step forward and apply for the Africa Education Medal so their stories can inspire thousands more.”

The Institute for Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ITPN) has urged government to boost support for the nation’s tourism sector in order to achieve overall development.

The institute also advised federal government to consider tourism as one of its look into DUHDV IRU GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ JLYHQ the industry contributions to economies of the world.

President and Chairman of Governing Council of the institute, Abiodun Odusanwo stressed this while inducting new members into the institute, among which was newly - inducted ITPN Vice President for South- West, Ayodele Olumoko.

He described the sector as a multidisciplinary phenomenon that interfaces with many others like Transport and Health,

and responsible for one-tenth of global employment and the second highest foreign exchange earner after oil and Gas. On his part, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams who was a guest at the function expressed worries that resources were wasting away in the country, adding that government was yet to fully harness the potential of the rich industry.

He advised concerned authorities to extend resources to educational and agriculture tourism as well as strengthened investment in the already established cultural and entertainment tourism.

“It is high time government pulled resources together to awaken the sector as a lot of tourism destinations in the country are fading away because of neglect.

One of the leading skincare clinics in Lagos, Hello Perfect signed a partnership deal with Shecluded, a fintech company last Wednesday, for particularly women, to provide beauty loans for people with skin problems who cannot afford the full cost of their treatment at once.

According to the CEO of Hello Perfect Aesthetics and Lazer Clinic, Onyeka Micheal Ugwu, the cost of treatment has been a problem for some people with terrible skin concerns and it is this concern that has prompted the partnership between the two female-led companies to finance beauty treatments for the clients while they pay in installments.

She added that while Hello Perfect is trying to bring the best pricing for clients for these treatments, they are also working

against some odds like inflation and other import costs. However, through the partnership, Hello Perfect intends to help interested clients who need these skin treatments but can’t afford it immediately or at once to get their needed treatment as Shecluded provides the payment upfront while the clients pay in installments.

Trained in Texas, Ugwu said this kind of partnership is first of its kind in Nigeria. This is the first of its kind. Though it is very much available internationally where people get to pay in installments for nearly everything they get.

“The idea of this partnership is not just about beauty in the sense of making one’s self aesthetically pleasing. It is actually very medical and self-esteem concerns for many people,” Ugwu added.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 16, 2022

PERSPECTIVE Nigeria: Beyond Being on Auto-Pilot Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

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he belief in several quarters that Nigeria is currently on auto-pilot has been given a bad bashing by the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. It’s indeed striking that Tambuwal who doubles as the Chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum stresses that Nigeria is in a worse state than being on auto-pilot.

The outspoken Governor said: “So many people are making this mistake of saying that Nigeria is on auto-pilot. If an aircraft is on auto-pilot, you are sure of safety, you are sure of direction, you are sure of even possible landing because there is technological control. That is not the situation in Nigeria today. Nigeria is directionless. There are no pilots, there’s no auto-pilot. Everybody is on his own. Even the government is being run as if there is no one in control.”

Nothing can be more damning than this charge that the government at the centre is being managed as if there’s no one in charge of the affairs of the nation.

Tambuwal has thus pointedly accused President Muhammadu Buhari and his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning Nigeria into an ungovernable entity since the party took over power in 2015. For Tambuwal, Nigeria is directionless with no leadership at the centre. According to Tambuwal, the current situation in the country makes most Nigerians feel there is Tambuwal no government. He insists that the country under the APC is on the edge of a precipice.

In searching for a salvation for the country’s woes, Tambuwal reveals: “That is the reason we have been talking to ourselves in our party and reaching out to other well-meaning patriots to come together to rescue this country and rebuild it. We are in such a state that we are in distress, and we need every hand from within and from our friends.

There is insecurity, economic woes, and bad leadership. No state is spared from insecurity. No part of this country is safe and secure at the moment. In this present situation in our country, you can’t be talking about investment and development. You have to establish peace before talking about rebuilding the country.”

There is no arguing the fact that one man with a vision can change the destiny of a nation. Nigeria needs that visionary leader now.

Tambuwal has thrown his hat into the political ring in the bid to offer leadership to the country as its president. There are many other aspirants and contenders across APC and the opposition PDP owe it the six geo-political zones of the nation. as a patriotic duty to the country to It is incumbent on all the stakeholders to enpresent capable candidates who can sure that the best candidates are presented clear the Augean Stable. for the 2023 presidential contest. The ruling Of course it is only after the hurdles

Tambuwal has thus pointedly accused President Muhammadu Buhari and his political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning Nigeria into an ungovernable entity since the party took over power in 2015. For Tambuwal, Nigeria is directionless with no leadership at the centre. According to Tambuwal, the current situation in the country makes most Nigerians feel there is no government.

He insists that the country under the APC is on the edge of a precipice about zoning and suchlike matters are cleared that a clearer picture of choosing the leader who is capable of dragging Nigeria out of its precarious state can be seen. The grave issue of Nigeria being in a worse shape

than the auto-pilot peril as identified by Tambuwal is a clear and present danger that must be redressed.

It is incumbent on Nigerian leaders to ensure that Nigeria does not tip over the precipice in the dire circumstances of the moment. Selfish political ambition should never override the larger national interest.

Tambuwal and his colleagues should bring to bear on the task of reviving Nigeria their pan-Nigerian associations over the years.

Like in his recent revelation that Nigeria is worse than being on auto-pilot, Tambuwal has over the years indeed been very courageous and vocal in putting on the front burner the issues facing the country. He once stressed that a revolution was compelling in Nigeria because of endemic corruption in the country, coupled with the general disaffection of the people with the ruling elite. He had then made bold to insist that the kind of conditions that must subsist in order for talks of revolution to be taken seriously were widely evident all over the country, stressing then: “The most compelling reasons for revolution throughout the ages were injustice, crushing poverty, marginalization, rampant corruption, lawlessness, joblessness, and general disaffection with the ruling elite. You will agree with me that these describe conditions in our nation now, to a very large degree.”

In highlighting now that Nigeria is beyond being on auto-pilot, Tambuwal is living up to his trademark concerns.

It needs to be remembered that in the course of the Second Republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the then opposition Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) did warn that the country’s economy was grinding to a halt through rampant corruption. The then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) did reply Awolowo through a press conference organized in faraway London that the economy was in the best of shapes. Nigerians of course bore witness to the collapse of the ill-fated Second Republic shortly after.

The country can ill-afford to continue burying its head in the sand when what is urgently needed is a well-conceived plan of action to steady the purpose of the directionless nation.

Tambuwal has given voice to the danger the country faces. The issue is beyond base partisanship. Concerned Nigerian leaders need to put heads together to triumph over these dire times in the nation. One cannot but canvass for a radical change from the current state of anarchic governance to a better focused method.

Tambuwal’s charge that Nigeria has been made ungovernable is incontrovertible. The question remains: “What is to be done?” as asked by Lenin back then in Russia. The need for Nigerians to come together to rescue and reposition the country cannot be countermanded.

Save your Heart from ‘Healthy’ Vegetable Oils John Oni

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our favourite native dish is being prepared. Now, watch as the intricate process unfolds before your eyes in slow motion. Do you see the cooking oil hitting the saucepan in all its golden glory?

The soft sizzle of the greasy liquid touching the hot metal warms your heart so much so that you are certain: it’s going to be another heavenly meal.

But right as the condiments start diving one after another into the pan, something strange happens - The combination of a heart-thumping sensation and shortness of breath that sends every thought of hunger flying out the door.

This is a moment Bayo Thompson, lead engineer at a major tech start-up in Lagos, never anticipated. Seated at his workstation, he was only a few seconds into daydreaming about the birthday

feast his wife promised to prepare when his chest started throbbing. He was no stranger to panic attacks – like the one he had only a few months earlier when he accidentally disabled the company’s firewall. But this time, the situation was much worse.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson’s visit to the family doctor the next morning brought with it some scary news – his cholesterol levels had gone through the roof! The physician asked what kind of cooking oil they use in preparing their meals and Bayo’s wife told her she uses a popular and powerful vegetable oil brand famed for its selling point that assures of ultimate protection of heart health.

It is noteworthy that some brands with unhealthy saturated fat levels deceptively understate it on their product labelling in a brazen attempt that undermines the health of millions of Nigerians. The irony in it is that Nigerians who think they are paying more

for healthier oils might end up with unhealthy oils.

The doctor took her time to educate the couple, that even though all edible oils get lumped together as purveyors of cardiovascular diseases, the real culprit is saturated fatty acids (or “bad” fats), which have been proved to be responsible for weight gain, clogged arteries, high cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease.

Therefore, it is important to use only cooking oils with the lowest possible saturated fat content.

Soya Bean Oil contains 15% saturated fats and 65% healthy unsaturated fats. The difference in saturated fat (bad fat) proportions speaks for itself.

Eugene Nwosu, a consultant cardiologist at United Heart Hospital Victoria Island, Lagos, said high blood pressure is a top trigger of heart attack and stroke, and many move about without a clue that they live with the silent killer. On top of that woe, many Nigerians have unfettered availability of unhealthy oils in their food supply.

“The culprit is mainly oils that are rich in saturated fat. They should be minimized. People need to understand how to properly read labelling when shopping. The type of oil you eat can affect your cholesterol level, which increases build-up of clogs in the blood vessels. The oil that is good for cooking is the oil that is high in both polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat,” Eugene stated.

Soya bean oil mostly consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are a heart-healthy type of fat that is associated with several benefits.

Trading high saturated fats for higher polyunsaturated fats may also reduce levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Simply put, choosing soya bean oil over palm olein products is choosing a stronger, healthier heart. As you make the switch to Soya Oil, trust Golden Terra Soya Oil to help you maintain heart health.

TR

Saturday, April 16, 2022

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MISSILE

Ayokunle on Insecurity “Going by the present state of affairs in the country, are we sure the terrorists will not overrun the country before 2023? These criminals are moving from one level of sophistication and recklessness to another.” –President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Samson Ayokunle lamenting about insecurity.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Towards the Demystification of Nigerian Politics

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ellow Nigerians, let me say without any equivocation, or fear of contradiction, that these are perilous times in our great country. Sadly, and unfortunately, Nigerian politicians don’t seem to have eyes to see, nose to smell, ears to listen and mouth to say the right things, in the midst of the monumental calamities staring us in the faces. It seems that they have all buried their head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich.

One would have expected our politicians to learn some didactic lessons from our contemporary history but, hell, no! Nigerian political leaders are too self-conceited, egocentric and definitely incapable of being sober no matter how dastardly, dangerous or grim our situation gets.

A few examples should suffice. One of the reasons Major General Muhammadu Buhari was elected and supported by many of us, ab initio, was because of the hoopla and hullabaloo of the breakdown of Law and order in several parts of the country. The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the devastating abduction of the Chibok School girls in Borno State, which drew worldwide attention, condemnation and reprobation. This singular incident probably sent the government of President Goodluck Jonathan packing.

No government could have survived the plethora of attacks that came flying from every direction. And Buhari profited from Jonathan’s abject failure to deal with what had become a real menace to the people.

Seven years after, the situation is far worse and pathetic, but our politicians, most of whom have crossed from PDP into APC for selfish personal reasons rather than principle, are still carrying on gaily and blithely as if every day is Christmas.

I watch the parents of the latest abductees in the seemingly intractable Kaduna fiasco on regular basis and my heart bleeds every time. It would appear that our Federal and State governments have abdicated their responsibilities and, as the saying goes, it is now a case of everyone is for himself, while only God is for us all. The pain, the anguish, the gnashing of teeth cannot be described, imagined or contemplated. He who feels it knows it. And worse still, there is no sign of sympathy and empathy on the side of our political leaders. Any demonstration of concern is one laced with selfish motivations, a chance for photo opportunities and prepoliticking. There are no daily briefings and updates of government’s efforts to bring sanity to the polity, and security and succour to those sorrowfully but courageously and resolutely bearing the assault of these bandits and criminals, like you would have seen in saner climes. No President to address the nation in the times of grief and despair. If we excuse Buhari’s famed but notorious taciturnity, what of other high ranking members of his cabinet? Perhaps this is the case because there is really nothing to report but losses and casualties in the field which would make for even more depressing news. To be fair to this present administration, my reliable sources claim that the battle is being won in certain areas, although this is admittedly limited. Any type of victory would bring good cheer to the people, but we have an

Buhari

insensitive government which does not know how to manage and control publicity and public relations. Indeed, our President is still ensconced within the gilded cage of Aso Rock Presidential Villa, and remains as rarefied and tongue-tied as ever, far removed from the madding crowd.

Our political leaders are too myopic to see the dangers, landmines and boobytraps ahead.

It is reasonably obvious to discerning minds that someone is already setting up Nigeria for a cataclysmic fall and a fatal collapse. But the dog that must get lost will never hear the hunter’s whistle. The tell-tale signs are dangling over our nation like the sword of Damocles. We’ve passed this way and route in the past and we should already be familiar with its undulating landscapes, but we appear to be in a state of noctambulation and are sleepwalking our way to perdition because of our selective amnesia and somnambulism.

A situation where an ill-assorted bunch of cold-blooded politicians are assembling to seek Presidential power next year should be a signal which portends the dangers ahead of us and should send a submarine signal to us that something odoriferous is about to hit the fan and the roof. These politicians have nothing else to tout about their lengthy sojourn on the Nigerian political stage beyond the period of time that they have been in politics. Ask them to mention their achievements and they will stutter and stumble because in truth they have nothing of real significance to show for the time that they have spent in leaderships position in our country.

When our leaders start telling you that their success stories include being the head or part of an administration that has failed spectacularly and woefully, then you realise that they are either insulting your intelligence or they believe that you have taken leave of your senses. I am not sure which is worse.

What it means is that we ourselves must

appraise ourselves particularly if we are taken in or fooled by such rhetoric. I am amazed that highly educated personages would succumb and submit to such drivel simply because they want the trappings and paraphernalia of power so much. It is certainly not for the good of the country that they will adopt such an unprincipled stance, or they may be suffering from a sense of invincibility arising from delusion of grandeur.

The way and manner in which leaders of the APC are now coming out of the woodwork to declare that they are Presidential aspirants, and their impunity and flagrant breach of extant laws suggests to me that these people already feel that they are above the law and can do and undo. Or someone, somewhere and somehow is setting them up for sinister purposes.

If I’m not sure of anything, I am becoming certain that the APC is up to something that may be too hot even for it to handle. How can so many Ministers, political appointees and even a serving Governor of the Central Bank, sit pretty in their offices and continue to play politics without any fear of consequences and repercussions!!! We all know what it costs to run Presidential campaigns even as mere aspirants in Nigeria. Therefore, the monies meant for our collective development is now to be squandered on politics by persons to whom we have entrusted our wealth and welfare. And a government that raced to power on the crest and fame of anti-corruption, in its twilight days, will now watch helplessly as politicians desecrate whatever is left of our country.

Where then do we go from here?

Everywhere I have been in recent times, everyone seems to have given up on Nigeria.

Foreigners who worked in our country and still have some faith remaining are barely breathing. Most people are hinging their hopes on miracles. This is how low we’ve sunk. According to one theory, as President Muhammadu Buhari prepares to retire next year, if that’s the plan, since no one is certain anymore, every one of his acolytes expects to inherit whatever legacy he’s able to bequeath to the next generation.

And they proclaim this to high heavens.

The only problem is that the legacy, at present, is one which comprises wholly of negatives. Corruption, insecurity, economic malaise, ethnicity, religious intolerance, lowest education standards, infrastructure deficit, criminality, in short a catalogue of unrelenting and unremitting woes. Enough of APC for now.

In our own party, PDP, the situation is getting combustive. The principal gladiators, in about four or more groups, are determined to go all the way to cancel out one another, while the Party members who have become spectators are watching with bated breathes.

The first group is the Atiku Abubakar Group. Their determination, which others call desperation, is based on the age of the leader whose age is nearer 80 than 70. He’s been contesting for three decades. His first known foray was in 1993 when he attempted to vie on the platform of SDP. He and his team understand that this is his last chance.

Let me predict that no soul can persuade him not to run in 2023.

The second group is that of some Northern aspirants led by former Governor and immediate past President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who ostensibly remains the spokesman and Public Relations officer of the two serving Governors, Aminu Tambuwal and Bala Mohammed, and former Banker and businessman, Alhaji Mohammed Hayatu-deen. The quartets are ostensibly pushing for a consensus candidate in the Party but those close to them believe none of them is actually willing to step down for the other even within their own group.

Otherwise, they shouldn’t have all obtained the nomination forms.

The third group is the pro-zoning group led by PDP’s most influential Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, who seems absolutely determined to have the Party ticket zoned to the South and, apparently, automatically to himself. How the Party handles this group of Wike and company may be the biggest challenge and test of conflict resolution by our Party.

The fourth block is the pro-Igbo group that unapologetically believes power must shift to the South East. This sentiment has gained momentum in recent times, but keen observers are watching to see how soon the Igbo powerbrokers can produce a consensus candidate to make their case stronger. This would be very interesting to watch. On my part, I believe that where our President comes from should be the least important, quality should be the priority that the Party and Nigerians should be asked to consider. The nature and substance of the candidate is the most important. If we get it right on this occasion such matters as religious and tribal affiliations will begin to lose importance and evaporate and will quickly transform into the 21st century power that Nigeria should be and is destined to be.

The fifth group would be that of the relatively fresh aspirants including Dele Momodu, Peter Obi (who shares my kind of worldview about personal accomplishments and capacity) and the great business titan, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, who seem ready to contest no matter the final decision of the Party which, is most likely to throw the race open in order not to seem that the Party has been compromised by any of the blocks. That can be the only explanation for everybody being allowed to purchase nominations forms at exorbitant cost. This group believes that merit, freshness, not being tainted with all the negativity associated with our present leaders and cosmopolitan outlook and exposure are factors that the Party should look for in deciding its flagbearer.

The last group believes politicians cannot continue to hold the Parties and Nigeria to ransom. The hard-core politicians are only interested in power than in tackling the challenges of nation-building. The two mainstream political Parties will ultimately realise that only technocrats and self-made men and women can ignite the much-needed passion in the electorate and galvanise new voters to go out to vote. Any Party that relies heavily on Party members only for its success may have itself to blame...

The nation continues to watch and to pray!

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