SATURDAY 22TH APRIL 2023

Tension in Imo As Terrorists Kill 5 Policemen, Couple

Bennett Oghifo

Terrorists, who are yet to be unmasked, in the early hours of yesterday murdered five policemen and a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chinaka Nwagu at the Okpala Junction in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident threw the junction

and the entire community into a state of panic as commercial activities abruptly came to an end.

The spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye confirmed the tragic incident, stating that it was being investigated while normalcy had been restored to the area, and urged people in the area to go

about their lawful businesses.

Those who witnessed the gruesome murders told journalists that the policemen, who were from Aboh Mbaise Police Division, drove to the junction in a police white Hilux car to eat when the gunmen opened fire on them at the table, killing three on the spot while two ran into a shop nearby

that was operated by the couple.

The gunmen tracked the two policemen to the shop and killed them along with the shop owners, eye witnesses said, adding that people scampered to safety, as the gunmen, who carted away their five rifles, shot sporadically into the air and drove off.

A particular eyewitness and

relative of the slain couple, Uche told journalists that the couple relocated from Lagos about a year ago and were tending their pastry shop at the Junction where they were shot and killed.

He said the bodies of the couple have been deposited at a mortuary in the area.

Another eyewitness narrates

how the killings happened: “As they were eating, gunmen drove to the place and opened fire on them.

Two out of the five policemen ran to a nearby shop where a couple sold meat pie and sachet water.

After killing the three policemen, they came to the shop where the

Continued on page 5

WEMA Bank Reports Gross Earnings of N131bn in 2022...

www.thisdaylive.com

Suspended Adamawa REC at Large, Says INEC

Chuks Okocha and Sunday

Aborisade in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed

that it has no information on the whereabouts of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa State, Hudu Ari. Ari created confusion during

the governorship supplementary election in the state held April 18, when he usurped the powers of the Returning Officer by announcing Aishatu ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, even when collation had not been concluded.

INEC’s National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, who was speaking

on a television programme yesterday said Ari had not reported to the headquarters of the commission in Abuja, several days after the electoral umpire

summoned him.

Okoye said: “We don’t know where he is because, after this

Continued on page 5

Buhari Celebrates Last Sallah in Aso Rock Villa As President

Thanks Nigerians for tolerating him, seeks forgiveness from those he wronged Says he can’t

home President, Tinubu exchange Sallah greetings on phone Accept 2023 elections outcome, Sultan tells politicians

Deji Elumoye in

Dipo in Minna

Abuja, Laleye

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday celebrated his last Sallah at the State House, Abuja, saying he can’t wait to go home after eight years of governing the nation.

On the same day, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, tasked politicians seeking redress in court to accept the outcomes of the 2023 elections in good faith, while former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar called for support for the president-elect Bola Tinubu and others that will be sworn in on May 29.

Speaking at the ninth and final Sallah homage paid to him at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President, described himself as being lucky, to have led Nigeria in various capacities - governor, minister, head of state and president.

Continued on page 5

CELEBRATING EID-EL-FITR…

L -R: President Muhammadu Buhari; President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Senator Phillip Aduda and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, during a visit to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as part of activities marking Eid-el-Fitr.... yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

House Minority Members-Elect Move to Produce 10th Assembly Speaker...

wait to go

‘We don’t know where he is… up till this moment, he has not reported to the commission’

WEMA Bank Reports Gross Earnings of N131bn in 2022

Declares dividend of 30 kobo per share

Our Correspondents

Wema Bank Plc has delivered a stellar fourth quarter 2022 performance and continues its evolution into an unrivalled market leader and efficient bank.

According to a press statement issued by the bank in respect of its audited financial results for the period ended December 31, 2022, the bank recorded gross earnings of N131.08 billion year on year, representing an increase

of 42.3 percent over the N92.14 percent posted in 2021. The results, which showed positive fundamentals across board, revealed a growth of 44.7 percent year on year in interest income to N106.07 billion

SUSPENDED ADAMAWA REC AT LARGE, SAYS INEC

particular incident, the Commission wrote to him and also called him on the phone. He never returned any of the calls, he never answered any of the calls.

“We asked him to report to the Commission last Sunday, we didn’t see him, we asked him to report on Monday we didn’t see him. So up till this moment, he has not reported and we don’t know his whereabouts.”

Okoye added that it is the responsibility of the police to declare Ari wanted for failing to report to the commission or answer its calls.

“Well, that is the responsibility of the Nigerian police. If they feel that his presence is absolutely needed during the investigation and he is nowhere to be found, it is their prerogative and discretion to declare him wanted.

“We wrote to the Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the Government of the Federation. We have received a response from the Inspector General of Police and they have already commenced an investigation.

“My understanding is that the moment the Inspector General of Police concludes the investigation regarding the REC and every other individual who is involved and a prima facie case is established against the REC the file will be made available to the commission and the commission will begin prosecution of the REC,” he said.

The commission reported Ari’s infractions to President Muhammadu Buhari last Thursday, who immediately

approved his suspension, until the completion of an investigation by the Inspector General of Police on the case.

INEC eventually concluded the collation of the results of the Adamawa governorship supplementary election on Tuesday and declared Ahmodu Fintiri of the PDP winner.

Zuru Emirate Condemns Returning Officer's Molestation

Meanwhile, the Zuru Emirate Council in Kebbi State has condemned the molestation of the Returning Officer of the just concluded governorship election in Adamawa State, Professor Abdullahi Zuru, by some angry political protesters on April 17.

The Emir of Zuru, Major General Muhammadu Sami, in a statement personally signed by him and made available to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, said the news of Zuru's harassment in Adamawa was received by the Emirate with rude shock.

The monarch has, therefore, demanded an unreserved apology from INEC and the Government of Adamawa State.

Part of the statement read, "The incident was not only unfortunate, but it remains the most disrespectful and dehumanizing experience a responsible and law-abiding elderly citizen could be allowed to go through, especially in the course of discharging his official duties as a responsible Nigerian.

"Thus, in very strong terms, the Zuru Emirate Council, without any equivocation, utterly condemns this barbaric and dastardly act unleashed on one of its most revered illustrious sons, great scholar, and elder.

"The trauma was not only torturous to the person of Professor Zuru and his family, but most embarrassing to the entire people of Zuru Emirate in Kebbi State. This is despicable and unacceptable to the people of Zuru in Kebbi State, Nigeria.

"Professor Zuru is one of the many responsible sons of the Zuru, which the Emirate Council is proud of. We are proud of his academic achievements, administrative acumen, and selflessness in service.

"This has earned him a pride of place in the minds of the people of Zuru Emirate across the nation. He is respected as an accomplished scholar, excellent administrator, responsible father, and a gentleman par excellence.

"Until he was appointed Commissioner of INEC in the North-west, Professor Zuru had served, among others, as Vice Chancellor (the 8th) of the Usmanu Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero.

"The soft-spoken, amiable, and gentle Professor of Chemistry, has contributed immensely to the development of Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, and Nigeria at large.

"The unfortunate incident, during which Professor Zuru was attacked by a mob took place

from N73.30 billion. Non-interest income shot up to N25.01 billion to N18.83 percent, an increase of 32.8 percent.

Similarly, the bank's profit before tax grew to an all-time high of N14.74 billion year on

on the 17th day of April 2023.

"The sad event occurred while Professor Zuru was performing a national assignment as one of the INEC Commissioners deployed to oversee the 2023 elections in Adamawa State.

"This incident has plunged the people of Zuru Emirate into a state of worry, apprehension, and sadness. It is worrisome that one of our illustrious sons and the highly respected elder was allowed to undergo such a barbaric and dehumanising experience in the hands of irritated youths in Nigeria today.

"On behalf of the entire people of Zuru Emirate, we demand an unreserved apology from the Adamawa State Government, INEC, and those it concerns. Also, we call on the federal government, through its relevant agencies or institutions, to expedite action towards unmasking and prosecuting the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

"Sincerely, we wish to use this medium to identify with and express our heartfelt sympathy to our dear son, father, and elder, Professor A A Zuru at such a turbulent moment in his life.

"Similarly, the Council commiserates with his family, students, and well-wishers at this most trying time. May Allah (SWT) grant him speedy recovery and strength. "Finally, the Emirate Council wishes to call on its people to remain calm and continue to pray for our son, Professor Zuru and his family at such a trying moment in his life."

BUHARI CELEBRATES LAST SALLAH IN ASO ROCK VILLA AS PRESIDENT

He thanked the residents of Abuja for tolerating him in the last close to eight years.

The President said: “I can’t wait to go home…I deliberately arranged to be as far away as possible from you people. I have got what I have asked for and will quietly retire to my home town in Daura.”

He said he considered the Sallah celebration as a good coincidence to say goodbye and to “thank you for tolerating me for eight years.”

Buhari said: “I am counting the days. Democracy is a good thing otherwise how can somebody from the other side be a president for two terms? My home town to Niger Republic is eight kilometers.

“I honestly consider myself very lucky, I was made a governor, minister of petroleum, head of state in uniform, then after three attempts, God through technology and PVC, I became president. I tried 2007, 2011 and 2015 and ended up at the Supreme Court three times.”

President Buhari chastised those who said he cannot get justice at the court, recalling that all Supreme Court justices in all the election cases he took to court were all from the North and Muslims and yet he lost.

He said through technology and the permanent voters card (PVC), he was able to make it in 2015 to Aso Rock.

He said: “I think this is a very good coincidence for me to say goodbye to you and to thank you for tolerating me for more than seven and half years now. I assure you, I have deliberately arranged to be as far away from you as possible not because I don't appreciate the love you've shown to me, but because I think I've

gotten what I have asked and I would rather quietly retire to my hometown.

“Having been a governor, minister and the president twice, I think God has given me an incredible opportunity to serve as your president. And I thank God for that. So, please whoever feels I have done wrong to them, we are all humans. There is no doubt I hurt some people and I wish you will pardon me. And those that think that I have hurt them so much, please pardon me.”

Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello, who led other top government officials on Sallah homage to the President, noted that in a few weeks the President will conclude a very successful tenure.

According to him, under the Buhari administration, the FCT witnessed tremendous transformation infrastructure-wise.

He thanked the President for appointing him as Minister, saying it’s one position he will cherish for life.

He described the FCT Senator Philip Aduda as a bridge builder despite being in the opposition party, PDP.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of a giant Sallah greetings card to the president.

Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, FCT chapter, Rev. Timothy Amakon, thanked God for using President Buhari to transform the nation, as well as to maintain peace and development of the country.

He prayed to God to continue to strengthen him even after he leaves office to continue to play the role of an elder statesman.

The cleric also prayed that God will help the incoming

administration to continue the great work of the Buhari administration.

He commended the Minister of FCT for the good job he has done and prayed that Christians and Muslims will continue to co-exist peacefully.

Also speaking, Executive Director, Al-Halbbiya Foundation, Adeyemi Faud, confirmed that Christians and Muslims live peacefully in the FCT and commended the cordial relationship between residents of the federal capital of different religions.

He also commended the state of security in the city.

Aduda, on his part, congratulated President Buhari for a successful tenure and thanked God for granting him wisdom to lead the nation.

He commended him for tolerating everyone including the opposition.

The ranking Senator prayed for good health, wisdom and long life for the President so that he will always be available to provide wise counsel.

Abdulsalami Drums Support for Tinubu, Others

Former military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday called for support for Tinubu and others that will be sworn in on May 29, saying Nigerians should give them their maximum support for them to succeed.

Abdulsalami told newsmen after the two rakkat prayer to mark this year's Eid el Fitr celebration at the Eid prayer ground in Minna Niger state that elections have come

year as against N12.38 billion the previous year, an increase of 19 percent.

According to the bank, shareholders will receive a dividend of 30 Kobo per ordinary share in what is the biggest dividend payout till date.

The bank grew its deposit year by year by 26 percent as at full year 2022 to N1,165.93 billion from N927.47 billion in 2021. Its stock of loans and advances also grew from N418.86 billion in 2021 to N521.43 billion, showing a rise of 24 percent.

The impressive results showed that total assets hit N1,433.79 billion as against N1,164.52 trillion, a growth of 23 percent. Shareholders’ funds also moved up to N82.62 billion from N70.36 billion in 2021, an increase of 17 percent.

Commenting on the result, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Mr. Moruf Oseni said, "Our 2022 results show the result of the careful execution if our medium-term strategy as we

have deliberately focused on deepening on offerings to the corporate, commercial and retail segments of the market using our digital channels while ensuring best in-class customer experience platforms to deliver improvements across all customer touch points. We expect the bottom line to improve even further in 2023."

Also speaking on the result, the Bank's Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Tunde Mabawonku, explained that the bank's continuous investment in the digital space has positioned it as one of the leaders in providing digital banking services to individuals and corporates across the country.

"It has been a good full year performance for Wema Bank with gross earnings growing by 42.3 percent year on year and earnings by share at 87 kobo.

"We have also succeeded in making Wema Bank an integral part of the fintech ecosystem in the country with our ubiquitous fintech infrastructure support play," Mabawonku said.

TENSION IN IMO AS TERRORISTS KILL 5 POLICEMEN, COUPLE

two other officers were hiding, and killed them. They also killed a husband and wife that owned the shop.

“They took away their rifles and drove off. This is so unfortunate. Our community is bleeding. Everybody is confused. The couple just relocated from Lagos about one year ago. We just deposited their bodies in a mortuary. The market is shut. People here ran away out of shock and fear. This is unbelievable.”

An indigene of Ngor Okpala said he saw the lifeless bodies of the cops on the road when he drove through the Owerri – Aba Road.

He described it as horrible: “The

bodies of the five policemen were lying on the road as we drove through. Their Hilux was also parked at the junction. The scene was horrible. It is terrible. God have mercy.”

The Imo State Police command yesterday evening said that it had launched a manhunt for the killers of its five operatives and a couple at the Okpala junction. The spokesperson of the police in the state, said the command’s Tactical and Operational Teams had been deployed to the area.

On March 27, some fleeing gunmen ambushed and killed five personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the same Ngor Okpala LGA.

and gone, “let's try and see how we can support the incoming administrations"

The former head of state, who is also the Co -Chairman of the National Peace Committee, admonished Nigerians to give peace a chance for the rapid development of the country.

He said: "Peace is the prerequisite for any meaningful development, without it, the much-needed quest for Nigeria's economic and political development will continue to elude us."

Abdulsalami congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and the World over for celebrating this year's Eid el fitri but advised them to imbibe the tenets of Islam and put into practice what they have learnt during the Ramadan.

Former Niger State Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in his remarks, stressed the need for Muslims to be thankful to Allah for His mercy and protection observing that “many people died this morning despite seeing the last day of Ramadan but were not able to be at Eid ground."

Aliyu charged wealthy Muslims to make sure that their neighbours are happy, which is the reason for giving out the Zakkatil Fitr as ordained by Allah.

Accept 2023 Elections Outcome, Sultan Tells Politicians

Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has tasked politicians seeking redress in court to accept the outcomes of the 2023 elections in good faith.

Abubakar gave the advice in his Eid-el-Fitr message to Nigerians,

in Sokoto yesterday. “The elections have come and gone; people should go ahead with their routine activities peacefully. Politicians seeking redress in courts should take the outcomes in good faith and support whoever emerges for the sustenance of peace, unity and development,” he said.

The sultan appreciated the Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast by the Muslim Ummah across the country.

He said: “As mankind, we always appreciate the Almighty Allah for the gift of life and good health to be among those that will celebrate this great day.

“During the period of Ramadan, we have learned a lot from our scholars, we should continue to sustain those lessons to be part of life. Our generosity to the less privileged among us should be maintained in order to enhance our relationship and sustain our love for one another.”

He felicitated with all the Muslims across the country and prayed for the elected leaders to succeed in delivering their campaign promises to the citizens.

President, Tinubu Exchange Sallah Greetings On Phone

President Buhari and Presidentelect, Bola Tinubu yesterday morning exchanged Eid greetings in a phone call to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

According to a release issued by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, the two leaders thanked God Almighty for seeing this day and prayed for the stability and the wellbeing

of the nation. He said President Buhari expressed his readiness to welcome Tinubu to the State House as President on May 29, 2023.

Buhari: I Have No Fear About Future of Nation's Democracy

President Buhari has declared that the future of democracy as a system of government in Nigeria is very bright.

He also stated that as he prepares to leave office in a little over a month, he felt satisfied and duly assured that Nigerians will defend the democratic system against all threats.

According to a release by presidential spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, yesterday, the President state this shortly after observing the Eid prayer, marking the end of the 30-day Ramadan by Muslims.

Buhari said: “Nigerians appreciate the stability of democracy. The outcome of the elections, in which more than ten governors failed to make it to the senate sent a clear message that ordinary Nigerians know the power of their votes and how to use it.

“Nigerians cherish democracy. They have shown their love for it and will defend it against real or perceived threats. They will continue to vote one way or the other depending on their preferences.

“I am looking forward to returning to my town, to be as far away as I can from Abuja so that the in-coming President will have the time and the space to take decisions without my distracting him.”

EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR

Shettima, Zulum, Shehu Lead Muslims to Eid in Maiduguri

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, alongside the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, led thousands of Muslim faithful in Borno State to observe Eid prayers in Maiduguri.

The two Raka’at prayers were led by the Imam Eidain of Borno, Imam Shettima Saleh, at Ramat Square, Borno’s central Eid ground.

Other dignitaries at the Eid ground include the Deputy Governor of Borno, Umar Kadafur, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mustapha Baba Shehuri and the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) National Vice Chair-

man (North), Abubakar Kyari.

Others are Borno Central Senator-elect, Kaka Shehu Lawan, members of the state and National Assembly, House of Representatives-elect, Bukar Talba, and some members of the state executive council.

Delivering his Eid sermon, Imam Saleh reiterated on the importance of fasting six days of the month of Shauwal.

Prayers were offered for the restoration of total peace in Borno, the Northeast and the entire country.

Meanwhile, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, hosted an annual Sallah Durbar to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr.

The Durbar festival is an age-long tradition observed on Sallah days with district heads, village and ward heads among other title holders and

Sule Calls on Nigerians to Continue Praying for Peace

Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Nasararwa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday called on all Nigerians to continue praying for the sustenance of peace, security and socio-economic prosperity of Nigeria.

The governor stated this in his 2023 Eid-el-fitr message, even as he also called on people of the state to continue to tolerate each other’s beliefs and values in order to sustain peace, harmony, socio-cultural and economic prosperity.

“In this regard, I wish to assure our brothers from other regions in the country that Nasarawa State is a miniature

society that accommodate all and sundry, irrespective of tribe, region, religion or any other creed.

“I, therefore, call on all citizens to remain law abiding and pursue their lawful means of livelihood with no fear of molestation,” he maintained.

The governor, however, enjoined all Muslims to remain steadfast in applying the virtues of Ramadan by adhering to sustained supplication, hospitality and good neighbourliness.

“The spirit of sharing in our daily activities should be our watchword,” Sule stressed.

royal families match pass on horses adorned with traditional regalia.

At the Durbar were Governor Zulum, Vice Presidentelect, Shettima, top government

and several APC officials with thousands of residents of

LOOKING UP TO ALLAH…

Don’t Forget Significance of Ramadan, Oyetola Charges Muslim Faithful

Immediate past governor of Osun State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called on Muslim faithful in the state in particular and Nigeria in general not to forget the significance of Ramadan and its numerous lessons and virtues as they celebrate the end of the 29 days fasting.

He made this known in a Sallah Message released yesterday by his media aide, Mr. Ismail Omipidan.

Oyetola, who prayed Allah to accept all acts of worship and supplications of the Muslim faithful during the Ramadan, also felicitated Muslims in the state and across Nigeria on the conclusion of the 1444 AH (2023) Ramadan fasting and

APGA Urges Help for Nigerians in Need PDP Harps

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Oye, has urged the government and wealthy Nigerians to remember the poor and needy and extend some love to them.

The party felicitated Muslims on the celebrations of Eid-el-Fitr, urging them to deploy the lessons learned during the long period of fasting to assist in the development the country.

In a Sallah message released in Abuja yesterday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, TexOkechukwu, the APGA Chairman, expressed joy at the successful completion of Ramadan.

He urged Muslims to adhere to the lessons learned during the long period of fasting and deploy them in the development of our nation.

Apart from observing that Nigerians had experienced inexplicable suffering es-

pecially in recent times, he urged restraint and tolerance as “we pray God to give us the uncommon strength and courage to continue to trudge along.”

The APGA boss called on “political leaders to show some empathy with the suffering masses of our dear country by making the needed sacrifices for the peace, development, and security of Nigeria.

“As we celebrate, we must remember the poor and needy and extend some love to them,” Oye advised.

He called on APGA members across the country to remain steadfast in their support for the party while assuring them that the forthcoming Congresses and National Convention would be well organised to produce the desired results.

He also thanked God for keeping Nigeria united and urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for sustainable peace, security, and growth of their fatherland.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday congratulated Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful on Eid-el-Fitr, the completion of the Holy Ramadan Fasting, urging them to use the occasion to pray and work towards the entrenchment of justice, equity, fairness and good governance in the country.

Also, the PDP lamented that at this time in the country that terrorists are still having a field day in all parts of Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon.

the occasion of the Eid-el-fitr celebration.

He also urged them to pray for a successful transition and peaceful take-off of another All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, effective from May 29, this year.

Oyetola expressed confidence in the abilities, competence and administrative acumen of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and that of the Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, to take the country to enviable heights never known in Nigeria’s history.

He noted that the election of the duo by Nigerians is a clear indication that Nigeria

is on the verge of democratic rejuvenation, insisting that Tinubu and Shettima, who are endowed with the required qualities of good leadership, would consolidate on the track records of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“On behalf of my family and the APC family of Osun, I send my warmest good wishes to all Muslims in our state and indeed across Nigeria as we celebrate Eid-el-fitr.

“May we all enjoy a blessed and peaceful Eid celebration. It is my prayer that Allah blesses us with the opportunity to witness more of it in sound health.

“I also pray Allah accept all

our ibadaah, acts of worship, and supplications in the month of Ramadan. I enjoin us not to forget the significance of the holy and spiritually-rejuvenating month, and carry on with its numerous lessons and virtues that it has come to teach and remind us. Let us continue to demonstrate the lessons of Ramadan in our daily activities and dealings with others.

“As we celebrate the Eid with our family and loved ones, let us remember to extend love and compassion to the needy and the less-privileged in the society. As we give with humility, Allah will reward us and multiply in abundance whatever we spend in charity.

on Justice, National Regeneration

Debo Ologunagba, he said that the Holy Ramadan offers the nation the divine opportunity for serious introspection especially on issues of the fear of God, integrity, accountability, adherence to set rules and constitutional order as well as the respect for the rights, personal freedom and will of the citizens in a democratic setting.

According to him, “Nigerians, especially leaders must reflect on the essence of Ramadan and use the occasion to reawaken the virtues of selflessness, honesty, self-restrain, fair-mindedness,

mutual respect, forgiveness, love and compassion for one another without regards to ethnic, sectional, religious or partisan considerations as this is the only way to achieve the much-desired politically stable and economically viable nation.

Ologunagba said that the PDP is deeply saddened that at a time such as this, “Nigerians are still under siege by terrorists and subjected to a life of fear, misery, anguish, abject poverty and excruciating economic hardship occasioned by the inexcusable misrule of an incompetent, insensitive, heavily corrupt and

manipulative leadership in the last eight years.

“It is more saddening that efforts by Nigerians to instill a purposeful, honest and responsible leadership is being sabotaged by oppressive forces desperate to impose themselves against the will of the people.

“Our party is however optimistic that with fervent prayers to God and determination of the citizens, our nation will triumph in the collective quest to entrench a God-fearing leadership that is derived from the free will of the people as expressed at the polls,” the PDP spokesman stressed.

I Hold No Grudge Against Anyone, Says Ganduje

Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that he holds no grudge against anybody over his eight-year stewardship.

The governor made the assertion yesterday in his Sallah message issued in Kano by the

Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Malam Muhammad Garba.

He stated that having been in the act of governance for more than two decades in the state, he has every cause to thank Allah and quit with no grievance against anyone.

The governor also reiterated

his plea for forgiveness from those he might have offended in the cause of governing the state.

Ganduje said he had forgiven those who wronged him and they too should reciprocate the same by forgiving him.

The statement also called on the incoming government

to ensure the completion of all viable projects embarked upon by his administration, which he said time could not permit their completion for the benefits of the people in the state.

He said the government was all about continuity, adding that no project executed with taxpayers’ money is worth abandoning.

officials

Maiduguri in

attendance. The Durbar was held at the Palace of the Shehu of Borno.

L-R, Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanemi, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, Vice President-Elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, during the Eid-Prayer in Maiduguri…yesterday.

EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR EID-EL-FITR

CAN Urges Peace, Tolerance Among Christians, Muslims

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has enjoined Christians and Muslims in the country to work towards building

a more tolerant and egalitarian society.

In a message issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN enjoined Muslims in Nigeria and around the world to

Nigerians Suffering from Heartless, Visionless Governance, Says NLC

Onyebuchi

Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that Nigerians especially workers have borne the brunt of the continuous and unrelenting consequences of heartless and visionless governance in the country.

Against the background of the socio-economic challenges confronting the country, NLC urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues espoused by the great Prophet, “to build the nation of our dreams where there will be equality, justice, Peace and fair play.”

In a Ramadan message issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joseph Ajaero urged Nigerians to use the power that the Almighty Allah has given to them in this season to pursue the dethronement of wickedness in our nation.

Ajaero said: “As the Ramadan comes to an end and the Moon is seen with all its excitement and anxieties heralding such occasions, Congress felicitates with all Nigerians especially workers who have borne the brunt of the continuous and unrelenting consequences of

heartless and visionless governance in the country.

“While suffering, hunger and disease may have increased exponentially in the country in the midst of the opulent life styles of those who have captured the levers of power and their refusal to heed simple and clear-headed advise to salvage our nation, the essence of this holy period strengthens all of us and gives us hope of a better future not anchored on our leaders but on the supreme and divine powers of the almighty God.

“We enjoin all Muslims to imbibe the spirit of this season and the virtues espoused by the great Prophet to build the nation of our dreams where there will be equality, justice, Peace and fair play.”

The NLC president said that it is our responsibility as a people especially as faithful who sit on high moral ground to allow the expression of those same ideals enshrined in the Holy book to not only drive our personal lives but to also propel our search for freedom for all peoples of Nigeria.

celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitri festival with a commitment to living a life of piety and peace.

“We extend our warmest greetings and felicitations to the President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the entire Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. We rejoice with them and

pray that the blessings of God will be with them now and always.

“Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and a renewed commitment to living a life of piety and peace. It teaches us the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity towards others, especially the less privileged in our society.

SALLAH HOMAGE…

L-R:

“As we mark this important occasion, we must take the opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Ramadan and the values that it teaches us, which is love for one another and mutual understanding for a peaceful society,” he said.

Okoh said that Islam and Christianity share a lot of good virtues in com-

mon adding, “we must use our understanding of the Holy books to promote inclusivity, and work towards building a more tolerant and egalitarian society for us all.

“As we celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitri festival, we call on all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our beloved country, for peace, and for the prosperity of all our people.”

Uba Sani Promises

to Prioritise Welfare, Security of Citizens

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor-elect, Senator Uba Sani, has said that his administration will give priority to the welfare and security of citizens.

In a message marking the Eidel-Fitr celebrations, he noted that it is by making people happy and secured that democracy could be sustained and deepened.

Sani said leaders must prioritise the welfare and security of the citizens and implement policies and programmes that will raise the quality of life.

He said with the spiritual and physical renewal during the Ramadan fasting, Nigerians were adequately equipped to face new challenges and avail themselves of fresh opportunities for personal and collective advancement.

The governor-elect thanked the Almighty Allah for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“As we look to the future with hope, we pray for Allah’s guidance. May He give us the courage to face whatever may come our way. May He bring our people together to work for the common good.

“May forgiveness, love, patience, goodness, kindness, compassion and mercy be our watchwords,” he prayed.

“If we fail to rise up to our responsibilities, democracy will cease to make meaning to our people.

“It is by making our people happy and secure that we can sustain and deepen this democracy,” he said.

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abdullahi Adamu, after observing his Eid-el-Fitr prayer in Keffi, Nasarawa State yesterday, urged Nigerians to embrace peace.

He urged Nigerians to learn a great lesson from the unfortunate civil war going on in Sudan and toe the line of peaceful coexistence.

According to him, “Muslims should continue to inculcate in ourselves, in our youths, the attributes of peace. We should work for peace. Let our pronouncements always aim at having peace.

“Only peace can guarantee social economic growth and development. We can achieve

Glo Felicitates Muslims, Enjoins Faithful to be Guided By Lessons of Ramadan

Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has enjoined the Muslim faithful in Nigeria to remain steadfast to the lessons of the holy month of Ramadan which include Godliness, charity, good neighbourliness, contentment and righteousness.

The company made the call in a goodwill message to Nigerian Muslims to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. It congratulated them on the successful completion of the

Ramadan fast, and urged them to see the season as a time for worship, reconciliation and sober reflection.

Globacom encouraged all Muslims to take advantage of the celebration to promote the fear of God and piety, and also called on all Nigerians to embrace peace and live in harmony with fellow Nigerians irrespective of tribe, political persuasion or religion.

Globacom reiterated its

commitment to the continued provision of innovative and affordable voice and data services during the Eid-el-Fitr holidays and beyond, and called on its subscribers to use the unique services on its network to stay in touch with friends, family and loved ones.

The Ramadan fast takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar as enshrined in the Holy Quran and is concluded with the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

nothing without peace.

“The development in Sudan is not only disturbing and worrisome. Only those who are experiencing the situation would appreciate the need to have peace in our land.

“We thank God almighty for being merciful to us as Nigerians because in spite of everything, we enjoy relative peace.”

Similarly, the Chairman, Southern Senators Forum, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, congratulated Muslim Ummah in the country for the successful completion of Ramadan fasting.

He urged them to pray and work for the success of the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Bamidele noted that making the incoming government successful, prosperous and peaceful is dear to all Nigerians, bearing in mind the President-elect’s incurable commitment to making the nation great.

Bamidele said Tinubu needed the contributions of all citizens to succeed in this tasking assignment.

The federal lawmaker, urged Nigerians to hope for the best as the incoming administration is determined to renew their hope through the implementation of time-tested socio-economic policies capable of transforming their living conditions.

“I celebrate with my Muslim brothers and sisters the successful completion of Ramadan fasting and the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

“I call on Muslims in Nigeria to continue to practice and promote the act of taking care of the vulnerable and less-privileged people in the our society even as I urge them to continue to live in peace and unity with others in their respective communities

“I also urge us to pray for the successful handing over of power by President Muhammadu Buhari to President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023.”

The APC chieftain, saluted the Muslim faithful for their resilience and selfless efforts during the holy month, urging them to replicate the piety imbibed during the period in governance and personal lives for the nation to be redirected to the path of sanity.

FCT Minister Urges Residents to Exhibit Compassion

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

Minister, Mohammad Musa Bello, has urged residents of the territory to exhibit kindness and compassion towards one another.

He made the appeal in his message of felicitations to all residents, especially the Muslim Ummah on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitr signifying the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The minister congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the successful completion of Ramadan which emphasised compassion, generosity

and the importance of self –restraint.

He prayed that all sacrifices endured and supplications made during the holy month will find favour with Almighty Allah.

He also appealed that they spare a thought for the less-privileged members of the society and stretch out hands of fellowship and generosity towards them as was done during the Holy Month.

The minister said the end of Ramadan should not signal the end of compassion towards one another.

He urged residents to be always guided by the principles of peace, unity , love for one another and progress and

growth of the country on which the FCT was created.

“I wish to remind us once again that as residents of the FCT, we are obliged to always uphold these principles and continue to work hard for the unity and progress of our dear country.

“Let us also use the opportunity provided by the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations to pray for our country Nigeria, that Almighty Allah will ensure a smooth transition of power to a new administration in a few weeks’ time, while also thanking Him for the conduct of a free and fair electoral process,” Bello said.

APC Chair, Adamu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Niger Senator Fecilitate Muslims

President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, when the minister paid Sallah homage to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja…yesterday.

AN ODE TO CHINWE MUOMALU

Attaining the golden age is a no mean milestone. This is why Dr. Chinwe Muomalu (Nee Nwaozuzu) has every reason to be grateful to God.

Many who were born the same day and year as her are no longer here; Dr. Muomalu, a serial entrepreneur and erudite medical practitioner recognizes this fact and is thankful to God for being the anchor of her life these 50 years.

Having just hit the golden age, friends and associates cannot stop heaping elegant tributes and kind words on this quintessentially beautiful woman, mother and wife whose career trajectory and progression are both salutary and inspiring.

Born in April 1973 at Nsukka in the present day Enugu State, to Prof & Prof Mrs BSC Nwaozuzu, Dr. Muoamalu attended the university primary school Nsukka and from there proceeded to the Federal Government Girls College, Owerri.

She graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, School of Medicine, Enugu campus after which she proceeded to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, for a residency program in Paediatrics.

Dr. Muomalu later became a Consultant and Fellow of the National College of Paediatrics, sailing through the very demanding residency training program in record time.

She also has a Masters in International Public Health from the University of Liverpool and a Diploma in Hospital Administration from the University of Washington, USA.

Dr. Muomalu is passionate about saving lives. This has seen her, in the course of her medical career, transverse several medical establishments and held very important leadership positions including the Head of clinicals, Balm hospital Lagos and Chief Medical Director Outreach women and children’s hospital, Lagos.

She was the pioneer Medical Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Obijackson Women and Children’s Hospital where she served a dual role as a Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatalogist, thus debunking the false assumptions that hospital administrators are too busy to perform their clinical duties.

Her love for neonatology has led to remarkable feats in the area of preterm care where she has continued to play a central role in the nursing care of premature babies with birth weights as low as 600 gm and has been central figure in the successes currently being enjoyed by the internationally acclaimed Neonatal intensive care units in the South East.

Dr Muomalu is the initiator and facilitator of the WHO helping babies breath program and has trained over 1,000 midwives and doctors on the skills needed to resuscitate new borns.

She has championed various workshops for health workers in partnership with Nestle training institute and freisland campaign training institute and continues to work closely with them in developing training curricula for health professionals.

Having worked in several government and private health institutions offering her sound professional expertise, Dr Moumalu has decided to take her practice to the greatest height by co-founding a state of the art, well equipped private medical facility, Cradle and Mum Specialist hospital.

Located at new Owerri axis of the Imo state capital, a serene neighbourhood ideal for total relaxation and recuperation of the sick babies and their mother, Cradle and Mum Specialist hospital is designed to care for the mother and child with bias for the care of preterm babies and respiratory support for new born.

The hospital is manned by seasoned paediatricians, neonatologists, paediatric surgeons, obstetricians and highly skilled paediatric nurses and midwives amongst other supporting staff.

HER LOVE FOR NEONATOLOGY HAS LED TO REMARKABLE FEATS IN THE AREA OF PRETERM CARE WHERE SHE HAS CONTINUED TO PLAY A CENTRAL ROLE IN THE NURSING CARE OF PREMATURE BABIES WITH BIRTH WEIGHTS AS LOW AS 600 GM

The mission of Cradle and Mum hospital is to provide holistic care to the vulnerable population of women and children with the aim of contributing positively to the downward trend of maternal and under five mortality in Nigeria.

Aside that, the hospital also serves as a training hub for community health workers around the environ and is deeply engaged in community outreaches aimed at educating women on the need to develop a robust health seeking behaviour that will ensure that they have a safe delivery when pregnant as well as healthy children after the babies are born.

This accounts for the reason Cradle and Mum is fantastically equipped with modern medical facilities comparable to what is obtained in western countries.

Notably, the hospital consists of a 20 bedded wards made up of three General wards, two semi-private wards and a private ward.

In addition, the facility is equipped with a state-of-art Neonatal intensive care unit comprising four Neonatal incubators, two radiant warmers, seven cots and cpap respiratory support machines.

Each unit is equipped with medical monitors, infusion pumps and Syringe pumps. The unit is also equipped with modern Drager Phototherapy machines and boasts of a fully piped oxygen unit which ensures continued oxygen delivery to the babies in the intensive care unit.

The theatre which supports the maternal unit is equipped with a state of art double unit anaesthetic machine and oxygen piped units.

The laboratory department is fully equipped to provide the much needed support to the hospital and carries out haematologic, chemical pathology and microbiology investigation while the blood bank ensures continuous supply of blood to the hospital.

The CSSD department is equipped with a full laundromat and a functional sterilisation unit boasting of two Auto clave machines.

And to ensure that Cradle and Mum provides a home away from home, there is an inhouse cafeteria which caters to the need of in-patients and out patients.

The big play ground equipped with toys is also available for children on admission with sitting areas where parents can watch their kids play.

The hospital also boasts of a 24-hour light supply consisting of EEDC supply, generator and a solar system.

Dr Muomalu does not allow her career to interfere with her home as a dutiful mother and wife. She has been married since 2001, to her high school sweetheart Barr. Okey Muomalu from Akokwa , Ideato North local government area of Imo State.

A dotting mother and loving wife, Dr. Muomalu adores her husband and kids. She describes her husband aptly as “the wing beneath my wings.” And for her beautiful children among whom are upcoming medical doctors and engineers, Dr Muomalu calls them “my shinning armours and precious gifts from God.”

She combines her medical practice with entrepreneurship hence she is the founder and the CEO of Paedville British schools in Isolo, Lagos which has since inception grown into two campuses with the inclusion of the primary sector.

The entrepreneur in Dr Muomalu was visible for everybody to see during her studentship and as a resident doctor in LUTH when she would travel to the United Kingdom, on a business trip on Friday night after ward rounds and still be present for her ward rounds by 8am on Monday.

A devout Catholic, Dr Muomalu believes in the mantra, “do unto others what you would want them to do to you.” Her greatest desire is serve God through works of mercy in the health industry. Osigwe writes from Akokwa, Imo State

THE FUTURE OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP

The next generation of women in leadership should be nurtured through education, mentorship and empowerment, argues

women.

In almost all spheres of life and for centuries, women have continued to contest against restrictions and selective rights to significantly contribute to the governance of their societies. Even before the start of the 18th century, when some people sought to change voting laws to allow women vote in elections, many societies around the world viewed women as a weaker gender. This, notwithstanding some women played spectacular strides in shaping their societies even before the First World War. Global events like the world wars challenged and changed the popular notion of women’s physical and mental inferiority and made it more difficult to maintain that women were, both by constitution and temperament, unfit to vote and be voted for.

In today’s changing world, gender should no longer be a determinant factor in global leadership and corporate management conversations. According to Statista, a total of 58 countries were governed by a woman between 1960 and 2021. In the last 50 years, 13 countries had more than one female leader. The UN Secretariat’s records show that while women run nearly 21% of ministries across the globe, the rate of women in cabinets stands over 50% in 14 countries. While figures show a significant improvement of women in the

representation of their people in parliaments around the world, with Rwanda having the highest rate of female parliament members with 61%, followed by Cuba and Bolivia with 53% and the United Arab Emirates with 50%, the number of women in national parliament in Nigeria has reduced with only 18 females returning to the 10th National Assembly out of the 378 women that contested for a seat in the 2023 general elections.

With women leading almost all major global institutions: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the DG of the World Trade Organization; Christine Lagarde as the President of the European Central Bank; Kristalina Georgieva as the president of the IMF; Audrey Azoulay as the DG of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Ursula von der Leyen as the president of the European Commission; Winnie Byanyima as the Executive Director of UN AIDS Agency (UNAIDS), among others, it is apt to discuss how to raise and create more opportunities for the next generation of women in leadership.

This conversation is important because female leadership is critical to harness the enormous possibilities in building our societies better. Women bring to bear important leader-

ship qualities such as empathy, compassion, courage and character. Again, women are easily able to succeed with managing complex situations because they are authentic, collaborative, rigorous, result-oriented, and sincere. Our societies need all these attributes that societies need today to rebuild from multiple social crises.

To sustainably nurture the next generation of women in leadership, we must prioritize quality education of the girl-child, ensure girl-child mental wellness, girl-child social securities which includes protection against abuse and reduction of restrictions, and proper training of the male-child for civilized cultures. Through mentorship, we can expand future female leaders’ leadership skills and sense of civic responsibility as they consider their own character, leadership, and integrity.

The next generation of women in leadership cannot be built through affirmative action alone, they will be nurtured through education, mentorship, equal opportunities, empowerment and social security. More importantly, our society must begin to look beyond gender considerations and stereotypes. A country with balanced gender opportunities is a country that has conquered cultural conditionings against

Maryam Haruna Lami

Politically, we must go beyond reserved and restricted positions like women leaders and headship of ministries of women affairs. We need a political reform that makes politics as a friendly as will enable every competent and credible citizen - man or woman to freely and fairly participate in the process. In politics, women must, more than ever, understand that since the Age of Liberty (1718-1772) in Sweden, when conditional women’s suffrage came into effect, to the first province to continuously allow women to vote (Pitcairn Islands) from 1838, to Norway as the first sovereign state to grant women the right to vote, down to as recent as Affirmative Action policies across many democracies, power has never been given to women - the freedom to participate, the freedom of expression and the opportunities to make social impacts are created. The women of the future must do more for themselves than they accept from the government. And given that the society stands to gain more from credible female leaders, it is upon different constituencies to ensure that women of value are given the opportunities to serve.

Lami is President, Faculty of Law, Bingham University, Keffi

Ingram Osigwe pays tribute to Chinwe Muomalu, a medical practitioner of note

Police and Witchcraft Allegation in Anambra State

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) calls on the state police command and the government of Anambra to arrest and prosecute those who accused a middle-aged woman, Mrs. Azuka Emena, of witchcraft and subsequently assaulted her, subjecting her to torture, inhuman and degrading treatment in the Uga community. Azuka, whose daughter passed away on Thursday, March 30 after a protracted illness was accused of being responsible for the illness and eventual death of the young girl. As in other cases of witchcraft accusations, no medical report was tendered to support the witchcraft claim. Local sources told the AfAW that Mrs. Azuka’s son, Nonso, who claims to be a pastor, was the main accuser and instigator of the persecution. Nonso mobilized some youths and elders in the village. They invaded the family compound forcing the mother to cross the corpse of her late daughter four times. The mob also compelled her to carry the dead body. Two elderly women stripped her naked; they removed her mensural pad in search of her “witchcraft medicine”. The mob looted Mrs. Emena’s house and made away with her belongings, including a sum of N7000, that she kept in her room. The elders banished her from the community. They threatened to murder her if she was seen in the Uga community. Mrs Emena fled to her paternal village, in Ekwulobia. The AfAW was informed that while she was leaving on a motorbike, mobs were shooting in the air, and booing her. Somebody kicked her, and she fell into a nearby bush.

The AfAW has been informed that police at the area command arrested Azuka’s son Nonso, but later released him after he paid a bribe. Nonso later lodged a complaint with the state CID in Awka, but there has not been any action on the matter. If nothing is done to get the police to act, this case would fizzle out. The perpetrators would not be punished. They would not be brought to justice.

The AfAW requests the police command in Awka to arrest Azuka’s son, Nonso, Emma Onyeharam, Peter Onyirimba, Chidiebere Madukwe, Izuchukwu Ezenwonye, Okezie, Ngozi Emena and others linked to the accusation, assault, torture, and maltreatment of Mrs. Azuka Emena.

It is unfortunate that despite the pictorial evidence, and a video recording of the torture and persecution of Mrs. Emena, there have not been substantial efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. This is shameful and unacceptable. The state police command has been duly informed. Other agencies, including the FIDA, and the NHRC have been contacted and briefed on the incident. The AfAW calls on the police and other state agencies to rise to the occasion and ensure that the persecutors of Mrs. Emana are brought to justice. Leo Igwe, nskepticleo@yahoo.com

A Thousand Lies?

Is a photo worth a thousand words if they are all lies? The photo by Boris Eldagsen that won the Sony World Photography Award is a beautiful, haunting photo but it’s a fake done by AI. Although it appears that AI can produce beauty can it produce original works? By its own nature it is artificial and so are its thoughts as it, like Chatgpt, scans all of the electronically recorded information and builds using existing blocks or in less polite terms it steals.

It might be possible to fake a van Gogh so long as you have all of the known examples and a big tin of yellow paint but not the soul that made it. It would be fun to create my own fake life with constructed photos of myself on the wall with numerous famous people, although dead as they couldn’t then inform on me.

Maybe it’s time for people to get a life and a real one even if it is a bit boring.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Thank You, Sunday Awuhe

Humanity is God’s creation, and anyone who does what this creation can benefit from should be encouraged so that others would emulate him.

The last time I visited Ajio Community was in 2017, and the road from Ajio to Yaji was in

a terrible state. Motorists and pedestrians devised means of getting to Yaji and those from Yaji were doing same while coming to Ajio for their businesses.

Ajio is a community under Ishagev-ya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State and the people living there are known as promoters of peace, love and unity. But they lack development in the area. The condition of the road linking Ajio and Yaji before now was obviously pitiable, and because of that, it was deserted by motorists and everyone for safety reasons. But in my recent visit to Ajio, I saw the road well-constructed, and motorists and everyone accessing it, making it easier for people to transport their goods to Ajio, Adikpo and other markets for economic activities.

Let me at this point appreciate Mr. Sunday for single-handedly using his resources to ensure the construction of the road for his people without seeking any political gain in return. Mr. Sunday’s humanitarian services upon the people of Ajio, Yaji, Koti and the entire people of Ishagev-ya plus Kwande by extension should be emulated by others with capacity so that collectively, the needed development will be in place.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja

PLANNING AHEAD…

House Minority Members-Elect Move to Produce 10th Assembly Speaker

Banking on its numerical superiority in the soon to be inaugurated 10th House of Representatives, the emergent Minority Caucus has resolved to gun for the Speakership position.

This is following the outcome of last Saturday’s supplementary elections which saw the membership of the Minority Caucus numbering to 182, one vote more than the statutory benchmark (181 votes) required to elect a Speaker — with prospects of gaining more members.

Already, there are permutations to promote a Speakership candidate from the South-south geo-political zone, and a Deputy Speaker from the North-west.

Rising from an emergency

meeting of the Minority Caucus leadership held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, last night, the caucus which now refers to itself as “Greater Majority” and made up of seven political parties, stated emphatically that it was primed to contest the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists on the position of the Caucus, a Member-elect from Anambra, Hon. Afam Ogene, stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria imbues every elected member with the statutory right to gun for any leadership position, subject to the standing orders of the House.

Ogene said: “Besides the issue of ranking, every member is entitled to run for the office of Speaker,

regardless of political party affiliation. The All Progressives Congress, APC, or indeed, any political party for that matter, reserves the right to regale itself with talks about micro-zoning leadership positions in the National Assembly. But the overriding question remains, are such fanciful engagements binding on the generality of Members-elect?

The answer today, tomorrow — and until our current constitution is altered to reflect that desire — is a big No.

“Issues surrounding this all-important question is easily resolved, in the case of the House of Representatives, by Section 50(1)(b), to wit:” There shall be a Speaker and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be elected by the members of that House from

Imo 2023: Okere Wins Accord Party Governorship Ticket

Ikenga Johnjude Okere was yesterday unanimously voted as the candidate for the Imo State Accord Party (AP) in the governorship primary election held in Owerri for the November 11, 2023, governorship election.

Announcing the result, the AP Governorship Election Committee Chairman, Joseph Omorogbe, noted that Okere was elected through a unanimous voice vote as he was the only aspirant for the election.

The Secretary of state three-member governorship election committee, Chief Batholowme Igbwedibia, said the event was a huge success, as it was conducted

in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of rancour or bitterness.

The third member of the committee, Mr. Paschal “The primary election was free, fair and transparent.”

In his acceptance speech, Okere thanked party faithful, supporters and followers for their wonderful display of loyalty and discipline, as he promised to do his best to ensure success for the party in the governorship election.

Also, the Chairman of Accord Party, Elder Thankgod Ibeh, while presenting the him to work harder for the party’s victory.

Sam Ekpe Congratulates Iwuanyanwu

among themselves. While zoning is permitted, as an intra-party solution to the sharing of political offices, seeking to enforce such on the generality of members would be tantamount to affronting Section 50 of the Nigerian constitution.

“Besides, political parties must not always use the National Assembly as guinea pigs for their zoning fancies. Why didn’t these governors summon the same courage, which they currently seek to flaunt, during the presidential primaries, by micro-zoning the presidency to a particular zone? If it was okay to say that the presidential ticket should go to the South, then I think they ought to follow through with that same template, and propose, for instance, that the Speakership should go to the North.”

Police Arrest Seven Suspected Kidnappers in Kaduna, Recover Arms

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Seven suspected kidnappers terrorising communities in Kaduna State have been arrested by the police.

Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mohammed Jalige, said in a statement yesterday that the suspected kidnappers were arrested on Thursday in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State. He said arms and ammunitions were recovered from them

following a search.

The statement said, “At about 1320hrs, a patrol team attached to Saminaka Area Command in conjunction with hunters group in Lere LGA apprehended one Yusuf Idi ‘M’ aged 25yrs along with six (6) others at Mariri Village in Lere LGA.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to have carried out series of kidnappings, culpable homicide and armed robberies in the said area.

“When an immediate search was conducted on the suspects, of 7.62 X 39mm live ammunitions, one locally fabricated long range double-barrel gun used for expending 12-guage live cartridges and one locally made pistol that uses .9mm live ammunition were recovered.”

Jalige said, preliminary investigations were ongoing and ammunition.

He said, “The general area is presently calm and peaceful, while rigorous patrols and surveillance continues.”

Jalige said the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mamman and men for the arrest and recoveries and “warned that any person with the thought of committing any form of crime should have a rethink or risk being neutralised or arrested by the well motivated operatives of the command.”

UNICEF Pledges Support for Mbah’s Administration

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has pledged cooperation and support to the incoming administration of the Governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah.

UNICEF made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Governor-elect by the organisaGovernment Lodge, Enugu.

In their remarks, the team leaders, Prof. Hamidu Ponfon, who is the Chief of Social Policy, UNICEF Country Of-

Mrs. Juliet Chiluwe, expressed their pleasure at the content of Mbah’s manifesto.

They noted that his social contract with the people of the state, which includes the planning mechanism component, the social protection component that talks about poverty eradication from Enugu State and the framework, all touched on critical elements that align with the objectives of UNICEF.

The international organisation promised to continue supporting

Enugu State and increase its activities in the state during the administration of Dr. Mbah by giving a comprehensive support in the areas of development planning, strengthening of the state’s management system, respect to social policies as they boosting the health sector for improved maternal and neonatal wellbeing.

Dr. Mbah, on his part, thanked the UNICEF team for the enormous goodwill towards him and the people of Enugu State

A veteran journalist and Sam Ekpe, has congratulated Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu for being picked as the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide for the remaining two years.

He said it was particularly praiseworthy that Iwunanyanwu at 80 years accepted to still give his time and attention to matters that affect Ndigbo. He recalled the to ensure that activities of Ndigbo were always on high pedestal in the country, citing Iwunanyanwu Nationale in Sports, Oriental Airlines in Aviation and Champion

newspapers in the media industry as worthy examples.

Ekpe, who had served as an editor in the defunct Daily Star newspaper in Enugu and as Special Assistant in the Presidency in the Second Republic called on those he described as “the few voices of disgruntled elements in Ohanaeze who have constituted themselves into opposition to Ndigbo progress to sheathe their swords and support this big iroko tree, a front runner in progress and development of Ndigbo, to preside over on the political future of Nigeria.”

‘Give Fresh Senators Chance for Senate Presidency’

As the race to choose who leads the National Assembly as preparations to inaugurate the 10th National Assembly, the lawmakers have been urged to jettison ranking and throw the contest open to include first timers who have shown capacity, track record in performance and ability to build bridges across members from different parties.

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji who spoke in Abakaliki yesterday pointed out that Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, was the one best qualified for the role.

According to him, “as governor,

he has excellent cooperation and working relationship with the Legislative Arm of government.

“This accounted for his support for a successor in office that is from the background of the legislature.

The governor-elect was Speaker for eight years and legislator for 12 years,” he explained.

Orji described Umahi as a candidate that has indepth knowledge of the workings of the legislature as well as Intergovernmental relations, adding that as deputy governor, he stooped to conquer and was cracking the hardest kernel of his boss in fervent humility and profound loyalty.

Our Matriarch Transits To Eternity

and promised an even stronger partnership between UNICEF and the state government during his administration. Reiterating his commitment to disrupting the existing revenue model to raise more funds to address the many challenges facing Enugu State, he stressed that his administration would strengthen primary healthcare, security and deployment of public accountability charter through an e-governance structure to enable Ndi Enugu view government activities on dashboards.

After a fruitful and eventful life of God’s abundant mercies and grace, our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Dame Dorothy Nsonma Ihedioha (Nee Okereke) gloriously transited to eternity on Thursday 20th April 2023 in Abuja, with her family by her side. Mama celebrated her 90th birthday on 28th August 2022. While we thank friends and well wishers who identified with us, particularly during our mother’s last days, we enjoin you to remember the family in your prayers.

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Emeka Ihedioha, CON

For the family Late Dorothy

Udora Orizu in Abuja

L-R: The Social Policy Officer, Enugu Field, UNICEF, Mr Victor Chima; Health Specialist, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo; Chief of Field Office, Mrs Juliet Chiluwe; Governor-elect of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah; Chief of the Social Policy Programme, UNICEF, Abuja, Dr. Hamidou Poufon; Health Specialist, UNICEF, Enugu Field Office, Dr. Femi Adeyemi; Planning and Monitoring Specialist, Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo; and the Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, Dr. Hilary Ozoh, during a courtesy visit/meeting with the Governor-elect at the Old Government Lodge, Enugu...recently.

RingTrue

Unending Bloodshed in Zango Kataf

Security clumsiness is unending in beloved Nigeria. It comes with all the trappings of a failed government. For instance, what kind of explanation will our security agencies put up in defence of their failings seven days back in Runji Sakwab, Atyap Chiefdom of Zango Kataf Local Government Area Kaduna State, where 33 persons were murdered in their sleep, 19 of the corpses were burnt beyond recognition? How would they explain that terrorists spent hours in Runji Sakwab without appropriate response from them? Zango Kataf LG has a base of the Special Military Task Force called Operation Safe Haven, charged with maintaining peace and order in troubled parts of Kaduna State, yet, terrorists stroll in and out with ease.

On that day, April 15, the terrorists were not in a hurry to leave Runji Sakwab because they were very sure they would not be repelled by Operation Safe Haven. By the time they eventually left, the community was left in ruins. Runji Sakwab is the third community in Atyap to be attacked by terrorists within a space of about 30 days. Just on April 13, eight people were killed in an attack in Atak’Njei.

It is pertinent to note that Kaduna is a garrison state, with a huge number of military formations. Yet, terrorists roam unimpeded. The Commander-in Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari, who promised to lead the war against terrorists from the front has not raised queries on the Runji Sakwab killings. No security man has been fired. No commander has been relieved of his job. The most shocking is that Buhari has not deemed it fit to condole with the people of Runji Sakwab.

In Southern Kaduna, the war is largely between herders and natives over grazing lands. The herders are also laying claims to lands. This has persisted for years, with thousands dead and so many families bereaved on all sides, but the natives have suffered the most. There are also some conflicts between the natives and Hausa communities. Attacks and counter-attacks have continued due to the failure of governments at all levels to take dispassionate actions to end the bloodshed.

The over 40-year-old crisis took a dangerous dimension under President Buhari and Governor Nasir el-rufai of Kaduna State, with people killed

almost on a daily basis in Kajuru, Kauru, Jema’a and Zangon-Kataf and many other Southern Kaduna communities. The April 15 killings in Runji Sakwab were reprisals by Fulani militias. So sad that killers are scarcely apprehended. This is what emboldens them. What we have in Nigeria today is a compromised federal government that can’t protect citizens.

Our President derives so much joy grandstanding about curbing terrorism. He has nothing, in practical terms, to justify his unending vows to crush terrorists. Daily, scores are killed, many abducted and houses burnt across our country. The security glitches under Buhari’s government are ceaseless and consuming too many innocent lives. The security of the people is no longer on the priority list of this jaded federal government. When terrorists strike and there are no consequences, they are emboldened. This is exactly what has been happening in almost eight years of the Buhari government.

Security agents have also compromised. This is why the killings are persisting. Governor el-rufai must show greater commitment to ending the carnage in Southern Kaduna. This governor acts in a compromised manner. He is never there for the oppressed in this state. El-rufai enjoys grandstanding and persistently spins rubbish, without offering relief to victims of killings and kidnappings in his state. The attacks by terrorists in Kaduna State have equally exposed el-rufai’s incompetence.

A few years back, a former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, while lamenting the killings in Southern Kaduna, said: “No part of Kaduna is spared of terrorist attacks, violence, and kidnappings. However, the killings in Southern Kaduna by terrorists are systemic. The people of that part of the state are also institutionally treated like the blacks under apartheid South Africa.”

No doubt, human lives no longer have value in beloved Nigeria, but the utmost calamity is the death of sympathy from those who claim to be our leaders. A President jets out of his country amid killings of scores of citizens by terrorists! This is preposterous. Buhari and el-rufai should be ashamed of the statistics of killings in Kaduna State. In 2022 alone, a total of 1052 people, comprising 947 men, 82 women and 22 minors were killed by terrorists in Kaduna State, while 4,227 were kidnapped. In the first quarter of this year alone, no fewer than 214 persons have already been killed as a result of attacks by terrorists, communal clashes and reprisals across the state -196 males 14 women and four minors. A total of 746 citizens were kidnapped during this same first quarter of 2023.

For me, the Atyap Chiefdom, Fulani and Hausa communities in the troubled ZangonKataf LG must reconvene the peace summit summoned in August 2020. Back then, leaders from these communities met and brainstormed

TheAishatu Binani’s Twaddle

It was repulsive watching the gubernatorial candidate of the APC in Adamawa State, Aishatu ‘Binani’ Dahiru delivering an acceptance speech last Sunday after she was illegally declared the governor-elect of the state by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hudu Ari. She said her election as the first female governor in the country would encourage other women to participate actively in politics. “You’ve made history in electing the first female governor in our dear country, Nigeria. This will no doubt broaden political participation by encouraging our daughters, sisters, aunties, mothers and indeed the girl child,” Binani added in the 21 seconds clip.

What nonsense! It was extreme desperation by Binani. This is a woman I admire so much because of her guts and brilliance, but she left me dejected. So, why did Binani, a supposedly educated person, fall to this level? She simply allowed herself to be consumed by the lust for power. Of course, Binani knew that Ari had no power to declare a winner in the supplementary governorship election held last Saturday in Adamawa State; that responsibility solely lies with the state collation officer appointed by INEC. The law is very clear about this. The action of the REC was a clear usurpation of the power of the Returning Officer.

I guess when it became obvious that Binani could no longer upstage the incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the PDP, who was leading

with over 30,000 votes obtained at the substantive election on 18 March, Binani decided on that fraudulent option. She got the Adamawa REC and top security men on the same boat. Binani must have promised huge rewards. It is so depressing that top officers like the REC and some security chiefs mortgaged their revered offices for financial rewards.

Binani headed to an Abuja court last Tuesday, still hoping to legalise her fake result. She presented an ex-parte application asking the court to determine whether the INEC can take any further steps on the declared governorship election results made by the disgraced Adamawa REC.

Justice Inyang Ekwo did not allow her dubious plan to materialise. He asked Binani’s lawyer to first address his court it had jurisdiction to entertain such a matter. The judge subsequently asked the lawyer to file his address on the issue and fixed April 26 for a hearing of the ex parte application and the motion on the jurisdiction of the court. This case is now an academic exercise since INEC has concluded the collation of the Adamawa governorship polls and Fintiri announced as the winner.

Considering all the deadly and illegal moves by Binani, it becomes so difficult to reconcile all of them with her statement last Wednesday, after she had lost everything, including respect, that she remains a democrat.

She remarked: “I never did, I would never do such. I wish to reiterate that I am a democrat.

I have always been a committed democrat and will never do anything to subvert the democratic process. I am not a do-or-die politician. In the past, I have won elections into the house of representatives and the senate in a free and fair manner.”

My dear Binani, there is no point crying. You messed up big time. You have disappointed so many people that hitherto respected you. Binani, initiating and carrying out illegalities?

A big dishonor. Most Nigerian politicians care less about dignity. What a country!

on a lasting solution to the persistent killings in the local government. It was heartwarming seeing the Agwatyap, Dominic Gambo Yahaya, discussing with the leaders of the Hausas and Fulanis at the Yakubu Event Centre in Ungwan Wakili, Zango-Kataf LGA.

Retired Air Vice Marshal Stephen Shekari and Dr. Salim Umar, co-chaired that 2020 peace summit. A communiqué at the end of the meeting called on all residents of Atyap Chiefdom not to take laws into their hands and instead submit all grievances to the lawful authorities. The communiqué appreciated the fact that all Nigerians have the constitutional or fundamental right to move and reside anywhere in Nigeria, including Atyap Chiefdom, without any fear, molestation or harassment from anybody or any source whatsoever. There was peace for several weeks in Zangon-Kataf LG after this landmark summit. Then, suddenly, the agreement collapsed.

The diverse communities in Southern Kaduna must learn to live in peace with each other. For years, I have been advocating for this. Forgiveness, reconciliation, community healing, roundtable negotiation over land and neutrality of government/security agencies are essential. That’s how to end killings in Southern Kaduna. That 2022 peace summit should be reconvened and expanded to include all the leaders of communities in the entire Southern Kaduna. As for the Commander of Operation Safe Haven, he must ensure that his boys operate dispassionately.

Next President of the Senate

The list of aspirants for the position of President of the Senate in the 10th Assembly commencing in June keeps growing. As at the last count, 10 senators were already jostling for the plum job. I’m not sorry to say that most of the aspirants are in the race for selfish reasons. Many of them have just been making noise with no clearly defined legislative agenda. Only two of them have been able to tell Nigerians what this country stands to gain if they emerge President of the Senate.

The poor quality of these candidates aside, I’m worried that some senators from the North-east are also in the race. This is an aberration. The North-east and the South-west have already been “settled” in this next federal political voyage commencing May 29 this year. With the South-west producing the President and the North-east producing the Vice President, no politician from these two regions should be contending for the remaining top four positions i.e. President of the Senate and the deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the deputy.

This is the meaning of equity. The Federal Character law in the 1999 Constitution supports this. Our beloved country must be built on equity. We must emphasise equity if we truly desire progress. All the six geo-political zones must get a share of the cake. Those who argue that the Senate President’s job should go to the best hand are just jokers. There is no geo-political zone without high quality lawmakers.

The baloney that happened in 2019 when the South-west produced the Vice President and Speaker must not be allowed again. That was injustice to the rest of the country. Forces of good must ensure that this injustice is not allowed to persist. The ruling APC must uphold its principle of zoning and share the remaining top four positions to the South-east, South-south, North-west and North-central. Aspirants from the North-east and South-west must be forced to perish their ambitions. This is the way forward for our country.

The diverse communities in Southern Kaduna must learn to live in peace with each other. For years, I have been advocating for this. Forgiveness, reconciliation, community healing, roundtable negotiation over land and neutrality of government/security agencies are essential. That’s how to end killings in Southern Kaduna. That 2022 peace summit should be reconvened and expanded to include all the leaders of communities in the entire Southern Kaduna

Binani

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Davido to Dazzle Fans at 50,000 Capacity TBS

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Afropop artiste Davido is billed to perform in Lagos tomorrow Sunday, April 23 at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS); the third and last leg of his special York this month. The album concert tour

50,000 capacity venue.

album - Timeless – which was released

April 5. Davido also performed two songs held in Lagos last Monday, Davido spoke about the concert which promises fans an unforgettable experience.

While interacting with the press, Davido reassured fans that he has visited the promised to beef up the venue with extra security. The concert is set to attract all levels of Davido fans as there is a ticket sells for millions. Davido also spoke about his upcoming deluxe album and what fans should expect.

Davido said the deluxe was scheduled

for release later this year and fans can look forward to more great songs. He also stated that he intends to continue performing at the highest level while using his music to position Africa at the top.

During the press conference, the singer addressed the subject of the album not laced with so much emotion following his recent experience and the fact that one had expected more personal content that shares his mood at the time. The

his music as he prefers to keep his music simple and fun.

something or not,” he said. The multi-award-winning hit-maker more personal time, he will do that. registered great success as it has platforms in the country.

Drama, Comedy, Thriller Peeked in ‘The Bloom Boys’

take all their nuisances. And tolerate all their shortcomings…”

Simi’s Sweet 35th Birthday Moment

Following in its postproduction phase with the trailer release

and visibly notable within the amongst movie lovers in the past few weeks. The genre cut across drama, comedy and thriller.

Starring actors like Timini

Lively.

The movie, Bloom Boys which is directed by Xela and distributed by Genesis pictures follows the story of a noblesse-high society

an unexplainable event involving a popular tech bro and sudden rise of luck found rival. However, there is a Villain.

just a movie but a movement as we have seen our social channel continue to enjoy tremendous growth from really want to thank them for their really want to give much away but the social family issues,” the producers stated.

also available on YouTube, captures the male folks, “Do you know how much we have to endure as women to accommodate these men? We have to

Aside addressing social family issues, energy and features an impressive shift in tone. Written by Awal Abdullateef, the movie will be available across cinemas on the 28th of April, 2023.

Whether she looks the really matter to her fans and followers as they exchanged banters on social media, celebrating the songstress, Simi, who marked her 35th birthday last Wednesday surrounded by close friends. The talented singer/songwriter wowed her fans with photos from her birthday shoot

While she noted her new age, she praised herself for being the most real person she grateful she was, for being surrounded by

To celebrate his wife on her special day, singer Adekunle Gold penned sweet note on how they met and more. Taking to his

HelloMrRightDating Reality Show, Returns on StarTimes

StarTimes has announced the return of Hello Mr Right, the sensational dating reality show, to its rich content lineup.

The audition for the show begins April 21 in Abuja, while on April 26, and Lagos on April 27, 2023.

Hello Mr. Right is a thrilling dating game show that follows the journey of eligible singles as they search for the perfect partner or a loving relationship.

potential love interests, intending to form goal games with the opportunity of winning

This exciting love matchmaking game

show is open to all single men and women

the opportunity to participate and compete to win big. At the same time, the studio audience and viewers will be privy to lots games while catching the excitement as the contestants experience a breathtaking journey

The show will feature a range of fun chalof romantic moments. Viewers can cheer on and vote for their favourite contestants

Hello Mr Right will begin airing midyear and promises to be an exciting and entertaining look at the world of modern dating.

them in Marrakech, Morocco, for her birthday vacation and a video of the sweet moment he gifted Simi a customised diamond necklace. Gold described Simi as the “girl of my youth,” adding that he was grateful they met a decade you at Bogobiri 10 years ago. 10 years of everything you do.” He then referenced the lyrics of one of his popular songs, Orente, which he wrote for Simi.

He used the opportunity to emphasise just how much their lives have changed. “Been through it all with you so as we start to dey chop life now, we go live it up to the fullest. Orente mi, Ati lowo, Ati nile lori, Ati bi oyin. Happy Birthday Girl of my youth.”

Simi, laden with emotion responded in

mi. AG baby, we know whose baby you are.

Davido

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

L-R: Bolanle Ninalowo and Tina Mbah in a scene from the movie

Simi

Ogbudimkpa to Launch Digital Fashion Rental Platform

Funmi Ogundare

In the 21st century, rental fashion services are gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative to traditional fashion due to the significant environmental impact of the fashion industry. The industry’s nonsustainable manufacturing processes and waste generation, which includes landfills and carbon emissions, have increased the demand for more environmentally-friendly options. Consumers are increasingly turning to fashion rental services as a means of reducing their environmental footprint. Such services allow customers to rent a wide range of items, including clothes, shoes, and accessories, such as sunglasses and jewelry, both online and in physical stores.

Fashion rental is a growing trend around the world, with several countries at the forefront of the movement.

The fashion rental market in the US is one of the largest in the world, with several major players such as Rent the Runway, Le Tote, and Gwynnie Bee.

Fashion rental is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with companies like HURR

Collective, By Rotation, and My Wardrobe HQ leading the way. In France, companies like Les Cachotières and Panoply offer fashion rental services to customers.

Fashion rental is a popular option in Japan, with companies like Looop and AirCloset offering rental services for high-end fashion items.

The fashion rental market in Australia is growing rapidly, with companies like GlamCorner and Dress for a Night offering rental services to customers.

Still a budding sector, a few brands are actively offering fashion rental services in South Africa such as Style Rotate, OnRotate, Noa Rental, and a few others. These are just a few examples, but fashion rental services can now be found in many countries around the world.

Rental fashion, which allows customers to rent clothes, rather than buy them outright, has several benefits:

Cost-effectiveness: Renting fashion items is often more cost-effective than buying them outright. Instead of investing in a single piece of clothing that may only be worn a few times, you can rent a variety of outfits for a fraction of the cost.

Sustainability: Rental fashion helps to reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion. Rather than buying and discarding clothes that may

only be worn a few times, renting allows you to extend the lifespan of clothing items and reduce waste.

Variety: Renting fashion items allows you to experiment with different styles and trends without committing to a purchase. This means you can try out new looks and find what works best for you without spending a lot of money.

Convenience: Rental fashion companies often

offer delivery and pick-up services, making it easy to rent clothes from the comfort of your own home. This can be particularly convenient for special occasions, such as weddings or parties, where you may want to wear a unique outfit without investing in a one-time wear.

Overall, rental fashion can be a great option for those who want to save money, reduce waste, try out new styles, and enjoy the convenience of renting clothes especially through a secure digital platform.

As part of Redbutton’s sustainable fashion drive, the brand is building a digital platform for fashion exchange (RedXchange.fashion), providing the technology infrastructure for fashion rental and resale. Participants on the platform can trade with the idle fashion items in their wardrobes and make money from it. RedXchange will offer both rental and resale services, where customers can rent their occasional clothing and accessories, brands and individuals can sell their high fashion pieces as second-hand items or as budget sale. Rental fashion is becoming increasingly popular to reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion and to save money while still enjoying a variety of clothing options.

Akindele, Afolayan, Ini Edo, Score High with AMVCA Nominations

Like many film award platforms, the announcement of nominations for the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) creates a buzz that sets the tone, gets observers and the industry stakeholders talking pre the actual award ceremony. So in many cases, a for the players.

December 1, 2021 to January 31, 2023, and featured performers and behind-the-scenes members in numerous relevant award categories. This year’s award ceremony which marks the 9th edition is set to hold in Lagos, Nigeria on May 20. MultiChoice,

the organisers of the awards, rolled out the list of nominations in various categories on Sunday, April 16, 2023.

The biggest nominees of the night include Kunle Afolayan, Jade Osiberu, Funke Akindele and Ini Edo. Their works in this year’s AMVCA appears to be among some of the most intriguing and talked-about productions bearing performances from the selection year, which cannot be overlooked.lapo’ which scored high during the night with 16 nominations in categories including Best Overall Movie, Best Yoruba Movie, and Best Actress in a Drama, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Sound Editor, and Best Cinematographer.

Afolayan also scored a Best Director nomination, but missed out in the Best Actor nomination

Chi Nworah, and Jade Osiberu’s action thriller, Brotherhood, also scored 11 nominations each in various categories.

the actress and movie producer on the list as the cinema hit movie bagged 10 nominations at AMVCA. While some categories are open for the viewers’ vote for their preferred nominees; others will be decided by the organiser’s panel of judges.

Interestingly, Femi Adebayo’s King of Thieves Street’, Jade Osiberu’s Brotherhood, and Kunle Afolayan’s Anikulapo, Kayode Kasum’s Ile Owo, Mugisha Morris’ Tembele and Winifred MenaAjakpovi’s Four Four Forty-Four will slug it out in the Best Overall Movie category.

Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs to Star in Asurf Oluseyi’s ‘3 Cold Dishes’

Three women, once victims of sex trafficking, have risen to become powerful players in the underground world of prostitution. But their success is not enough to erase the trauma of their pasts. Esosa, Fatouma, and Giselle are haunted by the men who sold them into slavery and will stop at nothing to make them pay.

Their journey takes them across West Africa, as they track down the men responsible for their suffering. But as they get closer to their goal, they realize that they are not alone. With the force of the law hot on their tails, the trio must navigate a dangerous road trip to their final destination – a fortress in Abidjan where they plan to extract their revenge.

As they face their demons and confront their pasts, the women are forced to make tough choices about their future. Will they find the closure they need or will the pursuit of justice lead them down a path of destruction?

Through the lens of this gripping thriller, we explore themes of trauma, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. This is a story of women taking back their power, defying the odds, and fighting for justice in a world that has failed them. It brings to light the urgent and critical issue of human trafficking in our African society and world at age but more particularly is the trafficking of young girls. The film centers into this acutely distressing topic while taking its audience through a compelling narrative and striking visuals.

Featuring a star-studded cast, including Nollywood actors such as Osas Ighodaro, Wale Ojo, Femi Jacobs, Ruby Akubueze, Brutus Richards,

and Greg Ojefua, as well as talented Ivorian actors Fat Toure and Maud Guerard, and Senegalese actors Amelie Mbaye and Mentor Ba.

This diverse ensemble showcases the best of African cinema, transcending language barriers and uniting creative talent from across the continent. With its unique blend of gripping storytelling, exceptional cinematography, and a strong message, “3 Cold Dishes” is poised to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will captivate audiences worldwide.

Asurf Films, in partnership with Nexthought Studios, Ifind Pictures (France), Black Mic Mac (France), Martian Network (The Netherlands), and Alma Production (Cote D’Ivoire) proudly

announced at a media briefing the commencement of principal photography for the muchanticipated film.

The movie is supported by OIF/ACP and Red Sea Funds, and began filming on April 8, 2023, in Lagos, followed by shoots in Cotonou on April 12 and Abidjan on April 25, continuing until the end of May 2023.

Speaking about the production, Asurf Oluseyi, the director and visionary behind the project said, “I am proud to be part of a film that not only showcases the incredible talent from across Africa but also amplifies an important social issue that affects so many lives. We hope that through our storytelling, we can create a lasting impact and inspire change.”

DJ Walz: I’m Here to Take Over Afrobeat

Tosin Clegg

With eight years’ experience and a formidable reputation in the UK, versatile musician, producer, instrumentalist and DJ, Nwaka Chiyem Olawale better known as DJ Walz is in Nigeria to take over the afrobeat genre.

The eccentric crowd-pleasing DJ that specializes in afrobeats, gospel, house, hip hop, RnB, old school garage, and 90’s / 80’s party classics is one of the most unique and vibrant talents in London, playing at big events and parties all over the UK. Olawale revealed that he just released

his new single that he produced but mixed by his younger brother, the popular super star, Jaylon. The Rhymestar.

Having established himself as a competent professional with a unique style with a guaranteed result, the artiste, who is also an entrepreneur, said: “I am committed to discovering and promoting young Nigerian afrobeat artistes. My coming is to and I tell you, I am sure going to leave an indelible mark. I am not competing with anybody but I respect Don Jazzy but I aspire to do better and take over the afrobeat music scene.”

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Tosin Clegg

Chioma Ogbudimkpa

Afolayan

DJ Walz

Osas Ighodaro

A Tribute to My Aunty Pat… Ito’s Mummy

Olumide Akpata writes a moving tribute to his Aunty, Mrs. Patricia Kehinde Akpata, widow of Honourable Justice Ephraim Akpata, who passed on to glory on 11 February 2023 and was buried yesterday in Benin-City

Like the average Nigerian child, I had in my life, a number of women, who were friends and/or relatives of my mother and who could at any time stand in loco parentis, on her behalf. These other mothers of mine included, not in any particular order, the late Roseline Osunde, Joyce Gbenebichie, Janet Ogbeide and, the one for whom I now write this Tribute, my Aunty, Patricia Kehinde Akpata – “Ito’s Mummy”. To me, she was always Ito’s Mummy because her last child, my cousin, Itohan, who was born 13 days after me, was probably my very first best friend.

My Aunty Pat and my mother (who by the way, was also Pat – short for Patience) were married to two brothers: Ephraim and Henry. The two brothers had very similar traits, they were both taciturn, not given to too many words and they were both introverts. As a result of this, Aunty Pat, who married Uncle Ephraim sometime in 1961 and my mother, who married my dad, sometime in 1967, both had their work cut out for them. It became their lot, as the wives of these two very nice, but very reserved gentlemen, to create an environment in their homes that would make their many visitors, (friends and family alike) always feel welcome and at home.

The two families lived In Warri, Delta State for extended periods of time, and as such, it was inevitable that a close bond, beyond that which already existed between the brothers, would be forged. We virtually lived in each other’s houses… actually, my younger sister and I lived in their house, because it was simply more convenient. While our house was halfway across town, on Enerhen Road, our primary school was right behind the High Court, where my uncle was a Judge at the time, and his official quarters was literally a walking distance from the school. Our “Lesson” was also just around the corner and I might add that Uncle Ephraim was also alternate Lesson Teacher to my cousins, Esohe and Ito, my sister, Osarugue and I. So, we were always in their house, we had our meals there and slept over, more often than not.

I needed to provide this background to demonstrate that my Aunty Pat, was indeed mother to my siblings and I, and, truth be told, it takes a certain kind of woman to make children feel very comfortable in a home other than theirs – so comfortable that we were never in a hurry to go back to our house…that was my Aunty Pat. Don’t get me wrong… she never spoiled or overindulged us, but she always let us know and feel, in a non-verbal kind of way, that we were truly welcome in her home…and what a home it was!

There was love…lots of love, the food was GOOD (her beans were legendary) and it was always a lot of fun being there. We played board (and other) games and there was always healthy competition amongst us the children and my uncle and Aunty. Yes, my uncle and Aunty were always part of the fun and games. Indeed…Aunty Pat went on to become one of the best lady amateur golfers in Nigeria. We were always so proud of her exploits on the Golf Course.

I also have very fond memories of the domestic staff (including Patrick the Driver, James the Cook) who knew that they were an integral part of the family. And not to forget the dogs, Patch and Slade, who were my Aunty’s favourite companions.

Of course, in all of these, schoolwork

was never to be abandoned – just the look on my uncle’s face was enough to deter you from even thinking of playing truant!

This was the home over which my Aunty superintended with such aplomb… sitting quietly in her corner in the sitting room, knitting intently and expertly, but keeping an eye on the goings on in a most unobtrusive manner. I remember those days with such joy and nostalgia… we were truly blessed to have had her as a mother.

My Uncle and Aunty were, to me, the model couple who complemented each other so well. Aunty Pat was stunningly beautiful and they always looked so good together. I remember when they went out for Dinners and other formal events – Uncle in his Tuxedo and trademark bowtie and Aunty in very beautiful dresses, some of which she knitted herself.

They also complemented each other in other very important ways and this is exemplified in the way they raised their children and by extension, those of us who were privileged to have lived with them, instilling in us, values that have remained indelible till this day, including:

Hard work and discipline – no shortcut to success.

Sportsmanship – on and off the field of play.

Contentment – being grateful for and satisfied with what you have.

Love for the good things of life, albeit only the ones you can afford.

Respect for and fairness to all – you’re not better than anyone else

And so many more.

In 1982, my Uncle Ephraim was elevated to the Court of Appeal and posted to the Kaduna Division of the Court. It was a bitter-sweet moment for us because we were all superexcited about his well-deserved elevation but definitely not the separation that it occasioned.

Our (my sister Osarugue and I) sense of loss when they left for Kaduna, was soon somewhat assuaged in 1983, when our entire family, except my dad, travelled by road to Kaduna, from Warri, for a 3-week holiday. As soon as our Station Wagon pulled up at the house in Malali, Kaduna, we all jumped out of the car and into the arms of my Aunty Pat and my cousins who were all so happy to see us.

We quickly settled down in the new house which may have been more modern than the one in Warri but…it was the same home. My Aunty Pat had settled the family in quite well, into their usual routine and everything was in place. It almost felt like we were still in Warri. So, all

we, the “late comers” had to do was to simply plug-in and continue with business as usual! It was indeed one of the best vacations of my childhood.

There were to be a couple more relocations and new homes in new cities… Temple Road in Ikoyi, Ogunrombi Close in Ogudu and Aikhomu Crescent, off Missisipi Road in Maitama. The houses may have been different, but the home remained the same and there was always that confidence-inspiring re-assurance from my Aunty Pat, whenever my siblings and I visited, that we were children of that household and that we were always welcome because it was also our home. Indeed, when they moved to Abuja circa 1998, soon after my Uncle Ephraim was announced as the Chairman of what is now known as INEC, I was one of their early visitors even though they were yet to move into their official residence and were staying temporarily at the Abuja Sheraton. It must have quite inconvenient for them but my Aunty Pat, as usual, just made sure I was well taken care of and when it was time to go to bed, she found me somewhere to sleep in their Suite.

Many a time, it would be just Aunty Pat and I at home and just like any other mother and son, we would jist about any and everything or sit in silence watching TV. There was never any awkwardness. Of course, we would also quarrel occasionally…just like any other mother and son.

After my mother died in April 1992, my Aunty Pat, in her usual quiet but effective manner, consistently demonstrated to my siblings and I that though we had lost our mother, we still had a mother in her. Very comforting…very reassuring. That was my Aunty Pat.

My Aunty Pat took ill sometime in October last year and after I finished speaking with my cousins about the state of her health, it was obvious that the end was nigh. I then began to reflect on my relationship with her. I began to check to see if I ever let her know how I felt about her…how much I loved and appreciated her and that she was indeed a mother to me. I wasn’t sure if I had ever done this albeit, I also realised that this was probably because it would have been a pretty difficult conversation to have with her. My Aunty Pat was self-effacing, and she did not like to attract attention to herself. She squirmed whenever she was in the spotlight or was the focus of any kind of attention. She was happy just doing her thing…no frills, no fuss…abiding always by what could be termed the unwritten code of conduct for spouses of judicial officers in the days of yore.

So, it was easy to forget to tell her thank you…it was easy to take her presence for granted because she seemed to prefer it that way. A true mother. I however purposed in my heart to go see her after she got a bit better but alas, as is often the case, life happens, and we procrastinate and postpone. Then I received the dreaded message from OG that she had breathed her last. I was filled with a deep sense of loss and regret…I had missed one last opportunity to just hug my Aunty Pat and tell her thank you for everything. I however got over my dejection pretty quickly, again just because of who my Aunty Pat was. I didn’t beat myself up too much as I knew she would not have held it against me. So, I am at peace.

My Aunty Pat may not have been a saint but methinks she was an Angel. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

Amen.

Akpata

Azibaola Robert

Arrest, Detention, Trial and Exoneration

Azibaola Robert is soft-spoken and convincingly comes across as one who butter would not melt in his mouth, which contrasts the fervency with which he pursues human rights and environmental issues. His natural faculties lie in sciences and engineering and he keeps making strides in them though he is a trained lawyer. His activism made him a common name in the Niger Delta with access to the movers and shakers of the creeks, for which he was called to help talk to those he knew to stem oil bunkering and illegal refining. Then, his company’s name was used to arrange for a safe house by security system, without his knowledge, leading to the scrutiny of his company’s activities; and before you know it, he was nearly destroyed.

Ahamefula Ogbu wades through the details of Robert’s ordeal

For Azibaola Robert, the day had started like every other, but something appeared to be wrong; call it foreboding, but life had to go on. Then it happened, like a thunderbolt. He was called and informed that the EFCC was at his house. After laying siege and discovering that, actually, their target was not home, they left a message to report to their office the next day.

Not waiting for the next day, as soon as he became aware that evening of March 22, 2016, he offered to report to the EFCC office but was told he would waste their time as the day was long gone, an indication that he may be their guest for a while. On the next day, March 23, 2016, he voluntarily reported with his wife, Stella. After a gruelling eight-hour waiting, and later interrogation and statement writing, by a team of interrogators, he was taken into custody at EFCC detention facility at Idiagbon House, with Mr. Dakoru Atukpa, a Director of OnePlus Nigeria Limited.

What Azibaola thought was going to be a walk through the park began to take a concrete shape of mirage. His detention stretched and before you know it, he had clocked 28 days in detention from March 23 to April 18, 2016. But as the aphorism goes: “a clear conscience fears no accusation”.

Due to the unending detention, which he had been subjected without charge, his lawyers, led by Chief Chris Uche, SAN, went to court for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights and secured a court order from Justice Goodhead of the Abuja High Court, for his immediate production and release.

But rather than obey the court order, Azibaola was woken up on the early morning of April 19, 2016, and flown to Lagos by EFCC operatives and further detained till May 26 - a clear 39 days. By this time, his health had significantly deteriorated. He collapsed on May 25, 2016 during interrogation and was rushed to the Military Hospital Ikoyi, where he was resuscitated. Then on the 26th he was again shipped back to Abuja, where he was further detained for additional 12 days. Thereafter, he was interrogated for another two days before he was eventually charged to court. In all, Azibaola spent 80 days in detention without charge.

During his detention, Azibaola was asked to write all he knew about OnePlus Holdings Nigeria Limited, a company he owned. With relish, he did and officials soon bent over him and shouting out orders “write this and write that.” But he kept his cool and kept to the facts of the matter. After writing, he inquired what’s the obsession with OnePlus and was told he collected N650 million for a property. You can imagine the surprise and confusion that hit him, yet they felt he was acting; but actually, he was not privy to the transaction, and had the deal pulled through, he may never have known that his company was involved in such transaction.

Then, he was shown a report of the Presidential Committee on Arms Deals which asked the EFCC to investigate the purchase of a safe house where it was alleged that N650 million was paid to his company through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), then headed by Colonel Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.), without requisite contract documents. Azibaola, at this stage, became more confused.

As it turned out, and as in security property purchase practices, highly classified security houses where high profile persons are lodged are discreetly procured by security agencies in other entities’ names. So, as it was, Oneplus Holding Company was used by the office of the former NSA without the knowledge of Azibaola, or any of the company’s directors.

During investigation into the finances of the erstwhile ONSA under Dasuki, the EFCC found an entry where Oneplus Holdings was entered against a house purchase which triggered investigation leading to his arrest. Instructively, no money was paid to Oneplus Holdings or any of the directors of the company. Rather, the NSA paid the alleged N650m directly to the agent of the owner of the property, with whom it negotiated directly, without the knowledge of Oneplus Holding.

While Azibaola was in detention, the direct recipient of the funds, surreptitiously returned the N650m paid to it to the coffers of the EFCC, again in the name of Oneplus and, again, without Azibaola’s knowledge. But in the course of their investigation the EFCC, on running a check on the accounts of the company, apparently to check if the refund from the deal was credited to OnePlus, saw another legitimate transaction which it suo moto, in a forum-shopping style, commenced investigation. That began the sour tale of a proxy war where two elephants dueled and the grass suffered, in which Azibaola suffered an untold ordeal.

On June 7, 2016, the EFCC slammed a seven-count charge, which was later amended to nine counts, on Azibaola and his wife Stella, bordering on money laundering before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba (now retired) of the Federal High Court Abuja. With Uche, as his defence counsel, the legal firework started. On pleading not guilty, he was remanded in Kuje, and his wife at Suleja correctional facilities respectively pending hearing of motion for bail.

Azibaola and his wife, who was suckling a child, were eventually granted bail on very novel stringent conditions - N500 million each and two sureties each with landed property with C of O in Maitama or Asokoro and evidence of tax payments.

Acting on recommendation made by his predecessor, late General Owoeye Azazi (Rtd), Dasuki had asked Azibaola, whom he understood had played different strategic roles in peace building in the Niger Delta region for years, especially during the crisis that engulfed the region prior to amnesty being granted to the ‘warlords’, to intervene.

While there was boost in oil production following the granting of general amnesty to the agitators, it became evidently clear a new kind of economic threat, of criminal activities of oil bunkering in was taking hold in the region, leading to fall in oil production.

Several efforts to curb the menace by other means yielded no result, consequently, a remote security system with the aid of foreign experts was designed for implementation. This entailed the building of infrastructure which was time consuming. While that proceeded, the NSA required an immediate intervention in terms of pacifying the illegal artisanal elements to cease bursting pipes and syphoning crude from the pipelines.

It was for the reason that then President Jonathan approved $2 billion for immediate release by the NNPC to the NSA both for the infrastructure and for immediate human intervention. It was here that Dasuki found Azibaola’s skills as a key player in the region useful, needed and was required to intervene with the sum of $40m within a one-year time frame. His brief included reaching out to the illegal bunkerers and persuading them with stipends to stop their activities and go into other meaningful and productive trades for the safety of the environment and health of the economy which relies on oil. As at the time of the first appraisal, his efforts had saved 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily, and for this, he received the commendation of the then NSA.

The approval for the funds remitted to his company, Oneplus, was passed through due process, signed by no fewer than 11 officers within the NSA and the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Robert was not privy to the purpose

stated in the memo on which the approval was made. It was later understood during his trial, that the fund was discreetly approved for ‘Tactical Communication Kits for Special Forces’, for which the EFCC alleged he was expected to make physical supplies to the armed forces, which he did not. But Azibaola disputed the EFCC’s assertion. He maintained during his arrest, interrogation and trial that the funds were meant for curbing of the menace of illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

As it was later found by the trial judge, such discrete or ‘disguised’ payments were very normal in security circles to protect the real mission from failing. Unfortunately, this was completely and deliberately misinterpreted or misunderstood by the EFCC operatives, who insisted the Azibaola failed to supply the alleged equipment and, therefore, tagged it money laundry. So began the battle for freedom, saving his name and those of his family and companies that ended at the Appeal Court and suffered 33 adjournments, 23 at the instance of the court, seven by the EFCC and three by the defence. The case lasted two years and 11 months.

After opening its case, which was now handled by Silvanus Tahir, the prosecution called 10 witnesses while the defence called two. It was a straight case, as evidence showed that though OnePlus Nigeria Limited was the name used in purchasing a safe house, but payment and refund never went through the company; the said agent, who received the funds, had never met Azibaola, nor been to the office of Oneplus; and had no authority from Oneplus to return any money on its behalf. The EFCC also had no petition against OnePlus because of the dealings it had with the Office of the NSA.

On closing its case after the 10 witnesses, Defence Counsel filed a no-case submission, insisting that prosecution had not made any case to warrant the trial of his client.

Uche submitted: “The entirety of the prosecution’s case is based on a cocktail of speculation; supposition, guesswork and suspicion, and we consequently urge my lord to hold that the prosecution has clearly failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt as required by law. Both the PW1 and the PW10 all agree that Dasuki is a central figure in this matter. In fact, the PW1 stated that it is only Dasuki that is in position to categorically state the purpose of the payment, whether it was disguised or not. The PW10 conceded that despite the materiality of the evidence of Dasuki, he did not obtain any statement nor question him in the course of his investigation, nor give evidence as to why they did not obtain a statement from him, particularly since at the time of the investigation, being after he had left office as the NSA, the said Dasuki was in the custody of the State.

“The detention, the investigation, and arraignment of the defendants for money laundering in this matter has not been done in good faith. To have detained the 1st defendant in custody by a prosecution agency for three months leaves a lot to be desired. Bearing in mind that there was no complaint, no accusations, no report and no petition against the defendants, it is obvious that the Prosecution had no business arraigning the Defendants in this matter in the first place except because of their suspected relationship with a former highly placed political figure. Consequently, the Defendants have been made to suffer as a scapegoat of political witch-hunting.”

In his ruling, Justice Dimgba agreed with the Defence on seven of the counts and subsequently discharged Azibaola and his wife on all of them, but retained two, to enable the court hear Azibaola’s explanation on the purpose of the payment, which subsequently went through full trial.

Part of his ruling, which exonerated Azibaola’s wife, Justice Dimgba held that, “there was nowhere the 2nd Defendant was mentioned. It therefore appears that the only reason why she was charged as a Defendant is simply because she is a director of the 3rd Defendant, and in that capacity is a signatory to the account of the 3rd Defendant. She also was probably charged because she is the spouse of the 1st Defendant, the main alter ego of the 3rd Defendant. In my view, these are not enough. Criminal liability is personal; it is not vicarious.

“The 3rd Defendant as a corporate person is criminally responsible in its own capacity; hence it being charged as the 3rd Defendant in the amended Charge. Where person such as its directors or other agents are complicit with it in an offence, they should also be charged in their own capacity. But where evidence does not show such complicity, there is no business charging them simply because they are directors, unless a law has very explicitly required this to be the case. On the strength of the evidence adduced, I see no sufficient evidence linking the 2nd Defendant.”

Robert

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY Officials or Officers?

THE Guardian of April 16 nurtured lexical falsehoods: “…were in Wase on Friday (a comma) last week (another comma) for the restoration of peace and normalcy in (to) the council.”

“That last week (week’s) attack on Wase….’

“…three persons were reported killed in Kanana village in Langtan South by unidentified gunmen in their resumed hostilities.” Jettison ‘unidentified’ from the extract—these callous blokes are never identified or known. Spare readers the trite embellishments that are fast becoming components of Nigerian lexicon. (Vide the next sentence)

“It was learnt that unknown gunmen on Friday night….” Beyond the ‘unknown gunmen’ thrash, a reputable newspaper should obligatorily inform readers of what ‘it learnt’—not hazy and indolent reportage.

Reporters should avoid these juvenile expressions: ‘It was gathered’/’It was further learnt’/’Sources informed our publication that….’ The foregoing and more demonstrate reportorial slothfulness! Go straight to the point.

“Reports say that the gunmen….” Why not ‘Accounts have it that the gunmen…?’ It sounds odd for a publication that is reporting an event to be saying ‘reports say….’!

Still on The Guardian: “BA plane develops fault, grounded at airport” Where else would it have been grounded? At Rutam House of The Guardian? To ground an aircraft is to stop it or the pilot from flying: All aircraft were grounded yesterday until the inclement weather cleared.

“…they condemned the airline officials for keeping them in the dark as to the

real cause for (of) the delay.”

Now The Guardian of April 16 which contained four solecisms: “…the judiciary to whom (which) they look (look up to) for succour or redress has also turned to a haven of sorts for the looters.”

“Corrupt public officers (officials) do not worry about their arraignment in court anymore.” Except in rare extrajudicial circumstances, the only place for arraignment is court. Once someone is arraigned, it means that they were taken to a court. So, ‘arraignment in court’ is ‘under-bridge’/’bend-down’ English literature!

Point of grammar: If the noun that follows a percentage of is plural, use a plural verb after it: Only a small percentage of people are interested in politics in Nigeria.

Last week’s unpardonable oversight: “This is why in the developed world, (sic) creation of jobs is used as indices (an index) of measuring the health of the economy.” Singular: index; plural: indexes or indices. Thanks to the eagle-eyed readers who noted this. I saw it shortly after I had hurriedly sent in my column, almost late. Apologies all the same!

Yet another slip-up: “…the level of unemployment generated on a monthly is key in information for the government.” (Source: as above) A rewrite: …the level of unemployment generated on a monthly basis or monthly is key for the government.

“Assailant, vigilante member die in gun duel” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Rider, April 6) Get it right: vigilance member. Alternatively: Assailant, vigilante die in gun duel.

“Woman arrested with AK-47, 148 live ammunitions” (THISDAY, March 31) The last word in the extract is uncountable. The Old English (Anglo-Saxon) period is gone!

“This will remove the possibility of passing the bulk (buck)” (THE PUNCH, March 30) No pedestrian English.

“The organized private sector took the bull by the horn recently….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April 6) For a better society: take the bull by the horns.

“Britain handed over the reigns of power to the politicians.” (THE GUARDIAN, April 6) Modern English: reins of government.

“One even wonders why government did not adopt that method from the onset (outset).” (Vanguard, April 6)

“This is true given the restricted and guarded comments from those who have been priviledged to view the clips.” (Leader- ship, April 6) Spellings count: privileged.

“Government needs to put (get) its acts together and prosecute the kidnappers.” (Vanguard, April 6) My own comment: get its act (not acts) together.

“Vigilante group accused of murder“ Get it right : vigilance group.

“Apart from all these, the debt recovery (a hyphen confirms class) level of the banks have not been any issue of interest to NDIC.” (THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper, April 1) Question CBN has to answer, debt recovery has (not have).

“It is believed in some quarters that the Nigerian Police has….” (THE NATION, April 6) Get it right: the Nigerian Police have.

The next five blunders are from Daily Trust of April 5: “And the leaders, being new on the saddle of political leadership (another comma) were.…” The challenges of good grammar: in the saddle.

EBERE WABARA

Awolowo and his group to remove Akintola from office was (were) fiercely resisted.”

Why the discord?

“As a new democracy, there was (were) bound to be problems.”

“In the course of the crisis, Awo and some of his lieutenants were arrested and charged for (with)….”

“The ethnic colouration of the coup led to a counter coup (a hyphen) in July 1966.” Spell-check: coloration.

“Have the previous exercises impacted meaningfully on the lives (life) of the average Nigerian?”

“This could not have been possible if they had been outrightly liquidated.” ‘Outrightly’ is a Nigerian creation! The right word ‘outright’ functions as an adverb and an adjective. Therefore, it does not require any inflexion. In other words: This could not have been possible if they had been liquidated outright. Even at that, ‘liquidation’ does not need any qualification because of its causative finality. So, if they had been liquidated.

‘Reopening’ abhors hyphenation. It is not automatic that any word with a prefix must go with a hyphen, except where there is a vowel replication. For instance: re-entry, but readmit, readjust, etcetera.

“Legislators, oil chiefs parley on industry enhancing issues” Imagine the classical excellence a hyphen between ‘industry’ and ‘enhancing’ would have conferred on the headline.

“I said these are (were) beggars and I told my wife I better (I had better) get money ready for them.” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, April“The6)remains of the Ovie, sources in the town revealed, was (were) later tied….”

2023 Elections Overflow: Lest We Forget - 2

Many Nigerians were intrigued by the prospect of witnessing the inauguration of the first female governor. They looked forward to Senator Aishatu ‘Binani’ Dahiru Ahmed ascending the ‘throne’ of power in Yola, Adamawa State, in the northeastern region of Nigeria. Before the 18 March, 2023 state election, there were hushed hopes and wild permutations of the woman able to break men’s commanding grip on state power. She had been consistent since 2011, winning elections to the National Assembly as a representative and, subsequently, a senator.

During the run-in to the presidential election that homeboy, Vice President Atiku Abubakar won handsomely with 417,611 votes, trouncing his closest rivals Bola Tinubu (182,881) and Peter Obi (105,648); it was clear to many observers that the usual threat of veiled misogyny amongst northern Nigerian voters, the gaps and thrust of voting would be much closer as it concerned well-entrenched interests and contestants. Though the first round of election was inconclusive, even as incumbent governor, Ahmadu Fintiri was reportedly leading by over 31,000 votes, the process and results declared by Adamawa branch of INEC were hotly challenged by Binani who complained of widespread manipulation, vote tampering, and such malfeasance. With virtually all the state’s 21 local government areas announced, Fintiri polled 421,524 votes to Binani’s 390,275 - the PDP man had won in 13 LGAs while Binani took the remaining eight.

For the rerun election, only 69 polling units in 20 local government areas were at play, and they consisted of 32,935 registered voters who had collected their PVCs. Based on the pattern of voting in the state, which tallied with the national pattern of about 30+% in many election cycles, anything short of 100% voter turnout, and the high miracle of all PDP voters boycotting the polling units, winning

for Binani was a shot in the dark.

Not many people, except incurably partisan supporters of the woman, believed she could overturn Fintiri’s lead, and produce a uniquely historic moment in the geo-political history of Nigeria. It was therefore shocking to many to read the state’s resident electoral commissioner, Prof Hudu Yunus Ari, declaring Binani as the winner just 24 hours after the supplementary election, and collation still ongoing! In a move some knowledgeable persons have described as reprehensible and ultra vires, the REC usurped the duties of the RO (returning officer, Prof. Mele Lamido) who was declared missing in an alleged kidnap drama.

Eventually, after the ruckus which once again triggered the suspension of collation, INEC revealed that the pattern of the supplementary election did not vary from the original election: Fintiri coasted home with 9,337 votes, leaving Binani with 6,513 votes. Lock step!

She has since approached the courts insisting that the announcement of her victory by the beleaguered REC, who was promptly condemned and suspended by the INEC headquarters, should be maintained. Her prayer: that INEC has no powers to declare her declaration by the REC as no event; and that the electoral body had usurped the powers of the Election Petition Tribunal. Politics!

Of course, many Nigerians desire to see a woman addressed as “Madam Governor”, properly so-called, and thus hoped that Aisha Binani Dahiru would be privileged with such dizzying honour. But such glory should be attained without subterfuge, brinkmanship or manipulation.

PETER OBI & THE BURDEN OF INTEGRITY

It now appears incontrovertible the authenticity of the “Yes, Daddy” audio leak promoted by the private telephone chat between the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi and the spiritual leader of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners Chapel), David Oyedepo, a bishop - ostensibly

“Efforts by the late Chief Obafemi

“INEC official arrested over ‘missing’ ballot papers” (THE NATION Banner, April 5) Truth in defence of freedom: ‘arrest’ takes ‘for’—not ‘over’! fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806-

conducted on the eve of the 25 February 2023 presidential election. The exhaustive report by a fact-checking online platform, PRNigeria, has put paid to any insinuations, meanderings and deflections about the actuality of the over four-minute private telephone conversation, or the shady intentions of the audacious leakage.

In its 2 April, 2023 report entitled “FACTCHECK: Is Leaked Phone Conversation

Between Peter Obi and Bishop Oyedepo Describing 2023 Election as Religious War Real?”, the fact checker rummaged through the ‘claim’, full transcript of the chats, verification process via speech recognition freeware, rebuttals from persons of interest, and finally, its verdict.

The over 1000-word publication deserves few relevant quotes. First, excerpt from the audio-leak: “”Daddy, I need you to speak to your people in the South-West and Kwara, the Christians in the SouthWest and Kwara,” Mr Obi said in the audio obtained by The (People’s) Gazette. “This is a religious war,” he added.

““I believe that, I believe that, I believe that,” Mr Oyedepo replied in a measured and conscious manner that was not incriminating.”

Then the reaction: “The release of the leaked phone conversation has generated heated controversy online, especially on the Twitter handle of the Gazzette with over 6.9m views, 2,768 retweets, 6,211 likes, 4,103 quotes and 1,812 bookmarks at the time of this fact-check on Sunday morning April 2, 2023 at 12pm.”

Followed by the enquiry: “Before the publication on Saturday, the Gazette stated that it sent enquiry with the full audio to Obi, media aides including Akin Osuntokun, Valentine Obienyem and Mike Ifedi. They all declined comments.

“On the other hand, Mr Oyedepo asked the Gazette to forward an enquiry to him by WhatsApp, but he declined comments for more than a day after messages and the

audio were sent to him.”

The verification process: “While Artificial Intelligence (AI) software can be used to mimic any voice after a few seconds of listening to it, Peter Obi’s Voice returned 93% accuracy after listening to it while Oyedepo’s voice returned with 84% accuracy level when PRNigeria subjected the audio to the speech recognition test.

“...PRNigeria, therefore, subjected the audio to a deepfake test using Deepware scanner, an AI tool used to detect alterations in audio and videos and found that AI was not used in generating or modifying the voices.” And more.

Finally, the verdict: “PRNigeria, therefore, concludes that the leaked phone conversation is to a very large extent FACTUAL.”

From that settled point of actuality, it behoves Obi and the bishop the indispensable element in eminently responsible human interrelationship: the dignity of honest confession and restitution. No one is beyond reproach… in the heat of an acrimonious and high-octane contest, it is understandable for one to stray into concourse of the disreputable, in the quest to access power legitimately, so as to urgently reverse a dire situation where the forces and schemes of the “workers of iniquity” to maintain their reign of impunity and ruinous maladministration have reached an alarming crescendo.

Obi should admit his frailty, apologise for his gross indiscretion, douse the seething animosity amongst his fan-base as engendered by a sense of incredulous electoral loss that could have snowballed into some sort of “religious war” - leave the rest to the Nigerian courts and the Divine to sort out the intricacies, inadequacies and conspiracies associated - real or imagined - with the 2023 presidential elections.

POLITY

ANYA KALU

Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme Has Provided Succour to Many

Consultant Ophthalmologist and Phaco Surgeon at Anya Specialist Eye Clinic in Umuahia, Dr. Anya Kalu, in this interview with Charles Ajunwa and Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo , spoke on the contributions of Senator Theodore Orji in the area of eye care in Abia State, among others

Can you tell us about the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme?

Well, I must thank Senator T.A.Orji, we call him Papa Ukwu for his uncommon interest in eye care, for his dedication over the years in eye care. Coincidentally, at his 71st birthday one of the things that crossed my mind was that this was the same man that built the first ever standard eye clinic in Abia while he was governor of the state. Even when he left office in 2015, he designed and instituted his own progranme – The Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme – which has been modified one after the other to include other necessities. So, we have the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme which he signed on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, and he mandated me to proceed on training in Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery. When we mention Phacoemulsification surgery people mistakenly call it Laser Cataract surgery but it’s Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery where the machine does the surgery.

I’m the first beneficiary of the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme. He insisted on quality, he insisted on high level manpower. ‘If we don’t train highly trained manpower’ according to him,’ any project you start will crumble before you no matter how much you invest in it’. So, the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme now started on January 6, 2018 after I came back to the country. Between 6th of January we had three things he told us. One, reassure me that this programme will be sustainable. Two, make plans that will be a five-year project of Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme between January 2018 to December 2022. Three, even after the project is over make a plan to have consistent continuous low-cost services in that process, we can say that the project has succeeded. So, we now divided the eye surgery project into three phases. Phase 1 is to test run logistics, to test run sustainability, to test run feasibility of this project. Will it even work? He gave us three months to report back on Phase 1. Phase 1 was simple, let the patients only pay for materials that will be used in surgery and that includes everybody in Abia Central Senatorial District. Everybody in Abia South and Abia North Senatorial zones, everybody in the South-east and everybody in Nigeria. So as far as you are a human being Ochendo says help the person and that was where he now told us whatsoever good you must do, do it. It might be coming back to you later on.

So, by the end of March 2018, it was obvious that the project called Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme would be sustainable.

It was obvious that low-cost eye surgery would be feasible in Abia State and it was certain that we can have a programme that will last five good years and if possible, if the programme is wind up by the Senator that the gains will be maintained in years to come. So automatically, first of April were authorised to now start Phase 2 of the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme. The Phase 2 of the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme is now as expected limited to those of his Abia Central Senatorial zone whereby he gives free eye surgeries. Now, you ask me how many people have benefitted from the surgeries? I can tell you they are in their thousands. For those in Phase 1 they are in their thousands and I have lost counts. I’m happy that we have done so much in Phase 1 and everybody has access to low-cost surgeries and hi-tech low- cost surgeries.

Hi-tech cataract surgery in Lagos ranges from half a million naira to about N1.5m. But under the Senator T.A.Orji Eye Surgery Programme you pay only N68,500. Tests, scans and other investigations you will do if it were in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt you might be spending N100,000 to N150,000 but under the Ochendo Eye Surgery Programme the highest you will spend is about N30,000. We give you medications that will last you for one month if you use them carefully and that is all included in the Senator Orji Eye Surgery project. So, you now see the reason why I say sustainable low-cost hi-tech eye programme and the outcome speakers for itself.

That is Phase 1 and I’m happy to say that I cannot remember the number because many people have benefitted from it.

For Phase 2 where the Senator gives out free surgeries to members of his senatorial zone it started in April 2018 and we have a lot of videos of people who were saying ‘thank you’ to Senator Orji. Many people have benefitted in their hundreds and this information is in the theatre records.

But we had a challenge in 2020, at the beginning of 2020 the Senator had asked us to prepare for 100 free surgeries. In fact, the plans were at advanced stages. The COVID-19 hit

Dr. Kalu (left) with Senator T.A. Orji us hard and mass gathering was prohibited and as I speak mass gathering has not been lifted. So we have not had that pleasure of giving massive free cataract eye surgeries. In fact, the Senator has authorised that the low cost should not be tampered with to let people afford it. And we have discovered one thing, our people are not as it were that unfortunate per se, our people are only looking for where to access quality eye care services and that is where I’m very proud to say ‘Thank You’ to Senator Orji for giving us an opportunity to have quality. If he didn’t train me, I’m not sure there will be quality. People would have been going with their millions to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, but now we do the quality and people are happy.

There is this video of a woman trending in the social media who was blind in two eyes but she regained her full sight before she left your hospital. Can you throw more light on this?

The video trending on social media is that of one Mrs. Esther Nduka. She had been blind in both eyes, difficult to remember when actually the blindness started that she couldn’t see at all. Senator Orji gave back a woman who was nearly out of this world, hope, joy and you could see the smile on her face each time she heard my voice and I reminded her she is a lucky woman. Another person that the Senator sponsored her surgery free was one case very unfortunate 14-year-old female. She just discovered that she was not seeing in both eyes and by the time we did a normal laboratory test, we discovered that her sugar was 572. If you know what 572 sugar levels means it’s enough to kill anybody in a 14-year-old child. Immediately, I picked my phone and called Senator Orji and pleaded with him and each time you pick a phone and call Senator concerning free eye surgery the answer is ‘Yes, go ahead and let me know the details’. So, we took the child to the theatre knowing full well her condition we invited other specialists to help us bring the sugar down, other specialists to help us standby in case we had any challenges. So, it was a multi-specialists approach we used for her. After the surgery we had to readmit her again for three more days to make sure that the sugar doesn’t go up high.

There is Ochendo Phase 3 which he insisted must occur which is to train others since you have been trained to train others and that is why the next building from here is a training institute which I named after Senator Orji. So, the name of the training institute is Senator Orji Eye Surgery Training Institute to immortalise the name of the man who has invested his life in the betterment of the life of others in prevention and elimination of blindness in Abia State. The institute has received international recognition and I have had two of my classmates sponsoring surgeries also in support

of what Ochendo was doing. I have had a company that supplies equipment and doctors as a training centre for people that buy equipment from them and they gave me the honour of being a surgeon trainer for them. How would I have become a surgeon trainer if I was not trained? So, I’m looking backwards now and I’m like Ochendo made me who I’m today. So, we are training both eye surgeons, optometrics, nurses that work in eye clinics, and we have space to train opticians. Now because training is regulated by international, regional and national bodies so we can’t have full permission to train.

Concerning Mrs. Nduka, how is she recuperating after a successful surgery?

Madam Esther Nduka was just unfortunate in the first place by going blind. Seeing her today you will know that she is a smart woman. The first day I saw her after surgery she was not using a walking stick. This was the same woman that couldn’t walk without walking stick she started walking by herself and her weight has reduced and she now walks about because we did Phacoemulsification surgery which is called the laser surgery. She is back to her life; she even comes for a checkup by herself and she makes sure that her medications which we gave her in large volume are still with her. And because she did in both eyes, she is likely going to need more medications but as for the wound healing is exceptional. If you don’t see you may never believe.

How long did this highly specialised training last and in which country?

Before you go for highly specialised cataract surgery training, you must have been an expert in basic cataract surgery training. I had been in basic cataract surgery training since 2006 till 2017 before I travelled out. So, I had done tens of thousands of manual cataract surgeries, so I was already an expert in manual cataract surgery. It was easier for me to migrate to machine surgery. They spent one week teaching me how to use the machine and after one week I was able to perform the machine surgeries because of my basic manual cataract surgeries. And I trained in Bangladesh and Senator Orji paid all the bills for my training.

Was the Senator responsible for acquiring the machines?

No. The machines were acquired by us but we went in the name of the Senator and got installment payments. These are machines that cost nearly N9 million. Where will I get that kind of money from? I was in partnership with the Senator, the company allowed me to pay in instalments. Like Jesus will say, ‘a man gave his servants empowerments five talents, three talents and one talent.

POLITY

Otti’s Transition Council: A Good Opening Gambit

Like a good opening gambit in a game of chess

Dr. Alex Otti, The Governor elect of Abia State inaugurated a 100-member Transition Council on Friday 14th April, 2023. The committee, which some discerning minds have since dubbed as the “100 wise men” were drawn from diverse backgrounds. Most were top professionals in their chosen vocations as well as being people of means. Their diverse backgrounds included medicine, Law, Accounting, Politics, Media, ICT, Business and Industry, the Academia, Arts, the Bureaucracy, etc.So, on the appointed day, the invitee’s turned out in their numbers at the luxurious Danyu Hotel by the Aba Riverside, a little bit hidden from the bustles of the Enyimba city which made it a perfect place for such conference. The choice of Aba was in itself symbolic of the new policy direction which the governor elect wants to toe .Such policy direction was amply reflected in his inauguration speech when he asserted that “we have chosen Aba for this inauguration today because Aba is the heartbeat of Abia economy despite the fact that it has been abandoned for many years by successive administrations”. “We want to build an industrial hub with steady power supply, renewable energy and other solid infrastructure for the economy of the state”.

The assemblage of such an important think tank to help in laying a solid policy framework for the smooth take off of the incoming administration as the Chairman of the Council, Victor Onyenkpa put it, “is to help in defining the pathway that will make an Abia Miracle possible” ,“to produce the road map for its achievement”. A miracle that both the Abia as well as the national and global community earnestly expect from Dr Alex Otti. It also has to be noted that the call for help which the assemblage of such an august body implies is in itself a sign of humility, an admission of a limitation in knowledge despite being an acknowledged first-class brain and a foremost economist, banker, financial expert and writer in Nigeria. It is indeed an expression of an honest, wise and courageous leadership which the state desperately needs.

As the members sat inside the hall listening with rapt attention to the speeches when the opening ceremonies commenced, the hall and the setting had all the ambience of a digitalised world. The secretariat was manned by smart, young and intelligent professionals who were quite very courteous. They were also drawn from diverse backgrounds and from different regions of the country, North, South, West, East and Niger Delta.

They administered the secretariat and provided background information in a most efficient manner .The setting of the hall and secretariat gave discerning minds an inkling of what an Alex Otti-run government will look like and that is an efficient government that will be run by smart and intelligent people , where information and services will be provided in a most effective way.

To further buttress the serious business of the day, Nigeria’s poster brainchild and current Director General of World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala came alive virtually to give what could be termed a world class key note address whereby she pointed out challenges that will help leapfrog the state’s development trajectory. The sermon included an urgent need for disruptive strategies rather than the traditional way of thinking. Other tasks she gave included finding ways to attract international businesses into the state and raising the local supply chain, increasing access to power especially renewable energy for households, increasing internally generated revenue, making Aba the focal point of infrastructural development and giving urgent attention to healthcare especially in the realm of attracting pharmaceutical manufacturing and establishing the structure of good governance and transparency.

After the opening ceremonies, the Council then settled into the main business of the day with an opening plenary that saw the members energetically making robust contributions into several areas that will improve governance in the state .It was at these sessions that the leadership abilities of both the chairman, Onyenkpa and co-chairman Mrs. Ifueko Omogui Okauru became all self-evident.

Also, at the plenary session the outline of the tasks were lined with questions, answers and general contributions taken from members on wide range of issues that bedeviled the state. The members were also educated on baselines that will guide discussions and contribution.

Later the council was broken unto sub committees that includes the following (a) Economic Transformation For Job Creation and Poverty Reduction (b) Socio-Economic Enablers

(c) Social transformation and Human Capital Development

(d) Governance , Rule of law and Strategic Partnership Across frontiers (e)Environment, Resource and Sustainability(f) Finance and Financing mechanisms (h) Economic Rejuvenation of Aba as an Industrial and Commercial Hub.

As the members settled down into the various sub committees to deliberate on their assigned roles. It immediately became obvious that the 100-member committee was still not enough to man all the strategic committees that had been demarcated.

Some critics had prior to the inauguration raised concerns about the size of the committee which some of them considered to be unwieldy. As I settled down more into the task ahead, it became obvious to me that they lacked the elementary knowledge of both the character and content of the tasks.

As we settled further down into the Socio- Economic Enablers Committee which I had been consigned with Mr. Frank Nneji (the founder of ABC Transport) as Chairman and Mrs. Eileen Shayeen as his Deputy, I marveled at the spirit, the commitment, patience, enthusiasm and energy which the members exuded. The same was true of all the other attendees who had now been scattered into the various other sub committees.

In our own Socio-Economic Enablers Committee, I had gladly accepted to Chair its Sub Committee on Water. As we deliberated on how to move our assignment forward. The first problem we encountered was how to find a suitable time that all members will be comfortable with since the subsequent meetings was going to be conducted on virtual platforms and most of the members had very busy schedules and in different parts of the globe. Once that was achieved the members settled down comfortably into their challenging task.

Once settled on the work, one’s mind again veered off into the commitment of the distinguished men and women who were brainstorming on how to achieve a quick win for Abia State with Dr. Otti as the Chief Servant.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Why Federal Government Must Release Withheld NDDC Funds Now

Tekena Amieyeofori

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been on the spotlight since President Muhammadu Buhari ordered a forensic audit of its activities in October 2019. Coming on the heels of the Steve Orosanye Report of 2011, the probe ordered by President Buhari to look into the books of the NDDC (from its inception in 2001 to 2019) goes down in history as the most wide-ranging investi- gation of alleged malfeasance in the system. Expectedly, it was greeted with a wide applause by several groups looking forward to an administrative revamp of an Augean Stable that the NDDC had epitomised in many ways. Final report of the NDDC forensic audit was submitted to the presidency in September 2021. Highlights of the report shows that executed projects and programmes were not commensurate with over N6 trillion budgeted for the NDDC from 2001 to 2019. Additionally, over 13,000 projects awarded by the commission had been abandoned over the years. Undoubtedly, the NDDC forensic audit report lends credence to findings in previous reports drawing attention to the fact that the commission was to a large extent, incapacitated by its poor project management culture. This is particularly evident in the award of contracts without carrying out needs assessment of projects to determine how well they impacted communities. The unsavoury outcome of the commission’s poor project management culture had been duplication and abandonment of projects in a region that had grappled with crumbling infrastructure for many decades

In fairness to the NDDC, it had made significant progress with infrastructure development across the length and breadth of the Niger Delta region to justify its establishment as an intervention agency. One of its legacy projects worthy of mention is the Nembe-Ogbia road. For the first time, the highly celebrated Nembe-Ogbia road construction project has linked Ogbia kingdom to Nembe Kingdom which is located on the Atlantic. Today, many isolated coastal communities in Bayelsa East Senatorial District are directly accessible by road. It is important to note that the NDDC has in the last 21 years of its existence replicated the Nembe-Ogbia road in other parts of the Niger Delta region. As a few commentators rightly point out, the biggest problem confronting the commission has been inadequate funding.

Part five of the NDDC Establishment Act (2000) clearly spells out sources of statutory funds to which the NDDC

is entitled to enable it carry out its intervention in blighted communities across the Niger Delta region. Under the Act, 15 per cent of monthly allocations due states comprising the Niger Delta is to be deducted from source to fund the NDDC. The Act also provides that three per cent of total annual budgets of oil companies (foreign and local) operating in the region be deployed to fund the commission.

To further strengthen the financial position of the NDDC, the Act provides that 50 per cent of ecological funds due oil-producing states be domiciled in the account of the intervention agency. These provisions are made to ensure availability of adequate funds required to intervene in the plight of a region with a difficult terrain that makes infrastructure development an onerous task to embark upon. Sadly, the Federal Government and its development partners are found wanting in funding the NDDC required by the law.

In July 2019, the Paris Trust Fund ( the firm responsible for the collection of unremitted statutory dues owed the NDDC disclosed that most of the oil companies had been defaulting in the payment of three per cent of the annual budgets to fund the NDDC for roughly five years in the period under review, the Federal Government had equally failed to remit to the NDDC its own statutory contribution of 15% of total monthly allocations due states of the Niger Delta from the federation account as well as 50% of ecological funds accruing to oil-producing states.

In 2019, accumulated remittances owed the NDDC stood at about N1.2 trillion. By August 2021, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio disclosed that indebtedness to the NDDC had risen to over N3 trillion. The rather unjustifiable indebtedness to the NDDC is regardless of the fact that it had financial commitments in excess of N3 trillion as Senator Akpabio observed some two years ago. This is confirmed in the final r eport of the NDDC forensic audit which puts its indebtedness to contractors at over three trillion Naira.

While the NDDC forensic audit was ongoing, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2020 assumed the role of collecting statutory financial contributions made by oil companies on behalf of the commission. Not a few concerned Niger Deltans berated the EFCC for violating the NDDC establishment Act (2000) which in section 14 (2) empowers the commission to receive and manage its statutory funds to ensure even and rapid development in the Niger Delta region. However, other groups saw the need to keep huge

funds amounting to trillions of Naira out of the reach of successive interim administrations appointed to run the affairs of the NDDC.

In their reckoning, the EFCC would release the withheld funds to the NDDC as soon as a legally constituted board was appointed. With the benefit of hindsight, it appears the EFCC did not assume the role of collecting statutory funds on behalf of the NDDC on account of financial mismanagement by successive interim administrations appointed to pilot its affairs in time past. It is troubling to note that four months after the new NDDC board was appointed, the EFCC is yet to release to the NDDC funds accruing from statutory contributions made by oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region. As things stand, the non-release of statutory funds due the NDDC is about to make a mockery of a forensic audit under taken to revamp the commission to begin to function properly as an intervention agency.

Final report of the NDDC forensic audit shows that projects were abandoned as a result of the failure of contractors to mobilize to site after collecting mobilisation fees. There are also indications that most NDDC projects had been stalled due to non-payment of fees to other diligent contractors, some of whom had gone the extra mile to raise bank loans to facilitate their projects. Only recently, the NDDC had cause to terminate failed projects for which contractors were duly mobilised. Acting on the instructions of the presidency, the commission has directed erring contractors to refund monies collected for all unexecuted contracts through the Central Bank of Nigeria.

This is a commendable step taken to retrieve funds stolen by unpatriotic Nigerians whose greed had rendered the NDDC comatose, preventing the commission from carrying out its statutory mandate of effective and efficient service delivery to largely backward communities in the Niger Delta. However, it fails to address the problem of completing thousands of projects that had been stalled by the commission’s indebtedness to its diligent contractors.

The Warri-Escravos road and the Port Harcourt-Okrika road and bridge construction projects are typical examples of NDDC projects that have been stalled due to inadequate funding. Others are too numerous to mention. For the time being the new NDDC board has devised a public-privatepartnership policy to generate the required technical expertise and funds required to complete otherwise laudable projects that have been abandoned on account of inadequate funding.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Tekena Amieyeofori, a journalist and Conflict Analyst writes from Port Harcourt.

Chief Jones Ike is a member Alex Otti Transition Council.

Jones Ike

Otti

POLITY

Decentralising Nigeria’s Power Sector

Oladayo

Orolu

When President Muhammadu Buhari announced constitutional amendments that aim to decentralize the country’s power sector, it sent shock waves throughout the country as it brought up a rare opportunity to transform this long-suffering sector and make it fit for Africa’s largest and most populous country.

Nigeria’s power sector has been struggling for decades with electricity policy enforcement, uncertainty in gas supply, and constraints in its transmission system. All these challenges resulted in frequent and long Power cuts that put a strain on the economy and growth. According to a World Bank report, 85 million Nigerians don’t have access to grid electricity. This represents 43% percent of the country’s population, making Nigeria the country with the largest energy access deficit in the world.

The recent constitutional amendments pave the way for better access to stable, efficient, and sustainable energy throughout Nigeria, by cutting bureaucracy and opening the door to private sector investment as well as providing fiscal and regulatory independence to state governments.

But, this decentralization of the power sector will need to be implemented carefully, to avoid fragmentation of laws, regulations, and standards, as well as avoid inequality between wealthier and poorer states, and most importantly, avoid corruption. There will also be a need for a long-term plan to develop a national grid that will support Nigeria to reach its power-producing potential and achieve economic and industrial growth.

Nigeria’s power sector is complex, and this has traditionally slowed down progress. The reason for this complexity is that the sector is controlled by different stakeholders, who each have their own objectives and their own models of working. The upstream gas supply and power generation segment is controlled by both public and private sector players. Some generation plants are owned by the government, others are concessioned to private operators, or owned by a mix of government and private investors, and there are a few IPPs.

The transmission grid is 100% controlled by the federal government, while electricity distribution companies (Discos) are controlled by private operators (with a 40% stake retained by the government). There is no uniformity of purpose or objective among these players. Each stakeholder in the power sector does what they consider best and does it in silos, making it very difficult to reform this sector.

Funding is also a challenge. Private operators cannot raise

debt by leveraging power assets without government approvals and public financing is limited for new investments, so the power sector has been locked at a standstill.

Prior to these amendments to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the federal government had begun a series of activities aimed at liberalizing the power sector and creating a viable electricity market in 2013. Some bold steps have been taken, including the transformation of the old National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the subsequent unbundling into different segments and firms, leading to the eventual privatization of the 11 distribution companies and some generation assets. Between 2013 and now, the market has seen increasing roles by the different players in shaping the industry and creating a robust energy supply market. The Federal Government, supported by International Development Partners and the organized private sector, created a series of funding schemes and structures to attract investments into the sector, in addition to federal government budgets.

Still, the availability of a stable and reliable electricity supply has remained a big challenge for Nigeria. The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) of President Buhari’s administration, which was launched in July 2019 to resolve the power sector’s challenges and create a sustainable path for ramping up capacity, has not been implemented as initially envisaged. The project has largely been slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing supply chain crisis which affects the equipment global manufacturing sector. However, through the PPI, certain critical equipment – power transformers and mobile high voltage Substations (first of its kind in Nigeria) have been delivered. When installed and commissioned, these would provide immediate relief to the transmission grid network and enhance power evacuation capacities.

With the removal of the power sector from the Exclusive legislative list of the Constitution to the Concurrent legislative list, sub-national State governments can now adjudicate over specific areas of this sector. This change could result in the transformation that will enable Nigeria’s power sector to finally reach its full potential.

tory Commission, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, and electricity distribution companies (Discos).

There are clear advantages the new laws provide. State governments are now able to legislate local laws that will facilitate investments in electricity supply projects in their domains; create laws against energy theft and prosecute offenders, an issue that has overwhelmed Disco operators for many years; and legislate on mini and microgrid projects, energy fuel sources, including the use of small gasoline-generators to minimize carbon emissions. By this, State governments should execute sustainable energy projects that will help Nigeria achieve 2050 net zero emission targets. Implementation of mini and microgrid projects will improve Access to electricity in rural and un-served areas. This will improve the quality of lives of inhabitants, enable the creation of direct and indirect jobs, and reduce rural-urban migration.

To maximize these advantages, state governments should strive to collaborate with existing agencies and operators in the sector. The costs of building new or separate power evacuation and distribution network assets could make such projects less commercially viable. It is important to streamline regulations in the sector to avoid new bottlenecks that will slow down project implementation. A situation where all 36 states set up their own regulators, in addition to NERC, would likely create additional bottlenecks for investors. The uneven distribution of energy fuel sources such as gas is another area that will affect states’ abilities to execute large power projects.

For Nigeria to achieve desirable industrial growth and economic development, a strong, stable, and efficient national grid is still essential. Nigeria’s installed generation capacity is currently at ~14GW and its grid network capacity of about half of that is not sufficient to support Nigeria’s ambition of being an industrialized nation. Nigeria’s landscape is a mix of the coastal and tropical rainforest in the South, where most fossil fuel potentials are deposited. It also has a northern region with high solar irradiation, wind, and hydro potential. The situation makes a strong case for the continued existence of a national grid that will maximize the availabilities of fuel sources in the different regions, to create a leveled cost of electricity that is affordable for the citizens and industries.

Following the changes to the constitutions, sub-national State governments can now design, create, and implement electricity supply markets within their sub-regions. The new law empowers states to create laws that cover the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity to areas not covered by a national grid system within the state and establish any authority for the promotion and management of electric power stations. However, the laws have not changed the statutes of existing federal agencies and private operators like the National Electricity Regula- Read

It is therefore important that, while the states would be focusing on small captive decentralized power supply systems, there must be a longer-term plan to ensure the operating efficiency and effectiveness of the national grid.

L-R: Chief Technical Officer Kredete, Hakeem Oriola; Founder and Chief Executive Officer Kredete, Adeola Adedewe and Head of Product Kredete, Ebuka Arinze; during the official launch of Kredete, a lending platform to deepen credit access for Nigerians, in Lagos..recently

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola; Chairman, MTN Nigeria, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe ; Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, Uto Ukpanah and Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri at the MTN Annual General Meeting held at Balmoral Convention Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos ...yesterday

L-R: President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Chief Yomi Badejo-Okusanya; representative of the Lagos state Chief of Staff, Tayo Orekoya; Chairman, STB McCann and the winner of Doyen of Advertising Award, Sir Steve Bamidele Omojafor;CEO Ladybird Advertising, Bunmi Oke; and Publisher/CEO, The industry Newspaper, Mr. Goddie Ofose, at the industry summit and award 4.0 held in Lagos... weekend…. SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Founder/Chairman, Rifugio Communications, Dr. Kayode Thomas; Vice President, Oraimo, Guoli Liu; General Manager, Transsion Holdings Nigeria, Chidi Okonkwo; and Oraimo West Africa Manager, Hardy Fu at the unveiling and grand opening of the Oraimo Flagship Store at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.... yesterday

Orolu, FCA is Head Business Development, Siemens Energy Nigeria

Jenkins Alumona

NAIJA Super 8 Will Help Domestic Football Revival Y

Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions, organisers of the recently unveiled NAIJA Super 8 football competition explains to select journalists, including Olaoluwakitan Babatunde how the the initiative will affect club football in Nigeria

ou and your organisation, Flykite Productions, are associated with boxing. But in recent weeks, we’ve seen your organisation associating with football, specifically NAIJA Super 8. What is the new project about?

The link with boxing is a correct one and I believe you’re talking about GOtv Boxing Night andGOtvBoxingNextGenSearch,whichbegan in 2014 and 2015 respectively, as interventions in boxing, which had floundered. We are happy at the progress boxing has made, recovering from what seemed like a coma. NAIJA Super 8 has been in the works for three years or a little more. It is also an intervention. This time, in domestic football, which used to be big and had fans flocking to the stadiums. It had iconic clubs, riveting historical rivalries and big stars. But as the years went by, domestic club football lost its luster, with many of the fans no longer going to watch games. My belief is that many of the fans stayed away because amongst other things they no longer derived excitement. So, NAIJA Super 8 is an attempt to return the excitement to the domestic game by bringingbackthefans,thelifebloodofthegame and providing incentives capable of providing returns, financial and cultural, to all football stakeholders.

Idon’tdoubtthatyouunderstandthatthere are mile-high odds to scale in your bid to realise this objective. How do you plan to bring the fans back?

Permit me to say that we had a similar situation with boxing in 2014, when the same kind of doubt was expressed. We were asked, everywhere we turned, if fans were still keen on boxing. I’m sure you have been to many of our shows and you can provide the answer. A major element in the conception of NAIJA Super 8 is its fan-centredness. By this, I mean that it is about the fans and for the fans, whom we seek to engage and are already engaging. Essentially the plan is to see the country’s eight mostbelovedteamsinatournamentduringthe close season. The tournament is a two-stage affair. The first stage will see 12 teams, two from each geo-political zone of the country, take on each other in single-match elimination games at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, from 1-3 June. The winners will be the geo-political zone’s representatives. The 12 teams will be decided by the fans from a shortlist of 41 teams drawn from across the country by the NAIJA Super 8 Advisory Committee. Two clubs with the highest number of votes from each zone will qualify for the play-offs. The voting process is managed by Deloitte to ensure its fidelity. Voting began on 10 April and will end on 12 May. We are delighted with the response of the fans so far. Six teams will emerge at the end of the play-offs and will be joined by two others, which are wildcard entries to be decided by the organisers. Fans who want their club to participate in NAIJA Super 8 need to vote on the voting platforms one of which is the Naija Super 8 website

What happens after the conclusion of the play-offs?

The second stage, the finals that will be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos between 16 and 25 June. The finals, I need to add, will be preceded by the unveiling of two wild cards in addition to the teams that qualified, making eight teams and a fixture list.

Qualifiedteamswillbedividedintotwogroups of four and play in a tournament format, with twoteamswiththepointtalliesfromeachgroup proceeding to the semi-final and two winners

moving into the final. One of the good things about NAIJA Super 8 is that it gives room for cup-style giant-killing. The competition is not restricted to clubs in a particular division. A club, irrespective of the tier it plays in, simply needs to mobilize its fans to vote to have a chance to get into the play-offs and anything can happen afterwards. At this point, I think I need to thank the Nigeria Football Federation, which licensed the tournament and has been of immense support. We also need to thank the directing minds in the other football bodies,

administrators, club owners and chairmen and everyone in the football ecosystem. They have been fantastic all the way. They have offered advice and shoulders to lean on when we’ve needed them and are still not tired of doing the same. There is nothing we’ve asked of them that they haven’t given.

You spoke about incentives. What are these?

Let’s start with those going to the participating clubs. Those that qualify for the play-offs

Those that qualify for the play-offs will get N2 million each to offset their travel/logistics expenses to Uyo, where they will be provided accommodation while there. Those who make it to Lagos will earn N3 million per game. That means if your team qualifies for the finals, it stands to earn N3 million per game exclusive of transportation and accommodation costs, which will be borne by us. The minimum a team in finals of NAIJA Super 8 can earn is N9 million. Those who get into the semi-finals get an additional N3 million each. For the finalists, the pot is bigger. Losing finalists get N9 million in addition to the N12 million accruing from the group stage and semi-final. The winners get N25million in addition to what they have earned from the earlier games

will get N2 million each to offset their travel/ logistics expenses to Uyo, where they will be provided accommodation while there. Those who make it to Lagos will earn N3 million per game. That means if your team qualifies for the finals, it stands to earn N3 million per game exclusiveoftransportationandaccommodation costs, which will be borne by us. The minimum a team in finals of NAIJA Super 8 can earn is N9 million. Those who get into the semi-finals get an additional N3 million each. For the finalists, the pot is bigger. Losing finalists get N9 million in addition to the N12 million accruing from the group stage and semi-final. The winners get N25million in addition to what they have earned from the earlier games. That’s for the clubs. For the players, there are incentives to do well. The Man of the Match for each game, to be decided by fan voting, will go home with N250,000. If a player gets three Man of the Match Awards, he earns N750, 000. And as reasonably likely, if he gets named in the Team of the Tournament, he gets an additional N100,000, the sum attached to being named in the Team of the Tournament. Clubs are encouraged to bring their fans to the two venues and we will be making some money available to them to cushion the costs and provide accommodation.

Interesting. But where are you finding the money for the prizes and other aspects of the tournament?

We are delighted to have found sponsors and partners on the same bandwidth with us, as they are sufficiently interested in the return of domestic club football to prominence and have committed and still committing resources to this intervention. We have SuperSport, which will broadcast all the matches of the play-offs and finals live. We have DStv and GOtv, MTN, Pepsi and Moniepoint. Others have expressed interest and we will announce them when the details are finalized.

What incentives should the fans expect?

High-standard football because the stakes are high. This tournament is also a marriage betweenfootballandentertainment.Forevery game, there will be live musical performances by the biggest of Nigerian musical artistes. This is a football party, with fun delivered in spades. There are also gifts to be won by fans, whom we believe and seem ready to retake the ownership of the domestic game. It’s a fans’ game and it is why we have made them the centrepiece of NAIJA Super 8. The fan is the star of the story.

For a while, you’ve been around sports, first as a journalist and broadcaster. But in the last few years, as stated earlier, boxing has been your scene. Why football now?

I don’t see a difference. My passion for boxing is undiminished and I am the Chairman of the Lagos State Boxing Association. What I seek to do with the little mental resources I am blessed with is to intervene where intervention is needed. We keep doing it in boxing, with credible results and we hope to do it in football. Both are sports and similar principles apply. So, there is no sharp dichotomy.

But the big nudge to do this comes from the Chairman of Flykite, Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya, Odofin of Ikorodu who keeps asking us to find ways to bring back the glory days of our sports. He is always quick to remind us of what Nigeria sports fans once used to enjoy and why we need to return things to what they used to be. He drives us.

Once again, I wish to thank the Nigeria Federation led by Alhaji Mohammed Gusau and all other football bodies in the country for their immense support and guidance.

Jenkins Alumona Jeenkkiins s

Paul Onuachu From Genk’s Cult Hero to Saints’ Despair

Two seasons ago, Super Eagles forward, Paul Onuachu warmed his himself into the heart of KRC Genk’s fans when his 33 goals helped the team win the Jupiler Pro League culminating in being voted the league’s best player and also winning the highest goal scorer award. Ultimately, the Nigerian became the toast of many big clubs in Europe but stayed put with Genk.The following season, inspite of his playing time reduced, his 21 goal was still enough to emerge joint top scorer in the league and this season, he was already on 16 goals before a winter move to Premier League side, Southampton, a decision that has proven to be retrogressive as playing time has not come easy for the Eagle whose last action was a 76th minute introduction against Arsenal yesterday and may find himself playing in the English Championship except a miracle happens

Inspite emerging top scorers twice in the Jupiler Pro League, Paul Onuachu did still not enjoy the kind of accolades bestowed on top clinical finishers as the Belgian League is not highly rated as one of Europe’s big leagues. The striker eventually moved to the Premier League-Southampton, during the January transfer window but its proving to be a poor decision for the Nigerian afterall, as playing time is not only hard to come by, his team is on the verge of being relegated.

With last weekend’s loss to Crystal Palace in front of the St. Mary’s faithful and yesterday draw to Arsenal, the Saints remain at the bottom of the table, three points behind Everton from safety, while lying ahead of them are matches against Premier League heavyweight sides- Newcastle and Liverpool, and all hope of staying in the English top flight seems to have diminished.

Onuachu signed for Southampton on transfer deadline day from Belgian side Genk after amassing a tally of 16 goals in

19 Jupiler Pro League games this season. Standing at 6ft 7in tall, it comes as no surprise that the majority of his goals have been scored with headers.

His physical presence was expected to be an asset for a Southampton side that are languishing at the foot of the Premier League table with just 17 goals from their 21 matches when Onuachu moved to St. Mary’s. Onuachu, who has spent 10 seasons in the Danish and Belgian topflights before a dream move to England, believes his physique is suited for the Premier League, especially with the likes of set-piece master James Ward-Prowse alongside him.

He told the Southampton website then: “I think it had to be now or never. I think I’m at the right age and I think I had to take this challenge and test myself, to impact my team. Hopefully we do something great together.

“It’s a decision I took because coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, I’m coming to really impact my own team –

it’s something big for me in my career. I have always followed the Premier League, watching it week in week out, seeing the games. It’s a whole different ball game, the intensity, the duels. Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and of course I’m happy to be here. I think I have the physique, I have the height, I have the size. Let the battle begin.

“Of course it helps a lot, having this height. I’m in there with my height to make a difference in the box, so I think that’s why God gave me this height! If I have the right balls in the box, of course you can see my height will tell.

It was not to be however, as Onuachu seems not to fit into the Sainsts style and playing in the Championship next season looms for the Nigerian.

Onuachu had said then that he was aware of the task at hand and he was looking to make a difference. How well he must have realised now how insurmountable the task is remains to the seen.

“I’m very motivated, it’s a huge challenge. Coming here we are last on the table

and everybody is working to really try to leave the relegation zone. It’s a huge challenge, not just for me but for everybody in the team. I’m going to give it all if I have the chance to play, and try to help the team to survive,” he had said then.

Following the February firing of Nathan Jones as manager after eight league games, manager Ruben Selles has presided over 10 games, with Onuachu hardly starting three of them.

Two seasons ago, when he scored 33 league goals and was awarded the Best Player in Belgium, the Super Eagles striker was expected to seal a move away from the club. However, despite links to Lyon, Arsenal, and West Ham, Genk kept him, but Onuachu has never hidden his desire to leave Genk but he has been professional about it.

Interestingly, his previous team is presently leading the Belgian Pro League, and they have a strong chance of qualifying for European competition next season even if they do not win the title.

There was little to cheer for Paul Onuachu when he was introduced against West Ham in one of the rare occasions he played for Southampton

GROUP B

MATCH 15 FIXTURES

Bendel v El

Can El Kanemi Halt Insurance NPFL Unbeaten Run?

Wallowing rock bottom of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Group A and in desperate attempt to escape relegation, El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri are set to cart away the three points at stake at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, today and thereby halting Bendel Insurance unbeaten run in the league.

Bendel Insurance are only four games away from equaling the longest unbeaten record in the Nigeria Premier Football League. The Benin Arsenals are yet to taste defeat after 14 games in the NPFL this season.

Akwa United, who won the NPFL title in the 2020/21 season, holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak (18) in the Nigerian topflight.

Insurance have won seven and drawn seven games this season. Monday Odigie’s side will look to equal the record by avoiding defeat in the remaining four games in the regular season.

They could then go on to set a new record in the NPFL Super Six.

Insurance will host basement club, El-Kanemi Warriors at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, tomorrow.

On his appointment as Technical Adviser of El-Kanemi Warriors, Coach Hamza Abdul’azeez Abara, had stated that his mission was to save the team from relegation.

The former Head Coach of Plateau United said it was destiny that had taken him to El-Kanemi Warriors where he is faced with a daunting task of keeping the former FA Cup winners in Nigeria’s topflight.

E-Kanemi Warriors who returned to the NPFL last season are neck deep in relegation waters as they presently sit last on the Group A table with a paltry five points from nine matches played so far in the abridged season.

However, coach Abara who is confident that El-Kanemi Warriors will survive the relegation battle said he will immediately change the mentality of the players and the character of the team for more positive results in the second

Top Scorers

round.

Although he admitted the task before him was not an easy one, the former Niger Tornadoes and Enyimba coach said he was not new to such rescue operations.

According to him, Niger Tornadoes once found themselves in a similar situation but when he was called upon, he rescued them from relegation.

“Life itself is a risk. One must be ready to take risks to succeed. Rescue missions like the one I have embarked upon are not new to me. I did it at Niger Tornadoes so I am confident that I will achieve the same feat with El-Kanemi Warriors.

“I will do my best to psyche up the boys whose morale is down. It is necessary to change their mentality and also ensure the character of the team is right.

“What I can say is that my present assignment is a difficult one but keeping El-Kanemi Warriors in the NPFL is not impossible. Together we shall survive the relegation battle,” he assured.

NPFL Reschedule Dakkada/Rangers Match as Antelopes Tackle Adamawa Utd in Federation Cup

The Interim Management Committee (IMC,) organisers of the NPFL have rescheduled the match day 15 fixture between Dakkada F.C of Uyo and Rangers In ternational F.C earlier fixed for today, to now be played on Monday, April 24, 2023, with kickoff scheduled for 2.00 P.M at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Correspondence from the NPFL and endorsed by the Head, of the Competition Department for the head

of operations, Dr. Sunday Obaseki, stated that the unavailability of the stadium for the match due to the fact that it would be hosting a CAF Confederation Cup, 1st leg, quarterfinal match between Rivers United and Young Africans of Tanzania, necessitated the rescheduling of the match.

Meanwhile, as the national Federation Cup 2023 hits the round of 64 stages across various stadia in the country, multiple cup winners, Rangers International F.C will have

former premiership side, Adamawa United F.C of Yola to contend with at FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Abuja on Thursday, April 27, 2023.

After the draws organised by NFF, midweek, in Abuja, the ‘Flying Antelopes’ were handed the boys from Yola as the coach Abdul Maikaba tutored side aim to be crowned champions again after the 2018 triu mph.

Winners of the Federation Cup earn an automatic ticket to represent the country

Abara, therefore, called on the management and supporters of El-Kanemi Warriors to continue to give their unflinching support to the club especially now that there is the need for all hands to be on deck to save the club from sinking.

head coach, Odigie has said his team is not flattered with their unbeaten record in the league this season.

The Benin Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars on Sunday to extend their unbeaten record in the NPFL this season to 14 games.

Odigie stated that the team approach all games with a winning mindset.

“You can see this is a young team just coming from the Nigeria National League, results has been good no doubt,” Odigie told an online publication.

“I am not flattered by the unbeaten record as we just approach our matches with a winning mindset which has been helping all through,” he said.

Bendel Insurance are top of Group A table with 28 points, four points ahead of second-placed Enyimba.

Action during El kanemi versus Bendel Insurance in Maiduguri

Premier League Table

Newcastle, Tottenham Duel at St. James’ Park in Top-four Battle

With Arsenal and Manchester City almost assured of a top two finish on the Premier League log, the race for the top four is however still not clear with about five clubs still having a chance to book a Champions League ticket. Fourth placed Newcastle United will tomorrow welcome Tottenham Hotspur, who are on their heels in fifth position to St. James’Park in an encounter both sides would be boosted by a win for a chance to finish in the top-four. Both sides were beaten last weekend and would therefore want to get back to winning ways fast as anything short of a win would be a deservice to their ambition

In a game that could possibly make or break Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League ambitions, the Lilywhites travel north to meet Newcastle United at St James’ Park in tomorrow’s Premier League battle.

Cristian Stellini’s side fell to an agonising 3-2 loss to Bournemouth last weekend, while the hosts suffered a painful beating of their own, going down 3-0 to Aston Villa.

As eye-catching as Villa have been going forward under Unai Emery, few expected Newcastle to capitulate in the manner that they did in the West Midlands, as Ollie Watkins singlehandedly bullies the Magpies’ defence and sent them back home with their tails tucked between their legs.

After knocking the ball down for Jacob Ramsey to draw first blood, Watkins continued his scintillating form with a second-half brace to put a pitiful Newcastle to the sword - only a fourth defeat of the Premier League season for Howe’s Champions League chasers.

A five-game winning streak was

brought to an abrupt end at Villa Park, allowing Manchester United to leapfrog their northern adversaries in the Premier League standings, but with Tottenham also found wanting in recent weeks, Newcastle are clinging onto the fourth and final Champions League spot for the time being - also possessing a game in hand on the North London club.

With Manchester United vying for a place in the FA Cup final, victory for Newcastle tomorrow would allow them to surge back onto the podium, and only a six-goal win for Tottenham would push Howe’s men out of the Champions League places entirely.

The defensive acumen that Newcastle used to pride themselves on is no longer present; the hosts have kept just one clean sheet in their last 12 games in all tournaments - although that did come in their most recent home win over Manchester Unitedand Liverpool remain the only team to get the better of the Magpies in front of the wall of black and white this

season.

The air of toxicity engulfing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been apparent for a number of weeks, but Spurs’ season arguably reached a low ebb during the visit of Bournemouth, who came out on the correct end of a 3-2 scoreline in North London this time around.

Arnaut Danjuma - who has been a peripheral figure since joining from Villarreal - had seemingly rescued a point for the hosts late on, but Dango Ouattara’s 95th-minute winner sparked scenes of delirium for the away end and a familiar sense of doom and gloom for the Lilywhites faithful.

An error-strewn cameo from Davinson Sanchez led to the Colombian being booed by his own fans before being sympathetically withdrawn, and Spurs’ shambles of a week also saw Fabio Paratici resign from his role as sporting director in the wake of his failed appeal over a 30-month suspension. To say that Cristian Stellini is facing an uphill task to galvanise his troops would be an understatement.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Hot Shot

Antonio Conte’s former lieutenant has just one win from his three games as acting head coach for the fifthplaced Lilywhites, who have both of Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion breathing down their necks, and defeat at St James’ Park would represent the most damaging blow yet to their Champions League hopes.

Only two of Spurs’ last eight games in all tournaments have now ended in victory, and not since January have they won an away match - losing four and drawing two of their last six on the road during a terrible spell on their travels.

Newcastle came away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a 2-1 win to their name back in October - ending a five-game winless run against Spurs, who spoiled the Magpies’ takeover party with a 3-2 success at St James’ Park 18 months ago.

Kieran Trippier would be hoping to put Harry Kane in check in tomorrow’s Premier League cracker

Arsenal Premier League Quest Suffers Setback, Draw at Home against Southampton

According to Calciomercato, via Fren Premier League leaders Arsenal scored two late goals as they fought back to draw a thriller at home to struggling Southampton. It was a third draw in a row for the Gunners as they continue to stumble in their pursuit of the title.

Saints led after just 28 seconds, when Carlos Alcaraz capitalised on an Aaron Ramsdale error to score.

Arsenal have now conceded the two fastest goals at home in the Premier League this season, the other being Philip Billing’s strike after 9.11 seconds for Bournemouth.

Theo Walcott doubled the

Southampton lead against his former club, before Gabriel Martinelli pulled one back for the league leaders.

Duje Caleta-Car restored the Southampton two-goal advantage and appeared to seal the three points - only for Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka to score in the 88th and 90th minutes to earn a draw.

Argentina 2023: Flying Eagles Handed Tough Draw, Face Brazil, Italy

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles must dig their feet into the ground against powerhouse Brazil, the second most successful team in the tournament with five wins one shy of Argentina.

In order to scale the group phase of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup competition, The Flying Eagles will have to overcome two other opponents in the group- Italy and Dominican Republic.

Africa’s number three team was slotted into the interesting group D at the draw ceremony for the tournament held at the House of FIFA in Zurich

yesterday, with hosts Argentina heading group A that also has Uzbekistan, Guatemala and New Zealand.

Argentina is the most successful nation at the FIFA U20 World Cup since the competition was launched in Tunisia in 1977. The South American nation has won the tournament six times, the last being in 2007. It also hosted the competition 22 years ago.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have finished as runners-up on two occasions, in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and in The Netherlands in 2005. They were bronze medallists in

GOtv Boxing Night 28

NAIJA Super 8: Bringing Excitement Back to Club Football

the USSR in 1985.

This year’s championship will take place between May 20 and June 11.

The top two teams from each group qualify, then the best third-placed teams will join them in the round of 16.

GROUP A: Argentina, Uzbekistan, Guatemala, New Zealand

GROUP B: USA, Ecuador, Fiji Islands, Slovakia

GROUP C: Senegal, Japan, Israel, Colombia

GROUP D: Italy, Brazil, Nigeria, Dominic Republic

Azeez Latest Sets Eyes on N1m Cash Prize for Best Boxer

Nigerian national lightweight boxer, Azeez Ayobami ‘Latest’, has said his aim at GOtv Boxing Night 28, is to emerge overall best boxer of the night and pocket the N1m cash prize.

Azeez is set to trade punches with Tosin Osaigbovo, in an eight-round national lightweight challenge bout, at the boxing showpiece slated for Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on May 1.

The night will also feature six other national and international bouts, including a duel between London-based World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental featherweight champion, Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje, and Tanzanian opponent, Twalib

Tuwa.

The overall best boxer of the night will take home the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy and N1m cash prize.

Speaking from his training base in Lagos yesterday, Azeez said “My plan is to make this coming GOtv Boxing Night my own. I want to emerge as the best boxer and become the ‘Latest’ winner of the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

Tosin cannot stop me this time. It’s my turn to be a millionaire.”

His last GOtv Boxing Night appearance was at the 25th edition held in Ibadan, where he lost to Sodiq ‘Golden Boy’ Oyakojo by a majority decision.

In the other bouts of the

night, cruiserweight boxers, Steven “Freeman” Kadima and Godwin Ambrose will trade punches; Demiji Salami and Samuel Elegbede will face each other in a six-round national super middleweight challenge bout; lightweight boxers, Emmanuel Abimbola and Prince Lion Nwoye will slug it out; Dolapo Omole will battle Gbolahan Mojeed in an eight-round featherweight bout, while Samuel Moses and Michael Adesodun will engage in an eight-round national super featherweight challenge.

GOtv Boxing Night 28 is sponsored by GOtv and will be broadcast live on DStv channel 209 and GOtv Channel 64.

Kompany, Pochettino Lead Chelsea’s Shortlist

Vincent Kompany is one of the managers on Chelsea’s shortlist for their new permanent head coach.

Burnley Manager, Kompany, Mauricio Pochettino and one other unnamed manager are being considered by the Premier League club.

However, ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Naglesmann is no longer in the running to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea sporting directors

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley are leading the

recruitment process.

The Blues sacked manager Graham Potter at the start of April after less than seven months in charge, following a 2-0 home defeat by Aston Villa that left the club 11th in the Premier League table.

Ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was then named interim manager until the end of the season.

Former Manchester City captain Kompany has this season led Burnley to promotion from the Championship in his first

An average Nigerian family has a passionate football fan. Or more. Football followership in the country runs so deep, such that some Nigerian parents name their children after players in European football leagues. But this was not the story in the 70s and 80s. While it was not exactly the fad for parents to name their children after stars of the domestic football scene, football-loving kids adopted names like Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu and Emmanuel Okala when playing on dusty grounds which, for them, were real football pitches.

The adoption of local stars’ names was a testament to the emotional connection they had to domestic football and its home-made heroes.

Today’s generation hear stories about the good old days of Nigerian football, when fans filled the stadiums across the country to watch their favourite clubs and players in the Nigerian league. They hear how the likes of Iwuanyawu Nationale of Owerri (now Heartland FC), 3SC of Ibadan (formerly IICC Shooting Stars), Stationery Stores of Lagos, Rangers International of Enugu, BCC Lions of Gboko, and Mighty Jets of Jos, attracted huge followership. It was the glory days of fierce rivalries and entertaining football with stadiums filled to the brim.

The reality today is that the generation that witnessed the golden era and is able to recollect it has also been bitten by the foreign football bug. The local league is currently not appealing to Nigerian football fans.

To bring back the excitement, Nigerian football administrators, in recent times, have reiterated that they are open to new ideas and will provide support for initiatives that can improve Nigerian football. “We are asking people who have something new that can improve Nigerian football, to bring such ideas. Believe me,

we will give you approval,” said the General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, at the unveiling of the NAIJA Super 8 tournament, recently in Lagos.

NAIJA Super 8, licensed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has the potential to spark the much-desired return of Nigerian club football to its pride of place. The tournament offers a completely different and exciting proposition. The aim, according to Flykite Productions, organisers of the tournament, is to reignite the passion and followership for club football in the country, by putting the fans at the heart of it.

“Football is about the fans. It is not about the money. So, if a club has money, has a big size, and plays good football, but does not have fans, it will be tough to stay at the top. What we are doing with Naija Super 8 is to involve the fans.

“The fans will vote for their favourite teams across the six geo-political zones. Voting commenced on April 10 on the Naija Super 8 website www. naijasuper8.ng and is open till 12 May. The 12 top-ranking teams based on votes will participate in a play-off. The two top-ranked teams from each geo-political zone will face each other in a play-off in Uyo and winners of the match will qualify for the Naija Super 8,” said the Chief Executive Officer, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona.

Football today is big business, and the NAIJA Super 8 was packaged with huge financial incentives for clubs that make it into the main tournament. The eight teams are to slug it out at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos State between June 17-25 for a share of over N100 million cash prize. Each team will play at least three matches in the group stage and is entitled to N3m per game.

Aside from the money made in the group stage and knockout

phase, the winner of the competition gets an additional N25 million while the runner-up receives an extra N9 million. There are also cash prizes for the most valuable players in each of the matches. Cumulatively, the winner of NAIJA Super 8 is certain to go home with N37m.

That’s huge money for any Nigerian club, and the organisers conceived the tournament in a way that opens it to clubs in all divisions of the domestic game, with the shortlisting of 41 clubs across the six geopolitical zones of the country for voting.

Another interesting proposition of the NAIJA Super 8 is that it might successfully bring back some old rivalries, with the regional play-offs. Since two teams with the highest votes in each region of the country will face each other in the play-off, this could lead to matches like Heartland vs Rangers or Enyimba vs Rangers. There’s also the huge possibility of historic national rivalries like 3SC vs Rangers International at the main tournament plus the addition of cup-style giant-killing that could see clubs out of the top divisions upended by minnows.

According to NAIJA Super 8 organisers, measures are also in place to give fans memorable experiences at the tournament venue. Each team at the main tournament will be mentored by a Super Eagles legend, while every match day will feature live performances by popular Nigerian music artiste at the stadium. Some financial assistance will also be provided for clubs to bring their fans down to Lagos for the tournament. For fans who couldn’t make it into the stadium, all matches will be broadcast live by SuperSport, with in-depth studio analysis of the matches.

Essentially, this has the look of an admission that fans are the lifeblood of the game. The two stages of the tournament carry the potential of blockbuster clashes.

Sparring Joshua, Usyk a Mistake, Says Martin Bakole

year in charge at Turf Moor.

The 37-year-old Belgian has transformed the team’s style resulting in attractive attacking football which has been praised by supporters and those within the game.

It would be a significant jump for Kompany, who has only managed Anderlecht (20192022) before his appointment at Burnley.

Kompany’s impressive season has also led to him being linked with the vacant Tottenham job.

Martin Bakole says he made a mistake sparring the likes of Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk as they now avoid him and is targeting a big fight with AJ in the future.

Martin Bakole could not be more clear. He is ready. Ready for Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk or any of the top level heavyweights.

Bakole’s confidence is based on his past spars with Fury, Usyk, Joshua and more. Thanks to that he’s convinced he now knows how to beat them.

“I was learning from them, now I’m ready for them,” he “I’m very ready now for my team to make a big fight for me because I can’t wait anymore.”

He has spent plenty of time in camp with Anthony Joshua. Bakole maintains: “I learned how to stop him.

“Inside he doesn’t want to be put under pressure. Joshua, I’m going to put him under pressure and he’ll give up,” he continued.

“He doesn’t know how to fight on the inside. So give him pressure on the inside till he

gives up.”

Bakole believes he has identified weaknesses in other top fighters. Usyk’s team deny that Bakole halted the unified champion in one of their sparring sessions, but the Congolese heavyweight is adamant he found a way to hurt Usyk in sparring “with a big body punch”. He was a key sparring partner for Usyk ahead of his two fights with Anthony Joshua. But fed up with only getting a couple of rounds in as the champion rotated sparring partners, he had wanted to leave an impression.

(L-R) Mr. Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Saidu, Chairman Sokoto State Football Association; Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation; Mr. Jenkins Alumona, MD/CEO, Flykite Productions; Mr. Tope Osunkeye, Executive Head of Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya, Head of Operations, Nigeria National League, at the unveiling of NAIJA Super 8 football competition in Lagos recently.

Martin Odegaard scored Arsenal Second goal against Southampton yeaterday

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Car Losing Power: Possible Causes and Culprits

Over the years, sitting behind the wheel of your car, you become accustomed to the way it works and its capabilities. It’s no surprise therefore, that you’ll quickly notice when your vehicle lacks the same oomph as you usually experience. A loss of power is most apparent when you’re accelerating, and can be due to a number of reasons including air flow into the engine, fuel flow and even faults with the exhaust system. So, if your vehicle is consistently putting in a sub-par performance, these could be some of the reasons why…

Why is my Car Losing Power?

Fuel system

If your car is not getting the required flow of fuel, then this will usually result in a drop in power. Some of the most common causes of fuel problems include:

Clogged fuel filter

Innoson Unveils LNG, CNG-powered Long Buses, Heavy-duty Trucks, Passenger Car

NInnoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd (IVM), recently unveiled a range of vehicles powered by CNG (Compressed Gas) manufactured at its assembly plant in Nnewi, Anambra State.

Taking into consideration the future of mobility that is designed to run on clean energy, Innoson built the gas-powered vehicles, which include long intra-city buses; heavy duty truck heads; and a 1.5 litre passenger sedan.

The vehicles were commissioned by the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, who led a delegation of the association’s leaders to the fast-expanding plant in Nnewi, according to a statement issued by the automaker.

Chairman, Innoson Group, Chief Innocent Chukwuma said his company realised the fact that the automotive fuel of the future is gas, mainly because of its economic advantages and environment-friendliness.

Chukwuma said the commissioning was a testament to the fact that Innoson is making Nigeria a hub for automobile manufacturing in Africa.

The Innoson Group founder further stated:

“I observed that normal diesel and petrol are very expensive now in Nigeria. So, we ensure that the purchase of vehicles is made easier and their maintenance less costly This buy vehicles and operate them with ease

“We have now l ventured into LNG, CNGpowered vehicles and are also trying to do electric vehicles. Electric vehicles, as well as LNG and CNG-powered vehicles are the future. The durability and running cost of these vehicles are comparatively better. They have been tested and found reliable, just that many people don’t know about it yet.”

Chukwuma, therefore, recommended a comprehensive public enlightenment on the advantages of embracing vehicles powered by CNG and LNG.

He sounded upbeat that Nigerians would realise the huge gains in using the alternative energy, adding that when people get used to motoring with gas vehicles, “they will not like to go back to vehicles using petrol and diesel.”

Chukwuma lamented the rising costs of moving goods and equipment by trucks from one part of the country to another, owing to the exorbitant pump price of diesel.

He, however, assured that with the new gas powered heavy duty truck heads and trailers that would soon hit the market, the

cost of movement of goods would crash.

The Innoson Chairman also informed his guests that patronage of the vehicles has, so far, been very encouraging, disclosing that many more procurement orders had been received from Benin city where some units are already in use due to existing support facilities.

“Most of the orders in my factory are from Benin. This means they already understand the advantages of these vehicles. We produce according to demand. We will be happy to see more people patronise local products.

Commenting after a tour of the plant, Francis Meshioye, President, Manufactur- ers Association of Nigeria, (MAN) said Innoson has all it takes to do the job of carMeshioyemanufacturing.reinforced Chukwuma’s statement, saying, “We have test-run one of the vehicles and it is very amazing. The gas-powered vehicles are the future for Nigeria. This is very innovative. It costs so much to transport goods from one place to another because of fuel. Gas is cheaper and better. It is the way to go.”

Also speaking, the Chairman, MAN South-East (Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu), Lady Ada Chukwudozie, who also spoke during the commissioning, described the production of the clean energy vehicles by Innoson as “a legacy project.”

Production Anniversary of 500,000th Mercedes-Benz G-Class Brand Icon

The production anniversary of a brand icon: the 500,000th model of the legendary Mercedes-Benz line this week in Graz, Austria.

The automaker said the veteran has been writing its very own success story since 1979. The G-Class owes its cult status among its growing fan community primarily to its unique combination of distinctive design and outstanding

the 1986 model year, from which the 500,000th descendant incorporates iconic design elements such as the exterior colour and the seat pattern. The G-Class is approaching its 45th production anniversary, which is coming up in 2024. It will also remain true to itself in the associated model update. The motto will continue to be: technical development with unchanged character.

“On the occasion of the 500,000th anniversary, we would like to thank both our loyal customers and long-time fans as well as our employees and our production partner Magna Steyr in Graz. We the exclusivity of the G-Class. After all, four whole This makes the G-Class anything but a mass product. With the all-electric G-Class launching in 2024, which will push the boundaries of the

The fuel filter is designed to prevent dirt and debris from entering the fuel system. However, over time this can itself become clogged with all the excess material in the fuel system, impeding the flow of petrol or diesel into the engine. Such a problem with the filter, will often show up when you are driving up a hill or trying to overtake a car – as you will not be able to achieve the power and acceleration you need to achieve.

Fuel injectors can also become clogged with dirt over time, which prevents the proper flow of fuel into the engine. You’ll most likely notice this problem when accelerating, as your vehicle will struggle to reach high revs. It may also be accompanied by ignition, stalling and misfiring problems, and you may even become aware of the smell of fuel around your car.

(Source:BrekerLink)

Over 30 Chinese Companies Set for W’Africa Automotive Show

Interest in the West Africa Automotive Show (WAAS) has soared following confirmation that more than 30 companies from China will exhibit at next month’s trade exhibition.

In addition, India will also host the first country pavilion at the exhibition, while the inaugural WAAS Conference will bring in leading names from the automotive world to discuss the potential to develop Nigeria’s own automotive parts sector.

The West Africa Automotive Show takes place at the Landmark Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, from May 16- 18.

Exhibitor numbers and interest continue to grow meaning the 2023 show will be three times the size of last year’s event. More than 40 countries from five continents will participate.

Prominent among the exhibitors will be the delegation from China which is finally able to return to the show now that the travel restrictions have ended. Another boost comes with the Automotive Components and Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) bringing together 20 companies from India in a central pavilion showcasing motor vehicle parts and services.

Jamie Hill, Managing Director of BtoB Events which is organising the exhibition, says: “We are extremely pleased that ACMA is hosting its first country pavilion at WAAS, and we are excited by the interest generated by the Chinese auto parts companies being able to return to Nigeria post-pandemic.

“And with the expansion of the exhibition space and the new Conference, visitors will find the show provides them with much more information about the latest developments and even more new business opportunities for the car after-sales sector.”

The Conference runs over two days of the exhibition and will bring together senior representatives of large automotive companies from Nigeria and West Africa. These will include assembly plants, distributors and importers, and local and regional offices of international names such as Toyota.

L-R: Made-in-Nigeria 1.5 litre IVM SMART passenger car; IVM heavy duty truck head; and city mass transit bus - all powered by CNG/LNG, and commissioned at Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company plant in Nnewi, Anambra State… recently

Legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class being celebrated

Dr Emmerich Schiller, Chairman and CEO Road Vehicle Product Division at Mercedes-Benz AG. Unique production anniversary vehicle: An original, inspired by the original

The model that Mercedes-Benz is presenting to commemorate the production anniversary is The 500,000th “G” is inspired by a G-Class from the early years. It features some particularly striking design features from its historic predeces- sor, which has long enjoyed the status of an automotive classic.

Toyota Unveils 2 New bZ Series Models at Auto Shanghai

Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has unveiled two BEV concept models, the bZ Sport Crossover Concept and bZ FlexSpace Concept, at Auto Shanghai, which started on April 18, 2023. The concept models are being developed as part of the Toyota bZ series, a brand dedicated to BEVs. They will be launched in the Chinese market in 2024 as two models out of the ten BEV models that Toyota plans to release by 2026.

The bZ Sport Crossover Concept is a crossover-type BEV with active and distinctive styling being jointly developed by Toyota, BYD TOYOTA EV TECHNOLestablished by Toyota and BYD Co., Ltd., and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (China) Co., Ltd. (TMEC). It is planned to be produced and sold by FAW Toyota Motor. The concept of this model is “Reboot,” which incorporates the idea of a change of pace the moment you get in and drive around. In addition to its active, iconic styling, it has been designed with functions to provide a personal space for the younger custom-

ers, or Generation Z. The bZ Sport Crossover Concept is also being developed so that its functions will continue to evolve after purchase, including intelligent features such as driver assistance and automatic parking, so that owners can continuously enjoy a most up-to-date car

The bZ FlexSpace Concept is a family-oriented SUV-type BEV with a focus on utility. It is being jointly developed by Toyota, Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC), GAC Toyota Motor Co., Ltd., and TMEC, and is planned to be produced and sold by GAC Toyota Motor.

The concept of this model is “Cozy Home,” to create a space that families can use safely, comfortably, and freely with peace of mind. The cabin space, ease of use, advanced safety, a reliable cruising range, as well as various intelligent functions. Development is ongoing to create a car that is ideal for families, friends, and couples to make daily life even more enjoyable.

World Premiere of the All-New Lexus LM

At Auto Shanghai 2023, Lexus celebrated the world premiere of the all-new Lexus LM (“Luxury Mover” ).

According to the automaker, the LM is a unique private oasis of relaxation and creativity. Beginning with the key luxury MPV market of China, the second-generation LM will be launched in over 60 countries worldwide, including for the first time in Europe and Lexus’s home market of Japan.

Lexus has treasured a spirit of innovation since the marque’s establishment in 1989, seeking to provide new value propositions to customers through progressive design and technology. With the desire to enrich customer lifestyles in and around the car, the brand

offers a wide variety of products to meet the needs of customers around the world.

The first-generation Lexus LM was launched in 2020 as a response to customer aspirations for chauffeur-driven MPV’s in China and other parts of Asia. Offering both 4-seat and 7-seat configurations, the vehicle was well received by a wide range of customers. In the intervening years, the needs and desires of the global luxury market have further intensified and diversified. In response, the new LM has been completely redesigned, reevaluating its value and raison d’être as a “Luxury Mover,” from where the model’s name is derived.

The core objective of the engineering and design team was to create a vehicle that provided an interior space and dynamic experience where all passengers could natu-

rally feel at ease. This begins with core ride comfort and functionality. The driver enjoys effortless engagement through direct and precise maneuverability, attributes that benefit the rear-seat passengers, who also enjoy a lack of distraction from unwanted noise and vibrations, allowing them to feel productive and refreshed.

The exterior design projects an elegant presence and aerodynamic form in keeping with the Lexus design language, the vehicle’s lines reflecting function and dynamic performance. In the interior, the front cabin design combines practicality with refinement to allow drivers to focus, while the spacious rear suite offers meticulously crafted seats and trim alongside a variety of features and technology to make the most of passengers’ precious travel time.

The Impact of 30km/PH in Built-up

In 2007, I was in Cape Town, South Africa. My mission was to attend a one Professor Mohammad Dineesh of the Indian Institute of Technology was one of the resource persons. His presentations were quite impactful and applauded by all participants. One of Dinesh’s take home was that to change attitude, you need to change the structure. Professor Dinesh sound bite has remained my strong point whenever we discuss driving impunity and what my good friend Patrick Adenusi would become the bane of our society. One good disorder where change in structure was all that was needed was in Lagos some years ago under the watch of the President-Elect,Bola Tinubu who was calling the shots as Governor of Lagos State.

I am talking about the madness that was then known along the Opebi-Allen road in Lagos. The notoriety of the disorderliness was such that as attractive as highbrow the area was, it was also a no- go- area for those afraid of being sheer irresponsible driving among those who branded themselves as the Lagos

To address the madness, there were options to ponder on and the ready one was massive deployment of operatives doubt was tried without any meaningful impact. The Governor adopted the Dinesh strategy. All he did was to erect concrete barriers from the Aromire roundabout up to Toyin roundabout.

SAFE DRIVING

with

This strategy made it impossible for any road user, high, low, or even mentally imbalanced to do a U-turn which up, anywhere except at either Aromire roundabout or Toyin roundabout. This simple but timeless strategy was all that curbed the madness along this busy area of Lagos till date.

Dinesh’s strategy of changing the structure can be equated to the current United Nations drive to tame speed especially within cities or built-up areas.

I remember doing a piece on this shortly after I returned from a conference. It was exciting. I had my reservations not on the conference but on one or two views expressing reservations on speed reduction, which for me did not really matter much.

My hero was the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola whose knowledge of the subject as well as his approach settled whatever misgivings or ambiguity the subject matter brought. In the end, the proposition to adopt 30km/ ph at the conference was endorsed.

That was over six months ago .I am

constrained today to bring up my old piece because of the sensitivity I attach to the matter of checkmating speed through this global mover under the aegis of the UN. I am sure you would be wondering why I am troubled. As a Nigerian, I am merely showing my concern and hoping that we drive this project with the speed needed. This is because the same project is already yielding positives and huge impact in other climes.

One of such clime is the United Kingdom that has lately become my reference point whenever I am treating a particular subject. I am talking about the United Nation’s call for speed reduction in cities and built up areas. Already, there safety management will impact posias well as fatalities and injuries. From the United Kingdom, new data revealstion in the total number of collisions since the implementation of 20km/ph. limits on key roads in London since its introduction in March 2022 on all roads in central London.

A breakdown of the impact of this reduction in speed reveals that the number of collisions has reduced by 25percent (from 406 -304) while collisions resulting in death or serious injury have reduced by 25 percent from 94 to 71.

A further breakdown of the data shows that collisions involving vulnerable road users are down by 36percent from 453 to 290.The same is the case with collisions involving people walking -

ings reveals the huge impact lowering speed has had in London and can have in our clime should we demonstrate the will to immediately implement.

This research underlines once again the importance of reducing vehicle speed to a maximum of 20mph in built-up areas. This is because injuries are reduced and more people can feel safe to walk and cycle. Our current road safety strategy which seeks zero goal vision should therefore focus on changing our structure killer which is also crucial in saving lives but also promoting and encouraging motorists to travel in active and sustainable ways not just in cities and built-up areas but also residential roads

So why the clamour. Excessive speed is or posted speed limit on a particular road. Inappropriate speed on the other hand, is when the driver drives within the speed limit, but not for the conditions of the road. The work jointly done by WHO and the World Bank on road safety notes that an increase in average speed, which is my focus, is directly related both to the likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the consequences of the crash. For example, every 1 percent increase in mean speed, it notes, produces a 4 percent increase in the fatal crash risk and a 3 percent increase in the serious crash risk.

It further states that the death risk for pedestrians hit by car front rises rapidly; 4.5 times from 50 km/h to 65 km/h. In car-to-car side impacts, the fatality risk for car occupants is 85 percent at 65 km/h.

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

All-New Lexus LM interior

Toyota bZ FlexSpace Concept

Expo to Bridge Skills Gap, Explore Innovation in Building

Over 140 brands will be unveiling their latest products and services, with display of innovations in the construction industry at the 7th International Construction Building Materials and Technologies Exhibition/ Ceramics, Bathroom and Kitchen Wares Expo.

The exhibition will be playing host to over 480 businesses and 140 exhibitors from across the globe including, Ghana and Japan amongst others.

Announcing the expo during a media

expo, which will hold between 6th and 8th of June, would pay special attention to empowerment and skills development.

He disclosed that the show holding in Land mark Centre, Lagos, with about 3,800 people drawn from 19 countries is themed “The role of Professionals, artisans, and Government Institutions in creating a smart, resilient, Mega-city”.

Chime further explained that the theme of the fair was a demonstration of the organiser’s commitment to promoting best practices

CITN Kicks against IMF’s Call for Tax Increase

The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has cautioned the federal government against the International Monetary Fund’s suggestion of increasing the tax base to reduce Nigeria’s debt burden.

President and Chairman of CITN, Adesina Adedayo asserted that heeding to the option may be counterproductive.

urged the federal government to instead, widen the tax net to be able to accommodate more taxpayers and increase revenue base.

He argued that many businesses are already overburdened with multiple taxes and advised the authority not to heat up the situation with a tax raise.

He stressed that the institute had always advocated for a widening of the tax net to cater for budgetary expenses.

He said, “To improve tax complinon-compliance will bring about shame

if one is dealing with an international organisation. You can’t be telling them you are playing smart with your government when it comes to tax, they will de-market educate them on improvement in tax education.”

On her part, Group Head, Strategic Tax and Compliance, Dangote Industries Limited, Dr. Titilayo Fowokan called for lenience and transparency in tax administration and management.

Fowokan while speaking on the theme, ‘Tax Administration and Practice’, tasked government to engage more professionals in the entire tax administration value chain.

She said, “The government must give Nigerians reasons to willingly pay taxes by By doing this, people and corporate organisations would without hesitation pay their taxes because they can see where their monies are deployed.”

FG, Buhler Ink Deal to Boost Rice Production

Multinational plant equipment manufacturer, Buhler has announced a new deal with the federal government to boost rice production across the country.

Buhler and Nigerian government had earlier initiated an agreement in 2017 for the acquisition of Imota rice mill, as well as eight other smaller mills funded by the federal government.

According to the company, the rice sector plays a significant role in Nigeria’s food security initiatives and the current drive to invest in rice mills across the country, as spearheaded by the federal government is supported by the organisation.

Nigerian market for more than 50 years and has established itself as the key technology provider in the Nigerian government’s efforts to enhance rice production and processing to meet international standards.

Managing Director of Buhler Nigeria, Manuel Murrenhoff affirmed that the move by the government to boost food production sustainably and efficiently was strongly supported by the organisation, hence the partnership.

He said, “We are the ideal partner to assist the government with its food security initiatives by introducing the latest trends and technology to Nigeria in order to increase productivity and efficiency in the food sector.”

Sales & Channel Business Manager of Buhler Nigeria, Manuel Murrenhoff added, “The partnership with the company is illustrated by the fully automated Imota rice mill, inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2013. The mill is the largest rice production facility in sub-Saharan Africa. With an annual production of about 2.5 million 50 kg bags, it is set to revolutionise the rice industry in the country.

in the industry.

He said, “One of the highlights of this year’s expo is the hands-on training which learning skills such as laser aligner for block setting, use of laser aligners and laser measures, use of robotic power tools, use of electronic painting machine, use of spray gum for paintings and solar panel installations, amongst others.

“The training will be delivered by professionals with extensive experience in the industry, giving participants the opportunity

to learn from the best. In addition to the hands- on training, participants will also have an exposure to valuable insights on the application and installation of robotics and AI at homes, sustainable building practices, innovative materials and techniques, and the latest trends in architecture and design. These insights will be delivered through a range of workshops, seminars, and talks.” the privilege to network with colleagues from other climes and forge relationship relevant to their career and businesses.

growth.

Adekunle Adeyemo has bagged the iconic Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity by the West Africa Youth Council, WAYC.

Adeyemo was honoured for his early outstanding accomplishment, leadership disposition and passion and investment in youth and societal development.

AAJ Group leads activities in diverse business terrains including procurement logistics, e-commerce logistics, courier service, freight forwarding as well as clearing and media, amongst others.

The company has been at the forefront of tackling youth unemployment, giving priority to youth initiatives and empowerment, in addition to absorbing this segment into the labour market.

Presenting the award, WAYC Ambassador and Regional Coordinator, Michael Olorunfemi declared that Adeyemo was regarded for the recognition given his commitment to the youth population and active contribution to economic

As preparations gather pace for the maiden GITEX Africa, investors across the globe` are launching out with new initiatives relevant with business demands of this period.

Holding in Morocco, GITEX Africa is acclaimed to be the continent’s largest all-inclusive tech event that connect tech titans, governments, SMEs, start-ups, coders, investors, and academia.

The event aimed to accelerate, collaborate, and explore new ventures.

As part of the activities lined up for the annual event is the International Business Hub which is to be hosted by WorkSmart for Events Management.

opportunities for networking, collaboration, and growth, which will also prove relevant for businesses looking to expand their

He said, “Our decision to award Adeyemo with an ambassadorial title is a testament to his dedication to excellence and integrity in all his endeavours. This award is not only a recognition of his remarkable achievements, but also an inspiration to the youth of West Africa”.

In his remarks, Adeyemo who is also the gratitude to the organisers, while dedicating the award to Nigerian and West African youths.

The Oyo born entrepreneur and tech guru also vowed to continue to promote the cause of youth and societal development.

He said, “I feel so honoured and proud to have been considered for the award. It is a youth-to-youth development and empowerment in Nigeria is noticed and rewarded. I promise to take on my ambassadorial duty as a renewed challenge to do more in terms of leadership, capacity building, and youth empowerment. the shelf”.

AAJ Group Boss Bags Nelson Mandela Leadership Award Tech Entrepreneurs Gear up for Gitex Africa

reach and scope.

The hub which will run over for three days is considered a curation of emerging cloud, IoT, AI, and telecom to cybersecurity. the hub will amplify the continent’s digital aspirations and achievements powered by tech-savvy youth, corporates, and ambitious governments.

He said, “This ambitious event takes place at the same time as Africa is experiencing a sharp rise in its economy, society, and a variety of other sectors.

This global forum is poised to bring together nearly 5,000 exhibitors from 90 countries, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the technology industry.”

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, Engr. Femi John; Chief Executive Officer, ELAN Expo Lagos, Jude Chime; General Manager, Elan Expo, AY Nihat Suer; and Past Chairman, NSE, Ikeja Branch, Engr. Akintola Akintayo during a press conference of the 7th International Build Expo/4th Ceramica West Africa Exhibition in Lagos ....recently

L-R: Head of Human Resources, AAJ Group, Adelanfe Osinloye; CEO, Amb. Adeyemo Adekunle; Business Development Manager, AAJ Express Logistics, Oluwaseni Olufeso and Head Accountant AAJ Group, Segun Adeoti as Adeyemo receives the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity by the West Africa Youth Council in Lagos ... recently

Regal Deluxe Dry Gin Makes Statement as Seaman’s Schnapps Emerges Best Spirit Brand

Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin, a smooth gin brand on the stable of Grand Oak Ltd made a poignant statement on branding as it was cynosure of all eyes during the recent Industry Awards held at the Podium event center, Lagos.

The brand, famous for cocktail mixes at high octane social gatherings made a formidable showing at the event it sponsored with brand ambassadors offering guests some servings of the smooth brand while product samples were neatly arranged in a prominent corner of the hall.

This is coming against the backdrop of the emergence of Seaman’s Schnapps as the Best Spirit Brand of the year during the award. Seaman’s Schnapps is also a premium Schnapps brand on the stable of Grand Oak. Grand Oak Limited, a leading marketing and sales company of Lexcel Group and its premium brands became the toast of industry players who attended the event. Being one of the major sponsors, Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin adorned the event arena with its beautiful colours, roll-up banners and posters which impactfully depict the gin brand’s essence and purpose to all in attendance.

Commenting on the Regal Deluxe London Dry Gin branding efforts at the occasion, Marketing Manager, Mr. Gbemileke Lawal said: “The branding initiative is a confirmation and a testament about Grand Oak’s commitment to marketing excellence, adding that it is a way to show the brand’s teeming consumers its true colours and identity. “When we have any opportunity to connect with our consumers, we try to make a clear statement about whom we are and how caring we are.”

The high-point of the evening was the announcement of Seaman’s Schnapps as the winner in the Spirit Brand of the Year Category. According to organizer of the

award, Goddie Ofose, “the popular Seaman’s Schnapps brand emerged winner after a keen review of competitors in its category.

“The recognition was hinged on the brand’s quality, popularity, market leadership and pre-eminence as a legendary prayer drink in popular cultures.”

Seaman’s Schnapps which has dominated

its market category for over 30 years has a rich heritage and loved by many consumers.

Grand Oak Limited’s Regal Deluxe Dry Gin and Seaman’s Schnapps have shown by their presence at the awards event that they are top contenders in the Nigeria’s food and drink sector.

Grand Oak Limited, established in 2006, is

part of a Drinks Group of Companies focused on the production, marketing and distribution of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic beverages. The company’s brands, which include Seaman’s Schnapps, Regal Gin, Lord’s London Dry Gin, Bacchus Tonic Wine, 9ja Rhum Cafe, Calypso, Apperito, and Swagga, are well-known and loved by consumers across Nigeria.

Glazia Magazine Celebrates New Cover with Beauty Tukura

It was all glitz and excitement as lifestyle magazine, Glazia hosted the creme de la creme of Lagos to celebrate its first quarter issue at the Crossroads Restaurant, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. Themed “Unleash Your Inner Badass” the new cover features multi-talented model, beauty queen, entrepreneur, and reality TV star, Beauty Tukura and celebrates the versatility of women and those who love them. The colourful event turned out an evening of good music, yummy cocktails and canapés and black carpet fun. Guests mingled and interacted with the cover star, Beauty Tukura. This issue’s cover girl, Tukura, has captured the hearts of not only her teeming fans (BeeNavy) but also lifestyle enthusiasts with her elegance. She burst into the limelight as the 43rd Miss Nigeria in 2019, a title she held until 2021.

Since then, she has gone on to earn more feats to her name – entrepreneur, model, reality TV star and multi-brand influencer –epitomising intelligence, beauty, style and authentic independence. Hosted by popular reality TV star, Alex Unusual, the exclusive event welcomed a slew of notable personalities from across industries; fashion, business, media and lifestyle enthusiasts.

The list includes Lead partner at Detail Solicitors Ayuli Jemide, and wife, actor and horticulturist, Winihin Jemide; actor and

comedian, Bovi; CEO of Pan African Towers, Azeez Amida; and West Africa Director at IE University Spain, Onyekachi Eke; TVC presenter & producer, EMEM Ime Okwoche; MD at Securisk Insurance Brokers, Pradeep Pahalwani.

Actor and influencer, Neo Akpofure; Head of Corporate Communications and Marketing at CSCS Nigeria Ltd, Tomilayo Aluko; MD/CEO at Zircon Marine Ltd, Seyi Ajibola; and many others. Some Glazia cover stars over the years include Waje, Timini Egbuson, Anita Okoye, Lanre Olusola, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Deputy CBN Governor Aisha Ahmad, Eku Edewor, to mention but a few.

“I want to say thank you to Glazia. They made me feel like a superstar. From shooting the cover, the filming and every single thing we have done together, the entire process has been seamless. I absolutely recommend them a billion times. From now on Glazia is definitely family to me. “Beauty Tukura said. From career to money, sex, food, entertainment, fashion and more, this edition of Glazia magazine features a portfolio of contents by influential professionals and leaders in different fields of life across the globe.

Editor in Chief of Glazia Magazine, Omawumi Ogbe said every issue of the magazine is her love letter to the World. “We always pour our heart into every issue so that our readers and advertisers can experience its output and gain value from every single page of the magazine. I would like to thank everyone for

taking the time to show up on this special night”. Guests who spoke acknowledged the significant contributions Glazia has made to the sustainable development of lifestyle reporting and entertainment industry over

the years. They expressed their excitement at the launch of this special issue which is now available in print and digital versions at www. glaziang.com/magazine and at Rovingheights bookstores with nationwide delivery.

Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

L-R: Grand Oak Trade Marketing Manager Mr. Sylvester Nwanze; GOL Marketing Manager, Gbemileke Lawal; Presenter/Producer at Galaxy TV, Rose Blossom; Anchor, The Buzz at Galaxy TV, Patience Bello-Okeafor; and Mr. Goody Ofose, convener and organiser, Industry Awards held in Lagos... recently

L-R: Neo Akpofure, Beauty Tukura and Editor of Glazia Magazine, Omawumi Ogbe

FOR IMPROVED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT…

More Troubles for Geometric Powers as TCN Disconnects Aba Power over N869 Million Debt

Dike Onwuamaeze

After a contentious nine years battle that lasted until February 2022 to reclaim its operating licence, the Geometric Power is in for another round of intrigues that could stifle its operations following an order from the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) that disconnected its subsidiary, the Aba Power Limited, from the national grid yesterday over an million debt.

The disconnection has also plunged the industrial and commercial city of Aba and its environs in the South-east of the country into darkness, which would imperil hospital services

and other essential services that would be disrupted severely, to say nothing about manufacturing companies.

It should be recalled that the Aba Ring-fence was thrown into the darkness between March 15 and 18, 2023, over payments to federal government agencies.

Aba Power became Nigeria’s 12th and newest electricity distribution company on February 16, 2022, when it paid $26 million to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Interstate Electrics to acquire the Aba Ringfenced Area comprising nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State, though it could not take full control of the area until six months later when it was allowed

to collect revenue from customers.

The management of Aba Power, yesterday, in a press release titled ‘TCN Plunges Abia into Indefinite Blackout’, said that the TCN, the country’s sole transmission firm, 2023, with reference number

within 30 working days, but on the same day the same TCN wrote a letter, with reference number to the Market Operator (MO) instructing it to disconnect Aba Power from the national grid from April 21, 2023.

Reacting to the disconnection, the Managing Director of Aba Power Limited, Mr. Patrick Umeh,

Rep Member Begs Tinubu, APC to Zone Rep Speakership to North -Central

Innocent Megbolu

A member representing Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Tijani Damisa, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to zone the speakership of the House of Representatives to the North-central geo-political zone.

He said this while throwing his weight behind his colleague, Ahmed Idris Wase, to clinch the position of speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.

According to Damisa, his support for Wase is primarily based on character, competence and capacity.

“Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase is an astute politician, a detribalised Nigeria, a technocrat par excel-

lence, a team player, a unifier, a man who believes in the ability of humanity irrespective of religion or region, an advocate for peace and peaceful coexistence. He is the most experienced of all other aspirants currently eyeing the seat.”

On the issue of zoning, the Rep member said in line with the principle of Federal Character enshrined in the constitution, after the presidency in the South-west, and the Senate presidency expected to be zoned to the South-east or the South-south, the next zone to be settled is the North-central or North-West.

He argued: “But looking at the advent of democracy in North-west has produced four speakers, namely: Salisu Buhari, Ghali Na’Abba, Aminu Masari and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.”

NCAC Poised to Give Nigerians Best of Cultural Market

who used to be a commissioner with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), denied that his company has been nonchalant towards the payment of its fees to government agencies, including the TCN.

Umeh said in the press release that Aba Power was able to pay a total of N550 million to the MO and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) that sells electricity to it “despite the huge difficulties that confronted Nigerians between January and April, 2023 as a result of petrol scarcity and the Naira redesign which, in turn, affected our customers’ ability to meet their obligations to us during this period.”

Foundation Unveils Renovated Classroom Block, Sparks Communal Interest to Improve Local School

Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The OC Igbokwe Foundation (OCIF) yesterday ignited a communal interest to improve the dwindling fortunes of a local school following the unveiling of a renovated classroom block at Umukabia Central School in Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State.

The unveiling ceremony of the three classroom blocks components was graced by royal fathers and prominent personalities from the community.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has approved the constitution of the inauguration committee to coordinate a smooth transition to the next administration in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, who is also member of the transition committee announced this in Asaba on Thursday, saying that Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, would head the body.

In his address, the head of the Igbokwe family, Chief Daniel N. Igbokwe, said that the classroom block was renovated in honour of the late patriarch of the family, Chief O.C. Igbokwe, the Ihe Mba I of Okaiuga Alaike Autonomous Community.

He said that his father was very proud of Umukabia Central School, which was where he got

adding that “he maintained the friends he made here till his last days”.

“He (O.C Igbokwe) sure will be glad for this gesture in his

honour.”

Igbokwe noted that the “foundation was set up and registered to immortalise our father” adding that “the focus is to assist in some areas where he was passionate especially education and entrepreneurship.”

To this end, the OCIF, he said, for over a decade has been funding the nursery school at St. John Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala by paying maintenance costs.

Chief Igbokwe further stated that the Foundation has also been involved in payment of

The committee has the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, as Secretary.

However, Aniagwu warned that membership of the committee and sub-committees were not an automatic into the next administration in the state, advising against “entitlement mentality” being associated with membership of the committee.

Aniagwu said, “You are very much aware that the Okowa administration is winding down

and in about a month or couple of weeks, we will be heralding a new administration.

“As it is customary, we have put up a committee to carry out a number of activities to ensure a smooth transition.

“What is trending in the social media is as if those who have been appointed into the main committee and sub-committees have been given appointment in the new administration.

“We want to make it very clear that those appointed into the committees have only been

examination fees for pupils sitting examination as well as WAEC fees for some candidates from Umukabia Okpuala.

In the area of promoting entrepreneurship, he said that OCIF currently operates N1million interest-free revolving loan for 10 enterprising women in Okpuala.

“This is to encourage enterprise and ensure that all registered women in Okpuala are empowered to do business they are familiar with,” he said, adding the loan rotates among them every six months.

All is now set for the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) to deliver to Nigerians the best cultural market in Africa.

The Director General of NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe who disclosed this at a media parley in Abuja, stated that the cultural market state-of-the-art cultural facilities like modern shops for the sale of all kinds of artworks, pharmacy shop, photoshop, business centre, restaurants for traditional cuisines, ATM gallery, traditional hair weaving centres, well managed public toilets, standard security architecture, secured parking spaces, police post and information/complaints desk.

Taking journalists round the cultural market in Abuja, the NCAC boss who is also the President of the World Craft

Council, African Region, said in the next few weeks, the the public the newly improved cultural market.

According to Runsewe the cultural market is built with ultra-modern cultural facilities that can compete with other cultural markets in advanced countries of the world.

He reiterated that this modern cultural market after being in operation will go into other aspect of business like a nights-out cultural market that will be birthday shopping style and a quarterly media interaction on how to manage, maintain and improve the standard of the cultural market and if necessary introduce more modern innovations as it is done all over the world.

Senate Shifts Resumption to May 2

The Senate has rescheduled its resumption from Tuesday, 25th April, 2023 to Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023.

This was contained in a statement by the Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Francis Akubueze and available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

Part of the statement read, “This is to inform all distinguished

Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that the resumption of the Senate in plenary has been rescheduled from Tuesday, 25th April, 2023 to Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023.

“All Distinguished Senators are by this notice requested to resume sitting in plenary on Tuesday, 2nd May, 2023 by 10:00a.m. prompt please.

EDOGIS Backs Gov Obaseki’s New Town Devt Plan

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

asked to come and work for the purpose of seeing a smooth transition from the Okowa administration to the next administration.

“It does not mean that they are the ones that worked more than any other person. It does not also suggest that they are much more important than any other person.

“You know that if everybody who contributed to the success of the election were to be considered it means we will have a committee that will be more than a million.

Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS) has said that it is backing Governor Godwin Obaseki’s new town development plan as it was meant to put the state among the number of developed states in the country.

The Managing Director of EDOGIS, Mrs. Osaro Aihie, stated this yesterday during where she said the agency is also streamlining the activities of middlemen who are representatives to reduce cases of fraud, adding that

she has a target of achieving 80 per cent online processing (C of O).

“We have increased the number of C of Os we have signed. For instance, since the establishment of the EDOGIS, about 16,000 of CofOs have been signed,” she said, adding that in the past seven months been issued.

According to her, “We are trying to ensure that you can get your C of O within 30 working days if all your papers are complete.

Emmanuel

The Traditional Prime Minister of Umukabia Okaiuga Alaike, High Chief L.A. Ohaeri, cutting the tape to unveil a classroom block reconstructed by the O.C. Igbokwe Foundation at Umukabia Central School, Umuahia North Local Government... yesterday.

Salihu Lukman to Abdullahi Adamu

“The current NWC under your leadership should stop acting as a Trojan Horse programmed to destroy our party” –APC’s National Vice Chairman, North, Salihu Lukman, giving an ultimatum to the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu to convene an emergency NEC meeting.

SANNIADEBAYO

GUEST COLUMNIST

A Salute to the Great Philanthropist

The great Irish poet and playwright, Oscar Wilde said “success is science, if you have the conditions, you get the results. No doubt, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, the business mogul mastered the conditions earlier in life and held steadfastly on to it, getting results all through.

Adenuga’s trajectory right from his twenties has been a success story, starting from when he was an importer, to contractor and later an entrepreneur par excellence. By this time next week, Dr. Michael Ishola Adenuga, GCON will be 70 years old. 70 years of great accomplishments and outstanding successes. 70 hearty cheers to a reticent billionaire.

From the age of 26 when he made his first million running family business, Dr Mike Adenuga aka Guru made his first million at the age of 26 when many of his peers were finding their depth and since then it has been an achievement –filled journey all the way. From twenties to his thirties, he gradually stabilised the family business and transitioned quietly to the league of the nation’s top entrepreneurs

He founded the Equatorial Trust Bank and Devcom Merchant Bank before the age of 40. His weapon is his 100 percent commitment and focus which has seen him nurturing all his businesses cutting across all sectors of the economy to utmost success.

His journey started from Ibadan Grammar School, in Oyo State, Nigeria, from where he moved to Northwestern State University, Oklahoma, in the United States where he obtained first degree, followed by a Master’s degree in Business Administration at Pace University, New York. It was after his American experience that he came back home and his entrepreneurial journey commenced.

Having successfully developed the family business in his twenties, he conquered the banking sector in his thirties and by early forties he had successfully made a unique incursion into the nation’s oil industry with Conoil. At 50, the Guru founded Globacom, with people, power, possibilities as its strap line before Glo with pride later replaced it. He thus became the only indigenous investor to secure the GSM licence powerfully in the nation’s telecommunication industry.

The Olusegun Obasanjo’ s Government in 2001 licensed three GSM network operators, including MTN, Airtel which later became Econet /Vmobile/Celtel/Zain/and presently Airtel and also MTel. It was in 2002 that Glo Mobile, was licensed as the fourth operator and the country’s second National Carrier. Etisalat, a Mubadala Development Company became the country’s fifth while in 2007 when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced the unified licensing regime.

In 2001, Dr Adenuga ‘s Communications Investments Limited (CIL) also bided for a licence but was not successful. The company lost $20m. It later got the bigger national carrier package, Globacom, the only indigenous GSM Company operating in the country,

with an outstanding record of achievements over the years.

Globacom rolled out services in August, 2003 with a mission to change the paradigm through innovative services in the country. It has demonstrated its commitment to creating value with its products and services, and empowerment of millions of Nigerians in the last 20 years

Starting with per second which hitherto was said to be impossible, Glo under the leadership and guidance of Dr Adenuga entered the market with delightful products and services, alongside the elusive per second billing package, thus forcing other networks to follow suit to the delight of millions of Nigerians. The other networks which had been operating for two years before Glo were completely outwitted with Glo making what they called impossible a possibility.

Glo will be 20 by August this year and it has been a journey filled with great accomplishments. It has been two decades of outstanding firsts in the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry. It has remained the innovative network, in spite of rolling out its services two years after other networks have started operations. It recorded first in many areas including championing per second billing, first to implement 2.5 G network in Nigeria, first to implement 3g Network in Nigeria, first to offer 4 G LTE, first to offer Blackberry solutions in Nigeria and first to launch of submarine cable (GLO 1) which provides efficient and fast broadband internet services.

Glo remains a leader in the nation’s telecommunications industry. Presently it has over fifty million subscribers cutting across multinational corporations, decision makers in the public and private sector, students, artisans and those in rural communities connected to the network and enjoying access to high quality products and affordable telecom services, Through Adenuga, a man that cannot stop giving out, Glo has remained a socially responsible entity. It has massively supported the Nigeria movie industry (Nollywood) and in Ghana (Ghollywood) with notable actors and actresses chosen as Glo Ambassadors. This move and many others had empowered African arts and culture. The sponsorship of several cultural festivals in its areas of operation is another aspect of its Corporate Social Responsibilities which has resonated with the people. In addition to these are countless donations and support by Dr. Adenuga in different parts of the country, thus empowering Nigerians in different areas of human endeavour.

Globacom’s support has been outstanding. In Nigeria and Ghana, the company sponsored the national teams for many years as well as the League. The Supporters’ Clubs in

By this time next week, Dr. Michael Ishola Adenuga, GCON will be 70 years old. 70 years of great accomplishments and outstanding successes. 70 hearty cheers to a reticent billionaire. From the age of 26 when he made his first million running family business, Dr Mike Adenuga aka Guru made his first million at the age of 26 when many of his peers were finding their depth and since then it has been an achievement –filled journey all the way. From twenties to his thirties, he gradually stabilised the family business and transitioned quietly to the

both countries are also not left out. It is also remarkable that Glo sponsored the annual CAF Awards, which celebrates the best footballers and administrators in Africa, (male and female) for a decade. A period in which the profile of the award changed from a mere event to that of a major global sporting gala, attracting top personalities from different parts of the world.

It is also on record that ten years ago, THE GURU rewarded the Super Eagles who won the African Cup of Nations in South Africa with a whopping $1million and many more.

It was generally estimated that Adenuga spent over 25 billion to date to support sports in Nigeria since 2002.

Attesting to Dr. Adenuga’s massive contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria, former Sports Minister, late Bala Ka’oje said, “National Telecommunications Company, Globacom’s Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga spent over N3 billion to sponsor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the then Nigeria Premier League”. It is generally estimated that he has contributed close to N30 billion to support the nation’s sports. His other notable contributions include Golf tournaments known as Glo Golf Tour West Africa which offered millions of naira to winners. There were also different editions of the Glo Marathon with outstanding prizes for winners. Dr. Adenuga also established the Glo Soccer Academy which trained young footballers to kick-start their career in professional football. The finalists of the academy were trained in Dubai Soccer Academy and Manchester United Academy respectively.

Ten years ago, Globacom started the sponsorship of English Premier League live matches on Supersport, thus giving footballers in Nigeria and other parts of Africa the opportunity to watch live football matches and also follow their football clubs all through the season. The sponsorship of the matches is still running in 2023. A decade of live transmission of EPL.

Also in 2022, the Guru pulled another fast one when he signed a business contract in Paris between Globacom, and Eutelsat, the French Satellite conglomerate. Many communities across the country without access to internet links will benefit immensely from VSAT/ Satellite-based internet service and Satellitebased community Wifi internet service, courtesy of Globacom. Another masterstroke from philanthropist par excellence.

On occasion of your 70th Birthday I wish you many more years ahead , in good health and filled with abundant blessings of God and like President Buhari said last year on your 69th Birthday, “I commend Chief Michael Adenuga’s nationalistic and patriotic position of always putting Nigeria first in his investment options, expanding opportunities for employment and business in banking, telecoms, oil and more recently focusing on empowering younger generation in entrepreneurship”., may God continue to enlarge your coast.

Happy Platinum Birthday to the cheerful giver and the nation’s number 1 philanthropist.

Adenuga

league of the nation’s top entrepreneurs